Lucifers Hero

I assume that is rather tongue-in-cheek. If not, I would expect Peter Jackson to shut the idea down quick smart. I could not support a team with him at the club. To me he is no better than the drug dealer on the street selling gear to young people. They do it for money. Hird selfishly used players, who were entrusted to his care, as guinea pigs for his own egotistical purposes. Unforgivable in my book. Anyway, he doesn't have much to offer - is in the 'great player/average coach' category. No thanks! Keep him away from my club.

Agree with comments re the over rating of Ess and Coll. Reckon they are being kind to St Kilda @ 8 - 14. Just can't see them improving enough to get any where near the finals. 11 - 14 is more likely. They have Brisbane @ 12 - 16. I reckon they will be a lot closer to 12 than 16. I can see them ending higher than North, Pies, GCS, Carlton, Freo, and maybe the Saints. Brisbane is my tip for the biggest improver (in ladder position) for 2018.

I think it was my post that referred to Paul Connors...A poster was speculating that Tom had influenced the club's decision to re contract Oscar two years ago. So I was using Connors as an example of a player manager likely to talk to clubs about their 'stable' of players at the one meeting rather than schedule separate meetings for each player. So to clarify, Connors isn't the McD brothers manager but I don't know who is. Like you, I haven't read the story and if is about $ without threats of leaving, I'm happy. FWIW, I think Tom will stay.

This is a really good article on the Bulldogs game style/game plan. It is clearly successful and high scoring even with key players out (not that Carlton is much opposition (praying that we thrash them in round 6)). https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/womens-afl/the-western-bulldogs-ball-movement-and-game-style-is-the-future-of-the-aflw/news-story/d7889aa0c5f4c76838e64859950e5402 "They have a strong quality of player across their 22, and have a game plan every player can work to — rather than just their stars". We try to control ball movement by taking possession whereas Freo and Collingwood were very good at controlling ball movement by tapping, kicking and sliding it forward. How often did they move it from the back to the forward line virtually along the ground (because their kicking and handball wasn't good enough to avoid turnovers). We just don't get to ground level often enough preferring to rely on our considerable skill to win out. Freo and Pies tactics have kept us to low, percentage killing scores. We do need to change how we play. I hope Stinear reads that article.

Thanks D. Nothing like speculation by a journo to grab a headline, eh! Last time the club sort to sign him to a longer contract but Tom chose 2 years because he wanted to see how the club improved (and I suspect because he would then be an UFA) . He has now seen our improvement. I would be surprised if he leaves for some extra $$ just when the club is on the cusp of good things. I reckon the club will look after Tom and will give him a decent pay rise with his fair share of the extra 20% pa salary cap in the new CBA agreement, while keeping to its policy of paying around market value.

That Salem is there suggests the coaches aren't satisfied with how the inside midfield is working. Perhaps, it is too one dimensional, lacking variety (excluding Oliver). FWIW, my thoughts are: Jones is quick but not clean as he tends to bomb it out to nowhere. Tyson is quick but not clean, bombs it out or gets caught HTB as he takes on the opposition. Viney, is Viney and takes on the opposition, sometimes gets away with it (and is a joy to watch when he does) but just as often gets pinned HTB. And I'm not sure any of them have a really high footy IQ. So our winning the hitouts isn't translating to winning the clearances often enough and immediately puts our defence under pressure. Salem is quick, clean, tough and has the footy smarts. He is one of those players for whom time stands still when he has the ball. He may yet end up our 'outside polish' player (he is only 22). Also, maybe the club is looking at one of the new recruits (eg Balic, Spargo) or even Hunt to take up that outside role. If Hunt learns to slow his last 2 steps just a fraction before kicking he will become a more accurate kick into the forward line. It is an interesting 'sub plot' to see how it plays out during the year.

The HS has an article titled 'Tom on Target for Bumper Payday'. Can someone who can get behind the paywall tell us if he is any closer to signing or if its just another HS 'fluff' pieces. Cheers,

Interesting, that he will be played as an inside mid as he was often touted as the outside, classy distributor. With his 21 centre bounce attendances, 5 clearances and 82.4% disposal efficiency, he will add class to the work engine and Max will love having his silkiness at his feet. It is a great move by the club to put him in there as Jones, Viney, Tyson are all bulls who can get the ball but often turn it over - either caught HTB or miss targets. Salem is not an eye-catching, 'flashy' player - he is the quiet achiever who many won't notice. He can do eye-catching things - his match winning, after the goal siren vs Ess in one of his first ever games. Cool as a cucumber. I forsee a very high performing consistent year from him and he is my smokey to rise up the B&F ranks this year. Salem lining up with Oliver will give other teams a lot of headaches in the middle! I'm rapt with this move!

Other: Salem. "According to Champion Data, Salem attended the second-most centre bounces (21) of any Melbourne player against North Melbourne in Saturday's JLT Community Series hit-out in Tasmania, just one less than clearance specialist Clayton Oliver. Salem gathered 19 disposals at 84.2 per cent efficiency, winning five clearances and contributing two goal assists in a standout performance". http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-27/bulkedup-dee-set-to-make-his-midfield-mark Salem is the quiet achiever - so silky that people just don't notice what he does.

If anyone has any lingering doubts about Salem's worth, consider this: "Salem gathered 19 disposals at 84.2 per cent efficiency, winning five clearances and contributing two goal assists in a standout performance". (vs North in JLT1) http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-02-27/bulkedup-dee-set-to-make-his-midfield-mark Regardless, of how efficiency is measured, 84.2% for a whole game is damn impressive. That my friends is what consistency looks like. From the outset I've been an unwavering Salem fan and just can't wait for this season to unfold with his best. I really like his no fanfare view of the year: Salem said it would be up to him, Christian Petracca, Angus Brayshaw, Clayton Oliver and Jayden Hunt to decide whether Melbourne is a legitimate finals contender in 2018... "We're all a year older… I think a lot of the boys are ready to take that step up. We've all put in a lot of work but now it's time to perform," he said. Yep, time to perform! And I reckon they will!

Here is the clubs notice of Family Day next Sunday. http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2018-02-27/2018-family-day-guide It seems all our sponsors will be there with fun activities for kids: Enjoy badge making and colouring in at our Arts and Craft station! iSelect Obstacle Course Zurich photo booth Handball “around the world” at the China Southern Airlines handball target station Visit the Sporting Globe virtual kicking booth Additional activations from club partners including Fernwood, Hertz, Chisholm, New Balance, Haymes and VGRF Face painting, balloon animals, posters, giveaways and more! Melbourne's AFL and AFLW teams will be presented on stage at the conclusion of the day I suspect there wasn't enough space at Luna Park to host all these activities. The MCG brings people closer to our spiritual home and gives sponsors the rare opportunity to interact directly with members/fans. Good weather forecast so should be fun for all!

Does anyone know if the 'accussed' or their club can view the other club's medical report or submit info to the MRP before the decision is handed down? It seems not and their only course is to appeal the decision and risk a higher penalty... Tough spot for a player if the other club decides to go after him and submits evidence and medical reports that put mayo on the incident. I have vivid memories of how Carlton doctor's ensured the book was thrown at Jesse last year (with the delayed concussion claim) so he got the maximum rap when a lesser one (or none) was more appropriate.

dc, I think the club is trying to teach players to be disciplined and take responsibility for their behaviours so they won't appeal this and unless there is a lot at stake (eg key player missing finals) they won't appeal future decisions. It is a fair position by the club but I also think there are times when we should stand up for our players. What annoys me is the MRP has not stated what the 'incident' was so if it was a punch or a strike why not say so? If this fine is intended to deter others, it won't happen if the MRP doesn't say what the errant behaviour was. Crikey, the umpire was right there - I wonder what he had to say to the MRP? Poor performance by MRP on all fronts

What, an open handed tap to the chest that had no reaction! . It wasn't even a push!! What sort of medical report did they get? No wonder the MRP didn't describe the 'incident' - there wasn't one! I call BS!

I only noticed that line If the coach is that confident in Viney playing - I'm on board!!

But what did he do that was deemed to be 'misconduct'? Very odd that the MRP doesn't say what the incident was. 'Misconduct'. Maybe it is a new catch-all charge when they want to fine somebody! He needs to watch out. Two or Three fines like that and he gets a week on the bench.

Its wishful thinking for Ablett to not play round 1 which is still a month away - plenty of time to recover from a hamstring strain. They were never going to take him to Townsville vs GCS for JLT 1. JLT 2 is just up the road in Colac in two weeks. He could easily play a quarter or two in that game and/or play a VFL practice match before round 1. He has had a better preseason than Viney who we hope will play. There will be much talk of Ablett/Viney playing round 1. If they play, the play. I think we can beat Geelong on our merits regardless of who lines up for either team. If for no other reason that Geelong do not play the G well - Time to reclaim the G as our fortress!

Not liking our chances of a GF berth: Our poor % means we are effectively two games behind the leaders who have a relatively easy run home. I don't see the Bulldogs being toppled with their huge %'age. A big, big win vs Lions this Friday could get us back in the running. But then the Bulldogs await - who will do anything to keep us out of the GF. So to end up top 2 we need to win all three games and either the Bulldogs or Lions to drop two (or we beat them by huge margins). Or rely on either GWS or Pies to beat either or both teams. While not impossible I just don't see that happening. Sadly, I think our season is over and it is very annoying that we gave it up by big losses to two average teams: Freo and Pies.

Right on cue D_J ! The times are a changing for broadcast rights https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/sports-rights-bubble-shows-signs-of-bursting-20180223-p4z1fs.html and as you suggest the changes will come sooner rather than later, in all sports. The AFL may consider itself fortunate to have a broadcast agreement until 2022. After that who knows what the landscape looks like and if they will get the $ they would hope for. By then Foxtel (owned by News Ltd) may be quite a different entity if the Murdoch families hold on the company is weakened. Until then we are stuck with a sub-standard, relatively expensive service.

I have been checking the HD availability on Foxtel Now. On some devices HD transmission is available (more likely on newer devices). Also for HD the minimum internet speed required is 7.Mbps (for SD it is 3.0Mbps). The 'Settings' part of a device usually have a connection 'speed test' option. My Tablet has the HD option but my internet is too slow for it so I'll be watching in SD (same as FTA). As an aside - anyone have any suggestions on an internet provider who provides a high speed service at a reasonable cost? I don't need a service with lots of bells and whistles, just high speed to enable HD transmission to home devices.

Re SD/HD on Foxtel Now. This says HD is available for sports channels...https://www.foxtel.com.au/now/support/how-it-works/how-to-use/high-definition.html Not sure how to check it tho. Like you I find it cheaper than going to a local to watch a game when I can't get to the G or games are interstate or not on FTA. A meal and a couple of drinks offsets the cost of Foxtel Now (my cost @ $39/m) quite quickly. On @daisycutterpoint of higher cost after 12 months. Not sure if it applies to Foxtel Now - if it does people can opt out in October and sign up for the latest offer in February as a 'new' subscriber. Overall there seem to be lots of options at reasonable cost and other benefits.

That is a good offer dc. Yesterday I signed up for a two week free trial of Foxtel Now (transmitted via internet rather than cable). Its a similar deal to above without the $100 install fee and not restricted to 'basic entertainment' - can choose one from 5 'base' pack options. It worked straight away on a Tablet (download their app first) and Smart TV (with a very old and very basic modem). No buffering at all. And I will hopefully connect the Tablet to my 'Dumb' TV as soon as I purchase the right cable/adapter. Foxtel Now can be installed on multiple devices (have forgotten how many) so can watch the Dees on mobile phone when out and about without any hassles. For me $39/m is good value as get the 'Lifestyle' base pack and get to watch a lot of international sports and major sporting events eg World Cup, Olympics etc etc @sueif the cost is an issue maybe get Foxtel Now and share your subscription (give your log on details) with a couple of friends/family and they might contribute to your cost. As far as I know, there is nothing that says that Foxtel Now on mobile devices can only be used at a given address, in fact that would defeat the purpose. I haven't tried it yet but Foxtel Now doesn't have the same restrictions as the AFL app being cast to a TV. Like you, I was against subscribing to the Foxtel monopoly but it is now so flexible that I find it is worthwhile.

When I saw this (and your other posts) last night, I thought some of your comments about Stinear may have been a bit harsh. But seeing how the game played out you make some valid points. We have the most talented team in the comp. Elite players all over the field. Proven game winners (many are multiple premiership players in the VFL). Yet Stinear doesn't seem to know how to get the best out of them. Nor does he have the game plan to win against the 'blue collar' teams that get down and dirty and prevent the elite players having an impact. Collingwood shut down our engine room last right and Stinear didn't react. They were aggressive in their forward half and Stinear didn't react. Turnover after turnover scores and he didn't react. It seems he has plan A - let the talent do the work but no plan B when things don't go our way. To hear him then talk about lack of work rate after the gruelling week the players have had is really disappointing. Its a team effort and I would have liked to seem him take a more collective line than put it all on the players. It will be a tragedy if this group of elite players miss out on success because of poor management and poor coaching. I'm not suggesting Stinear should go but he needs to take a long hard look at what he is doing and work out how to get the best from this highly talented and highly motivated group. Stinear is being outcoached.

Interesting comment RGRS. Apparently, Collingwood gave their players ice vests and other means to keep cool during the game and at the breaks. Our coach told players to stay out of the sun as much as possible and don't think or talk about the heat! For him to then say it was lack of work rate (code for lack of effort) is really disappointing and I would imagine quite deflating for the team. Someone should tell him they aren't robots!

Back to the game... ...a very astute observation by Peta Searle: “Melbourne’s defenders are...playing in front of their opponents and they want to get easy handball receives, they want to get easy ball off the back of contests. So if you can turn the ball over, they’re going to get caught out of position,” Evidenced by this stat: Scores from turnovers - The Pies 7.3 to Melbourne’s 1.3. That says it all! Searle's comments seem a bit harsh but its our zone-style game plan which relies on getting possession and quick ball movement. When the other team plays a physical style we loose possession - we simply aren't good enough yet to play zone and need a balance back to 'man-on-man'. That is two weeks in a row vs lowly teams we have given up good quarter time leads, had scoreless quarters then lost the game. Coach has some work to do.