ignition.

Advertising yes, but did Pratt's trucks allow his team to get the most out of a training session when most other clubs would of taken a more conservative back seat approach? By memory Carlton's latest attempt of innovation was to invest hundreds of thousands into an elite plyometrics facility. I'm currently not sure of its progress, but I really have to question it's cost vs. benefit.

This thread is designed to discuss newly observed and released innovations by the Melbourne Football Club. I have chosen to initiate this thread on the back of their most recent, that I found to be both highly intelligent and cost effective. With the sweltering 40+ degree heat wave, the club employed a large refrigerated semi-trailer [truck] to cool the players post-training exercises so that they could maintain a higher intensity over the course of the session whilst minimising the risks of heat stroke and physical trauma. Not only was this beneficial towards the training session, it was also beneficial towards memberships as it gained positive media attention from the likes of Matt Thompson's report to Facebook's "AFL Simpsons related quotes" page. As for the price of hiring a refrigerated semi for the day and printing the canvas, I'm sure it will pay itself off. So my hat goes off to you MFC - keep the cost effective ideas and innovations coming REFERENCES: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-01-17/ice-truck-saves-demons https://www.facebook.com/AFLSimpsons

Please tell me you're trolling.

So they're refering to this old photo and article: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/deelight-for-gangster-20121117-29j4r.html Nothing for us to worry about, 2 of these players are now at other clubs, and the actual photos are not incriminating in any way shape or form (except for Beamers inability to count).

Excellent pics 666, thank you. You've also just supplied Hogan's Heros with his weekly stash of p*rn

I can't stand the Crows, well their supporters anyway. So I'm happy to see them remain down the lower end of the ladder. As for the injury I wouldn't wish an Achilles rupture (or ACL) on any player... hmmm maybe Harry O oops I mean Heritier Lumumba or... Jake King... or Dane Swan... :D On a serious note, it does sound bizarre as to how it was done with the training sled going into it, poor bugger.

I like how Hogan is 2 cm shorter than Patton and scores a 7.8 to Patton's 9.2 under "size".

Similar things could be said with our alignment to the City of Casey, so before we bag out the AFL and other clubs we should look into our own backyard first. It too has a high cultural diversity with ~30% of the families speaking another language over English as their primary choice, many of whom are pre-exposed to soccer than the likes of AFL. In saying this I like the concept of targeting these growing multicultural regions, although I would like to see the MFC gain a sporting partner like Melbourne Victory or Melbourne Heart with some form of joint membership entitling the owners entry to a few games of AFL and the A-League (I'm not sure of the AFL rules and regulations regarding such things). We have currently claimed the region, we just need a greater means to reach out and gain a higher proportion of its population (the soccer lovers). REFERENCE: http://profile.id.com.au/ngaa/language?WebID=160

I hear what you're saying. It's very good, although very harsh on your Full Backs (FB) and Full Forwards (FF). In the case of a FB, nothing is awarded for a spoil or shutting down a forward by either blocking or staying with them on a run. For the forwards, there is no real selective difference between the CHF and FF, we will rarely see a FF within this "elite" category ahead of the CHF who more freely roam the ground and gain more possessions, marks and the odd tackle. Aside from that Championship Data do an excellent job everywhere else.

Hahahaa, I remember seeing this quite a few months ago, I presume it was you TSFKA, I say this quite often now. :D

Some great coments guys and girls, thanks for the positive responses.

G'day again all, We are approaching the cusp of the 2014 season and I am curious if anyone else has plans, no matter how big or how small, aiming to convert a friend or family member into the MFC fold. Each and every year I have attempted to do so, within the last few (eventhough it's been very hard) I converted my partner from Carlton (get her to pick a favorite player and teach her the song, it was as easy as that) and a friend of a friend from GC (gave him the MFC sob story regarding the "curse of Norm Smith" and he liked the concept of supporting the underdog and he is done, I do owe him a trip to a game though). This year I have two in mind, firstly my best mate who I have slowly hacked away at the last few years and secondly a friend I have grown up with since birth every summer. My best mate: As a child he never really had much of a team, was kind of Essendon and kind of Richmond only becasue he liked the scarfs. Through high school I had him untill he met the dark side at the age of 19... his girlfriend and soon to be fiance'. She is an Essendon supporter and so he then went back, although neither never really watch the footy or follow it. Since I have taken him to a few games in the MCC and we always have a pretty good time despite the losses. All I need now is some solid performances from the club week after week and he will be a convert. My beach mate: This ones new but should be easy. Originally a Fitzroy supporter who loves his sports. Doesn't attend the footy much but this year just got his MCC membership, we are already set up to go to the MFC games. My plan is if he goes to the MFC games overtime he will follow, I don't care if he supports Brisbane on the side, given enough time and hopefully fun he will convert. So please share your targets, tactics and thoughts. I will load up a few pictures in the coming weeks in scarfs and what not, a few frothies should do the trick also. Cheers

I wouldn't consider us top heavy at all, 3 quality talls up forward is ideal - 2 of which (Clark & Hogan) have shown they have the aerobic capacity to push up the ground. Howe's size and ability would see him fit perfectly as a medium forward in any 22 of any side. Leaving two more positions for a small forward and/ or a pushing midfielder/s. Also with the way the game is going in regards to capping the interchange, we will see an increase in ruck/forwards rotating and resting in the forward line leaving a greater proportion of interchange left for the midfielders. Rather than reducing the number of tall forwards or rucks this method (along with reduced interchange) will increase the challenge of tiring defenders whilst maintaining a fresh midfield. As for forwards the Dee's are well placed, let's just hope they remain fit and injury free for round one and the team (midfield included) develop a good quality team oriented brand of football.

Nice thread tappysquads - a few good reads and a bit of fun I was just looking at a few MFC vids and noticed this fast/dashing run from Trengove alongside Lewis Jetta* (~1:35). So I really hope he gets this pace back and is one of my improvers. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c3t1eoO8yfA * Edit: Apologies for the phone auto correction typo.

Hmmm I have no idea, if they are volunteers I take back what I said. I was always under the impression they were paid.

Hahaha as nice CT

At least we won't have to watch our overweight and drastically unfit runners (well let's hope). I do feel sorry for them now not having a job, but I certainly use to find it embarrassing and unprofessional watching them struggle to get off the ground from time to time.

Along with this I liked his Christmas message too, a little quirky at the start and no expectation just "we'll see you at the MCG next year, Merry Christmas".

Hi all, it is a little early although this article hit the AFL site today. http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-12-11/the-big-free-agency-targets-in-2014 After waiting a few hours for the thread to pop up I have decided to start it (apologies if there is a pre-existing similar thread). EDIT: Some ripper choices, I'm a big fan of Goldy as a ruck and like the usual mids like Murphy and Boak. I also like a couple of the half backs like Ibbo and Hurn.

You can obtain the 90's (my favorite) one with the pitch fork from here.

On the PC today Matt and all looks fine, please disregard my suggestion.

Btw. Thank you Matt the Stat man, I'm always a fan of crunching numbers. Although can I please make a suggestion (it might be just me as I'm reading off my phone), but I'm having trouble reading the layout of the stats so next time could you please load them in as a picture (maybe a screen shot from a spreadshee. Cheers, and keep the good work coming

Conpletely agree with you there. Dream team is not a good judge on overall performance whereas supercoach is (to an extent for most) exc. key position players. From a supercoach perspective I always avoid the tall key defenders and forwards as it never pays their true worth e.g. no points for a spoil and unless if the FF kicks 4-5 goals a game they rarely get over 100.

For me: 1. Viv Michie: Really looking forward to seeing this inside grunt, I think he will be the gem recruit we will speak of next year, and as silly as this may sound to some - he is one I am most excited about (exc. Hogan). 2. Dom Tyson: As others have mentioned a previous number 3 pick, his combine inside game and outside class should be exciting either next year or in years to come. 3. Jack Grimes: I really love watching Grimes play, always plays with his heart on his sleeve and body on the line. With his work ethic and dedication I can only see further improvement (injuries aside). I can see his potential and genuinely believe he will be an A graded at some point down the track - sooner rather than later.