TGR

You’d have a scintilla of a pseudo argument if you could find an anti-Viney post anywhere in my cyber history. You are right though; I have had a crack at the club for most of the 2005-current. When you then look at the deep chronic failure of the club in this time, bar the Roos effect (who BTW I have been criticised for adulating particularly pre 2014), then my criticism has been substantiated squared. Conversely, the tsunami of back-slappers that have monotonously responded with the club-knows-best mantra, have an over-supply of cardiac tissue and an under-supply of grey matter.

Yes, compared to Viney. Gawn wins player vote. Mmmm. Ok. Players boycott camp. Players whinge about what else we don’t know about. Unless you are blessed with talent to the highest percentile, you need an edge to get to be competitive in the last fortnight in September. Invariably that edge is mental toughness, sometimes it’s the coaches box (Bulldogs 97/98), and sometimes it’s luck (Adelaide 98). This group relies on rolling the dice for snake eyes. pTGR

OK Typical Melbourne. Viney too tough and hard to be capt of the club. Never seen Viney shirk a contest; from Wojo to Stack. Same can’t be said for Gawn round 1 2019. Is this about a popularity contest within the club? Is this about Viney setting the bar too high and being too honest? Is this about the club trying to wipe the slate clean in relation to 2019? Is this more about PR and media? Is this our answer to the Grundy 7 year deal?

In 2019 we had neither a functioning offence or defence. Little known fact that St.Kilda in 2009 averaged just south (1 point) of 100 points per game. Ross Lyon will return to the game with further growth in relation to his EI and game plan refinements; and re-position himself the top 3-4 coaches in the game (with Bevo and Clarko and the guy that inherited Wallace's hard work). Don't forget that Hardwick circa now, actually was inspired by Bevo's Bulldogs and their offensive quick handball game in 2016.

Ross Lyon stated that he asked Craig Kelly (then manager), before leaving the Saints, "Are Melbourne interested in me?". Kelly basically said no one was, which was an alleged lie, as Freo had already spoken to Lyon directly. Interesting that Ross would have jumped ship to Melbourne in 2011/12 had we the balls and brains. Would have avoided the Neeld Fiasco. Would have been cheaper than Roos, but basically a cardboard cut-out. Just another example of how the club's process was absolute tish, and we got what we deserved basically.

Raspy down the throat.

We used to laugh at Richmond for finishing 9th. If we finish 9th, I’d be extremely surprised. Ross Lyon might scrounge a few late season wins, but despite that, lowest quartile. I am predicting a poo load of injuries this year too. We are due for a poor run of (non-self-inflicted) luck. Year of the rat.

Clarkson, Nick Riewoldt and I respectfully disagree with you. Reminds me of the Darren Jolly debate, whereby it was Roos and Rono.

I will give one thing to your average Melbourne supporter. Though still quite gullible (Szondy Man United; Bartlett's 40 year plan; Barassi's 5 year plan; Scully over-training), and quite willing to feast on regurgitation from the club, the average MFC supporter has definitely made progress on their collective senses-of-humour. For a private school elite cullture (Hello Skevs), we really are just emerging from the woods from a perspective of sorting out the poo from the clay, in relation to club announcements, training services announcements, sports science announcements, and anything to do with government policy on trickle down economics and climate change. However, our ability to jest is on an upward trend; and the trend is your friend, according to our next coach. pTGR

Just a tame educated guess, but I would think that the MFC has trained under lights less than any other team in the comp. If that is the case, then candles are critical.

(A) INS - They got Hawkins and Selwood in the off-season between 2006 and 2007. (B) OUTS - They got rid of Kent Kingsley and Riccardi retired. Even if Mooney is speaking sense... A) We aint gunna add a Selwood. Their ins are better. B) Kingsley aint no Sam Frost. Our outs are better if you consider Frost. C) By round 5 2007, North beat Geelong at home, and the Cats went to 2 wins, 3 losses; with the wins being against the hapless Melbourne and Carlton. Dream on. Yes, a slow team finally got rid of its slowest player (Jordie), but it also got rid of its quickest line-breaker. pTGR

The simpletons love this; but in the same breath, they most likely laughed at Richmond's strategic plan.

Hats off to Buckley in agreeing an inter-club training game. Brilliant. Pity our club didn't have the brains and balls to suggest or agree to the request. A joke that AFL neighbours don't utilise the resource of opposition tune-up. Again, the club doesn't lead the comp.

One ruck that ain’t a second ruck. Preuss is so slow defensively, that he is a liability in the modern game. Now returning from a knee mid-year, even the simpletons must doubt any impact in 2020. Preuss is a first ruck or nothing. Should have been traded out, injury or no injury.

If the club is throwing all the modern evidenced based treatment at this, Bennell is shot. Finished. Capput. Why? Coz Freo tried it for 2 years. I can’t wait for the presser that says the club is now employing a psych to help his calf issues. Come to think of it, most physios think they are psychologists anyway. The top down approach. My guess is that the club is more concerned about his gluteals than his gastrocs. The top down approach mark 2. Frosties calves are wagu beef BTW.

Sheeds. We rejected him for Neeldy remember. What a croc it was to put him through the process.

This sounds like it is from the mouth of Scomo, who believes in God, but not climate change. You sure you weren't playing a board game? If I blur my eyes a bit, Deemania looks like dementia.

I am on Richo-watch for the word "positive" or 'poshitive' in Richo speak. I am guessing 200 times in the next 12 months. Richo probably is the next Ratten.

According to the Fin Review: "Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest's Fortescue Metals generated $9.1 billion in sales in 2014-15 for a taxable income of $208 million, on which he paid just $13.2 million". Only 2 certainties, not 3. And the last aint a badge of honour either.

While your at it....Gold Coast nearly kicked our score. Why not just swap lists? Love your name. You epitomise most of us.

If we get this guy, what, will he get $250-280k? Watts would have stayed for what 470-500? Howe for an extra 50k on his current contract I am told unreliably. I think the extra 220k gives you more flexibility. I just can't work out the overall strategy and big-picture here? When you get rid of treasure and lure in trash, you have no choice but to gamble big (Bennell/Murray) and scrape the bottom of the barrel until your finger nails bend backwards. I can smell....a big rebuild in 12 months time and.... Clarko or Ross Lyon - 6 year deal 2021/2/3/4/5/6. Ross Lyon + EI = flag.

Of course...we are looking at him. What did you say when he was no.4 or 5 in the Essendon forward line? Do you remember being concerned about him on the way the G earlier this year? I will give him one thing. He is a tad better than the Zac Clarke.

Gee wiz. Get out stakes in the last at Gawler.

Our tackle breaking ability was surely worst percentile in 2019. Hill work should also assist this somewhat.

Forward small in 2020 65%/35% onball split.