Demon Jack

Don't forget to check YouTube. There's always a couple channels that seem to upload the games.

Vince to Goddard and Viney to Zaharakis. If we tag these guys out of the game then we will easily win by 10+ goals. Let N.Jones, Tyson and the boy Oliver clear everything in the middle. Can't ignore Joe Daniher either considering he's what won Essendon the game last year. Hogan will kick 5, Watts will continue his great form and Harmes will be the surprise of the week with three goals and 15-20 touches (and maybe a cheeky rising star nomination).

We have a real chance at a ten goal win here. Last one I remember was GWS back in 2012 when they were the newcomers.

Jake Spencer may be the Sam Frost of this season. 4 to 6 weeks with no end in sight

Can't help but have that nagging voice in the back of my head saying 'we will try our absolute best to lose this game'. Despite our appalling record of losing games we should win (Carlton & Essendon last year....shudder) I think we're now finally witnessing the dawn of a new Melbourne. If we bring the same toughness showed against GWS, then we will not only win, but we will win well.

I hold fears that Jesse will leave as Fremantle will likely offer him the whole dock. However, Jesse seems to have made some great relationships with the players and staff and seems to be over the homesickness he experienced when he suffered his back injury. If we keep performing well throughout this year and next, it will provide Jesse with further incentive to stick with us for the long haul. Regardless of what happens, let's just enjoy the ride and what comes with it.

Love him! Was in everything yesterday.

6. Viney 5. Kennedy 4. Watts 3. N. Jones 2. T.McDonald 1. Gawn Clarry, Garlett and Matt Jones just miss out.

Ablett in 2013? Also, I think Cripps was drafted in 2013. Same draft as Salem.

Did a fair job against Port Adelaide in the first NAB game. Signs of things to come.

My final guess before teams are announced on Thursday FB: Jetta Dunn Garland HB: Salem McDonald Vince C: Lumumba Tyson Brayshaw HF Kent Hogan Watts F Garlett Pederson Kennedy R Gawn N.Jones Viney INT Bugg Harmes vandenBurg Oliver EMG Stretch Frost Grimes

Someone should bump this thread in five years when we actually do make the grand final and are playing against the Giants. Then we can all look back and laugh.

Looking forward to the Gawn vs Mumford match up. Mumford's ankle has clearly been a concern over the pre-season. If he's somewhat still restricted by it, Gawn will definitely have an advantage.

Without Cameron, Treloar and McCarthy, (three players who typically play well against us) I think we have a slight edge on the Giants. Considering Shaw's run and carry off half back is very important for GWS, I would tell Kent to go and stick to him like glue (I think he did a similar job against Malceski last year in round 1). Dees by 13 points, Gawn to get the three Brownlow votes and Hogan to kick four goals.

Damn it. Brayshaw in full training, a flawless NAB Challenge, Jeremy Cameron ruled out for the Giants as well as Trengove and Petracca both nearing a return. Can't something go wrong for this club for once?

Hope to see Matt Jones in the round 1 squad. Something has really clicked for him over the pre-season. He's competed well and I don't think I've seen him miss a target so far.

Love Bernie playing off half-back. Adds another string to his bow and will only further his career at the Demons. Bernie turns 31 at the end of the year but I could easily see him playing another 2-3 seasons after 2016. Could be a dangerous forward as well.

Could have an Eddie Betts like year and kick 50-60 goals. He's that good. All-Australian smokey?

Nathan Brown? Shades of Basil Zemplias calling Jeff Garlett Aaron Davey last year.

I know it's only pre-season, but does anyone else feel this is genuinely the start of something special? I'm not saying finals are a certainty this year but things just seem to be...well...'right' at the moment. I mean all of a sudden, the club is now drafting AFL ready players (Oliver, Brayshaw), we have a reliable midfield with legitimate depth and a key group of young leaders ready and determined to bring this club back up the ladder. Heck, even Jack Watts is clunking contested marks and laying tackles. Are we sure that this is Melbourne?

Anyone brave the heat?

Hi all. Just thought I'd let you know the Maestro's Devils will be returning for the 2016 season.

Very early days but jeez, Oliver has a real 'Dangerfield' vibe about him. His breakaway pace and genuine X factor means he could be anything. That mark he took on the weekend oozed confidence as well. Having the guts to take on your man one on one in the defensive 50 and take a specky on him, you don't see that from many first year players.