Older demon

Off-topic a little but can I remind everyone we have 2 games in 6 days with interstate travel and a bus trip to the cattery. Perhaps his knee injury won't stand up to 2 games in quick succession. Which game would you prefer he played? Adelaide or Cats! Even max may be better off waiting as we have a long break post the Geelong game.

Note Port have been going very nicely of late with Findlayson as their no 1 ruck. Makes a contest and gets a lot of ground ball.

Great news and a demon for life. Well done Clarry

Forget Luke, Clarry has just signed on for 7 years. Go Dees

Tom Stewart did the same injury just prior to the finals, had the same operation and if the Cats made the grand final was a chance to play. The club decided not to do the full operation but like Stewart repaired the injury with screws or a plate giving TMac every chance to play again this season.

From what I have seen of Casey, the very tall ruck, whose name I don't know, looks worthy of a go. He is thin but lanky and reminds me of Oscar McInerny. The other tall at Casey is more a key position player, but Corey Ellison can take a great grab.

I think Ralph best summed it up and despite the tweets going everywhere, there was not one mention on sports radio, Goody's presser or anywhere. I suspect those in the know reckon it's bulltish. However, it can have a destabilising effect and make Jackson an easy target. FFS the media really needs to take a good hard look at itself. The feeding frenzy over May v Melksham, Bailey Smith, De Goey and the intense scrutiny and criticism and personal opinion. God I hope these boys don't read papers. I really do hope he stays on for another 2 years on a fair contract and then see how he develops. All speculation is on potential. He isn't on the same page as Max, Clarry and Trac when it comes to comparison

Thanks the playing group knew but was surprised that it didn't get out. Was sworn to secrecy. I imagine they are pretty big pecs as well

Upper body muscle problem, not allowed to say anymore not back in a hurry

I heard a whisper that Majak is injured, upper body and likely to be out for a month. Cannot divulge source, as they are in the playing group and will. break a confidence. Surprised MFC haven't put him on the injury report. It appears any one tall on our list is I injured

Melbourne Football Club

No good news Turner has a facial fracture and will miss a few, Max looking at 3-5 weeks with syndesmosis. Weid has been groomed as the backup ruck so I see he and Jack having to bear the burden. remember how Pederson rose to the occasion when Max was last injured. The McDonald replacement has to come from Tomlinson or Petty or even Smith when he gets that ankle right. Who knows it may change the way we play and lower our eyes going into the forward line and no bomb the damn thing in.

Just seen the latest HS headlines. One could be mistaken for thinking there is a concerted effort to attack the club. 3 banner headlines all about Goody, AFL investigation and May having a dust up with Richetelli at Gold Coast. Thank god in cancelled my subscription years ago and wouldn't lower myself to pick up the paper and read. But they still damage the club with sensations headlines that are old news. Its time MFC, supporters and everyone else boycott this excuse for a newspaper.

I have read and heard in an interview that may was pleased to have Lever return to the team post-injury because it meant he wouldn't spend the whole game yelling at Smith and positioning him on the field. No surprise that May was baking him. On the record that May gave Gus a spray in the last 5 minutes of the GF when 70 odd points up because he didn't do the team thing. May is also noted for giving teammates strong advice in games. If Milk called him out for ridiculing Smith over dinner and drinking, good for him. However, I don't like a former junior boxer taking a swing and an alcohol-affected teammate recovering from a concussion. Max was brilliant today and we are lucky he is our leader. To the critics who say he is a hypocrite listen to the "Imperfects podcast" and you will get some insight into the change in club culture and how they are trying to get better. Max is the first to admit as he did today that he is trying to get better at not taking potshots.

Go listen to the Imperfects podcast. The whole club is on a journey and your criticism is out of date. It was Vandenberg pre-season last year that pointed out to the group that they didn't talk to each other professionally. This is when the buy-in started. As Max stated today they are 97% getting there and this was a setback. However, if Melk pointed out to May that his criticism of Smith was out of line then there is your proof that the club is changing its culture

My daughter was told by Adam Tomlinson’s sister thatT Mac has a serious leg injury and may miss the rest of the season. Not sure if already mentioned. To be announced tomorrow. Forward line looking a bit thin.

We are now the hunted and today showed we need to be better to stay ahead of the pack. I would like to think we will learn more from a loss than we have off late from scratchy wins. I need to remind everyone that it is the best team in September that wins a flag and like last year best to peak at the end of the season.Picket, Jackson, Jordon, Sparrow, Rivers and Bedford are only 3 seasons max into their careers and so far have exceeded expectations. The season is only half way.

The hint TMac might not come up was selecting him on the bench. I also note petty selected on the bench and was sore last week. Tomlinson is an emergency to cover or is it for team balance as Free plays a very small mobile forward line?

I suspect after the front on assault North applied on Saturday that there will be a few sore bodies this week. Not noted here is that Max spent a lot of time up forward and has that knee very heavily strapped. He like TMac may be very sore. I wasn't impressed with Bedford during his time on. He has the pace but dropped a sitter of a mark and fumbles a lot. Not having Casey play this week complicates things as we have no form to go on. There are no guarantees that Viney will be available either and I would be shocked if Langdon is available.

6. Petracca 5. Jackson 4. Bowey 3. Oliver 2. Brayshaw 1. ANB

My grey premiers hoodie arrived yesterday. Matching cap still to come. Both ordered on grand final night.

The HS recently published an article by David Roberstson, a one eyed demon supporting journo. It was a beautiful reflection of Robbie Flower who only played finals in what was to be his last 3 games. Davids recollection was way back in high school when Robbie was at Murrumbeena high and were playing Caulfield high (David's school team). From Davids memory Robbie, pencil thin and awkward looking put on a display on that miserable wind swept day that had to be seen to be believed and dominated. Just as he would for Melbourne often is poor teams. I had the joy of seeing Rob in spectacles playing his first seconds game and quickly making the firsts. He is still the most skilful and courageous player I have seen. If ever you want to write about a player that endured hard times for minimal success this is the man. I hope he is looking down on us with a smile.

Gawn's ruck work was outsanding and Jacksons ground work was exceptional. Extraordinary detailed analysis and graphics not sure I agree with everything and according to the commentator we had a lot of luck or things always fell our way, I counted about 16 things that went our way.

Last night Foxtel were replaying the prelim and GF late. I watched the 2nd & 3rd quarters of the prelim and was reminded of just how good we are as a team. I would wait for the full final set. Our 3 games were so dynamic I am still in awe

Is this our new Barassi leading the club forward?