Older demon

The team selection on paper is baffling and I would be surprised if we lined up .like this. Max has never been a success as a Centre half forward. Again I think we are 1 tall forward short. On previous experience, Melk will play a defensive role on Allir. I hope Harmes isn't down back because we tried that for a season and it didn't work. Good to see Rivers back and I hope Tommo has a great game.

It is often said that Centre Half Forward is the hardest position to play but possibly the most important. Like it or not whether he is in good form or out Tom McDonald plays that role and since his injury, we have not been able to adequately fill that post or find someone to play that role. The game plan that has been successful looks predictable and inefficient without Tom or his successor able to play that role. Last week with BBB playing lead-up forward in the first half we looked good but then he was stuck at full forward and starved of opportunity. Max and Jacko can stretch a backline with BBB, Fritter and TMac and roving smalls in Kosi, Spargo and Nibbler. A feature of the games we have lost was how much we have been out marked specially in the forward line and how the incoming kick has been directed to an opposing back. Look at how Curnow and Cameron straighten up the Dogs and Blues. The impact Lobb is having at Free and the bit part Taberner plays. Mihochek at Collingwood plays a TMac like role and runs far and wide to get marks and possession. When we play Weed and BBB we have them both plonked in the goal square and bomb it long. For all the criticism he gets Tom plays a pivotal role in our forward structure and thus far we haven't had anyone step up to play that role.

The club is confident but I am told the hold-up is the new EB and how much extra cap space we have. As stated elsewhere, Luke has told teammates he wants to stay but that can change quickly. All will be revealed eventually so let's just get on with trying to win and get a prime finals spot

Does anyone have any idea when the EBA for salary caps comes out? We are not the only club sweating on what we can afford to pay players in the shorter term. With the exception of the elite, there are a few good players seating on a pay rise as well as proposed raising of the soft cap.

Two teams coming off 5-day breaks, they had a bye and we had a high-pressure game. I don't think it was loading they just pulled up fresher. The number of times we kicked to the opposition in the forward line beggars belief. We either didn't look or played dumb footy. Too many passengers with Jordan, Bedford and Spargo clearly beaten by their opponents and had very ordinary nights. Jackson hasn't the strength to beat Blicavs and Stanley and many clearances were lost with Jacko rucking. He is only a kid and when you block his jump he loses his effectiveness. Not convinced he was 100% tonight May I remind everyone with 8 minutes to go we were 5 points down when Picket hit the post. I have no idea how we were still in the game and got that close. After that, we had no run in the legs and got overpowered. The ground was slippery and Geelong tackled and pressured well while we tried to break tackles unsuccessfully. We can learn from that The inclement weather didn't arrive and we were one tall short and one short too many In retrospect Weird should have played and Bedford, who was too easily pushed aside should have been sub. He has only played a hand full of full games. Given the way we deliver the ball upfield couldn't hit the side of a barn and even TMac would not have made a difference. We can learn a lot from this loss

Showers and 13 degrees forecast perhaps not a night for Big men. Cats will ruck Stanley and Blicavs and Hawkins in the forward line pushing everyone in the back

They are a better side but the Crows bought something to the game the Cats don't! Pressure. In the first quarter, the pressure rating for both teams was over 200, which is insanely high. It didn't drop much till late in the game when the Crows couldn't maintain it. The Cats basically had a bye on the weekend with North losing 2 players in the first 10 minutes. With 3 on the bench and limited rotations, they were never going to be competitive.

Spare me! This team ethos is built on everyone contributing and playing their role. Weird did his bit tonight so get off his back. He had to ruck more than anticipated because Mitch Brown is not now nor ever will be a ruckman. We didn't help ourselves by kicking long to where their big blokes were and I saw BBB fall over a lot in those packs. Some of Brown's marks weren't paid and the umpiring left a lot to be desired I thought we'd used his body well at ground level, was used as a link man and did what was asked of him.

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.