Straight Sets Simon

Excuse my ignorance, but is this real or a joke?

No idea how Spencer is still on an AFL list.

No, it is the single most important part of the debate.

I don't think people know what "tanking" means.

There is a difference between tanking and winning not being your top priority.

The midfield for me is still a huge concern. I am all for getting forwards to kick it to (I've argued this for many years), but I don't expect to see huge improvement straight away. I think Byrnes and Rodan will play more football in the middle than we expect.

Can't wait to see if Gysberts, Morton and Cook have put on some muscle in their time off.

I love his endeavour, but yes that would be a disaster.

My favourite Cale moment:

Brendan McCartney reminds me a lot of Dean Bailey. The Bulldogs are in for a long five years.

I did laugh when Cameron Luke asked Damian Barrett what Melbourne should have done differently and all he came back with was "set more realistic expectations".

I would just like to thank Cale for the entertainment he provided.

I'm a bit undecided on Gordon Jysberts, same way as Rodan. It would be nice to think that we now had a culture where we could turn a player around and instill a strong work ethic in a player.

Great to hear we get a game at Casey. It's been a few years since the last game there.

I don't think the two are mutually exclusive. I can't see the team going from four to 16 wins in the space of a season. We need to win some games now and I remember saying in 2007 that the team needs to learn how to win.

This thread is giving me reflux.

Melbourne cutting Valenti still annoys me. By no means a star, but he won the Club Ambassador Award at a time when the club's culture stunk and has since gone on to dominate in the VFL If Neeld was coach at the time I wouldn't be surprised if he stayed on a list a few more years as he is a far better option than Tom Couch.

You can probably add Tynan in to that group too.

That's because they haven't been officially delisted. Those stories are (allegedly) from sources close to the players say they will be delisted. The MFC website isn't there to spread rumours or innuendo (even if it is found to be true).

Because lists aren't official until the end of the month.

I really like his kicking action, it's pure.

From the highlights he looks really quite good, but maybe a little lackadaisical?

I used to think Paul Johnson was good.

The reason that Geelong and Collingwood have been able to trade well is that they have had value to trade with. Plus, they are enticing clubs for players to go to.

I'd take Banfield for Martin. I'd prefer we keep Martin overall, but Banfield is the type of player we need (plus our high redhead quota is likely to go down if Bate leaves).