Straight Sets Simon

I'm not sure that Reebok contract is expiring, I hope it is because I really don't rate their football gear (pet hate of mine). I like the Adidas jumpers much more, even with their weird little circles around the neck. Does anyone know how apparel sponsorships work? Do companies such as Reebok pay the clubs, or do they just gain licensing agreements in return for providing gear to the clubs?

That looks great, I'm looking forward to seeing it finished.

You beat me to it. I wouldn't want him if he bled red and blue for the club and was a Ryan O'Keefe type player.

How would you describe it?

The issue is that after Sydney won the flag Melbourne brought in "Tempo Football". After West Coast won the flag, Melbourne tried to bring in "Run and Carry". After Hawthorn won the flag most teams (not just Melbourne) looked to bring in a "Rolling Zone". The only reason those teams were successful with those tactics was because the players they had suited them. Thus, the tactics fit the team, not the other way around. If for example Hawthorn of 2008 tried to implement the "Tempo Football" tactics of Sydney in I don't think they would have been so successful. West Coast's "Run and Carry" suited them because they had an A+ midfield, but a C- forward line. An A+ midfield will obviously be good in any team, however their "Run and Carry" tactics addressed their weaknesses whilst playing to their strengths.

I am truly sorry that an off-the-cuff comment about Jurrah already being a star resulted in a poll, five pages about the teachings of Ron Barassi and an argument over semantics.

I didn't realise the Power and Magpies were separate, they need a branding overhaul. EDIT: They need an overhaul of everything.

It simply confirms that we have a very good player on our hands, star or no star.

Is there any team that Jurrah would not be a starting 22 player in?

Who bloody well cares?

Star is subjective. To some he is, to some he isn't.

I find it much easier to be pessimistic and sceptical all the time. Some Melbourne supporters really need to loosen up and not take everything (including that which is written on fan forums) so seriously. As DA said, football is about entertainment first and foremost.

I personally quite like the square logo, but I do understand the criticism for it.

Correct on all counts, except for one thing, he already is a star.

Steven Pitt Trophy.

He's not the quickest, but that is often over-exaggerated here. He's short, but like I have said many times he is often at the bottom of the pack where height is not much of an issue. He's not the longest kick, but his short kicking is often good. I was never surprised by his delisting, partly because he is the same mold as a Moloney, Jones, McDonald and I think that is his biggest weakness.

Valenti offers far more than just "endeavour", his football smarts, awareness, quick hands, good footskills and leadership have been much underrated by many. It's just a shame because he was showing more than McLean in the last half of this year.

It's an interesting point, however I believe that Valenti has been very much underrated by the club and the gamble with a late draft pick was not worth taking.

Yes, and Valenti is better than him.

Melbourne should have promoted Valenti last year and not used their last draft pick on Bail. Nothing against Bail, Valenti is just better. Prodigal_Son is right, you really have no respect for Valenti and take every opportunity you can to kick the guy while he is down.

You're right, not a bad effort from a player who has only played 15 career games.

They have no home, no facilities: MCG, Casey Fields and Olympic Park precinct. No money: $3 million dept wiped off in last two years, debt still existent but heavily reduced. No members: 10,000 members already for next year after record membership numbers in 2009. I hate the Herald Sun.

Valenti averaged 1.83 votes per game which is quite good.

It probably just means that there will be an updated version of that jumper next year. The same design, but new jumper.

I found this nice little uplifting Melbourne and Jurrah video.