Straight Sets Simon

Davey just needs to go out there and play his natural game, let Baker do what he likes and not lose his cool. Davey is by far the better footballer and at the end of the day that's all that counts.

Couldn't agree more. The word "support" does not just mean through monetary terms.

My 'ironic' prediction. Yze will play a great game on Friday night. He'll kick goals, lay tackles and put his body on the line for the good of the team. By this stage he will have re-gained some much needed respect from the coaches, players and fans alike before going in for the hard ball one more time and injuring himself. Ending any chance of achieving his consecutive games record.

Pretty much. Even though a player such as Glass is a very good full-back, he isn't much value in your Dream Team because he doesn't get as many possessions as someone like Bowden. Players who are listed was both forwards and backs are good to pick up because even though you might have them in the back pocket for your team, in reality they might be playing up forward and kicking goals.

What was the final total for last year?

When do they announce the teams?

Yes.

In '05 (or was it '04?) Riewoldt kicked 9 against the Dees. 5 came against Nicho and the other 4 against Rivers. Last year during the H&A season Melbourne had a lot of success with Carroll playing on Riewoldt when he went deep in their forward line and from memory Rivers played on him a bit when he played up the ground. I can't remember who played on Riewoldt in the final last year. Besides that day when Riewoldt kicked 9 and almost won the game off his own boot I can't remember him beating or even playing on Rivers too often. I'm sure someone with a better memory can fill in the gaps for me. IMO Rivers is an ideal match-up for Riewoldt. Pace being his only issue.

The Eagles: Two Birds with One Stoned (?)

Yes.

Godfrey? Interesting choice. No Rivers?

Bring on the Saints!

No. It wouldn't be fair to say that at all.

Saints to gamble on Riewoldt

That's ridiculous.

That's why I wrote "had a lot to do with", implying that he didn't win the game on his own. However, along with others (including Green) he was a significant contributor.

Yes.

Agree with everything you say, but I want to pull you up on one thing. Bruce won (or at least had a lot to do with) the Carlton final in 2000. It was a long time ago, yes but I believe he has shown himself at Finals level, even if it was just the once.

It's about having a balance. You need both the stonger in and under type players, but you also need the players who can run all day. There's no right or wrong in terms of "the best body shape".

Don't forget his meetings with Brian Burke.

Well there you go.

Well played.

I was interested to see that The Age are one of St Kilda's major sponsors. Official AFL Website of the St Kilda Football Club Is there anything to prevent The Age from giving the Saints more than their fair share of exposure in their paper? Or indeed only reporting the "good" and not the "bad"? (Other than the journalists themselves.) For example, I noticed that Realfooty mentioned that Matthew Carr had been reported in a NAB Challenge match, but they failed to mention the report of Lenny Hayes. It could easily have been an oversight, but it's interesting none the less. Is this unfair on other Victorian teams, or just a smart business move? Thoughts?

You've got to feel for the Kangaroos.

During the Hawk's game, as with Neitz I thought Robbo had much more of a spring in his step compared to last year. Hopefully it can last the full season, because when he's on fire he's really difficult to match-up on.