Search the Community

98.6 by Whispering Jack 98.6. That number isn't a reference to one's normal body temperature but to a percentage. It's a figure I made up because I can't be sure of the precise amount but it refers to what I assess is the percentage of match time that Melbourne seemed "up and about" last Saturday night against the Western Bulldogs whereas, in order to win, it required the full 100%. We'll debate that dubious free kick to the Bulldogs' Stewart Crameri that put them in front five minutes from the end but from that point on Melbourne fell suddenly into the old pattern where lapses of concentration and effort both in defence and in attack put paid to its winning chances. The heart was in the mouth as Matt Jones ran down the heart of the MCG only to falter with that kick for goal that would have restored the lead and given the team an enormous confidence boost so late in the game. It's worth pointing out that, at this stage of the season, Melbourne leads the competition in one statistic - it allows its opposition to score a goal from just 20% of inside 50s. Bearing that in mind, immediately after the Matt Jones behind, the Bulldogs were allowed to go effortlessly coast to coast against a defence that held so tight for most of the evening bringing back memories of recent calamities and, in no time at all, it was game, set and match. And that's what the game is about when you reach the point where you're doing better in percentage terms than the freezing point figure of 32 where Melbourne has been in terms of effort and ability for most of the last decade. These days, you must be running at your best every week; you need to produce 100% which is where Melbourne needs to be throughout this week's game against Richmond. THE GAME Richmond v Melbourne on Saturday 17 May, 2014 at 1.40pm at the MCG HEAD TO HEAD Overall Richmond 103 wins Melbourne 72 wins Drawn 2 At MCG Richmond 68 wins Melbourne 60 wins Drawn 1 Past five years Richmond 4 wins Melbourne 1 win The Coaches Hardwick 0 wins Roos 0 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Footy Channel 1:30pm (live) RADIO - Triple M 3AW SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Richmond - $1.05 Melbourne to win - $5.50 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Richmond 15.16.106 defeated Melbourne 11.6.72 Round 8, 2013 at the MCG The Demons made a good fist of things for more than half a game before ultimately falling away to lose by 34 points. Aaron Davey was Melbourne's best. THE TEAMS RICHMOND B: Troy Chaplin, David Astbury, Alex Rance HB: Bachar Houli, Ben Lennon, Steven Morris C: Shaun Grigg, Daniel Jackson, Reece Conca HF: Dustin Martin, Ben Griffiths, Brett Deledio F: Shane Edwards, Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery FOLL: Shaun Hampson, Brandon Ellis, Trent Cotchin I/C: Nathan Foley, Sam Lloyd, Matt McDonough, Nick Vlastuin EMG: Jake Batchelor, Nathan Gordon, Ricky Petterd IN: Nathan Foley, Ben Griffiths, Ben Lennon OUT: Aaron Edwards (omitted), Nathan Gordon (omitted), Chris Newman (calf) NEW: Ben Lennon (Northern Knights) MELBOURNE B: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Colin Garland HB: Dean Terlich, Lynden Dunn, Jack Grimes C: Bernie Vince, Jack Viney, Daniel Cross HF: Jack Watts, Max Gawn, Jeremy Howe F: Cam Pedersen, Chris Dawes, Rohan Bail FOLL: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson I/C: Matt Jones, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Aidan Riley, Christian Salem EMG: Alex Georgiou, Jordie McKenzie, Jimmy Toumpas IN: Max Gawn, Aidan Riley OUT: Shannon Byrnes (foot), James Frawley (hamstring) TOM HAFEY The match has fittingly been designated as the tribute game to Tom Hafey who lost his battle with cancer earlier in the week. Before Hafey arrived on the scene to coach Richmond, the Tigers were a battling club regularly occupying a place at the foot of the VFL ladder. In those days, fifty years ago, our own Norm Smith was the leading coach in the sport with six premierships under his belt in the decade to 1964. Smith's mantle as the doyen of coaches was taken by Hafey who led the Tigers to the first of his four flags in 1967 and who then went on to reinvigorate the Collingwood Football Club. He was a model citizen who set an example of fitness and demanded high standards of behaviour that ushered in the professional era of our sport. May his soul rest in peace. NO QUESTION There's no question that the Tigers are the big disappointment of the competition to date. Having finally made it to the finals in 2013 only to be unceremoniously dumped out by "stand in" finallists Carlton, it was said that Richmond was approaching this season with a single-minded determination to not only atone for that embarrassing elimination final loss at the hands of their traditional rivals but also to go at least one or two steps beyond their final outcome for last season. They started the new year disastrously on the Gold Coast, extracted revenge against the Blues and scraped in against lowly Brisbane but were also spanked by Collingwood and Hawthorn before producing some gallantry in going down narrowly to Geelong at their last start. Defeat at the hands of Melbourne, their NAB Cup conqueror in February, could spell the end to their hopes and have their legion of fans up in arms and ready to consign their membership tickets to the microwave again. It was Melbourne's new look midfield that took Richmond by surprise when they met earlier in the year at that pre season game at Etihad Stadium. If the Tigers can't beat the Demons handsomely in this important sector then they simply can't win because Melbourne has a slight but discernable advantage over its opponent nearly everywhere else on the the field.

Sorry I can't be with you folks but I'm sailing off the coast of Baja California in a southerly direction to Cabo San Lucas and its Friday afternoon here so I can safely tip the Swans to win the Friday night AFL game. Hope the Dees win too and that Maxy does well!!!

98.6. That number isn't a reference to one's normal body temperature but to a percentage. It's a figure I made up because I can't be sure of the precise amount but it refers to what I assess is the percentage of match time that Melbourne seemed "up and about" last Saturday night against the Western Bulldogs whereas, in order to win, it required the full 100%. We'll debate that dubious free kick to the Bulldogs' Stewart Crameri that put them in front five minutes from the end but from that point on Melbourne fell suddenly into the old pattern where lapses of concentration and effort both in defence and in attack put paid to its winning chances. The heart was in the mouth as Matt Jones ran down the heart of the MCG only to falter with that kick for goal that would have restored the lead and given the team an enormous confidence boost so late in the game. It's worth pointing out that, at this stage of the season, Melbourne leads the competition in one statistic - it allows its opposition to score a goal from just 20% of inside 50s. Bearing that in mind, immediately after the Matt Jones behind, the Bulldogs were allowed to go effortlessly coast to coast against a defence that held so tight for most of the evening bringing back memories of recent calamities and, in no time at all, it was game, set and match. And that's what the game is about when you reach the point where you're doing better in percentage terms than the freezing point figure of 32 where Melbourne has been in terms of effort and ability for most of the last decade. These days, you must be running at your best every week; you need to produce 100% which is where Melbourne needs to be throughout this week's game against Richmond. THE GAME Richmond v Melbourne on Saturday 17 May, 2014 at 1.40pm at the MCG HEAD TO HEAD Overall Richmond 103 wins Melbourne 72 wins Drawn 2 At MCG Richmond 68 wins Melbourne 60 wins Drawn 1 Past five years Richmond 4 wins Melbourne 1 win The Coaches Hardwick 0 wins Roos 0 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Footy Channel 1:30pm (live) RADIO - Triple M 3AW SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Richmond - $1.05 Melbourne to win - $5.50 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Richmond 15.16.106 defeated Melbourne 11.6.72 Round 8, 2013 at the MCG The Demons made a good fist of things for more than half a game before ultimately falling away to lose by 34 points. Aaron Davey was Melbourne's best. THE TEAMS RICHMOND B: Troy Chaplin, David Astbury, Alex Rance HB: Bachar Houli, Ben Lennon, Steven Morris C: Shaun Grigg, Daniel Jackson, Reece Conca HF: Dustin Martin, Ben Griffiths, Brett Deledio F: Shane Edwards, Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery FOLL: Shaun Hampson, Brandon Ellis, Trent Cotchin I/C: Nathan Foley, Sam Lloyd, Matt McDonough, Nick Vlastuin EMG: Jake Batchelor, Nathan Gordon, Ricky Petterd IN: Nathan Foley, Ben Griffiths, Ben Lennon OUT: Aaron Edwards (omitted), Nathan Gordon (omitted), Chris Newman (calf) NEW: Ben Lennon (Northern Knights) MELBOURNE B: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Colin Garland HB: Dean Terlich, Lynden Dunn, Jack Grimes C: Bernie Vince, Jack Viney, Daniel Cross HF: Jack Watts, Max Gawn, Jeremy Howe F: Cam Pedersen, Chris Dawes, Rohan Bail FOLL: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson I/C: Matt Jones, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Aidan Riley, Christian Salem EMG: Alex Georgiou, Jordie McKenzie, Jimmy Toumpas IN: Max Gawn, Aidan Riley OUT: Shannon Byrnes (foot), James Frawley (hamstring) TOM HAFEY The match has fittingly been designated as the tribute game to Tom Hafey who lost his battle with cancer earlier in the week. Before Hafey arrived on the scene to coach Richmond, the Tigers were a battling club regularly occupying a place at the foot of the VFL ladder. In those days, fifty years ago, our own Norm Smith was the leading coach in the sport with six premierships under his belt in the decade to 1964. Smith's mantle as the doyen of coaches was taken by Hafey who led the Tigers to the first of his four flags in 1967 and who then went on to reinvigorate the Collingwood Football Club. He was a model citizen who set an example of fitness and demanded high standards of behaviour that ushered in the professional era of our sport. May his soul rest in peace. NO QUESTION There's no question that the Tigers are the big disappointment of the competition to date. Having finally made it to the finals in 2013 only to be unceremoniously dumped out by "stand in" finallists Carlton, it was said that Richmond was approaching this season with a single-minded determination to not only atone for that embarrassing elimination final loss at the hands of their traditional rivals but also to go at least one or two steps beyond their final outcome for last season. They started the new year disastrously on the Gold Coast, extracted revenge against the Blues and scraped in against lowly Brisbane but were also spanked by Collingwood and Hawthorn before producing some gallantry in going down narrowly to Geelong at their last start. Defeat at the hands of Melbourne, their NAB Cup conqueror in February, could spell the end to their hopes and have their legion of fans up in arms and ready to consign their membership tickets to the microwave again. It was Melbourne's new look midfield that took Richmond by surprise when they met earlier in the year at that pre season game at Etihad Stadium. If the Tigers can't beat the Demons handsomely in this important sector then they simply can't win because Melbourne has a slight but discernable advantage over its opponent nearly everywhere else on the the field.

ONE SMALL STEP FOR 2014 & ONE GIANT LEAP FOR DEMONKIND

The coach called for a competitive effort this week, which is rather strange given that the MFC team is supposed to be composed of professional football players. The groans from the supporters echoed throughout the suburbs again, as we could have expected a similar performance to that which we endured against GWS. Yes, we were competitive against the Tigers ... the perennial 9th place finishers but we still lost by over 5 goals and if they had any semblance of skill, their 15.16 in front of goal could easily have yet another 10 goal plus hiding. It is a sad indictment that Aaron Davey was the stand-out player for the side. His ball delivery and vision was simply sublime and he topped it with 3 goals and 20 odd disposals. He is probably playing his last season, yet no-one else seems to have the ability to try to impose themselves on a game. There were others who try valiantly Jones N & M, Garland, Terlich, Magner, and even Mark Jamar who provided us with some real ruck competitiveness. (may we never see Jake Spencer trotted out again). James Frawley did his usual assassination job on Riewoldt. But the backs were constantly under pressure as we could only manage 100 less disposals, 80 less kicks, 20 less inside 50s and 30 less handballs. We simply dont have sufficient players prepared to put all the time. And this was against the forever middle of the road team in Richmond. This wasnt some powerhouse club. We will really see how competitive we are in the next 3 weeks, when we have to play Fremantle, Collingwood and Hawthorn. Experience?... baloney! Players get experience because they are good enough to play multiple games of football; duds dont! And we continue to fill the side with duds. In 2 years we still wont be experienced, because those filler players will have gone. to be replaced by either draftees or more filler players. The coach has got to stop the experience mantra. What we need is a proper attitude to be shown to really make us competitive. The coach can only work with the cattle at his disposal, and try to improve and enforce a competitive approach. Giving games to fillers to give them experience is self defeating. As R. Barassi said give me possessions, and Ill shut up! In the meantime all we can do is chase Tiger tail this week, and next week it will be a similar story and the same the weeks after. The supporters are getting all the experience they need..and its not good! Melbourne 3.0.18 7.2.44 10.4.64 11.6.72 Richmond 2.4.16 7.9.51 12.14.86 15.16.106 Goals Melbourne Davey 3 Dawes Dunn 2 Bail Evans Howe Nicholson Richmond Martin Riewoldt 3 King 2 Chaplin Deledio Ellis Morris Nahas, Vlastuin White Best Melbourne Davey N Jones Magner, Terlich M Jones Garland Richmond Ellis Vlastuin S Edwards Deledio Grigg Houli Injuries Melbourne Toumpas (ankle) Richmond Nil Changes Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Reports Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Umpires McBurney Hosking Foot Official crowd 39,148 at the MCG

CHASING TIGER TAIL by George on the Outer The coach called for a competitive effort this week, which is rather strange given that the MFC team is supposed to be composed of professional football players. The groans from the supporters echoed throughout the suburbs again, as we could have expected a similar performance to that which we endured against GWS. Yes, we were competitive against the Tigers ... the perennial 9th place finishers but we still lost by over 5 goals and if they had any semblance of skill, their 15.16 in front of goal could easily have yet another 10 goal plus hiding. It is a sad indictment that Aaron Davey was the stand-out player for the side. His ball delivery and vision was simply sublime and he topped it with 3 goals and 20 odd disposals. He is probably playing his last season, yet no-one else seems to have the ability to try to impose themselves on a game. There were others who try valiantly Jones N & M, Garland, Terlich, Magner, and even Mark Jamar who provided us with some real ruck competitiveness. (may we never see Jake Spencer trotted out again). James Frawley did his usual assassination job on Riewoldt. But the backs were constantly under pressure as we could only manage 100 less disposals, 80 less kicks, 20 less inside 50s and 30 less handballs. We simply dont have sufficient players prepared to put all the time. And this was against the forever middle of the road team in Richmond. This wasnt some powerhouse club. We will really see how competitive we are in the next 3 weeks, when we have to play Fremantle, Collingwood and Hawthorn. Experience?... baloney! Players get experience because they are good enough to play multiple games of football; duds dont! And we continue to fill the side with duds. In 2 years we still wont be experienced, because those filler players will have gone. to be replaced by either draftees or more filler players. The coach has got to stop the experience mantra. What we need is a proper attitude to be shown to really make us competitive. The coach can only work with the cattle at his disposal, and try to improve and enforce a competitive approach. Giving games to fillers to give them experience is self defeating. As R. Barassi said give me possessions, and Ill shut up! In the meantime all we can do is chase Tiger tail this week, and next week it will be a similar story and the same the weeks after. The supporters are getting all the experience they need..and its not good! Melbourne 3.0.18 7.2.44 10.4.64 11.6.72 Richmond 2.4.16 7.9.51 12.14.86 15.16.106 Goals Melbourne Davey 3 Dawes Dunn 2 Bail Evans Howe Nicholson Richmond Martin Riewoldt 3 King 2 Chaplin Deledio Ellis Morris Nahas, Vlastuin White Best Melbourne Davey N Jones Magner, Terlich M Jones Garland Richmond Ellis Vlastuin S Edwards Deledio Grigg Houli Injuries Melbourne Toumpas (ankle) Richmond Nil Changes Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Reports Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Umpires McBurney Hosking Foot Official crowd 39,148 at the MCG

Despite the poor finish, we had some players out there this week ... 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Give us 4 competitive quarters please Dees.

THE PEOPLE SPEAK - THE TIGERS GAME by the Demonland Crew Yes, it was less than two years ago that Melbourne comfortably accounted for Richmond on the MCG after a slow start in the first of their two clashes for the year. The Demons were eyeing a place in the top 8 while the Tigers were struggling. They meet in far different circumstances on Sunday afternoon. Pantaloons - It will no doubt be referenced more than once in the lead-up to Sunday's Richmond-Melbourne clash at the MCG that not so long ago these two teams, after years of rebuilding, were supposedly heading in the right direction. Sadly, while Richmond continues its climb with speed and excitement of watching real-time photosynthesis, Melbourne continues to stoop to new lows, plummeting to one of the worst performances in club history against the Gold Coast on Sunday. Yet, this in itself is not the main story this week. No, the real tale lies in Melbourne supporters losing an old friend this weekend. For the last 30 years, and throughout much of the game's history, there has been a familiar refrain to comfort Melbourne supporters in times of trouble - "At least we're not Richmond". Richmond, like the ugly best friend, has dutifully played the role of Paul Pfeiffer to many a club's Kevin Arnold over the past three decades of laughable ineptitude. Of course, when a club spends its time playing home games in the carpark of your own team's ground until 1965, it firmly sets the tone for a relationship of pity and mockery. However, with the Tigers at 4-3 and enjoying a period of relative glory, the days of condescendingly patting Richmond supporters on the head at your office/other place of work when the topic of football comes up will officially be put to rest. You see, Melbourne currently owns the second-longest finals drought in the AFL, in front of only, you guessed it, Richmond. For every time Melbourne embarrassed itself at the draft or trade table, Richmond would up the ante by calling out the names of Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls or Anthony Banik early on draft night, or by swinging pick 19 (Callan Ward) to the Bulldogs for Jordan McMahon. Yes, Richmond have always been our friends, always happy to take some of the spotlight off our inadequacies with their own blend of farce. When Melbourne required a step ladder to mount, Richmond always came to the party. There was 1993, when in an otherwise poor year for Melbourne, the Demons slapped Richmond by a combined 214 points in their two meetings. The following year, the Demons were only too happy to kick 27.5 in the final round in Sydney to secure a finals spot at the expense of Richmond. Four years later, with the Tigers needing a Round 22 win to make the finals, Melbourne horse-whipped them en route to a top-4 finish. Even in recent years, Melbourne has trolled the Tigers by 'losing' the services of the likes of Miller, Maric and Petterd to the yellow and black. Alas, the days of Melbourne lampooning about and expecting our derelict, body-odour suffering carpark-dwellers to out-stink us are coming to a close. Due in part to serious errors from the Tigers at the drafting table which has led to them miraculously not botching every pick conceivable, Richmond has assembled a modest yet mildly promising list, and has a coach the players seem to listen to. Instead of turning around with the comfort of feeling the presence of another more useless than itself, Melbourne now stands alone as the guardians of ineptitude. Richmond, for all the boganic mystique about the place, is attempting to join the cool kids group, while Melbourne sits alone, picking its nose in the corner of the yard. When the two sides take the field on Sunday, there will be no shiver of excitement as the crepe paper of the banner is destroyed. No hope of a dramatic upset. Many of the players have made perfectly clear they have no interest in doing anything but barf on the Melbourne guernsey, made patently obvious on Sunday when, despite having half the amount of ball as the Suns for much of the contest, also astonishingly had half the amount of tackles. Matchups in this one are largely irrelevant, as all Richmond will do is leave one or two players to sit on Nathan Jones every time he goes remotely near the ball, leaving nobody else to stop the likes of Martin and co from pumping the ball inside 50 all day in a blitz equal parts frenetic and depressing. Meanwhile, Melbourne players will appear confused and disinterested while leaving time for the odd chain of possession ending in the most horrific forward 50 entry ever witnessed. We lose a friend on Sunday. A friend we thought would always stand beside us and make us appear to look acceptable in comparison. A friend who grew tired of swilling about in the mud and filth for decades on end and decided to move on to better things. No, we aren't Richmond. But today, there are worse things than Richmond. So the Demons are faltering and find themselves in a dark place. But does anyone out there think they can win? Demon WA - It was only a couple of years ago when the Richmond V Melbourne game was a highlight of the season for me. The teams were matched evenly around the ground and the Frawley V JR8 battle at one end and up and coming mids like Martin and Trengove would do battle in the middle. Watts played arguably his best game of AFL a couple of years ago as a key forward against Richmond, and game where Ricky Petterd, at that stage a beacon of hope for the demons faithful, set a record for most tackles laid inside the attacking 50. Fast forward a couple of years and the differences in form and confidence could not be greater between the two teams. Hardwick identified weaknesses in his list and has strengthened it to a point where they seem to have no gaping holes. The Demons have sacked one coach and are delaying the inevitable in sending Neeld down a similar path (in my opinion). Despite numerous opportunities to draft top line talent to the club, the Demons midfield is devoid of class and talent. This is exacerbated through the loss of Grimes and Trengove to injury and Sylvia (who generally has his best game for the year against Richmond) through suspension. Meanwhile the Class and Polish of the Richmond midfield is perhaps as good as any team in the competition, with the likes of Cotchin, Delideo, Martin, Foley and the evergreen Tuck. They say that games are won and lost in the midfield and this will unfortunately be the case again this week. Richmond by 48 points Hardtack - In what should be (not saying it WILL be) a war of attrition (pride is on its last legs), we should see Dunn go onto Martin and Jetta return to go onto Jake King. In the ensuing softening up period, both Martin and King are reported for elbows to the head and groin areas of their respective opponents and so are nullified by the weight of concern over whether they will be available to play in the following week's must win game against Essendon - that's my dream start. The in-form VC "Judy"Garland will take on "Moaning" Jack Reiwoldt, Frawley on McGuane and because of his height, the only real match-up for Oren Stephenson can be Sellar. For the remaining defenders, Nicholson is the only one with enough pace to stay with Nahas and Terlich will need to contain Knights. I will be rather surprised (disappointed) if Magner is not promoted off the rookie list, and if he is, he should replace either McKenzie or Bail (maybe Bail?). Blease will maybe get a recall in Sylvia's absence and I hope they somehow find a way to slot the Fitz into the line-up... although, Casey having not played last weekend won't have helped his chances. If any of Jones to the power of two, Evans or Magner can get first hands on the ball by roving well to the ruck work of Ivan Maric, we should be a reasonable chance down forward... providing the incoming kicks aren't bombed over the head of Dawes as was the case on Sunday. Maybe Tapscott will move back to the centre in place of Bail or menthoids man McKenzie so that the Fitz can come into the forwards to add a bit of height and, hopefully, goal kicking ability. Depending on whether these guys can show a little pride in themselves and their supporters, this game could either blow out very badly or be decided by just a few goals (4 - 6) ... still can't see us prevailing, but can only hope for four contested quarters where we don't see them standing around flat footed while their opponents run into space at will. Unfortunately, the above are among the more optimistic views we've been getting. Others are tipping hidings in excess of 100 points. THE GAME Richmond v Melbourne at the MCG Sunday 19 May 2013 at 3.20pm. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Richmond 102 wins 2 draws Melbourne 79 wins At MCG Richmond 67 wins 1 draw Melbourne 60 wins Since 2000 Richmond 13 wins Melbourne 9 wins The Coaches Hardwick 2 wins Neeld 0 wins MEDIA TV Channel 7 Fox Sports 3 (live) RADIO - 3AW Triple M THE BETTING Richmond $1.01 to win Melbourne $17.00 to win (in other words, the Dees are wasting their time turning up) THE LAST TIME THEY MET Richmond 13.23.101 defeated Melbourne 11.12.78 at the MCG, Round 15, 2012 As usual an opposition midfield ripped the Demons apart from go to whoa. The only thing was that the Tigers couldn't kick goals if their lives depended on it and as a result, the winning margin was kept to under four goals. Stef Martin was Melbourne's only multiple goal kicker with two goals and to nobody's surprise Nathan Jones was his team's best. THE TEAMS RICHMOND Backs Steven Morris Alex Rance Troy Chaplin Half backs Chris Newman Brandon Ellis Bachar Houli Centreline Shaun Grigg Trent Cotchin Daniel Jackson Half forwards Brett Deledio Shane Edwards Jake King Forwards Luke McGuane Jack Riewoldt Dustin Martin Followers Orren Stephenson Nathan Foley Nick Vlastuin Interchange Jake Batchelor Robin Nahas Tyrone Vickery Matthew White Emergencies Matthew Arnot Matthew Dea Aaron Edwards In Trent Cotchin Tyrone Vickery Matthew White Out Chris Knights (knee) Ivan Maric (ankle) Shane Tuck (shoulder) MELBOURNE Backs Neville Jetta James Frawley Dean Terlich Half backs Dan Nicholson James Sellar Colin Garland Centreline Jack Trengove Jordie McKenzie Michael Evans Half forwards Luke Tapscott LyndenDunn Jeremy Howe Followers Max Gawn Chris Dawes Jimmy Toumpas Followers Mark Jamar Matt Jones Nathan Jones Interchange Rohan Bail Aaron Davey James Magner James Strauss Emergencies Troy Davis Dean Kent Jake Spencer In Mark Jamar Neville Jetta James Magner Jimmy Toumpas Jack Trengove Out Shannon Byrnes (wrist) Dean Kent Jake Spencer Colin Sylvia (suspension) Jack Viney (toe) The aftermath of the Gold Coast Suns defeat saw much soul searching and the blame for the situation was being apportioned in a number of areas while new CEO Peter Jackson was talking of the need for change to be implemented. One of the more obvious changes discussed in situations such as these was the position of the coach. Surely, he has lost the players when they produce insipid performances as those reflected in the Suns' game with its pathetic tackle count. Players such as Colin Garland and newcomer Chris Dawes rallied to Mark Neeld's defence this week but some questioned their motives in doing so claiming their efforts were "spin". Demonlander pm24 came to their defence. It is genuinely insulting for you to fail to give any of the the players any respect, and not even acknowledge that they may be being truthful. I find it absolutely disgusting that many on here continue just abuse, abuse and abuse, without giving the players any respect as people. It is the same reason I will NEVER abuse our own players or opposition players, even if I have a dislike for them. For people to come out and openly suggest that first Garland, then Dawes are just flat out misrepresenting things just to toe the "club line" gives them no respect as people. And in my opinion, those who are suggesting such things, should also be given no respect. Paying a membership, and supporting a club does not given anyone a right to abuse and disrespect a person expressing their opinion. All members, and even the players are hurting because of the performances. There may be some players hurting less than others, but to suggest that players aren't hurting again is disrespectful to the playing group as people. Those who keep suggesting that the players are just spinning c*$p and just making excuses, I ask this question...if they didn't believe in what they were saying why would would they make such statements? Again, I'm guessing the responses would be along the lines of....to protect their own skins, etc etc etc But what would compel someone to come out and mislead the membership when they don't have to. They could sit back and say nothing. To me the players are coming out and standing up for what is happening at the club because they believe in it. I have found that people are more likely to stand up and defend something when they believe in it, as opposed to when they don't. Why are so many on here so quick to acknowledge the way the club has stuffed up in the past, yet not patient enough for all of that poor work to be fixed. I believe this club has been in a poor state for over a decade, and I think it is unrealistic, bordering on lunacy to believe that it can be turned around in 18 months. Many have suggested that a coach like Paul Roos could fix things, to which I have suggested that Sydney were in a similar position to us in the early 90's when Barassi was brought in to fix things, then Eade took over, and led the club for 7 years (including finals appearances) before Roos took over. Sydney took about 4-5 years to dig themselves out of where they were in the early 90's and return to playing finals football. Why should we expect any different? Look at the history of other clubs who have been in similar positions to where we are at. I think you will struggle to find examples of where a club has returned to being competitive and successful within 18 months. But back to my main point. It is simply disgusting for so many on here to simply abuse and disrespect the players and those in the club that are genuinely trying to move this club to where it needs to be. People want the club to show integrity......so how do they want that to be represented? To me, integrity means being consistent in your words and actions, yet people are getting sick of hearing the same old message of "it's going to take time, but we're on the right path". Since Neeld took over, I have seen more consistent messages coming out of the club regarding where it is at then I have for any time in the last decade. The actions or results have not been there and there has been little evidence that the players are performing at the level intended or expected, but does that mean that the players lack integrity, or that the club lacks integrity? The club has always said it is going to take time. It is taking time. They have clearly explained that their are standards the players are expected to meet. The players may not be consistently meeting those standards at the moment, but how many 20 - 25 year olds are always consistent in their behaviours. There are reasons that those clubs near the top of the ladder are where they are, they have a more mature and experienced group of players. Some people are being blinded by anger, and frustration when looking at the club. Take a step back, take a rational look at the playing list (which isn't great at the moment), and think, when compared to other lists, where should this club be sitting on the ladder? The club is sitting in 17th place and there doesn't seem to be much room for respite on the basis of current form and with crucial players including team leaders on the injured list. One thing is very clear. A repeat of last week or of the Essendon game earlier this season will be intolerable.

THE PEOPLE SPEAK - THE TIGERS GAME by the Demonland Crew Yes, it was less than two years ago that Melbourne comfortably accounted for Richmond on the MCG after a slow start in the first of their two clashes for the year. The Demons were eyeing a place in the top 8 while the Tigers were struggling. They meet in far different circumstances on Sunday afternoon. Pantaloons - It will no doubt be referenced more than once in the lead-up to Sunday's Richmond-Melbourne clash at the MCG that not so long ago these two teams, after years of rebuilding, were supposedly heading in the right direction. Sadly, while Richmond continues its climb with speed and excitement of watching real-time photosynthesis, Melbourne continues to stoop to new lows, plummeting to one of the worst performances in club history against the Gold Coast on Sunday. Yet, this in itself is not the main story this week. No, the real tale lies in Melbourne supporters losing an old friend this weekend. For the last 30 years, and throughout much of the game's history, there has been a familiar refrain to comfort Melbourne supporters in times of trouble - "At least we're not Richmond". Richmond, like the ugly best friend, has dutifully played the role of Paul Pfeiffer to many a club's Kevin Arnold over the past three decades of laughable ineptitude. Of course, when a club spends its time playing home games in the carpark of your own team's ground until 1965, it firmly sets the tone for a relationship of pity and mockery. However, with the Tigers at 4-3 and enjoying a period of relative glory, the days of condescendingly patting Richmond supporters on the head at your office/other place of work when the topic of football comes up will officially be put to rest. You see, Melbourne currently owns the second-longest finals drought in the AFL, in front of only, you guessed it, Richmond. For every time Melbourne embarrassed itself at the draft or trade table, Richmond would up the ante by calling out the names of Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls or Anthony Banik early on draft night, or by swinging pick 19 (Callan Ward) to the Bulldogs for Jordan McMahon. Yes, Richmond have always been our friends, always happy to take some of the spotlight off our inadequacies with their own blend of farce. When Melbourne required a step ladder to mount, Richmond always came to the party. There was 1993, when in an otherwise poor year for Melbourne, the Demons slapped Richmond by a combined 214 points in their two meetings. The following year, the Demons were only too happy to kick 27.5 in the final round in Sydney to secure a finals spot at the expense of Richmond. Four years later, with the Tigers needing a Round 22 win to make the finals, Melbourne horse-whipped them en route to a top-4 finish. Even in recent years, Melbourne has trolled the Tigers by 'losing' the services of the likes of Miller, Maric and Petterd to the yellow and black. Alas, the days of Melbourne lampooning about and expecting our derelict, body-odour suffering carpark-dwellers to out-stink us are coming to a close. Due in part to serious errors from the Tigers at the drafting table which has led to them miraculously not botching every pick conceivable, Richmond has assembled a modest yet mildly promising list, and has a coach the players seem to listen to. Instead of turning around with the comfort of feeling the presence of another more useless than itself, Melbourne now stands alone as the guardians of ineptitude. Richmond, for all the boganic mystique about the place, is attempting to join the cool kids group, while Melbourne sits alone, picking its nose in the corner of the yard. When the two sides take the field on Sunday, there will be no shiver of excitement as the crepe paper of the banner is destroyed. No hope of a dramatic upset. Many of the players have made perfectly clear they have no interest in doing anything but barf on the Melbourne guernsey, made patently obvious on Sunday when, despite having half the amount of ball as the Suns for much of the contest, also astonishingly had half the amount of tackles. Matchups in this one are largely irrelevant, as all Richmond will do is leave one or two players to sit on Nathan Jones every time he goes remotely near the ball, leaving nobody else to stop the likes of Martin and co from pumping the ball inside 50 all day in a blitz equal parts frenetic and depressing. Meanwhile, Melbourne players will appear confused and disinterested while leaving time for the odd chain of possession ending in the most horrific forward 50 entry ever witnessed. We lose a friend on Sunday. A friend we thought would always stand beside us and make us appear to look acceptable in comparison. A friend who grew tired of swilling about in the mud and filth for decades on end and decided to move on to better things. No, we aren't Richmond. But today, there are worse things than Richmond. So the Demons are faltering and find themselves in a dark place. But does anyone out there think they can win? Demon WA - It was only a couple of years ago when the Richmond V Melbourne game was a highlight of the season for me. The teams were matched evenly around the ground and the Frawley V JR8 battle at one end and up and coming mids like Martin and Trengove would do battle in the middle. Watts played arguably his best game of AFL a couple of years ago as a key forward against Richmond, and game where Ricky Petterd, at that stage a beacon of hope for the demons faithful, set a record for most tackles laid inside the attacking 50. Fast forward a couple of years and the differences in form and confidence could not be greater between the two teams. Hardwick identified weaknesses in his list and has strengthened it to a point where they seem to have no gaping holes. The Demons have sacked one coach and are delaying the inevitable in sending Neeld down a similar path (in my opinion). Despite numerous opportunities to draft top line talent to the club, the Demons midfield is devoid of class and talent. This is exacerbated through the loss of Grimes and Trengove to injury and Sylvia (who generally has his best game for the year against Richmond) through suspension. Meanwhile the Class and Polish of the Richmond midfield is perhaps as good as any team in the competition, with the likes of Cotchin, Delideo, Martin, Foley and the evergreen Tuck. They say that games are won and lost in the midfield and this will unfortunately be the case again this week. Richmond by 48 points Hardtack - In what should be (not saying it WILL be) a war of attrition (pride is on its last legs), we should see Dunn go onto Martin and Jetta return to go onto Jake King. In the ensuing softening up period, both Martin and King are reported for elbows to the head and groin areas of their respective opponents and so are nullified by the weight of concern over whether they will be available to play in the following week's must win game against Essendon - that's my dream start. The in-form VC "Judy"Garland will take on "Moaning" Jack Reiwoldt, Frawley on McGuane and because of his height, the only real match-up for Oren Stephenson can be Sellar. For the remaining defenders, Nicholson is the only one with enough pace to stay with Nahas and Terlich will need to contain Knights. I will be rather surprised (disappointed) if Magner is not promoted off the rookie list, and if he is, he should replace either McKenzie or Bail (maybe Bail?). Blease will maybe get a recall in Sylvia's absence and I hope they somehow find a way to slot the Fitz into the line-up... although, Casey having not played last weekend won't have helped his chances. If any of Jones to the power of two, Evans or Magner can get first hands on the ball by roving well to the ruck work of Ivan Maric, we should be a reasonable chance down forward... providing the incoming kicks aren't bombed over the head of Dawes as was the case on Sunday. Maybe Tapscott will move back to the centre in place of Bail or menthoids man McKenzie so that the Fitz can come into the forwards to add a bit of height and, hopefully, goal kicking ability. Depending on whether these guys can show a little pride in themselves and their supporters, this game could either blow out very badly or be decided by just a few goals (4 - 6) ... still can't see us prevailing, but can only hope for four contested quarters where we don't see them standing around flat footed while their opponents run into space at will. Unfortunately, the above are among the more optimistic views we've been getting. Others are tipping hidings in excess of 100 points. THE GAME Richmond v Melbourne at the MCG Sunday 19 May 2013 at 3.20pm. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Richmond 102 wins 2 draws Melbourne 79 wins At MCG Richmond 67 wins 1 draw Melbourne 60 wins Since 2000 Richmond 13 wins Melbourne 9 wins The Coaches Hardwick 2 wins Neeld 0 wins MEDIA TV Channel 7 Fox Sports 3 (live) RADIO - 3AW Triple M THE BETTING Richmond $1.01 to win Melbourne $17.00 to win (in other words, the Dees are wasting their time turning up) THE LAST TIME THEY MET Richmond 13.23.101 defeated Melbourne 11.12.78 at the MCG, Round 15, 2012 As usual an opposition midfield ripped the Demons apart from go to whoa. The only thing was that the Tigers couldn't kick goals if their lives depended on it and as a result, the winning margin was kept to under four goals. Stef Martin was Melbourne's only multiple goal kicker with two goals and to nobody's surprise Nathan Jones was his team's best. THE TEAMS RICHMOND Backs Steven Morris Alex Rance Troy Chaplin Half backs Chris Newman Brandon Ellis Bachar Houli Centreline Shaun Grigg Trent Cotchin Daniel Jackson Half forwards Brett Deledio Shane Edwards Jake King Forwards Luke McGuane Jack Riewoldt Dustin Martin Followers Orren Stephenson Nathan Foley Nick Vlastuin Interchange (from) Matthew Arnot Jake Batchelor Matthew Dea Aaron Edwards Robin Nahas Tyrone Vickery Matthew White In Matthew Arnot Trent Cotchin Matthew Dea Aaron Edwards Tyrone Vickery Matthew White Out Chris Knights (knee) Ivan Maric (ankle) Shane Tuck (shoulder) MELBOURNE Backs Neville Jetta James Frawley Dean Terlich Half backs Dan Nicholson James Sellar Colin Garland Centreline Jack Trengove Jordie McKenzie Michael Evans Half forwards Luke Tapscott LyndenDunn Jeremy Howe Followers Max Gawn Chris Dawes Jimmy Toumpas Followers Mark Jamar Matt Jones Nathan Jones Interchange (from) Rohan Bail Aaron Davey Troy Davis Dean Kent James Magner Jake Spencer James Strauss In Troy Davis Mark Jamar Neville Jetta James Magner Jimmy Toumpas Jack Trengove Out Shannon Byrnes (wrist) Colin Sylvia (suspension) Jack Viney (toe) The aftermath of the Gold Coast Suns defeat saw much soul searching and the blame for the situation was being apportioned in a number of areas while new CEO Peter Jackson was talking of the need for change to be implemented. One of the more obvious changes discussed in situations such as these was the position of the coach. Surely, he has lost the players when they produce insipid performances as those reflected in the Suns' game with its pathetic tackle count. Players such as Colin Garland and newcomer Chris Dawes rallied to Mark Neeld's defence this week but some questioned their motives in doing so claiming their efforts were "spin". Demonlander pm24 came to their defence. It is genuinely insulting for you to fail to give any of the the players any respect, and not even acknowledge that they may be being truthful. I find it absolutely disgusting that many on here continue just abuse, abuse and abuse, without giving the players any respect as people. It is the same reason I will NEVER abuse our own players or opposition players, even if I have a dislike for them. For people to come out and openly suggest that first Garland, then Dawes are just flat out misrepresenting things just to toe the "club line" gives them no respect as people. And in my opinion, those who are suggesting such things, should also be given no respect. Paying a membership, and supporting a club does not given anyone a right to abuse and disrespect a person expressing their opinion. All members, and even the players are hurting because of the performances. There may be some players hurting less than others, but to suggest that players aren't hurting again is disrespectful to the playing group as people. Those who keep suggesting that the players are just spinning c*$p and just making excuses, I ask this question...if they didn't believe in what they were saying why would would they make such statements? Again, I'm guessing the responses would be along the lines of....to protect their own skins, etc etc etc But what would compel someone to come out and mislead the membership when they don't have to. They could sit back and say nothing. To me the players are coming out and standing up for what is happening at the club because they believe in it. I have found that people are more likely to stand up and defend something when they believe in it, as opposed to when they don't. Why are so many on here so quick to acknowledge the way the club has stuffed up in the past, yet not patient enough for all of that poor work to be fixed. I believe this club has been in a poor state for over a decade, and I think it is unrealistic, bordering on lunacy to believe that it can be turned around in 18 months. Many have suggested that a coach like Paul Roos could fix things, to which I have suggested that Sydney were in a similar position to us in the early 90's when Barassi was brought in to fix things, then Eade took over, and led the club for 7 years (including finals appearances) before Roos took over. Sydney took about 4-5 years to dig themselves out of where they were in the early 90's and return to playing finals football. Why should we expect any different? Look at the history of other clubs who have been in similar positions to where we are at. I think you will struggle to find examples of where a club has returned to being competitive and successful within 18 months. But back to my main point. It is simply disgusting for so many on here to simply abuse and disrespect the players and those in the club that are genuinely trying to move this club to where it needs to be. People want the club to show integrity......so how do they want that to be represented? To me, integrity means being consistent in your words and actions, yet people are getting sick of hearing the same old message of "it's going to take time, but we're on the right path". Since Neeld took over, I have seen more consistent messages coming out of the club regarding where it is at then I have for any time in the last decade. The actions or results have not been there and there has been little evidence that the players are performing at the level intended or expected, but does that mean that the players lack integrity, or that the club lacks integrity? The club has always said it is going to take time. It is taking time. They have clearly explained that their are standards the players are expected to meet. The players may not be consistently meeting those standards at the moment, but how many 20 - 25 year olds are always consistent in their behaviours. There are reasons that those clubs near the top of the ladder are where they are, they have a more mature and experienced group of players. Some people are being blinded by anger, and frustration when looking at the club. Take a step back, take a rational look at the playing list (which isn't great at the moment), and think, when compared to other lists, where should this club be sitting on the ladder? The club is sitting in 17th place and there doesn't seem to be much room for respite on the basis of current form and with crucial players including team leaders on the injured list. One thing is very clear. A repeat of last week or of the Essendon game earlier this season will be intolerable.

DEMONLAND PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Round 3 Place your votes for the Demonland Player of the Year 2012 after the final siren. Votes to be given on a 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 basis

DERAILED by Whispering Jack There's a certain sameness creeping into Melbourne's 2012 campaign. It starts with the team striving hard but playing patchy football punctuated by some glaring mistakes for one and a half quarters. Then the wheels fall off for the next one and a half quarters so that by three quarter time, we've all given up the ghost and might as well head homewards because the game's over. And when it's really over the statistics tell a lamentable tale. The Tigers ran all over the Demons from the midpoint of term two when the scoreboard had Melbourne up by a goal. This was the pivotal time in the game when the Richmond midfield really took over, lifted a notch and ran over a soft languid opposition. Whereas hitherto the Demons were in the game despite multiple skill and decision-making errors, suddenly it was the superiority of the Tiger on ball division that allowed them to change the dynamics of the game and to turn it into a one horse race. Melbourne looked a spent force and played that way until the final siren sounded to end another tragic day's play. The statistics that mattered overwhelmingly favoured Richmond which led disposals 427-268, inside 50's by 65-30 and tackles 75-53. Melbourne came close in contested ball but the remaining statistics indicate deep seated problems in the way the team is structured and that virtually nothing is being done during game day when the wheels start falling off to turn the game back into the team's favour. That happened predictably at the mid point of the second quarter when the Richmond midfield simply took over and ran their Melbourne counterparts off their feet. I have been watching the midfields of the other clubs in various matches over the early rounds and even the new franchises are already superior to that which is being presented by the Demons which is nothing short of shambolic. Even in the days of tanking, things were not so bad there and, unless some run can be introduced to help Nathan Jones, things will only get worse. It's a major worry that the club's season has effectively been derailed after just three rounds. I have nothing more to add. Melbourne 2.3.15 5.6.36 6.6.42 11.8.74 Richmond 4.4.28 6.8.44 15.11.101 20.13.133 Goals Melbourne Clark Dunn Howe Trengove 2 Jones Sellar Watts Richmond Cotchin Miller 3 Conca Deledio Nahas 2 Grigg Houli Jackson I Maric Martin Riewoldt Tuck Vickery Best Melbourne Howe Frawley Jones Watts Richmond Grigg Tuck Conca Foley Nahas Cotchin Injuries Melbourne Jack Grimes (concussion) Richmond Nil Changes Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Reports Melbourne Jack Grimes for rough conduct on Daniel Jackson Richmond Nil Umpires Schmitt Armstrong Mitchell Crowd 49,826 at the MCG

DERAILED by Whispering Jack There's a certain sameness creeping into Melbourne's 2012 campaign. It starts with the team striving hard but playing patchy football punctuated by some glaring mistakes for one and a half quarters. Then the wheels fall off for the next one and a half quarters so that by three quarter time, we've all given up the ghost and might as well head homewards because the game's over. And when it's really over the statistics tell a lamentable tale. The Tigers ran all over the Demons from the midpoint of term two when the scoreboard had Melbourne up by a goal. This was the pivotal time in the game when the Richmond midfield really took over, lifted a notch and ran over a soft languid opposition. Whereas hitherto the Demons were in the game despite multiple skill and decision-making errors, suddenly it was the superiority of the Tiger on ball division that allowed them to change the dynamics of the game and to turn it into a one horse race. Melbourne looked a spent force and played that way until the final siren sounded to end another tragic day's play. The statistics that mattered overwhelmingly favoured Richmond which led disposals 427-268, inside 50's by 65-30 and tackles 75-53. Melbourne came close in contested ball but the remaining statistics indicate deep seated problems in the way the team is structured and that virtually nothing is being done during game day when the wheels start falling off to turn the game back into the team's favour. That happened predictably at the mid point of the second quarter when the Richmond midfield simply took over and ran their Melbourne counterparts off their feet. I have been watching the midfields of the other clubs in various matches over the early rounds and even the new franchises are already superior to that which is being presented by the Demons which is nothing short of shambolic. Even in the days of tanking, things were not so bad there and, unless some run can be introduced to help Nathan Jones, things will only get worse. It's a major worry that the club's season has effectively been derailed after just three rounds. I have nothing more to add. Melbourne 2.3.15 5.6.36 6.6.42 11.8.74 Richmond 4.4.28 6.8.44 15.11.101 20.13.133 Goals Melbourne Clark Dunn Howe Trengove 2 Jones Sellar Watts Richmond Cotchin Miller 3 Conca Deledio Nahas 2 Grigg Houli Jackson I Maric Martin Riewoldt Tuck Vickery Best Melbourne Howe Frawley Jones Watts Richmond Grigg Tuck Conca Foley Nahas Cotchin Injuries Melbourne Jack Grimes (concussion) Richmond Nil Changes Melbourne Nil Richmond Nil Reports Melbourne Jack Grimes for rough conduct on Daniel Jackson Richmond Nil Umpires Schmitt Armstrong Mitchell Crowd 49,826 at the MCG

Late 2011. It was one of those games we were expected to win ... but we didn't. MELBOURNE Backs Colin Garland James Frawley Clint Bartram Half backs Aaron Davey Jared Rivers Joel Macdonald Centreline Sam Blease Brent Moloney Tom Scully Half forwards Jack Trengove Stef Martin Jeremy Howe Forwards Ricky Petterd Jack Watts Brad Green Followers Mark Jamar Colin Sylvia Nathan Jones Interchange (from) Jamie Bennell Lynden Dunn Neville Jetta Liam Jurrah Jordie McKenzie Cale Morton Daniel Nicholson In Jamie Bennell Brad Green Neville Jetta Liam Jurrah Out Luke Tapscott (soreness) RICHMOND Backs Bachar Houli Alex Rance Will Thursfield Half backs Brett Deledio Jayden Post Matt Dea Centreline Trent Cotchin Dustin Martin Shaun Grigg Half forwards Daniel Jackson Tyrone Vickery Shane Edwards Forwards Robin Nahas Jack Riewoldt Jake King Followers Angus Graham Shane Tuck Nathan Foley Interchange (from) Mitchell Farmer Brad Miller Mitch Morton Ben Nason Jamie O'Reilly Jeromey Webberley Matthew White In Ben Nason Jamie O'Reilly Jeromey Webberley Matthew White Out Jake Batchelor (Shoulder)

CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE by The Oracle It was twelve months ago that Melbourne played in that horrendous game against Hawthorn when it appeared totally shell-shocked in a third quarter from hell. Then followed a roller coaster ride for much of the season before the club encountered the big dip into oblivion which continues to haunt the club to this very day. Despite a new coach, a truckload of new assistants and sports scientists, the club seems beset by a crisis in confidence not made any easier thanks to a number of off field well documented disasters. Last week, the club came close to hitting rock bottom losing to the Eagles by a record 108 points to the Eagles at Paterson's Stadium. The performance was horrible and not far away from the worst of the past few years - the infamous 30 July, 2011 game against Geelong at Skilled Stadium or whatever they call that wretched place these days. This time the Demons gave the Eagles access to 78 inside 50s, failed to effect a single tackle inside their own 50 and gave their opponent a record winning margin. Fortunately for Melbourne, while Richmond's form has been encouraging so far this year, the Tigers are not in the same ball park as the Eagles, the MCG is a more welcoming venue than Paterson's Stadium and the weather is likely to be more comfortable than the 31 degree heat of Perth. That still might not be enough to Melbourne's crisis of confidence. THE GAME Richmond v Melbourne at the MCG Saturday 15 April 2012 at 1.45pm. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Richmond 100 wins Melbourne 79 wins At MCG Richmond 66 wins Melbourne 59 wins Since 2000 Richmond 11 wins Melbourne 9 wins The Coaches Hardwick 0 wins Neeld 0 wins MEDIA TV – Fox Footy Channel Live at 1.30pm Channel 7 (delayed at 3pm) RADIO - ABC774 SEN TripleM THE BETTING Richmond $1.28 to win Melbourne $3.85 to win THE LAST TIME THEY MET Richmond 17.15.117 defeated Melbourne 17.8.110 at the MCG, Round 22, 2011 The stage was set early in the game when the Tigers jumped out of the blocks and had three goals on the board - two from free kicks - before the Demons started playing. The difference was 26 points by half time but a Melbourne fightback, triggered by a dynamic Colin Sylvia (5 goals) saw it take an 8 point lead into the final term. The Tigers regained momentum in the final term and held on to win by 7 points. THE TEAMS RICHMOND Backs Steven Morris Alex Rance Chris Newman Half backs Bachar Houli Dylan Grimes Brandon Ellis Centreline Shaun Grigg Dustin Martin Daniel Jackson Half forwards Brett Deledio Tyrone Vickery Shane Edwards Forwards Brad Miller Jack Riewoldt Robin Nahas Followers Ivan Maric Trent Cotchin Nathan Foley Interchange Jake Batchelor Reece Conca Addam Maric Shane Tuck Emergencies Matt Dea Angus Graham Matthew White In Addam Maric Out Jake King (knee) MELBOURNE WEBJET DEMONS Backs Clint Bartram James Sellar James Frawley Half backs Colin Garland Jared Rivers Tom McDonald Centreline Nathan Jones Jack Grimes Rohan Bail Half forwards Jeremy Howe Jack Watts Cale Morton Forwards Aaron Davey Mitchell Clark Matthew Bate Followers Mark Jamar James Magner Jack Trengove Interchange Lynden Dunn Jordie McKenzie Stefan Martin Luke Tapscott Emergencies Jack Fitzpatrick Brad Green Joel Macdonald In Aaron Davey Stefan Martin Cale Morton Luke Tapscott Out Jamie Bennell Brad Green Joel Macdonald Ricky Petterd Umpires J Schmitt J Armstrong A Mitchell THE TURNING OF THE WHEEL There have been developments in the past 24 hours which undoubtedly will play a role in turning around both the on and off field fortunes of the Melbourne Football Club in what has so far been a disastrous start to season 2012. On Thursday morning the club announced the appointment of Tim Lamb as a national recruiting officer. Many might ask "Tim who?" but at least the announcement was positive news for once after more than a month of negative media. Something a little positive for a change. Things got appreciatively better in the evening w Melbourne has secured Australia's No.1 online travel agent Webjet as its joint major sponsor when the club announced that it had secured Australia's No.1 online travel agent Webjet as its "joint major sponsor" to feature on the front of its guernsey and training apparel. That's great news after the club's ditching of a sponsor last week because of racist comments published on the facebook page of its CEO. And the reference to a "joint major sponsor" suggests that there might be more good news on the way in the form in the near future another major sponsor announcement. But what's that got to do with this week's game against the Tigers? Well, some might say "very little" but if there is an overall cloud of doom and gloom hanging over the club then every piece of good news to lift the playing group will help. This is particularly so if, as I maintain above, that the Demons have being undergoing a crisis in confidence. Any sign of that dark cloud dissipating could mark the beginning of something new. The turning of the wheel. Of course, there needs to be a lot more to lift a team that's suffered a couple of soul destroying defeats and I believe that team selection this week brought about some necessary changes in balance and an infusion of a different mix of player which is definitely going to help things against Richmond. Mark Jamar laboured last week when he was forced to take on the combined ruck might of Cox and Naitanui at Paterson's Stadium. Stef Martin's return will therefore be invaluable. The addition of Cale Morton and Luke Tapscott, both former first round draft picks and both capable of adding some variety to the team mix. Then there's Aaron Davey who comes into the side and frankly, is fighting to restore his standing as one of the club's quality players after an injury interrupted 2011 that was also attended by some poor form. With the Jason Mifsud controversy off his back, let's hope that he can now return to form and play with some of that old determination and flair that marked his career over the previous six or seven seasons. The return to the MCG and some more mild conditions after battling in 30 degree heat on consecutive weeks will help as will some encouragement from opposition coach Damien Hardwick who told reporters: "They're actually playing OK footy." I think that was somewhat tongue in cheek from a coach whose only worry might be that his charges attack the game with an element of complacency but it does demonstrate that the concern is that a flaky team like Melbourne might actually hit back this week. And whilst I believe the Demons will do that and return to a level of competitiveness in this game and in the weeks to come, it might not be enough against the Tigers whose strength (its midfield) will be too much for the Demons most glaring weakness. Richmond by 10 points.

CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE by The Oracle It was twelve months ago that Melbourne played in that horrendous game against Hawthorn when it appeared totally shell-shocked in a third quarter from hell. Then followed a roller coaster ride for much of the season before the club encountered the big dip into oblivion which continues to haunt the club to this very day. Despite a new coach, a truckload of new assistants and sports scientists, the club seems beset by a crisis in confidence not made any easier thanks to a number of off field well documented disasters. Last week, the club came close to hitting rock bottom losing to the Eagles by a record 108 points to the Eagles at Paterson's Stadium. The performance was horrible and not far away from the worst of the past few years - the infamous 30 July, 2011 game against Geelong at Skilled Stadium or whatever they call that wretched place these days. This time the Demons gave the Eagles access to 78 inside 50s, failed to effect a single tackle inside their own 50 and gave their opponent a record winning margin. Fortunately for Melbourne, while Richmond's form has been encouraging so far this year, the Tigers are not in the same ball park as the Eagles, the MCG is a more welcoming venue than Paterson's Stadium and the weather is likely to be more comfortable than the 31 degree heat of Perth. That still might not be enough to Melbourne's crisis of confidence. THE GAME Richmond v Melbourne at the MCG Saturday 15 April 2012 at 1.45pm. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Richmond 100 wins Melbourne 79 wins At MCG Richmond 66 wins Melbourne 59 wins Since 2000 Richmond 11 wins Melbourne 9 wins The Coaches Hardwick 0 wins Neeld 0 wins MEDIA TV – Fox Footy Channel Live at 1.30pm Channel 7 (delayed at 3pm) RADIO - ABC774 SEN TripleM THE BETTING Richmond $1.28 to win Melbourne $3.85 to win THE LAST TIME THEY MET Richmond 17.15.117 defeated Melbourne 17.8.110 at the MCG, Round 22, 2011 The stage was set early in the game when the Tigers jumped out of the blocks and had three goals on the board - two from free kicks - before the Demons started playing. The difference was 26 points by half time but a Melbourne fightback, triggered by a dynamic Colin Sylvia (5 goals) saw it take an 8 point lead into the final term. The Tigers regained momentum in the final term and held on to win by 7 points. THE TEAMS RICHMOND Backs Steven Morris Alex Rance Chris Newman Half backs Bachar Houli Dylan Grimes Brandon Ellis Centreline Shaun Grigg Dustin Martin Daniel Jackson Half forwards Brett Deledio Tyrone Vickery Shane Edwards Forwards Brad Miller Jack Riewoldt Robin Nahas Followers Ivan Maric Trent Cotchin Nathan Foley Interchange Jake Batchelor Reece Conca Addam Maric Shane Tuck Emergencies Matt Dea Angus Graham Matthew White In Addam Maric Out Jake King (knee) MELBOURNE WEBJET DEMONS Backs Clint Bartram James Sellar James Frawley Half backs Colin Garland Jared Rivers Tom McDonald Centreline Nathan Jones Jack Grimes Rohan Bail Half forwards Jeremy Howe Jack Watts Cale Morton Forwards Aaron Davey Mitchell Clark Matthew Bate Followers Mark Jamar James Magner Jack Trengove Interchange Lynden Dunn Jordie McKenzie Stefan Martin Luke Tapscott Emergencies Jack Fitzpatrick Brad Green Joel Macdonald In Aaron Davey Stefan Martin Cale Morton Luke Tapscott Out Jamie Bennell Brad Green Joel Macdonald Ricky Petterd Umpires J Schmitt J Armstrong A Mitchell THE TURNING OF THE WHEEL There have been developments in the past 24 hours which undoubtedly will play a role in turning around both the on and off field fortunes of the Melbourne Football Club in what has so far been a disastrous start to season 2012. On Thursday morning the club announced the appointment of Tim Lamb as a national recruiting officer. Many might ask "Tim who?" but at least the announcement was positive news for once after more than a month of negative media. Something a little positive for a change. Things got appreciatively better in the evening w Melbourne has secured Australia's No.1 online travel agent Webjet as its joint major sponsor when the club announced that it had secured Australia's No.1 online travel agent Webjet as its "joint major sponsor" to feature on the front of its guernsey and training apparel. That's great news after the club's ditching of a sponsor last week because of racist comments published on the facebook page of its CEO. And the reference to a "joint major sponsor" suggests that there might be more good news on the way in the form in the near future another major sponsor announcement. But what's that got to do with this week's game against the Tigers? Well, some might say "very little" but if there is an overall cloud of doom and gloom hanging over the club then every piece of good news to lift the playing group will help. This is particularly so if, as I maintain above, that the Demons have being undergoing a crisis in confidence. Any sign of that dark cloud dissipating could mark the beginning of something new. The turning of the wheel. Of course, there needs to be a lot more to lift a team that's suffered a couple of soul destroying defeats and I believe that team selection this week brought about some necessary changes in balance and an infusion of a different mix of player which is definitely going to help things against Richmond. Mark Jamar laboured last week when he was forced to take on the combined ruck might of Cox and Naitanui at Paterson's Stadium. Stef Martin's return will therefore be invaluable. The addition of Cale Morton and Luke Tapscott, both former first round draft picks and both capable of adding some variety to the team mix. Then there's Aaron Davey who comes into the side and frankly, is fighting to restore his standing as one of the club's quality players after an injury interrupted 2011 that was also attended by some poor form. With the Jason Mifsud controversy off his back, let's hope that he can now return to form and play with some of that old determination and flair that marked his career over the previous six or seven seasons. The return to the MCG and some more mild conditions after battling in 30 degree heat on consecutive weeks will help as will some encouragement from opposition coach Damien Hardwick who told reporters: "They're actually playing OK footy." I think that was somewhat tongue in cheek from a coach whose only worry might be that his charges attack the game with an element of complacency but it does demonstrate that the concern is that a flaky team like Melbourne might actually hit back this week. And whilst I believe the Demons will do that and return to a level of competitiveness in this game and in the weeks to come, it might not be enough against the Tigers whose strength (its midfield) will be too much for the Demons most glaring weakness. Richmond by 10 points.