Stick Sports Community

Brogan not taking No.1 ruck spot for granted - AFL.com.au



The above article got me thinking. Is a good tap ruckman really that important?

If you look at the premiership teams of recent years, there hasn't been a standout...

First and foremost, I wish that I could do an analysis of this nature for every team. However, I lack a) the deep knowledge and b) the time and commitment, to do so.

The "noughties" have seen the Melbourne Football Club through 5 finals series, 1 grand final appearance, 2 wooden spoons, off-field debt, a near miss regarding relocation, a tragic death, a Coleman medal, a Brownlow medal, 5 All-Australians,...

I know, every year there is controversy over the 22 picked in the All-Australian side (Russell Robertson's non-selection in 2005 being the biggest tragedy of all time). I realise and acknowledge that it is impossible to fit all players who have had an above-average season in the team. However, I honestly believe that my side would beat the side selected on Monday night.

The selected side is as follows:

B: Corey Enright; Matthew Scarlett; Brian Lake
HB: Simon...

You may remember my blogs The Charlie - 2009 (pre-season) and The Charlie - 2009 (round 5) in which I had Brett Deledio (Richmond) and then Gary Ablett (Geelong) winning the most prestigious individual award in our game.

It is now coming down to the serious end of the season - just three rounds to go until finals, and once again I'm back to predict what will happen come Brownlow Medal night.

At this stage, I would say that Dane Swan is one of, if not the favourite....

I'll start off by saying that I'm a diehard, passionate Melbourne supporter. I have been for my entire life and will continue to be until we fold, or I die.

For the last few weeks, I haven't enjoyed the footy at all. I'm in a position where I want Melbourne to win, but I know that in the long run, it will be better if we lose.

Cast your minds back to 2007. It was round 22 at the MCG, the last game of the home and away season in front of 26,000 people. Melbourne was...