Phoenix vs Victory Mon 5th 9:30pm SS3

Time to move on I reckon.

Has anyone heard anything on Smith? Assuming he and everyone else will be playing (other than Siggy) I'm guessing the line-up will be pretty standard:

                  Paston

Bertos  Dura Boxall Lochhead

Ifill     Smith Muscat   Fenton

      Waffles     Brockie

Subs: Moss, Lia, Clarke, Boyd

I'd like to see Clarke on the bench in place of Totori, as I haven't seen anything from him in the last few weeks that I'd like to see more of. Thoughts?

Swapping Brockie and Ifill around. But won't happen. Wouldn't mind giving Clarke a go on the bench, depends how hes training I suppose (and how he went in that friendly with TW last week?)

Also, Moss in for Paston because he is more of a goalscoring threat.

 Sucks that this game is at Etihad.

I miss AAMI :(

I think (and hope tbh) Totori has played himself out of a spot. I have not seen anything encouraging from him aside from a few runs in game 1 where he eventually just fellover, and he managed to hit the post once.

Is there a reason they play at Etihad? I thought it could've been so they can get bigger crowds, but surely that's not a reason when playing the Nix :P

 ^This.

Who's the referee this week?

I bet I can guess who it won't be...

(Bloody hell you miss the emoticons)

Got to ask why is game Monday night?

So why isn't it Sunday, Saturday or Friday?

 Think we have a pretty good chance. The Tards have a pretty formidable attack on paper but are yet to fire. Their defence is shocking though. They have already conceded 10 goals this season. I think we could bang quite a few in. Would love to see Brockie finally get on the scoreboard.

My bet is Ben Williams. 

Not that anyone needs reminding, but we have an absolutely shocking record in Melbourne.  Now would be an appropriate time for this disgrace to be expunged.  Also victree is Dingo's Son/victory hoolum/WaMakie/woteverhecalledthesedays' team too.  Revenge.  Adelaide might not be flavour of the month, but I really can't stand Melbourne.  ALF etc.  Bunch of flogs.

Well going by the refereeing last weekend he should have one already!

;-)

Would prefer Ben Wilson!

Yep time to make a statement. Have to win in Melbourne sometime. Don't expect any changes outside Boxall in. Would love to see Clarke on bench. 

Will probably get Benny Hill

I'm tols it's a rookie.  Can't remember the name but he's done one game befor I believe in the opening round.

Shaun Evans? He was the one that sent Birighitti off for that "handball".

Groan. This could end badly. 

Phoenix games is where they train rookies and does it really show, yes guessed decisions have killed use in too many seasons now

I think this is a big game for Brockie - needs to show that it's worth persisting with this 2 up front.  And we need to get something out of this match - they've started poorly and are a shambles at the back

agree on both counts, brockie and victory defence

3-1, marco to get them the lead, brocks with a brace in response, waffles with a creamy syrupy finish to seal it, ifill 3 assists

Yeah things have not started well under Ange. I think he is trying to disguise a few donkey's as horses tbh.

I'm still waiting for the 'Ange ure a sheet carnt' banner...

I can guess they are thinking it is just the Phoenix who never win here.  Lets get our season back on track.

But I have a feeling that the they all hate us over here and backs to the wall attitude is going to get the Nix 3 points and a potential pasting for the V

No Gillett for anyone this weekend, is that saying something?

Hard News was correct, we have the ref that did the opening round game between Adelaide & the Jets.

Thats very interesting - I thought Gillett was their poster boy ref, so that is a pretty big statement

 Good sauce

I thought strebre was the best, naturally assumed the FFA saw it that way as well...

I don't think he has been as good since recovering from his injury, compared to the standard he set before it. Didn't he get ref of the year in 09/10?