I can just picture everyone tentatively circling this thread, pondering whether to put in an opinion for fear of being howled down.

We've all had a love hate relationship with Fev ever since he kicked 12 in the Millenium game.

He's been a destructive influence on the club, and a source of great joy. I hate his self absorbed arrogance and his European soccer style celebrations. I'm still angry at him for pissing it all away. I cant believe I still have a soft spot for him. I am happy for him that he's on fire in the VFL.

Our hopes are up at the moment because we're a very good side, but recent weeks have suggested we're fragile, and I'm fearful of how we'll do in the finals ahead. We need a full fit list (especially Jamo and Waite) to be competitive against the best sides, and we have holes in our structure, not the least of which is the absence of a power marking forward. The young candidates we have for this role dont impress me (sorry Hendo and Hammer) although they may improve to be adequate or even very good over the next couple of years.

If he finishes the VFL year on a good note I'd pick him up. Rookie listed and minimum salary almost nothing to lose. Great insurance. If the young guys are going to be that good let them show it and keep him out of the side. If he bursts down the barn door like we know he can, then he earns his spot. He may likely get offers elsewhere (especially from GWS) but his heart is still Carlton and I love that he feels like this.

I know I sound like an abused wife that keeps taking her partner back despite everyone telling her she's mad. Admit it. How many of you think we could pinch the flag next year with a fit and firing Fevola in the side?

I cant see it happening because I cant see Ratts backing down on this. But its tantalising! Good luck to Brendan anyway.

Most of the negatives use logic that would have stopped the dogs from drafting repeat offender Hall with serious anger management issues or of course Cusins with his repeat offender history.

I'm not comparing drug problems or senseless violence with Fevs various problems because that's pointless. Apples and oranges.

There are lots of good reasons not to take him back but saying he doesn't deserve another chance because he blew his last one is harsh.

JohnM, the time he applied genuine pressure and chasing was the same game, late in the last quarter against the Hawks when he was stuck on 99 goals. We were over 10 goals down and not going to win. Is it any coincidence that when there was personal glory on the line, he chases his guts out, especially considering the game was long over? Do people seriously think he'd have done it if he'd gone nowhere near 100 goals for the year, OR, if he'd already kicked the ton earlier in the game? Hell no.

If anything demonstrates his "Fev first" attitude, this has to be it.