Only two years ago there were many posters on this forum claiming that a Victorian team would never win another premiership and that the Interstate teams would dominate forever. Happily they were wrong and it is the Vics turn to dominate. Does this mean that the draft is working and that we, the mighty Dees will be clawing our way up the ladder faster than some people think. Are the people who have us failing miserably again next year the ones who were bemoaning Victoria's then lack of success? if so we might have too many pessimists in our midst. I guess all will be revealed come season 2009. Or being pessimistic, season 2010.

A valid comment

....one can only hope !!

may not be the express elevator though

Well despite the season from hell, I think it's definitely an exciting time to be a Melbourne supporter. When a team is in the state we're in, you just have to appreciate the small impovements from game to game. We good be anything at this stage, but the only way is up.

Bobby,

Its a good outcome but belies the financial disparity that characterises interstate clubs and Victorian Clubs.

If you compare the, membership, gate takings arrangements revenue turnover and profitability of WCE, Freo, Crows and compare it with clubs like MFC and NM, it shows its not a level playing field and how much harder it is for one of the lower level financial clubs to succeed in terms of facilities for players, sponsors and members, coaching and conditioning staff and sponsorship exposure.

Maybe it has coincided with the fact that Brisbane and Sydney no longer have 1st crack at their local players. It's handy when you can pick up the likes of Voss, Akermanis, Ashcroft and Charman for next to nothing (and they almost got Reiwoldt). Also, I think the additional allowance they received on their salary cap for player retention has been scrapped.