For the masochists out there

[pantaloons 2,019]

For those who are interested in trudging down memory lane for a painful two hours, the 2000 Grand Final is being shown on Foxtel's footy marathon at 11.30 tonight on Channel 501. I haven't seen it since that dreadful day, but I'll record it tonight and have a look for the first time in eight years. I'm sure for an instant that part of me will wonder if we can win the replay. While the day still conjures up sorry memories, the 2000 Grand Final was the closest we've come to winning a flag in my lifetime, even if it wasn't our best chance, and I'll be keen to see the side run out there.

[H_T 2,941]

Should I? Or shouldn't I? No, I will give that one a miss, thanks.

I'd prefer to catch up on some Zzzz's myself. A sports feast of the VFL Grand Final on ABC, Storm on Ch9 and "Before the Game" on Ch10 tonight will satisfy me, before a big day tomorrow.

[deanox 8,780]

its the only grand final we've been in that i was old enough to remember. i remember the anticipation, the excitment, of the week. i remember arriving at the ground. i knew how daunting essendon were that year but i dared to dream. i can remember being dissapointed that a young cameron bruce was a late withdrawal, but remember being very satisfied with ND's plan of having bruce warm up with the boys before the teams were submitted - so very sheedy like, and i thought we were onto something.

i can remember sitting and watching the score, as we were getting pumelled, hoping, praying we would stage a revival. i remember being outraged at essendons tactics, wishing we could stand up and fight back like them, wishing someone would help schwartz out. i remember calculating the score difference at half time and thinking it was still possible even if there was no real hope - the innocence of youth.

i would watch it again tonight. there are always replays of collingwood, carlton and essendon grand finals. the hawks in the 80's, west coast in the 90's. but there is nothing of the mfc. there is no footage of our grand final victories, of our three in a row. so for me, 2000, while dissapointing, is one of our greatest achievements in the past 50 years - we made the GF. it would be good to see the red and blue on the big stage, even if we get thumped.

tonight there should be 45 mfc players sitting at home watching that game, watching what it means to be a part of melbourne. i think if that doesnt make them want to stand up next year, that they will be a lost cause, just like we have been for the past 45 years.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

I remember watching it a couple of years ago, but I had to stop after what that weak thug Long did to Simmonds because I was just so angry.

[Chook 14,613]

I went when I was 8 and have almost no memory of the game. I'm watching it now, and am amazed at the crap people used to be able to get away with back then.

Also, it's strange after 2 years of total crap to see guys playing in our jumper being able to kick goals, win clearances and hit targets.

[LeBron James 41]

First quarter wasn't too bad.... the next three are going to be painful.

[Chook 14,613]

MICHAEL EFFING LONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU SON OF A [censored]!!!!

[LeBron James 41]

That was [censored] disgraceful... Michael Long you absolute dirty sniper.

[Chook 14,613]

Terrible umpiring, as usual.

[Trisul 649]

When that actually happened it blew any cred I'd given Long.

Compressed spine, broken neck .. awful but credible possibilities from a 20m sprint 1/2 twist into a hip and shoulder to the top of the skull.

There's hard, and then there's the really bad kind of mongrel.

[Sir Why You Little 34,920]

MICHAEL EFFING LONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU SON OF A [censored]!!!!

At the 2000 GF I arrived at the

MCC Reserve at 2am soit was a long day. At the games end i waited till Michael Long recieved his medal Booed him as loud as i could. Heard a bloke somewhere close to me yell out "You're a coward Long" Agreed. Went home. Have never rated long since that day. Dog.

[H_T 2,941]

Fwiw, I ended up watching all of it Grand Final Eve.

When Neita hit the post with the first shot at goal, its as if I was reliving the disappointment. Dean Wallis cheap shot on Brad Green made me want to jump through the Tv and rip into Wallis.

Deanox, you were spot on, not many helped the Ox for the Dees in the physical stakes. Powell reminded me of how handy he was in the clinches.

I was out of my chair - again as I was in 2000- when Ox dumped Hirdy onto his back, in a move more accustomed to WWF.

Farmer's first half was irritating - did nothing.

Realistically the Bombers mauled us, we couldn't put any scoreboard pressure on when the Bombers were missing a heap of shots at goal.

[dazzledavey36 49,334]

jeez i loved it how the OX picked up hird and body slammed him! gave me a big smile! we need a player like OX with guts and mongral and will stick up for their teamates like he did! not [censored] little girls like newton

[Red and Blue Flame 142]

whelan hit on hird- 04 elim final absolute ripper- we shoudve won that game.

just watched the QF final from 2000 against the blues- great game, and the crowd there surely would've yelled WHADDA WE SING!