There is only so much cricket I can take and the old Dee’s games I have recorded - well I already know the result 'cos I don’t keep games we loose! So it with much excitement that I get to switch my Foxtel on next Sunday and see the Dees run out for 2009.

I watched every game the Dee's played last year and got to celebrate only twice. But I watched each game to the end figuring I might miss some bit of heroics and the very next week there I was, glued to the set with hope and excitement. Sitting here in Sydney (Frankston born and raised though) I obviously don't get to see Melbourne play in the flesh very often but that does not reduce my ardour!

This year the Dee’s are not even playing here in Sydney so I will be making the trek to Canberra in July. Joy of joys though, I’ll be in Melbourne on the 19th for the Richmond game at the G’ and it will be the first time my daughter (almost 16) will have watched footy at the MCG. You will be glad to know that she is an AFL devotee and a Melbourne supporter through and through – so my work there is almost complete.

It’s even better this year with so many new faces in the team all brimming with so much potential and carrying the weight of our expectations.

End of the day though - I just wanna watch some footy!!!

Agreed. I'm currently gearing up for my 45th season with the Dees and I'm champing at the bit. It's been a long, tough pre-season but now the excitement has set in. After all, we haven't lost a game so far ...

Yeah, the flutterby's are starting to move around a little ever time i think of the G on Sunday.

Looking forward to the walk on the way to the 'G', among fellow supporters and opposition supporters.......ahhhhh footy!!!

Yeah its a good time of the year. We haven't lost a game, we are filled with hope (even though we know its going to be another crap season) and we can't wait to see who has improved and who of the new bunch is set to excite us for the next 200+ games.

Yes bring it on and if we get caned we'll lick our wounds and turn up again the following week against Collingwood full of hope again. Its the eternal cycle of optimism that keeps us going.