As the year comes to a close, I would like congratulate the footy dept, admin staff and management at the Mfc for the great job they have done.

Some highlights for me have been:

- the sensitive but decisive manner in which players have been deleted off the list...not an easy task considering the calibre and popularity of some of the players (Robbo, Whelan, Wheats)....and TJ before that

- the master stroke of creating places for pick 34 and 50...none of us posters tipped they would delist Newton and Meesen and rookie them to my knowledge!

- honouring our word and redrafting Newton and Meesen, and persevering with Danny Hughes

- Outstanding drafting by BP - Jurrah was a ripper, Jetta and Bennell also have shown plenty.

- Excellent publicity work, especially a lot of favourable press in the past few months. There have been times lately when a Dees story appears in one of the papers every day!

- The outstanding writings of Martin Flanagan in The Age

-The observance of the importance of the history of the club, like yesterdays jumper ceremony with Barass, Dixon and Neita

- and I can't wait for our games against Carlton in the future....watching us catch up to them and then go past them to a flag first....CJ, Brock, Warnock and Juddy are now our greatest rivals!

So a hearty thanks and Merry Christmas to all the good people working for the club.

Yes, good post ravi. I congratulate the club too. Fine effort.

Where is the "hands clapping emoticon" when you need it ?

Yeah good post, it's been a nightmare of a year and the club has handled it very, very well.

2008 was the worst year of following footy I've known (with, interestingly, the best day I've enjoyed at the footy, vs Freo) .

2009 has been magic in comparison. I was glued to the computer screen watching everything right up until the last round, and was satisfied with what I've seen. In some cases MORE than satisfied.

We're enjoying a unity (albeit a small one) that I've not seen in my time following the dees, and I've never been more excited, or proud to have gotten in on the bottom floor...

Great thread, and great sentiment. Well done to everyone working at the dees.

2008 was the worst year of following footy I've known (with, interestingly, the best day I've enjoyed at the footy, vs Freo) .

2008 was a waste of time, in the end i couldn't handle going each week to see us get flogged, but i still went and supported the mighty demons, Jimmy,Chris Connoly, Schwaby, they turned this club around so much in the space of a year and ahalf, -casey deal, debt demolition, and showing they have the faith in Dean Bailey to coach when we were getting pumped week in week out,

Its just a matter of time before we returning to the top 8, not just on the field but also off it.

And for the record.... That Freo Game is the best spectacle i have ever seen, - the second half any way!!!!

Dont forget the MCC alliance as well, that was a pretty big one!

Yes, good post ravi. I congratulate the club too. Fine effort.

Where is the "hands clapping emoticon" when you need it ?

Haha, very good!

Just received an email from the club for the "Before the Bounce" package. A great initiative!!!! I've subscribed. Maybe RR and I could sit in together and exchange cliches.

Edited December 17, 200915 yr by iv'a worn smith

Just received an email from the club for the "Before the Bounce" package. A great initiative!!!! I've subscribed. Maybe RR and I could sit in together and exchange cliches.

I wish I could afford it, i suppose if i could save my pennies, it is only $50 per game (for 4 games), I wonder if it is transferable and you could do two games with someone else?

for those who don't know, here are the details.

'Before the Bounce' is an exciting new match day experience, designed to give members a privileged insight into match day tactics. Hear priviledged information from CEO Cameron Schwab and a Melbourne Football Club assistant coach, as they preview and discuss the upcoming game. You will receive exclusive access to confidential information on tactics and key match ups that will shape the course of the match.

Held in the Jim Stynes Room, 'Before the Bounce' will provide a pre-game analysis of four Melbourne home games during the 2010 season.

Game One

Round 3, Melbourne v Adelaide - Room opens 12.30 pm

Assistant coach in attendance: Josh Mahoney (Forward Line Coach)

Game Two

Round 5, Melbourne v Brisbane - Room opens 6.30 pm

Assistant coach in attendance: Mark Williams (Midfield Coach)

Game Three

Round 8, Melbourne v West Coast - Room opens 1.30 pm

Assistant coach in attendance: Sean Wellman (Back Line Coach)

Game Four

TBC

Assistant coach in attendance: Scott West (Midfield Coach)

DETAILS (Timing is based on a 2.10 pm game)

1.30 pm Room opens (Jim Stynes Room)

1.40 pm Pre-game address by CEO Cameron Schwab and an assistant coach

2.00 pm Presentation finishes

2.01 pm Teams run onto the ground

2.10 pm Game commences

Cost- $200 (inc GST) for the four game package, per person

You will need an account ID and password

I wish I could afford it, i suppose if i could save my pennies, it is only $50 per game (for 4 games), I wonder if it is transferable and you could do two games with someone else?

for those who don't know, here are the details.

'Before the Bounce' is an exciting new match day experience, designed to give members a privileged insight into match day tactics. Hear priviledged information from CEO Cameron Schwab and a Melbourne Football Club assistant coach, as they preview and discuss the upcoming game. You will receive exclusive access to confidential information on tactics and key match ups that will shape the course of the match.

Held in the Jim Stynes Room, 'Before the Bounce' will provide a pre-game analysis of four Melbourne home games during the 2010 season.

Game One

Round 3, Melbourne v Adelaide - Room opens 12.30 pm

Assistant coach in attendance: Josh Mahoney (Forward Line Coach)

Game Two

Round 5, Melbourne v Brisbane - Room opens 6.30 pm

Assistant coach in attendance: Mark Williams (Midfield Coach)

Game Three

Round 8, Melbourne v West Coast - Room opens 1.30 pm

Assistant coach in attendance: Sean Wellman (Back Line Coach)

Game Four

TBC

Assistant coach in attendance: Scott West (Midfield Coach)

DETAILS (Timing is based on a 2.10 pm game)

1.30 pm Room opens (Jim Stynes Room)

1.40 pm Pre-game address by CEO Cameron Schwab and an assistant coach

2.00 pm Presentation finishes

2.01 pm Teams run onto the ground

2.10 pm Game commences

Cost- $200 (inc GST) for the four game package, per person

You will need an account ID and password

Unfortunately, not transferrable. Save those pennies mate. It could be well worth the investment.

Unfortunately, not transferrable. Save those pennies mate. It could be well worth the investment.

Buggar! I also read that you have to sign a confidentiality agreement, so you can't even post it here on Demonland to tell others of the experience. <_<

Oh well a great idea and i hope the sell heaps!

This is definitely something that I think a heap of supporters will be really interested in.

I know the club has been determined to create a package that really makes regular supporters feel like they are a part of the 'inner sanctum', without making the costs completely out of reach.

I think this is a great compromise. $200 puts it in reach of most supporters who would be keen, whilst also keeping it slightly exclusive.

Cam Schwab would be absolutely fantastic to listen to, and as the games are spread throughout the season, it would be great to hear about the development of players and tactics as the season unfolds.