Hi all, I have been a Demons supporter for over forty years. I grew up in Collingwood but always followed the Demons. It was very tough being a Dee's supporter in Collingwood then. One of my earliest childhood memories was when I was given a 2 pound note by a drunken Melbourne supporter after the 64 GF when I was sitting on a fence near the MCG after the GF.

I've been a Demons member on and off for over 30 years including the Redlegs at one stage. Not a current member, now very busy and never around for many games. I manage to attend 2 or 3 a year. I have been reading this forum for a few months now and I was surprised to find that there are so many passionate supporters here. I don't know many first hand in my social circles so I don't discuss footy much.

What motivated me to join this was last weeks game against the Hawks. I watched the game in a pub in Darwin amongst a group of neutral fans. What interested me was that most of them didn't rate Hawthorn much but how they commented on how bad Melbourne was. Can they get any worse? The reality hit home for me as no doubt many here already feel.

A few thoughts on the current situation.

Commitment.

Without mentioning names, I get the impression there are a few players that may be cursing their luck at being involved with such a mediocre club. I think it reflects in their performances and attitude.

Newton, Miller and Dunn.

It appears these guys are the current whipping boys for many of the current ills. As we are all now resigned that this is will be another development year and with many good players still out with serious injuries or not fully fit then I believe they should be given every chance to prove themselves in the short term. Play them for five or six weeks irrespective of form. Dunn midfield, Miller CHF and Newton FF. No chopping and changing.

While no expert on strategy and tactics it appears to me the Melbourne game plan is overly ambitious. Players not up to it and zero confidence to match. Keep it more simple, basic and accountable just like Northey did when he became coach. Once players can demonstrate more confidence then develop the game plan further.

Cheers all and I hope we see a vastly better performance today.

Welcome to the frustration lol Some good observations there, many here would agree we need to play a KISS style and build there-on. That must have been some childhood Yep, can be hard getting to games and only Manage 3 or 4 myself. I just consider my membership as a donation like most youd consider any victory against the filth as extra sweet but might be a tad sour today ... Still we can always hope

go Dees

Welcome to the frustration lol Some good observations there, many here would agree we need to play a KISS style and build there-on. That must have been some childhood Yep, can be hard getting to games and only Manage 3 or 4 myself. I just consider my membership as a donation like most youd consider any victory against the filth as extra sweet but might be a tad sour today ... Still we can always hope

go Dees

The optimist in me says " Where there is life there is hope" but the realist says... If we can just keep them honest and accountable and play one on one footy. If each player will back up their teammates and stop putting them under ridiculous pressure and those given the task as forwards just kick between the two big sticks we might just make a good competitive effort and not embarrass ourselves again. I dont even mind (so much) being thumped by a good team if we make a fair dinkum effort across the board but leaving the work to 1st/2nd and 3rd year players is just not good enough. Leaders must LEAD by example and show these kids the way. They are smart and they will learn fast but last week they were giving their senior teammates a football lesson.

So as much as I would love to see it, I surely dont expect it. I am getting mum to text me the scores at work and I have it set to tape. The masochist in me wants to watch it when I get home tonite.

At the end of the day we all know its only a game, but for 2.5 hours on saturday I want our players to get out their and play like their lives depended on it, like they are going into battle. It's not too hard to ask, those of us who have played any form of footy know what it's like to walk onto the ground with your mates and put your body on the line for them. All our players have to do is keep it simple and go in hard for their mates. That's all I ask from them being a Melbourne Member for them to play like demons.