50 years of watching the Demons

[Rogue 585]

I'm surprised there are so many recent players.

Ingo was a great recruit.

[Demon3 2,541]

Ingo was a great recruit... and even better, he has become a better demon.. a top man to have involved in our club.

Its a great side, i am not that old to have seen some of the greats of yester year, but among my fav's are Brett Lovett, such an underrated and creative player, had brilliant hands.

The Ox.. oh what could have been, in one gamve v Footscray he grabbed the ball and did a spin in one movement and hit Lyon on the [censored].. brilliant

Lyon - a great leader, graceful mover All Aus backman and Fwd.

Love em all!

[Bobby McKenzie 2,383]

Ah, yes, what memories. Some of my best memories are sitting in front of the old radiogram as a kid, listening to the exploits of Greg Parke pulling down screamer after screamer, and pumping the ball down Ross Dillon's throat! Great stuff!!

But, I am truly gutted that no-one has mentioned my namesake! Good old Barrie Vagg was a rather talented Half Forward Flanker who was one of my real favourites!

Nostalgia! Gotta love it!

Now, on to the next battle with the old enemy on Monday...!

Go Dees!!

I was upset too Barrie, but then I realised I was too early for the prof having retired in 1955. I made the Demons team of the Century brought out by the Age but missed out on the MFC Official team. You and Geoff Tunbridge were great exponents of Half forward flank play. ( Often known as the graveyard of football).

[Bobby McKenzie 2,383]

"Recruited by Melbourne from Ballarat when he was already twenty-five years of age, Geoff Tunbridge played his entire six season, 117 game, 128 goal VFL career as an amateur. (He had, in fact, commenced his senior football in the VAFA with University Blues, playing in that side's 1952 A Grade premiership side.) Not that there was anything remotely amateurish about his play: explosively energetic and quick, he was one of the most damaging half forward flankers in the game. In his debut season he contributed a couple of goals to the Demons' 17.14 (116) to 7.13 (55) grand final demolition of Essendon, while in 1958 he was one of the few Melbourne players justified in holding his head high after the shock grand final loss to Collingwood. Tunbridge went on to play in further Demon premiership sides in 1959 and 1960. He also represented the VFL."

Absolutely horrible kicking style for goal BUT the ball always seemed to wobble through much to the disgust of opposition supporters!!! Would run onto his left foot every time but never seemed to ever get caught.

[Swampfox 190]

I first started going to the footy regularly in 1961. Melbourne were the only side that played at the MCG (not the 'G in those days), Ronald Dale was captain and Norm Smith coach. Many greats were very near the end of their careers. Ian Thorogood, Bluey Adams, Laurie Mithen etc. This is my best team from the last 50 years. Some explanation will be required.

B: A Johnson, Tassie Johnson, A Ingerson

HB: B Lovett, D Neitz, G Hardeman

C: S Alves, H Mann, S Tingay

HF: R Flower, D Schwarz, Gerard Healy

F: G Lyon, A Jackovich, J Farmer

R: J Stynes, R Barassi, T Viney

Inter: G Wells, C Ditterich, J McDonald, B Bourke

A Johnson was a highly skilled, very attacking, long kicking player.

Other great back pocket players include: F Davis and L Fowler. Fowler, Ditterich and Viney rank as the three toughest Demons I have watched.

Tassie Johnson was the quintessential fullback. Highly skilled, composed and a great kick.

Other handy ones include: R Biffin and D Hughes

Anthony Ingerson was sensational for us around 1998 to 2000. This position was the hardest to decide.

Brett Lovett was a wonderful half back flanker. Smart, creative and brilliant with his hands.

David Neitz was a natural at CHB. Tall, tough, attacking and a thumping kick. A better CHB than FF.

Gary Hardeman was the CHB in our team of the century. He could just as easily star on the flank. Fast, attacking, fabulous in the air. He could also kick 60 metres on his left foot.

I desperately need to include 3 wingers. So, the best (RF) will play on the half forward line. If you're not happy, view a tape of the 1987 finals series.

Stan Alves was a standout player and leader for a decade. Fast, skillful, passionate.

Hassa Mann What a player! Experts rate him as very good. What a joke. He was much better than this. Hassa was top shelf.

Stephen Tingay A great player. Super skilled on both sides of his body.

Now for the forwards...

Robbie Flower was simply the best Melbourne player I have seen. Sublime skills. When injury free, no one ever nailed him.

David Schwarz would have been scary but for 3 knee recos. Even so he was still very good.

Gerard Healy was a very good player who became an outstanding one at the Swans. Clever, creative and damaging.

Garry Lyon A superb player. Very competitive, great kick, genuine leader.

Allen Jackovich Freakish skills, magnificent kick, capable of kicking 6+ goals on a regular basis.

Jim Stynes What more needs to be said.

Ron Barassi I only watched him play for 4 years, but that was long enough. The most fierce competitor I have ever seen.

Todd Viney Tough, super fit and consistent.

On the pine:

G Wells Ball magnet, great mark for his size.

C Ditterich Aggressive, athletic. A real protector. I actually watched his famous first game at Junction Oval (1963)

J McDonald His last 5 or 6 years have been nothing short of inspirational.

B Bourke A bit of a favourite of mine. Could literally play anywhere. Skillful, fast, smart and courageous. Took a telling mark in the the defensive goalsquare with about a minute to play in the '64 grand final.

Coach Norm Smith No surprises there!

Stiff to miss out:

B Dixon Super competitive, great mark. His best footy was mainly behind him when I watched him in action.

F Davis Courageous, skillfull and reliable.

L Fowler Super tough, aggressive.

A Yze At his peak he was a genuine game breaker.

S Febey Reliable, consistent.

R Robertson Very effective as second string key forward.

Hope this is of interest!

Thanks for bringing back some wonderful memories

Over such a period of time i too would have trouble selcting a side not willing to leave out some favourites so i will add a few names

Brian Kenneally , Bernie Massey and Barrie Vagg although not discussed as demon greats they still warm my heart when they get mentioned

Paul Callery one of the smallest players to ever play

Ross Dillion and Greg Parke made a high flying Forward Spine (If only they could Kick)

Agree with Flower being the best Demon i have seen

Barry Bourke Mr Versatile himnself was a favourite of mine and the unsung hero of the 64 flag

Hassa Mann was more than very good and only Ian Stewart was better in that era and IMO the best centreman to play the game

Agree with Rhino on Laurie Fowler , probably the best player to come from another club after the 60,s

Even Rhino Richards with that take em all on attacking attitude was a delight to watch

Earl Spalding was a genuine star IMO

Pretty sure Big Carl made his debut against us and what a debut it was as he joined Gabelich ,Farmer and Nicholls as the premier ruckmen of the era

Alves was another favourite and proved Norm Smith wasnt perfect in picking talent when he didnt think he could make it

I remember the day Tilbrook joined and although never living up to his enormous reputation still done some great things

Think a bigger version of Mick Conlan or a German Tank

Hated the change of colours we had to wear during those times

Hated all that merger crap

Was a huge fan of the defensive pressure of Sean Wight who was one of the few players to nullify the great Gary Ablett

Big fan of Allen Johnson and consider him our best #1 pick

Dont get me started on IMO a deserved addition to the HOF in Gary Hardeman

Ray Biffin , Gary Baker and the list goes on

I was blessed to be born in the early 50,s

Thanks for the post Prof

[Harrisonrules 273]

Prof, It's an interesting time to start, just after the great era, but many of those who were core to the 50's were coming to an end by the 60's not because they had lost it but it was time to get a real job, in those days and what hadn't they achieved. I have some other favourites that I believe should be considered against some names. Back flankers were Tony Anderson. Hard as nails, fast courageous a lovely 6'1" marking flanker and A Vic rep. Doc 'Roet' looked a bit awkward at times but rarely beaten. Lovely pack mark and regular 60 to 70 (yards in those days) kick the latter naturally with the wind which we often got on those suburban grounds, windy hill, Arden street, Whitten oval etc. Then Donny Williams, speed, leap mark kick you name it. These I would say would make it hard for Lovett and Ingerson to play. I'm certainly a Dicko fan. Not the prettiest but as effective as any, Faster than he looked, one of the best overhead marks for his size I can remember. I'd love to see his stats. Just for old times sake there was nothinbg more exhilerating than seeing Bluey Adams sprint the living day lights out of the opposition (I think he was a world record holder for the 400 as a professional. Only 5'6" but with his bulk you dare not get in the way. we loved it, he was on our side. Johnnie Townsend is worth mentioning. He was just beginning to emerge as a elite rover when knees cut his career short. And any memory of rovewrs has to make mention of Tiger Ridley and Stuie Spencer Sadly I have to disagree with you on James McDonald (don't all through bottles at me) but as courageous as he is, his skills, eg kicking are just not up to the level of a really elite player. Barry Bourke came on with great expectations through the under 17 but I don't believe was any better than a good player. Geoff Tunbridge was better than Barry Vagg. Barry carried the mantel of being the new Tunner' but never got there. The trouble with Todd V was that he took such a long time to reach his peak, but was very ordinary for a long time through 3 quarters of his career. Of the rucks I think I would put Geoff White ahead of Ditterich in the Melbourne colours, and what I wouldn't give to have 'Big Bob' available these days. Whatever our opinions we can all celebrate that the demons have produced great and entertaining players over the years. Surely we can do it again.

[Deeoldfart 8,005]

But, I am truly gutted that no-one has mentioned my namesake! Good old Barrie Vagg was a rather talented Half Forward Flanker who was one of my real favourites!

Nostalgia! Gotta love it!

Go Dees!!

No offence Vagg, but Geoff Tunbridge (Barrie's predecessor on the HFF) more than had his measure.

[Vagg 2,439]

No offence Vagg, but Geoff Tunbridge (Barrie's predecessor on the HFF) more than had his measure.

And here I was thinking I was about the oldest poster on here! This thread has definitely flushed out all the old farts! LOL

Mate, can I claim to be too young to remember Geoff Tunbridge? (Well, that's my excuse for sticking with Bazza, anyway!)

[Vagg 2,439]

Johnnie Townsend is worth mentioning. He was just beginning to emerge as a elite rover when knees cut his career short.

And, don't forget Ken Emselle. If my memory serves me correctly, it seems there was a time when either Townsend or Emselle were injured. One would come back from a long injury, only for the other one to be struck down. We rarely seemed to get them both on the park at the same time. But, both were very handy rovers.

[Vagg 2,439]

I was upset too Barrie, but then I realised I was too early for the prof having retired in 1955. I made the Demons team of the Century brought out by the Age but missed out on the MFC Official team. You and Geoff Tunbridge were great exponents of Half forward flank play. ( Often known as the graveyard of football).

Wow! Bobby, you must be the Ancient of Days on this site! Well done!

[Vagg 2,439]

I'm so young I've heard of virtually none of these players. I feel like I missed a lot.

My childhood memories of the MFC revolve around names such as Hopgood, Seecamp, Tingay, Ingerson, Beams, Lovett, you know, basically our 90s team.

Don't worry, Titan. Your glory days are just ahead...!

[BangkokDemon 96]

Whatever our opinions we can all celebrate that the demons have produced great and entertaining players over the years. Surely we can do it again.

[Sir Why You Little 36,976]

Sean Wight would definately be close to making that all time side of the pas 50 years.

His Athletisism was above almost all the competition in those 87-91 years. He was Fearless and Frugal. Top Defender.

[Harrisonrules 273]

I claim to have been at the 54 grand final as a young kid and am part of a small group of us who saw all the 50's as kids and how we regularly love the remnice. Always gather in Percy's Pub (Percy Beames Bar) after the game to cool down, and freshen up, let the crowd disperse and then return home to watch the replay with a less emotional analysis and confirm how wrong the umps were.

[Vagg 2,439]

I claim to have been at the 54 grand final as a young kid and am part of a small group of us who saw all the 50's as kids and how we regularly love the remnice. Always gather in Percy's Pub (Percy Beames Bar) after the game to cool down, and freshen up, let the crowd disperse and then return home to watch the replay with a less emotional analysis and confirm how wrong the umps were.

Your name on here reminds me of that place where some of our players had to front up to after getting their numbers in the umpires' books -- Harrison House! LOL

[Hannabal 4]

I was dealt a cruel blow having been born post our last premiership. Although one of my older Brothers had a large poster of Tassie Johnson on our bedroom door.

My early memories are of names such as Henry Ritterman, Osborne, Parke, Ditterich, Brewer, Alves, Wells, Callery, Marty Lyons and the incomparable Flower. Then it was on to the Viking, Steve Smith, Jarrott, Graham, Cattogio, Moore, Sparks, the late Wayne Gordon and the stellar Chris Woodman. The latter once missed a goal from 15 metres out - he didn't make the distance. Then more pain was to ensue with Seddon, Reynolds, Bamblett, O'Sullivan (Son of), through to Bailey, Battiston, O'Brien, etc. before finally getting some class in the late 80's.

Unfortunately, the best I've seen in Lyon, Viney, Stynes, Neitz, Tingay, Schwarz, the Lovett's, etc were a rung below the greats of the game and hence never won a flag. I best be thankful for small mercies I suppose.

Edited June 12, 2010 by Hannabal

[titan_uranus 24,974]

Unfortunately, the best I've seen in Lyon, Viney, Stynes, Neitz, Tingay, Schwarz, the Lovett's, etc were a rung below the greats of the game and hence never won a flag. I best be thankful for small mercies I suppose.

Not that I would really know, but I would have thought those two would mix it with the best of the previous eras.

[Hannabal 4]

Not that I would really know, but I would have thought those two would mix it with the best of the previous eras.

It's futile to compare eras. You can really only compare players to others of their own generation, which is where Lyon falls down. Jimmy can hold his head higher in this regard.

Lyon was a poor overhead contested mark, which stopped him taking the next level. His other attributes were superb. Stynes ended his career a great ruckman/follower, but I wouldn't have him as one of the greats of the game. He's a great of the MFC no doubt. That said, I wouldn't get into an argument over it and he was definitely in the upper echelon for his era.

[Bitter but optimistic 22,218]

Allen Jachovich ?

[titan_uranus 24,974]

It's futile to compare eras. You can really only compare players to others of their own generation, which is where Lyon falls down. Jimmy can hold his head higher in this regard.

Lyon was a poor overhead contested mark, which stopped him taking the next level. His other attributes were superb. Stynes ended his career a great ruckman/follower, but I wouldn't have him as one of the greats of the game. He's a great of the MFC no doubt. That said, I wouldn't get into an argument over it and he was definitely in the upper echelon for his era.

I'll take your word for it then.

You're right about comparing eras though.

[Prof 15]

I was upset too Barrie, but then I realised I was too early for the prof having retired in 1955. I made the Demons team of the Century brought out by the Age but missed out on the MFC Official team. You and Geoff Tunbridge were great exponents of Half forward flank play. ( Often known as the graveyard of football).

I remember Bobby McKenzie's son, also named Bobby. Played in numbers 50 then 2. (1971 to 1973 or there abouts). Half forward flanker or wingman. Clever, but a bit of a dodgy kick!

[Harrisonrules 273]

Harrisonrules is code for Aussie rules football. Harrison and Wills being the founder. Harrison House naturally has a significant place in many a footballers story

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

My early memories are of names such as Henry Ritterman, Osborne, Parke, Ditterich, Brewer, Alves, Wells, Callery, Marty Lyons and the incomparable Flower. Then it was on to the Viking, Steve Smith, Jarrott, Graham, Cattogio, Moore, Sparks, the late Wayne Gordon and the stellar Chris Woodman. The latter once missed a goal from 15 metres out - he didn't make the distance. Then more pain was to ensue with Seddon, Reynolds, Bamblett, O'Sullivan (Son of), through to Bailey, Battiston, O'Brien, etc. before finally getting some class in the late 80's.

Need you have brought up such dark days. Geez. B)

O'Sullivan (son of)- Are you referring to Chris Sullivan (4) son of Tony(4). We also had a Michael O'Sullivan. Both players aptly make your list. I am not going to get into a most ordinary MFC player that I have seen but Woodman would be there with John Dellamarta (ex Collingwood). Terrible

[Sir Why You Little 36,976]

John Clements did some work for my dad (labouring) during the early 70's

His career started brightly but stalled. I think i remember him kicking a bag against Geelong at the 'G in '73. It was my birthday so it has stuck in my memory.

[Hannabal 4]

Need you have brought up such dark days. Geez. B)

O'Sullivan (son of)- Are you referring to Chris Sullivan (4) son of Tony(4). We also had a Michael O'Sullivan. Both players aptly make your list. I am not going to get into a most ordinary MFC player that I have seen but Woodman would be there with John Dellamarta (ex Collingwood). Terrible

Good pick up, I'm wrong there. I was actually referring to Michael (not the Son of) and not Chris. Michael, a left footer, actually showed a bit of class early on.