The revamping of our football department occurred over 12 months ago. Neeld inherited a confused and disoriented playing list and they played like this for much of 2012 as players were challenged to play a far more defensive and organised style.

Neeld entered the coaching fray making some big and bold statements, he was unable to get a footy team that could consistently fulfil his ambitions in 2012. Those statements were Neeld's expression to the players, the membership and the football world of his ambitions for his football team. He has been unwaivering in his demands of his list and the club has some talented players have been collateral damage. In 2013 we get to watch and decide if the players that he has selected to remain and selected to draft will be willing and capable physically and intellectually of accepting the coaches mandate. Will the loss of the talent be offset by what many hope to be a more disciplined and hardened culture? and will the draftees make a significant inpact in 2013?

The reports have been positive this pre-season, as they are every pre-season but there are many learned demonlanders who suggest that there is improved, leadership, fitness and cohesion among the group.

This pre-season a very cautious Neeld has made no big statements, there are no great predictions or expectations, but some sense a quiet confidence that he feels that an improved football team will take the field this year. How many wins that translates to is of course relative to the improvement or otherwise of the other clubs, perhaps a more organised and assured team will compete in the 2013 season.

The antidote to a flagging membership, a large fine, a battered reputation and a divided Demonland is having a strong team that can eke out wins against solid opposition....And a team that can play a game style that can be reasonably expected to become better and stronger in the future so that the idea of impending finals wins is not something that other teams supporters get to do.

So heres to a new season of FOOTBALL, and to a steady upward projection of the fortunes of our club.

Neeld is the boss. I don't think anyone now at the club doesn't fully understand this.

The importance of this cannot be underestimated. Everyone pulling in the same direction.

I noticed that the pre-match interview with the Adelaide coach after they had been soundly beaten by St Kilda featured him using the words "We were very easy to play against." It looks like Neeldy coined a good one!