I don't need to tell a single person reading this forum that its been a tough several years for us all. Like many on here I love my footy club, its been mine since birth and I find myself caring about it more than I probably should. I don't need to provide a spread sheet of the potential saviours, false dawns, tragedies, mistakes, anguish and failures we as a club have endured. There has been times in the past few years where in my darker moments I was forced to ponder which club I'd barrack for should mine bite the dust? The sad answer is, there is no answer, I'd probably give the game away. During this time I think we've each held onto something that has kept us going. A thought, a hope, a simple wish. I'm interested to know what yours is?

What's the one thing that has kept you supporting our club during these lean years?

self delusion

What has kept me supporting this club is holding onto hope (that we will get better) eventhough the last few years in particular have been VERY hard.

When it does turn around it is going to be sooooooo sweet and will make the hard times worth it IMO and I will enjoy sticking it up avery plick that has had a cheap shot at us.

Also being partly insane helps!

the idea that one day all the doubters are going to look like idiots

Casey, the draft, the idea the club and FD will get it right, and now its the AFL assisting us and over looking how we go forward.

I think it will be, FINALLY, happier days ahead.

I must be very thick - I can't think of anything but the players.

I am a real sucker for an underdog. I'd love to see Jack Watts stick it up all the knockers, and I am quite sure he has the talent to do it beautifully. I want to be there that day. Before him, Jurrah. I'll never forgive the mismanagement of Liam Jurrah.

So now, there's Jimmy Toumpas, and big Max, and Garland is Tasmanian so I get a big kick out of him, Chippa is a Ballarat boy sort of and so am I, and anyway plenty of underdogs every week. Love em. Lived right through the Robbie Flower years, it's always the players. I remember 64 really well, and for me, the premiership is great, but at the time it's sort of your right, and there's some thrill and so on, but it's never the greatest thing, not for me. I just love seeing the players pull out the really good stuff that wasn't expected exactly, you see them getting into stuff they haven't done before, or can't do every week, and that is the pleasure of going to the footy. i love the beauty of the game, the excellence that the Greeks loved. So long as the thugs don't hospitalise them, and the coaches don't mess with them, I just love seeing the agon and hopefully the exhilaration of PB moments every game.

All sport is metaphorical. We all have relatives who get old, and what do you do - chuck em out? i don't think so.

Edited July 15, 201311 yr by nextplease

Revolution!!!

It was either support the team or visit Madam Lash's house of whips - and Madam Lash charges too much.

Edited July 15, 201311 yr by Carrot Top

Have said it before... I have an addictive personality. I'm and addict. I can't help it, I want it to stop but I just need another hit.

I hate 17 other teams.

The thing that has kept me going is that I'm a Melbourne supporter, and so as long as the club exists I'll support it. That's what I do. And as for hope? I've long since cast that aside as a crutch for the weak.

Love.

Love.

kum by yahh

The knowledge that I stuck fat through these years so when we rise again it will be even sweeter.

I reckon it's my mates giving me sht that keeps me going.

Never thought about it

Have always been a lifelong Demon supporter

im a true blue demon , no dees I wont watch footy again , pretty simple

Great topic.

Agree with all the above. I was born to it, brought up on it, and despite 10 years overseas, have had it with me all my adult life.

Like many here , also have inflicted my children with the same!

What keeps me going, it has to be hope.

And for that reason this year, around the time played tigers, hawthorn, I couldn't summon the motivation to go to the game. Reading that jack watts wanted to leave, James Frawley, the same. there seemed no hope.

Then queens birthday, we went to fed square, first time for us, met some of the players, including josh Tynan, who was so keen to get a game and prove himself, Jack Grimes, so frustrated with his injury and inability to contribute, and so many fellow demon faithful, the obvious was obvious, and that this is the last time to lack motivation to go to the game.

So we have been ever since, as we do year in and year out, and have enjoyed our win against the bulldogs, and a really exciting effort against the swans.

It is no doubt part delusion, but ultimately it is hope.

And there is no second team!

When I read the title of this thread the famous words of the great Norm Smith immediately came to mind "I am Melbourne". It's as simple as that. I need reason beyond that to 'keep me going'.

Bourbon.

Love.

At this point it is muscle memory...

At this point it is muscle memory...

memory of ......

La esperanza muere ultima ... Hope dies last

It's a part of who I am. I changed teams when I was 8 years old (From Collingwood, who most of extended my family follow) and have stuck to the red and blue since that day.

I have become more passionate over time and have not ever thought of dropping them.

Robbie stuck with them through thick and thin (Mostly thin), so will I.

Edited July 15, 201311 yr by DemonWorshipper

Demon for Life, in the down times (many in my 33 years as a supporter) and copping it from opposition supporters only makes me love the Dees more, I want to get the feeling of Round 22 1987 again and my kids to have it

"Tiocfadh Ar Lar" (Our Day Will Come)

Edited July 15, 201311 yr by Pennant St Dee