THE BLUEY FROM THE BACK STALLS by George on the Outer

[Demonland 73,208]

Eight hundred Demon fanatics, the players, coaches and families filled the Crown Palladium for the Annual MFC Keith "Bluey" Truscott award night.

Given the simply horrendous season that the club had just witnessed both on and off the field, this was nothing short of astounding; perhaps it was a final hope that signalled the end of this black era and the supporters were determined to put their best foot forward.

The Keith "Bluey" Truscott award night is all about recognising and rewarding the efforts of those players from the club, who have excelled above all others. In such a year as we have had, the recognition is even more important, as those same players have little else to show for their hard work although Im sure that each and every award recipient would pass on the trophies handed out for a chance of premiership success instead.

The other moving aspect of this night is rubbing shoulders with the true greats of the club. It really makes one realise how long and important is our history, when you can walk through the doors with previous winners of the Bluey and the heroes of by-gone days. Noel McMahon, Ron Barassi, David Neitz, James McDonald, Matthew Whelan ... they were all there on the night, and you get to share the evening with them. A pretty good experience all round..

The club through new CEO, Peter Jackson introduced a new award - the James McDonald Award for best team man and it was awarded to Nathan Jones. Not only was Nathan a deserving and worthy recipient, but having it presented and named after James McDonald represented a healing and welcoming back to the fold for James. It is only right that such great servants of the club are around to foster and encourage the younger and new players. And this was another sign that Jackson is setting about righting the wrongs about the way the Club has conducted itself in the past.

The Coaches award went to Jake Spencer., the Ian Ridley Memorial award for community activities to Colin Sylvia and the Harold Ball award for best first year player to Jack Viney. The Troy Broadbridge award for best VFL player went to Jesse Hogan. The support, cheers and whoops when both Viney and Hogan received their awards signaled the hope that the supporters have for these two in coming years, and is a real credit to those in the recruiting department who uncovered these gems of players.

As the votes were tallied for each round for the main event and award, the Club took the time out to recognise those who were leaving at the end of 2013. Joel Macdonald and David Rodan were thanked for their small duration, but significant contributions to the club.

But the greatest cheer and standing ovation was reserved for Aaron Davey who bid farewell in the most charming and poignant way. Video highlights were not long enough to show the skills and highlights that he brought throughout his career. And his heartfelt thanks to the many who had supported him along the way, particularly his wife brought a tear to many eyes in the audience. With five children it is hoped that another Davey may one day pull on the red and blue jumper.

The evening finished with the final tally and the award of the Truscott trophy. The final results were:

2013 Melbourne best and fairest results

Winner: Keith Bluey Truscott Memorial Trophy Nathan Jones (365 votes)

Second: Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy Colin Garland (360)

Third: Ron Barassi Senior Memorial Trophy Dean Terlich (306)

Fourth: Ivor Warne-Smith Memorial Trophy Matt Jones (303)

Fifth: Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy Colin Sylvia (288)

Sixth: Lynden Dunn (270)

Seventh: James Frawley (268)

Eighth: Jack Trengove (257)

Ninth: Jeremy Howe (256)

Tenth: Tom McDonald (249)

With his second consecutive Bluey, Nathan Jones showed the true champion that he is. In his acceptance speech he acknowledged all who had contributed to his year, in particular Neil Craig. It was interesting that Craig in his introduction, indicated that he was looking forward to continuing to mentor and guide Nathan (.so read into that what you may..).

Each of the award recipients gave worthy thanks to all around them, particularly family, who take a great deal of the pain and commitment required for the players to be able to participate at AFL level football. Girlfriend and wives in particular, as players told of waking up in the night to ice and attend to injuries, and of the moods and pressures that were brought home. Col Garland spoke highly of his mother and how she worked two jobs to be able to bring him and his brothers up and give them the chances that otherwise would have been denied.

As Matt Jones collected his award and similarly paid tribute to his girlfriend, the cameras focused on her at the table where a playful Mitch Clisby quietly slipped his arm around her shoulder in Matt's temporary absence.

Overall, the award said a lot about the 2013 Season for the MFC. The first two placegetters were simply standouts, and now being senior players themselves were head and shoulders above the rest.

That so many other senior and long standing players werent immediately behind them in the voting was a sad indictment of the lack of talent and capability among this group. It was further emphasized when two first year players finish 3^rd and 4^th respectively, and can come into the club and perform consistently and competently before others who have been around for much longer is equally damning.

On the positive side, Matt Jones and Dean Terlich are credits to the recruiting department of last year headed by Todd Viney. The club was desperate, due to previous recruiting failures to find players capable of filling obvious holes, and they certainly achieved this with Dean and Matt. Coupled with the Jack Viney and Jesse Hogan outcomes, the report card for Todd and his crew should have resulted in an award on the night for themselves.

A good night was had by all. We all hope that 2014 will see a more competitive outcome in the awards, because it will signify a more competitive team overall on the field.

[Freddy Fuschia 747]

Anything said about James Magner polling so well in the two games he was given in midseason and then never seen or heard from again?

[She Devil 64 21]

A good summary. The players were pretty unanimous in their praise for Jade Rawlings while many mentioned Mark Neeld in their speeches & Neil Craig was pretty well thanked by all. Russell Robertson & Band entertained during breaks in the proceedings. No sign of the Blazers last night. I wonder whose decision that was?

A most enjoyable night.

[She Devil 64 21]

A good summary. The players were pretty unanimous in their praise for Jade Rawlings while many mentioned Mark Neeld in their speeches & Neil Craig was pretty well thanked by all. Russell Robertson & Band entertained during breaks in the proceedings. No sign of the Blazers last night. I wonder whose decision that was?

A most enjoyable night.

[old dee 23,873]

A good summary. The players were pretty unanimous in their praise for Jade Rawlings while many mentioned Mark Neeld in their speeches & Neil Craig was pretty well thanked by all. Russell Robertson & Band entertained during breaks in the proceedings. No sign of the Blazers last night. I wonder whose decision that was?

A most enjoyable night.

The Blazers who's idea!

Anyone with half a brain SD 64

[Toot182 7]

I really like the blazers and hope they don't do away with them.

I wasn't there, but from the red carpet video (with Max Gawn klling it as always) it appeared all the players were kitted out in sponsors suits (Peter Werth I think?)