Melbourne v Geelong 1954 Preliminary Final

[Hassa Mann 104]

The 1954 season was the beginning of a great era for the Demons, and we beat Geelong in the Preliminary Final. Of that team I think there are six surviving members:-

Ron Barassi, Clyde Laidlaw, Noel McMahen, Noel Clarke, Laurie Mithen and Brian Dixon.

Friday night’s game may provoke memories for them of a great win, which hopefully will be repeated!

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

Was that the last time we played Geelong in a Prelim?

[Demonstone 22,608]

19 minutes ago, Hassa Mann said:

Friday night’s game may provoke memories for them of a great win, which hopefully will be repeated!

I'd even take a repeat of that year's subsequent Grand Final loss to Footscray if it meant that we would again win five of the next six flags.

Edited September 7, 2021 by Demonstone
updated

[MadAsHell 4,212]

18 minutes ago, Wadda We Sing said:

Was that the last time we played Geelong in a Prelim?

Pretty sure. We lost to the in a Semi Final in 89' and Elimination Final in 05' before we knocked them off in 18'.

From 55' to 60' and 64' we won Semi's straight through to GF's and we didn't face them 61' to 63'.

That 54' match shows that Geelong were the better starter, holding an 8 point lead at 1/4 time and 6 points at the half. However a 4 goal to 1 3rd term followed by 3 to 2 in the last saw the Dees home by 17 points. Followed a similar theme for Geelong who were ran over in the 2nd half by Footscray in their Semi. An ageing team perhaps who struggled to run out games???

Here's hoping for something similar on Friday Night.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,227]

4 hours ago, Demonstone said:

I'd even take a repeat of that year's subsequent Grand Final loss to Footscray if it meant that we would again win five of the next six flags.

Nah this time I reckon we won't make the same mistake and will get all 6 and the record 😉

[Kozzie4PM 765]

4 hours ago, MadAsHell said:

Pretty sure. We lost to the in a Semi Final in 89' and Elimination Final in 05' before we knocked them off in 18'.

From 55' to 60' and 64' we won Semi's straight through to GF's and we didn't face them 61' to 63'.

That 54' match shows that Geelong were the better starter, holding an 8 point lead at 1/4 time and 6 points at the half. However a 4 goal to 1 3rd term followed by 3 to 2 in the last saw the Dees home by 17 points. Followed a similar theme for Geelong who were ran over in the 2nd half by Footscray in their Semi. An ageing team perhaps who struggled to run out games???

Here's hoping for something similar on Friday Night.

Very minor point - but we played in the 57 prelim.

[Cassiew 1,903]

13 hours ago, Hassa Mann said:

The 1954 season was the beginning of a great era for the Demons, and we beat Geelong in the Preliminary Final. Of that team I think there are six surviving members:-

Ron Barassi, Clyde Laidlaw, Noel McMahen, Noel Clarke, Laurie Mithen and Brian Dixon.

Friday night’s game may provoke memories for them of a great win, which hopefully will be repeated!

Did Ken Melville play? I think he’s still alive

[Hassa Mann 104]

2 hours ago, Cassiew said:

Did Ken Melville play? I think he’s still alive

Thanks Cassiew, you are right on both counts. He was named as one of the best players

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,851]

18 hours ago, Demonstone said:

I'd even take a repeat of that year's subsequent Grand Final loss to Footscray if it meant that we would again win five of the next six flags.

I could probably live with a GF loss this year if it meant winning the next 5 at the G.

[hemingway 7,627]

1 minute ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I could probably live with a GF loss this year if it meant winning the next 5 at the G.

Agree to a point. 

The only problem is that there will be some old players and supporters who may not be around in 2022. 

[Bitter but optimistic 22,241]

11 minutes ago, hemingway said:

Agree to a point. 

The only problem is that there will be some old players and supporters who may not be around in 2022. 

You're a bundle of joy and optimism today Ernie!

[Guest]

36 minutes ago, Bitter but optimistic said:

You're a bundle of joy and optimism today Ernie!

What about you, Uncle Bitters? Where have you been hiding these days?

[Bitter but optimistic 22,241]

54 minutes ago, Colin B. Flaubert said:

What about you, Uncle Bitters? Where have you been hiding these days?

Not so much hiding Col but rather undergoing a spot of rehab.

[Lucifers Hero 39,941]

12 minutes ago, Bitter but optimistic said:

Not so much hiding Col but rather undergoing a spot of rehab.

So is this parole or permanent release...🙃

[Bitter but optimistic 22,241]

1 hour ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

So is this parole or permanent release...🙃

Curfew and visit the local constabulary 3 times a week Luci

…. plus of course, limiting my Shiraz intake !!!

[Lucifers Hero 39,941]

1 minute ago, Bitter but optimistic said:

Curfew and visit the local constabulary 3 times a week Luci

…. plus of course, limiting my Shiraz intake !!!

I had heard it was a life sentence.  Good to hear you are up to no good again!

What about your mate @MoonshadowIs he still locked up?

[hemingway 7,627]

9 hours ago, Bitter but optimistic said:

You're a bundle of joy and optimism today Ernie!

I love you Uncle