Redemption stories

We've got a number of players who I reckon will be taking extra special delight and satisfaction from our demolition job. Some players like Petracca and Oliver, much like Dusty, Selwood, Hodge, seem pre-destined for flags. But then you get the guys who do it the hard way.

Steven May - Gold Coast captain who aspired to higher things, only to find himself on the outer at his new club.

Jake Lever - got the "don't let the door hit you on the way out" treatment from his old club, then did his knee.

Max Gawn - larrikin youngster, failed to apply himself, nearly a "what could have been" story.

Michael Hibberd - suspended for 2 years at "another club" under severe duress, came looking for a clean start.

Tom McDonald - on the football scrapheap. Unloved and unappreciated.

ANB - same as Tommy.

Ben Brown - tossed out by his ungrateful club. Clean start at another club that might conceivably push for a spot in the 8. Does his knee, then gets dropped.

On the other side of the slate ... it's a cruel game at times, and all of us would -- did! -- want Jonesy, Nev, Hunt, Melksham, Tomlinson, etc etc, to share in the on-field glory.

Some players see their opportunity slip through their fingers, through no fault of their own, like Hunt. Some have it seemingly land in their lap.

For every Nathan Jones, there's a Jake Bowey who walks into instant success.

For every David Schwarz, there's a Luke Jackson who has the universe move for him instead of against him.

For every Hunt, there's a Spargo whose injury didn't put him on the sidelines.

Every year has these "but for the grace of God" scenarios.

All we can do is watch, cheer, hope, commiserate, and (after all these years) soak up the success.

GO DEMONS!!!