Re-watching some of the games of the year, I watch how these two interact. Each time either of them gets the ball, they look for each other with an absolutely beautiful connection. To me, the only way to describe their connection is: love. There is obviously total trust between them, and why shouldn’t there be? They each know that the other one will respond with ability, cleanliness, determination, and overall brilliance. For decades to come, we will debate which is the better, but there is no true answer to that. We are just so lucky to have them both.

it seems to me we have two other superb combinations. One is Lever and May in the backline, and I think the word for their relationship is: respect.

We also have Langdon and Hunt and to me the word for that is: fun. Or perhaps: joy.

And for us supporters, the three words together: love, respect and joy.

For decades i have watched other teams get players of this caliber and use them to smash us to pieces as we watch on sighing. But for us to have not one but two elite midfielders and the best in the competition at that, i can hardly believe it every time they play.

I think the fact that they have been friends (or at least known each other) since childhood is a significant factor.

Probably one of the positives of the last 2 COVID-19  affected seasons has been how close it has brought the Demons players together. They have genuine love and care for eachother both on and off the field which is wonderful to see.

Will this bring about more Premierships for the Melbourne Football Club? Well, let's certainly hope so!

 

Any excuse to post this again ...

  On 10/10/2021 at 09:11, Ollie fan said:

Re-watching some of the games of the year, I watch how these two interact. Each time either of them gets the ball, they look for each other with an absolutely beautiful connection. To me, the only way to describe their connection is: love. There is obviously total trust between them, and why shouldn’t there be? They each know that the other one will respond with ability, cleanliness, determination, and overall brilliance. For decades to come, we will debate which is the better, but there is no true answer to that. We are just so lucky to have them both.

it seems to me we have two other superb combinations. One is Lever and May in the backline, and I think the word for their relationship is: respect.

We also have Langdon and Hunt and to me the word for that is: fun. Or perhaps: joy.

And for us supporters, the three words together: love, respect and joy.

We are indeed blessed

When opposition fans come up to you saying how much they admire them its always a good sign.

Very similar when people who watched football in the 70/80's talk about how much they loved watching Robert Flower.

  On 10/10/2021 at 10:07, Demonstone said:

Any excuse to post this again ...

Demonstone - can you tell us which year / age group this photo came from?  An absolute ripper. 
PS. And which event. 

Edited October 10, 20213 yr by monoccular

  On 10/10/2021 at 09:55, Supreme_Demon said:

I think the fact that they have been friends (or at least known each other) since childhood is a significant factor.

Probably one of the positives of the last 2 COVID-19  affected seasons has been how close it has brought the Demons players together. They have genuine love and care for eachother both on and off the field which is wonderful to see.

Will this bring about more Premierships for the Melbourne Football Club? Well, let's certainly hope so!

 

I think the covid road trips have been a massive part of our success. With the draft strategy of getting 2,3,4 high quality kids in quick succession so they can gel together, it's accelerated that connection.

So you have those guys as well as Salem, then you have the 3 WA boys in their group.

Then you have Max and Chunk beating the lads in computer games, it just means the whole squad is unified.

It's awesome. 

When I was feeling melodramatic and giving in to corny feelings and all that just before the grand final I built a notion in my head of the three values of the club as they appeared; "Enthusiasm, humility, love". So I'm slightly relieved to see the latter of those mentioned in the OP.

Mind you, at the time I also lost 20 minutes of my life creating a 'Gawndalf' photoshop thing.

They were stressful times, all right!

Anyway, there's something truly beautiful about seeing two of the absolute best players in the game have a really potent working relationship. The touch wood part is of course that they don't end up alienating the other very good midfielders we have by their side, but just on instinct I don't feel like that's likely to be a problem.

Can’t remember if it was the preliminary or the GF but the over the head no look handball from Petracca to Oliver.

  On 10/10/2021 at 10:50, Bombay Airconditioning said:

Can’t remember if it was the preliminary or the GF but the over the head no look handball from Petracca to Oliver.

Prelim.

  On 10/10/2021 at 10:22, monoccular said:

Demonstone - can you tell us which year / age group this photo came from?

Alas, I have no further information, but it's a ripper of a picture.

  On 10/10/2021 at 10:50, Bombay Airconditioning said:

Can’t remember if it was the preliminary or the GF but the over the head no look handball from Petracca to Oliver.

The commentators lauded that pass and others like it.  Yet, last year they were criticising them as "hollywood handball"

Changed their tune quickly!

Edited October 10, 20213 yr by Premiers

Oliver is a unique player. Unique. Crucial he extends his contract when the time comes...not that far away. He will be on less money that is on offer elsewhere.

I look at the picture they have changed very little in time I believe they were friends then as they are friends now, competition between them is like little brother trying to outdo big brother and that is a good thing because they will push each other to be better for the team and best players in the AFL.

  On 10/10/2021 at 20:42, Redlagged said:

Oliver is a unique player. Unique. Crucial he extends his contract when the time comes...not that far away. He will be on less money that is on offer elsewhere.

Trak won't let him leave. 

I really hope Clarry wins the B & F.