Everybody brings joy to Demonland … some when they post, some when they don't.

We are the reigning premiers for the next 2 weeks! 

• Finished second 
• lead in every single one of our losses 
• 4 x All Australian players 
• re-signing Simon Goodwin, Angus Brayshaw, Clayton Oliver long term 
• no long term injuries expected to impact 2023 
• a very clear understanding of where we need to improve to lift the cup again 
• Angus Brayshaw break out year 
• Record membership 66,000 
• assuming another strong profit this season

I’d also add that, overall, Viney had his best season yet. Finals weren’t the greatest, but in most of the H&A games he was incredible.

THANK YOU FOR THIS THREAD!!!

It’s likely the only thread I’ll open for a while since it’s hard to read and cry at the same time.

I fully appreciate all the above mentioned positives. In particular, the end of the Carlton match… sublime. 

My contribution to this awesome thread is of course regarding the Demon Army. 
I wanna post this pic of a young kid named Dylan. He’s only 20yo and is arguably the most passionate Dees fan I’ve ever known. And that’s saying something since the DA is chockers with psychotically devoted (and yes, maybe delusional) diehards. 
Dylan lives in Yarrawonga but makes it to every single match. Every week, interstate included. He is by no means well-to-do, he works full time for not exactly huge wages but he invests so much time, money and emotion into the Dees. 
He combines his two passions in life, those being the MFC and vexillology (appreciation of flags) which results in some truly spectacular sights. The flag in this pic was first used at iirc the Carlton match. Dylan bought the material and paid a professional flag-maker to create it. He chooses to forgo a seat in the first few rows with us and instead sits towards the back of the bay so as to maximise the effect of this spectacular flag…

 

I want @The heart beats truein particular to see this since he recently made mention of how awesome it looked. And THBT, I told young Dylan and it brought tears to my eyes to see how much the praise means to him. I also told Ryan what you and others have said about his input and he was similarly humbled.

Dylan’s is but one story about the incredible folks in the cheer squad. There’s no end to the amazing people therein. And, as per every single match, win or lose, not one nasty comment is made about Goody and/or our players. Ever. 
 

Lots of good thoughts and facts/realism on this excellent thread but for me:...............

In the past under say Northey and Daniher, I always dreaded each year no finals, never confident, a level of flakiness.

Now after this season I see the talent is locked in and we will see ongoing success at varying levels on the field. People on here bitching about the finals exit I guess don't see things through my eyes and my extended age. I just see a poor year for lots of reasosn many on here note, but I see consolidation and look forward to 2023 - with huge FD expectations.

If, coaching sorts out strategy, contiuned good recruiting., etc. Medicos did a great job of keeping soem players on the field but now can manage recovery more effectively.

5th is about right for us this year and the FD knows what they need to do - just watch the Pies last night with ball movememnt.

They made Freo look like us with being foreced to boundary, useless high kicks in etc.

Edited September 11, 20222 yr by Demon17
spelling mistakes

Sorry 58er: Leading in every game and then losing a few of them yet never being thrashed (so that you remain second on the ladder at the end of the season) is hardly devestating (though disappointing to not do better etc). 

Anyway it sounds a lot more positive than being thrashed in games from the start.

We need some positive remedy oil or something.

16 hours ago, Fanatique Demon said:

I don’t think Rivers improved this year at all. Went backwards 

16 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

Found a good patch of form in the back third of the regular season but didn’t have great finals.

Fairly decent knee injury that really can hinder a young player without the base of preseasons. I’m still excited by what he has to offer, just a little question on what role they have for him. 

 

He improved from early season sub-par form but never got back to his best 2021 form in any match in my view other than small patches.

Has alot of work ahead of him if he's going to hold his place in this team in the medium term.  Turner looms large and then there's also Bowey.  Rosman not that far off either but still work to do. Looked much better after returning from injury at Casey.  Unfortunately got concussed yesterday and will miss the GF.

Edited September 11, 20222 yr by Demon Dynasty

6 minutes ago, Demon Dynasty said:

He improved from early season sub-par form but never got back to his best 2021 form in any match in my view other than small patches.

Has alot of work ahead of him if he's going to hold his place in this team in the medium term.  Turner looms large and then there's also Bowey.  Rosman not that far off either but still wprk to do. Looked much better after returning from injury at Casey.  Unfortunately got concussed yesterday and will miss the GF.

I think Rosman a fair way off to be honest, him, D.Smith and McVee are a long way off. I think the rest of the youngsters can play some senior football next year.

47 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

THANK YOU FOR THIS THREAD!!!

It’s likely the only thread I’ll open for a while since it’s hard to read and cry at the same time.

I fully appreciate all the above mentioned positives. In particular, the end of the Carlton match… sublime. 

My contribution to this awesome thread is of course regarding the Demon Army. 
I wanna post this pic of a young kid named Dylan. He’s only 20yo and is arguably the most passionate Dees fan I’ve ever known. And that’s saying something since the DA is chockers with psychotically devoted (and yes, maybe delusional) diehards. 
Dylan lives in Yarrawonga but makes it to every single match. Every week, interstate included. He is by no means well-to-do, he works full time for not exactly huge wages but he invests so much time, money and emotion into the Dees. 
He combines his two passions in life, those being the MFC and vexillology (appreciation of flags) which results in some truly spectacular sights. The flag in this pic was first used at iirc the Carlton match. Dylan bought the material and paid a professional flag-maker to create it. He chooses to forgo a seat in the first few rows with us and instead sits towards the back of the bay so as to maximise the effect of this spectacular flag…

 

I want @The heart beats truein particular to see this since he recently made mention of how awesome it looked. And THBT, I told young Dylan and it brought tears to my eyes to see how much the praise means to him. I also told Ryan what you and others have said about his input and he was similarly humbled.

Dylan’s is but one story about the incredible folks in the cheer squad. There’s no end to the amazing people therein. And, as per every single match, win or lose, not one nasty comment is made about Goody and/or our players. Ever. 
 

I [censored] love this. The flag looked so good again on Friday night. Dylan should be so proud. I’m proud of him and I’ve never met the guy!

At the game on Friday 6 women sat behind me who I’d never seen before, and they started talking about Ryan and what I good job he does. They were joking about all turning up to the footy one weekend with blond tips to honour him. We started chatting (because I wanted in on the conversation) and they were so enamoured with our cheer squad. It was really nice to hear them talk so positively.

I feel like it’s been a really strange year to be a Melbourne supporter. We seemed to have turned on each other a bit. I love the club obviously, but this was the year I really felt a deep admiration for our supporter base. I think we missed out on a lot last year, and it only became more obvious how much we’d missed as the year went on.

Positives are:

Clarry, Trac, Brayshaw, Fritsch, May, Langdon Jj, Viney, Cossie, Gawn and Petty had a very good year.

Bowie, JVR, Rivers, Laurie, Turner and Chandler are developing nicely.

Membership

The fact we finished second even with a poor back second half to the year.

Club administration looks to be strong and uniform.

12 minutes ago, WERRIDEE said:

I think Rosman a fair way off to be honest, him, D.Smith and McVee are a long way off. I think the rest of the youngsters can play some senior football next year.

Yes as mentioned, still work ahead.  Reckon he presently has the edge over D Smith.  McVee & Rosman have shown glimpses that they aren't far away.  Form is still too hit & miss though for AFL level.  Maybe another pre-season will help them here.

5 minutes ago, The heart beats true said:

I [censored] love this. The flag looked so good again on Friday night. Dylan should be so proud. I’m proud of him and I’ve never met the guy!

At the game on Friday 6 women sat behind me who I’d never seen before, and they started talking about Ryan and what I good job he does. They were joking about all turning up to the footy one weekend with blond tips to honour him. We started chatting (because I wanted in on the conversation) and they were so enamoured with our cheer squad. It was really nice to hear them talk so positively.

I feel like it’s been a really strange year to be a Melbourne supporter. We seemed to have turned on each other a bit. I love the club obviously, but this was the year I really felt a deep admiration for our supporter base. I think we missed out on a lot last year, and it only became more obvious how much we’d missed as the year went on.

This is so heartening to hear. Thank you. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve barely stopped crying since Friday night. To read these sentiments is heartwarming.

Personally, It’s not just the usual sadness this year  but I can’t stop thinking about people like Ryan and Dylan and so many others who are so invested in our Club. We can’t just leave on the siren, ever. We’re usually there ‘til security gently tell us to leave.  To see our DA members openly crying and no one was talking as we packed up the flags and floggers and giant heads. It was the saddest scene. The people in the cheer squad are [censored] awesome. Yeah, you could call it blind adoration but I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Again thank you, thbt. I’m gonna message Ryan right now to tell him that story about the ladies behind you. He’s actually super modest but I think he needs to hear things like this. And the boys like Dylan rarely get feedback for their absolutely tireless efforts so ima shoot him a message too. ❤️💙

JVR is the positive 

This is a thread about positives from 2022.   The thread title is a bit of a giveaway.

It is the only thread of this nature amid a tsunami of recriminations, negativity and misery.

Shame then that one poster has seen fit to crap all over it.

I’m not a mod so I can’t decide what posts are acceptable. But I’m just asking nicely for negative comments to be posted elsewhere. Please. Let’s just keep this one thread for positivity only. It’s not a huge ask. 

15 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

This is so heartening to hear. Thank you. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve barely stopped crying since Friday night. To read these sentiments is heartwarming.

Personally, It’s not just the usual sadness this year  but I can’t stop thinking about people like Ryan and Dylan and so many others who are so invested in our Club. We can’t just leave on the siren, ever. We’re usually there ‘til security gently tell us to leave.  To see our DA members openly crying and no one was talking as we packed up the flags and floggers and giant heads. It was the saddest scene. The people in the cheer squad are [censored] awesome. Yeah, you could call it blind adoration but I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Again thank you, thbt. I’m gonna message Ryan right now to tell him that story about the ladies behind you. He’s actually super modest but I think he needs to hear things like this. And the boys like Dylan rarely get feedback for their absolutely tireless efforts so ima shoot him a message too. ❤️💙

Disappointment is the lot of most sports fans. Only one team can win it unfortunately. 

But tomorrow is a new day and hope springs eternal. Casey are in the granny. The women are a great chance to win the flag this year as well. And the boys will be back next year. There's plenty to look forward to

And thanks to all the Demon Army for supporting the team. You were fantastic on Friday night

1 hour ago, Demon Dynasty said:

He improved from early season sub-par form but never got back to his best 2021 form in any match in my view other than small patches.

Has alot of work ahead of him if he's going to hold his place in this team in the medium term.  Turner looms large and then there's also Bowey.  Rosman not that far off either but still work to do. Looked much better after returning from injury at Casey.  Unfortunately got concussed yesterday and will miss the GF.

Rivers still has a lot of value to me because he’s a very good 7th defender who can do a bit of everything. Turner’s in contention for a tall spot, Bowey should be a starter as a flanker, but a defender who can lock, rebound and intercept like Rivers is very useful.

Rosman got concussed because he took short steps and fumbled then dived in after the ball. I haven’t seen why growth in his smarts or skills.

55 minutes ago, The heart beats true said:

I [censored] love this. The flag looked so good again on Friday night. Dylan should be so proud. I’m proud of him and I’ve never met the guy!

At the game on Friday 6 women sat behind me who I’d never seen before, and they started talking about Ryan and what I good job he does. They were joking about all turning up to the footy one weekend with blond tips to honour him. We started chatting (because I wanted in on the conversation) and they were so enamoured with our cheer squad. It was really nice to hear them talk so positively.

I feel like it’s been a really strange year to be a Melbourne supporter. We seemed to have turned on each other a bit. I love the club obviously, but this was the year I really felt a deep admiration for our supporter base. I think we missed out on a lot last year, and it only became more obvious how much we’d missed as the year went on.

So I messaged Ryan and in typical fashion he turns the praise onto others and always claims to be just a regular Dees fan. Spoiler: he’s not. His reply…

The players who need surgery will get it a few weeks earlier than last year = better recovery,  better start to 2023.

Carlton blowing their chance to play finals. I thought that was a big positive.

Positives....

1.  Fritta, genuine forward who has kicked plenty.

2.  Oliver, consistently consistent (wtf) probably the best Demon I have seen

3.  Trac, played a game like that with a bung leg, enuff said.

4.  Petty, come of age this year.

5.  Demonland postings - the breadth of the coverage, and the passion, has been most entertaining.

6.  MFC having the only Christians in the AFL (bloddy heathens)

7 Angus, Christian and Clayton signing long term

8.  Hibbo saying that the best decision he ever made was coming to the MFC,

No senior good player got a season ending injury. Second one hmm.

Please keep this thread to positivity only.