The Demons had total control of the practice match against the Blues taking out the honours and running out victors in the scorching heat by 38 points at Ikon Park. Max Gawn was outstanding as the Dees had 10 separate goal scorers and took 21 marks inside 50.

We absolutely [censored] monstered that Carlton team!!

👊

If we can get games like that out of Sparrow this season we’re laughing. 

Lots to like tonight, we will miss Kozzie next week, but others need to step up in his absence.

great hitout.

loved Windsors game. took his goals really well.

Bring on the Swans. 

both got thru with no injuries; happy days

I get that it was only a practice game but I loved what I saw. There was definitely enough evidence to think that we can contend again. If we bring that level of intensity against the Swans we'll win.

And what's more important is that Clarry looks just about match ready. It will be massive for us if he'll be able to play as soon as he can.

Salem is so so vital for us & must stay fit. His kicking is elite.

Good to score 15 goals and see different players score.

But gee frustrated not to have kozzie next week 

Perfect hit out. Looks like our old warriors still have it, some younger role players are ready to step up, and our teenagers (namely Windsor) have serious talent. 

Not convinced by Schache's role, even in the short term, but even he kicked 2 and did his bit. 

Clarry looks like he's going to be cherry ripe just in time for Round 0 too. 

 

 

System & personnel looking good.

Salem and Sparrow as mids is very, very pleasing.

Bring on Caleb Windsor.

Fritsch very rusty.

 

Blues laid 39 tackles for the night, very little pressure. Still only a practice game.

Hope it eases last week's doomsayers though.

Absolutely dominant. 

But left a lot of chances out there, as per last year.

Praying for some forward half confidence & composure in Round O. 

White baggers easily beat the blue baggers ( if you don’t laugh you cry ) To all those in the media that have been potting us eat a bag of [censored]!!!!!! Go the Mighty Demons

Very happy boy here. 

Get Fritsch's radar calibrated and we are good to go.

We looked like we've taken the summer media personally 

Gawn pretty much confirmed Windsor will start next week, in his post game interview

So if pre season games mean something according to some, we're currently flag favourites now.

Fwd connection was marvelous besides maybe 2-3 times. Pressure was amazing. Our disposal was actually very good. Caleb Windsor wow. For those saying Kozzie isn't up to it in the middle did you open your eyes today? Him and Salem bring a different dynamic at stoppages. Also Viney has no chill. Pre season game or not. 

Geez I know it was only a glimpse but Tholstrup has the makings of a dominant midfield beast in future years.

We seem to have really pushed them tonight.

Really pushed them

Really good takeaways from tonight:

- Boys look focused

- Kids v handy. Windsor awesome. Kolt good. Brown too.

- Sparrow! ! That’s exactly the sort of game we need from him. Few goals, big on confidence. Could be one of a few who have breakout years. 

- Viney Max good. 

- Took more chances than usual. Looked confident. Even Scache got involved!

Imagine us with Petty McAdam and in time Melk back. Very dangerous. Especially with some better delivery. 

And Oliver, in good time, when ready. I think we can cover him until timing is perfect.

Overall bullied the blues, and stuck to our structures very well.

Lots to like, bring on the swans!

 

We were at 75-80 per cent of our capability tonight and still smoked these foolz.

Onwards and upwards Dees.

Blooz in for a rude awakening this year.

Rumours of our demise have been greatly exaggerated. Wonder if the experts still think we will fall down the ladder.

Carlton have a lot of players who do not run defensively, look for cheap kicks on turnover. Glad they brought in Fantasia 

1 minute ago, Older demon said:

Rumours of our demise have been greatly exaggerated. Wonder if the experts still think we will fall down the ladder.

David King is redoing his predictions and is penning us as flag favourites now.

Some wasteful kicking but plenty of positives:

1. Sparrow immense. Looks ready to go to a new level.

2. Salem smart and effective in midfield.

3. Max dominant as usual.

4. Speed merchant Windsor looks AFL-ready.

5. Delivery into forward line much improved.

6. Oliver relaxed and cheerful in the stands. Return must be close now.

I know the Blues were undermanned, but even so the overall signs were promising.