1 minute ago, Ghostwriter said:

You must be thinking of WCW.
I’ve always adored him 🤭
 

Yeah nah, I used to dislike him for personal reasons (that I’ve never fully explained on here). I was lambasted by some uninformed peeps on here when I expressed this. Mind you, these selfsame peeps bagged me for blindly defending every player, and for tearing into anyone who said a negative thing about a player, which I admit to doing and which I no longer do.

Tracc’s changed SO much. We had a lengthy talk after training one day (we really and truly did, posters who implied I made it up) and I immediately saw that he was clearly making an effort to change. I’m guessing he’ll be the same with others who felt the same way as me, although at this stage they can only take my word for it.

Love the response. I think he tested all of our patience in the off season, and still has work to do. But he’s so important to us achieving anything next season so got everything crossed bridges will be properly mended from both sides.

4 hours ago, The Great Pretender said:

Big wrap for Clarrie here -

Track watch: Star Demon back to his best as electric forward continues midfield trial

 

SENDATIONAL😂🤣😆😄😃🤩

1 minute ago, Dee Boys said:

Love the response. I think he tested all of our patience in the off season, and still has work to do. But he’s so important to us achieving anything next season so got everything crossed bridges will be properly mended from both sides.

He did indeed test fans’ patience but for anyone who already wasn’t a fan it was more than a test of patience, it was off with his head! 😜

My track-watching DA buddy and I warmly greeted him on his first day back this preseason. We admit we weren’t sincere but we did it for what you said above “he’s so important to us achieving anything next season” and if that meant showing him we’re on his side, so be it. A small matter, but it was important to us.

Turns out he was super nervous about returning since he didn’t know how he would be received by his teammates. He also wanted to show supporters that regardless of all that’s happened he’s determined to give his absolute all next season and is more driven than he’s ever been.

 I was naturally a little sceptical but since that day we had the long talk, he’s remained awesome and if any of his teammates had an issue with him (which I believe was the case at those first couple of sessions) I reckon they no longer do because it’s like old times when everyone’s on the same page.

From Saturdays session

Edited December 16, 2024Dec 16 by dazzledavey36

9 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

edit: Shane is ill with the stomach bug that’s affected a few of the boys this past week. 

If I've got the same stomach bug, I know why he's not at training.  Talk about the squirts!  Jeez.  I can't imagine training when you want to double up with the cramps that go with it.

1 hour ago, Ghostwriter said:

He did indeed test fans’ patience but for anyone who already wasn’t a fan it was more than a test of patience, it was off with his head! 😜

My track-watching DA buddy and I warmly greeted him on his first day back this preseason. We admit we weren’t sincere but we did it for what you said above “he’s so important to us achieving anything next season” and if that meant showing him we’re on his side, so be it. A small matter, but it was important to us.

Turns out he was super nervous about returning since he didn’t know how he would be received by his teammates. He also wanted to show supporters that regardless of all that’s happened he’s determined to give his absolute all next season and is more driven than he’s ever been.

 I was naturally a little sceptical but since that day we had the long talk, he’s remained awesome and if any of his teammates had an issue with him (which I believe was the case at those first couple of sessions) I reckon they no longer do because it’s like old times when everyone’s on the same page.

I have never gone wrong assuming the best (if misguided) intentions of people. Even when I was wrong that was on that person - not on me. 

Perhaps Mr Fence, who I have on ignore but not many others don’t, can keep that in mind when he lambasts people for their empathy.

Edited December 16, 2024Dec 16 by rpfc

3 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

Tracc encourages Harvey a lot and it’s really heartening to see. I told Tracc as much. Tracc said “He’s actually an amazing talent, isn’t he?” I said he sure is. Tracc said, “which is great because I’m getting old.” My buddy said, “Awww you’ve still got another five years in you, Tracc.” He laughed then said, “Nah, we’re (the club) thinking about the future.” 

Fantastic stuff.  👻, it seems that Tracc is 100% committed to achieving the highest goals for himself and for the team this year, and beyond?

28 minutes ago, monoccular said:

Fantastic stuff.  👻, it seems that Tracc is 100% committed to achieving the highest goals for himself and for the team this year, and beyond?

That’s how I see it. I don’t think Tracc could do anything half-arzed if he tried, so it’s no surprise he’s 100% committed. The fact that he’s invested in Harvey’s development makes me think he’s in it for the long haul. 

1 hour ago, thirty-one said:

If I've got the same stomach bug, I know why he's not at training.  Talk about the squirts!  Jeez.  I can't imagine training when you want to double up with the cramps that go with it.

You have quite the way with words, thirty-one. 🤭

On the bright side: if it’s the same stomach bug you’ll be over it in no time. Apparently it’s brutal but doesn’t hang around for long. 

1 hour ago, thirty-one said:

If I've got the same stomach bug, I know why he's not at training.  Talk about the squirts!  Jeez.  I can't imagine training when you want to double up with the cramps that go with it.

Harden up!🤣

Nice thread and thanks to all of you track-watchers, Trac watchers, Claz watchers and others. 
We would all like to get to training more regularly, but sometimes, as Shano and others have found out, [censored] can get in the way.

I almost turned off a page or so ago, but I’m glad I saw it through. As others have said, I feel that Trac really has a fire in the belly. But not only that. Several others including Clarrie also appear to be really fired up. And there is a genuine closeness again in the group.
Great to see so few in the recovery group.

It feels like a good omen for the year ahead.

A reminder to all to keep politics off this website. 

Repeat offenders will be removed without warning. You know who you are. 

People change and learn and hopefully grown from it, hell I'm so different to who I was 10 years ago let alone to who I was at 25. 

Hopefully Trac grows from it, and I'm glad to see you back 👻 

10 hours ago, rpfc said:

I have never gone wrong assuming the best (if misguided) intentions of people. Even when I was wrong that was on that person - not on me. 

Perhaps Mr Fence, who I have on ignore but not many others don’t, can keep that in mind when he lambasts people for their empathy.

"I have never gone wrong assuming the best(if misguided) intentions of people.Even when I was wrong that was on the person-not me" yeah righto.And lambasts people for their empathy? Um when?

13 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

Turns out he was super nervous about returning since he didn’t know how he would be received by his teammates. He also wanted to show supporters that regardless of all that’s happened he’s determined to give his absolute all next season and is more driven than he’s ever been.

I'm guessing the last 6 months were not only life threatening but also life changing/life affirming.

Maybe he realised the grass on the other side isn't greener and the supposed 'riches' (crowds, exposure etc) are not what matter.  And, realised that he has as much chance of premierships at the Dees as elsewhere.

He is unlikely to win a Brownlow with an in form Oliver in the team.  But reckon Trac will settle for another premiership or two.  And throw in a couple more NSM❤️💙😉.

As you say he will be driven to give his all which will be an awesome sight reminiscent of his 'beast mode' switch to deliver the 2021 premiership.

Edited December 16, 2024Dec 16 by Lucifers Hero

18 minutes ago, Lucifers Hero said:

I'm guessing the last 6 months were not only life threatening but also life changing/life affirming.

Just maybe he realised that the grass on the other side isn't greener and the supposed 'riches' (crowds, exposure etc) are not what matter.  And, realised that he has as much chance of premierships at the Dees as anywhere else. 

He is unlikely to win a Brownlow with an in form Oliver in the team.  But reckon Trac will settle for another premiership or two.  And throw in a couple more NSM❤️💙😉.

As you say he will be driven to give his all which will be an awesome sight reminiscent of his 'beast mode' switch to deliver the 2021 premiership.

I have only seen the magic gear from two players in the last six years of finals. Petracca was one. Joe Daniher was the other. To identify, it's written on their faces in the moments.

1 hour ago, Willmoy1947 said:

I have only seen the magic gear from two players in the last six years of finals. Petracca was one. Joe Daniher was the other. To identify, it's written on their faces in the moments.

Sadly, I can't find the pic of Trac's 'beast mode' moment.

I think he had just kicked a goal, deadpan expression, lips pursed, fierce eyes with nostrils literally flaring.  His face said: 'over my dead body do we lose this game'. 

 

Edit:  found the pic

 

It was just after his soccer goal (ably assisted by a Kozzie bump on Dunkley).  Trac was excited for a second then went into this 'beast mode'. 

That goal extended our meagre lead and was promptly followed by Sparrow and Oliver goals, giving us the iconic:  Bang, Bang! Bang! cry of that special quarter!

The game wasn't won but that last minute broke their spirit!

Edited December 16, 2024Dec 16 by Lucifers Hero

13 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

You must be thinking of WCW.
I’ve always adored him 🤭
 

Yeah nah, I used to dislike him for personal reasons (that I’ve never fully explained on here). I was lambasted by some uninformed peeps on here when I expressed this. Mind you, these selfsame peeps bagged me for blindly defending every player, and for tearing into anyone who said a negative thing about a player, which I admit to doing and which I no longer do.

Tracc’s changed SO much. We had a lengthy talk after training one day (we really and truly did, posters who implied I made it up) and I immediately saw that he was clearly making an effort to change. I’m guessing he’ll be the same with others who felt the same way as me, although at this stage they can only take my word for it.

We've all learned a lot about each other this year, players and posters.

I thought it showed some strength to say exactly what you meant in this situation. 

38 minutes ago, Lucifers Hero said:

Sadly, I can't find the pic of Trac's 'beast mode' moment.

I think he had just kicked a goal, deadpan expression, lips pursed, fierce eyes with nostrils literally flaring.  His face said: 'over my dead body do we lose this game'.  

 

Probably not the pic you were searching for but a good reminder for those with shortish memories 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 16, 2024Dec 16 by Sydee

11 hours ago, picket fence said:

Harden up!🤣

Thirty-one wishes it would harden up!

 

 Right now it’s “the squirts” 

 

😜

20 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

flow of brown

If it's brown, it's training town. 

If it's yellow, rest, dear fellow. 

1 hour ago, Lucifers Hero said:

I'm guessing the last 6 months were not only life threatening but also life changing/life affirming.

Maybe he realised the grass on the other side isn't greener and the supposed 'riches' (crowds, exposure etc) are not what matter.  And, realised that he has as much chance of premierships at the Dees as elsewhere.

He is unlikely to win a Brownlow with an in form Oliver in the team.  But reckon Trac will settle for another premiership or two.  And throw in a couple more NSM❤️💙😉.

As you say he will be driven to give his all which will be an awesome sight reminiscent of his 'beast mode' switch to deliver the 2021 premiership.

Spot on, Luci. Sometimes a person needs to step out of a life situation in order to see things for what they really are, and in Tracc’s case his time in Austria clearly provided the opportunity for him. He’s nothing if not professional. Will he seek a trade at the end of next season? Who knows. But while he’s a Demon (even if it’s because he couldn’t get to another club) he’ll leave NOTHING on the table.

For the most part we forget the players are human beings; (easily done when they do superhuman things on the field). But then you talk to them and you realise they’re people, just like everyone else. They have the same feelings, emotions, etc. as we all do.

Tracc is an emotionally charged person. He’ll tell you this himself. At one point during that first conversation we had, he looked out at the rest of the players who were coming off the ground and said, “I [censored] love these boys. I love them so much.” And I saw he had tears in his eyes and that quivering bottom lip thing that’s involuntary. True story.

Anyways, expect to see the beast mode switch flicked… coz it’s primed. Tracc’s more determined than ever to wreak havoc on the field. 

25 minutes ago, The Taciturn Demon said:

If it's brown, it's training town. 

If it's yellow, rest, dear fellow. 

If it’s hard, bring your mouthguard.

If it splatters, bed-rest matters. 

I think too many on this site are reading tea leaves looking for enlightenment. I'm of the opinion, whats been has gone, time to invest in what is to become!

Special P.F gift awaits to anyone can tell me the song and artist of these lyrics in consignance of my above statement!

"There is no future, there is no past, there's nothing but today, for yesterdays tommorrow is tommorrows yesterday"!

27 minutes ago, Ghostwriter said:

Spot on, Luci. Sometimes a person needs to step out of a life situation in order to see things for what they really are, and in Tracc’s case his time in Austria clearly provided the opportunity for him. He’s nothing if not professional. Will he seek a trade at the end of next season? Who knows. But while he’s a Demon (even if it’s because he couldn’t get to another club) he’ll leave NOTHING on the table.

For the most part we forget the players are human beings; (easily done when they do superhuman things on the field). But then you talk to them and you realise they’re people, just like everyone else. They have the same feelings, emotions, etc. as we all do.

Tracc is an emotionally charged person. He’ll tell you this himself. At one point during that first conversation we had, he looked out at the rest of the players who were coming off the ground and said, “I [censored] love these boys. I love them so much.” And I saw he had tears in his eyes and that quivering bottom lip thing that’s involuntary. True story.

Anyways, expect to see the beast mode switch flicked… coz it’s primed. Tracc’s more determined than ever to wreak havoc on the field. 

Thanks for the anecdote, GW and I don't doubt a word.

This: "... he looked out at the rest of the players who were coming off the ground and said, “I [censored] love these boys. I love them so much.” And I saw he had tears in his eyes and that quivering bottom lip thing that’s involuntary..."  didn't surprise and made me tear up a little 🥹

What our team has experienced together, the mighty lows and mighty highs can't help but leave an indelible mark and create a special bond.  Sometimes it takes a catastrophe to realise it is relationships and sharing that matters.  Sounds like Trac is in that space. 

It won't be long before team mates embrace him again and hopefully so do dees fans.

Edited December 17, 2024Dec 17 by Lucifers Hero