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It'll cost us percentage.

I see Watts as a bigger James Hird, or a smaller Adam Goodes. Skilled and damaging all over the ground.

Colin Sylvia's goal. Not only did it send the message that we were coming it also proved just how good Col can be. That goal wasn't about structure, or development, or coaching. It was simply a goal that was kicked by a player with enormous talent deciding to stand up and be counted. I loved it for what it meant to the team, and the player.

I'm placing a fair bit of emphasis on this win. Yes we only have 1 win. Yes it was only by 6 points. But, look at the opponent! They were 2nd. Equal 1st except for percentage. Looking through the last 3 years of results, the MFC only beat 2 teams in the top 8. TWO! They are: Essendon in 2011. Essendon finished 8th and "limped" into the finals, because well...someone had to. Sydney in 2010. Sydney finished 5th. This however was after Sydney won 4 of their last 5 games against fellow top 8 teams in: Stkilda, Doggies, Hawthorn and Freo to rise above them all to 5th. Where Essendon finishes come end of the year is still yet to be determined. But I'm calling this the best win for the last 4 years. It wasn't the biggest. It wasn't the most glamorous. It wasn't the most skilful. But it was against good opposition, it was a 4 quarter effort by EVERYONE and they showed heart, fight and resolve. You saw the leadership group stand up when it counted. You saw Colin Sylvia do something when it mattered. You saw a tackles, smothers, second efforts, dives to get to the ball first. Saturday night was a massive step in the right direction. Being a realist, I also know the rest of the season won't be like Saturday, but I think we can all agree that things are starting to sink in. Things are starting to come together.

Not always a Robbo fan but I think he makes some good observations about Neeld in today's The Tackle. * Particularly like the bit highlighted in bold. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Neeld's private celebration Victorious Melbourne coach Mark Neeld was invited into the post-match sing-song by Clint Bartram on Saturday night. He declined. Even amidst perhaps his most proudest moment in footy, which includes multiple premierships at Ocean Grove, Neeld didn't want the limelight. He is an old fashioned coach in that regard, and it's no coincidence his mentor Mick Malthouse rarely, if ever, joined the boys to sing the theme song. Neeld has been the face of Melbourne since he was named coach, though all the bad, the worst, and the horrendous. And then his one time to bask in glory, he ignored it. Even at the siren, when emotions were off the radar, Neeld allowed himself a few moments of release, captured perfectly by photographer Wayne Ludbey on the back page of the Sunday Herald Sun. Can only imagine what he was thinking at the time. What Neeld was thinking was something I wasn't thinking. Instead of being swept up in the victory, and gallop on to the field to back-slap and hug every one of his players, Neeld instead bolted back up to the coach's box to celebrate with and congratulate his assistants. He thought of others before himself and it's little things like that help build culture. He then caught the lift with them to the basement, waited for the players to arrive in the rooms, and even looked uncomfortable as the president Don McClardy shook his hand. Awkward in a sense, because Neeld was trying to keep it calm. He wanted it to be about the players. Only he can tell us what the victory meant to him. From the outside, and after several weeks of media scrutiny, some of which moved former coach David Parkin to attack the attackers, it would seem Neeld's belief in his game plan and methodology got a welcome tick. The sense of relief would be absolute. Since becoming coach he has had to deal with both allegations and facts, which include player revolt, Liam Jurrah, Jim Stynes' death, his captains on the bench, Col Sylvia and his form and his smiling, swearing, racist sponsors, Mifsud and Davey, and heavy duty media treatment. If anyone deserved a moment in the sun it was Neeld. He didn't take it. It might be a small step in this rebuilding of this football club, and for the Demons every little step helps.

I hope Cameron Schwab has contacted the AFL by phone today to complain about the fixture. We have only played Essendon once a year for the last 3 years. The AFL have cost us 4 points a year!!!!!!

Always thought he was a natural centreman. And please keep Col up forward.

Pay attention to his efforts in the last quarter. It was a real captains effort. He definitely stood up when he needed to.

I think that undersells Howe's 24 possessions and 6 marks.

Him in the backline means Grimes can get in the guts... That's good.

I remember watching the first quarter or two of the West Coast and I was amazed at how many times Frawley and others were closing down opponents and getting fists in when they had no right to. I thought these blokes are doing a great job down there, but the ball just kept coming back in repeatedly and with no pressure on the guy delivering it and eventually they were worn down and well beaten. More than ever, defence starts as soon as we lose the ball, and involves all 18 players on the park. The back 6 will always look good when the midfield is shutting down supply. In saying all that, it is nice having Watts delivering the ball out of the defence, as it inspires me with a lot of confidence. Same can't be said for McDonald. He is doing a great job on his opponent, but he looks incredibly shaky with the ball in his hands.

Does anyone here know who actually runs and sets up these clips? If so can they be asked, please, to give the questioner a microphone so us mugs can actually hear what they are asking! Some of the answers are absolutely meaningless without the question. Should be pretty easy to do if they ?AFL ?Telstra can be bothered.

EXAAAAACTLY!!!! Been saying it for ages... The kid is a gem when it comes to field kicking, decision making.... he is and I'm not even close to kidding here... One of the best field kicks I've ever seen. Probably the best, certainly up there, for a 195cm player... on both feet. Under pressure too. He's not quite Davey/Goddard... but he's in their league at least. Everyone seems to gloss over this... But his skill is absolutely elite I reckon. Watching him crash packs fills me with massive joy and pride given then knowitalls who think he doesn't know how. Of COURSE he doesn't. He's a twig. Anyone on here who played, is over 6 feet tall, and took ages to fill out, know what I'm talking about. Once you get weight on him he'll be EVERYWHERE on the football ground. And to make my point even more? Neeld said exactly that in the presser. Comparing him to Hurley on the day, who is a sensationally aggressive player, and one of my favourites outside the dees... you could see very clearly why Jack went ahead of him. Hurley's played games like that in defence, certainly in terms of crashing packs, but his kicking has never been as good as Jack's, and likely never will. Now if we can just get this kind of game when we play WC...

It never ceases to amaze me how Essendon fans just stream out of the ground once they think they're gone. It's like it's a co-ordinated move, they just pack up and go as one. I thought it was funny when they left after big Maxy Gawn took that mark in the goal square last year - Gawn missed the shot and the Bombers were still in it. This year was unbelievable, they all streamed out when Garland took that mark. I've never seen supporters leave when 5 points down with 2 minutes left. And he missed! Pathetic from those fans after what their team has delivered so far this year. But they've always been terrible losers (which is why it's so much fun beating them!).

Out of the three, I'm going with Grimes as a mid

This is the low point of a great few days - I agree with Jose I've just watched the replay, and I saw Jack knock the ball out of Essendon hands when things were tight in close - a completely reflex action - quick as lightning and saved a couple of clearances - these things aren't noticed by the media - and I'm no expert but it proved instructive to watch the replay closely - if you want to relive a bit more of the win, run the tape through looking at Jack in the rucks and malls - not overwhelmning physical presence, but overwhelming smarts and quickness. Go DEES

Heading back to celebrate/thank/congratulate the other coaches I thought was brilliant. He knows how hard, how much scrutiny all of the footy dept has been under, let alone himself, and for Neeld to not take the limelight himself but to share with the coaching group I thought was outstanding.

Each to their own, but I see a big difference in rolling over and getting pumped by 100 points to battling bravely all day and being out classed by a strong opponent by a couple of goals. Especially given our current position.

He was epic in the last

This win is the most important win I can remember in a very, very long time - for many of the reasons expressed above by Demon4Life - but also for many other reasons. I actually reckon it could be the start of the making of this young player group. The criticism of Neeld prior to this game was absolutely appalling. It was relentless ... and quite ridiculous. Any rational, informed observer could see what Neeld was attempting to do with this list, our club culture and the game plan. Anyone with the most basic, rudimentary knowledge of our list, and its 'progress' over the past four years, also knew exactly what Neeld needed to do. And he was doing exactly what needed to be done - in a very measured, deliberate, intelligent, organised and determined way. That he attracted so much criticism from so-called 'expert' commentators and journalists continues to fire me up. It was simplistic, mediocre, populist stuff. That some 'supporters' were also into him in such a relentless way annoys me even more. In my opinion, we are seriously bloody lucky to have this guy. His patience and determination through the first ten games of the season, and then his reaction to winning the game last Saturday confirmed it in spades to me. So much so, I even received the following text (among many) from an Adelaide supporter following our win: "I almost converted to being a Dees supporter when I saw the passion in the rooms as they belted out their song. Someone give Mark Neeld a medal - that guy is first class." This text sums it up. Neeld will start winning back respect for this club. Respect the club hasn't enjoyed for ages. In short, I know it's only one game. I know we're essentially last on the table (the only clubs below us being start up ventures). But the signs are there. And, in my view, they are extremely positive. Mark Neeld you are a Demon! I'm absolutely stocked you're on board. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By way of reminder, following four years of brutal rebuild, and too many first round draft picks to mention, this is what 2011 delivered for us. In short, this is what Neeld inherited - hardly a list on the verge of finals in 2012. 2011 results 1. Swans at MCG - draw 2. Hawks at MCG - loss by 45 3. Lions at MCG - win by 11 (Lions finished 15th in 2011) 4. Gold Coast at Gabba - win by 90 (GC finished last in 2011) 5. Bye 6. West Coast at Subiaco - loss by 54 7. Adelaide at MCG - win by 96 (Crows finished 14th in 2011) 8. North at Docklands - loss by 41 9. St Kilda at Docklands - loss by 20 10. Carlton at MCG - loss 47 11. Essendon at MCG - win by 33 (Dons finished 8th in 2011) 12. Collingwood at MCG - loss by 88 13. Freo at MCG - win by 89 (injury plagued Freo finished 11th in 2011) 14. Richmond at MCG - win by 27 (Tigers finished 12th in 2011) 15. Bulldogs at Docklands - loss by 64 16. Bye 17. Port in Darwin - win by 21 (Port finished 16th in 2011) 18. Hawks at MCG - loss by 54 19. Geelong at Skilled Stadium - loss by 186 20. Carlton at MCG - loss by 76 21. West Coast at Docklands - loss by 48 22. Richmond at MCG - loss by 7

Good point DS.........but then essenscum would have to wear their clash strip Whats that you say? They haven't got one! Well then it'll have to stay at one home game a year Wouldn't do to upset essenscum or make the afl look impotent would it?

Ancient history DEELIROUS We are on a roll now Look out PIES

a) you don't know that because he hasn't played there B) players play different roles at different stages of their career c) it's as irrelevant as saying that Frawley only plays in the backline because he can't impact games in the forward-line d) you're pushing an agenda as opposed to participating in a discussion

It is an extremely long time ago GTG but my memory is that It feels much better than Saturday night. I can still remember driving home to the country. My dad and I must have sung the song 50 times.

100% agree. If we can ever, get Strauss injury-free we get another backman who can kick really well and this permanently releases Grimes into the middle. Nicholson's game down back also should mean that Grimes should stay in the middle. Grimes' leadership, spreading from the contest and nouse arond the stoppage were great to see and led the way for Moloney, Trengove etc.. to also find form.

In the long run I would like to see him move into a ute role. I think Frawley, McDonald, Davis, Garland can take those key position players. He won't be as good, very few are, but if he can play a Goodes role I would be very happy. Especially now that our forward line will revolve around Clark for the 7 or so years.

I'm sorry to have to disagree. But Watts was not a loose man in defence irrespective of what anyone in the media might have said. He played on Monfries, Jetta and Davey. He just made space when necessary. In fact, the most obvious change to me in the way we played compared with previous games was the ability for players NOT to all go to the ball or to the player with the ball at once. This allowed players to be free for the so-called uncontested possession, which was why our disposal count was up. I don't know if there was a change in instructions or whether players now just 'get it' and have more faith in the teammates. But we look a much better team when we play like adults instead of under 12s all hovering around the ball.

If Hurley & Watts swapped teams & positions on Sat night, we would have lost by 4 or 5 goals. Yes, Hurley crashed more packs, and that will delight some of his fans here, despite the fact that nothing came of it, and that he got caught a few more times trying to crash through tackles instead of giving it off. But Watts was simply far more effective.

I'm just surprised they haven't got a camera in a technically correct position for such a situation.

It helps when our midfield isn't getting smashed in the middle, and we can control the tempo of the ball movement. Yes Essendon had more inside 50's, but the ball was coming in under great pressure, which really helps the defenders. What a difference winning the clearances makes!

Classic overcorrection by the umpires. The system has been accused of wasting time on frivolous and inconclusive reviews, so when a situation actually calls for a review, the umpires don't review it. Boy who cried wolf, and all that. That said, from the footage I have seen on TV, which was also inconclusive since the ball was hidden by the post, the point would not have been corrected and it would have stayed a point.

Thankfully, it didn't make the difference between winning and losing but I'm surprised they didn't go for the video review. This was a closer call than a number of others that have been given the benefit of scrutiny and if they're not going to look at the Nicholson shot then why have the system at all?

Rivers - a dominant game

my scarf flew off and went 10 seats over and a row forward when jonesy kicked his banana. just watched it again - mitch was on his own in the square

Agreed. Hard to lump him with Moloney as being two big letdowns this year when Colin's had a broken back. I think if Neeld can't get the best out of him then no one will. I'm predicting he plays out his career with us and realises his potential.

Jonesy's outside of the foot banana.

call me petty but i read every page

" Just remember, we lost to Melbourne before it was mainstream."

FCS, Hardnut - we played the same way we have played the rest of the season - the boys just happened to trust each other to do what they were supposed to do IN THE GAMEPLAN. They played the contested, long ball footy that they have played all year, and they worked hard to be in right places defensively - which some have said curtails their 'natural instincts.' Well, this game was a sign that their natural instincts are being 'repaired' or 'evolved' into something that helps us do what we never did under Bailey, NEVER: Win a slog of a game of hard, tough footy against a top 4 team (don't laugh they are 8 and 2) in good form. We just did that because the boys are buying into what Neeld is saying and trusting their teammates to do their job.

Trengove - some vital touches Grimes - excellent sweeper's role Jones - a vital cog Watts - an intelligent game Morton - mistakes , but useful Clark - a minor player Sylvia - started to impose McKenzie - excellent tagging performance Dunn - effective , but limited Blease - excellent until injured Green - experience was important Garland - the x factor Moloney - enjoyed not tagging McDonald - mistakes , but important Rivers - a classy game Macdonald - tough and clever Seller - an impressive game Tapscott - application and toughness Howe - some cameo involvement Jamar - more rounded game Nicholson - confident and exciting Magner - never shirked issue

A very reliable player, never goes to ground and competes 100%. Can break tackles and has great speed, why hasn't he been playing from the get go.

As so often happens , there may be a player or 2 that will have one of those 'Mystery' one week injuries . That makes selecting the side easier . It would be difficult to drop any player from Saturday night . As it is Blease is doubtful and as 'demonkeaney' said , the Pies sometimes don't play a 3rd tall in their forward line . Though Jolly can make appearances down there . It might come down to match-ups .

was smart enough to to try and rush the behind in the dying seconds, would have been a game sealing point

..from a great wait-and-assess-while-harrassed-then-nail-the-option ('waawhtnto') pass from Jones - whose 2nd effort boundry snap earlier on was also brilliant. Rivers was it for me. The hard body, desperate lunge and clear to a team-mate time an again esp. in the last.

"Melbourne are one of the most hopeless football teams of the modern era, and we are their [censored]. Absolutely disgusting. Words fail me as to how pathetic that effort was. " You have to love the concept of Essendon being our "[censored]". Essendon are the new filth.

I forgot to add another telecast grump. When someone scores a behind, why do they almost always show a close up of that player. I'd much rather see how the other team is setting up for the kick in, or the kick in itself. It is as if the tv director is sadistically looking for the player to break down at his failure to score a goal.

I have just posted some pictures, footage and highlights from last night on my blog to share with you all! What an amazing match! A memorable victory! http://theaussieword.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/melbourne-fc-dee-liverance-demons.html Go Dees!

My favorite one

Do you have any idea what you are talking about RR? This game was played very much more freely - more of an open, running anywhere contest, not stoppages around the boundary line etc ., etc. ... Even the commentators could see that!