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Our only requirement for entry is that you can correctly spell the name of the group.. oh this is awkward..

Just about everything has been reported, but I would like to add a couple more observations: * Viney is one tough, hard and competitive beast. Brayshaw thought he had a chance one on one going for the loose ball. Not only did Viney win it hands down, but Brayshaw walked away holding his jaw. Certainly hope he was OK, and although he played on for another 10 minutes, he was last seen going up the race with a trainer, still feeling the side of his face. * Garlett was simply a streak in the forward line. Something we haven't seen since Flash. Just when you think the ball is bouncing around going nowhere, in he comes...making everyone else look like they are standing still. And his snap from deep in the pocket under pressure was an obsolute pearler. Most of the crowd were silent, because they didn't believe it was a goal. * Salem kicking in will be an monumental step up. Accurate, raking kicks to the open man was a delight to watch. Grimes is going to struggle to find a spot when you already have Garland, Dunn, McDonald, Lamumba and Frost filling the main spots. Where do Howe and Jack fit in if Salem is in the mix as well? * Gee Jonesy is great. His carving through a series of players in the first quarter was beautiful to watch. And Cross is another one who seems to make time stand still when he has the ball in his hands. Again poetry in motion * Jamar absolutely owned the ruck, but dropped out of the game around the ground too quickly. Pedersen is going to be the bonus player for us as he can play in virtually any role....forward, back or ruck. * Lamumba is something special to us as well. Finally, we have someone who can break lines and open the game up. Even when he marks with his back to the play, he twists in mid-air looking for the next option...no static play in the backline with him around!

I was on the outer wing as I always am whenever I go to Casey. The rehab guys, Fitzy, Watts, Vandenburg, Hunt and another I could not identify where doing repeat sprints up and down the boundary under the instructions of one of the phys ed guys; it was brutal. Vandenburg is a big unit. A couple of times he deliberately started about two metres behind the rest and made himself catch up by the end. The sprints were about fifty metres. During one of the drink breaks, Watts noticed the guy near me had two little kids, about three and five, wearing Melbourne jumpers. He jumped the fence and came up to talk to the kids. The kids were speechless. I have always been a Watts supporter, even more so after witnessing this.

Hi all, went out to Casey today for a look and wish i could offer some new insights but my summary pretty much echoes the thoughts of others (text below). Have been a regular attendee of training for a few years now but first time putting my thoughts out there for the harsh collective of demonlanders to rip apart piece by piece.. I'm also on the committee of the MFC Young Professionals and have included an interview with Howie after the game on our Facebook page for those interested (https://www.facebook.com/mfcyoungprofessionals). Intra-Club Report Nice sunny day out at Casey and a good chance for new recruits and old stagers to show what they’ve learnt as a group over summer.. Garlett played very well, showing his skill around goals and up the ground, will really fill the void of that crumbing forward we’ve missed the last few years. Lumumba looked the goods with a few of his trademark flashy runs from half back and think his disposal and decision-making is pretty solid, would like to see him off half back combining with Salem who did some really nice things today and linked up well as the go-to quarterback player when looking to pierce the ball to a target coming out of defence. No surprises from Nath Jones, Dom Tyson or Viney - Jones got plenty of it as usual, Dom Tyson sidestepped his way beautifully through traffic and Viney went in hard and was vocal out on the ground. Hogan found plenty of space up the ground, don’t know if he ran his opponent off his feet but don’t think he’ll be given that kind of freedom when the real stuff starts. Kicked a few goals but didn’t think he dominated as have seen him do for Casey in the past. Frost was trialled forward and Pedersen in defence so not sure if they’re just experimenting there but I think Pedo looks more comfortable in both positions than the youngster at the moment. Brayshaw went off after a collision with Viney and didn’t take any further part in the game but apparently he’d been sick during the week so it was just precautionary. Petracca was on the interchange bench with strapped knee giving plenty of enthusiastic encouragement and support and getting around all players.. if he’s flat, he’s not showing it, was really good to see him so up and about, just a reflection of the kids personality I think.. Daniel Cross last on the track getting the rig out to kick the pill around with McKenzie and Viney well after everyone else had hit the sheds, just a true leader.. Intra-Club Votes 5 – Garlett 4 – N. Jones 3 – Salem 2 – Hogan 1 – Lumumba/Dunn

Just back: Some comments: Hogan: Simply an asset. Aggressive, quick, strong hands, awkward but reliable kick. N Jones: Busy. Just Jones Salem: Will be a lock for 22 on this form. Played down back and had a lot of it and kicked very well. Toumpas: Made the odd mistake but found plenty of it and kicked well. Dawes: Can't get a clean mark, they were all two grabbers. Not that impressive but worked hard. Viney: Aggressive, plenty of the ball and linked up well. Brayshaw looked taken aback by Viney's attack on the ball. He'll learn. Lumumba: As you'd expect. Just blowing the cobwebs away. Brayshaw: Pretty much unsighted by me. Gawn: Did ok competing up forward and rucked well but was beaten by Jamar who will be no 1 on todays form. Tyson: Not prolific but classy. McKenzie: Prolific but not classy. Pity he can't do more with the ball but he cut Kent right out of the play coming off half back. Dunn: Solid workout BILLY STRETCH: What did we pay for this bloke? Well it was a bargain. Plenty of the ball, ran well, clean hands, kicked well. I loved his father and I'll love watching Billy. Frost: Solid at both ends. I really like this bloke. Kent: Rarely sighted. I was disappointed as I love this bloke. Cross: Just gets it but made some awful disposal clangers. Newton: Didn't notice him much. I think he's that sort of player as I noticed another poster praised him. Garland: Solid Pedersen: Good competitive hitout. Competed well in the ruck and around the ground. Michie: Started really well and I thought was one of our better players but died out a little. Found a lot of the ball. T Mac: Solid Riley: Solid O Mac: Was involved in a bit but a project player I'd have thought. Grimes: Solid. No kicking clangers that I saw. Garlett: On this form he'll be the recruit of the season and Malthouse will just look silly. Class above. Jamar: Best ruckman. Took a good grab but little involvement other than that. Spencer: A game to forget for Jake. Bail: Played very well early with plenty of the ball and played centre square a bit. Great run, clean with the ball. M Jones: Played well. Kicked well and has pace. In best 22 on todays form I'd have thought. Terlich: Lots of the ball and played as Terlich plays. Harmes: Aggressive at the ball but not pressing ahead of the other "competing" mids for a spot. It seemed to me to be a day where the "definite" 22 just went through the paces, got a bit of the ball and looked to find some touch. The other players had something to prove and some took their chances. I don't think Stretch is ready but was impressive, Toump and Salem were good and Salem in particular has stepped up significantly as you'd expect. There were times when there was no flow in the game with multiple kicks across half back but there did seem to be a more attacking flavor to the game plan. Pity that a few missed but shyte happens. I'll be interested to compare my impressions with others.

My first venture out to see the boys this pre season, and the following are my highlights of the events: N.Jones, was dominant, classy, prolific, and everything you expect of a leader. Salem will be a revelation off the half back line.. his silky skills and reading of the play were clearly obvious today. He made difficult passes look simple, and he was creative and impressive. Garlett will quickly become a fan favourite.. he makes something out of nothing , and his skills are sublime. As Baghdad Bob said earlier, he'll make Malthouse look foolish, which is not a bad thing. Newton, looked to be coasting but got a lot of the ball and regularly used it well. Toumpas was neat and efficient, but his gait looks weird, and it's hard to tell if he'll ever be quick enough when the pressure is exerted. Hogan had little to beat, being matched up against an undersized, top up player, but he has obviously been given the liberty to travel far and wide for his kicks, often marking the ball around the wing area. He is strong, fit and aggressive, though I noticed him pull up from a possible collision with a much smaller opponent for fear of having to attend a funeral the next day. I have no doubt he'd be happy to attend once the season is in progress though. Gawn looks very fit and actually looks like an athlete rather than a woodcutter. I liked the way he moved around the ground and actually did more impressive stuff below his knees than above his head. Dunn is a general and is taking his vice captaincy role very seriously.. he was very vocal and extremely instructive Disappointments from today: Ball movement was still not as slick as hoped for. It WAS very hot but the day was still and conducive to effective transfer of the ball. No dominant ruckman who could regularly impose on a game. Brayshaw appearing to sustain a jaw injury, albeit seemingly not serious. Senior players, who will remain nameless at this early stage of the season , making the same clangers we've grown to detest. The umpires, who continued to make game changing decisions against us.

There is only one thing in this whole saga that I feel confident about. You will not see that sort of article in the HUN.

I think Garlett is a great pick up because his best attributes are exactly what we have been lacking in the forward line in recent years - raw pace, class and the ability to kick opportunistic goals. Last year we had to work so hard for every goal and at times we just needed that easy goal to release the pressure. I wouldn't focus too much on an intra-club game, though. This is exactly the type of game where someone with Garlett's attributes would naturally shine - quick deck, lots of space, little pressure, etc. So while I do think he's a very good acquisition the true test will come on a miserable day at the G against some nasty little back pocket player who won't give him a moment's rest.

Signed in for the first time in years to like this post...

Made it out there. I'm going to save you most my long story about stupidly thinking the whole of Eastern Melbourne is pretty close by, going to do the 1000 steps then battling traffic through Belgrave to cut down to Casey. Except for saying they're are now many more housing developments along Clyde road and each one comes with a roundabout and Australians seem to have absolutely no understanding of how to drive through roundabouts. So I made it there at about 5 passed 3 which turned out to be quite a bit in to the 1st quarter. They played 4 quick quarters with pretty quick breaks besides 3/4 time when they went inside but not for much more than 5 or so minutes. The red team won by about 5 goals. Reds:Hogan, Garlett, Dawes, Gawn, Spencer, Cross, Tyson, Viney, Garland, Dunn, McDonald, Riley, Stretch, Salem Blues (MFC jumper): Jones, Frost, Pedersen, Oscar Mc, Jamar, Toumpas, Terlich, Grimes, Viv, HL, Kent, Brayshaw Unsure what team: Newton, Riley, Bail, Matt Jones, Harmes MIA: Fitzy, Watts and White (running laps), Hunt (had been training), Trengove, ANB, KIng, Howe, Vince Can't remember seeing Vandenberg at all Jetta and JKH obviously in Perth Petracca there in casual clothes. Knee in a bandage/brace whatever you call it. Pumping all his fellow young guys up on the bench. Smiling. Showing great character. Hogan was largely opposed to Bryce Rutherford from Casey, so I'd temper expectations. He also had a few uncharacteristic drops otherwise he couldve kicked 6. Garlett was cleaning them up though. Dawes was double grabbing but presenting and bringing it to ground, had a good match up on Frost for the first half or so. Frost was solid, then went forward. Tom McDonald played on his brother, which allowed him to run off and get involved in rebound, he wasn't perfect but took a couple of nice marks. Playing with Dunn and Garland they were much more organised in the backline than the other team and Salem was benefited and capitalised from that. He has the most lovely pure kicking action and looked a natural back there at least rebounding. Unfortunately the same couldn't be said for Terlich and Grimes at the other end. Grimes had a couple of shocking turnovers. Preseason seems to have done nothing for his confidence, balance or execution by foot. Dished off a hospital handball as well and generally looked like he just can't find the right space to link up. I guess he's got a month to change that. Terlich was ok, but in an effort to move the ball on quickly he grubbed a left foot kick off half a step and he followed a great bursting run through half back with a kick straight to a leading CHF in the centre of the ground. In some ways its moving the ball on quickly, but if it's not marked it becomes a very dangerous spot to have the ball in dispute. This kick was easily spoiled by the defender right on the hammer of the forward. Newton got hold of the ball at used it pretty well at times. Stretch seemed a natural running player. Links up well, not perfect by foot but you can see him improving and being a very good running player, I think he'll get a shot this year. Toumpas had some good moments. Aidan Riley was really cracking in at the contests. Jordie McKenzie was finding space and the footy from half back, but unfortunately his kicking is still far from AFL level, went for a penetrating forward entry from 60m out but the ball went 30m deep but 60m high. Viv Michie had some moments, he seems a solid tackler, my main concern is he just doesn't play at the speed required. Jamar dealt with Spencer pretty easily in the rucks and probably had the advantage on Gawn as well. It annoys me we will still look to drop a ruck behind the ball from half forward stoppages, I hate that tactic. Gawn might have been edged in the ruck but he's as good as if not better than most of our midfielders on the spread and had plenty of touches of the footy. Draws men and gives solid handballs at times. Lumumba was pretty involved, playing a fair bit on the ball for the blues. At times he really broke the game open with run and spread. A couple of other times he ran in to team mates in contests though, which is hard to tell who's fault it is. Certainly rather them running in to each other than both sitting back at this stage. Lumumba will help us move the ball on quicker, but it wont always end well when he goes on his big runs. Both Matt Jones and Bail bobbed up in times. Bail finding plenty of space. Matt Jones with a nice break away from a pack and hit up kick to a leading forward. Crossy was involved in everything early, found a heap of the footy a couple of poor turnovers though before he settled down. With the ball running on in to space and the only two in the area Viney and Brayshaw contested a loose ball. Brayshaw (in a move he'll probably regret) tried to initiate a bump with Viney and seemed only to run his jaw in to Viney's shoulder. He didn't take part much after that but he stayed on straight after and then on the bench didn't have it iced or much concern for him. It was right in front of the main crowd so likely others saw it and maybe tracked him better than I did.

Another AFL season tainted by the Essendon scandal

No at the HUN the editorial angle seems to be more towards knighting all and sundry at the Bombers for their cancer-fighting initiatives.

They're both ahead of Brayshaw and Petracca (def now!) I reckon, on account of having played senior footy. I've had a feeling since we drafted Stretch that we'll see a lot of him this year. His size will become irrelevant very quickly, as his physique looks remarkably mature to me....very low body fat, just a classic running build.

well i'm not tired of it. the gift that just keeps on giving some psychology student out there looking for a phd topic will no doubt grab it with glee

The AFL have no interest in actually catching anyone doing anything. Its all about just looking like they do.

Don't forget Dawes ability to chase, pressure and how many crunching tackles he did last season. He will protect Hogan all year long and Hogan will benefit from knowing Dawes won't bring the second defender to his contests.

This is amazing, Whoever wrote it is a hero. Cop that Essendope.

Apparently was not available. Wants to concentrate on having the maximum impact on the field for the Dees.

Salem off half back hitting up leading targets is the right move Hopefully this means Jeremy Howe goes back to the forward line Getting excited at the idea of Frost, Lumumba, T Mac and Salem charging off the half backline and pumping it forward to Hogan, Howe, and Dawes

Well said BB, Matt Jones Terlich, McKenzie, Bail were solid today, stand outs for me today were Salem, Cross, Garlett , Nathan Jones - pleasant surprises Billy Stretch and Frost Agree Dawes was still double grabbing disappointingly, although he managed to hold on with the second Gawn and Spencer were about on par today, not the day for big men, about the only one still going full steam at the end was Pedersen Vandenberg didn't play because his shoulder needs one more week, Watts because of his groin, White his toe, Vince and Howie with hammy and Jack Fitzpatrick with back related issue (I think), Hunt same still working to full fitness Had a chat to Petracca, he is fine, just wants to stay involved, more pleased with his tweet referencing a 'computer'/console game, and JB HiFi coughed up 20 new ones, said he might mention he wouldn't mind a Mercedes in a tweet Howie is getting frustrated, the fitness/medical staff are holding him back, he hasn't been given a return to aim at, just has to follow day by day, understands the caution though, Bernice Vince redoing his didn't help

I didn't arrive until late so only saw the last half. First impression was there was more intensity than there has been for three or four years. By putting Toumpas and Salem in the backline, we have SIGNIFICANTLY improved kicking out of the backline and speed. Toumpas very much impressed, and Salem's accurate kicking is a phenomenon, particularly kicking in from the square - now that will be a change. The Red Team had Hogan, Dawes and Gawn up forward, and out musled the opposition impressively responding to accurate kicks forward, but we do need to improve overhead marking in our talls: Dawes contested gamely but seems only to have two or three grabs or none at all; hogan, gee he is a strong mark when it is sent directly to him (is another Neitz I reckon) but he too dropped relatively easy contested marks; and Maxy Gawn, I am his biggest fan, but he is very frustrating to watch sometimes. Today his positioning was perfect, contested very strongly, but he too dropped three overhad marks he should have taken, particularly with his height, and the fact he got both hands to the ball all three times. I think Maxy will be a huge star but he does need to use his natural advantages ( his height and his speed) to greater advantage. Hopefully our great coaches will get him there. Overall really impressive for the first hit out which was very encouraging.

Ben Guthrie on Twitter: The Demons are going through their final prep ahead of today's intra-club at Casey. There will be 3 x 20 min q's. No wonder we have a maths crisis* in this country. Three 20 minute quarters. Hmmm. *Note: We may or may not actually have a maths crisis

Cheers Webber, needed a good laugh on a warm Friday afternoon. The one positive to come out of this intra club is the fact that we clearly have a coaching group who are willing to not only take risks but also understand the players as well. Playing Salem off half back is one such example - the kid can kick the footy beautifully and with some coaching and work on his defensive skills he can be a weapon for us going forward, rather than just trying to move into the midfield before he is ready. As long as we can stay as injury free as possible then we should be in good shape come Round 1.

Go back about 10 pages to see this:-

I don't have a problem with Terlich minding his man as a backman - I think he is very good at knowing when to play tight and when to zone off and when to attack a contest off his man - to me this has never been his problem. His problem is I get the cold sweats when he gets the ball in his hands and he is deciding what to do with it and then I get the icy shivers when he executes.

The only best 22 definites (if eligible) at present for me are as follows: FB: Jetta Dunn ***** HB: Salem Tommy HL C: Vince Jones Viney HF: Watts Dawes Howe FF: Jeffy Hoges ***** R: Jamar Tyson Cross Not sure where Watts and Howe will line up but they are definitely in for my liking. Frost, Garland, Grimes, Toump, Gawn, Pedo, Kent, Bail, Newton, JKH, Matt Jones, Viv and Brayshaw can all fight to the death for the last couple spots and for the pine.

thatd be vitamin "C"

The training posts have been fantastic. Very high quality and useful insights without the ego of the reporter intruding. Pity some of you are not footy journalists...no, probably not otherwise your reputation and integrity would go out the window. So like so many others, your posts are really the best thing about this site. We are learning a lot about how individual players are developing and what our options are likely to be. It is not surprising to read the comments on our "old players." Nothing much seems to have changed. I think for some of those players this season may be their last gasp. Our improvement as a team is clearly going to come from the inclusion of our new recruits such as Lumumba & Garlett together with the likes of Salem, Toumpas, Frost etc, No doubt we have greater depth so we should expect improvement, however, I suspect that it is not going to be exponential. Time will tell, however, my mindset is that we will see gradual improvement this year which hopefully provides a foundation for the next 5 years. Unlike the top teams we still do not have a nucleus of star players or match winners. Hopefully we will develop those players as wins and confidence come but it is going to take time. But as Old Dee has previously stated we are dancing with our sister until the real deal starts. Lets temper our expectations.

Jetta is the answer to that

And here's a piece of the delightful culture of football up north:- Karmichael Hunt charged with supplying cocaine

Interesting how many here who weren't at the game today are willing to buy into the prejudices against certain players. One of the usual suspects got a good write up on his disposal (not from 'TDI'), yet I'm not seeing anyone complimenting him on his improved disposal over the preseason. It's the first hit out of the season. Let's wait and see when the heat is on who has improved and who is a liability, for me I can usually get a good gauge after the NAB challenge but at the latest the first few games will tell us where we are at individually and club wise.

From year one I've watched Watts get into perfect positions to hurt the opposition, slipping out back and into space, only to be ignored as though he was as invisible to our ball carriers as he was to their defenders. He has a great awareness of space and how to use it to his advantage to avoid contact. He needs to work harder when the opposition has the ball (the same skill can be used to close down dangerous space and slow other team's transition). He needs to learn how to grab someone around their hips and NOT LET GO. I have not given up on him yet.

I think he was rested for the entire fourth quarter

I am the anti stretch

Not the same type of players it seems, although it's possible that these two will be absolutely bargain picks for the club - a bit like Rory Sloane for the Crows. Sloane, according to comments I've heard made by Paul Roos previously (before he joined the Dees), had all the characteristics of a decent, hard at it, junior - was a bit slight etc, but the underlying attributes were all there. That said, no club was ever going to invest a first rounder on him - too slight, too much of a risk for a high pick, but was nonetheless always going to be a good AFL player. I reckon Stretch and ANB are a bit the same. They will make it, but no club was going to bid a first rounder for them, essentially for similar reasons. But, ironically, I think they will make it as very effective, long term AFL players and people will eventually say, 'how did these guys slide to picks in the 40s?' Perhaps it's the lack of obvious physical or star attributes as juniors?

I'll make a discount for Demons supporters. How about $25 k ? Love your humour DeeVoted.

Stretch can play, both him and his mate ANB (if he can get over the knee prob) will tear it up at VFL level this year and push for games later in the year.

Happy to hear Stretch showed a bit. Even though he's still slight, he's gonna crack some games this year. I think he's gonna be a really good player for us long term. He just has something special about him. He'll wind up being an Isaac Smith/Brad Hill type, and we know they are super important to the Hawks for their run and skill. Can't wait to watch him tear it up!

There are about 120 available at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.954661144557878.1073741868.395528237137841&type=3&uploaded=119 Enjoy!!

Just walked past AAMI park and saw all the lights on next door, got closer only to realise the Filth were playing an intra club at Olympic park under lights. Bout 5k people around the ground. Merchandise stands, membership booths. Where are we, playing at 3pm out at bum [censored] nowhere. Geez I hope Jackson makes good on his promise to engage the demon heartland again. I was wearing my dees training top too as I was on a run, copped the usual snickers.

http://www.gettyimages.com.au/search/events/538048017?editorialproduct=sport http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-02-19/photo-gallery-intraclub

My view is GRRM is being far to critical of what one might call "the usual suspects". Reality is all players made mistakes and if you want to find example to back up previously held views it wouldn't have been hard. Hogan dropped marks, NJones missed targets when under no pressure and Lumumba fumbled on occasions. McKenzie for example is never going to kick breathtaking passes and today was no exception. But nobody was "horrible" today other than Dawes double grabs. First praccy match. Keep it in mind.

Hogan and Garlett!... seven goals between them. Yay!

...and which reminds me of this story

We would still get injuries out if this... We are cursed!!!!!

My sincere thanks to those who make the journey and report in advance. To those who will later dissolve the thread into bickering about who is the least clever, in advance also, I hate you.

If you want to buy the 1957 GF number plates, Bobby Mac has them for sale I believe. 20 bucks for the set, in good nick. Problem is, they are sold with the car. the car is worth 30 grand.

64 was not our last flag, it was our most recent. Its does feel like the last one though.

Who said people wont be at Cranbourne at 2 ? I will. For too long a lot of MFC supporters act like little gods deeming nobody lives more than 10 kms from the GPO. That's one of the reasons our supporter base is so low and one of the oldest in age. We seem to look down on people who live out here, I live in Pakenham and cant make training at Goshs paddock, but I enjoy the reports put on this site from Dees supporters. But hold training or match practice out here and the noses rise a bit higher. Come out breathe the air , we are people and Dees supporters out here too.

The foolishness of these boys and anyone caught dealing drugs in Asian countries defies description - you are gambling with your life - no one can say they did not know. I do divorce this though from my thinking on capital punishment. Short and sweet - we have not progressed one millimeter as a humane society if we think capital punishment is acceptable. If causing death/murder is abhorrent (which it is) then how is state sanctioned death/murder any less abhorrent.