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Still a long way to go..

We showed him. It only took five years of misery but boy did we show him!

Ummm nuttin to do with picks, but I hope the Dees dont expect to many from my home town of Myrtleford. Melbourne players were in town today ( capt jones ,brayshaw,to name a few ) out of roughly 200 kids only one came out when jones called for demon kids to come forward, the one boy was my great grand child and he got a photo with jones ,hey one excited young lad and loves his footy. We are watching ch7 local to see him with jones.

He was one of my favorites, injuries have cruled him. If he comes back it will be a much bigger come back story that Mitch Clark!. I love everything about this kid, just hopes some luck flips his way for a change.

I only post here now on special occasions and this is certainly one. I had dinner with Ro last night and told him of your commitment. He thought it was very funny but said in the spirit of generosity after such a great win he'd let you off putting it on your forehead and let you put it on your butt. He's very happy to meet you at a convenient tattooist so the signature is accurate. He has a bit of time over the bye period and is happy to get it done immediately. Let me know if you're interested or not, I'll let him know either way. This is genuine. Goin' to keep your promise?

Imagine the reception he will get if he comes back and plays next season!

Calm down. It was a superb win - one of the greatest - but we have a ways to go. If they lose to the Eagles by 10 goals it'll undo a lot of what has been achieved here. True consistency imo will be the "turning" point.

Can't believe people are actually suggesting that we could make the 8. Calm your farm people. It was an outstanding win, but consistency has long been our problem. When we string 2-3 wins together in a row, in a season, THEN perhaps consider finals. Until then, saviour it yes, but let's be realistic.

Jokes on him anyway, he ruptured his ball sack

Hardly true, peoples bias leads to constant Watts bashing, many posters prefer for Watts to be playing poorly or making mistakes in order to highlight these as opposed to his positive moments. He is often unfairly criticised by most who do it and I would definitely say that if there was a loss regardless of his contribution posters would highlight mistakes that he made rather than anything else.

We have 6 players in the team of the week!!!!!! http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-06-23/team-of-the-week-round-12

Garry Lyon just said that he thinks Nathan Jones is one of the best captains in the AFL and that it needs to be recognized more. I agree.

I got to wear my Mfc tie and scarf on the train from Geelong the morning. Unearthed a few Dees supporters! What a great win

Motlop was bloody good, especially in the first half. I don't have a problem with him getting some points.

There is a reason why Roos and co. were keen to keep him around for another year. He has a great opportunity to win a place in this midfield - it is still quite shallow, it's getting deeper but who are we kidding? We still need more than Jones, Vince, Viney, Tyson, Brayshaw and vanders. And he also has experience on his side - which will be a point of difference for all the other talent we have that are just starting out. I was sure he would look to leave a club that tried to trade him last year but it is a measure of the bloke really that he wants to stick around and fight to play for the Demons.

So I’ve been watching a few old games from 2010-2012 recently and I’d honestly forgotten what a good player Trengove was. I guess my memory of him was clouded somewhat by the way he played in more recent seasons. If he can get his foot right, and get back some of the pace that he lost (and yes, I realise both are big if’s) , is there any reason he couldn’t come back into the side refreshed, rejuvenated and “do a Brayshaw”? He’s a good mark, he’s tough, reads the play well, is a great tackler, smart footballer… etc All the potential in the world. I saw in one of the threads someone say it’d be great to bring in another ready-made player next season in the mould of young Gus. Maybe we already have him? Pipe dream? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv7ZH-NKuIs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLVHBnm982Q

The bold statement is where I think the bias comes from. May not be with you, but it is with alot of posters on here. Because they feel that he has not showed "desire" at times, they are biased towards his desire levels at every contest. If he loses one, or is out of positioned and out bodied it is often related to effort and I personally don't think this is true 90% of the time. This is highlighted often when at the game by most people chastising Watts for alot of things that he actually has not done wrong.

Interesting clip with three former players - Liam Patrick, Dom Barry and Richard Tambling - talking about the challenges which some Indigenous players face in their footy careers, and balancing it with family and cultural commitments. Good to see that Dom obviously has no regrets about his decision whatsoever and is clearly loving life back home among his community.

I guess one of the outcomes of Sunday is that us long suffering Demon supporters dare to dream. I think it is very interesting the media reaction to the win on Sunday which has been universally positive - seen almost as a "turning point" or "a line in the sand". Whatever, most commentators seem to see it as much more than simply another victory., I guess as much as anything it was the way we won, and the emergence of exciting new talent who showed their wares (Brayshaw, Stretch, Neal Bullen) and the not-so-new who are showing up as major talents at last (Watts, Gawn, and the return to form of Tyson). Add to this the addition of the wunderkind Hogan, and the yet to appear Pettracca (supposedly better than Brayshaw which I find difficult to believe), the recent resigning of Jack Trengove (who must have a positive medical outlook or he wouldn't have been resigned - we must all remember his first and second years, he was seen much as Brayshaw is now, an outstanding talent, and someone who would emerge into one of our top half dozen players), and the return of proven performers like Garland and Grimes, and emerging talents like Vandenberg and Salem. Add to this the vast improvement of players like McDonald, Viney, Vince, and even veterans like Dunn, and the consistency and brilliance of Captain Courageous Jones, we have a lot to be excited about. In effect, by next year, we have four "new" top ten picks to come into the side from Sunday (Petracca, Hogan, Salem, Trengove). But I think in the long term, the most significant performance to emerge from Sunday, and the most promising from our ability to become a top 4 side, is Maxy Gawn's breakout game. It is something a lot of us thought Max had the capability to do, but the fact he did it in such a dominant way, not only in the ruck, but also around the ground and his dominant marking, makes him a player of a level of importance akin to Jeff White in Neil Daniher sides of the early 2000's. It was an awesome performance, and one which will make a number of sides cringe in fear. Max after all is the second biggest player in the AFL playing in the seniors, and on Sunday's performance one of the most dominant. Paul Roos has set us up wonderfully for the next ten years. Let's all enjoy the ride.

What a moment it would be when he runs out in The Red and Blue again. Sends chills down my spinee just thinking about it. Please universe, let Trenners get back to playing footy!

There's also a reason why Richmond were willing to give up pick 12 to get him despite his already long lay-off. In a side with plenty of pace elsewhere, I think he will flourish. Also bearing in mind the last few seasons we saw him play weren't indicative of his true pace, imo.

Agreed. Chris Dawes Jack Grimes Viv Michie Matt Jones Mark Jamar Jordie McKenzie Jack Fitzpatrick Cam Pedersen Jayden Hunt Dean Terlich Rohan Bail Aidan Riley I'd argue that all of these players would struggle to crack in to the sides (more importantly for this argument - lists) that are challenging. We have a long way to go

Finally some good news: Hogan, Garland set for return JKH available Grimes: Jack Grimes has had some positive news with his thumb and he may be looking to return earlier than expected, Mahoney said. Hogan, Garland set for Darwin return

Those highlights alone don't do JT's ability justice.

You obviously did considering you started this thread.

Just on the Dockers game, it could actually turn into a win. Remember what happened the last 2 years they played the Saints? They rested some big stars and got pumped for it, the game didn't matter for Freo as they were going into finals so they could afford to throw a game. Being the second last round it could happen to us.

If we didn't get a priority pick the last 2 years nobody should get a priority pick ever again. Show me a club that has been so consistently hopeless for as long as us, and I will consider giving them a pick. We were struggling way back when Brisbane won 3 flags in a row. Cry me a bloody river.

I'm purely looking at this from a worse case scenario, but if we were to win 4 of those final 10 games then we have 8 wins for the season. That doubles our win tally from last year and gives us a good platform to build on for 2016, and it also shows potential recruits we are headed in the right direction. Obviously I would like to win more than that but I'm looking at it purely from the minimum we need to achieve to call the season a success.

I am no doctor, and I dont know how this is possible but as you have stated that you have a deadly flu, it seems to me that you are the first woman to ever personally experience the dreaded man flu. We have been telling you girls all this time how dreadful it is, and finally we now have one victim who can vouch how terrifying it really is.

I posted yesterday that the Stk loss may well be the turning point for us. The players knew they had let the game slip and were gutted. It was the final straw for the players - writ big over their faces at the siren. Finally, finally, losing hurt. So it was good to hear that our wonderful captain had approached Roos to take responsibility on behalf of the players. Big of him. Roos comment on this was: " the players taking ownership for the fatal last few seconds was a “significant moment” ...in how the team would ultimately respond a week later". (This may well explain Roos' wry smile a few seconds after the siren). Finally, the players had had enough! Had enough of losing. Had enough of hurting Had enough of ridicule. Had enough of media bashing. The 186 loss and Sunday's win, both at Kardinia Park may bookend the start and end of our worst years of misery. But, the StK game will go down in our history as the turning point.

Don't know about the free kick part, just adding more grey area. But I agree it's only because he got injured. I've watched all the footy shows tonight and they seem amazed that Carlton laid some tackles in a game. As part of the tackle highlight package they show one almost identical to the Gibbs one only no one was hurt so it's just another tackle. Legend has it that Robbie Grey actually knocked himself out once he realised the shame of being the first player tackled by Bryce Gibbs.

There was Talking Footy too - Gary Lyon described Nathan Jones one of the best captains in the competition. Paul Roos said that Jones approached him during the week accepting responsibility on behalf of the players for the stuff up in the last 40 seconds last week. There was a lot of discussion on how we were able to maintain intensity for four quarters. Apart from Jones, the players praised were Bernie Vince, Max Gawn, Jack Viney, James Brayshaw (yes they all love him) and Lynden Dunn. Club was also praised for resting Jesse Hogan.

Definitely my favourite win since the 2000 prelim or that final where a young McLean won the game in the last. It wasn't just the win but the way in which it occurred. Everyone played for each other and there was a sense of desperation amongst all our players that I can't recall ever seeing before. We did it with quite a young and experienced team and it just feels so different to all of our 'false dawns' of the past decade. I feel the need to highlight some particular player efforts. Vince for completely changing the way in which he plays, he was a good player at adelaide even very good for one season but was never a desperate player and often went through the motions. Has turned into a contested and physical beast while still maintaining his polished skills. Jones deserved that win more than anyone else out there. You could see how much it meant to him after the game and the respect that the entire playing group has for him. Him and the next bloke both appeared very emotional after the game. Watts has turned a corner in the last 3 weeks. I wouldn't classify them as his 3 best individual games but certainly his most promising. Has come back into the team and while not by any stretch a contested player he is beginning to go when it is his turn and show more physicality. In the last few weeks he has finally decided to show some more of that pace that everybody knew he had. Took players on with his speed through the middle and wasn't afraid to make mistakes. Viney has been brilliant when not injured this year. We really missed him when he was out. Has been consistently good all year and is really growing as a player. He played Selwood 1 on 1 without help as Roos and his teammates trusted him to complete the job. Absolutely killed Selwood, who aside from maybe 2-3 touches had no influence on the contest. Gawn played his best game by far and showed more intent than I have seen before. He won't play like that every week but he now knows if he jumps and extends the arms that he will out mark almost anyone. Also gives our midfielders great drive, particular from the centre square. Stretch and ANB showed great sings for players with very little experience. They are both a long way from being physically developed but added a touch of class. Great coaching leaving these 2 in after last week and a win like that would do wonders for their confidence and hopefully fast track their development. Finally, Angus Brayshaw. We as demons supporters have spoken for year about the need to recruit or trade in a midfield gem. When we drafted him I just wanted to see him play 10-15 games and find his feet at this level in his first year. He came in straight away and showed physicality and courage well beyond his years. I would have settled for that alone as a first year player. Instead he has gone on to pretty much improve every game and show he has good speed, poise and skills for such a young player. Almost everything he touches turns to gold and he doesn't appear to have any weaknesses in his game. I'm very, very confident he is the elite gun in the middle that we have been desperate for all these years. Jones and Vince are playing out of their skin but I think Brayshaw will be a different type altogether. Absolute future captain material and his relationship with Jones is great for growing the culture of our club. Bit of a long winded post I know but wins like that don't come around very often and the intent and resulting elation on the players faces after the game are the reason we are all football fans. We will make mistakes we are still young but it's the sense of purpose that must remain. The way the players are speaking of the team and one another shows that we may finally be getting on the same page. Exciting times ahead!

What if the Cats win was a catalyst and we manage to get over the Eagles in Darwin? There is no reason why we couldn't win 9 in a row. Up to the Freo game. Not saying it'll happen but it's nice to dream...

Exactly right It is frustrating to know that last week the knives all come out, and this week we have a dynasty, then if we get belted or even lose to a side considered too lowly, the knives will be straight back out again

Were you at a Swans/Collingwood game?

"Let's face it", it's wildly over-the-top statements like this that prove that Watts-bashing is alive & well

Dangerfield kicked 6 goals the week after he played us after he was tackled by Trengove. The doctors report being the determining factor in the 3 weeks JT got. I am forever dirty on Adelaide for that and the system. It is yet again rules on the run and made after an event.

You can stop now. The win was Sunday and now it's Tuesday.

Friday's Division One games in Geelong will be shown live on Fox Footy Channel I'm setting my Foxtel IQ to record the games, if for no other reason than that Simonds Stadium has suddenly become one of my favourite footy grounds.

Im glad Barry is now happy. Always liked him.

He is 10x the leader of that sook Riewoldt.

We are watching a legend of the MFC play the game. Wonderful thing.

i think you can both very similar same penalty 3 down to 2 no rule change in between seems fair to me

the problem is not that he has been rubbed out for this - its that because the player has been injured he has been rubbed out. how many times have we seen tackles exactly like gibbs only to see the player get up and walk away? if the afl wants to get rid of the sling tackle, then make it a free kick every time it happens, and not just suspend a bloke when someone gets hurt.

I liked the comment from Titus O'Reilly, who tweeted that despite the 2-week ban, "Gibbs says he'll still give tackling another try."

Happy that smug bastard James Kelly, who feigned falling asleep during the club song in a previous win against the Dees, was kept awake in the stands while the Dees rained on the parade of his great mate Enright.

Joshua Schache has taken over as Terry Wallace's #1 on his TAC Future Stars draft list:- 1. Gold Coast - Joshua Schache 2. Brisbane - Jacob Weitering 3. Carlton - Aaron Francis 4. GWS* - Jacob Hopper 5. Sydney* - Callum Mills 6. Melbourne - Harley Balic 7. St. Kilda - Rhys Mathieson 8. Essendon - Darcy Parish 9. Port Adelaide - Charlie Curnow 10. North Melbourne - Luke Partington 11. Geelong - Harry McKay 12. Western Bulldogs - Sam Weideman 13. Richmond - Darcy Tucker 14. Adelaide - Kieran Collins 15. Hawthorn - Josh Dunkley 16. Collingwood - Riley Bonner 17. West Coast - Callum Ah Chee 18. Fremantle - Jade Gresham 19. Brisbane* - Eric Hipwood 20. Brisbane* - Ben Keays * Academy bid Plough also compared the Melbourne and St. Kilda lists with a view to where the clubs would be in 2018 and concluded that the Demons would be ahead because the Saints will be losing a substantial amount of some of their better experienced players in that time (eg. Riewoldt and Montagna) and Melbourne's top end young talent also looks better.