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I suspect frost comes in because he can pinch hit in the ruck and allow watts to stay forward a bit more

Weideman is very very very lucky....

I hope Bugg plays well enough to keep his spot just so he can terrorise Richmond again.

Few people made to look stupid swearing Oscar would never get dropped this week.

Who is Ozzie?

I don't think I've ever uttered the phrase "thank god for Jake Spencer" but kept a close eye on him during the JLT and he has learnt a lot from Max. He was consistently winning hit-outs to advantage and at times looked superior to the All-Australian with his tap work. Max is obviously a leader, more mobile, and better around the ground, but I wouldn't be surprised if Jakey announces himself on the big stage and really takes it up to Sandilands. It will be a much more even contest at stoppages than many outside 'experts' are predicting.

Gawn might try to eat his pizza face.

No thank you.

We might look stupid, but I don't feel it. This is all part of the fun of being a mug supporter with no idea about what gets discussed behind closed doors. It's what I enjoy about the banter on Demonland. I'm very surprised - but more than happy to run with "if you say so Goody".

Pressure for spots is great. I doubt Oscar is disappointing match committee, more-so they like what Frost brings and Oscar is the direct replacement because they don't want to play both. They would have explained to Oscar that he's doing well, but there are still areas he needs to work on. I'm liking the selections this year far more than last year.

uncle fester, you will surely burn in hell !!!!!!! you will be in good company. I was bailed up by a Christian in Swanston St one day. After I made some offensive remark he asked me " but don't you want to go to heaven? " I said " mate, I wouldn't know anybody there !!! "

So with the big Spencil coming in for our 12 week Maxless challenge. I thought I'd look into his 11 assignments (11?! yes 11, there is a bye in there). I'm interested to see how he goes against some of the more "battler" type ruckmen. Although, going though this makes me realise, If there had to be any time of year for max to go down, this was the one you would say is the best for us. Particularly when you look at the run home, but we'll get to that later. For now, here's Spencil's fixture: Freo (H) - Sandilands So, straight in the deep end for Jake. Sandilands is as big as the come and has been one of the best for years. As good as Max is we wouldnt even be sure that we would get any advantage with him playing. The best we can hope for is Jake nullifying Sandy much the same as the likes of Hickey were able to nullifying Max last year. Rich (A) - Nankervis I'm pretty big on Nankervis, I think he will one day be a star ruckman. That said, he isnt one yet. For now he is a solid competitor who shows glimpses of talent. Spencil should have nankervis covered 8/9 times out of 10 but if he has a day out Nankervis could quickly become a handfull. Ess (A) - Leuenberger/McKernan/Bellchambers? Mckernan has been showing some good signs this year, particulary around the ground so Jake would have his hands full after the initial contest. However I think in the ruck itself Spencer should be fine to draw even against any of these guys. Haw (H) - McEvoy/Vickery Well I think we can agree Jake has Vickery covered. McEvoy is a bigger challenge. Hitouts I think Spence can get himself his fair share, but I don't know if he will be able to get many that are particularly meaningful. Much like the Essendon guys i think Spencer will draw even. Adel (A) - Jacobs Jacobs is a huge challenge. Probably beyond what Spencil will be able to handle. I'd love to be wrong but the lack of max plus it being at adelaide oval against what could still be an undefeated Adelaide (their fixture is easier than ours)... it could be a really tough day for us. North (H) - Goldy/Pruess Strange things going on at North. Pruess is playing as the Nr 1 ruck.. and doing well. Who knows how long it will last but once again Spencer will have his hands full here.. could be another tough day but we should be good enough to get over the line even without control in the ruck. Suns (H) - Witts Witts is an interesting one, Spencer's story could be similar to his in 12 months time, He has been in the shadows of Grundy for some time and has instantly become a solid Nr 1 ruckman at another club. No easy task for Spencil but at the same time he should be plenty good enough to match it against a fellow VFL ruckman. Coll (H) - Grundy With Gawn out of his way, I think Grundy is a super chance of taking the AA spot this year. Hope spencer can limit him as much as possible but it will be the hardest task of this run. Dogs (A) - Campbell/Roughead/Boyd Battlers and nothing more. Spencer should be just fine against whoever he comes up against. The dogs are well known as a bigger threat at ground level. WCE (A) - Vardy/Peitre/Giles/Basically anyone over 190cm Vardy keeps treatening to be a good player but then either underperforms or gets injured. Spencer should be good enough against these guys. They share his "Temp guy" label so wouldnt expect them to be capable of dominating. Syd (H) - Naismith/Tippett/Sinclair All decent without being great ruckmen. Tough day in the office but by no means unbeatable. Like most on this list he should be able to draw even. So coming to the end of the 11 weeks I have to say: It's not by any means looking like a disaster. No doubt we will miss a few opportunities for Max to be completely dominant, but Spencer is a capable guy, he should be able to keep us in most games. Freo, Adelaide, North and Collingwood shape up as the 4 toughest asks. Of which 2I would say we should still win, Adelaide and Collingwood (Dependent on from) may not be so simple. Other than that I wouldnt think Spencer would kill off any of our chances in the other games. Their ruckman are far from dominant enough to give us too many issues. For media personel to suggest our finals hopes are done is foolish. I believe in what the Spencil can do for us! Now, with all of that being said... I couldnt leave out the worst case scenario even if it was just a footnote: If Max's rehab is delayed, the final 8 matches of the season are Carlton, Adelaide, Port, North, GWS, St Kilda, Brisbane, Collingwood. Those 8 games contain most of the best ruckman going around, If we dont have Max back then, it could be a really tough run home. And on the otherside of that. Max wont have anything in the way of a warmup when he is back, he will be straight in against Kreuzer and it aint getting any easier. But let's think positive for now! Will be great to see how we as a team track through these big 3 months. Spencer himself could do anything in this time. I hope he earns himself a big contract, whether it is with us or elsewhere, it doesnt matter. Because if he does that, we will be playing in September

Mav takes some beating. FMD. you couldn't fit a postage stamp between his eyes sideways.

But gee its good to have Sam Frost back!

Back the kid in ffs.

I love that the footy is on Good friday Otherwise it is the most boring day of the year

Old dee, meet Gogoroth.

And now that that curly question has been resolved, Spencer can fully concentrate on his game without any further existential distractions.

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-04-13/melbourne-and-the-sporting-globe-partner Not sure I've heard of 'Venue Sponsors' but good on mfc for getting this. Good discounts for members eating/drinking at their venues. Seems like thanks go to David Neitz: The partnership announcement comes off the back of The Sporting Globe’s existing relationship with David Neitz and his ‘Brewmanity’ campaign, helping raise money for Cure for MND Foundation. And I like this: “With The Sporting Globe’s growing presence in Victoria and interstate, we think that the partnership allows Melbourne fans a perfect place to watch home and away games live with other supporters.” Its the next best thing to being at the game as the Bentleigh Club just doesn't cut it anymore. Its also good to consolidate our support for Neil Daniher and the MND Campaign.

I think the Weed is playing like he has been sprayed with Round Up.

Taken Daniher's spot as my most hated played based solely on looks.

Well Dwayne Russell called him Ollie about 4 times in round 1. So just call him anything that starts with O I guess. Hope you bounce back back from the 2's, Othello.

My view on Oscar is that he offers a fair bit but is still a work in progress. The occasional spell in the twos won't do him any harm at all. The thing that keeps freaking me out is I can't stop likening him to Prince George from Blackadder when I see him running around on the field. I better check my medication!

Gotta feel sorry for T Smith. Thought he would surely be given more games while Hoges is on the sideline.

We had 32 scoring shots with less size last week. I think we'll be right.

Don't you use my name in vain OD. I say let's aim for 50,000! There must be a lot of disgruntled Hawthorn supporters who would like to continue watching their team win premierships. That would be us. Go DEES!

Yes, seriously. I've never heard him called that.

Seriously? Who the hell else would it be when discussing turnovers. Ozzie Ostrich? lol

Very pleased to announce that MFC women's team marquee player Mel Hickey will be our special guest on the Demonland podcast on Wednesday 26 April. Hickey is one of the game's more decorated players - she's a 2 x All-Australian, a 6 x Premiership player with the Darebin Falcons and in 2016 made the VFL Women's team of the year. If you follow her on social media, you'll also know that she's a very proud Demon and a great promoter of the club and the game. We'll be speaking to her about the season just completed and also getting to know the person behind the player. If you've got any questions you'd like to put to Mel, you can call in on the night, or post them here and Andy and I will endeavour to get as many of them answered as possible. Put it in your diary folks.

Shareholder?

Would have been awkward if i put in all that effort to go through each game only for them to not pick him.

MFC website confirms Spencer and Vince will play

No Problems @CBDees - just on that, when it gets to the premium page, I tend to cut the headline out and paste into google/whatever browser you use, then click on the link that comes up and I can read the articles know problems - seems an easy way to sidestep handing over your hard earned... ROB Jackson has spent enough time around top-drawer athletes to recognise the exceptional at first glance. Strength and conditioning coach at Melbourne, Jackson’s journey has pitched him into contact with a gamut of professional sportsmen — some more gifted than others. It was during a stint with the Melbourne Storm that Jackson came to appreciate the unmatched athleticism of Greg Inglis and the unparalleled completeness of Cameron Smith. Both are matchwinners, both hewed from contrasting material. AFL DAILY: HOW DO YOU FILL A GAWN-SIZED HOLE? MATCH REPORT: DEMONS BLOW CHANCE TO BEAT CATS BAROMETER: WHO’S HOT, WHO’S HURT AFTER ROUND 3 Fast forward almost a decade and Jackson draws ready comparison between Inglis and Smith and Demon talents Joel Smith and Clayton Oliver. “Greg Inglis was a freak, an amazing athlete and to watch his ability to turn it on or off was incredible,” Jackson, an IsoWhey Sports ambassador, said.

He's going to kill it. The way some carry on around here... I think the problem is that Gawn has been part and parcel of the only semi-decent Melbourne team in a decade so now that he's injured we're a rabble again. Spencer exists for this very reason and is most definitely up to the task. He's a different kind of player but I can't way to see him help us win on Saturday.

One thing we know about Spencer is that he wont go quietly. Based on the pre-season reports and last year's VFL efforts, I think we can be pretty confident that the Spencer we'll see for the next few months will be better than we've ever seen him at AFL level before. I'm strangely excited by the prospect, it is always good to see an unrewarded, unlucky stalwart get a run at it. Remembering he is also one of our last half-dozen players left from the Bailey era - the guy has had a tough AFL life.

The 2017 VFL season upon us with Casey's first game happening at the end of the opening split round on Easter Monday against Williamstown at scenic Burbank Oval. The VFL website has the Casey Demons season preview which sets out the various changes supporters will see during the season. With the transition from the Scorpions to Demons there will be more changes on the cosmetic side with the new jumpers to be unveiled in Monday's game. If you're a Demon through and through you should be pleased. The club has also announced its 2017 leadership group:- Jack Hutchins (C), Ed Morris (VC), James Munro (VC), Angus Scott (VC), Tom Baker, Jordan Moncrieff, Aloysio Ferreira. The large injury toll among the Demons' AFL list will put pressure on the club in the opening rounds and there will be plenty of new faces for fans to see. I will bring the team selections as soon as they are available on Thursday nights. Due to a change in work schedule I may not be able to provide match reports on a weekly basis so we are on the lookout for Casey regulars to help out either with reports or information on which the Demonland Casey reports can be based. Please PM if you can assist. PETER JACKSON VFL 2017 WILLIAMSTOWN v CASEY SCORPIONS Burbank Oval, Williamstown Monday 17 April, 2017 at 2.00pm WILLIAMSTOWN B: 7. N. Sing, 31. D. Fahey, 19. D. Kempster HB: 17. J. Charleston, 30. K. Gray, 18. J. Greiser C: 3. S. Dunell, 1. E. Carr, 4. B. Jolley HF: 6. M. Gibbons, 33. T. Currie, 14. A. Siposs F: 10. L. Masters, 13. A. Cordy, 2. B. Cavarra FOLL: 49. N. Meese, 9. A. Marcon, 24. W. Wheeler I/C (from): 16. B. Bewley, 28. C. Buykx-Smith, 11. J. Dorgan, 37. N. Ebinger*, 35. B. Myers, 26. J. Newman, 44. J. Owen, 25. J. Pongracic, 5. L. Schultz CASEY DEMONS B: 18. B. Hillard 28. O. McDonald, 1. J. Hutchins HB: 41. M. White 91. M. Hibberd 17. E. Morris C: 54. J. Trengove 48. C. Maynard 57. J. Kennedy-Harris HF: 35. A. Ferreira, 38. T. Smith, 69. B. Kennedy F: 37. D. Johnstone, 65. C. Pedersen, 2. B. Fritsch FOLL: 45. D. Keilty, 64. A. Brayshaw, 9. M. Gent I/C (from): 31. T. Baker, 32. J. Briggs, 75. S. Dwyer, 47. L. Filipovic, 25. D. Gordon, 22. G. Lok*, 24. J. Moncrieff, 27. A. Scott, 7. Y. Zijai, * 23rd player Demons named: Angus Brayshaw, Lochie Filipovic, Michael Hibberd, Dion Johnstone, Declan Keilty, Ben Kennedy, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Oscar McDonald, Corey Maynard, Cam Pedersen, Tim Smith, Jack Trengove and Mitch White AFL VIC DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 2017 WILLIAMSTOWN v CASEY SCORPIONS Burbank Oval, Williamstown Monday 17 April, 2017 at 11.00am WILLIAMSTOWN B: 29. J. Burke, 45. L. Carter, 50. F. Carroll HB: 34. L. McMahon, 42. B. Romensky, 47. L. Bramble C: 20. M. Norton, 27. J. Chisari, 40. B. Monk HF: 41. J. Minogue, 28. C. Buykx-Smith, 5. L. Schultz F: 36. T. Davies, 46. J. Gray, 44. J. Owen FOLL: 43. J. Eales, 25. J. Pongracic, 12. C. Yeo I/C (from): 59. H. Bult, 32. T. Condon, 53. L. Goetz, 39. L. Knight, 55. D. Maguang, 51. M. Philpot, 48. T. Wilkinson CASEY DEMONS B: 5. D. Collis, 61. L. Hiscock, 32. J. Briggs HB: 25. D. Gordon, 77 G. Nyuon, 21. J. Kingi C: 23. M. Cox 36. Dan Johnston, 6. J. Munro HF: 80. D. Allsop, 8. T. Vander Haar, 29. J. Rout F: 72. M. Lefau, 39. J. Di Pasquale, 20. N. Gardiner FOLL: 47. L. Filipovic, S. Dwyer, 49. N. Foote I/C (from): 3. C. Ambler, 70. T. Armour, 53. W. Collis, 10. A. Cotte, 81. K. Dickson, 53. E. East, 16. J. Gains, 51. B. Giobbi, 31. T. Glen, 46. Dam. Johnston, 66. P. Lewis-Smith, 12. J. Lovett Demon named: Lochie Filipovic

I'm not a fan of Good Friday footy. The Easter Bunny died for our sins that day, and we should really do nothing that day but eat buns decorated with his murder weapon. Hmmm. Just thinking: should they be called Hot Cross Bunnies?

I have a simple deal with my kids: food and shelter is only given to Melbourne supporters. They'll thank me for it someday. Or put me in a really dodgy home.

Are you the Riddler? If so, I'm still [censored] off at the draft riddle that didn't have an answer.

We've been to the Bridge Rd venue a couple of times now. Last time our order was messed up but the management went over and above to sort it out. I couldn't speak more highly of the manager on duty. Must also say the pub food is good and the beer fresh & cold. I think you can tell a good venue by it's management and it's willingness to sort out issues as they arise. We will be back again and now we have an extra reason.

but on the plus side we have: Jones, Viney, Oliver, Vince, Salem, Watts, Petracca, Tyson, Kent, T Mac, Jetta, Garlett etc. So we'll be right.

Not sure I agree, Old dee. I don't think it's greed. In this instance I think the AFL could argue that they were responding to the wishes of the community. I'm confident that more in the community support a game on Good Friday than those that don't. Of course, if that argument holds up, there shouldn't be a twilight Grand Final. And, to be fair, so far there isn't.

April Fools was two weeks ago, mate

38946 MEMBERS SIGNED UP FOR 2017 Slow and steady now... boost for home game hopefully. So close now!

I actually laughed out loud. Well done.

Amazing, really? How have we put all our eggs in the Gawn basket? By playing the fit and firing AA ruckman in every game? By playing just the one (AA) ruckman just like every other club? Explain if you will. Soencer has been primed through the pre season for just this type of occurrence, reckon that's another basket with a few eggs in it. Richmond are 3-0. We lost. Copped our worst possible injury. You must be loving life.

My prediction is that over the next 12 weeks Spencer will hold his own against the top ruckman in the league and we will be offered a top 20 draft pick for him at the end of the season.

I think Spencer will take his chance and suprise many people If he doesn't his AFL career will be in jeopardy Jake will make Max earn his spot back in 3 months & that's the way it should be.

No-one is more anti-smoking than me. I smoked for 14 years. In the last 10 years that I smoked I smoked 60 a day. I gave up cold turkey February 23, 1993 and have never had one since. The date is poignant to me due to my incredible addiction to nicotine. I had an ashtray on the tiled ledge outside my shower, because I smoked in the shower. I smoked in bed before sleep and it was the first thing I did when I woke up. The tut-tutting over Hogan having a dart, when he's obviously not a smoker, but a young guy at a concert trying to be a 22 year old for a mere moment is beyond a joke. Going home and escaping for a couple of days as he conteplates his Father's illness sheds light on the situation. Does anyone here seriously think he's a regular, or problem smoker ? The outrage industry is alive and well and ready to judge or condemn at the drop of a hat.

I signed my 15month old up last week -the question I pose to you is , am I a [censored] of a father, or will I be teaching him some inherent valuable life lesson in resilience?