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I headed down to the Port Melbourne v Casey game yesterday for the annual Burra burger and chips. The day was perfect for footy with a one to two goal wind in the first half but it virtually disappeared in the second. The ground was in great condition and the PM crowd are a lot of fun as long as you don't take your support for their opponent too seriously. This is how I thought the Demons went: Dom Tyson: There has been much talk about his game and like most things it's probably somewhere in the middle of discussions. He got the ball a lot. He was the main clearance player for us on the day and he bullocked and pushed and competed for everything. He was off the pace early, got caught once or twice and kicked poorly into the wind at times. As the game went on he got lots better and by the last part of the game he was close to the most influential but that is not to say he's a walk up start next week. On form ANB and Harmes have gone past him and he is down on form but he can play. Billy Stretch: BOG for mine. Got it lots, used it pretty well (with a cavaet I'll come to) and was clean and pretty strong in the clinches. I'm a fan of Billy so keep that in mind when you read these comments. I've seen Billy in his last three games and he's been BOG twice IMO. He's played all games as an inside mid and he's done well against the strong opposition and poorly against the poor opposition. Interestingly in the game he was poor in we were killed in the ruck and he was the number one mid. Billy knows where to run and can run all day. He sees options and makes good decisions. He was very clean with his hands yesterday which is not always the case and his handballing was good. He kicks it well in most cases but yesterday in both practice before the game and in the game itself he repeatedly left his passes a metre short of his target. Very frustrating because those easy 25 metre passes have to be bread and butter at AFL level. But good signs for Billy and if his opportunity comes he will at least be in good form. Sam Frost: Good and solid. He's really too big and strong for his opposition at this level but it's his execution and decision making that can go astray. He's in good form at this level and like many will wait his chance. Jay Kennedy Harris: I thought Jay played a solid game, found plenty of it, ran well and generally disposed of it well. He's come good in the last 6 quarters he's played but he's down the pecking order in getting a game in the seniors. He's pretty good at this level. Harley Balic: Not as prominant as some other weeks but dangerous around goal and doesn't need many opportunities to hurt you. Kicked a fantastic goal in the last from a very tight angle to get us going when we needed it. He's got sure hands and is good above his head for his height and he knows how to find space and link play. He's a smart player and in previous years at the club would have been quite valuable but where he fits with Kent to come back and Garlett still in the seconds who knows. He has a little bit of that trait basketballers have when they convert to footy - that ability to find time and space. Was he a BBer before footy? Looks like it to me. If he played today I'd be confident he'd competently play his role. Tomas Bugg: Quite early but played a fair game by his standards. He played quite deep forward for most of the day and it really didn't work. But when he moved up the ground a bit we got involved and was always a danger although he didn't get it a lot. He's a bit quicker than I thought too and his kicking was good yesterday. Oscar Baker: Good game overall and fantastic second half, particularly third quarter where he really dominated. Quick, clean hands, runs hard and provided options. Not sure his possessions really hurt the opposition yet but he is improving. I don't think he's really close to getting a game but he's certainly showing some AFL attributes. Mitch King: First game back and just went. Started forward and didn't have much impact and then shared rucking duties. Harrison Petty: I thought he was good. Was outmarked in the goal square in the first and lost another marking contest later in the game. Had one of his kicks intercepted later in the game but otherwise was terrific. He's really good in the air and kicks very well. This kid is just a guaranteed AFL footballer of the future and to me is showing more than Oscar did in his first year. Already a favourite of mine. Jeff Garlett: I thought he was alright but only alright but do we expect too much of players when they go to VFL level. He did some very good things, kicked a lovely goal and had a hand on some others but also had a number of uncharacteristic mistakes. Not banging the door down. Josh Wagner: Just a game. Solid and reliable but didn't catch the eye all that much. He's a good size and athlete but just doesn't impose himself on games at the moment. Joel Smith: Didn't have a high possession game but looked very good in what he did. Can't remember any clangers and he kicked a nice goal. I liked the comparison to Jeremy Howe, very similar athletic abilities. He looked a class above in what he did but he didn't do a whole lot. Dec Keilty: Solid game from Dec and like others have trouble separating him and Petty, they look very similar and being such a fan of Petty I might have attributed some good Dec things to Harrison. But Dec went forward in the last and did well I thought. Took some good marks and kicked a goal but more importantly gave us a target that the others hadn't. I don't know where he stands in the pecking order with Frost and Petty but he's a capable and reliable (and brave) footballer. Lachlan Filipovic: Did quite well in the ruck but very little around the ground.. Seems to be just a young ruckman learning his craft and about 3 or 4 years away from maturity. Watching and judging ruckman at this age must be difficult for supporters and FD alike wondering if they will flurish or fail. It's too early to call for me on both our young rucks.

Bull Smith was great today! Having watched him go from VFL to playing good footy at AFL level gives me so much happiness

I just really loved the fact that for a large portion of the last quarter Adelaide were out-playing us and we had every right to take the foot off the pedal and coast to a seven goal win, but we stuck at it and kept our incredible 18 quarter winning streak going. That's a huge mentality change in this club.

One more thing, they did a version of our song in the Arrente language, was just fantastic and the locals were very impressed (its the first time we have done this)

A murder of Crows

Hate to take from the win but remember the Crows were missing Lever today....

I absolutely love this club. Almost brought a tear to the eye watching this. The players deserve it, the coaches deserve and, most all, we as supporters deserve it as well. Lots of hard work still ahead of course, but to be 7-3 after ten rounds and to be playing the scintillating football that we are is so good to watch. I have confidence in this side like I've never had confidence in a Melbourne side before. I believe we can beat any side in the competition. Soak it up everyone, the ride ahead is going to be amazing!

You’ll have to help me out, I’m not familiar with these adelaide players

Hey did anyone else notice how happy Pedders was for the team? greeting and cheering every player coming off, no sulking at all just genuine joy for the team, awesome bloke and great team first attitude - something that has the lid off and in orbit for me, this team first stuff will really make us a threat, Geelong comparisons starting to feel right. (sadly hunt seemed flat by comparison)

“Dees haven’t beaten anyone good in the last 4 weeks” last 4 weeks Adelaide have beaten Carlton, Gold Coast and Western Bulldogs while losing to Port

A couple of fun facts: Our lowest score over the past 3 weeks is 146 points. Brayshaw and Petracca combined today for 59 disposals and 6 goals.

Viney had 35 disposals. If he is out of touch, god help the rest of the comp once he finds his touch.

Most quarters won. 21 - Geelong (2010) 18 - Melbourne* (2018) 17 - St Kilda (2005) 16 - Fitzroy (1982), Port Adelaide (2002), St Kilda (2009)

Great to see Nate Jones soaking it up after the game. Hard earned but well earned NJ

Instead of pornhub tonight I might just swing past the Adelaide game day thread.

We just dismantled another side. They had no chance against us. We did not even let up in the last even though we were out on our feet. Kept spreading, kept hitting in hard, kept sharing the ball, kept the foot on the throat. That is some of the best attacking football you will see. Individual players could be mentioned but who would you leave out.

We are what the AFL wanted GWS to be, with the added bonus of a history and soul.

My neighbour is a cows supporter and a [censored] So glad my kids can hang over the fence as they belt out the song. On their 3 repeat now. How sweet it is.

Gus could have been lost to the game from concussion. A "what could have been" story. Now tearing the game apart and keeping good players out of the team. Go Gus!!!!!!!

I love the fact we play a game in Alice Springs and not just cause I live here, but to play a game in the heart of our country and to have the club visit and work with the communities, some of the most neglected places in our country (to a degree it shocks city folk to their core) makes me very proud of our club - long may it continue (ps - Stuff Darwin!)

Jones - outstanding all game Hogan - continued memorable year Brayshaw - in impressive form Neal- Bullen - proving doubters wrong Petracca - unselfish and dynamic Melksham - valuable and classy T.McDonald - significantly wasn’t important Smith - certainly a bull Hannan - quieter but valuable Spargo - knows his limitations Gawn - dominated centre again Viney - Viney of old Fritsch - love his finesse Harmes - hard and valuable Hibberd - outstanding attacking defender Jetta - was rarely troubled Lever - everything is justified Lewis - intelligent and safe O.McDonald - continued to excell Oliver - tireless and impressive Salem - mistakes but classy Vince - dominated taller opponent

I was at the Sporting Globe watching the match with my son. I've followed Demons for 50 years. This side is the best side I've seen in that time ... better than the Johnny Northey side of the late 80s/early 90s and Daniher sides of the 90s. I'm in shock. Had the best afternoon!!

Upon seeing how happy I am following our magnificent win, my wife responded with “don’t go getting any ideas you silly old man”. I didn’t realise my happiness was that obvious! ?

Also can't discount the fantastic job Bernie Vince did on Tom Lynch today. Made him a totally redundant part of their setup. His excellent form, and also that of Jordan Lewis, has continued in fine fashion.

Get the [censored] around us!!!!

actual footage of me for the past two and half hours.

Here we go. If we had of set a bench mark for our last 4 weeks I think 75 goals, 14 quarters won in a row and 3rd on the ladder would have been about the best we could hope for. To those who say we played easy teams, tell that to Hawthorn and Geelong last week. These next 3 games are vitally important, and I for one have a good feeling. Dees by 35 points, McDonald BOG (hedging my bets a little bit there is two of them ?)

Anyone questioning Viney is clueless. Even if his 'touch' isn't quite there yet. He was monumental at the coal face today and his pressure and tackling is out of this world. He wins scraps on the ground when he should have absolutely no right to win them. Two against ones, you name it. I have nothing negative to say about today's game. It was by far one of the best four quarter efforts I've seen from this club. The confidence we now play with is what is most exciting and I can't believe we're still injury free. Dees.

My boss is a mad Crow, he even sqwaks after goals, so much so that even though he lives in Melb he will tune into 5AA radio when the Power loses... I really enjoyed going to Adelaide with him last year for the Dees game and had a $50 bottle of wine on today’s result... I’ll be putting witches hats around his desk before he gets in tomorrow. That was one of the best games I’ve ever seen us play in my 40 years. Bring on the next 2 weeks and hopefully some great footy to boost member numbers and get a few people who may have left back on board.

A few weeks ago I had ANB back at Casey but since then he's been magnificent.

Best % in the league. Confidence is sky high and climbing. Lever a genius Brayshaw looking like a superstar Viney dominant Tim Bull Smith a massive boost to the side, hes a machine Hogan is a SUPERSTAR Gawn may be the greatest tap ruckman of all time Spargo the terrier never stops going Hibberd magnificent Oliver a god Could go on and on and on..............

Oscar McDonald is my favourite player btw.

You can’t go back and criticise posters who were emotional after a loss. Go away now, you don’t add anything anymore.

Much to celebrate, but really impressed with how Spargo has slotted in and what he brings. Not yet getting a heap of it, but he's smart and a really clean ball-user, great for the structure.

What’s that Tex? You don’t like players bailing on success?

three weeks, we’ve kicked 146, 159 and 146 again

Meanwhile . . . over at the Crow's supporter site: Everyone has down weeks.josh Jenkins has one every week?I'm at the stage where I can only laugh at his selection each week. Potential doesn't win premierships Injuries are one thing but still it was 22 vs 22 there was no heart there whatsoever absolutely disgusting performance we should worry less about posting levers stats and which draft pick we are gonna get from Melbourne (re early this year) and worry about our own team Unfortunately into the first 4 minutes of the game you knew they would be thrashed. Looked like they hadn't slept all night and came out as if they weren't even trying. Just like the Grand Final. Very lethargic xx. Can't say it wasn't unexpected... end of day Melbourne are finally a seriously good footy side. We are average...clearly making up the numbers this year. If we were going to lose a game glad it was Melbourne love there coach Goodwin he was one of our own early days long way to go we will come back bad day at the office we all have them Make them [censored] walk home. No [censored] pride in this club any more. Looked like a training drill for Melbourne. Not a good day, I can't see Sloane and lynch staying either. I reckon their gone I shake my head every time I see Jenkins efforts The useless coach who had no Plan B and decided to just STARE at the players...?? Like Pykey, they can't read your mind mate. Nothing like dropping from 4th to 7th and losing almost 16% dishing up that ? It's 3 poor games. We need more Victorians. Playing with a B grade side and Melbourne had it's A side. Move on. Might as well support Melbourne enough of our players are with then Lever was the big winner today I have said all along that Pyke is a “B” grade version of Neil Craig. Doesn’t help that we have our reserves playing against a full strength Melbourne team. On the upside, looks like the stare is back in vogue. On ya Pykey, inspiring stuff. Premiership pretenders again Maybe a [censored] play on our behalf but [censored] the umpires are playing for Melbourne today.

Something the TV commentary came out with. The last time the MFC won five games on the trot was two weeks before Nathan Jones played his first game. Think about that. He has stuck with the MFC for all this time and this is the first time he's seen this sort of success. They had better do it again next week for his 250th.

Viney getting that involved in his 2nd game back is [censored] frightening. The midfield we’ve assembled after years of rolling (with all due respect) garbage through there is an absolute joy to watch. Skill, heart, hardness, consistency... just a group of beasts. The back line is perfect for modern footy. The forward line is [censored] off good. And the greatest ruckman on earth. Haven’t had this much fun watching footy since 98 and 2000. And I appreciate it so much more these days. And at a time when 14 other teams are dishing up crud spectacles. Keep it going. [censored] yes Dees.

Our first two draft picks last year were 29 (Spargo) and 31 (Fritsch) and both are already getting regular games in their first season. That's what I call good drafting.

Sorry Bruce, but that was special! Absolutely put on a show, so glad to get to watch that with my kids, reckon they’ll have sore arms tomorrow, having waved their flags so much. Overall, just an amazing team effort

When I could not have been more proud of our team’s demolition of those scumbags, they upped it to another level again by singing the song in the middle around the aboriginal flag. our club is all class.

Perfection. I can’t add anything else, just perfect.

Loving seeing the MFC logo on the red tails jumper. Proud of our clubs involvement in this area and our contribution to indig footy... long my it continue.

I reckon we’ll open another can of:

Absolutely. Adelaide even with a bunch of guns out are a very good team. A 1 win point will be just fine thanks.

A season defining win. No question. We'll done to our 22 warriors who have brought pride back to our club.

Carlton also did us a favour by denying Geelong a huge percentage boost. Vs Carlton, ours went up by 14% last week but Geelong's went up by just 3% last night. Could be very important for the final ladder positions.