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Beautiful September morning, thanks to the supporters, the crowd continued to grow as the session progressed, maybe 300 there. Plenty of MFC staff in attendance. The squad was very vocal. Rehab had Oskar Baker (looking closer to playing), Lachlan Filipovic, Corey Maynard and Bernie Vince. Bernie told a few he is a good chance to play next week (probably at Casey). Dean kent joined later and was running laps. Jack Viney training well. Dom Tyson wearing a long sleeved jumper but not much of a guard showing, he protected his arm a little bit but did a full session. Jordan Lewis trained well, near the end he did a few extra laps. Cam Pedersen was working with the forwards. Plenty of goal kicking for the forwards. The mids did some boundary drills and then joined the forwards for some hit up work, delivering the ball from outside 50 to leads. Backs mainly looking for links along the boundary and later creating a 3rd man peeling away to impact the one on one contest when the ball came in. The drills with the mixed group involved some soft one on one contests, ending in a linking player who had a kick at goal. All were involved. Plenty of kicking drills for everyone, getting them to kick to advantage with "stick" men acting as the opposition or kicking the ball after work on the wings to a leading forward. The simulations seemed to be a competitive without having hard contest. They were finding the player out the back of the pack, getting the extra defender to the one on one, taking some contested marks and creating overlaps. During the simulations, the Casey squad ran some laps (included was Mitch Hannan and Jayden Hunt). Joel Smith was in the simulations. There was some intense tackling drills between Charlie Spargo and Jay Kennedy Harris, then between Alex Neal-Bullen and Christian Petracca. Coach was giving them some detailed instructions for their techniques. None appeared to be carrying any niggles. The week off has helped. They are up and about. Plenty of joy in squad. Go Dees, From kev Martin

Training in September? What is this witchcraft? I look forward to any in depth reports from intrepid Demonlanders.

At training. Goodwin: so unfortunately we're dropping Spartacus this week. Can you stand up please Spartacus? Spargo: *goes to stand up* Lewis: I'm Spartacus! *stands up* Jones: I'm Spartacus! *stands up* TMac: I'm Spartacus! *stands up* (etc) Now that's esprit de corps! I'm Spartacus

Sorry Tyson did full session, had his arm covered, so couldn't see a guard etc Got distracted whilst typing first post Really good upbeat session Rehab was Kent, Vince, Baker, Maynard, Filipovic Vince and Baker ready to go next week

Hi all! Been a while since I've posted here, but for those who don't know, I post Demon highlight compilations to YouTube. To commemorate our first finals appearance in 12 years, I've put together a short video celebrating the year so far. Go Dees!

Dropped by training this morning, got there late but the whole squad was doing ball work drills then they split out the Casey squad for the firsts to do 3/4 ground contested ball movement drill. I noted that both Hannan and J Smith did not participate. Tyson and JKH were with the firsts. If there are no injuries and Tyson gets up I am predicting one change Viney for Kent.

Just to clarify in case anyone did not see the Spargo interview: Said he was feeling tired towards the closing of the year and then Misso eased off training for first year players, which helped him and Fritter freshen up. Also said the bye was at the right time and he's ready to go. No way is he "cooked" or needs a rest after a bye.

Spargo, Hannan, Smith, JKH, Viney all did the full session this morning Lewis did the full session also

The time is drawing nearer. The beast will be unleashed in his first ever final in front of 90K Friday night at the MCG. Having played just 7 games this season and struggling with for the 12 months with a frustrating foot problem, JV might just be more angry than usual ... if thats even possible. Adds another layer of intrigue to an already tantalizing game.

Seems unaffected by it all. At the end of the day he has a wife and kids and he is a person. I wish him well, so long as he stays the hell away from my club.

I think the biggest hurdle will this Friday. If we perform well beat the cats I believe the momentum and confidence will be there to contest in every game including the big one. Friday is to get rid our any stage fright.

Ironic. The club's downfall in the early part of the decade started before Neeld arrived, when Green was captain and led a player protest on the way to a 200 point loss. Neeld wasn't the caused of our problems. He was a symptom. So was Green in the twilight of his career. Neeld at least is diplomatic albeit dismissive of accountability. It wasn't Neeld's fault that Bailey was sacked. Or that the club was in the position it was in when he arrived. But sure, Brad. Whatever you say. And yeah I am sympathetic of Neeld's plight. People forget our first year with Roos was also garbage. Neeld inherited a club and team on its deathbed.

I watched Spargo's interview with the Burgatron yesterday and I think he gave it away that he's already been told he'll remain in the 22. He corrected himself with "if I'm lucky enough to" or similar to make the 22. Am I reading that right?

Woke up exhausted this morning, I played a couple of quarters of football in my dreams. I managed to run through Dangerfield & Selwood did't get to Ablett, Viney had already removed him from the game. Max is a great tap ruckman, and Oliver is a great team mate. I woke up when the missus elbowed me for unduly rough play. PS: We won by 46points.

Melksham had played 114 games in 6 years at Essendon averaging approx 16.35 disposals in a middling club playing mid/hbf. Sam Mayes has played 101 games in 6 years at Brisbane (95 in 5 before this year) averaging approx 17.45 disposals in a middling to poor club playing hff/hbf. Very few were keen on Melksham when he came to the club. It's about identifying a specific type of player to address specific needs if they have the correct tools and our environment is able to let them get the best out of themselves. Just think he could be an old diamond in the rough.

People smashing us on Instagram after Harmes photo saying "we're not scared. We're not scared at all". They hate us. Finally relevant again. ?

An interesting proposition - could Neeld be appointed to top clubs in a senior football capacity as an equalisation measure of sorts?

Bang!

Robbie had a blinder that day against North and it took a Gary Ayres crunch to unhinge him in prelim final of 1987. Don't get too worried about the Cray boys tactics, they have mellowed a bit and like to think of themselves as strategists now, rather than thugs. They also know the cameras pick up any malicious acts and subsequent media scrutiny is not worth the hassle. But I do sense that Chris Scott is getting edgy about his plan to send a third-gamer to Max Gawn and he may decide to switch things a bit. I think he was hoping that big Sav would have given him a cut out, but that fell through when he barely touched it at Casey. Now he has to decide whether to send Blicavs into battle to negate Gawn's influence around ground or give Stanley injections into hsi achilles that will probably end his final series if they won. If he does go with Blicavs into the ruck, it could muck up things in much the same way that Northey let the GF88 battle get to him and chose to muck up our line up by sending Danny Hughes into the ruck and Stretch onto Dunstall. That killed us off before the bounce. Anyway I did get to training and saw three things: 1) VDB accidentally hammered Dom in a tackle at one stage and was quite apologetic. Dom courageously played on, so in a sense he's already had a fitness test because a VDB hit is as hard as they come. he will be available, although they may have already got some other plans for this game. 2) JKH is absolutely flying. He is so up at moment and his work is way better than I've ever seen. It will be a big call to drop him. 3) I watched Bayley play the simulation drill on Jack Viney and was impressed with the Fritta - he's come a long way since his debut, looks stronger and sharper. He will be fine in the finals. As to my original assertion on changes thread a week ago that there will be three changes - the same as ones Ben Guthrie has listed - I am starting to doubt it. Obviously Viney and Hannan will come in, but maybe the need for Joel Smith's flexibility and security as the third tall will be overridden by the Cats going smaller and the difficulty in telling either Dom or JKH they are out. Finals is an emotional time. But having said that, I'd still do it and the reason is because both Hannan and Smith are critical to us being able to play a man-on-man game which we slipped into two weeks ago - whoops I shouldn't have told you that!

Spargo plays in the forward pocket JKH spent time in the middle. Different roles with more possessions coming from the midfield. So these stats aren't directly relevant. Spargo is a very smart footballer has a better knowledge of where to be and where to deliver the ball than JKH. JKH has a bigger body although still gets knocked off the ball too easily but is definitely a better tackler. He's also got a better tank at this point although not sure that's relevant if Spargo's in the forward pocket. Spargo's had the bye at the perfect time so should be primed. He's been in the team much more consistently than JKH. Would be very harsh to drop him now. I'd be very surprised.

I think we'll blow them off the park, unless ... and it's likely they'll try this ... they pull some unorthodox coaching moves and we can't deal with it and go to water. It's as much a test for our game day coaches as it is our players.

I wouldn't mind that, as it would allow us to release Fritsch to the wing and forward where he is very dangerous.

Personally I’m hating this shite. Way too much hype... let’s let the footy do the talking. I want to enjoy winning the game (s) not reading the news. I sincerely hope we’re not getting distracted by this garbage., we finished 5th and almost missed the 8. That’s the truth of where we’re at... for now.

I feel like differentiating Neeld the man v Neeld the coach. As a man his disappointment must have been immense, coaching was his lifes ambition. He killed his own dreams as much as killed ours with his coaching style. He faced the truth of our recuiting policy that had gone before him...which was never going to make him popular. The club recovers but his aspirations never will. So, as many above have said , like him or not, he gave it his all and bled for our club along with us. It must have been a savage ride and I thank him...as I thank all ex dees for his contibutions and the time and strain he gave for us. That being said. Neeld the coach was a frikn abomination. He was weak when he needed to be strong ( apparantly following a directive to sack the leadership group on arrival....sooo wrong) and strong when he needed to be flexible ( the manner he appoached the players and the relationships he grew/ poisoned) his speeches to the players were atrocious, his game plan was dated anyway and built without reference to the players he actually had. On top of that he managed to alienate both the coaches AND the players with his autocratic ways from early on in his time here. His tenure remains the darkest years of my entire 46 year supporting history...and theres been some really crap years to run that against lol. The only good thing Neeld gave us imo was that he brought us absolutely and fully undone. He was great at that. From THAT place PJ and PR arrived and today we are a destination club, finals coming, a possible new home base and seen by many as having the best young list in the comp. I hated the death and that whole humiliating time he was at the helm...but Im def enjoying the rebirth! Perhaps today could never be reached without that kind of black yesterday.

Hearing the richmond supporters scream "yellow and black" at the Anzac Eve match every year even makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. We have our own war cry that over the last decade of mediocrity has fizzled into non-existence. I think this Friday would be the perfect chance to bring it back and would give the players goosebumps hearing 50,000 melbourne supporters scream "what do we sing" as they ran out onto the field for their first final in 12 years. As a collective, does this forum have what it takes to bring back our old war cry? Are there members of the demon army or perhaps the debrief who could help spread the word to make this a reality on Friday night?

Hi All - there have been a few questions around finals eligibility for the VFL so thought I would answer them. For those interested, here is the VFL finals rules, the games played in VFL, and the games played in AFL. Easiest way for eligibility is if the Dees are still in the finals, anyone can play VFL. Under the horrible situation where we might not make it that far, this is the 18 eligible players we have on offer: B: Petty Frost* Johnson HB: J. Wagner Keilty J. Smith C : Baker Hunt McKenna HF: Pederson T. Smith Hannan** F: Garlett Weideman Filipovic R: King JKH Bugg * Frost will become ineligible if (when) we get to the semis. ** If Hannan plays VFL this week rather than AFL, he is eligible It is actually a very strong side when you think that VFL players Wagner, Lockhart, Munro, Hutchins, Scott, Machaya, Stockdale, White, Gent, Lok and Freeman have all done really well this year. Hopefully Weid and Frost wont see a game in the VFL for the rest of the year as they will be too busy winning in September with Melbourne.

Just get him in the rooms pre match. He would not even need to speak, his presence alone would lift this group!

Good to see Robbo there kicking a ball with his young son and Hassa Mann and I have just discovered, Steven Icke at training today. Wandered passed the Pies training, a lot more fans at their training but then I realised your average Pies fanatic is more likely to be unemployed and able to attend than our hard working Demon followers!

In the Elim. Final of 1987, John Law, the kangas captain, admitted he shook Robbie's hand really hard at the coin toss before the game as the rumour was Flower had a broken finger. As told by Robbie in his book also. Nothing is off limits and the cats need to be on the lookout for AVB and Viney as well as anything Scott has in store. . Max will just go about his business. The Scott boys nickname of the cray brothers was given to them at school. Wesley I think or St. Kevins. Leopards don't change spots as seen in the disgraceful episode on Nick Reiwoldt.

what about a hearty 'Go Dees' in a high pitch voice after the song and then we all throw our cheese boards up in the air?

Spargo must be exhausted after "needing a rest" for the past 16 weeks!! he is 100% in the team this week, no doubt. he impacts each contest he gets to and sets up goals very well. hope he can get some length into his kicking over the preseason and he will be a beauty

Spargo, for someone who was cooked, had several goal assists last game and now has had a week off. Won't be dropped

That's great news for Bernie as it will get him in the VFL semi.

The problem with playing either or both of Smith and Tyson is the Cats are professionals at gaining any advantage they can, legally or otherwise, and this includes sniping. They'll go after whoever they believe to be our most influential players, but also whoever they think is an easy target. Think back and names like Jetta, Gawn (influential) and Fritsch (young target) come to mind, only in recent times. Smith's shoulder will be a target, as will Tyson's arm, I guarantee they've already discussed it, in fact they've probably spoken about Viney's foot, but decided the consequences just aren't worth it.

Been thinking about this binman. 3 changes is a lot, but if it was Lever, Hogan and Viney we wouldn’t be batting an eye lid over it and I think we need to see the same with Smith. He was best 22 for most of this year and even last year they saw him as best 22 (until injury struck in round 1). So I feel if he is fit they want him in the side. In my mind, JKH and Kent are out. Viney is in, and then it’s a question of Hannan or Smith. Does Fritch offer more than Hannan in the forward line? Does Smith offer more in the backline than Fritch? Great conversations we are having now rather than who do we bring in to replace yeh rabble we have playing.

I've loved the past 12 years, not sure what they are on about.

Poor form by the AFL.. they're more worried about an irrelevant token comp then putting more work into AFLW competition. [censored] off Gill

That was great. I like Jon Ralph now. All fair questions he asked and as someone above me said, Judd played the man predictably. He is a fake intellectual who cant handle criticism. .

Walls has always had a soft spot for the Demons, maybe through Ian Thorogood, i am not sure. But he has bought Memberships regularly since his coaching days dried up.

Thought it was time for a new video. Here's my latest offering. Enjoy

I'm not defending Neeld, I didn't like him from his first presser when appointed but it's never just one man. The whole club was toxic and divided and the list was terrible. He put the explanation mark on a terrible period. Nobody at the Club intended to hurt it, they were just out of their depth. I'll watch with interest, it's part of our history and just highlights the strides we've made and the wonderful contributions of all involved since PJ was appointed. But IMO it's time to put the knives away for the Stynes/McLardy era and enjoy our growth both on and off the field.

Just found a preview online..

My husband who is a Pies man hates the fact Sam is playing for the Dees. I told him to suck it up. ?

I really think he fueled the fire with his smugness last week. He has the typical “everyone’s entitled to their opinion” line right before he throws in a backhander.

For Geelong, despite Gaz, Joel and Danger cheating Elimination Maxy in the ruck Jumps and taps majestically Clarry sprints away. I think the wait and stress has made me slightly deranged.

I hate people who surf in a suit.