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Dear Melbourne Football Club, Thanks for your email. I will always support this club through the good and bad times! My late father, Kevin Raymond Hardeman who passed away on 3rd December 2018 and was a financial paid up member of the MFC since 1972 (except 1979!) and we, as a family attended every MFC game up until 1987. In 1973, I remember sitting in the Northern Stand with my Grandmother (Gary Hardeman’s Aunty), my Dad, Mother, Brother and Sister (my youngest brother wasn’t born at the time) with Robert Flower’s parents and talking to them while watching Robbie play his first game for the MFC! I was still taking my Dad to the footy in 2018 and sitting in the top deck of the Southern Stand in the AFL members...sometimes on our own!! My Dad saw his last MFC game and win against the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium! It was a fitting last game for Dad (who had Dementia and was living in a nursing home at the time!). My Dad had grown up a Footscray supporter and saw many of Melbourne’s premierships in the 1950’s. My father was a good footballer in his own right and played U18s for Yarraville Football Club and told me he had played football on the MCG and his opponent that day was EJ Whitten who was playing for Braybrook. It was the season before EJ started playing for Footscray. Dad also coached North Footscray Football Club and was a life member of the Umpires Association in the Footscray District League (FDL) which is now defunct. My Dad was the strongest, nicest and honest man I ever knew. He was and is still a legend!! Our greatest MFC moment was at Whitten Oval in the last game of 1987 when we beat Footscray to make the finals for the first time since 1964! I remember hugging my Dad as the final siren rang and dancing on the terraces...what a game! What a team! What a season! We where also there at the Preliminary final at Waverley and watched as the Hawks broke our hearts!! We went to our Grand Final losses in 1988 and 2000 (another great year...loved ‘The Wiz’!!). My poor Dad was too ill to go the finals in 2018 but my brother, my niece and myself where at the MCG to see us beat the Cats and the Hawks (I was responsible for starting the Melbourne, Melbourne, Melbourne chant after the game!). I flew to Perth for the 2018 Prem final and sat behind Daniel Cross (Daniel lived with my Dad’s brother Peter Hardeman and my Aunty when Daniel first started playing at the Bulldogs) and the club doctor on the plane over...the loss still hurts as does the 186 point loss at Geelong (Dad, my son and I sat though the reserves as they got beaten by 30 goals and then the seniors by 186 points...I am still recovering from that defeat!!) My Dad also knew Dudley...and I remember Dudley selling peanuts at the footy at the G in the 1970s and 1980s... Anyway... I love this club with all of my heart and soul! Stay strong and take care. Go Dees!!!

I call BS.

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! Please be careful. There’s a link going around for a stream of Bono from U2 doing a live gig from his home. Do NOT click the link! It will take you to a stream of Bono from U2 doing a live gig from his home.

Hmmmm. Poster with 12 posts announces inside info about a player wanting to come back to Dees. Some people don't handle isolation as well as others.

Robbo crying over his beloved Bombers. Cry me a river Robbo

Funny... https://digg.com/2020/trump-impression-coronavirus?fbclid=IwAR0H0RU87l0WDHf45GWRaHWGtRRv_BUDA61tC-HK6aX2ZjA_jdytqcDtqTQ

It might be better to go back to a semi pro model. Don't cut the list size but cut the salary cap back dramatically...

If they are smart (taking the devil’s advocate that this is something of substance) they wouldn’t have a draft this year. Nobody is going to see the kids play, the draft age can do with a lift, and it lets natural attrition trim the lists.

Yeah, they've been hack clubs for many years

I know the pay issue is important, but it really highlights for me why ive turned off almost all afl media last year and already this year; Barely any discussion of games, and instead footy politics. Where were the 'on the couch' game graphics and behind the goal vision from round 1? Instead just a round table discussion on pay disputes. What a bore.

I'm with you. If the players weren't switched on that is an indictment. A bit like rd 23 2017 when we had to beat a lowly Collingwood to make finals for the first time in a decade. Everything to play for but the players weren't 'switched on'. In fact they didnt lay a tackle inside the first 15mins. I am so sick of Melbourne not turning up to play. The coaching staff is on notice this season and they have fallen at the first hurdle. Yes there was an unusual circumstance but it didn't bother the Eagles. It would seem in fact (and has been pointed out elsewhere) it wasn't in this case their lack of endeavour. It was the complete failure of their game plan and ability to have any system bringing the ball into the forward line. Same old crap we have been dealing with for a decade. What doesn't help is people making lame excuses for them.

whilst i was initially bitterly disappointed with the team's performance i have rethought the whole situation and come to the conclusion that (without going through all the obvious reasons) the player's minds were simply not focussed on football that day. the game was rendered effectively meaningless (just before play) and the players just reflected that, consequently i take no realistic meaning from the resultant display. deconstructing anything is therefore also meaningless. of course those most afflicted with mfcss will continue to analyse and criticise every minute detail to add to their masochism pDc

sturt i think

Too many people/fools believe the s..t on facebook

I wonder when the media will read demonland again and report on fox that this is in motion as a possibility. If what u r saying is true bizzell and I generally give the benefit of the doubt to new posters unless proven otherwise, then Hogan would need to remove that big chip on his shoulder, adjust his attitude and chase and tackle like he has never before. Also stop throwing his arms in the air pleading for free kicks. Time will tell if u r on the money.

Some doors are best left shut, surely.

Take your pick of any 3 for the current team and why. Farmer - Freakish scoring power and marking ability. Davey - Invented the manic defensive pressure for small forwards, and loved a goal. Jurrah - Shocking defensively and terrified of physical contact, but an absolute offensive weapon who would benefit from our current bomb it long inside 50s Hard done by. Matty Whelen - yesteryears Nev Jetta. Fantastic small defender who was great 1 on 1 and tough as nails.

Loved it, well said?

Good on you, Star. I hope everyone pulls in this kind of spirit when the time comes later this year to really get behind the Mighty Demons. Sounds like the old man lived a full and dignified life. Good on him too. That's the way to do it.

I have tears right now star of the 80's.

Message from Glen Bartlett & Gary Pert via email to members. We write to you today to update you at the end of what has truly been one of the most significant weeks in the AFL’s history. In the past seven days, our collective worlds have been fundamentally shifted. Our community is hurting, and like all Australians, we’re coming to terms with our new world. Thinking back to last weekend, it’s safe to say we all experienced a mix of emotions. On Saturday, we achieved a significant milestone in our Club’s history, reaching our first AFLW final. As a pioneering team of the competition, to play and win our first final at GIANTS Stadium, in such fashion, was a true highlight for the Club. It was a thrilling comeback, full of the Demon spirit, exemplified by Lily Mithen’s goal which brought sheer enjoyment to our living rooms. On Sunday, as our players travelled by bus to an empty Perth Stadium to face West Coast, they received the news that the season would be postponed. There was no telling the impact this had on the group. They accepted it and understood they had a responsibility to play out the round, but as Max marshalled his team up the race and onto the ground, it is hard to imagine what emotions were running through each player’s heart and mind. There was a different feeling to the game which couldn’t be escaped, and full credit to West Coast for claiming the four points. After the match, with state borders closing around the country, our staff went about helping our players return to their home states. Kozzy Pickett and Luke Jackson left Optus Stadium with what they had in their backpacks, as a trip back to Melbourne to collect the rest of their personal belongings was off the cards. This is just an example of how reality was setting in. Our game has withstood many pressures over the years, but we were no longer immune to this global situation. This was now far bigger than football. The decision last Sunday by the AFL to suspend the season wasn’t unexpected. For the first time in weeks, it provided us with an element of certainty around the season and propelled the AFL and all 18 clubs into survival mode. As a result, we spent the following 24 hours implementing our Club’s contingency plan that we had been working on in previous weeks. However, although we all understood the season may be interrupted at some point, it still came upon us quickly. No-one anticipated a two-month suspension of the season during Round 1. This first phase of our contingency plan saw the Club’s Board and senior leaders roll out a set of guiding principles that will underpin and help shape all decisions that we make as a Club. Two key elements of these guiding principles are to support our people and to secure the financial viability of the Club. The decision of the AFL means there will be a stoppage of work, and the majority of the work performed by the Club in relation to the AFL, State and Community competitions will stop until the end of the postponement on May 31, 2020. In order to accommodate these changes and spread the impact as fairly across the Club as possible, we spent the last week focussing on our most important asset; our people, and how we can best protect them in the most difficult of circumstances. We, of course, have had to cut costs across the entire Club. Some of the measures we have had to implement involve standing down staff and reducing hours. Our executive group have also shown great leadership, volunteering significant pay cuts which well and truly transcend the next two-month period. One-on-one discussions were held with every individual employee across the footy department, coaching group and the administration over the last week, with compassion and care at the forefront. Our people are our greatest asset, and to us, are like family. As leaders of our Club, this has been the most difficult aspect of what we are dealing with. We understand these are significant measures, but in the current environment, they are required to keep our Club and the competition alive. This is incredibly challenging, as it is for millions of people across Australia and the world in similar situations. We are doing everything in our power to support our people, both emotionally and financially, through this shutdown period. We have put several wellbeing programs in place, and our club psychologists and doctors are working with our administration staff and coaches to help us all through this difficult period. Financially, we are supporting our people where we can, through a combination of annual leave and other leave measures. While this does not completely alleviate the difficult decisions that have had to be made, it will still ensure staff receive some financial support during this time. Now, more than ever, we know this Club is what will keep us strong. By staying united and supporting each other the best we can, we can get through this and set ourselves up to reboot the 2020 season, whenever that time comes. We are all still bound by our connection to the Demons. We will stick together and fight our way through this crisis. To our members, thank you. For those still ringing our membership department and buying memberships; your support is having a profound effect on our Club. We need you more than ever before, so thank you for your continued passion. Even with a skeleton staff and limited physical access to our coaches and players, we will continue to bring you digital content and regular updates from the Club throughout this period. Maintaining our connection with you is so important. Whilst this week has been incredibly tough, we are working very hard to navigate our way through this unprecedented challenge. We will need your support, but we are developing a plan to ensure we can financially bounce back from this. We are also leaving no stone unturned, preparing to perform on-field whenever the season starts again. When that time does come, we will certainly be ready, and ready with you. Go Dees

would welcome him back in a heartbeat but i doubt it'll happen

Whereabouts are you in London? I live in Ealing (actually just moved a week before they brought in the tougher measures). I've *touch wood* been able to stay healthy and avoid getting sick but I also know that Ealing is one of the higher rated areas which genuinely makes me worry about going out. That said if you're not far from me and need someone to drop off essentials (beer etc) I'd be happy to help. Like you I thought the AFL would get a couple of rounds out of the way before pausing the season, but it sounds like Australia is making a similar mistake to the UK in that they've got a foot in both camp. Containment, but not restricting movement/non-essential work. Mixed messages stuffed up the UK (London in particular which should have locked down 1-2 weeks ago), I really hope it won't happen in Australia.

Imagine if the Coronavirus had kicked straight. Close to a 200 point spanking

Kane Cornes should be ashamed. Hysteria? Tell that to the families and friends of the 14 (now 16) people who died alone, without even the comfort of having their families beside them. Australia is also 2 to 3 weeks behind the rest of the world in this widening pandemic. It is not going to get better, especially when people like Cornes think everyone is over reacting. He should keep his mouth shut and appear stupid, rather than open it and remove all doubt. (With apologies to Mark Twain or Abraham Lincoln or whoever the quote belongs to.)

Awesome to be able to pen such a reflection. Thank you for sharing with us.

You have touched my heart star of the 80s You will always remember the time with your Dad.Thanks for letting us read your letter.

And we could have had his cousin brother who was the real star of the family. (Source) Plenty of SANFL stars didn't translate to the VFL but tell me this wouldn't have come in handy...

Hope your info is correct. Would be great to have a fit and healthy Hogan back at the Demons! Ignore the negative feedback, just part of the fun on Demonland (some posters vitriol is hilarious if you can view it the way that a lot of social media should be treated!)

i can't be bothered going through all the legitimate reasons they might not have been switched on. in the circumstances i can find it quite reasonable, despite the fact that many posters think they are robots. these were extra-ordinary conditions and the game probably should have been abandoned after the announcements only hours before ball-up. i don't expect many to agree

I so hope that is wrong, as it would be a terrible indictment of the playing group. The Eagles played in the same game and appeared switched on. It would signal that our entire 2020 campaign was a waste of time if we couldn't get up for a single game but the opposition could.

I think the suggestion is if this happens then it will be in two stages with 40 in 2021 shifting to 35 in 2022. I assume this is to smooth those coming out of contract. If they are to do this which I do not disagree with to reduce costs they should also do the following to support it. Lift the draft age to 19 to reduce speculative picks as well as ensure players once on list have an extra year of physical and mental maturity and readiness to play. Reduce to 16 on field as per the AFLW. It will both reduce cost as well as improve the speed of the game. Align each club with a secondary club that they can develop talent with and if injuries hit you can promote from. If we go to 35 you will really see a premium placed on utility types that can play multiple roles well. Ignoring existing contracts and assuming 2 new draftees and no trades I would delist/retire the following. Jones, Spargo, Hibberd, KK, Hannan, AVB, Hunt, Brown,Wagner, Wagner, Bradtke NB: I am assuming Nietzschke and Bennell are available for full preseasons.

Damaged goods now, he would be a 3rd or 4th rd pick. Freo would be happy to see him go, I’d say. I’d have him back in a heartbeat.

don't take kindly to negativity my source is Chris Connolly and few others, need i say more. wheels are in motion

I remember hearing a Richmond player back in 2017 say beating Melbourne Anzac eve after being down at 3/4 time was a big turning point in building their belief. I remember the game really well as Melbourne was 2 or 3 goals up going into the last, with 3 or 4 players sitting injured on the bench, and 3 minutes into the last quarter could see the Demons had no run, as a few players had been off injured since 1st and 2nd quarter. Beating the 9th team with players injured on the bench was the win that gave the Tigers belief!!!! All I hope for is that a win like that builds the belief for the Demons! Remember Richmond we’re hammered for no leaders, failed under pressure etc etc. Gawn, Oliver, Petracca, May and our top 16 players aren’t that far away! Something that builds belief and that X factor that gets the ball being delivered well into the forward line could make the difference for the Demons.

don't worry, lack of bog rolls is sure to act as a sex deterrent

Sports journo in The Age today questioning if GWS and Greater Suns will survive. wont be shedding a tear for those two money pits with their proud history

He should cut in half from top to bottom, not across, before chopping. Rookie mistake Gus!

Our forward line would function so much better with Hogan. I’ve come to the realisation that it was a fluke and an anomaly that we won from round 22- semi final 2018 with the T Mac - Weid combo.

Unlikely but possible. Hogan would need to get delisted first but if fit, he would be more help than a few on our list. I would welcome him back in a heartbeat if he was committed to come like Bennell was. Hogan was more stable and successful at the Dee's and he knows this. I don't think there are many clubs that would be able to help him.

Thanks La Dee. My symptoms are mild thankfully, the breathing and tiredness is a different experience. Interesting to see how the players cope, without wishing them to be infected. My name was a moment of failed creativity. However, given Boris is now also infected I could claim solidarity. It was the current 10, Gus that caught my eye as the type of player I admire. He's not as flashy as Oliver or Trac, but highly skilled. He's hard but more composed than Jones. He's witty and well spoken without the big personality of Max. He's the glue of a team. I love all these players, but Gus feels like the reliable constant. That I appreciate. Thanks La Dee

Darcy Fogarty Yes, but Pry away, we must.

I bought a 3 game membership for someone in my family basically as a donation. Every little bit helps.

Absolutely it should be a sliding scale. Top earners (Dangermouse, Reiwoldt, Buddy, Dusty etc) should be showing leadership in this regard to help out their fellow players that are earning base salaries. Totally understand they're feeling a pinch as well but jeez there are others out there doing it a whole lot tougher.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no leftie! Players often claim the AFL is a 'family'. In reality players are a fraternity within that 'family'. Its time they 'walk the talk' and take care of that family, especially the more vulnerable within it as well as their own blood families. If I was a player under the average pay and have already lost match payments I would be fast losing respect for the so called leaders. Dangerfield etal are letting their teflon coated egos get the better of them.

I'm glad May got into the team of the week. A lot of frustrating things came out of this game but our defense looks better, when allowed to maintain their structures. As the commentators said, they would rightfully criticise May if Kennedy had kicked a bag on him so it's only fair that credit is given when he is kept quiet. Viney thoroughly deserves his spot, he cracked in all day and put a lot of his teammates to shame with his intensity.

As someone whose only real source of income and pleasure, is performing in a band, we’ve had all bookings cancelled (3 just this week alone) as venues are now shutting up shop. I know numerous others in the same boat and I can’t help but think that as we’re not registered businesses, there will be little to no support from government agencies; it’s a shame they don’t look back just a couple of months at who it was that were giving up their time and income to support those who lost everything in the fires. I’m going to be looking into live streaming options, and possibly taking performances to apartment blocks where we could possibly set up in courtyards and play to people on their balconies who in turn could live stream, but that in itself is not a simple process. Anyway, that’s my whinge done for the day ? In the meantime I’ll console myself with some live footy. Edit: Oh, and I’m not saying we’re a great band by any stretch of the imagination (we’re not), but the point I’m making is that we lead a very tenuous existence ?