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He might have to spend less time being a life coach and more time being a footy coach. Cue outraged Saty charging in on his trusty white steed in 5..4..3..2..1..

Cuts in assistant coaches and other ancillary staff will also increase the scrutiny on the Senior Coach ..... mmmm!

If anyone wanted to see the results of the live stream, follow this link (be warned, it runs for something like 1hr 40mins):

Start riding scooters to training? #dingonfire

So does McGowan think that keeping WA borders closed is leverage for forcing all other clubs to form a hub in Perth, thus reaping the economic and competitive advantage?! And now he’s having a sook because no one’s buying it. If he just made FIFO exemptions for AFL teams (and SA), everything would be hunky-dory; but no, he wants to play brinkmanship. While they’ve been open the whole time for hundreds of FIFO mining and defence workers. What a fool- he’s now essentially forcing his two state teams into a situation they don’t want.

The first rule of coronavirus is that there are no more rules.

That is honestly one of the dumbest things I’ve heard from a politician, right up there with Trump. So his answer is that the entire competition and put all other 16 clubs into a quarantine hub just to suit his states rules and TWO of 18 clubs. What a muppet.

This was well put together but as mentioned above I'd be interested in getting an understanding of why they played so badly. Was part of it that Geelong didn't pull up like many teams do when a major thrashing is brewing. It was the last season where a variety of teams were savagely beaten (even we won three games by over 80 points) and the Cats did beat Gold Coast by 150 points the next week (fair fortnight) so I wonder if what would have been a 20 goal loss under normal circumstances exploded because teams were in a percentage race. Or were we so bad that once they got to half time 110 points up they thought they could go for something special without extending themselves. Also: - Did Bailey really pay for the team to stay overnight in Geelong because the club wouldn't pay as was rumoured at the time? - Why did Moloney play when he was so sick that he went around like a zombie for the first half having zero touches? I know they're not going to make it a four hour doco but these are things I'd be interested in. - I'd like to hear more about the Schwab squib. It's one thing to say you can't sack a CEO and coach at the same time but why? We'd just lost a game by 31 goals, I don't think anyone was going to think we were any more of a shambles if a board member took over as interim CEO for a few weeks. It was certainly a memorable afternoon, right down to going to a movie afterwards and yelling at some hipster doofus behind me for talking too loudly.

Most goals in a game Fred Fanning’s record of 18 goals against St Kilda in Round 19, 1947, not only stands as the greatest effort by a Demon, but it’s the highest tally by any player ever. Most scoring shots in a game In Round 20, 1991, Allen Jakovich couldn’t be stopped, hitting the scoreboard on 19 occasions (11.8) against North Melbourne (seventh most ever). Highest percentage of team’s goals in a game (minimum eight team goals) While the Demons went down by 57 points, Ray Carr’s seven-goal haul against North Melbourne in 1970 made the record books, kicking 87.50 percent of his side’s majors for the day (fourth highest ever). Highest average goals per game (minimum 50 games) Fanning averaged 3.95 goals per game (411 goals from 104 games) – more than any other Demon to play on more than 50 occasions (11th highest ever). But Jakovich is worth a mention for his 201 majors from 47 appearances (at an average of 4.27) before making the move to Footscray. Least games to 50 goals Jakovich started his career on fire, flying to 50 goals in his first nine games – quicker than anyone else in the league’s history. Least games to 100 goals Jakovich’s next 50 goals took 12 games, making him the equal-fastest man to reach 100 majors, alongside Bomber John Coleman. Most games without a goal This isn’t a record any player wants next to their name, but Jamie Shanahan, a former Saint who finished his career with 37 games in the red and blue (1998 and 1999), played 162 matches without kicking a goal (fourth most ever). Most games before first goal Out of all current players in the competition, Oscar McDonald took the longest amount of time to kick his first career goal, doing so against the Magpies last year in his 73rd outing. Ironically, his brother Tom McDonald, who has now kicked 104 majors, is second on that list after going goalless in his first 59 games. Most finals goals Jack Mueller, who was a star for the Demons from 1934 to 1950, kicked 62 goals in finals footy – the 10th highest tally in the league. Most consecutive games kicking a goal From his debut with the Dees to his third-last match with Geelong, Mark Jackson kicked a goal in every single game. His feat of 79 straight matches (across three different clubs), is the seventh highest streak recorded. Jackson played 41 of his 82 career games with Melbourne and booted a total of 308 goals at the level. Coleman Medal winners The Coleman Medal (league’s leading goal kicker) has been handed out since 1955, with former Dees skipper David Neitz being the only Melbourne recipient (75 goals in 2002). Prior to this award’s creation, Fanning (1944, 1945, 1947), Harry Brereton (1911, 1912), Vince Coutie (1904) and Jack Leith (1897) all led the league for goals in their respective years of dominance. Goal of the Year Since the conception of the Goal of the Year Award in 1976, Melbourne has had just one winner: Jeff Farmer. The crafty small forward was recognised in 1998, and you can vote for him to take out Melbourne’s greatest goal of the past 30 years in the competition below.

Stop trying to hide Simon What did all our Coaches do in Round 1 over in Perth? Looked like bugger all to me. Still played exactly like 2019....

My local shop assistant fiercely fought off an armed robber with his labelling gun, yesterday. Police are now looking for a man and say there's a price on his head.

This is like saying the cyclone does you a favour by knocking your house down so you can build a better one.

How will it impact the quality? Football being over coached has done a good enough job of that as it is.

No.32 1991 round 4 v Carlton at VFL Park In 1991, we saw the arrival of a young wild bloke from St.Kilda called Rod Owen. He was picked up in a trade for Stephen Newport. ‘Newy’ had played 100 games over 6 years and was a very handy midfielder and tagger. He’d been part of the young brigade that had seen us rise to finals over the prior 4 years. So what was Northey doing in this trade. Owen had talent but injuries. Aggressive but skilled and had a few behaviour misdemeanours. We were to find out? As I went out to VFL Park,Waverley, on a windy Saturday afternoon in April. We had built up a rivalry against the Blues. After that had beaten us up so many times, we had exacted revenge through the late 80s. Still they were talented. Bradley, Kernahan, Hanna, Dean, Dorovich, Alvin, Ratten, Madden, Silvagni. They were unbeaten with 3 wins. I got there to see the last quarter of the Reserves and see a bloke called Jakovich kick a few goals. He looked like he had some talent (more on him in subsequent countdown matches). It was obvious that the large scoreboard or Jackson Rd end was the scoring end. The Blues kicked with the wind to start and had a handy 6 goal lead at quarter time. Lyon (after kicking the opening goal) had a heavy clash and went off injured, O’Dwyer was knocked out and Stretch had to go off injured with a facial injury. Ouch. There were no easy kicks. I recall Simon Eishold playing across half forward with his hand bandaged. We started slowly in the second as the team roles adjusted but got a late run on and got back to a goal down by halftime. Stynes was getting on top in the ruck. Our forwards were worrying the Blues defence. We looked faster. Beveridge and Jackson and Bennett kicked the last 3 goals of the half. The team played out the third strongly to restrict the Blues. Brett Lovett, Cuthbertson, Spalding, Wight and Stynes repelled the Blues attacks. We were matching them and a great goal to Jackson had us only 2 goals down. The Blues only went in to the last quarter being 14 points up. But what makes this a great victory was the last quarter. Dorovich and Hanna kicked goals to keep the Blues up by 3 goals at about the 10 minute mark. But then an avalanche. The Dees kicked the last 10 goals of the match. Wow. We were on our feet. 11 goals for the quarter. 11.7 to 2.2. With the wind, I remember a goal to Kevin Dyson who was near the centre square. It must have gone 80 metres easily. This was only his 2nd game! Owen kicked 3 of the best goals ever. On the run bomb from 60. A running burst through the half forward line. Twisting. Turning. Breaking tackles. He was smoking! We’d found a star (although the star burned out with a knee injury about 6 weeks later). Stynes and Viney were driving the footy forward, supported by Dyson, the returning Steven Clark and Glenn Lovett. Glenn Lovett added a beautiful to top it off. With 4 injured players and only 16 fit players, we’d won an amazing game. Courage. Character. Spirit. Stynes, Viney and Spalding (who the Blues then poached at the end of 91) were probably our best, but it was Rod Owen’s 5 goals, as well as this new bloke Kevin Dyson, that had us all talking. The Blues were demoralised. A 45 point thrashing. It was bliss. Melbourne 23.17.155 defeated Carlton 17.8.110

Sean Wight was just as potent on the Fwd Line. Brilliant Fearless player i would have him on the Interchange Bench D Hughes at Full Back

Russel Robertson is a bit stiff. Underrated IMO. better than Wilson over the journey.

Jakovich was awesome even before coming to Melbourne. I was living in SA the year before he was drafted to the Dees. There were 2 gun full forwards in the SANfl. Scott Hodges was playing for Port Adelaide, who were premiers that year, kicked 100+ goals. He had the benefit of a dominant midfield. Jako played for Woodville who finished bottom. He also kicked 100+ goals in what was basically a team making up the numbers. It was an amazing effort. I was elated when he was drafted to the Demons. I travelled over to Melbourne for this game against North, and saw one of the most incredible displays of forward play. 20 scoring shots - what a star!

he's been doing this thing every week during the downtime; reckons that the dees one is one of the hardest he's had to look at as we've not had many stand-out players or periods of time over the journey nevertheless, not a bad side B: Laurie Fowler – Sean Wight – Alan Johnson HB: Brett Lovett – Gary Hardeman – Adem Yze C : Stan Alves – Greg Wells – Robbie Flower HF: Garry Lyon (Capt.) – David Schwarz – Brian Wilson F: Jeff Farmer – David Neitz – Allen Jakovich Foll: Jim Stynes – Gerard Healy – Todd Viney I/c: Max Gawn – Nathan Jones – Clayton Oliver – Brad Green Coach: John Northey they also teased that they've got a demon on the 'sacked' podcast this friday and that it's a doozy

Best Bet (Saturday) Morphettville Race 8 No.1 Santa Ana Lane (Place) $2.45

At least we still have mirth.

I agree with him... The AFL talk a level playing field. Then they need to create a hub in a neutral region with all clubs in it together. Personally though I don't see the season being completed... No, I don't think he sees football as being his major objective even though he's had a shot at the AFL. He's thinking of the health and wellbeing of his citizens over the AFL. Good for him. I mean who would trust a bunch of footballers to abide by the rules????

Yes Laurie really great player but his kicking out of defence was shizen. Give me Rodney ANYDAY!

When did "hub" become a verb?

The loss of development coaches will be critical as the "hub/lockdown" situation continues. This club of anyone has learned how damaging the lack of good development to young players can be, thinking that all was required was to draft talent. Coaching is not about what happens on game day alone. In fact it is the easy part of the job. Getting the basics and the game plan/style into 40 odd players is not something that can be done by 1 or 2 assistants. And what if the plan has to change because critical players get injured? Other players have to be taught a new/different role. Look how miserable we were last year, when we had all manner of players on the field playing out of position, or not ready to play at senior level.

Looks can be very deceiving... I'm, er, I mean, he's a pussycat.

Very nice hardtack, but that singer looks like a bit of a roughnut!

I suspect that Gawn would for the simple reason that I'd expect Trac to have more shots on goal over the season. But I get where you are coming from.

Aaron Davey, Russell Robertson are extremely stiff to miss out on that side.

The choice in who you cut will be interesting, and might give teams a competitive advantage. You would think more advanced teams would need less assistant coaches, and more sports science and fitness. Developing clubs might need more development coaches and less fitness and sports science (less need to keep the old players going?). Who a team cuts will be an interesting strategic choice. I would say we need burgo + a couple, a kicking coach, goodie and maybe Richo. Add back from there.

Aaron Davey instead of Wilson. Wight full back, the Biff was a great Full Forward but he was as slow as a wet Glenferrie oval where he has nighmares about being full back on Pierre Hudson, only saved by his mate B. Bourke who broke Huddo's leg before he could kick his 19th goal in the first half. Alan Johnson to back pocket, Yze to HFF. What a team.

Thanks Demonstone. Some great memories of why we love the Red & Blue.

For the first half maybe but if it's not a close match then people will switch off. The AFL will be looking to pit two evenly matched teams. We would get belted by both Collingwood and Richmond based on 2019 form. Until we can prove that 2018 was not an aberration then we don't factor into evenly matched contests.

Where is Paul Hopgood?

That’s the team. I reckon it’s a great lineup. I will await Werridee to confirm. Some observations - Full back was the hardest position. Wight deserves the nod. - Hardeman was an absolute champion and the standout choice for CHB - Alan Johnson could be in the wing but that centreline is sensational - Good luck stopping that forward line - Gerard Healy was a star. He could have been one of our greatest ever players if he’d stayed. - Northey or Daniher as coach, obviously *Emergencies- Jeff White, Steven Febey, James McDonald , Russell Robertson, Greg Parke. *Assistant coach - Neale Daniher

Ray Biffen to full back for me. That forward line looks really potent and maybe a bit too tall. Nietz to CHB and jako to FF and Robertson to FP. A bit harsh on Hardeman though.

I'm absolutely loving this thread and I commend you on the work you've put into it. Fantastic effort!

Obviously not. Although my favourite story is about the first one. My family sponsors Max and it was his first match. When he got the ball in the goal square and was ready to kick what would surely be a certain goal. My family proudly claimed him as our own for all that would listen around us. The mostly Essendon fans around us laughed and laughed when he missed and rightly so. I would ahve done the same to them. Of course we thought we'd never live that moment down but I guess 3 All Australians and a Captaincy later we've had the last laugh.

Need was a disaster but Denis Jones would have given him a run for his money as one of our worst coaches.

He missed 6 matches in his final year and finished top 10 in our B & F. Barring an ACL-type injury, we almost certainly would have got 12-15 games per season out of him for the next couple of years, and he was still playing good footy at the Giants in 2012. In part, because we prematurely axed our best leader. IMO forcing Junior Mac into retirement was one of the biggest mistakes we made during that era, which is saying something.

No. 36 1994 Round 1 v Geelong at MCG To understand the importance of this win, it’s important to reflect what it meant. The Dees had made finals in 5 years across 1987 to 1991. But had fallen short each time of the elusive premiership. In 1992 and 1993 the team had fallen away and questions had to be answered. Balme had been brought in in 1993 but failed to achieve, with the team finishing 9th on 10 wins 10 losses. But there was talent. Stynes, Lyon, Viney, Obst, Lovett, Tingay, Lovell, Wight were now the experience. A young 21yo David Schwarz has shown ability as a CHF. A young 19yo key forward/back David Neitz had emerged in 1993. Sean Charles was back and was so fast and skilled. And of course Alan Jakovich was back after a frenzy of goals to end 1993. Could he stay fit to drive the Demons back to the finals. It was a hot March day for footy as we marched to the G for round 1. The Cats were a super talented team (eventually runners up in 94). They had Ablett, Bairstow, Couch, Hocking, Barnes, Riccardi. But What transpired excited all Demon fans. The Dees were fast and exciting. We built up a 4 goal lead by half time. But the Cats were very good so we remained anxious. But the lead grew and the goals flowed. A 9 goal last quarter saw us record a 65 point win. Simply we smashed the Cats through the sheer talent and ability of Jakovich, Schwarz and Lyon. Tingay, Viney and Obst controlled their middle. Sean Wight negated Gary Ablett. Stynes managed the ruck. But our forwards were amazing. Jakovich kicked 8 goals 8 behinds. He could have kicked 13-14 goals. 21 kicks. Schwarz was giving us a glimpse of his aerial ability and talent. He kicked 4 goals. Mcgrath, Handley, Oreilly, Mensch. The Cats backs had no answer. Lyon 5 goals from the HFF. Small forwards Andy Lovell 4 goals and new boy Jeff Hilton kicked 3 goals. It was a goal frenzy. The fans were dancing. Suddenly we had the firepower. We were back. Melbourne 26.18.174 defeated Geelong 16.13.109

Good to see Cale has finally put on a bit of weight!

Andrew Obst. What a terrific player. Nice going down memory lane.

11 goals , nine behinds. 20 shots at goal is mind blowing really. And a lot of them on one of the best lockdown defenders of the time in Martyn. Hard to fully enjoy it without feeling how tragic it was that his career was cut so short.

How good was that . Found myself wiping away a tear after Jacka goaled with a banana after the 3/4 time siren . It was bizarre that one of my least fav players , Simon Eishold , played considerably better than champs such as Carey and Lyon .

Brett Lovett, forgot how good he was, never makes a bad decision.

OMG how good was Jackovich, absolutely sensational!

Wow--eee can't wait..........Jackalenko you beauty !

If you miss it or don’t have FOXTEL then you can watch it here.

This is NOT sport related at all, but it IS virus related in as far as being a distraction from the mundane, that will waste just one hour of your life. I'm only posting here because there seem to be fewer and fewer entering the General Discussion forum since bare knuckle political infighting was, understandably, frowned upon. I hope the Admins see fit to allow this (if not, please feel free to delete - or alternatively, move it to be a standalone post of its own ?). Anyway, to the reason for my post. A few friends and myself have thrown a band together for a live stream from Sydney's Zen Studios next Sunday (10th May) from 3-4pm. The band is called Los Tromeos & the Branch Covidians and we will be playing a bunch of rough and ready, raucous even, country and rockabilly type tunes. And to make it releavant, two of us are Demons tragics. Here's a link to the Facebook Event if you would like to signify your interest (assuming there is any)... https://www.facebook.com/events/298204567836735/