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I tell you our next biggest problem, potentially worth its own thread, the playing of James Harmes as a defender. Watching the 2018 SF against Geelong this morning on Fox. He is a gun midfielder. Gets forward and kicks goals too. It is a criminal act to be playing him back. It will NOT work. He is an attacking player. You see how lost he is trying to find an opponent on transition. Another of Goody's dumb experiments that has potential to suck all the confidence out of one of our most improved players.

That is a bit simplistic. This is how I see it. When you play a WCE, who are probably the masters at intercept footy, you don't kick the ball high to two Eagles on one Demon, which we did continuously. How often did we kick it to Fritsch, who had McGovern and Barrass/Hurn on him? That is just lazy and stupid footy. For a start we have a loose man in that situation and we ignored him. We also had some pace down there in Kossie and Bedford and you a least give them the chance to get it, by either finding them with a kick, or by kicking it wide of McGovern and his mate, which would see the ball on the ground, giving us a chance to get it and score. I am astounded at how dumb some footballers are to keep doing what is clearly not working, over and over again. I don't know what the Coaches are doing or teaching them, but if it was me Coaching, I would tell them that the next bloke who kicks to 2 on one as above, is going for a run after the game. Get the message across to them. The other problem we have is a general lack of skill with the ball, which sees us miss passes and handballs. That is a killer in today's game. Having 2 big blokes down forward is not the panacea to our problems.

Here here !!! Lockhart a walk up start gives drive and run from back and is very necessary.

Lockhart was one of our few good players in round 1 and was excellent in the preseason - would be surprised if he is not sellected.

I like how you see it, we're all frustrated by what we see and you can see it often in our forwards reactions. I've never been able to understand if it's poor execution, poor decision making or poor coaching but I would have thought one of the fundamentals should be; if a forward is in front of his opposition you kick the ball low and in front of him where he can catch it in his hands or run onto it if it is short. If a forward is behind you kick it higher and over the opposition and if it is over the forwards head they can still run onto it. So often I see our players kick to disadvantage instead of to advantage. It's not every kick that needs to be pinpoint & laser like but kicks should always be to advantage. When I see a great lead up forward double back and turn his opposition inside out and the ball then gets kicked directly to the opposition it does my head in. I know we haven't had a lot of continuity (especially last year), which could be a contributing factor but surely the fundamentals should be rules that are enforceable. In all the time I've attended training I've heard plenty of "voice" but I've never heard "kick it to advantage". One of the greatest deliverers of the ball I've seen was Travis Johnstone and he regularly put the ball to the advantage of a forward.

There has been much conversation on Demonland about this matter before, the possible sites and the impossible sites. I am afraid that after 160 years as a club, 30 plus years since divorcing from the MCC, that we still do not have something of an AFL standard to train on, or a place for our administrative and coaching staff. We share our facility at AAMI park with 2 Rugby codes and a soccer team. No other AFL side is in this position. The current Board has been in power for 5 years, and I have been hearing proposals to fix this problem for the past 30 at AGM's. They claim to be looking at options in the "MCG precinct". The Board wasted a lot of time and effort with a proposal for Yarra park that was never going to fly because of residents, Railways, trees, parking and a slope that would have required pyramidal type earthmoving. I fear the option they are favouring is in the Gosch's paddock area and unless major alterations can be made to the ground or that the other tenants can be "encouraged" to move, then we will finish up with something 2nd rate. Compare the size of Gosch's ( particularly how narrow) with the Collingwood ground at Olympic park or the MCG itself. To widen it requires tree removal. The area currently occupied by soccer fields and the rugby pitch alongside Olympic Bvde would provide a proper sized ground, but can we convince them to move or swap? Can we fit in an an admin building, indoor gym and weights room in the remaining area....maybe in the car park, but where do the cars go? We still wouldn't control the upkeep of the ground as this lies with the Olympic Park trust. I want to see something which will last the club for the next 50-100 years, not something that we have to re-visit in 10 because we have fallen behind again. We need space, and to me it isn't available in "the MCG precinct"

We need to sign Burgess longer term.

On the previous page of this thread there is a link to a 13th May article in which Burgess states that the players are looking good and at the end of that article it provides a FULL injury list that comprises just three players: AVB, Kolodjashnij and Nietschke (the three hardest to remember how to spell). I guess this also answers the question for those wondering about Preuss; as he's not on the list, then he's obviously ready to go. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/690530/injury-report-vandenberg-bennell-progressing-well

Donald is a complete f/wit, Eddie is merely a 1/2 wit

Not a huge amount but flicked $20 the sites way. It’s the cost of a few takeaway coffees a week or for you Melbournian’s the cost of your lactose-free freshly squeezed skinny breast milk lukewarm weak 3/4 decaf latte.

It would have made interesting listening if the interviewer had the brains or balls on supporters behalf to ask Mahoney, exactly how has this been able to addressed in corona lockdown.

I would have thought brown paper bags for the Blues. GWS can just be a bunch of empty suits, because we all know that's where their real support is coming from...

Granted, the selection committee won't have much else to go off, but I really can't really see why round 1 form should have much bearing on our starting 22 for our next match. You can fluke a lucky mark or goal here or there. But it's laughable to think that anyone could pull off a BOG performance in a final through dumb luck - the Weid has considerable talent. Most supporters hold hope for him because they accept that a 22 YO, skinny key forward who's played 30 games and had injury issues might be a tad inconsistent. His 2019 was disappointing, sure, but he's got time to turn it around.

With the AFL announcing the season being out on hold an hour before the game I don't think we can draw any conclusions from round one. The AFL should have waited until the end of round 1 to make the decision to out the season on hold, simples.

No.28 1987 Round 10 v Bombers at Windy Hill We all remember Brett Bailey as the bloke who kicked the winning goal to win the 1987 Night Grand Final, to deliver the first silverware that many of us remember. It was the catalyst in our 87 rebirth. But we should also remember a game in 87 out at Windy Hill that I attended about a month later and one in which Brett Bailey was the star. After 9 rounds, the Dees were 4 wins 5 losses and struggling to again rise up the ladder beyond 8th. The Bombers were very strong having the core of the 84 & 85 premiership teams still on board and in the five. A loss here would make finals very hard to achieve and at Windy Hill, this assignment was very difficult. Daniher, Merrett, Madden, Salmon, Hawker, Foulds, Duckworth. Many red and black stars. We’d beaten them in the night GF (perhaps catching them off guard and through sheer grit) but to win at Windy Hill would be a massive hurdle. I hadn’t seen us win there so it was unfathomable to see a win. Plus we had most of our top 5-6 top players out again. So how did we win it? Simply I remember two things. The first was the wind. It was a distinct advantage to the end. Yes we had to be smart but I actually thought the windy day would suit the Dons. The second was the tenacious fight from all the blokes in red and blue. They were seriously outgunned for talent but not heart. We used the breeze first to setup the game with a 3-goal advantage. We were down by a goal about at half time so it was game on. But the umps were crucifying the Demons with the home crowd getting the noise to create frees. But in the third with the wind, we kicked 9 goals to 2 goals. We kicked the last 6 goals of the 3rd quarter and now led by 6 goals. Northey leapt our at 3/4 quarter time. Sheedy ripped into his troops. This 3rd quarter avalanche was brought about by the skill of a young 20 year old Gary Lyon (I remember he was a lean, smart and agile young forward) and a pure footballer in Brett Bailey. Bailey was not quick or highly skilled, but used his engine, his smarts and his desire to win the footy. Two different styles of players. Lyon kicked 3 goals in the 3rd. I also remember a great goal to Russell ‘Rhino’ Richards. The Rhino was such an energetic footballer with a burst of pace. In the last, our desparation and fight held out the Bombers. Spalding, Wight and Giles holding out the talls. Koop, White, Yeats kept the smalls shutout. Our contested footy held firm and they only scored 3 goals in the last. The siren gave us a 22 point win. Brett Bailey kicked 5 goals and Lyon 4 goals. Bailey was clearly BOG with over 30 possessions and probably 20 contested. The Bombers were despondent. The arrogant Sheedy was beaten. A team of mostly battlers and youngsters had caused a huge boilover (again). We had a sense that with some stars returning from injury, we could make a run for the finals. This upset win would ultimately prove pivotal to our run to 1987 September action. Melbourne 15.12.102 defeated Essendon 11.14.80.

I got a hold of the actual file of last Sunday's performance and decided to clipicise some of the tunes. Here are a couple (happy to hear any comments or criticisms):

We could light it up at night time in the colours of the CCP and raise their flag over it during the day.

Chairman Dan could get his Chinese mates to whip us up a new island base as part of their Honorable investment into the Great Peoples Republic of Danistan. Im told they have some recent experience making islands.

I finally got around to watching the game and reliving some of the fantastic memories of that era - Jim Stynes, Garry Lyon, Brett Lovett, the all round strength of the team up forward, down back and on the ball. We had fantastic marking strength, knew how to set up scoring and had plenty of players who could convert, not the least of who was Jako (and remember we had the Davids (Neitz and Schwarz) and Sean Charles all waiting in the wings. The opportunities were definitely there to snaffle a flag if things went right. This particular game was probably the most exhilarating home and away game I’ve ever experienced. Pity we didn’t get 10 years of Jako in that sort of form.

1994 easily, IF Jakovich had played the full year. he was that good

I'll take the defence of '94, the forward line of 2000, and the midfield of 2018. Yes, that means two David Neitzes. But does anyone see that as a flaw?

Sell our pokie venues

Good luck trying to convince the current board, who appear to be transfixed on being within the MCG precinct. I don't quite understand the stubborn fascination with the G. What has it done for us in the past 56 years? One thing it hasn't is given us a flag.

I am hopeful both Daniel Cross and Max Rooke get re-employed by the MFC once things start going back to normal in the future. But we will have to wait and see I guess?

Why are we favourites for the spoon? ARE WE TANKING. ? If not then l expect to be in it for a long way with happy days ahead. There is plenty of upside and we need to have faith lets just hang in there and just maybe they see the light.

Was this recorded after round 1 2019?

With Collingwood going down this path their collective IQ at the ground is set to double in 2020. ?

He's a good 3rd marking option up forward but definitely not the key forward target, I agree

I agree that you can't fluke a 50 goal year. Tom was great in 2018 however I don't think he will be able to ever repeat that as a number 1 forward. From what I recall he was receiving the second best defender all season until Jesse broke down. Opposition teams would be dropping back there extra/intercept defender focusing on slowing down Jesse allowing Tom a lot more one on ones and space. Being the number one man in 2019 a lot more focus would have been put into Tom from the opposition. He was continually blocked away and double teamed and struggled - his injuries didn't help this... The way we moved the pill was as if we expected Tom to play like Hogan and just crash packs again and again where they are two very different players. It was a massive worry watching the exact same rubbish dished up Round 1 this year and the ball continually rebounded out twice as quick as it went it. It still looked like a focus just to get the ball in deep to the hot spot rather than hitting up players. If our forward line is going to consist of McDonald, Kozzie, Milkshake, Fritta, Brown, Bennell whilst rotating through Trac/Oliver/Brayshaw then surely we have to adopt the Hawthorn model to not waste kicks and spot up leads. Harley, Fritta, Brown & McDonald are great set shot kicks which I'd back having a shot from 40 out on a 45 degree angle rather than just bombing it long to outnumbered contests. The concept of 'gaining territory' when we don't have a crash/bash forward is pointless in my opinion

Watching old games during Covid it has never stood out more to me that we need a key fwd that will crash packs and contest in the air at every opportunity, Neitz like, creates so many opportunities. So often over the recent years the opposition marks our fwd entry with our so called tall fwds just watching on! I don’t think TMac is the answer, nor is Brown... Play May forward.

Such a shame. Has been a great asset to the club. Best of luck Crossy and thanks for your service. I hope you find your feet and perhaps get back to the club once this is all over.

The execution has been poor for 2-3 years i think the Senior Coach can take some blame for it

Thanks MFM. It’s all good memories. 26 more to go and they get better ????

No.27 2018 Round 10 v Adelaide at Alice Springs In 2017, the Crows had embarrassed the Dees in Darwin winning by 7-8 goals. They were runners up in 2017 after being flag favourites. Whilst having a mixed start to 2018, they were a strong side. The Dees had the Alice Springs Footy in the Red Centre game and were desperate for a win in the NT. We’d just beaten the lowly Blues by 109 points in round 9 (6 wins 3 losses) with 4 straight wins so confidence was up. The game also was Jake Levers first game against his former club. This game would see if we were pretenders or contenders. The family sat down to watch the game on the electronic flat screen 55cm device with anticipation. The Dees were on fire early as we scored 4 goals but the Crows answered with two quick replies. It was to be 7 goals to 3 goals at quarter time. Our attack on the footy, pace and multiple scoring options was too much for the Crows. Our midfield dominated. Whilst sometimes still overpossessing the footy (we had 468 possessions) the Dees dominated the rest of the game. We outscored the Crows by 5 goals to 1 (2nd qtr), 6 goals to 1, then 5 goals to 3 in the last. It was a smashing and a complete four quarter effort. A late goal to the Crows may have caused some frustration as I was pushing for the 100 point win. The final margin was 91 points. Unbelievable. Gawn has dominated Jacobs. Viney, Jones and Oliver has dominated in the contest with 30+ possessions each albeit mostly handballs. Jetta had beaten Eddie Betts again. Lever had controlled the backline. The goals were shared around. Hogan (5 goals) and Tommy McDonald were the key forwards. Melksham, Neal-Bullen, Tim Smith and Petracca were other forwards who chimed in with multiple goals each. But the star was Angus Brayshaw. He had 37 possessions (22 kicks 15 handballs) 14 marks and 3 goals. It was hard to fathom why the Crows didn’t shut him down. Perhaps they tried and simply failed. Brayshaw was clearly BOG, with his kicking - by right or left foot - propelling countless Demon attacks. Strangely, he only got 2 Brownlow votes (Neal-Bullen got 3 votes) for the game which highlighted the bizarre system of the umps votes. The Dees had shown their ability, their contested footy superpowers and their attacking power. We were on a high, with the finals a real chance and we couldn’t wait to see what the rest of 2018 brought us. Melbourne 23.8.146 defeated Adelaide 8.7.55

Nice one as usual, s.o.n.s. Do you just have a fantastic memory or is there a resource you consult to assist you? "Ratten" I believe would be Johnny "The Rat" Platten.

No.29 1994 Round 17 v Hawthorn at Princes Park 1994 what a year. It was a roller coaster ride. We’d won the first 5 games and were on top. The team was flying. Then a slump and by round 17, had 7 wins and 8 losses. We were outside the 8 (finals eligibility had extended from the final 6) and staring down some tough matches. Geelong has beaten us the prior round and confidence was down. As it happened, we had to play Hawthorn at their home ground as a Melbourne home game. Ouch! The Hawks were in 4th place and had started to dismantle teams. We got the tram up Royal parade and arrived as the “home ground” members. It was bizarre to be seated in the shade at Princes Park. !!! Allen Jakovich has returned for the clash and we were desperate. But Sean Charles was a late withdrawal. The game started well with accurate kicking getting us in front. It was a willing start and do recall enjoying the game from about row 5 or 6 from the fence. 8 goals to 4 goals gave us a 23 point half time lead. A young Neitz at CHB got reported early but had showed our intention. Jako had 3 goals to half time whilst Wight was beating Dunstall and getting the applause from the MFC members. This was a handy start. The Hawks had a very good midfield in Ratten, Pritchard, Allan and Shane Crawford. But on this day, Todd Viney, Kevin Dyson, Tingay and Glenn Lovett got on top and fed the forwards. The 3rd quarter starting with Jakovich adding 3 goals and we’d marched out to a 8 goal lead. But the umpiring was disgraceful and finally Jakovich let them know. The crowd roared in approval as the fired up Demon gave the ump his opinion. Schwarz was proving a handful for the Hawks as they shifted defenders between him and Jako. Maginness, Graham and Taylor all tried and failed. Finally Jakovich added goal 7 and then goal 8 (8.1) as the sealer and saluted to the crowd and gave his opinions to the Hawks defenders. Game over. We had taken a fabulous “away - home” victory and kept our season alive. I didn’t know it at the time, but this was the last time we would see Jakovich for the Demons as a back injury ended his year and ultimately his career (his rehabilitation didn’t go well). Jakovich was a sensation and brought many a smile and excitement to all Demons fans. My late father always jumped and cheered when Jakovich excited the crowd. We certainly did on this day. Good times and memories. We especially always enjoyed beating the Hawks after the pain they’d inflicted in 87 and 88. And in 1994 this game propelled us back into the finals race and kept our slim premiership dreams alive. Melbourne 17. 10.112 defeated Hawthorn 11.8.74.

No. 30 1984 Round 9 v Bulldogs at VFL Park Melbourne was 2 wins 6 losses and were facing the Dogs who had just beaten the top of the table Bombers at Windy Hill. All the tipsters picked the Dogs but did note it was played at VFL Park and not the Western Oval. The Dees were nearly at full strength. My dad and I ventured out to see the game with some optimism as we’d see the team run then top teams Hawthorn and North Melbourne to within a goal and easily beat Geelong. The game started well as early goals to Templeton saw his confidence grow. In the first half the Dees got out to a 5 goal lead over to see that reduce to 9 points nearing half time. Late goals to Thorne and Templeton steadied the team. Templeton’s injuries were restricting his mobility but he was a strong build and good mark. His kicking was a shadow of his former glory but able to kick goals up to 40-45 metres out. After half time, the Dees completely took over. Peter Moore dominated in the ruck. The Healy brothers (Gerard and Greg), together with Flower, Johnson and Connolly formed a wonderful midfield. Templeton kicked two more to have 6 goals by 3/4 time and Thorne added a late goal to have 5. The Dees were up by 52 points. It had been a long time since we were completely dominating. Thorne’s ability to play between the middle and the forward line was causing the Bulldogs nightmares. He seemed everywhere. The last quarter yielded 5 more goals as Templeton ended with 8 goals and Thorne 7 goals. I remember some Dogs supporters abusing Templeton in the game but had shut up by the final siren. I think they’d snuck out sometime in the last quarter. We won by 78 points. Amazing. We sung Its a Grand Old Flag with pride. Steven Smith has beaten Simon Beasley. Veterans Icke,Jarrott and Zantuck all played great games across half back. Flower had easily beaten Doug Hawkins. Peter Moore was probably equal BOG with Flower. Thorne has about 35 possessions and dominated. 7 goals. Whilst clearly limited, Templeton showed he’d still be a danger to any defence. 18 yo John Fidge showed his strength, footy smarts and good marking and skills. 18yo Greg Healy has fitted straight in alongside his brother. Gerard Healy was now a star, amassing 30 possessions with ease. We were looking forward with optimism. Melbourne 23.21.159 defeated Footscray 11.15.81

No.31 1994 Round 24 v Sydney at SCG As we sat down to watch this last regular season game on TV. It was a hot Sunday afternoon in September in Sydney. The Dees had to win to make the finals. We were playing the bottom placed Swans away. The Swans were coached by Ron Barassi, brought in to be the saviour of the derailed Swans. Whilst they were on the bottom, sometimes the Dees had trouble with such games so I remember being a little anxious. The Demons started on fire with early goals from Lyon, Hilton and Schwarz but the Swans were also attacking and scoring. Paul Kelly always played well against us and was again today. Cresswell kicked two goals to keep the scores close. We were up 8 goals to 6 goals at quarter time. The score bonanza continued with Martin Pike kicking 3 in a row to give us a handy 5 goal advantage before late goals to the Swans had us up by only 14 points at half time. Lovell and Kowal were injured and we were down to 19 fit players. Dees had 14.2 thanks to Pike,Schwarz, Charles and Lyon as multiple goalkickers. Our accuracy continued right up until 19.2 when Lyon missed one. Schwarz was showing his ability. Great marks. Kicking goals from the boundary about 55 metres out. Wow. He had just turned 22 yo but a star. The Swans could do nothing to stop him. Tingay and Viney were driving the footy forward to our dangerous forwards. We were 36 points up by 3/4 time with an amazing 21.4.130. Sean Charles added his 4th and 5th, and Schwarz his 9th goal as we kicked 27.5. Schwarz 9, Pike5, Charles 5, Lyon 4. A dangerous forward combo. The day had 3 stories. Firstly the amazing accuracy. Secondly, finals here we come ! Relief but excitement. Thirdly, confirmation of a new star, the equal of any star forward in the league, David Schwarz. Nine goals from CHF. He had 54 goals and over 150 marks for the year from CHF. His leap and agility were unrivalled. He’d kicked a goal in every game. Melbourne 27.5.167 defeated Sydney 18.13.121

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

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

No.33 1986 Round 18 v Collingwood at Victoria Park In 1986, Barassi had gone after the 5-year plan failed to deliver us a return to finals actions. Replaced by John Northey. Gerard Healy our star player had moved to Sydney for big $$$. Robbie Flower was retuning after missing 1985. Whilst still skilled, his body was now looking fragile. There were serious season ending knee injuries to Icke & Giles. Steven Smith retired. Kelvin Templetons body failed him and he retired/ was sacked. We needed the youth who had graduated through the successful under 19s teams from 1981-84 to stand up. Veterans like Moore, Zantuck and Jarrott had stayed to help the youngsters develop. I had been to see some wins and some horrible losses at Victoria Park so it wasn’t a foreign ground. We’d only just lost in 1985 after a valiant effort. It was a short train ride, totally surrounded by black and white. My dad and I were seriously outnumbered. I recall via the transistor, I heard that Peter Moore had pulled out before the game. Not good. Despite that, the game started well with Williams and Stretch goals (Stretch went off injured shortly after) and despite the Pies getting back on top, a goal to Johnson and a Battiston snap fired up the Dees to lead into half time. Could we? Brian Taylor had kicked most of Collingwood goals and so bustling Danny Hughes was shifted forward for the 2nd half. Young 21yo defender Paul Payne moved to Taylor. Robin White was keeping Daicos under control. White was a tenacious small back who tackled hard. Battiston, Healy, Connolly were now winning the contested footy and pumping it forward. Alan Johnson was on fire. Allday was winning the ruck. Suddenly the mixed forwards of Cordner and Hughes goaled and I remember Alan Johnson slamming through a goal from about 50metres. 6 goals for the quarter and we were now up by 3 goals. This undermanned Demons team (4 wins, 11th place) was beating the Pies at their home. They would slip out of the five if we won. The crowd was not happy. Taylor kicked his 6th goal at the start of the last quarter but a Steve Turner spoil denied him the next. Steve Turner and Paul Payne were not the classiest or talented players but they gave 100%. It was tight and tough but the Dees team held on in the last and a final Dees goal around the 20 minute mark had us back out to 3 goals up. When the siren went, it sent us into wonderland. This mixed bag team had won it. Northey was jubilant. Melbourne 16.9.105 defeated Collingwood 13.14.92

@spirit of norm smith you are bringing back some memories.

No.34 1975 Round 18 v Richmond at MCG As a young 7 year old boy growing up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, I was mad on the footy and in 1975, I went with my dad to our first games together watching the Demons. I knew Melbourne was a “bottom team” (courtesy of the school yard) but that we used to be very good. In 1975 we were improving and I remember going to some winning games with my Dad. This one against the Tigers holds memories. The Tigers were dual reigning premiers in 1973 and 74. Bourke, Balme, Bartlett, Sheedy etc etc. They had plenty of stars. They were a “top team”. Lots of kids in the school loved the Tigers (and Blues and Magpies). It was rare to find a Demon supporter. Yet on this day, my eternal bond to the Melbourne footy club was boosted. With big Carl Ditterich leading the way, the Dees caused a huge upset. We won by 7 goals and I remember being so happy that I could “brag” on the Monday morning to my mates who were Tigers supporters. Big Carl was probably my first ever Demon that I remember. I recall Wells and Alves as stars and of course the young Robbie amazing us kids with his skills. But Ditterich was a huge figure for a young boy. I would sit by the fence in my first year or two and just watch the players mainly. Ditterich grabbed the game by the throat and threw himself into everything and everyone. Stan Alves was a champion and all class. He kicked 5 goals on this day. Greg Wells was as tough and determined and clever a centreman as there was. He thrashed the Tigers midfield singlehanded, delivering the ball to Flower and Alves. A young left footer by the name of Terry Wilkins also I remember as a pretty good footballer (I remember him also from the VFL days on a Sunday being a champion with Sandringham). Peter Keenan was also amazing. Big marks and goals. 4 goals. Some might think Crackers Keenan as the bloke who is mad, attends sportsmen nights and is a Port Melbourne tragic. He was a very good footballer and a shame he left the Dees after 1975. Steven Smith was a young star. He played CHF as a teenager (in the time when smacks to the head of stray elbows were expected). He was as good a key forward as Neitz or Schwarz were at his age and at 19 was destined for a great career. Aside from the stars like Alves, Hardeman, Flower and Wells, I grew up in this era, learning about Demons players like Ray Biffin, Henry Coles, Shane Fitzsimmons, Tony Sullivan, Frank Giampaolo, Tony “Spud” Dullard. They (we) had some tough years, but on this day, we had beaten the mighty Tigers. Go Demons!!! Melbourne 19.13.127 defeated Richmond 12.18.90

Thanks 58er. Apology. Yes that meant to be Lions won the 2001,2002 and 2003 premierships (not 2011,12,13). They were a powerhouse and our upset victory over them was sensational.

2002,2003 and 2001 in fact. Was at that game and amazing comeback after horrible start. Lions had a rare bad day in defending but still kicked 16 goals. Really 1994 and some other wins during 98 and 2000 Plus 87/91 There was a lot of ability but injuries and I think an ordinary defence at times cost us a chance if a flag.

No.35 2002 Round 14 v Lions at the Gabba For financial reasons, the Dees administration had sold off one of our Home games to be played in Brisbane. It was footy madness but showed our strained financial position. After a down 2001, the team had rebounded in 2002 and leading into round 14 were 7 wins 6 losses. We had some good tough wins and reasserted ourselves as a top 8 team. After a narrow loss to the powerful Bombers, and the emotional retirement of David Schwarz, the team headed north for the Away “home “ game. Watching on TV was cruel. This should have been at the MCG. The Lions were now a powerful outfit. As reigning premiers from 2001, they were on top and had won their prior 18 games straight at the Gabba. Voss. Akermanis. Black. Lappin. Power. Brown. Bradshaw. Lynch. Leppitsch. White. Pike. Mal Michael. A huge task to win this one. In the first quarter, the mountain got steeper. By the 15 minute mark it was 6 goals to the Lions to nil. We were being smashed. A few F bombs may have been uttered. The team finally got some chances and a goal to Neita started our day. In the second we lifted to challenge and got back to 2 goals down but late goals gave the Lions a 30 point advantage at half time. The momentum seemed wasted. But the 3rd quarter was simply amazing. Neita kicked 3 goals to cut the margin back as the Dees kicked 7 goals to 3 goals to be only 9 points down at the last break. But we weren’t done. Despite the warm July conditions, we overran the Lions to run out with a 21 point victory. It was a 14 goal to 5 goal second half. There were many heroes. Neitz showed his leadership and talent with 7 goals on the toughest defender Mal Michael. Travis Johnstone was outstanding BOG with Stephen Powell, Shane Woewodin, Cam Bruce and Adem Yze in support. They had beaten the best midfield group in the league if not possibly of all time. Jeff White got on top in the ruck. Clint Bizzell controlled the defence as the sweeper and launched many defensive rebounds. But it was the lesser lights who shone brightest. Daniel Ward kicked 4 goals including two memorable fast running goals. Paul Wheatley launches a bomb from 70 metres out to lift the team. Peter Vardy showed why he was recruited with a smart game across half forward. Brown dog and Peter Walsh had held Power and Ashcroft to no goals. Chris Lamb in his 7th game had beaten Lynch and kept him to 2 goals. It was a very satisfying victory which proved we had the ability to beat anyone on any day. Melbourne 20.11.131 defeated Brisbane 16.14.110 (Footnote - to show how amazing this win was, the Lions won the 2012 premiership- in fact 2011, 2012 & 2013).

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

No. 37. Round 18 1979 v Essendon at MCG Perhaps one of the greatest turnaround in form in VFL/AFL history. In round 17, the Dees were obliterated by Fitzroy. A record 190 point loss (238-48). I was there at VFL Park and it was dark times. I remember leaving the ground (as a 12 year old) in stunned silence. I didn’t dare speak to my dad. It was ugly. It started to rain as we got in the car to drive home and I felt sick in the stomach. My team the mighty Demons had had a record VFL loss and were empty. 1979 had started with Ditterich back and recruited fabulous Phil Carmen. But Carmen left in controversy mid year and it was falling apart. I went the next week to the G but was not expecting much to be honest. We were playing Essendon who were in the 5 and about the same quality as the Lions. Ditterich was coach and I remember him saying it would be different with him back in the team. How right he was? By half time, it was game on. We were a few goals up and the forward line of young Robert Walters and Steven Smith were on fire. The Dees were unstoppable as Walters kicked 9 goals. Three more goals than the whole team kicked the prior week. Smith was a typical tall agile CHF and was a beautiful kick. The team had been suddenly reborn as Greg Wells ( definitely one of the best Demon players I’ve seen) , Robbie Flower and Ditterich lifted the rest of the group. Laurie Fowler and Ray Biffin (brought out of retirement) held the backline together. Glenn Elliott, who moved from the Saints together with his brother Robert, starred. They carried the Dees to a stirring victory. Some red and blue spirit was restored. As we did, my late father and I ventured back to the Malvern Vale Hotel post game. I enjoyed my raspberry-soft-drink and I think Dad enjoyed a more few amber refreshments than usual. Melbourne 21.8.134 defeated Essendon 16.9.105 by 29 points.

If there’s one year I don’t want to win a flag it’s this year. Pure and simple. It’s a personal dream and footballing supporting ambition of mine to see a premiership live at the MCG. Watching the Dees on TV winning a flag in front of an empty MCG or Optus Stadium would be good and satisfying, but nowhere near the enjoyment, elation and sense of achievement of watching the mighty Dees win the big one at the G. With that all being said, we’re nowhere near a flag with this current playing list, coach and game style.