Leaderboard

GWS by 29 tonight Dees by 56 tomorrow We make it in easy on %. And then to top it off Freo beat the Dogs on Sunday. Dees finish 7th and play Collngwood in the Elimination final

Stevo on 7 just said that likely last game for Saad and Melbourne mooted as a potential destination.

People over rate draft picks. If either Saad or Viney were available at a pick in the teens in this draft you'd be mad not to take them.

I don't care what the media say, we've worked on dropping our backline deeper to prevent easy goals. Apart from getting smashed by Port we've stopped teams scoring for most of the year. The inside 50 kicking in the first few rounds after the restart was really bad but that's improved since then. There's still a huge room for improvement but that's for the coaches. In terms of Mahoney's job as an administrator his role was more to bring in Richo to help get things on track and I think that's happened. Champion Data....please. Langdon was a good pick up and we've had a very nice draft class. Assuming we aren't afraid to make some more aggressive moves we should be far more balanced and capable of pushing and staying up the ladder. Pickett and Spargo was a very minor breach early in the process by young players, almost every club has had one. The Cairns stuff isn't a story, if anything we should've complained more about an absolute stitch up of a fixture. The other clubs based up there have been gifted a home ground advantage and it seems priority access to train on the oval that we weren't. Injuries were a massive factor and I would've liked to have bounced back better than we have but remember the 2007 injuries and the decade without finals? At least we're back in the hunt. Who is this highly rated person to come in? There's not many good football administrators out there and how many are keen to jump on board with Goodwin or with a huge 700k+ hole in their budget. The mid season assistant changes Mahoney made were proactive, something had to change. I understand that concern but bad clubs make more mistakes with too many changes than too little. I'd rather just see one last year of Mahoney and Goodwin than turfing one or the other.

I hate the Peptides. I hate their fans as well. Would love nothing more than to send that sniper Worsfold off with a 10 goal loss.

These umpires definitely have their money on the Saints!

I could think of 11 from the dees that could go too. Good call from North, no point keeping mediocrity around. May as well bring in kids thatare hungry

So they are predicting we haven't improved. I'll leave it there I understand footy and football clubs. You just continue pedalling out rumours of unrest etc and big noting yourself

Lets just win tomorrow regardless and go down in a blaze of sour grapes.

As I always say... When one door closes,another door closes. Behind everry cloud,theres a massive storm ready to destroy everything.

No for 2021. He left a sour taste when he complained about the dollars he was offered to play in 2020 (around $200k), didn’t like the pay cut. Suggests a selfish attitude, would not nurse to 300.

I love Jones as a bloke, captain and player. I don't doubt that he always tried his best for the club when on the field. I'm just wondering why people are more focused on helping a player that has played in the most losses for the Demons in its entire history (5th most in AFL) get to 300 games rather than talking about putting the best 22 on the field, winning games and getting a flag? I can't help but think this is kind of celebrating a losing culture?

I've taken some interest in them because of their "death-riding" our pick this year. They've ended up with the two 1st rounders they hoped for but they haven't got them the way they thought they would. Their list is in a world of hurt over the next period. They've got a strong 29+ group and a promising under 23 group but they've got a hole in the middle the size of the Grand Canyon. I make that they only have 5 AFL standard players in the 23-28yo age group: Anderson, Polec, Dumont, Ben Brown and McDonald. They are trying to trade 2 of them. That's the group that's going to take them forward for the next 5 years. There's going to be a lot of pain over that period. They do have a good chance to come out of it strongly with the drafting opportunities they will have added to their decent under 23s. But then in the big picture you've got to ask whether a minnow club can survive 5 ugly years in these desperate times.

I find it a little distasteful that this is thrown back on supporters, as though it would somehow be antithetical to the club's culture to suggest a loyal club servant's time might be up. At the end of 2019, Jones was given a 1 year contract, acknowledging his experience and proximity to a significant individual milestone. It must be desperately disappointing for him that a COVID-reduced season and injuries have pushed his 300 milestone out of reach, but we can't perpetually hold a list spot open to facilitate personal milestones unless it's mutually beneficial to the team and club.

He won't request or get traded. He's still got 4 years left on his contract. Big ask for another club to take on that responsibility as well. He'll be a Demon next year.

While you're at it, can I slip you my two to pay?!!! ? I acknowledge that the GFG is notional and not a cost within my dues. I am very pleased there was a freeze for 2021 However, for me the live game experience is the biggest single reason I buy 2 memberships. Otherwise I'd just donate the money. I have a good seat L2 Northern stand that isn't cheap but has an excellent view and great atmosphere (aside from @Bitter but optimistic being there) I'm disappointed that there have been no crowd games at the G this year. I've come to the realisation this may not change for much of 2021. Will I continue my 20+ year membership next year given this scenario? Probably, but other things in life will need to take a hit, which atm is tough. One thing I know for sure, the Neeld years nearly killed my love for the Dees. We can't go back to that level of performance. It made watching games live a really poor experience. There are other competing interests in life of greater value than this. The team needs to be more competitive for supporters to buy memberships. It's pretty simple really.

I can only speak for myself, OD, but I buy a membership to support the club. While they have given me plenty of lows, they have also given me plenty of great memories, and I will continue to buy my memberships (two of which are for my parents who aren't alive anymore) as I love the club. If I can't go to games then so be it - it's not the clubs fault that COVID happened the way it did and stopped us from going to the footy. Of course, it would have been great to take my five year to her first few games this year, but that can hopefully happen next year. Again, I am only speaking for myself, but with my Kayo subscription I was happy as I could watch all games that way. I don't expect any kind of discount from this year as it was something that was out of the clubs hands. If we had finished last with no wins... then that might be different. But I get my money's worth every year by supporting the club from home or from the stands. Makes no difference to me. And yes, I am happy to be 'rusted on [censored]' like yourself. :)

We've improved our ladder position by anywhere between 15 and a minimum of 6 places and Max has been one of our best players all year, all in just his first year of the captaincy. Great irony in your comment given we just beat a team that has dropped their first year captain. That is what adding nothing looks like.

Ruminating on this weekends scenarios, the Bradbury opportunities we may have and the whims of the football Gods... So figured it was time for a poll! Go Demons!

At least this game eliminates the possibility of us missing out on finals by 0.1% again

Sorry Pollyanna, just to be clear you’re saying you’d be mad to not take the players right? I’d always rather a known commodity (Saad/Viney) then a pick 18-30ish. Unfortunately due to severe boredom I’ve watched most bombers games this year. We’d be made not to chase Saad. Will be top 3 in there B and F, has speed, is a great kick and surprisingly is a very good defender. Unfortunately Nev is about done, the pace of the game has gone past him and Hibberd isn’t getting any younger. If he’s keen then it’s a 100% yes from me.

#5 Superstorm is my choice I will post up the list later in a separate post but the other 5 choices are in the quoted post The all important numbers are ... 1, 4, 5, 6, 11 & 13. Use them any way you wish.

Without being disrespectful to Jonesy; if he was a good leader he'd still be captain. I appreciate his loyalty through some of our hardest times, and he will rightly go down as a club champion, but I don't think he is the leader people think he is. I'd rather our Casey guys be influenced by someone who hasn't been tormented by many years trying to lead a horribly under-performing football club if possible. We need a fresh set of eyes everywhere we can in my mind.

Look it is quite simple. One must follow the MFCSS doctrine in these circumstances. Saints lose by about 26 points and demons win by about 23 points and we end up being .01 % behind the saints. All is resting on the freo dogs game. They draw.

fans-to-the-rescue Some clubs offered members other benefits if they kept their 2020 memberships. eg "The Western Bulldogs membership is also up, 12% {5,400) ahead of 2019 with that club one of several rewarding members' loyalty not only with club merchandise but also an automatic upgrade in 2021. MFC didn't offer anything and membership dropped by 24% ie 12,600. There were other issues like finishing 17th in 2019. Covid seems to not have had a big impact on most clubs. eg Saints and Carlton also increased membership. If MFC wants to keep members and get the 12,600 back it won't happen if it charges full price for 2021 and gives nothing back. It would be a fine gesture of goodwill if it found ways to reward loyal members. There are a lot of stalwarts on DL but the general fan may not be too happy paying top $ again. We are now the second smallest AFL Club in Victoria, just ahead of North. That must worry the club and I'm surprised it isn't doing more to attract members. Edit: The article was written early August so doesn't have latest figures. MFC's final figure was 40,571.

Players watch how team mates are treated by clubs and when you expect loyalty, sometimes you have to go a bit extra to reward it. Jones knocked back many offers, to stay with us in the sh-t times, to his own detriment. He has to be treated with respect for that. I think Jones is probably done, but if he gets the all clear from the medicos to play again, then he should be given the opportunity if his form warrants, to go around again. If he doesn't deserve a game, he doesn't get one and if he is happy to mentor young players at Casey, then that is to our advantage. He can always pull the pin during the year and be an assistant coach, with his payment not in the soft cap, but the salary cap and I would imagine he would not get a lot to play on. That is what the Hawks are doing with Burgoyne. I don't accept that he will stop a younger player being on the list, as worth more than the respect he should be given and we can always uplift a rookie. It should be noted that our bottom couple of players generally don't have long careers. All that being said, I would imagine the FD would have a long chat with him, but if the medicos and Burgo say go for it and he wants to do the work, without any playing guarantee, we owe it to him. You can be ruthless and sentimental, it just depends on defining building culture, as something that needs a ruthless approach, over perhaps a logical approach. It could be classified as ruthless in denying another player a place on the list, in order to send off a champion of the club and the AFL, in the right manner and with respect. That is ruthless list management in a reverse sense. Players don't want their team mates treated like sh-t, while we demand loyalty from them. They need to see that we are a strong club, that is building a strong culture, based around everyone being in it together. I promise you all, we won't lose a flag by not putting player number 150 on our list. Who knows, Jones could still play some reasonable footy and maybe even kick a match winning goal.

Here's hoping he has a huge Sunday night out in Cairns.

Both average 18 disposals a game this year. Disposal efficiency: Salem 71%, Saad 80% Metres gained: Salem 303, Saad 393 I love Salem, but Saad is a better user and IMO has him covered as a player, albeit maybe not by a massive margin.

I was resigned to missing finals after the Freo loss, so even if we win tomorrow and miss out, it won't be unexpected. We had the opportunity to cement a spot in the eight and basically render this last round game a moot point as we would have already secured a finals spot, but we don't like doing things the easy way. It's always the hard way as a Melbourne supporter.

Very confident GWS will get it done tonight. Have won 5 and drawn 1 of their last 7 v the Saints.

If they are fair dinkum, the new comp will have 18 teams. One aligned/ representing each of the 14 AFL teams in Qld, NSW and Vic, and 4 non alligned teams. The second tier comp can then mirror the AFL fixture, with games played in the same state as the competing AFL clubs (except for those trips to Perth and Adelaide) on the day after the corresponding AFL match, so that the emergencies can all get game time. The AFL should fund the player salaries of the 4 stand alone teams sufficiently so that it can be concentrated with the next best players and best kids who missed the draft (instead of these players spreading over diluted minor leagues). It will act as a pool for development and recruitment of mature aged players either at mid season or end of season drafts. But they won't. It will be a [censored] storm of byes, early games, weak stand alone teams etc.

I think you've argued this well 'Dee' and backed it up with solid logic. As much as the defeats really p... me off, there have been changes made to the game and we are still building the list. ...and I know others don't like it but the fixture hasn't helped us. The one are I get really angry with Goodwin is on selection, some decisions defy logic. ...as an aside, I did love seeing him emotionally involved in the game on the weekend rather than his boring poker face look. I hope we see a lot more of it.

Horrible, meaningless Americanism. A conference is where (usually professional) people gather, and listen to so called experts rave on and on about how good they are. IF it must occur, how about sections or divisions?

More footy IQ in his toe than J Smith, T Mac and ANB combined. He makes good decisions. We need more pure footballers like him.

I understand what you’re saying but even with Michael Voss / Chris Judd leading the club we’d still have been ordinary over the Jones years. Jonesy’s dedication, match day preparation and recovery methods are second to none from all reports. He is a true professional which I believe would add serious value to some fringe players or players with potential in the new VFL. He’s never been a William Wallace like leader with the big speeches and never a superstar player like some mentioned above but I truly believe he squeezed every bit of talent out of his body and shows leadership just by the example he sets. I’d be 100% in favour of him playing on in the twos with a contract from Casey (not the dees) just so players can learn from him in regards to professionalism. I am however disappointed he wants to go on. I would have thought he’d know the writing is on the wall with his body breaking down and his lack of impact on games. I love the bloke but he’s only tarnishing his reputation by going on and it strikes me as someone seeking personal glory (reaching 300 and breaking Neita’s record) or financial gain more than having a positive impact at AFL level. I think it’s time for him to bow out with some grace so we can reminisce over the good games he played, not so much his last 2 years.

One of my biggest criticisms of the Coach.

He's been out injured...hamstring. It's really as simple as that.

What a great servant of the club. Unfortunately it's time to call time on his career. He needs a tap on the shoulder because he doesn't know when to call it quits. He is no longer in our best 22 and is now robbing the development of Sparrow and Jordon. Even though you want to make 300 Jonesy it's not going to happen enjoy your years in retirement you have been a great of the club 300 games or not just leave it at that Jonesy.

Thanks Wise. I'll renew for next year, just not sure if I can do the whole hog again or this time only the bacon BBO might have to put off some Manor staff to pay for his. He takes up 2 seats

@old dee @layzie @Moonshadow You guys all make some great points in your posts. I totally understand that some place great importance on going to the games as a reason for their membership. I also see that the financial aspect for some will be far more difficult than it was in previous years, and that a membership (or multiple memberships) may not be something they can commit to in 2021. I wouldn't blame anyone for taking a step away from it for a year or two with everything that has gone on this year. So, for me, I am not expecting anything from the club as they will have their financial problems as well (even though it sounds like we have come out quite well on the other side of COVID) and I'll still be able to back the club as I have done in the past, regardless of what footy looks like next year. But then I would not blame anyone for not buying a membership if they aren't in a position to do so.

Indeed. Love to see him kick 8 and the heave ho to win comfortably! He could be the gift that keeps on giving to the MFC!!!

No. He has recurring soft tissue injuries which is the first sign. The second sign is surely he can see when has been in that the game has started to pass him. Thirdly surely he understand he will be holding back the development of a younger player. In a year where list sizes will be tight it seems like a very self centred decision. This was his extra year, we owe him nothing more than that.

I paid nearly $1800 in memberships for my whole family this year which was basically a donation as we have got no value from it. I called the club and said all I ask is some sort of discount for next season . I would’ve been satisfied with even 20%. The membership team said yes they are looking at discounts for loyal members next season. Then I get automatic renewal notices which I was not happy with at all as it was the same price .I have been on jobkeeper for most of the year and cant afford it now, so I am very disappointed in them.. I can pay in installments, but I’m upset the club have not done anything to help the members in anyway, especially after basically sacrificing $1800 in a year where times are very tough.

The AFL can't be too serious about stamping out head knocks from fists and knees when they hand out only a fine to so called players like Mumford.

I get five memberships and they auto renew each year. I've sometimes got two emails for each of those memberships around renewal time and I've never been debited twice. Happy to see the club is doing the price freeze. After the year we've had, it's probably the best they can do.

all teams this year have been announced the day prior to the game at about 6.20ish

I've been as critical as anyone on Charles, however I reckon he's made some gains this year. I thought he was very good last week, particularly in the last qtr. How good was that lead and mark at full speed and then subsequent goal? The pass to Pickett was lovely as well. Add a 3 goal second quarter against Collingwood as there's hope that we have one of our small forwards cemented for the medium term. He's also a natural goal kicker and we have a dearth of those in the side.

So let's get this correct, Champion Data beses list ratings on the previous season. So the drop down in your view is because the list hasn't improved, because we've gone from rated 1st(based on 2018 stats) to 9th (based on 2019 stats) However the improved ladder position in 2020 is nothing to do with Goodwin but all to do with less injury

Was very happy for Jesse yesterday. Here’s hoping he tears shreds off the WB next week.