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Not sure if this deserves to be in a thread on its own so I'll put it here and let the powers that be move it if they think it's warranted. Well well well, living close to Lathlain Oval is a bonus. Steve my mate who is also local and who I'll be in attendance at the GF with thought he'd have a drive up to the oval just to see if there was a sneaky chance that Melbourne might be training there. He'd been fortunate to spy a training session there before the prelim whilst out for a walk, it was just before lunch and was pretty well wrapped up so didn't call me but kept the timeline forefront of mind. I'm building a "teenagers retreat" at the back of my place, it was supposed to be real simple but somehow or other it has taken on a life of its own. I know, people keep telling me she'll never leave with a laugh, I agree and laugh too but you only have them for a short while. Anyway I've taken the measurements and I'm cutting the skirting. You can imagine my excitement when Steve calls at 10.30 to say he's at the ground and so is the MFC. Holy smokes I threw on my Demons shirt and jumped in the car, I literally live a park and I reckon 6 houses down from the oval, I saved a good sixty to ninety seconds by driving. Met Steve and we positioned ourselves behind the cyclone fence that divides "Optus Oval from the MCG" the MCG is open and anyone can access it at anytime. We are at the Bishopsgate Street end close to where the Club is set up on the boundary line. The boys are pinging yellow with red stripe balls off at the goals and I thought demonland will be happy about this. I didn't take much notice of accuracy I was too busy just checking out the whole scene. Marty Hore and Adam Tomlinson run past at a fair lick, Steve said they had already completed a number of circuits before I arrived. Adam's without a shirt and looks magnificent, incredibly fit and focused. A couple more laps from the pair and Adam was maintaining the pace, Marty was, fair to say, struggling to keep up but who wouldn't be AT looked to be on a mission. Then the yellow tops came out and the team split into 2, it was the 1st s v 2 s. The game/sim started and was clearly based on fast ball movement, pressure but not tackling. The 2nd s flew out of the gates fast and precise it reminded of the quick ball movement that I'd witnessed at Optus last Friday. I said to Steve wow the 2 s are doing a number on them. After a shot on goal play continued immediately with the other team playing on from half back. I'm not sure if the 2 s went 2 or 3 goals up, then the 1s stepped up. Brown took a towering mark, arms fully stretched like he has been, dare I say...."at the top of" no, I won't say that haha, mega runup and kicked the goal. TommyMac then took two strong grabs for shots at goal, geez I'd love to see him have a blinder Satdy week. I liked how during play a coach would yell out "ground ball" while ball was still in the air, instead of trying to mark it they brought the ball to ground and play continued. All in all what you would expect from a team that finished on top of the ladder, fast accurate play and smothers too. The whistle blew, yellows removed their tops and they immediately were back into, yes...... goal kicking. I've mentioned my admiration for Jake Bowey in a couple of previous posts, again he impressed me, this time it was his goal kicking, he was slotting them easily from the boundary, if he finds his way forward and has looks on goal, put your glasses down! The session wound up and where the boys would be walking back to the bus, security permitting we would be able to engage with the boys. So we headed over there along with a few other Demons who had gathered, and, security didn't!! Ok this is looking promising, let's see if we can't get a photo or 2. Pleasingly the learnings we learnt were the boys and staff were more than happy to mingle, we had brief chats with Melky, Choco and longer chats and photos with Jayden, who is good to go if a spot comes up. Shannon Byrnes, Salo, TMac and Maxy and photos with Track, Clarry, Nev and Ed. We can't believe our luck over here and it was succinctly put by Choco after I said to him " I feel sorry for everyone over east" he said "It makes a change from them feeling sorry for you over here" Gee whiz that's my day nearly done, got to go and get my daughter from school and then get back to that skirting. Go Dees.

Critically underrated legend of our club. For me, part of the gloss of making the Grand Final has been taken off from him not being there as I firmly believe he offers just as much as Jordon as the sub. Having said that, he made the right decision to be home for the birth of his twins regardless. Thank you, Nathan. You are a bloody star.

The culture of this team is based on his work ethic and integrity. In the early part of the decade, he was given the leadership of the club despite not being a natural or outspoken leader. But when this new group of players came into the club it was his example that demonstrated to everyone that this is how you train, this is how you prepare and this is how you make yourself into a good AFL footballer. The others were moved on from the club and Nathan Jones, with his example of who they should all try to be, was forced into the middle of club. The integrity of him as a person, and the integrity of his work ethic, is an example that all of this generation of players will have with them through their careers. A super player in his own right but his character still lives through the club through his actions over his career. I can't say how much I thank him for staying with us and help us become the club we are now. He'll always have a special place the the MFC and any future success we have will be built on the foundations that he laid down with sweat and integrity. Thank you Chunk. Not just for the last 15 years but also for everything that hasn't happened yet. Champion.

Thanks for guiding us through the darkest times.

A light in the darkness. A hero when we needed one. A standard setter. A leader. A champion player who carried an entire club on his shoulders for a decade. Nobody has done so much for our club during such low times. When others chose to run, he stayed and fought. Through all the bad games, all the bad seasons, all the bad years. He is a credit to himself but he’s also a credit to where the club is today. His determination, his never say die attitude, his leadership and care for his teammates is a big part of why we are where we are today. Thank you Jonesy for choosing us over and over again when it would have been very easy to walk away to greener pastures. You will never be forgotten.

300 Games and a MFC Captain The Number 2 is a sacred part of this Club Jonesy wore it with Pride

Winner

Could have been playing for us if he could have got a game but chased a premiership.

Should we win next Saturday, Nathan should get to raise the flag at our first home game (with a crowd) in 2022.

You can't really see it but my cousin sent this this morning - the top flag is an MFC flag received_922429245035816.mp4

Burj Al Redleg

Like so many that have come before him, he deserves so much better in terms of being able to play in a premiership/grand final/or even just finals. Sadly he got his chance early and he had to wait years before he got his chance again. I don't think there could be a single bad word said about the guy, he's been a warrior, a soldier, and a true clubman. Now he's the father of two beautiful twins to go with the two he already has. Congrats on a great career, thanks for the memories, and thank you for everything you have done. I'd made a video in tribute to his 300th purely for my own enjoyment earlier in the year, it's a bit corny but I reckon it'll tug some heartstrings. So here it is:

That goes against everything Jones stands for. He wants nothing more than for our club to be successful.

Who is cutting onions?

😭😭😭 The word legend gets thrown around far too often, but is entirely justified here. Stuck with us for 15 odd years through some real lows when he could have gone to a cup contender. Just a shame he's not part of next weekend. Hope he gets a farewell lap at the G infront of 100k (with the cup 🤞) once covid fks off Thanks for everything jonesy

I want to see Nathan in a car with his family, being driven around the G before a big game next year, with the Premiership Cup on his lap, inscribed 2021 Premiership, Melbourne Football Club.

Every room in the house will be getting red and blue filtered light.

My front gates, so far… KEEP WATCHING THIS SPACE!!! I’m shouting at you again, @Timothy Reddan-A'Blew!!!!! 😁

I don't think that's fair. I will say I miss his input. Given some of this thread, I don't think I am the only one. Hope he is going well and returns when Gosch's is open to the public again.

Seems like we are the theme of this week. Couple if interview that SEN have conducted so far. Todd Viney yesterday morning. Sam Stynes this morning. David Neitz on Dwayne Russell. This absolute ripper with Bob Spargo who is Charlie's grandpa. Have had the pleasure of meeting him as well. And Sharon Neal Bullen on Bob and Andy

Demonland HQ is Grand Final ready 🔴🔵😈

My modest contribution. Preston represent ✊🏻❤️💙

I can't have any talk of Petty forward. He's done it alright in an emergency, but the way he's playing now he could be May 2.0 by the time the original retires. Weid certainly won't be, and as much as I like him and would be happy to keep him, he should 100% go somewhere where he can play regularly.

There is a bald bloke with a beard playing for us, who played 39 games in his first 5 years on the list and kicked 18 goals, while often played forward. Yes he had injuries, as did Weid. I am not comparing the two, only that sometimes careers turn around after poor starts. I would move Weid on if we had a better replacement, but we don't and we have no ruck back up either, after the current two. So unless there is a great deal to be done, that gets us a better player and a ruck backup as well, he stays another year.

Cant start dreaming about dynasties until we win the first one.

No he won’t. Max will make sure he is part of it

Don’t mind the honesty, at least he didn’t use the poo excuse like his coach did.

Not sure @dieter, but I see that a fine has already been handed out...

Sam had a year that he'd rather forget, but I'm not writing him off yet.

Gus is settled in Victoria. He has a long term girlfriend and he loves the club and is part of the leadership group. Also he is not allowed to leave or retire until he gets Eddy Langdon on the podcast.

Hope this is acceptable on this forum as it applies as much to our indigenous players as it does to Eddie alone... in a word, incredible!! Every Step of the Way Tonight I went out from the kitchen And looked up at the stars from the yard I was hoping to get some perspective But sometimes perspective is hard I know my life is a blessing And all blessings come with a curse My enemies I know I can handle But friends now, well, they can be worse Oh, I’m so sick and tired of keeping it inside I’m so sick and tired today I remember the old ones’ hard travelling They’re with me every step of the way Thousands smile when I go through my paces They fall at my dancing feet They like to slap my back in high places They want to shake my hand on the street Oh, I love my beautiful children They clamber and climb all over me I close my eyes and I’m dreaming Of a world where they can just be I’m so sick and tired of keeping it all inside I’m so sick and tired today I remember the old ones’ hard travelling They’re with me every step of the way The old ones are walking beside me Each and every step of the way

A sad day for the footy club and also a day of celebration of a fine career. Thank you so much for all you have done Jonesy during some of the darkest times in this footy club. There are no fairytales in footy but I hope you're able to reflect on the contribution you've made in getting us there. From a different person I think now the club can now move on from all the Nathan Jones noise. Was starting to get a tad worried it was going to be a bit of a distraction, but once he made the decision to leave WA her made the right call for his family. The number 2 is a very sacred number at this footy club.

gus brayshaw

He will never be forgotten. He was our only shining light during our dark years (2009-2014). The fact that he was one of our few senior players who refused to leave during that period showed how loyal and committed he was to the club. While it's a pity that he hasn't been able to participate in the finals this year, there's nothing wrong with playing your final game in a win against Richmond in front of nearly 80, 000 people. I will always remember his match-winning goal in the 2018 elimination final against Geelong.

A warrior who bled red and blue. Happy he got to the 300 mark with a full crowd and a win. Sad he can't be at the ground on Saturday but fully understandable and correct decision to be with his family. Looking forward honoring him somehow in 2022.

It's Western's class versus Melbourne's power. We can blunt their class with our pressure more than they can blunt our power. We'll generate more scoring opportunities. If we kick straight we win. Demons by 13 points NSM: Clayton Oliver

My kitchen/dinning area. Exterior house lights in progress.

Then I think it must mean "c'mon guys be charitable and give a couple of goals before half time to get their hopes up before we smash them in the 2nd half"

Hopefully a nice piece of memorabilia to keep. On sale next Monday at 7 eleven, supermarkets & newsagents

"That's one of the white hottest teams I've ever played in a game of football" Isaac Smith on the loss to the Demons ... he would know having played in a heap of high pressure finals before ... we just need to come with the same level of intensity again ... next time a mismatched Brown kicks 5 or close is my prediction

Hibbo’s not getting dropped I’d suggest. Out of he, Hunt and Joel Smith, he’s simply the better footballer. The question on him is whether he’s slowed down, and the mild fumbles he seems to get on account. I reckon when he was dropped, it was off the back of our late season loading, and he was just worn thin. He seemed full of run on Friday night, and with his great competitiveness (what we love about him) and experience, added GF adrenaline and another fortnight’s rest, he’ll be primed. No change.

I’m high risk, pneumonia nearly killed me 9 years ago, if I get covid I’m cactus. A bad cold would probably do me in these days. My brother wants to come and watch it, but I used the above as an excuse to say no. I’d rather watch it alone, I’m going to be a nervous wreck, I don’t want to ruin his day by blaming him for every goal against by not following my idiotic superstitions. In a perfect world I’d be with my uncle and brother at the G. But it ain’t perfect so I’ll just enjoy what I can do. Of course if we lose, I invite anyone with covid to come and sneeze in my mouth.