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Congratulations Goody

But is he the right guy?

What a champion Jetta has been for us. I have a feeling once the dust settles he'll be announcing his retirement but is sticking with the team until our 2021 journey comes to an end. At his best Jetta was a fantastic defender and one of few leaders to stand out and stick tough over the past 15 years. A great role model for our younger boys, indigenous or not. Thank your for service Neville

I wasn't going to do anything and then I thought I really wanted my kids to get into the spirit of it..... Have a couple of things to add with the kids tomorrow and then should be ready to go! ps The banner was paid for on Sunday, address given to them on Mon and delivered today, outstanding service! Red Exhibitions well done!

Garry Lyon has interviewed 8 Dees players since the prelim. He said that 7 of them were really relaxed and looking forward to the challenge, one of them, an unnamed father son selection, looked like he was ready to kill somebody.

The word ‘COVID’

The following note was sent to my Demon barracking daughter today from a friend all the way from Dublin. Sorry I couldn't work out how to attach it to the photo. I'm fairly computer illiterate I'm afraid. To my Melbourne Demon friends, how awesome is this? Someone drove up to Jim Stynes headstone in the Dublin hills to give him a scarf for the week ahead. He is not forgotten. He was such a great man.Go the Dees!

Agree up there with Matty Whelan

I heart Nev. Quality human who will be missed when he retires.

I have a feeling Jacko could have a much more significant role to play in this game than people realise. Most focus in media etc has been on Gawny, Clarry and Trac. Gawny's dominance in the ruck in the previous games hasn't translated to clearances. So do we lose much by putting Jacko in much more of the ruck contests and free up Gawny to create a match up nightmare in the forward line or dropping back to chop out in defence. It might even work against the Doggies system if the ruck contests are more even and they can't shark off us as much. They would potentially get caught between setting up for winning contests themselves not just defensively sharking off us. If it is neutralised then Jacko becomes even more of a clearance weapon once it hits the ground and he can then run Martin into the ground. He'll be cooked before the last quarter. Also have a feeling Vines is going to have a blinder. This game will be tailor made for his manic attack on the ball and player at stoppages which is where the Doggies must win to have a chance of winning the game.

Melbourne supporters going to the snow!!

Absolutely scoffing the humble pie on this one

Ross Highway, outside of Alice

Jack sets the tone. He is critical in the first 10 mins of the game. I expect he may maim one or two Bulldogs players in the first quarter.

Just a wonderful person, we are privileged to have him at our club.

Love Nev! Thoughts turned to him again as the Jim Stynes award was announced on Sunday. Worthy ex-winner and a champion Human.

A 12 year bump! Is that a Demonland record?

Got the first one up

A work colleague at Forest Chase in Perth City today. Checker will be there everyday this week between 11.30am - 1.00pm along with other Melbourne festivities.

If I have another person saying something like - “A bit of success and demon supporters come out of the woodwork “ or “ getting on the bandwagon eh? “ I think I shall punch them in the [censored] mouth .

I did feel like Saint Nick was trying to put words in his mouth, but Jones has understanding that what you deserve and what you get in footy are in no way related. Life (and by extension footy) is often cruellest to the most loyal of servants. There have been many of them for the club that have never had the opportunity to play in a GF, let alone a premiership. It's been cruel to Jones right at the end, but Chunk more than Nick seemed to understand that Fairytales are for kindergarten and this is the real world. He deserved more, but at the same time there's a very special place in our hearts for players like him and Robbie who gave so much to the club and who never got to reap the rewards for their bravery and loyalty.

The question - “Are you nervous?” Only one reply - “it’s been 57 years, so wadda YOU reckon?” FMD!

I’m just sick of being reminded about how rubbish we were. We, Melbourne supporters know this better than anyone else. I want to celebrate watching a team that is not only full of great players but is now playing as a great team.

I'll be just across the river from you. I had thought of hosting a GF event for Demons fans but coverage would be via the BT Sport App and reliant on our often sketchy broadband feed so I daren't risk it. Imagine the picture buffering just as Maxy is about to launch from 55m?! As an alternative, and if it goes well from a Demons perspective, if you (or anyone else for that matter) fancies a post-GF slurp, head south across Tower Bridge to Southwark Brewing Company Tap Room (SE1 2EZ - Tube London Bridge) where I'm a co-owner and will certainly look after any Demons fans who stumble in. Once across Tower Bridge, turn left at the third set of traffic lights - Druid Street - and we're the third railway arch on the right. Yes we do brew "warm, flat Pom cask ales" ;-) but don't worry, we also have various craft keg beers and a Pilsner lager (and wines and spirits for those not into beer). The wines might not match the quality of those I brought back from Gippsland a few years back but hey, when in Rome... Anyway, you'd all be welcome - just ask for Andy. Go Melbourne.

Seems wildly unfair that anyone on here can slag off any one of our players or coaching staff and wind it back with a 'schucks, I got it wrong' mea culpa, but gloating is considered so unseemly in comparison. And I use the term 'mea culpa' deliberately, we simply wouldn't be here on grand final eve if a lot of our fans and posters got their way last year. Anyways, [censored] it: I've always thought Simon was the right guy, and my record will reflect that, and I feel especially chuffed with this recognition for Goody for what he has turned this team into. Go Dees! And for anyone still deflecting to (the undoubtedly influential) Yze and Choco as prime instigators of our flag charge, look up confirmation bias and then go back and reflect on our past four years as a club under Goodwin.

There is now a dee's flag flying from the Mentone hotel, not sure who got it there. Wink wink.

My favourite lord nev moment.

Perth 28-Day Rainfall Forecast Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 21 22 23 24 25 Med chance of grown adults crying 26 Hig 27 Med 28 Med 29 30 Oct 1 Low 2 Low 3 4 5 6 7 Low 8 Med 9 Med 10 Low 11 12 13 14 15 Med 16 Med 17 18 19

Well thank god #22 isn’t there. He is the absolute biggest Melbourne hater.

Loved the way in which big Jimmy embraced the MFC and the inspirational way he played, conducted his life and encouraged personal growth others within and beyond the footy club to bring out the best in themselves. I probably may have only ever fleetingly met Jim in person at MFC after match functions at the Demons Club back in the day (I can't remember any particular encounter, but odds are I was probably momentarily there when he was as some point). However I read Jimmy's autobiography when I was around the 18 - 20 year age group myself and it left a lasting impression on me. In one chapter, he tells the story about a training run he did in Ireland soon after the 87 prelim debarkle. The story goes that it was typically Ireland, cold and windy as anything and here is big Jim doing this training run up some mountain in Ireland, wanting to stop and give up, but keeping on going by willing himself to the next bend in the track or next little rise or whatever, but never giving up and eventually making it to the top. I used that analogy as inspiration throughout my own humble amature sporting career and hard times in life - if Jimmy didn't give up climbing that huge mountain, surely I can overcome what's in front of me, I'd tell myself. My youngest sister attended a number of Jimmy's Reach Youth functions as a troubled young teenager and I know that left a huge positive impression on her. I know that Jimmy's time as a football administrator isn't necessarily looked on as favourably as some that followed him in the Roos, Jackson, Bartlett era, but as I understand it, he still achieved several great things like wiping a bunch of debt and getting the club moving forward with spirit and a sense of purpose after it lost it's way in those senses in the years that preceeeded his tenure. And let's not forget that the big man was battling cancer and still giving his time and energy to the club. From the way he talks, it's also clear he left a big impression on Max Gawn, so perhaps that's part of the genius of the team as it currently stands right there. Hearing and reading the things that the Stynes family have said in the press over the years and in recient weeks, it's clear their blood bleeds red and blue to the core as well. If we do pull off the win on Saturday, I hope it brings the Stynes family great joy and he and his contribution is acknowledged publicly and prominently amoung the jubilation (which I'm sure it would be).

Watching the Jones interview, 1 thing is constantly underrepresented. He was a bloody good footballer. Brilliant at evading in-close attention, underrated goal kicker, could run all day. He was more than a "inspiring figure" and I wish it was mentioned more.

Just a fantastic achievement. Well done Goody and thank you for bringing us so much joy to us in what's been an extremely dark year for all.

No. First thing I checked. I was so pleased.

I stood next to his dad (not knowing that fact) one night at Docklands. We got chatting. Just a ripping bloke. Easy to see where Nev gets his down to earth, humble approach to life.

Vindication for the past 60 years of supporting. Vindication for putting my children through the pain of being Melbourne supporters. Vindication for the thousands of dollars spent on memberships and merchandise; not to mention alcohol to numb the pain. Retribution to all those who have belittled and patronised us over the years. Joy for my grandchildren who have stuck with me despite being tempted by other, more followable, clubs. Peace for my long suffering wife who has put up with my moods, my frustration and my angry outbursts. Above all, the pure joy of winning the one game that really matters each year. It's been a long haul and there have been times when I've questioned my sanity but I'm proud to say I've stayed the course and been true to the red and the blue. I deserve this. We all deserve this. This is our time. Make it happen Dees! Do it for the fans. Do it for Ronald Dale Barrasi, Robbie Flower, Jimmie, and all of those who've pulled on the red and the blue and given their all over the past 57 years. GO DEES!

Up with our best ever back pockets

The snow jokes became extremely tedious a long, long time ago, but some would be smarties still trot them out as if they are both original and hilarious. I just tell people that there's two types in this world - Demon fans and those who wish they were Demon fans. Alternatively, hit 'em with the good old tried and true "Shut up or we'll increase your rent".

no, there's absolutely no guarantee that will be the case win on saturday while the opportunity awaits

Agree wholeheartedly with Jonesy

Umps have been announced Matt Stevic’s reputation as one of the AFL’s best and most respected umpires has been strengthened, with the whistle-blower selected to oversee his ninth Grand Final in 10 seasons. Foxfooty.com.au understands Stevic will officiate Saturday night’s Melbourne-Western Bulldogs decider in Perth alongside fellow 400-plus game veteran Brett Rosebury and Jacob Mollison, who’ll make his Grand Final debut in his 14th season. Stevic, Rosebury and Mollison have been picked ahead of six-time Grand Final umpire Simon Meredith, who’s been named as the emergency for the match, as well as preliminary final officiators Robert Findlay and Chris Donlon. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-grand-final-umpires-2021-appointments-afl-news-2021-melbourne-vs-western-bulldogs-umpire-stats-matt-stevic-brett-rosebury-jacob-mollison/news-story/0e9aedb063fff06c3f74583bb181fd47?fbclid=IwAR3Ih7ctifJbOATuhorBncbp9-8Vkg6-m9Y3aAuZ_4QXr1dPuqEkMdWPqVQ

I'm sick of hearing about how brave the underdog Bulldogs have been to get this far. And how they've had to travel from Tassie to Brisbane to Adelaide and now to Perth. No one has gone back and reminded them that it was self inflicted and that had they not lost the last game despite leading by 15 points late in the last quarter they would have had the same "trip" that the Demons have had. But it doesn't suit Bevo's narrative of us against them. I just wish someone would bring it up at a press conference.

Have never been able to reconcile why I seem to take the attitude towards/perception of the MFC so personally. It perplexes my wife too. The Range Rover and snow stuff has always riled me up. Even if it all goes south on Saturday this last month has been enjoyable in seeing that there are so many other people who have similar feelings about all this. I like to think if we get it done on Saturday the boys will do it with humility and class and our supporters will afford more respect to our opponents and other supporters than what seems to be the norm for winners in Aussie rules football. The club do seem to have taken a decent step forward this year with cutting out the ill conceived arrogance and focusing on the work.

2005 was a pretty strong year. The top 10 if it was done now might be 1 Pendlebury 2 J.Kennedy 3 Jones 4 Hurn 5 Higgins 6 Murphy 7 Birchall 8 Ryder 9 Priddis* 10 Jack* The steals in the draft were Vince and Stokes. Priddis and Jack were rookies. The misses were Ellis, Dowler and Oakley-Nicholls. 2006 was a weaker year. If the top 10 if it was done now might be 1 J.Selwood 2 Boak 3 Riewoldt 4 Hawkins 5 Gray 6 J.Kennedy 7 Edwards 8 Houli 9 Goldstein 10 Frawley The steals in the draft were Gray and Goldstein. Jacobs and Harbrow were rookies. The misses were Gumbleton, Thorp and Sellar. 2007 was probably even weaker. If the top 10 if it was done now might be. 1 Dangerfield 2 Cotchin 3 Rioli 4 Walker 5 Rance 6 Taylor 7 Ward 8 Wood 9 Tarrant 10 Kreuzer The steals in the draft were Steven, Wood and Hooker. Martin was a pre season draft pick. The misses were Morton, Grant and Myers 2008 was disastrous for us. If the top 10 were done now it might be 1 Naitanui 2 Sidebottom 3 Shuey 4 Sloane 5 Breust* 6 Walters 7 Rich 8 Hurley 9 Ziebell 10 Lynch The steals in the draft were Sloane and Walters. Garlett and Breust were rookies The misses were Watts, Yarran and Vickery. 2009 draft if the top 10 were done now it might be 1 Martin 2 Gawn 3 Fyfe 4 Cunnington 5 Gunston 6 Duncan 7 Talia 8 Jetta 9 Melksham 10 Rohan The steals in the draft were Gawn and Gunston. The misses were Trengove, Morabito and Butcher. 2010 draft if it was done now might be 1 Gaff 2 Lynch 3 Darling 4 I.Smith 5 Heppell 6 Guthrie 7 Parker 8 Howe 9 Liberatore 10 McDonald The steals were Howe and McDonald. McGovern and Ed.Curnow were rookies. The misses were Bennell, Gorringe and Cook. 2011 draft if it was done now might be 1 Greene 2 Mitchell 3 Yeo 4 Neale 5 Adams 6 Coniglio 7 Haynes 8 Laird* 9 Blicavs* 10 Crisp* The steals were Yeo and Neale. Laird, Blicavs and Crisp were rookies. The misses were Patton, Tyson and Buntine 2012 draft if it was done now might be 1 Wines 2 Stringer 3 Macrae 4 Whitfield 5 Grundy 6 Daniher 7 Viney 8 Vlaustin 9 Hunter 10 Rampe* The steals in the draft were father\sons Viney and Hunter, Rampe and Z.Williams were rookies. The misses were O'Rourke, Plowman and Toumpas. 2013 draft if it was done now might be 1 Bontempelli 2 Kelly 3 Merrett 4 Salem 5 Cripps 6. C.Cameron* 7 Sicily 8 Allir Allir 9 B.Brown 10. Harmes* The steals were Sicily, Allir Allir and B.Brown. C.Cameron and Harmes were rookies. The misses were Boyd, Kolodjashnij, and Scharenberg 2014 draft if it was done now might be 1 Petracca 2 Moore 3 Lever 4 Steele 5 Heeney 6 Miller 7 Brayshaw 8 De Goey 9 Andrews 10 Daniel The steals in the draft were Steele, Miller, Andrews, Daniel, Langdon and Dale. Short was a rookie. The misses were McCartin, J.Pickett and Ahern 2015 draft if it was done now might be 1 Oliver 2 Weitering 3 H.McKay 4 Hipwood 5 Parish 6 Hopper 7 Papley* 8 Mills 9 Dunkley 10 C.Curnow The steals were Dunkley and Hipwood. Papley and McDoanld - Tipungwuti were rookies. The misses were Ah Chee, Weideman and Kennedy. 2016 draft if it was done now might be 1 McCluggage 2 Taranto 3 McGrath 4 Stewart 5 Bolton 6 Ridley 7 Ryan 8 W.Rioli 9 Florent 10 Parfitt The steals were Stewart and W.Rioli. Rookies were Draper and Henry The misses were Setterfield, Petrevski-Seton and Brodie 2017 draft if it was done now might be 1 A.Brayshaw 2 Naughton 3 Bailey 4 Kelly 5 Ryan 6 Fritsch 7 Taylor 8 Cerra 9 Raynor 10 Mihocek The steals were Fritsch, Spargo, Petty. Mihocek was a rookie. The misses were Dow, O'Brien and Bonar 2018 draft if it was done now might be 1 Walsh 2 B.King 3 M.King 4 B.Smith 5. Blakey 6 Rozee 7 Butters 8 Rankine 9 Quanyor 10 Hind The steals have been Hind, Sparrow and Jordon. The misses were Jones, Hately and Clark. 2019 draft was done now it might be 1 Jackson 2 Serong 3 Pickett 4 Weightman 5 Georgiades 6 Rowell 7 Anderson 8 Green 9 Ash 10 Rivers The steals were Rivers and Georgiades The misses have been so far are Stephens, McAsey and Henry. 2020 draft if it was done now might be 1 Cox 2 Perkins 3. Bowey 4 Gulden 5 Thilthorpe 6 Henry 7 Ugle-Hagan 8 Grainger-Barrass 9 Powell 10 Holmes The steals have been Bowey and Gulden. Too early to say who the misses are yet.

One thing I took out of that interview was Nick Reiwoldt is still [censored] off at St Kilda for giving him the flick.

Just a phenomenal human being. Kind, selfless, thoughtful. He made tough choices for his family and he also made a lot of tough choices along his journey for the betterment of our club. How easy it would have been to go to another club that wasn’t a mess, that wasn’t losing weekly and relying on you to carry the heavy load. Honestly who would have begrudged him if he went to Geelong or Hawthorn for a cheap flag? Absolutely nobody. What he has done for our club few will be able to lay claim to. I hope he has a big smile and feels incredibly proud of this club on Saturday. Win or lose, we are where we are today because of the few like him who had the courage to stand up and be the difference and lead the way to be better.

Waiting for One the Couch to start, tuned in to AFL 360 listening to Hardwick and Clarkson talk around how they coach in finals and grand finals. Absolutely brilliant. I haven't paid much attention to either of them over the years, but wow, you can tell why they coached Premierships. Much of what they said was a matter of balancing: player personalities, attack v defence, how much to say... etc...

“Where the Dogs excel is winning clearances from opposition's taps.” This is spot on. I watched the Rd 19 game in full and this is what lost it for us. They were always on the move and expecting and predicting where Max would tap it. They obviously put a lot of work into his tapping patterns. Max eventually got frustrated and started just aimlessly slapping the ball 20 metres forward. If this starts happening, I’d be throwing Jacko in the ruck and getting Max forward and behind the ball. Jackson is less predictable and is like an extra mid. Have a plan B

I’m an old so and so, who was fortunate enough to live through our Golden Era of the late 1940s, the 1950’s and (obviously) 1964 as well. I have my place adorned with Dees flags, as shown in the ‘Flying the Flag’ thread. I was sitting on my front porch this evening, enjoying a glass of Shiraz, and taking in my attractive garden as the twilight took over. When the evening breeze began to flutter the flags it caught my attention. I spontaneously and unashamedly, burst into tears. That’s what a premiership would mean to me! Cross my heart, that’s a true story.