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The Geelong Preliminary Final was one of the best individual games I have seen from a Demons player.

The overused term "legend" is completely warranted for the big fella. What a Captains season he had.

I refuse to refer to that stolen goal as a behind. We actually won the Grand Final by 79 points in my book.

Im still hungover…….does that count

Agree. I love the fact that i am lucky to live in a country where the overwhelming majority of people are prepared to honor their social contract obligations. Sure there are a very, very tiny minority of people who want to have their cake and eat it too - that's to say enjoy all the benefits of living here (eg universal health care, representative government, opportunity to vote, relatively effective public transport systems, functioning infrastructure, ok education system, etc etc) but not prepared to honour their social contract. But that's part of the price we pay - in any community there will always be such people. I'd add that a related modern phenomena is conflating the views of a very noisy minority with majority public sentiment. The white noise of social media, the targeted trolling, the publicity stunts etc etc serve a specific purpose - to create this very illusion. And i have to say those strategies are very effective at doing just that. But those of us who choose to honor the social contract - the overwhelming majority - should refuse to buy into the illusion. Don't engage. And certainly don't allow ourselves to be fooled by the illusion. The tiny mob don't speak for us. The tiny mob don't even speak for each other - there is no unifying narrative. Just a grab bag of disparate grievances. And for that reason the tiny mob will ultimately dwindle to a sad gathering in a phone box (a non 5g one). Bottom line is we are approaching 90% double vax rate for people over 12 in Victoria, and we will get to that figure nationally early next year. Let's say half of the remaining 10% have not been vaxed - but not because they are anti vax as such (eg apathy, health reasons, religious views, hesitant, cultural, cognitive issues etc etc). That leaves 5% who might genuinely be considered anti vax. So, 5 in every hundred. The very definition of a minority view. The mandate question is harder to quantify becuase we don't have the concreteness of the vax rate as reliable measure of sentiment. We do know from countries like Germany that without mandates double vax rates will plateau in the mid 60s (sadly for a country i love and have people there i love, they are in for a hellacious winter). And becuase of this most people in Australia understand the logic of mandates. And the majority of Australian support mandates. This is evidenced by a number of polls that show the MAJORITY of Australian support mandates. Australia has one of the most effective democratic system in the world. Not perfect of course, but by any measure we have opportunities to influence public policy decisions that people in most other democracies could only dream of - and people in totalitarian countries can't even dream of. The noisy minority have the freedom to take their fight to the ballot box and make their case. And the overwhelming majority can also make their call at the ballot box. And we will.

Firstly, a ‘premiership hangover’ is not making the finals, or being in serious contention in finals, the year after a premiership. Collingwood did not have a flag hangover in 2011, they made the grand final, a grand final they were favourites for, and while hindsight is 20/20 it would’ve been fascinating to see that game play out had it not have had the cloud of the mishandled Buckley handover hanging over it. A one year contract extension for Malthouse before those finals and I think Collingwood win. Bulldogs and Hawthorn did both drop away after their flag years. What do they have in common: 1. They were both surprised, neither were the best team all year, Hawthorn was a young up and coming team that surprised an all conquering and dominant Geelong team at the right time. The Bulldogs were far from the best team during the season, not even top four, got on a run and managed to peak at the right time. 2. Won before they internally expected to. The equivalent for us would’ve been winning in 2018. 3. Relied heavily on a few stars, for Hawthorn Franklin, Roughead, Hodge, Lewis, Mitchell, Crawford and Dew (in the GF) were all huge, for the dogs Stringer, Jj, Bont, Dahlhaus and Easton-wood were massive. It took a few more years for Clarkson to craft the system that won them 3 more flags and Crawford and Dew retired leaving holes in the list and the dogs were found wanting when JJ, Dahlhaus and Stringer had fluctuations in form. The challenge for us is that the league is far tighter than it was back then. You can realistically make an argument for at least 12 teams making the finals next year (Melbourne, Dogs, Brisbane, Cats, Power, Sydney, Giants, Essendon, Richmond, West Coast, St Kilda, Carlton) whereas in 2009 and 17 there were really only 6 legitimate challengers. In terms of a hangover, the good news for us is of the last 21 flags only two teams haven’t made the finals the following year and we are very different to them. We were the best team all year, we lost 4 games by an average of 11.5 points, that’s frighteningly good consistency. We have a great system, star players but also great role players, some great leaders and a lot of younger players looking to improve not to mention a plethora of talent trying to fight their way into the team. We have also been building for a while, we definitely underperformed in 2020, we were ready for finals but our consistency let us down, you could also make the same argument for 2017. Now that our consistency in season is better (our only weakness is still bringing our best for bottom teams) I’d be stunned if we’re not top 4 heading into finals next year. And we’ve shown our brand stacks up in finals, we’re 5-1 in finals under Goodwin, pretty damn good.

I’m happy with the 74 point win. Plus we went from looking like losing the GF to winning so quickly, to experience going from such a low to such a high was so euphoric, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. The boys put on such a performance, it will never lose any of its nostalgia for me. It was of such a level, it will forever be remembered in the annals of AFL history. It was truly worth waiting for, maybe equaled but never topped. Such was our boys’ impact, it has pretty much already become footy folklore. It cant get any better than that.

They even put in the 'behind' from the grandfinal, cheeky

That’s a shame. I always liked that he stuck around with us after he finished playing. It felt like the players responded well to him on game day

Dunstall called it the best game he has ever seen by a ruckman. This was a few days after the game and he was completely serous. Truly remarkable. No coincidence the players played with such freedom and confidence in the GF. he sets the tone. Absolute masterstroke making him captain, look an obvious call now, but not in 2019 imo

The greatest captains from the past have always had the ability to lead from adversity and lift their team to victory. Think Voss, Kelly, Lyon, Judd, Carey for a few. Until R23 at Geelong, Maxie had shown how to lead off the field but not yet demonstrated it on the field. His last quarter efforts then won the game (not just THAT goal but watch him at the start of the quarter) but he repeated the effort in Q3 of the prelim final and, by his selfless decision to watch Jackson in Q3 of the GF, he showed how to lead on the field. True captain's efforts for which he and we should be proud. His grace and charm since then have anointed him as the GOOT - greatest of our time.

The skips highlights are next level.

Thanks and farewell. Byrnes made a valuable off field contribution as player development manager. Agreed on the delayed timing. Maybe it was a tough call given the Dees success. I agree Nev Jetta would have been the perfect fit for player development. I think the role at the Dees would be highly sort after and a few good candidates should emerg.

That’s what happens when a club wins a flag. Other rival clubs poach assistants in the hope of getting a dollop of the secret sauce. Last year he would have little hope of getting a gig elsewhere. Success sticks like chewing gum. Good luck and best wishes.

I had a beer with Max’s parents at The G the day he debuted. They were nervous and just rapt that he got to play a game. To think that he has gone on to become the first premiership Capt in 57 years must be mind blowing for them. I doubt they’ll remember me but it’s something I won’t forget.

Clarrie's performance v Adelaide ... the loss by one point.

Correct but Melbourne and all clubs have done it before. Usually player is re-drafted onto the rookie list. The irony is Nth didn't want to give a 28yo a 4 year deal coming off a knee injury that played in a position of need last season but now have given a 30yo a 3 year deal coming off a knee injury that plays in a position of surplus.

All a bit strange this. A few weeks ago the Suns were struggling with their salary cap to the point where they tried desperately to ditch a player who ended up not wanting to leave. Now, they've managed to ditch a player to North Melbourne which is taking up the Suns' contractual obligations. I'm not a conspiracy theorist but ...

Jones maybe? Be great to keep him around the club.

Bit annoyed with the timing. This was a role that could have easily been offered up maybe to a Neville Jetta.

These sort of posts can come back to bite us but I think we are unlikely to suffer a premiership hangover (I know everyone would think that after winning). My reasons are: Competition for spots. There are a number of very unlucky players that will be super hungry (Tomlinson, Hunt, Jordon (does the sub count?), Smith, etc as well as others who might be a good chance to be in our best 22 if they can get a decent run at it eg Chandler, Weid, Laurie. Minimal post season surgeries (as far as I know), no retirements from players that were in the 22. Picking up Dunstan can't hurt either. Not playing finals in Melbourne. I think there would be a hunger to win in Melbourne in front of a Melbourne crowd at our home ground. We were the dominant team - we didn't fluke it or get lucky or win before we were ready. We have had many learnings - I feel like our 2018 year was a bit like other teams when they win before they're ready. Obviously we didn't go as far but learning what it takes to get that far and how easy it is to drop behind the pack will be really important for us in 2022. There's room for improvement - many players coming into their prime and others we've only seen a glimpse of their potential (Jackson, Kozzie, Riv, Bowey etc). I'm not saying we'll win it next year as so much has to go right with injuries etc but would be very surprised if we are not thereabouts.

No chance of a hangover. The boys will want to win it at the G in front of the Melb faithful. That will drive them imo as we still have a team capable of winning it again.

I think the side will get better…

What are the factors that you think create the media notion of a 'hang over;? Personally, I dislike that language, as it infers that expectations (that have been set by media/supporters) haven't been met, or that once a Grand Final has been won, the players aren't as compelled - which I feel is a disservice to the playing group and FD.

He's joining the navy? Puts a new spin on being a defender!

I doubt anyone gets belted in the back of the head more than Maxy. That thug Nankervis being the primary culprit. He never flinches, never goes into his shell, never loses his cool. Just gets on with the job. Legend

Although in a losing SF, Travis Johnstone’s 2nd & 3rd quarters against the Crows in 2002 is noteworthy.

Surely lifting the premiership cup should have been in the season highlights for big Maxy.

…and a ruckman, from any club.

Given the context of the match when that shot took place, I reckon if it was ruled a goal we'd have stopped the dogs momentum and won by 100.

This thread showed how keen the majority of DL were to get May. He’s proven to be a key part of our success. The great value of a strong key defender, able to shutdown the gorilla forwards from other teams. The recruitment of Lever and May has helped create us as the #1 defensive team in the comp. May is also a leader. A very successful trade despite the media pundits giving us grief over the “Suns getting Ben King” . The premiership is proof enough for me that May’s recruitment was a masterstroke.

There’s only eight days to go until the 2021 AFL National Draft so this is Cal Twomey’s last Phantom Form Guide. It’s not actually a phantom draft but rather, his ranking of top draft prospects.

Perhaps it’s because some of the people who prepare these bios don’t really have a clue?

No, because of the uncertainty of the Covid situation back then, the AFL put in a rule that clubs could move players to the rookie list from the senior list. That rule has since been removed.

Apart from being BS, this is just confirmation bias. You blindly trot out whatever you want no matter how dodgy your sources are when it supports your POV, yet everything else is supposedly suspect.

The determination to win a flag on the G in front of our faithful will be the drive for the boys no doubt 🔴🔵

I don't see why we'll have a flag hangover. We have a very mature playing group. The way in which the team conducted itself during the finals series was impeccable. Instead of getting too carried away by each victory, they resumed focus and kept training hard. That sort of attitude was a major reason why we ended up winning the flag. The main thing that we should avoid is injuries. If the team remains fit next year, we should be well-placed to win another flag.

Trac's Norm Smith performance in the granny was as good as any. Almost topped Simon Blacks possession record. On a par if not better than any of Dusty's efforts

Unsure if the photo worked again, I’m no good at this stuff hahaha

Absolute poetry from El Capitano. 🏆🥇

The Wiz's 9 goals after half time on Queens Birthday? Allen Jakovich's 11 goals 9 vs North Melbourne? The Wiz's 8 goals in the 2000 preliminary final?

Ha. Read that again. Not factually correct. They received advanced orders but accepted 0 funding for the work. Not factually correct. They currently charge the US $19.50 per dose. Most of their other other vaccines cost between $150-200. They're making between 20-30% per dose. Not sure where you've got "700%" from other than just making it up or a QAnon board. You may want to look more into those particular two countries, notable the Brazilian president who could be charged. India is a more complicated picture, but ironically given the angle you're trying to take they have a huge problem with vaccine hesitancy rather than vaccine supply. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56345591

Not trying to pile on here but we're all mandated to vaccinate our children, for the good of them and all the other kids, this has brought down the mortality rate significantly. The idea of the vaccine for covid is the same principle. You are right follow the money, and the politicians want every one vaccinated not just for the good of the people and to bring down the mortality rate for covid but the flow on affect it has on the medical infrastructure. Ambulances, hospitals, mental health services, having to pay people to stay at home while out of work.. its all a huge burden on the financial systems of State of Fed governments so yes they want us all to get the vaccine as it will cost them less money. Climate science is agreed upon by almost all scientists by the way - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/19/case-closed-999-of-scientists-agree-climate-emergency-caused-by-humans

Re Twomey's Top 35 Phantom Draft. These are the players he has linked to a possible Melbourne interest, in reverse ranking position as numbered: 24. Blake Howes. 190cm mid/fwd 23. Tom Brown. 186cm def 21. Campbell Chesser. 186cm mid/def 19. Sam Butler. 186cm mid/fwd 17. Darcy Wilmot. 183cm def He doesn't have us linked to a player higher up the order which is a surprise as it his view of ranking rather than who holds draft picks. And we have said we want to move up the order. But who for if we aren't linked to anyone higher up his rankings? Nor does he have us linked as having interest in a player in the 25 to 35 range, again a surprise as we hold pick 37 so one would think there is someone there we like. Maybe we are keeping our cards very close to our chest. Understandably, with his track record, rival recruiter eyes would be on JT and co. Maybe the 'move up the order' comment was a 'red herring'. He has mentioned other clubs who have interest in the players above but interestingly he has linked Brisbane to each of those players. The current respective draft picks are: Melbourne17, 37, 49, 57, 94 Brisbane 14, 18, 41, 60, 76, 90 There may be a bit of cat-and-mouse late in the first round.

I like him as a defender because he has great footy IQ and good foot skills for a big player. He will be a very good defender. However I also think his ceiling could be extremely high as a forward, where he is still raw but the talent is there and he has the workrate

The Suns fans on BigFooty are accusing him of “taking the money”. I spat my drink: imagine being 29 and turning your back on all that Suns success.

Mate, this isn’t about subjective opinion. That’s fine, everyone’s different. Open slather. But we’re talking about facts here. Which for some reason you’re disputing, assumably because it somehow makes you feel quirky and different. It doesn’t. I mean the 398,000 thing, are you kidding me? That’s a [censored] take, surely. And don’t attack the sources people provide when you’ve shown absolutely none of your own. I’ve lost count of the glass houses you’ve shown to have, mate.

Extremely happy with mine …first ever tattoo & last (will only add the next premiership wins)

I think it's funny, science was about throwing in a theory and wanting others to challenge your theory. Scientists welcomed other scientists to challenge their theory because that is how progress is achieved. But heaven fobid if you challenge Covid or Climate science. You get ousted and called a denier. Cancelled even. So Liam is going to throw himself into economic prison, that's his decision. Its always better to entice or persuad people to take the vaccine with good arguments. Forcing people to take something is always going to bring division. Governments have not always done what's best for everyone.