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I met and had coffee with Reece about 5 years when he was a regular for The Tiges and mostly spoke about life after footy. He actually was hoping to use his profile to help disadvantaged children. He may still do this later in life but I’m rapt he’s joining us. He was a humble, down to earth character and I’m not surprised Choco endorsed him having spent time with him at the Tiges. Welcome Reece!

That's the thing with Grand Finals. Unless you win your heroic deeds don't really count. Nathan Buckleys Norm Smith for eg. But love Harmesy. Melbourne supporting kid who went and won himself the flag he/we always wanted. Forken Legend.

According to Gawn at half time in the prelims Hawkins came up to him and said “you guys will choke”. After Gawn kicked his 5th he told Hawkins that it looks like they’re about to choke for the 11th time in a prelim. Nothing will compare to winning a flag, but smashing Geelong in a prelim is just about the greatest feeling one can experience in football.

Just an aside about Shannon Byrnes. This is a quote from him on his LinkedIn page: "While the Club did have an extension for me on offer, the timing for me and my little family to move back to the regional area and coast was right. I have absolutely loved my time in the Red & Blue, but also am very excited for the opportunity to be going back to where it all started for me and reconnect with old friends, as well as introduce myself to the new faces at Geelong FC".

I am very happy with this Reece Conca appointment fresh out of the school of hard knocks. He knows the standards that are required for success and played 150 games despite working through a lot of serious injuries. He worked with Mark Chocko Williams at the Tiges and is undertaking Undergraduate Degree in Counseling, so should be a great replacement for Shannon Byrnes. Dazzle I did read somewhere that Byrnes was leaving the Club to return to Geelong in similar role which I thought at the time was disappointing. There were a number of changes announced just after the Granny so didn’t take to much notice.😀❤️💙

I agree with @PaulRB. I would like to see the next wave of up and coming midfielders start to stamp their authority next year and beyond. There is always talk of Gawn, Petracca and Oliver as the 3 big dogs, but there is never a mention of that 1 extra midfielder who clubs should be putting time into also. Viney is probably that extra 3rd mid, but just hasn't been on the park on a consistent basis. There are two names imo that have the potential to really thrust their names as that genuine 3rd A grade midfielder and that's Tom Sparrow and Trent Rivers. I do know for a fact that Sparrow is rated enormously high by the coaching staff for his work ethic and professionalism. I heard Adem Yze get interviewed after the GF win and he stated that his favorite player that he loves working with was Sparrow and James Jordon just because of their willingness to just do the teams things and their off field standards was extremely high. He went on to mention that Sparrow has the potential to be an A grade midfielder and i genuinely believe this also. I reckon his finals series was hugely underrated and even the Geelong game in round 23 where he took some really crucial marks to get us going again. He's an absolute brute and an animal around the contests, and some of his tackling pressure was immense. He's got that real power to be able to break away from the contest and roost it 60m dead straight. Having watched the grand final over and over again, his game just stuck out more, and he could have easily kicked 3 goals for the day. What i also like about Sparrows game is that he has shown that he can also rest up forward and kick goals. I love midfielders who are able to add an extra layer to their game by pushing forward and kicking goals. Sparrow imo has been developing just fine under Petracca, Oliver and Viney, but I think next year will be the year he steps up and becomes more of a solid midfielder for us instead of a bit player like he did this year. I would like to see his midfield time increase significantly, and at times start games in the center circle. I mentioned Rivers because I think he's the full prototype package as a midfielder. 188cm 88kg who's tough, courageous and has some genuine speed and power to be able to break away from the contest and once again roost a footy 60m forward. Those meters gain midfielders aren't easy to find. I think River's does play down back next year, but Goodwin/Yze have shown this year they aren't afraid to throw a different mix in the midfield rotation like a Kozzie or ANB. I would like to see Rivers get some midfield minutes next year just to really throw teams out wack, but also add another layer to his game. I do remember that when River was playing as a midfielder for WAFL colts level at East Fremantle, he was nearly averaging 30 disposals a game. So he's obviously shown that he's certainly capable of playing in the midfield and winning some big numbers.

It was not that long ago people were saying the Dees would fall apart without Hogan. Glad to see they were wrong. I tend not to follow ex players as I lose interest once they leave the club. I must have watched the Grand final onslaught at least 57 times and it keeps getting better. I still find it hard to believe the Dees won. My rehab is going slow after the stroke and it taking much longer then I hoped to get full functionality back to my right side. Fatigue is still an issue. But on a lighter note WA is opening up on the 5 February 2022. I am hoping 2022 is again the year of the Demons, as only one Grand final win in the past 57 years is not enough. Plus the winning feeling is intoxicating. GO THE DEES! Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all.

Understand after winning a granny we are all prone to hyperbolic statements but I find it difficult to agree with this. Treloar in the GF had 27 possesions and 3 goals. Harmes, if we look at it objectively, had one great kick to Fritsch, four other kicks and quite a few stuff ups.

I wouldn’t include the ‘06 Eagles midfield/team. Not because they weren’t great but because of the ‘assistance’ that was being passed around.

Should help us Conca the challenge of back-to-back flags. (sorry)

When our backline is talked about May and Lever have been fantastic and get the glory but anyone who doesn't have Salem in the same picture hasn't watched enough of Melbourne.

Rivers hates losing a contest and even though it doesn't happen often you can see it in his reaction. Sparrow can be anything, he's one of my favourites, courage and strength galore. Rivers is 20 and Sparrow is 21, they play like they've been in the system for 5 or 6 years. I used to feel sorry for good players that got drafted by Melbourne because we'd wreck their careers, now I feel sorry for them because we have so many good players they struggle to get a game, look at who we have on the sidelines. Jordon is an example. very good but had so many games as medical sub. How do you fit Hunt, Tomlinson and Melksham and Smith in?

Great get for the footy club. Filling in for Shannon Byrnes who I'm actually surprised that there was no mention of his departure by the footy club at all? no acknowledgment or anything? unless I have missed it. I know there is no mention of this, but would be handy if Conca was playing a few games for Casey same way as i think Byrnes did in his first year as his welfare officer role?

I’d actually like Goody to develop a second midfield group or rotation with Sparrow, Picket and … maybe Rivers, Bowey, Laurie. Both Kozzie and Sparrow have the tools to be damaging, and when switched on can add another dimension. Lets say a rotation of Gawn with Jackson (Oliver), Sparrow (Trac), Picket (Viney) at his feet… next gen.

Hard to look past any Geelong win this year as they were all critical at the time. First win declared us as a strong player, second win got us the minor premiership (after the siren), final win dismantled them on prime time telly and got us into our first granny in 20 years. I can’t stand Geelong, their arrogance from players to supporters is only bettered by Essendon.

All of my friends who support other clubs have said that we were clearly the best team in 2021...some even pointed that out to me during the season. They also said they had never seen a better display of football than the GF, best football they had witnessed in their time watching the game. Only a fool would be saying same old Melbourne now...that's old news. Whatever happens from here on I will look back at this year happy to have seen a premiership win by a great team and a performance for the ages.

You’re missing a few key players from your listed teams. Brisbane had Aker, Power and Lappin. This was a great midfield with Voss, Black and asked all superstars and Brownlow winners. Eagles missing Embley. Eagles midfield had superstar power, but not great depth. Hawks had Lewis, Smith, Hill. Decent midfield but IMO a level below the others in the conversation. Cats had Bartel, Corey, Kelly, as well as Chapman and Stevie J rotating through. The Cats late 2000s midfield is the absolute benchmark for both elite talent and depth. Ablett Jnr is the GOAT, Bartel a Brownlow medalist also. Joel Corey is one of the most underrated mids of all time. Selwood a champion. Ling one of the best taggers ever. Then great depth and rotating players. We’re a fair way off that group still and need to do it for longer. We have the potential to become an all time great midfield if guys like Sparrow keep improving. Gus, Harmes, Langdon, are all good role players, but would be considered depth in some of the above mentioned star studded midfields. We’ve got the rucks covered with Gawn and Jackson. Only Cox could lay claim to being better than Gawn, with 6 All Australians he just pops Max. We’re probably one good mid short of those great teams. If the youngsters keep developing and Trac, Clarry, Gawn, Viney all stay fit for a few more years then we’ll give this conversation a fair tilt!

The intel will be valuable i'm sure but the biggest problem Scott has is his list are well past it. It's Jason Taylor they need to commence a rebuild.

If Williams reckons he's a goer. I'm happy.

I think you missed it. Byrnes will be an assistant coach at Geelong to my understanding.

Looks to be a good appointment. I forgot the Williams connection with him at the Tiges. Byrnes was also match day runner, always seemed to have a good vibe about him. ...would think Conca might also take those duties.

OK maybe he's not better. But I don't really rate Treloar. Had a good granny no doubt. But to my mind he is another accumulator that doesn't really damage teams. The Dogs are full of them. He turns the ball over a lot and thats one of the reasons the Pies were keen to jettison him. Salary cap being the other main reason of course. And addressing the original poster that talked about the depth of the Dogs midfield, I think we match them at worst but are probably better

The whole side were built like juiced up tanks with a pharmacist for a Captain.

Ding, dong, bell Puzzsy's in the well Who put her in? Little Maxy Gawn

Viney looks like he has stacked on more muscle over preseason which I think is good. If Viney stays fit then I suspect they will be talking about Gawn, LJ, Tracc, Oliver and Viney for the next 50 years but it’s all in front of them. Viney at training Monday.

Don't think so. While he was an honest battler, he was also a diabolical kick and barely had other strings to his game other then being a one paced tagger.

Well on the way but we'll need a few more super productive years to be amongst the very best (all time) Didn't witness but Spencer, Ridley, Mithen, Dixon, Adams, Barassi and Big Bob did quite well (5 flags in 6 years)

Bit out of left field but It's good to just trust the club now. you need staff at all levels of development, so a junior role will be useful - to be coming straight out of the game and not on huge wages

Froggy I was unaware you were unwell. Please accept my apology and I hope you are on the mend soon. The lily pad will not be the same without your contributions. I hope the flag is helping you mend and watching the replay is not hindering your exercise. All the best for a safe and happy xmas and new year, regards from your mate on the other side of the pond, Redleg.

And for Max his breakout game was at Kardinia Park when he took a swag of contested marks back in 2015??

The whole side were built like juiced up tanks compared to the rest of the competition. And there are question marks on Geelongs drought breaking side with Danks involvement pre essendon. It was Thompson who told Hird his side wasn't strong enough and got across both Dank and "the Weapon". But the AFL did a leftie media job on that and smothered the story with a pillow.

Rivers reminds me of James Hird. There .... I said it.

Good call on Sparrow. I had my doubts including him over Jordan (and even Jones), at the pointy end of the season but his prelim and GF were huge

Even with the ‘juicing’ rumours?

Recently Gawn was asked which were his favourite games this season. His reply apart from the GF was the 3 wins against Geelong. No doubt there's been abit of byplay during previous games that he hasn't forgotten. Just hates 'em.

As much as I loathed them, I did respect the West Coast Eagles teams of the early 90s under Mick Malthouse. They were methodical/clinical in the way they defended and refused to conceed scores, but then when they'd worn you down, they could put your team away. And they generally delivered on the big stages of finals. I really felt that this year, that was us.

To be fair, I would not put us up there as having good reliable wings. For starters we demons are not known for flying. In the league there a number of bird teams like the eagles, hawks, crows, magpies, and, perhaps the biggest wings of those birds, the swans. These would already beat us. I would say the second best wings would be the saints as they can sustain what should be human weight to fly. But the best wings in the comp would have to be the bombers. Have you ever seen one? Massive. That's not even to mention the suns who are the known enemies of the wings club after taking out one of history most well known flyers in icarus.

I can never stop laughing when I replay the “Max round 23 mark” and see the Cat defenders staring open armed at each other ….. “not my man”!

Has any premiership ever brought as much joy to its supporters as this has to ours? I can't stop watching the GF and all the other games leading up to it. I'm so proud of this team, that refuses to give in and has confidence to know that wherever they are, they can still win. It's good to see the supporters are just as united as the playing group. My kids have forgiven me. I've watched all the games we played throughout the season, several times, but I won't watch the Collingwood game, for obvious reasons.

Ask the Question in 5 years time, let’s win a few more Flags …

WC and Brisbane had Brownlow medallists and stars in abundance. Yet none had 2 dominating ruckmen and I am not sure that any of them could have performed as well as the dees on grand final day. 16 goals to one is beyond compare. Individually Maxie, CP5 and Clarrie are as good as if not better than any others. But whilst we may not have out and out stars to back them up, we have a highly talented, disciplined and cohesive group to do that job. For once, the expression "a champion team is better than a team of champions holds true for the 2021 dees. Based on results, we are as good as any other combination.

I really hope Marty can get a clean run at it with Norf.

Replace Ling with Bartel in that list. But our midfield may well be in that conversation in 4-5 years time, need more runs on the board though. Hopefully 1 or 2 more flags and the comparisons will be impossible to ignore.

On the biggest stage, on the last Saturday of the season when it counts, the performance of the Viney, Harmes and Brayshaw was irrefutably superior to the purported Footscray trio. VENI VICI VIDI.

So, as a reminder: Bris 2003 had Keating, Black, Voss, Hart West coast 2006 had Cox, Judd, Cousins, Kerr Cats 2009 had Ottens, Selwood, Ablett Jnr, Ling Hawthorn 2012 had Hale, Mitchell, Hodge, Sewell Melbourne 2021 had Gawn, Oliver, Petracca, Viney Before I started researching I didn't think we could be put up with the great midfields of this century. Now after listing them, I'm thinking we are right up there. Cox is the only ruck who would give Gawn any legitimate competition, in fact the West coast starting midfield is the only one there I would say could provide serious competition.

3 reasons we flogged the dogs in the GF ........ Our Mids are far better than theirs Our Backs are far better than their forwards. Our Forwards are far better than their backs.

Alright. Here's the first installment. I have work to do you know! O gather round ye people be rich or be poor And hear the lay with which I now ye bore The tale of a man bearded, tall and lank And of another constantly running the flank And of yet another e'er under the pack And yet of one more holding down the back I sing of a man both painted and hairless And of some other weird-haired and fearless And so many more of whose tale I sing And yet I forerun this tale I bring Forebear me my friends to start at the start And list to the saga of which I will chart The tale I tell is one of great gladness Yet borne of long years of many a sadness Of years of tanking and losses and death And how the great club near took its last breath I sing of long years under shadow of dark Of Flower and Wells and Alves and Parke When glory was ever a long way far And club was learning of failure and scar I sing of the coaches, Swooper and Neale Who made dreams of glory appear almost real And yet this same glory was proved to be wrong The team failed September, many a year long I sing of the years of a man named Bailey When teams of the demons were made to play fraily The rumours of tanking were wild and rife These sorry tales cost Dean his life I sing of the tragedy of hundred eight six Of Schwab and of Szondy and sad politics I sing of the years of a man name of Neeld When weekly the teams of the demons would yield But lo, all my lay is not sorrow and drear For man name of Jackson did sudden appear And soon thereafter the man known as Roos Who 'gainst all good reason the Demons did choose This saviour shored up our leaky defence And brought some degree of respect and hence The start of a sense of belief was born When down at the Cats emerged the Gawn Then in year sixteen the Hawthorns were downed To end their fourpeat, Dees were back in the town Then Paul turned over the team to Simon Who sent the demons the ladder a-climbin' Yet stumbles appeared in our rise up the ladder To make the top eight was proved to be harder A saviour appeared in the man named Hogan Who sadly turned out to be but a bogan Then on the Queen’s birthday in year seventeen The Demons with Watts arrived on the scene The party got started the following year The Demons in finals announced we were here The Cats were demolished in very short fashion And next week the Hawks were trounced with no compassion At this point the party was halted so sadly And next year the Demons performed rather badly In twenty the fortunes did barely arisen With no sign of what was just over horizon

I think the goal he kicked after the siren against Geelong, in the final round of the year, will go down as one of the most important in our clubs history. He misses that kick and it changes the whole complexion of the finals. He is a legend and perhaps a bigger legend that a lot of us imagine.

I am with your dad, about the same age as well. There have been times in individual games where the Dees were supreme. But for consistency over the season making me smile. This lot are by far the best. Perhaps individuals you could argue but the team is the best I can remember. looking to repeat in 2022. Go Dees