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"I WISH I KNEW WHERE I WANTED TO BE WHEN I WANTED TO BE WHERE I WAS TODAY" Picture this.... temperature around 25 warm , balmy DAY and the Fence enjoying the majesty of the very pleasant surroundings of Casey Fields, does this sound inviting? Well I can tell you it beats the hell outa a weekend in Siberia anyday! But out here you still have to worry about slitherers but they are far more dangerous and bigger entities which have the capacity to be a .. more menacing presence .... which might or might not be related to the sign above! The usual drone of House music emanating from the Boom Box speakers at Casey Fields just blended nicely into the soundscape of what was another "Full On" Blitzkrieg Training session today. The following report was filed for the Demonland Brethren so what are you waiting for...... read on Absentees NO MAJAK No W.A Contingent except for Kossie On modified duties Jayden Hunt Warm ups This is done two ways 1 At the new indoor facility where players go through a thorough graduated stretching and graduated drill sequence 2 Out on the ground where small drills focusing on precise ball movement, quickness of delivery and rapid fire ball drill sequences are related to in tight match simulations One of these was a drill which I now call "Three Blind Mice" Players run backwards, with ball, Pirouette and run forward in a triangualar type sequence zig zag and then deliver the ball slighly off balance. It looks like the type of drill which equates to players being surrounded by opposition and then need to squeeze a correct delivery whilst slightly disorientated and slightly off balance. Skills , Drills and Maneuvers Two groups were maintained with one doing whole ground ball movements from various positions of stoppages both forwards and back and selecting again correct options for longer run and carry type work and also ground switching. The other group then continued in small confines contested ball work and again emphasizing delivery, blocking harrasing and disposal under pressure At the completion of this drill an excellent drill where players were involved in a triangular formation with 3 players moving the ball with precise handball which was punctuated by the gadfly tendancies of two harrasers who provided contest and pressure. This was an excellent drill in which hardly any group made a mistake! Delivery was precise, Handballs were given at the right moment then opening up the play. Following that a full match simulation was conducted under match conditions which again featured some at times breathtaking full ground transferance of the air conveyance! At the conclusion of that another minor activity some run throughs and Goal kicking was maintained and warm down completed a just over 2 hour pretty intensive and hard workout Player watch Several players really stood out for mine and I'll go through them now ADAM TOMLINSON A few on this site have commented on his "Readiness" but after seeing him again today he WILL be ready to go round 1. He marked well, moved well, was assured and showed NO sign of being hampered by his knee reco. He looked bloody good. DEAKYN SMITH Caught my eye on a few occasions with his Charismatic ball skills and skill level, will be one to watch in 2022 BAILEY LAURIE Looked much more assured and confident with some very "Astute" decisions and ball use TOM SPARROW Every time I see this kid I just keep thinking he plays like a turbo charged Ollie Wines, he is a bull who is becoming more confident and imposing. JAMES JORDON Scott Pendlebury Mrk 2 in the making here. JAKE BOWEY How much better can this kid get? Just never ever makes a mistake just cruises along the ground mopping up better than a thirsty Jex in the desert! JOEL SMITH Looks confident in body and took some excellent intercept marks and delivered very well in run and carry sim. N0 27 AND 42 Not sure who they are but boy did they do some excellently crafted runs and deliveries "Lace out" I wondered whether 1 was Luke Dunstan but not sure. OUR STANDOUTS Im putting a few buck on Clayton OLIVER for the 2022 BROWNLOW He just does not stop improving , some of his escapism and brute strength and dazzle from stoppages is almost impossible! Our culture is being driven by Max, Tracc, Stephen May and Jake Lever were irrepressible and Ed Langdon ANB, J.V, BBB, and Big Mac were all eye catching. Fritta snapped a couple of "Freak Goals" and Harmsy and Rivers assured as was Christian Salem IMPROVERS Fraser Rossman shows signs of steady improvement once smothering with full body on a Clarry Kick and Toby Bedford, and Kade Chandler committed very well. FINAL COMMENTS Competition for places is at all seasons high with selection headaches aplenty. Long gone are the days of limited backups and I forecast based on what I've seen little let up from the professional and exacting standards established in 2021

Inappropriate jokes and comments mocking mental illness will be deleted.

This isn’t meant to take away from what he’s going through but I’m not sure being the most followed AFL player on Instagram is actually a good thing. It’s hard enough being a full time professional footballer at 21 without attempting to be an Instagram model too

I used to live 2 doors down from Clarko. When I came home from a very long lunch I saw him in his driveway and asked him if he would prefer Cripps or Oliver. He said Cripps. I argued. No wonder he got the sack. He was great bloke though by the way.

Bailey has been very open about his own battles and panic attacks and become somewhat of a spokesperson about mental illness. He played for my boys club and is still a regular down there even helping with running water at times. He made my youngest boys day at training this year when he waved and said hello to him. A quality young man, down to earth and likeable despite his image. I wish him nothing but the best.

I have a mental illness and I can tell you its a struggle hope he gets through it.

Not only did Clarry win the B&F in a premiership year he also has the most famous symbolic gesture in the MFC modern era when he raises his arm after his goal in the GF. Truly one of our greatest ever and at 24 he might prove to be our greatest ever.

Just watched the videos and was super impressed by Kate Rothey our president. She spoke so well. I think if any of the boys disrespected a female in any way she'd rip them apart. She has a real warmth as well. Her good wishes and inclusion of Glen Bartlett was great to see. She is a very good leader. We are a good club in good hands. Go Dees

I don't know if it's been mentioned, but it struck me as being incredibly poetic and reflective of the entire 2021 season that the two players told to look elsewhere during the off-season were the same two players that had the final 2 disposals in the grand final. Oliver marks, handballs to Neale-Bullen who short kicks to McDonald. And it's fitting that they round out the top 10 in the B&F. What a year.

Earlier this week, the Essendon Football Club unveiled their five-year blueprint to deliver a breakthrough premiership and boost membership to 125,000. They outlined their five strategic pillars starting with premierships and then focusing their attention on such concepts as “people, heartland, national footprint and commercial strength”. But had the framers of this plan — and there’s nothing novel about it because we’ve heard it all before from a number of clubs including our own — attended last night’s Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Memorial Trophy presentation, they might have realised that premierships don’t simply materialize out of thin air or merely through the introduction into a club of bells and whistles. The common thread of nearly everything that was said throughout the evening, from President Kate Roffey, to Hall of Fame inductee Neale Daniher, to retiring heroes Neville Jetta and Nathan Jones, to coach Simon Goodwin, skipper Max Gawn and the award winning players and all of it was spontaneous, not contrived, was that it’s not just about winning premierships or acquiring 125,000 members. It’s about bringing the right people together to the club through a lot of hard effort and once you do that, then the final by product might bring you a premiership. It’s all about developing a culture first.

I wonder if it has anything to do with his social media presence? He puts himself out there, and the vitriol via socials can be soul destroying. Hope the kid can sort himself out, and that his team mates and footy community can give him the support he needs.

He didn't struggle to perform offensively, His role was to support the backline and link up with the forward line which he did in a calm and efficient role playing manner. He was never going to be in the top 10 after he relinquished his on ball position for the team. Will always be able to stand tall for his play all season and magnificent best game ever ( for impact and team play) in the Grand Final. Angus like Tmac is a total team player !

Clarry - what can you say? 3 BnFs at 24 years of age could go down as one the greatest ever Demons, top 3 ever. An absolute beast

Awesome, Great I love the guy. After the first 5 minutes in his first game he was our best midfielder After first full match he was the best pure midfielder I had seen at the club in 45 years. After his second season he was the best player at the club. After his first Premiership he is a triple B and F winner @ 24. And still he is under rated. The guy is an absolute legend and there is heaps more to come.

Looking forward to seeing the great man at the G for Rd 1 https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/afl-legend-ron-barassi-is-back-at-the-gym-and-his-old-self-after-covid-fight/news-story/832051d21db8fe8862f3c4f1812b8e21 A snippet for those who can't get past the paywall “Ron is on the improve,” Rosemary Long said. “He went to the gym (on Thursday) and the plan was that he was going to take it easy. But Ron did his full routine, much to the surprise of his trainer.” Melbourne is now likely to ask Ron Barassi to play a role in its premiership flag unfurling in Round 1 next year.

I want to dislike him, but I don’t. And I find his vulnerability to be endearing. I really hope the young fella is able to manage this and still have a long and prosperous career, and be an inspiration to others.

He was simply pointing out the obvious. Have a look through the recent history of multiple flag winning outfits, and the seemingly over the top trade value they received for some of their lesser players. We will be no different if the current core sticks around long term, which appears to be on the cards. Players want to PLAY, not be sideline viewers while their mates win flags. They then look elsewhere for a best 22 role, often at a lower placed club with cap space and draft picks to burn, which inflates their market value. Its a fact of life in the AFL.

We might be getting to a position where the list runs so deep, that capable players just can’t get a game. Now being a premiership team, some of those players will want to be traded to get their opportunities. In the past they would be seen as freebies or NQR’s, whereas now they will be seen in a different light by the other clubs and become tradeable for draft picks, which when bundled in pick swaps, improves our draft hand. Then when JT gets to work, you hopefully pick up more young talent and the list keeps improving. That provides a sustained opportunity for more success, while our core group of champions are still at their best. Hopefully you replace some of them with more very good players, knowing that real champions are not always around or available. TBH and not getting carried away, it would not be stupid to say that this current team has a real chance to win a few more flags while it’s core is still playing well. Of course, luck with injuries is still hugely important and hard work has to be a given. We are now in a very good position to have continued success and as fans, we have a chance to reap a lot of enjoyment from our club after years of disappointment.

Classy and competent. on two points One above acknowledging Glenn Bartlett, and secondly her comment on the directors and thanking them, most have been along for the ride for much of the dark times , stating her thanks and that people don't see or hear from them, "...which is how it should be..." Pert is our spokesman and does a brilliant job at it. Take note Pies and Hawks please. Interestingly the who-ha of the Pies Board elections saw 5000 members vote out or a qualified 12,000, out of a toal memebrship of 80,000 or so. Talk about elitism. A special shout out to Nathan Jones- boy did he speak well and from the heart. The standing ovation he received was priceless.

Must have been a great night unfortunately I couldn't watch the live stream as I was watching Spiderman with my daughter. It was great to see Neale Daniher inducted into the hall of fame. Great send off for Nev and the legend Jones. Fritsch not in the top 10 says how strong a list we really have. Great to see Neal-Bullen in the top 10. Salem in the top 4 shows that the AA selectors got it wrong he should have been AA ahead of Dale. The top 3 will go down as greats of not only the club but the game as well.

No Fritsch in the top 10. Sack Goodwin.

Down the pub. I met this bloke who was a goldmine of information. He used to own Black Caviar. He also told me that Joe Root bet $100K on Australia to win the Ashes 5-0. I can't remember all the amazing things he told me, but it was a lucky encounter for me. He sold me a brand new iPad for $150. (I knocked him down from $250. He didn't know who he was up against!) I haven't been able to turn it on yet. I think it might be the way I'm pressing the button.

Losing your dad is hard to take. And it doesn’t matter who you are, it hurts just the same. 😞 I hope (and am sure) Dusty is currently surrounded by people who love him and are by his side during this painful time. 🌸

Please keep your comments respectful.

Says a lot about how the club deals with players that TMac and Nibbler, both told to look at their options in the off season, performed so strongly in the B&F voting. We really are in great shape culture wise

Clarry will go down as an all time great not just of the club but of the competition. Congratulations to him and all winners of various awards. Interesting (and really good) to see that ANB won the coaches award. I remember when he got unfairly screwed by the MRO for his dangerous tackle against Adelaide last year (deserved suspension but not the length), I genuinely thought that could be the end of him. But the club stuck fat with his, he came into the pre-season same as TMac with a clean slate and rejuvenated attitude, and became the true definition of a clubman and a role player. He clearly loves the club, and is loved by his teammates. I’m more than happy to eat humble pie with my previous beliefs on what he would be as a player. The other thing to note, as you’d expect from such a great year, is the players that ended up outside the top 10. Fritta had an incredible year, Brayshaw sacrificed to play a team oriented position, Spargo always cracked in, and Jackson won the Rising star. I don’t think any of them would begrudge their positions, they ultimately got to taste the greatest victory of all!

I watched the live stream of the B&F for the first time. I reckon as an event, there are a number of things they could improve. But it was great to hear a consistent message, and such personal devotion to the club from one and all. I credit Max and Jonesy with the emergence of this as a cultural foundation. Clarry is a standout player (I rate him as the best MFC midfielder I have seen) and deserves all the accolades. In the post-premiership, post B&F glow, sitting down with toast and coffee after volunteering at Parkrun this morning, I can feel a huge admiration and respect emerging for Alex Neal-Bullen. He has massive respect from the entire 45 player squad, is loved by coaches and the football dept, and is finally leaving behind the whipping boy status that fans repeatedly hung around his neck. I really feel like 2021 is behind me now. I will enjoy Christmas and New Year and then switch into the sweat and tears of preparing for the 2022 campaign. I will have my eye firmly fixed non Sparrow - who I think will explode next year, and Sam Weideman who is working harder than ever to take TMac's spot. Stuff me, I could get used to this Premiers feeling!

Just finished watching the speeches. I saved the Daniher hall of fame induction until last. The tribute from Nathan Jones and Neale’s speech as delivered by David Neitz hit me straight in the heart. If you don’t like people seeing you cry I recommend watching it in private.

Our 23 year old daughter graduated at La Trobe yesterday. She has a hyphenated Polish German name. I remarked to my beautiful wife during the proceedings that the percentage of Anglo names in the hundred graduates was possibly 10%. That's why I truly loved Christian's comment that 2 out of the 5 winners were wogs. Fantastic stuff, us wogs and other derogatory names are our future.

Last warning about keeping comments respectful.

Why just a century?

Was a great little experience, the staff are brilliant, friendly and excited for us Dees fans. Dropped another $100 at the AFL shop. The Drake tshirts are excellent and selling like “hot cakes” apparently.

Just went. Very quiet, hardly had to wait, kind staff happy to help get a great photo of you with cup. Special.

Thanks Mr. Picket. Love reading your training reports that are so insightful and entertaining. It’s almost like being there. It’s obviously a labour of love for you and we Demonlanders are the lucky recipients of your training reports.

Q1. Dees 0 Pies 15 Q2. Dees 16 Pies 15 Q3. Dees 17 Pies 22 Q4. Dees 41 Pies 22 A practice match win. Must have been windy at Casey Fields. Hopefully someone can share news on who played well etc

Sort of ... but the club shopping ANB round (and TMac), but there wasn't any real interest in either. ANB was great the whole season. TMac was fantastic the first half of the season, but dropped off towards the end.

“Charismatic ball skills”… you’d better trademark that before the commentators get hold of it.

If there's anything that this premiership has shown us all it's that there are many elements that firstly have to be planned then executed correctly over a number of years by many people to taste the ultimate success. They've got the large fan base and training facility but it remains to be seen if they have all the right people inside their four walls to take them all the way. I don't know how they are going to get 125,000 members considering they can only realistically get 40,000 members into their home ground each week and like every other club an allocation of 17,500 finals tickets for any final they play in. Where are they going to find an extra 75,000 people to stump up money but not get access to watch them play? Maybe they can introduce an incarcerated supporter package with all the correctional facilities around the state to direct debit a portion of their work money and in return they get a day release visit to The Hangar and a signed Xmas card from Jake Stringer.

Fair point - but how much of that is actually midfield? Sharing the load with very capable younger players may even increase their efficiency, and their longevity

Nice refence to Tmac 58. Tmac's shepherd in 3rd quarter will go down as the most effective in the Dees history. His finest moment too, to get Sparrows goal (his finest moment also - so far) done was a GF turning point. Will be in highlights reels forever.

I think Nibbler, McDonald and Pickett completing our B&F Top Ten is also quite fitting. They are there because of their contribution to the overall result rather than individually stellar season. Most of our B&F are there because of their teamwork commitment, I'm sure, but it is harder to tell that is the reason when the individual players are also mind-meltingly brilliant!

Amazing the talent we have, Gawn and Petracca would have won the B&F if they were at any other club.

As evidenced by his well deserved 4th placed B&F - he was close to our most important player early in the season I reckon

Take a drink for every mention of "so, um, yeah", "so, obviously" and "appreciate that". Only joking, Clarrie. You cashed in all your public speaking points for an upgrade in football talent. A wise decision! GO DEMONS!!!

And the winner of the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Memorial Trophy is … Clayton Oliver

It took a while to get there but we finally did. Melbourne finally had top people in so many positions. in recruitment, development, fitness and tactics, we seemed to have top people in those positions. Allied to those were a dose of luck with injuries (less for us and more to some of our opponents) and the introduction of an x-factor in Choco Williams to keep people on their toes and introduce a different (in my opinion) point of view. They all came together last year and provided us with players that can now be called Premiership Players. It was more about getting the right people in, then the end result will hopefully follow. Seems simple but it took us a long time to get there ....

When Christian Patracca can't win your B&F, because he gets pipped by another mid and you have a ruckman who places 3rd behind him, you know you have a good midfield.

Clarry "Bang Bang Bang" Oliver = B&F.

Plugger Mac was great until injury late in the season; great to see him polling so strongly