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As title suggests and may I take this opportunity to wish all Demonlanders the best of Christmas cheer and luck as we approach Changing and challenging times PF

Slightly off topic! but I lost my keys on w/e and spent two days searching and stressing. Then a phone call from work... had I lost my keys. They were found in an office supplies car park and keys were traced back to my workplace. The demon lanyard and Angus Brayshaw key tag were described and manager knew keys were mine. Brilliant work again, Angus making something out of nothing.

Finally, after so many years, it’s a bloody good time to be a Melbourne supporter living in Geelong.

This is the story of two losses suffered by the Melbourne Football Club that were separated in time by a full decade. The first was a defeat that hung heavily over the club for years and saw careers and friendships ended, harsh words uttered, tears shed and the unfolding of tragedy. The coach was sacked and not long after, he died. A player became enmeshed in tribal affairs that led to violence and his imprisonment. Another’s life later ended in a devastating car crash. The wreckage from the club’s Round 19, 2011 trip to take on Geelong at Corio Bay became known simply as “186” in recognition of the magnitude of the loss in points. But it was far more extensive in terms of the scars it left on the club. Only a very few involved in that game managed to keep their careers intact after the train wreck. A number found refuge elsewhere but in most instances, the remainders of their careers were short-lived. Only a few managed to revive their careers. James Frawley played in a premiership at Hawthorn and after a brief retirement reappeared even more briefly at St Kilda, the club where his troubled uncle Danny made his name as one of football’s all-time great defenders. Two others played in grand finals and are still on AFL club lists. High flying Jeremy Howe who took flight for a better life at Collingwood was a matter of minutes away from the holy grail in 2018 and is still today the Magpies’ vice-captain. Stefan Martin was traded in 2012 to the Lions before moving to the Western Bulldogs at the end of last year. Ironically, he was the only 186 participant who took part in this year’s Grand Final at Optus Stadium in Perth. His ruck opponent that evening, Max Gawn, and Demons forward Tom McDonald were both youngsters in 2011 and missed out on making the senior team for Round 19 that year. Gawn and McDonald made it to the Big Dance of 2021 but time ran out for two other members of the 2011 side who remained at the club through the lean years and the slow rise to glory that followed. So strong was the Demon team on the day/night that club legends in Nathan Jones and Neville Jetta who were instrumental in holding the team together over the years were denied the opportunity to cross over to the Promised Land. Both retired at the end of the season. It’s ten years after 186 and now on to Round 19, 2021. There’s a game on at the MCG against the Western Bulldogs but it wasn’t originally supposed to happen that way - the pandemic caused a late change to the fixture and there was no long trip away from home as there had been in 2011. The years in between saw rebuilding, development and renewal under new leadership. Peter Jackson, Paul Roos, Simon Goodwin and more lately Gary Pert and Kate Roffey led a revival built upon a change in the club’s culture and values. Vast empty stands and the evening’s drizzly skies awaited them that night. They weren’t quite in the right space yet and they kicked poorly to succumb to the Bulldogs and their skipper Marcus Bontempelli but there were lessons learned and the team never lost a game from that time on. In the following week, they traveled north but the game against the Gold Coast Suns was moved back to Melbourne. They flew back and forth across the country, avenged 186 on Corio Bay and eventually landed in Perth where they crushed the Cats again for good measure before fulfilling their quest for the Holy Grail.

For anyone out there still unvaccinated, here's a graph which might give you cause to reconsider. It's from Britain but I imagine it's the same situation everywhere.

I just hope Neale is safe

Couldn't agree more. I've never seen an MFC midfielder like him - and he hasn't even had a quarter life crisis yet. We'll look back on his career lucky to have witnessed him in his prime.

Jeerlong still making excuses! As if they dont. Now under the guise of explaining to the moggie members about players being ill on eve of our Preliminary final thrashing of them. Still sounds like a weak attempt to excuse what for them was a pitiful performance. No wonder they are my most hated team. Cry me a river and wallow in your own sullage Jeerlong!

We're really inside their heads Reality is going to hit hard over the next few years. They had their chances and blew it. Melbourne is only going to improve given age profile and recruiting - I honestly can't see anywhere where we are likely to improve. We did not look competitive against Melbourne... It was embarrassing... Tell me where the team is going to improve. Chris bet on recruiting old blokes for short term success and failed. Now we are stuck with a list full of blokes who can hardly run out a full season and little if any young talent. What isn't to like about his strategy and success??? If Melbourne had have lost the GF would we be highlighting their poor H&A performances too? After all they drew with the lowly Hawks, lost to GWS at the ‘G and were thoroughly outplayed in a loss to the Pies. If we fielded 22 players who came through the falcons and played their entire careers with the cats, Gawn wouldn’t have torn us a new one in the prelim. The ball would have known what it was up against and behaved differently. Based on the GF, Melbourne are the better side. Looking at Melb we are nowhere near it. Interesting watching on the couch Goodwin mentions in one of his breaks he told the team basically get it on the boot and go for distance. Common theme this year in finals with the other top teams is that they worked hard on both quick breaks from the centre clearances, and often getting territory especially up the middle of the ground. The emotional high of 10/10 season and winning a premiership (no guarantee of this either) feels better for everyone and does actually impact the bottom line (as Melbourne have found out). Melb are the Premiers and then you have got daylight to the rest. Looking at Melbourne 16 other teams were also no where near it. And those teams aren't relying on 30 years olds going forward but are looking to youth. They are better than us and have more top-end players in an age bracket where they will be able to continue at that level for several years, where we do not. Is there much star power? You have Cameron and Stewart who are both high-end players still in their prime age bracket. Dangerfield, Hawkins and Selwood are big names who have performed to a high standard but are very much on their way down. Other than that, it's pretty barren. It's a long way from Melbourne who have a group of top-end players who will be in their footballing prime for a number of years yet. We are yesterday's news. We have a better forward line than Melbourne but its pointless if the ball either doesn't get down there, or gets down there after the other team has had 3 minutes to flood numbers back while we play kick to kick on the half back line. Psychotic and mood disorders related narratives Oh please tell me if we can have 16 minute quarters and 17 rounds a year for the next two years of Scott's contract extension. I told the club 2 years ago I'm not renewing my membership until Scott Is gone and that was after 38 years of being a member. Looks like I'll have to wait another 3 years. I can remember at the after match coaches press conferences at the conclusion of the 2011 GF - and Mick Malthouse said – quote " This will be my last day at the football club " Well when Scott says that - it will be music to my ears. Ummm so without Stewart MOC Parfitt a banged up Danger and maybe a virus hanging around you expected the team to perform to a level to topple the best in September? Seriously? Isaac Smith said it best, the most embarrassing game he has ever been apart off. That coming from a person who only knows what winning and success means. The lions have proven to be bigger finals bed ****ters than we are. Terrible decision... Didn't expect anything else though - getting reamed and embarrassed in finals is considered a success by the club lololol. How dare anyone suggest a thing called change could lead to a better outcome - it's not like Chris has had enough time to control every aspect of the list and game plan. Captain Ahab continues at the helm. Is it April the 1st today. What a laughing stock our club is becoming. Good luck getting membership renewals. Long may we say God save the Queen, but nothing will save the coach. Damn was hoping we could chase Buckley … then again being Melb based he probably wouldn’t want to drive down here for the job anyway

This made me smile. First attempt at video editing. final_61c2af3c3fc9b900aecdcf5d_406842.mp4

Bah humbug! Well, enjoy not getting sales from the many spend-happy Dees fans looking to buy up after a premiership??? Great business decision.

Yes, fester ye merrily on high Demonlanders. If any of you are alone and have nobody to spend Christmas Day with, please let me know. I need to borrow some extra chairs.

I waited until this week and went into the store and bought up. They have my money - no-one else. Sorry to hear of everyone's problems. Could hardly move for all the cartons that had just arrived.

There are none so blind as those that do not want to see LDC.

There aren’t enough superlatives to describe our Clayton Oliver, I was always a tad jealous of the Big clubs who had superstars running around getting all the plaudits but not since Clarry hit his straps, he is equal to or better than all the rest. Plus we have Max and Tracc and a host of others to support him. Bloody love Clayton.💕❤️💙

I think you mean 'you're welcome' !!

I'm delighted for them all

My whole family were there. Tried two testing centres today and both times got to almost the end of the queue and was told they were closing (two hours early). Will try again at 7am tomorrow morning. Why are the testing centres not staying open till later knowing that there would be an influx of families wanting to travel interstate.

To be fair though, Kate joined the board not long after PJ started with us and around about the same time Roos was signed. Who's to say she hasn't been pushing the 'unconsciously competent' mantra since back then? Some seem to forget Roffey has been there since the 'rebirth' began.

I can't remember if I've said on here before, but I'm gonna say it again, so glad someone thought to go with the jumper point during the many goal celebrations in the game. Such a classic but you can really only bring it out in big moments, otherwise it's cheapened. So to very legitimately do this in a GF and actually remember to do it among the chaos was great.

Apparently my GrandFinal Guernsey has “Shipped” Right on

AZ's major producer.. Serum Institute of India has halved production due to no orders. AZ did have an update vaccine, AZ 2816 which was in third stage trials but so far nothing. Personally I have booked Moderna as my booster in a couple of weeks. There are a few studies that suggest it shades Pfizer but they're both similar. Looking forward to a fourth shot some time in 2022. PS: You can have AZ as a booster if you have reactions to MRNA vaccines (very rare for older people.)

It took me three times to click the Laugh icon but it was worth it

Thanks very much DiO. Alas I did poorly but enjoyed doing it. Gee that was a ripper of a game despite the umps pinging Gus for insufficient intent which was a howler. I'm so glad that Lever didn't just go the roost which given the clock time many players would have. Cool head is Jake. The look on Hawkins face when Max marked was fantastic. He was so angry. I know score wise there have been bigger comebacks but at Kardinia park and the top spot at stake it will go down as one of our best.

Ashamed of myself... Also, didn't do so well in the quiz.

Agree. Whilst Clarry called himself out for a s$&t speech, I thought it just added to the triumph our club has become. We value honesty and effort, and Clarry brought both to this being crowned the best this year and his effort in that speech. The fact he doesn't have the polish of a used car salesman just adds to his persona. I just hope he signs a Trac sized demon for life deal soon.

For a lot of teams where it is plainly obvious we are a different class level above :- I will go easy on them and their supporters. But for Geel (& supporters) we need to apply a no mercy rule......the amount of smugness we have copped for over a decade, requires more retaliation than just 2 h&a victories, and a prelim smashing......need to destroy them every time we play them for the next 5 years!

If anyone is feeling bored or looking to get that warm fuzzy feeling I suggest watching the replay of this prelim and just take note through the entire broadcast who the no1 high five'r/celebrator/hugger is after every goal/spoil/pressure act. Tom "Fridge" Sparrow once you see it it's hard to not to notice how much of a team roll the kid played Friday night. The future is bright post Jack Viney!

My wife and I had our booster on the 5th Pfizer, both a bit off next day but ok within 48 hrs. Old Dee you can get your booster after 5 mths. Also have you noticed how the Aussie Press have all gone back into panic mode, we have been advised that once we reach 90-95% double Vaxxed we should be focusing in on Hospital Admissions and Death rate. Whereas they are so conditioned to the Covid that is all they can focus on. World news has disappeared.?? Thank Goodness for the Cricket and Demonland. 💕❤️💙

Come on 'old dee', we said the same about a premiership... Time to at least go glass half full...

Thanks DJ actually read this morning that Australia is only giving Pfizer and Moderna for booster shots. My six months is up in Late Jan. So I will start chasing an appointment after Christmas.

Our crushing Prelim Final win will do for the time being,

Just because Clarry has the ability to get 10 possy’s in 10 minutes, doesn’t mean he has gone missing when gets 6-7 possessions in a quarter.

Disagree. Crows was the best game Oliver has played in his career IMO. and the best home and away performance by any of our players this year.

Further to Diamond Jim's comment above, I believe Pfizer* is the recommended 3rd dose if you've previously had AZ. *And possibly Moderna, too.

Bloody Special They have with the coaches etc. changed the outlook of our Club and really given us a chance to get back to where we were 57 years ago. One of the powerhouses of the AFL. Thank you every one Thank you one and all. Let's make this a dynasty of a classic kind which we maintain for a decade or more. Top of the Heap!!! Go Dees you might Demons.

now if you had included bolding, underlining, italicising, strike-outs, random images, multiple font changes and vitriolic attacks on the northern stand and women, i'd have given you a cigar

10 correct, two of which were rank guesses. Enjoyable quiz, well done. (SPOILER AHEAD) I was going to protest being called incorrect at the collision question when I answered Cameron and Henderson - then I remembered that was earlier in the quarter, and there was one involving Dangerfield and someone at (our) half forward. Amazing all the little details you forget.

I've been informed ( and quite rightly) by another poster that Bbbs main weapon was him taking grabs on the lead and then lining up for goal. That he was somewhat one dimensional as a forward. Watching many replays I think that Bbb has really changed and now become very good at contested marking. He also roved and goaled more than once. And if not marking in a pack, he has certainly taken the ball to ground and added lots of pressure.. While he did ok in his goal tally I think his real value to the team has been the go player to chf. His hands were very strong and he seemed to take over the link up role Tmac used to be. A perfect example would be the dribble kick by Trac where Bbb won the contest via free kick on the centre wing.

Finally got it!

I got 17 in 2.5 minutes.

We have 10 more days to savour our 2021 premiership on January 1st 2022 we become last years premiers and become the favourites for the 2022 premiership with no guarentees we will even make the grand final. The players will have to forget 2021 and prepare for round 1 against the WB who will want revenge for the 2nd half fadeout and drubbing at the hands of the premiers. Hunger for more success is good but satisfaction of living in the past is bad. The good thing is players like Hunt, Tomlinson, Smith, Dunstan, Chandler, Melksham, Baker, Daw, Brown and Weideman all want a taste of ultimate success pushing all the incumbent 23 premiership players to greater hieghts or they will be replaced. If players like Daniel Turner, Deakyn Smith, Bailey Laurie, Fraser Rosman and Toby Bedford can take the next step, along with the any of Howes, Van Rooyen, Woewodin, Mcvee or Moniz-Wakefield making an impact, then complacency will be subsituted by ergency amongst the group. If we can have a virtual injury free year like 2021 and a little luck then we will probably repeat the 2021 success on the MCG in the last match of the 2022 calendar year. GO Dee's

Couldn't disagree more with this. It was early 2021 when Kate stepped into the role, in the difficult circumstances of Glen Bartlett's surprise departure. At that time the pressure was on the MFC big time as we didn't have any runs on the board. My view is that in being able to handle that transition in the almost seamless way that it appeared to the outside world and provide that off feild stability over the season was an important factor (obviously not that only factor) in our sucess this season. Contrast that somooth leadership handover with the chaos at clubs like Collingwood, Hawthorn and Carlton this season and the correlation to on feild performance as well. It's long been understood that on feild sucess also requires strong and compedent off feild management/leadership. My observations as a realitive outsider is that we have finally got the offeild stuff right. Sure Kate can't take all the credit, but it looks to me that she's a pretty important ingredient. As much as I never overly warmed to him, I personally acknowledge and give credit to a job well done by Glen Bartlett. Glen was rarely in the headlines and his background as a West Coast man, never particularly inspired me, but during his tenure, there was realitive stability, some good off field decision making and appointments and the gracious way which Glen appeared to step down was a testament to that. Quite conversely, one of the things I really like about Kate as a president is the way she wears her passion for the club on her sleave and the more public approach she takes putting the MFC on the map, but not in the OTT totally one eyed way of an Eddie. I think she could just have the right approach for the era we are beginning.

Merry Christmas Demonlanders! As is tradition , FoxFooty will playing all of our 2021 wins including two replays of the Grand Final on Christmas Day ! A whole [censored] day of Melbourne kicking the [censored] out the rest of the competition in 2021! No need for those old boring Mariah Carey or Michael Buble Christmas anthems this year to keep the Christmas spirit up while you entertain at home, just keep it on fox footy and be sure to remind any family or friends who don’t support the mighty dees who’s the reigning premiers! Merry Christmas and Go Demons 🔴🔵!!!

I didn’t notice it live but after 16 replays, the goal ANB kicked in the first quarter was all due to Sparrow deliberately knocking the ball down to him after jumping over Esava. Kid is playing some sort of a role.

My two favourite lines from Titus’s Knee Jerk Reaction Max Gawn looks like a Viking, and he treated Geelong like it was a small medieval monastery on the coast of England. This pressure showed when Joe Selwood complained about a fifty-metre penalty given against him, which was like watching an arsonist complaining that they got burnt. https://www.titusoreily.com/afl/the-monday-knee-jerk-reaction-preliminary-finals2021