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My fondest memory of a suburban football ground is that of the old Brunswick Street Oval, a picturesque ground with ancient grandstands and a brick fence. It was the scene of one of my first games which, despite being in the midst of a golden era for the Demons, turned out to be a narrow loss to the Lions which had previously been called the “Gorillas”. That was in 1957 when my cousin and I walked to the ground from Brunswick where we lived across the Merri Creek. Times were different then - we were just short of our 10th and 8th birthdays respectively. As the reigning premiers, it was a shock to lose to Fitzroy who had finished well down the ladder in 1956 but we always had trouble with them, particularly at their ground. Soon after, a rivalry began between the clubs because we were coached by Norm Smith, they by his brother Len. The ground was small and by the late 60s was no longer fit for purpose as a VFL ground and the Lions became nomads, moving to Princes Park (twice), the Junction Oval, Victoria Park, the Whitten Oval and eventually when they were forced to merge with the Brisbane Bears, to the Gabba where they tasted success but not as Fitzroy. The real Fitzroy lives and still plays at the Brunswick Street Oval in the Amateurs. They play in the same Division as my club and it’s always a thrill to head out there for a game against the Roy Boys. There’s only the old grandstand left, part of the brick wall, lots of trees around the perimeter, one of the best canteens in the Ammos and a friendly atmosphere. Perhaps the ghosts of some of their greats like Haydn Bunton Sr., “Butch” Gale, “Chicken” Smallhorn and Bill Stephen still lurk around the old grand stand happy in the knowledge that they couldn’t kill off the old Fitzroy.

Driving the head into a tackle is one of my very pet hates, even more than the Selwood duck. It is extremely dangerous and will result in a broken neck if not stamped out, with the poor guy who has been in effect head butted being plagued with scorn and guilt. Still I wonder how well it will be enforced.

Just got it home, will see if I can get it hung shortly

Richmond people seem to forget the Richmond was 7-9 when Martin got injured. There season was shot already. He played 16 games and was injured in round 18. They carry on like he missed the complete season.

We deserve to be favourites for the 2022 flag no doubt. People often question will we have the hunger to go again. But I haven’t heard many people mention the belief the playing group must now have after winning the flag. This must be huge for us. Then there is also the pressure release of not carrying the weight of that flag drought. 2021 is only the start. Enjoy the ride

He was/is a lovely man. I bumped into him in the CBD in 2010 with my son. He insisted on showing him his Brownlow Medal and suggested I take a photo of him wearing the medal. Legend in every sense of the word.

Love the crackdown on delaying play...if it actually happens. Hopefully, the instructions as to what deliberately delaying play means are clear. My pet hates are holding on to players who take marks or get free kicks, standing over said players preventing them from standing up or standing over the ball to stop the player from picking it up.

Well George on the Outer was on the outer again at Casey this morning, since the gates are locked to prevent the plague ridden populace from entering... Still got to observe through the fence, which is as good as we football starved individuals can get, so we will take it. I counted 40ish players on the track, with Harmes and Rosman doing rehab of some sort, mainly running, stopping and restarting type of exercise. What sort of injury that means...perhaps more of the medically trained posters can help. Now it was difficult to see who wasn't there, due to this fence previously mentioned, and the wearing of bibs at times. However these days they all have numbers on their backs, apart from one unidentified player. Still I couldn't see Ed Langdon out there, although he does wear an invisibility cloak, which prevents opposition players from seeing him during the game. Perhaps he was wearing it today? Not sure if Melksham was there, but given the numbers of Covid expemptions reported from other clubs this week, it was quite literally a healthy list on the ground. Observations: God awful music being played through the loudspeakers. Screaching girl bands and moaning rejects from the Voice, Idol or repetitive rap could only make the players listen intently to the coaches. You sure as Hell couldn't listen to that other rubbish! Apart from the usual warm-ups, kicking drills with the Mark Williams striped ball, and another with huge foam goal posts erected mid-ground to do what I don't know, there was one which really took the eye. It was virtually a full match type game, with umpires, but the speed was simply incredible. Switch, switch back and then some more saw the ball move at lightning speed around the ground and from one end to the other. If this style is introduced through an already Premierhsip side, watch out opposition teams. There was little fixed position as players roamed wide to create opportunity, and then even more. Difficult to describe, but the team with the ball would rip right through the defenders and only a misplaced kick would see possession lost...then that opposition would do the same in return. The poor umpires never caught up with the speed and were trying to whistle 20, 30, 50 metres behind where the ball was. The only downside was the goal-kicking , but I suspect it wasn't the aim of the drill. Still an excuse could be they have moved the goal-posts at Casey, and players seemed to be kicking to where they used to be. Standouts were Oliver, Salem and May. Oliver just steps through defenders and just keeps going and going. Just when he looks cornered, he just bursts out again. Salem the same, how no-one can tackle him is amazing, and he always keeps bobbing up with ball in hand to deliver accurately. May is well over his hamstring injury from the PF, and just kept dragging down mark after mark. Another that took the eye was Majak Daw, playing forward. Really strong marking and leading, he was a challenge to be able to control in the air for May, Petty and Lever. All the new recruits were there, but with the viewing curtailed it was difficult to focus on what they were doing or not. And when the rain started, this wimpy reporter thought better of standing alone and headed for home, leaving the players to finish the session in peace.

The yearly rule changes are terrible for no other reason than the first 3 or so rounds are spent with Dwayne Russell and his commentariat buddies burning my eardrums about whether the rule has worked/not worked/made the game better/made it worse, etc.

I understood jnrmac's post to mean that none of our Premiership team have retired or been traded.

I know the humidity has steamed my brain and the ash from the volcano has created a strange light but.... "a player who ducks their head prior to being legally tackled" Prior means before so as after you are legally tackled, drop one shoulder and get it around the neck and a free kick or duck your head, get it around the neck which is not a legal tackle and get a free kick And what is the definition of Duck ( no quacking please). What about squatting or falling like Hunter did to Spargo in the GF. Ah the English language... What time does the bar open.....

I'm hoping it will make people like the Bulldogs Hunter and Bears Mathieson unplayable. And Spargo will want to watch himself also. It's great news. Removing a blight on the game

Lets see if it applies broadly or also includes Duckwood and co

Sounds like Blundstone Arena - 2017 v's North. Except there was a 50m line for the mens as well. And you'd have to sacrifice a quarter if you wanted to line up for a pie and beer. Hopefully things have improved since then.

Started going to the footy in the early 60s. Have been to every ground in suburban Melbourne (no Geelong) when they were all much the same mostly standing room in the outer with poor amenities. Sadly (or not) they are all gone. The old MCG (DEES only), Junction Oval (sainters before before Moorabbin), Lakeside Oval (South Melbourne before Sydney), Punt Rd Oval (toiges), Glenferrie Oval (dorks), Victoria Park (filth), Princes Park (lollie blues), Windy Hill (bummers), Western Oval (bullies), Brunswick St Oval (lions before ground sharing with others), Arden St (roos). Waverley Park came later and was was cold, ope,n difficult to get to and barren but we won the 1987 night grand final there so has sweet memories. The old grounds were rough and ready but, so long as the footy was good, we didn't care. We were watching the greatest game on earth.

The premiership winning feeling.

2022 Melbourne numbers — 
1. Steven May 3. Christian Salem 4. James Harms 5. Christian Petracca 6. Luke Jackson 7. Jack Viney 8. Jake Lever 9. Charlie Spargo 10. Angus Brayshaw 11 Max Gawn 12. Toby Bedford 13. Clayton Oliver 14. Michael Hibbert 15. Ed Langdon 16. Bailey Laurie 17. Jake Bowey 18. Jake Melksham 19. Fraser Rosman 20. Adam Tomlinson 21. Jacob Van Rooyen 22. Blake Howes 23. James Jordon 24. Trent Rivers 25. Tom McDonald 26. Sam Weideman 27. Luke Dunstan 28. Majak Daw 29. Jayden Hunt 30. Alex Neal-Bullen 31. Bayley Fritsch 32. Tom Sparrow 33. Oskar Baker 34. Deakyn Smith 35. Harry Petty 36. Kysaiah Pickett 37. Kade Chandler 38. Mitch Brown 40. Taj Woewodin 41. Judd McVee 42. Daniel Turner 44. Joel Smith 45. Andy Moniz-Wakefield 50. Ben Brown

I've been going to the Footy since the 80's and I've only ever experienced problems with Bulldogs supporters. Princess Park, The MCG and Marvel Stadium multiple times. And I'm talking about when it had nothing to do with me and they're wanting to fight other Melbourne Fans. I remember one Bulldog Fan wanted 10 or 15 Melbourne Lads who were egging him on. Ricky Petterd took a Screamer that night. Never had issues from any other Clubs supporters. I do love the banter it's half the fun of going to footy. Just never make it personal.

I still, at least once a day, shake my head and marvel at what happened on that sweet, sweet night in September. Maybe it will completely register when round 1 rolls around. Maybe it never will. Regardless, it’s our premiership, and nothing can change that. Nor can anyone take it away. ❤️💙

Victoria Park was known as 'the zoo'. Somewhat disrespectful to animals I think.

Update….

It must have been quite gut wrenching for Fitzroy folks. I cant imagine if Mfc moved north and changed its names. They must have felt they had wasted a part of their lives. I know it's a rich world issue but still. I would have been mad as hell if I was a Fitzroy fan....especially in light of all the money thrown to keep new clubs going. Its comforting Mfc is doing well not only financially but now we have a Flag again.

Hope it means that players get only one shot at a disposal - no 360 turns or pretend handballs. In order to be fair, umpires should be lenient to those players who, while complying with this rule, cannot avoid putting the ball out of bounds due to the tackle.

A lot of posters, in 2021, said we couldn’t afford losses to teams like Adelaide and Collingwood. Obviously, we could. We lost to them, we finished the top of the ladder, we won the premiership. Losing to low teams is not a problem, so long as you win against the top teams. If you win against the top teams, and GENERALLY win against middle and lower teams, you will get enough points to be top four. The real problem is if you consistently lose to one of your genuine competitors – which suggests that they are better than you are. In 2021, we beat everything in the top eight. in 1963, Geelong won the premiership. Fitzroy won one game only – against Geelong. Top teams do occasionally let their guard down against lower teams; it is inevitable. But if they mostly play to their ability, it is not fatal to lose one of those matches

It was built in 1937 so by the end of its life the facilities were primitive. No AFL/VFL members - sit or stand anywhere. Hard timber seats and smokers everywhere. Glad it was demolished. Go to see the last game (GF) and attended the first test match in the new stand.

Love hearing all these stories...bringing back the bad memories of the toilets at Princes park ( still much the same) the ankle deep mud in the viewing areas at Moorabbin.... ...as an Eastern suburbs boy I ventured to the Western oval once...and vowed never to go there again. Obviously designed and built as an English soccer ground it still has straight boundaries on the wing. The coaches box was probably a discarded stewards box from Flemington, that was accessed by a ladder. A solitary pie/beer outlet down one end on the terraces, it just went on and on with aged and antiquated facilities. But the funniest thing was the Newport railway brass band trooping out at half time, with the cheer squad walking the boundaries holding a blanket into which people tossed coins. That sort of thing had dissapeared 30 years previously at other grounds. The whole place just reeked of decay. Very glad to go back to the civilised MCG.

My dvd player is getting an absolute flogging (like vs GCS). And did you know that the Ch 7 commentators never say Dees have hit the front? What an opportunity wasted. And how is this for BT nonsense - The reason why the crowd has so many Dees/Dogs supporters is because they followed these teams b4 the Eagles entered the comp. (Um that was 35 years ago) Nothing to do with memberships been shared across the country or handouts of team colours.

I think that narrative was for the supporters. I'm not sure it was the real driver for the players even though it was mentioned... The prelim loss to the Eagles and missing finals in 2020 would have been bigger drivers for this group. Now they know how good they are they should be up & about again...

I remember there would of been around 10 Melbourne Supporters shoulder to shoulder, across, then going down from the Hard Yakka signs behind the goals to the fence at the ground. I thought if it kicked off we'd be in real trouble. But at 22 you think you're invincible (my Dad refused to go with me) and by the time we got those 2 last Qtr goals, the Hard Yakka sign nearest to me got pummeled with an open right hand. All respect to any Magpie fan who was there that day from the way I was treated as I don't remember any eyes or verbal coming towards my direction. I remember walking out proud as punch just wishing my Dad had come and my Boss had come to experience one of the best days I'd had at the Footy. I enjoyed all the missions of going to all the Suburban grounds. Geelong is the only ground i haven't got to but would like to.

How much of our flag was driven by a 57 year drought? It's hard to quantify I guess. Back to back flags are rare but the desire to play a granny on our home turf will come in to play. Add the fact of so many players starting to peak will be a factor in our favor as well as some more savvy recruiting. I really believe this team not only loved playing, all smiles and laughter coming down the concourse...they also loved winning. Mentally tough teams can do it and I really think we will see that we are one....as demonstrated by all the times we came back from lagging behind last year.

Was there too. only kicked 2 goals in the last quarter. Both in time on. Chopper Lovell and Sean Wight. Got up by 9 points.

Could someone pm me also? Don't have a subscription and don't want one. Ta! Also, go dees. Still can't believe it.

Every Saturday arvo my brother took me to the footy much to our mum’s disquiet, as she worried about my safety. Her reservation was justified since I heard and saw things that would disturb a 56yo let alone a 6yo. Thing is, she remained none the wiser. Pretty much every week my brother would have occasion to say, “don’t tell mammy about this.” One time at Victoria Park there was a Collingwood supporter a couple of rows behind us. She was hands down the most feral, filthy-mouthed piece of scum ever there was. She was literally screaming obscenities at the top of her lungs at anyone and everyone, with Collingwood players being the sole exception. And the language! I was hearing words that I never knew existed and to this day I don’t think I’ve ever met/heard/seen anyone, male or female, so disgusting. She was flanked by two huge Neanderthals, her meathead friends, so since everyone in earshot valued their lives, no one dared say a word. Nor even look at her. They all learned from my mistake: I foolishly turned to sneak a furtive glance at her early in the piece to which she responded, “what’re you [censored]in’ lookin’ at, ya freckle-faced, c**k sucking lil mole?!” And that was nothing compared to what she had to say about oppo players and the umpires! I was silent all the way home. When my mum saw me she was mortified. She turned to my brother and said, “what happened to her?! She’s as white as a sheet! She’s looks like she’s seen a ghost!!!” My brother, bearing in mind that if she knew the truth that’d be the last match to which he’d be allowed to take me, said, “Oh, she’s just kinda in shock, we just witnessed the most scintillating footy match ever!” 😆 That’s just one of many, many experiences that wouldn’t and couldn’t happen nowadays, but were commonplace back then.

Interesting to see that 81% of respondents to the survey recognised that we are too good right now. God I’m loving being top dog for a change!

http://images2.naharnet.com/images/187054/w460.jpg?1466172426 Great report by George but before I get onto it, Adjacent Casey fields is a large lake which I'm reliably informed contains plenty of fish and I just wonder if the sign above presents as an even more challenging scenario. Agree with George re music, just and endless cacopheny of mind numbing techno crap. Dont know what it gives the players but who am I to argue given that,last year it resulted in a Premiership. One other thing George didn't add was the plague of Flies hundreds of them! Anyway on with the report! Weather was shizzen about 10 seasons in one day and like George under cover accomodation outside the ground is harder to find than Rocking Horse Sheeit! REHAB ROSMAN, SPARGO ( in Parts) HARMES and during training it appeared CHANDLER may have done a groin? SKILLS DRILLS AND MANOEVERS. Well covered by GEORGE but agree the match simulations were a thing of beauty, players are intinctively now confident to KNOW 1 Where to go 2 Who to go to as in selecting correct option 3 Skillful enough to execute precisely DRILL A WARM UPS DRILL B MATCH SIMS DRILL C KAMIKAZE PLAYER BLITZSKILL ( Players zone of have a couple of harrasers and deliverers need to pick correct target from multiple options and kick to player on lead DRILL D MORE MATCH SIMS DRILL E CLOSE CONTACT TACKLES DRILL F ONE ON ONE MARKING SIMS PLAYER WATCH Competition for places will be and is WHITE HOT!! Not only do the current 23 continue to train to high standards but the second tier are also training the house down, players such as MAJAK, MELKY, DEAKIN S, J SMITH, ADAM T, MITCH B, J JORDAN, TOBY B, are displaying the type of improvement that drives up standards. Perhaps the guy I'm most looking forward to seeing is LUKE DUNSTAN, Wow what a pile driver he is just relentless in his ball hunting ability, think Stephen Powell and youl get the picture. Jayden hunt looks lean and hungry as does Adam Tomlinson. THE NEWBIES In some drills I can just see why we chosse these guys all are profficient with skills and already seem to know and appreciate the work required to make it in an elite Football Club which is not only the oldest club in Australia but one where standards are being continually stretched , redefined and enhanced. One bloke who I didn't know had no number on his back but by Gee was he nippy and elusive with some KOSSY like tendencies. HIGHLIGHTS. 1 Tom Sparrow outmarking MAX in a one on one 2 Clarry recreating his victory salute with a uncannily similar goal which literally had a couple of players doing cartwheels TRAING VOTES 3,2,1 3 Clarry , honestly he just does what he likes at traing and is a class above 2 Jack Viney, gees has he improved as a footballer in my eyes 1 Tom Sparrow wow what a huge talent this kid is honerable mentions, Salem, Max, Bowey, Dogga, Kossy, May and others et al, just no passengers just all wheel drive turbo's that just do not let up everyone just shows something , what a Lovely sight to behold! cheers PF

Wow. Thanks so much Dr G. That was the one alright. I think it was nine or ten by AJ. Such great names on both sides. Spaldings waltz through a pack in the middle. Todd Viney as tough if not tougher than Jack. Stynes with 13 or so mark's. And the booing....just like an eagles game. I'm not sure if I've just been watching the gf too many times but the pace of this old game seemed a lot slower. Certainly not softer. It was the last quarter though. Maybe the turf was wet. Nonetheless it was certainly a smash and crash game with no prisoners taken.

Poor fools. Teams will dream , and then fail as we used to. The dees are only going to better next year.

…and Houli retired.

I've posted this before, but it belongs in this thread. In round 20 of 1982, my Demon mate and I went to Victoria Park for the first (and last) time to watch Melbourne play Collingwood. We found standing room in a packed outer but soon realised we were surrounded by a seething mob of dirty, ugly, loud, abusive, obscene, smelly and toothless black and white supporters. Almost without exception, they were drunk, smoking like chimneys, swearing like wharfies and even at this early stage of the day fighting amongst themselves. Rather than relinquish their spot in the crowd, they were peeing where they stood. Some of the men were just as bad. We started well with the wind but the Pies had regained the lead by half-time. The third quarter was all ours with eight goals and in the last, we kicked another eight to finish all over them by nine goals. Glenn McLean was magnificent that day, marking everything in sight and earning the three Brownlow votes. Collingwood were so impressed that they traded for him and you will rapt to hear that Glenn went on to have a wonderful two-game career with the Pies. Having kept very, very quiet all day for fear of attracting the wrong sort of attention, the beers (ice-cold cans!) finally got the better of me and this is when I did the craziest thing in my life. As Mark 'Jacko' Jackson kicked his seventh to seal victory, I let rip with a loud "Go Demons!!". Things then went eerily quiet in the outer as hundreds of pairs of beady eyes bored into us. I looked at my mate, he nodded and we turned and ran as fast as we could towards the exit and kept going all the way to Johnstone Street where we jumped on the first bus we found. It didn't matter that it was heading in the wrong direction, we just wanted to get away from that horrible joint. Only my drycleaner will know just how frightened I was that day.

Mick Nolan ?

Let's not forget they had an elephant walk around the ground at half time one time.

It was certainly different to anywhere else i have been to on this planet!!

One of the funniest and Scariest thinks I have ever witnessed was a Victoria park. For some unknown reason there was a hot dog stand in the middle of the crowd opposite the social club end, and I saw 4 Collingwood supporters tip the hot stand to an angle of a bout 45 degrees, with the hot dog guy madly clinging onto each side of the booth, (and hot dogs sliding along the counter) until one of the local constabulary, casually looked across and said "I think that will do boys", and they tipped him straight again

I was chatting to a Richmond supporter this week who reckons, with Dusty Martin back and fit, they might have one more flag left in them ... if it wasn't for Melbourne. In his words, the Tiges are on the decline while we are reaching our peak.

“..haven’t got any worse...” Lols!!!! I’d suggest we’ve gotten better, players improvement plus additions like Dunstan, Tomo etc back from injury. Plenty of competition for spots and room for growth from within this already incredible group.

I remember trying to get in before the game. A bit of a hit and miss but the smell of the eucalyptus oil was something I won't forget.

Its gunna happen. All our players will get even better. Buy your tickets asap.

I went to all these grounds. I remember seeing Hassa Mann‘s goal in 1964 at Glenferrie; I certainly remember the final round in 1987 at Western Oval. But strangely, one golden day was at Arden Street, the last round in one of the late 70s, we were getting thrashed and were expected to, and a North player attempted a dropkick. He flubbed it but it was still interesting. The weather was perfect, very early spring, and the day was just golden despite the result. I loved the old football. At 2.10 on a Saturday afternoon something like 10% of Melbourne’s population would go to the footy, which I think is extraordinary.