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The pioneer club in women’s football is up against the modern day power house. Let’s make it a double today!!!

Out of Flavour!😁

Crows are a state side, whilst we have to split Vic talent between 8 teams. They have so many tall powerful players in their prime years. We really fought it out against the odds and just couldn’t get that 3rd goal to get within a kick. If that happened I really think the Crows could’ve got nervous and we could’ve pinched it. Great coaching effort to get the game back in our style with run and carry. And the players run, commitment to the contest and pressure lifted to levels I didn’t think they had in them.

On the morning of the game, things are fairly sunny and calm on this side of town but by later in the day, the wind could be howling at Point Gellibrand, Williamstown on the bay where the Seagulls play. The conditions always makes it a tough assignment out there and thankfully it’s April and not mid-July when you can buy a hot pie in the canteen only to find it frozen by the time you get to your seat in the stand. The home team were once a powerhouse in the old VFA competition and until recently always hard to beat but they’ve struggled early and appear to be well below Casey in class. I trust they won’t resort to the rough stuff as happened in one of their more recent clashes in 2018 which was a pretty spiteful affair. The Seagulls have won their last two encounters but this looks like a different team and I expect Casey with 15 AFL listers to prevail. WILLIAMSTOWN B.Monk P.Taban F.O'Dwyer HB: J.Greiser K.Dawson T.Miles C: N.Gadsby J.Toner D.Andrews HF: J.Gallucci, N.Gown M.Gaul F: D.Henderson J.Ottavi C.Preston Foll: T.Downie J.Cousins B.Myers I/C: C.Preston B.Woodfull H.Bertoli-Simmonds L.Hunt M.Philpot Emerg: C.Molan CASEY DEMONS B: D.Smith C.Ellison J.McVee HB: O.Baker H.Petty F.Rosman C: T.Woewodin L.Dunstan B.Howes HF: A.Moniz-Wakefield J.Van Rooyen T.Bedford F: K.Chandler B.Brown J.Bell Foll: M.Daw M.White B.Laurie I/C: T.Freeman G.Grey J.Munro R.Steele W.Wuol Emerg: Z.Andrewartha R.Baldi B.Milford M.Shepherd Willy’s CHF, Noah Gown is a grandson of former Demon Ray Biffin who was a tough character back in the 60s and 70s and wore the number 19. Gown might come up against the current holder of that numbered guernsey. Sadly, work duties will prevent me from being at the game but I hope to be able to report in during the evening.

If it wasn't for Max, I'd think Gus would make an excellent captain - and I'm sure that leadership qualities are what other clubs see in him, in addition to his football ability. He is a "must keep" man IMO.

Brown came back into the side last year off the back of a half-pace VFL outing and played a key role for the rest of the year. Must come back in immediately.

I'm not reading that much into it. He's not playing for a spot in the seniors, he's just maintaining match fitness.

Enjoy your beers gentleman and ladies and have a great big lol at the filth.

Honestly, i think the report Gussy hasn't re signed because he wants midfield time is a bit full of it. Gun midfielder accepts team role outside midfield, hasn't re-signed at round 4 - must be disgruntled. Potentially Gus and his management have noticed, as most dees fans have that Gus has become one of our best and most important players since the grand final, and they're keen to ensure he gets the correct value on his next deal, which is absolutely fair enough.

Gus is critical to our culture, a selfless team-first player and a very likeable character. The ultimate glue guy. He has also been brilliant since the finals series last year. I would be shocked if Gus didn't end his career as a Demon.

Agreed. Bont for Weideman.

3rd quarter so brave so determined so much better

Harris has 3-4 Crows on her every time ball goes forward, where are the 2-3 free Demons. Someone lead left, right, short or out the back! Crows stronger, but if Demons can be a bit smarter going forward they might get lucky.

The girls are very capable of getting the job done today, but up against an all time great side, it'll be a tough game. Seeing Daisy lift the cup would be almost as satisfying as seeing Max and Goody do it.

Luv ya Jules7. And here's the upside. They are completely ill-equiped to deal with the MCG on the last two Saturdays in September as a result. Let them drink cask wine I say.

Last time we conceded 100 points in a game. Round16, 2019 against Carlton which we won anyway. 53 games since without conceding a 100 points.

Gus has gone to another level since the grand final.

My eyes never fail me, I saw him doing a sudoku in the forward pocket

Nath Jones awesome special comments. Never thought he was the best in front of the camera in his early days as captain but obviously worked hard at it and is doing an excellent job.

Ok I'm pulling out the Grand Final DVD to watch.

Well from what I’ve seen in this finals series, either Taylah is injured and we don’t know about it, or she needs to focus on her boxing and leave afl to those with greater desperation to win

And that goal there is the key to women’s footy, move it forward at all times and play on. No point playing a kick and stop game. Great effort by Melbourne but Adelaide simply are too good.

Pathetic by Harris.

Nope. AA squad this year.

Jessica Malboy thinks she's in the Matrix 😂

I think we have to leave Harris in the guts and see if she just plays herself into the game for us. Maybe move Lauren Pearce forward more often. And yep Bannon will win this for us if anyone can. We are very lucky to still be in this but we've rolled Adelaide before like this. Time to lift Dees. Get em up Daisy

Go you good thing Alyssa! Here’s an idea…..at every secured possession = mark or free kick, put the big units (L. Pearce, Harris, Zanker) in the middle 35 metres up.. Kick it to them, with Bannan, McNamara, Goldy coming past for the feed or at the spill. No boundary possession stuff. Straight up the middle….bully the contest and up the middle again. Possessing the boundary and giving them time to set in defence isn’t ever gonna do it against the Crows. Ever. Only way is higher risk corridor footy. Umpiring horrendous btw. No favour either side, just bad.

Alyssa Bannon is the one. Get the ball to her Dees

Angus Brayshaw has been fantastic for the Melbourne Demons. Not only has his disposal and decision making improved out of sight, but his leadership qualities are fantastic. I also think he is a brilliant clubman and you know that he loves the Melbourne Football Club. He is a vital component of our new "Demon Spirit" winning culture and I genuinely hope he stays with the Melbourne Football Club.

Absolutely Frog. He is a leader. He brings heart and soul. Players like Gus are the glue that keeps the whole together. His role may be replaceable but his value to the team should not be underestimated. Of all the players he is the epitome of team first. Gus leaving would result in a huge hole in the bow of the ship. As you say, a must keep.

In a repeat of last year’s GF experience, I’ll be on the couch with my two girls cheering loudly. After bangbangbang I excitedly busted open a packet of Tim Tams for the kids, which is their standout memory! I promised that if successful this GF, we would do Tim Tam Slams with a cup of Milo! But win, lose or draw, what a great thing it is that my kids have witnessed the Demon boys and girls playing off in grand finals within 6 months of each other. That girls can look up to heroes like Daisy, Karen, Tayla and know they can participate, compete and belong - just like the boys. What these AFLW pioneers have done for the next generation of girls cannot be understated and should be celebrated. CARNADEES, put in your best show today and we hope you can bring home the cup!! ❤️💙

Don't agree at all. There are few other players in the current team with his ability to read the play and position himself accordingly.

The extreme home ground advantage that Geelong, West Coast, Adelaide and to an extent Brisbane get should be called out for what it is - cheating. Seriously, it's about time the AFL did something to address this issue in a more meaningful and transpartent way. The professionalism and scrutiny of AFL players behavior to play the game and the attitude of players towards umpires is at a high level. The same should be expected of umpires. I guess making umpires truely professional for a start would help, but beyond that there must be some more intense data analysis the AFL could apply to weed out umpires that are most sensitive to wrong decisions in front of big home audiences and for those umpires to be demoted and overlooked for such games at the expense of those that are better performers, in order to improve the situation.

Go Dees. The girls have seen what it takes to bring home the cup. This is the prefect chance to show the Mens team how things should be done. You don't really need to wait 57 years for a flag. I think the Women can bring home the bacon if everything goes right. Become club legends girls. Don't allow room for regrets post game. 100% effort for 100% game time and you can hoist the cup.

Same move that resulted in May doing his hamstring last season. The umpiring this year really is scandalous.

Hawkins signature move.

I really liked the look of him vs Sandy where he picked up 22 touches and kicked 2. Not much of an opponent that day I know. Didn't do much against the Bombers but it was a bit of an odd game with a depleted team and scratchy form from most players that day. What I liked most from what I saw was his vision and disposal, seems to make the right call quickly and disposes cleanly. I've liked him since his draft year so probably some bias coming in there and perhaps gone a bit early about his chances of getting a senior gig. A bit of projection here but give him half a season at VFL level and I have faith he will soon be putting his hand up for a senior gig. Unfortunately for him it's a tough team to crack into and one that Simon doesn't play around with too much.

I couldn't disagree more. Not only is there no such thing as an "easy" premiership year, this year I do not think the gap between us and whoever is next is anywhere near as big as others are making it out to be. Each of the Dogs, Sydney, Carlton, Brisbane and Geelong can match it with each other, and us. Each can be explosive in offence. We're better, but not by so much that you could possibly say what you've said.

It's early in the year but it seems pretty likely to me that our contenders from last year (Brisbane, Geelong, Bulldogs…Port) have all dropped off from last year, and those who have risen are unlikely to be quite ready this year (e.g., Carlton, and…um…I'll get back to you). Melbourne isn't quite flying offensively, but our defence is as good or better than last year and we have the belief now. This might be one of those "easy" premiership years, if there is such a thing - one dominant side and a lot of not-quite-there aspirants.

Geelong was missing Stewart, Selwood, Menegola, Rohan and Ratugolea. Although Brisbane was missing McInerney and Hipwood, those outs for Geelong mean Brisbane really should have won this game if they're serious this year. Since the start of 2019 Brisbane are 48-17 in H&A games. Of those 48 wins, only 11 have been outside Queensland.

Looking forward to watching this via the afl website. I grew up in ‘Willie’ in the sixties and Saturday afternoons were either spent with dad at the G watching Melbourne or with schoolmates following the Seagulls in the VFA. I was even part of their cheer squad at one point, complete with yellow and blue streamers. Character building - that biting cold wind off the sea and Willie always seeming to lose - but incredibly happy days when I look back. Certainly should be easy for a strong Demons team tomorrow.

Faceplam re Spargo, he is going just fine, cannot remember anyone in 4 matches this year rebounding out of back half quickly, it is our small forwards that set up the zone so well. We have a huge spread of goal kickers so we are not relying on Spargo or Kozzie to score, but our zone is essential. They will get their goals in due course.

I actually thought kozzie was good tonight, so many plays where he wouldn't have got a stat but neutralised the ball or caused a turnover from his pressure. The goals will come. I'd watch the replay again to reasses his game but I don't hate myself that much.

I really enjoyed it. Not for the tension and excitement, because it wasn’t that type of game, but for what it represented - a thoroughly professional performance that didn’t give the opposition a look in. It’s never easy away from home against a team with pressure to win. And Port came out and had a crack, tackling hard and putting pressure on. They even changed their style of play against us, refusing to kick long down the line to a contest and constantly switching the ball and chipping it around to nullify our midfield intercept/turnover game. It worked in terms of limiting defensive half turnovers but I love how we just said, fine, chip and switch it around, we’ll just set ourselves up so well in D50 that you won’t score. And that’s what happened - the time it took them to switch and chip and take uncontested marks just allowed us to set up so well deeper behind the ball. We didn’t panic or look to force the issue when it was a bit of a stalemate early. We just focused on our defence and not letting them score and knew we’d eventually get chances at the other end. This just totally broke Port Adelaide, shattering their confidence and belief. In fact the whole game we didn’t seem to care about offence - and as they say in soccer, you can’t lose if you don’t concede. And that’s what it ultimately reminded me of. A top soccer team travelling away to a difficult ground and just not giving the other team a sniff of scoring. A clean sheet, a couple of goals and a mature and professional performance to go home with the points. Nothing fancy, just strangle the life out of the opposition. That’s what the best teams do. The last quarter we just seemed to completely put the cue in the rack but let’s not forget early in the last it was 10 goals to 1. Sure Port had some forwards out, lost Wines and Lycett was hampered, but that was just about as dominant and complete a defensive performance as you could see. And if you appreciate and value good defending, then that was an enjoyable game.

BBB for anyone above 6ft in the forward line not named Fritsch Petty in for anyone not named May or Lever

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Here are some I know of Most Consecutive Games Jim Stynes - 244 games Quickest Player to 50 goals Allen Jackovich - 9 games Most Premierships as a player and/or coach with just one club Norm Smith - 10 Premierships Four as a player/playing coach (1939-41 and 1948) and six as a non-playing coach (1955-57, 1959-60 and 64) Most Premierships as a player and/or coach Norm Smith - 10 Premierships Ron Barrassi - 10 Premierships Club with the most double rising star nominated players: Melbourne - 5 Nathan Jones (2006 and 2007) Jordan Gysberts (2010 and 2011) Sam Blease (2011 and 2012) Luke Jackson (2020 and 2021) Jake Bowey (2021 and 2022)

"In the Preliminary Final, Melbourne became the first team since 1992 to defeat Geelong 3 times in a season" "Melbourne’s minor premiership to Grand Final strike rate is a perfect 10/10"