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To the generation of Demon fans who grew up supporting the club in the golden era of the 50s - 60s, Ronald Dale Barassi remains the greatest!

I was thinking much the same thing about koz. He's a brilliant field kick. In addition to good technique, he has great vision and the confidence to take on difficult options, so can really set up dangerous scoring chains. If he can average 15 plus possessions we get a lot more value out of his field kicking. Hunter is an even better kick, and also creates dangerous scoring chains. He has that ability the best left footers have to exploit the split second of space lefties get when the defender instinctively shapes to cover a right footer. I think Mcvee will be in the round one team, and hopefully can keep his spot when Salem comes back. He looks class. Fantastic, fluid technique, calm, makes good decision - and hits targets. Bowey looks in great shape, makes excellent decisions and has a case to being the most reliable kick in the team, certainly up to 35-40 metres. With Salem, that's 5 elite kicks in our starting 22, who get 15 plus possessions, reliably hit those crtical 25-40 metre kicks, have tricks and set up rolled gold scoring opportunites. That translates to kicking more goals through quality assists and fewer scoring chains breaking down with junk turnovers (thst often gift the opposition a scoring opportunity). The other factor is those five players almost certainly have goody's approval to take on risky kicks to the corridor. That's obviously the best spot to enter 50 from, so three or four more kicks thst hit the target in the corridor makes us so much more dangerous. The four playing all hit corridor targets against the saints, and I'd be guessing collectively were involved in a lot of our scoring chains. Good times.

In answer to Supreme_Demon's question: There were about half a dozen "questions" put to the board. Jo McCoy was very genuine & understanding of her defeat, wished the board well, but suggested that perhaps the club could hold an information session for parties interested in running for a board position. She said that it was a bit overwhelming & intimidating for anyone who hadn't been through the process previously and that it would be helpful for interested parties to decide if a) they had the required qualifications & b) were prepared for exactly what was required/expected. Kat Roffey was very pleasant to her and, whilst I thought she distinctly didn't answer the suggestion, she did say that she'd like to catch up for a coffee and chat to Jo. Peter Lawrence got up and basically reiterated what his platform has been all along, sniped at the process & couched a question right at the end of his speech (dare I say diatribe) along the lines of "are you going to make the process more transparent". Kate basically said that she wasn't going to reply because she didn't believe that there was actually a question in amongst the previous 5 minutes of grandstanding (my word - not hers). She did, however, reiterate that the constitution had undergone a revamp to bring it up-to-date, that the board believes that all questions have been answered & voted on under due process and that she hoped we could all now move on. A couple of people basically wanted more details re: the progress of the search for a home base. Clearly Gary Pert's message hadn't sunk in to everyone as to why he couldn't be too specific. He did, though, answer those questions by going over previously discussed points re: the Olympic Park precinct, Caulfield Racecourse and that any & all options were being investigated. One person did get up and specifically ask if purchasing land at Fisherman's Bend had been considered. Pert responded that all possible site in inner Melbourne had/are being looked at & discussed at all level. It wasn't hard to read between the lines that yes - Fisherman's Bend has been considered. Kate jumped in to advise that, whilst we could comfortably resolve the issue if we went considerably out of town, it is important to note that we really require about 10 hectares of space to do what we need to do. That sort of land is as rare as hen's teeth in the areas in question - and equally as expensive BUT everything is being considred.

Have this as my screen saver on the computer.

The Herald Sun is reporting that Steven May is expected to be free to play Western Bulldogs in the Round 1 blockbuster. “May was involved in a late hit on Saint Dan Butler on Friday night but the umpires and St Kilda are not expected to refer the incident for match officer review.”

On Jackson, I'm firmly of the view we are a better team with Grundy in it than with Jackson - at least for the next 2-3 seasons (Jackosn will be crazy good when he hits his peak in his mid 20s, still four years away). So, i wish the young fella luck - and i hope he enjoys watching the Dees leave Freo in our wake. And doesn't struggle too much with regret. Such a negative and exhausting emotion. I also hope he copes ok with moving to freo with the expectation of spending more of his time in the ruck than he did at the dees (coz he is on record as saying that's where he most enjoys playing) - only to play the exact same role as he did at the dees - a forward and back up ruck to a clear number one ruck. He will also have to cope with the irony of knowing if he had stayed at the dees he would likely have got way more ruck time given the dees want to give Maxy much more of a chop out this season - not to mention the chance of a adding a second flag to his resume,

87 is the demon number in cricket.....13 off a century 13 is also 31 backwards which was ron's jumper number happy birthday ron

Happy 87th Birthday to the great man Ronald Dale Barassi! Hopefully, he gets to present the Premiership Cup to the Melbourne Demons on Grand Final Day at the MCG in the not-to-distant future! It would be a wonderful tribute to have Ronald Dale Barassi hand another brand new Premiership Cup over to Max Gawn.

when this comes up it always reminds me of my dads mate at work at Aer Lingus. One time he said - “sure it’s as certain as death in Texas” needless to say he never lived that one down 😂

Not one mention of Lachie Hunter. Sorry but these guys are just clueless Port Supporters who have been paying no attention at all

The five stages of Demonland grief as applied to Luke Jackson: 1. Denial: Dogga isn't going anywhere. He'll re-sign and be a Demon for life. He's a premiership star. 2. Anger: How dare Luke go back to W.A.? He clearly knew this was going to happen all season. He's so disloyal and ungrateful to MFC and as for his mother ... 3. Bargaining: Well, at least we'll get some great draft picks in return and he did help us win the flag (although he didn't really do that much in the third quarter) 4. Depression: Can't believe we didn't get much in return for him. Don't think he was really trying in 2022, either. Was he actually injured or had he already checked out mentally? 5. Acceptance: Jackson wasn't that good anyway. He'll just be ordinary at Freo. Good riddance. Luke who?

Couldn’t ink a new deal?

This recent incident on the rub down bench convinced him it was time to call it quits.

We should see some more skillful ball movement this season , and better delivery into the forward line with Kozzie on ball and Hunter on the wing . I just watched the replay of the match again and I agree with Binman that McVee will be in the round one side , he was a real stand out. If Salem and Fritsch are back for the season opener, Harmes might be an out, but I have a feeling they want to give Chandler more of a run. Hibberd was too good for the seconds, so a couple will miss out but it’s a good problem to have. I also reckon we will see the best of Petracca more consistently this year, he is looking scary good.

No one can afford petrol! Or food... Or electricity or gas or their mortgage...

If it were me, I’d change my game plan and start talking footy so that people would start listening to me.

I wouldn't be smart about it. They will get kicked out of Tullamarine, find new land and build a new facility all before we get something in the MOPT.

As lovely as 2021 was, we're all still missing that one sight we know we all need to see: Ron handing the cup to Max on a warm September afternoon at the G.

It's over and the thread should be closed, all it will do is deepen the divisions between the various factions on here. This has been like a civil war, and I believe we should just mend the fences and get on with the job of supporting the players and the team.

Based on reports from our track watchers, and vision of the Sim on Friday, Judd McVee has emerged from a ‘long way back’ as being a genuine prospect in the space of one pre season. (What a bonus that would be!). I’d be interested in the panel’s ‘gut feel’ on how readily his pre-season form might translate to the real thing (?); is he a genuine chance for R1(?); and do you see him becoming a regular best 23 during the season, and if so whose spot is vulnerable (?)

This whole narrative should be motivation for every Dees fan to get to King’s Birthday this year and ensure we completely outnumber the scum bags. Seriously had it up to here with Collingwood rewriting history. Last week Kelly said they were the first MCG tenants, now this garbage from old big head Eddie. It’s our turf, time to let ‘em know

No need to apologize about a banana reference, I will smooth(ie) it over for you.

And they're baaaack!

This game was our serious dress reherseal for round one, just as was the case in 2021 and 2022. I doubt we will have a full strength team next week, and they will probably try some different things eg some new set plays, different positions, some younger players. Meaning it was a bit of a blow to Jordan and Hibbo. From the saints game, the only changes I can envision is harmes out (who did look.a bit rusty - though in his defence it must be hard playing that utility position - same goes for sparrowwho also had a quiet game). Jordan or maybe hibbo in (Gus could play more as a mid and hibbo takes his spot). Given his versatility, jordon could be 23rd man.

I would love to go down there in guise of cat fan, sit in kitty ltter cheer squad. Then disrobe to reveal Dees colors with no 13 on my back and bag the sheeeit out of moggie land and give them the Best Picket Fence SLEDGEFEST EVER!!!!!🤩

Very kind Demonland. I’m looking after the young man on Monday’s and he is a huge fan. He insisted we go last week to Gosch’s paddock and had to settle for watching the opposition at Olympic Park. Got a couple of cheeky comments about the Pettracca and Oliver t-shirt he was wearing (Maynard suggested his head would look better), but happily posed for a photo with Mason Cox. He didn’t think they looked the goods and was glad to hear the Dees were training the house down. thanks again.

If you take off the spectacles of bitterness, it is not unusual that a player who was hampered with injury for a large part of 2022 has been able to return to full fitness over the offseason and perform well in the first practice match of 2023. Some people just can't get used to the idea that a Melbourne player would wish to leave us, despite the fact that players leave every club every year. We just picked up three new faces in this very manner.

The Demonland Podcast returns for Season 2023 Join @binman & I on the Demonland Podcast Monday night 27th February LIVE @ 8:30pm for breakdown of the Match SIM against St. Kilda. If you have any questions or comments leave it below and we'll include it in the show. Please keep it to Match SIM and general preseason training stuff as we'll do a more in depth Season Preview in a few weeks with George. Listen & Chat LIVE: https://demonland.com/podcast Call: 03 9016 3666 Skype: Demonland31

We'll discuss that and I agree that Hibbo is not done yet and I think he is still best 22 but I think the FD department made a statement not picking him in the 1s.

After kicking 12g 18b 90 points and winning the game by 5 goals DL posters will say...... "if we play like that against the better sides we'll get thrashed".

About one-third of our players will have their names regularly mis-spelt on Demonland.

AND... the no 3 pick who helped us win a GF then turned into 2 x 1st rounders and a 2nd rounder, and we also gained a 2 x AA replacement ruck for about the same as LJ would've been paid.... Holey moley!

From a Melbourne perspective the Ponsford thing doesn't bother me. We wouldn't fill it anyway so it doesn't really impact us. If we get to the stage where we can pull big home crowds then it will be an issue (as it is and should be for Richmond) but until then let them have it. What annoys me though is they get the home change rooms regardless of whether it's a home game or not. Might seem like a small/insignificant thing but if it is then why do they request it? It's a mindset that they are the home club regardless of fixture so in effect they are getting 14 home games a year with the Ponsford seating/change room deal. Good on them for being able to wrangle that but surely it's time the MCC put a stop to it. Oh and by the way Eddie Collingwood members did not build the southern stand, AFL members were the ones contributing funds to help build it.

Love this photo. First ever father-son, 6 time premiership player, 4 time premiership coach. rover in VFL/AFL team of the century, changed the game as a coach, etc etc. My first memories of barracking for Melbourne always included Ron. He stands alone as a legend of the game. With all he achieved, his blood always ran red and blue. How lucky are we. Love you Ron. ❤💙

And the collar. And the woolliness. It's quite palpable, the feeling of my childhood this photo briefly gave me. 'Twinkletoes' himself (my mother's name for him), the colour and 'feel' of the jumper particularly, and the sense of the 'simple', winter VFL as was. Memory's tricks say my Gran's bulky hand-knit (envy of the possessors of the 'real'!) had a '31' on it (plastic? felt?) I certainly drew lots of action pics with my Derwent pencils of Number 31, and his teammates, flying over hapless oppositions, particularly my parents' adopted underdog Hawks in the '50s (good times!) Thanks for it all, Ron. Keep on Twinkling!

Reminder that we’ll be LIVE tonight at 8:30pm. If you have any questions or comments that you’d like us to answer or read out then please leave a comment. You can also leave us a voice message on 03 9016 3666 and we’ll play it on the show. Don’t worry nobody answers. As always you can call us live on the show using the number above if you want to chat about anything we’re talking about. Listen & chat LIVE: http://demonland.com/podcast

Happy birthday RDB

What a wonderful player! I wonder if others on this site agree with me when I say that Clarry reminds me of him in his relentlessness and his competitiveness -and even the way he runs. Anyway, happy birthday Ron.

The stats are interesting reading. If Kozzie can be up in the high teens to low 20’s each week we are such a better side. He’s a good user and it may stop him trying to do the impossible. Langdon and Hunter will be spoken about all season long, that I am sure of. To have Hunter get 27 first up is incredible. We have lucked out here - especially when you consider how damaging he can be compared to our second winger over the last 3-4 years

Luke is past tense. Goodbye, have a good life. Am so sick and fed up with this . It's like a divorced man having fancy for the wife who left him for another. Buona sera, si Signore, off you go, have a good life, I hope his mum's recipes are not what he cracked them up to me. Ich habe genug. E basta. Nuff is Nuff. Arriverderci, good riddance, Tom Scully says hi...

we'll be reminded that scott pendlebury used to be a basketballer

Had some fun editing this one! Some call it an urban legend, others claim to have witnessed the phenomenon in person (myself included), but back in Round 7, 2008, Melbourne claimed the most unlikely of victories against Fremantle. After trailing by a match high 51 points towards the end of the second quarter, Melbourne kicked 14 of the next 18 goals to record a 6 point win. Check out all 17 goals kicked by Melbourne during what was a most eventful afternoon at the G!

Looking forward to listening Andy. Happy for you to make it 3 hours long if you like as I’ve been hanging out for my pre season audio fix and I’ve got lots of km to drive 👍

Buns are $2 for Geelong members and $3 for anybody else.

I've made a more visually friendly version

and i bet he's: training the house down never been fitter settling in well helping the kids bring his premiership experience looking forward to having an impact loving all the boys.

So just like Chip, he mailed in his games knowing he was leaving. Say what you like about Danger, he played his heart out with the Crows knowing he was out the door.

I met Kozzy today at the Family Day. What a charming young man! I asked him whether he would sign up with the Dees for next season. He said yes. I asked him whether I could record that ... he said no !! I remember when MFC picked him at #12 in the draft. At the time I thought that was 'overs'. In hindsight ... what a steal!!

Temperature for Saturday 4/3 is 22°C and Partly Cloudy.