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I’m a “reader” and not a “poster” as evidenced by my 144 posts in 13 years. I’ve also never taken a fellow Demonlander to task before. Yet, your post kept me awake last night. I only post this now because of the high regard I hold for the quality of your posts and your influence on other Demonlanders. As an additional preface, I want to make clear that I share your concerns with all the issues you have raised about the present state of the game. I have not followed the game for as long as you. However, in the 35 years I have followed the game, people have always complained about the umpiring, the rules, the tribunal and the administration. Furthermore, there have always been those who have claimed the game is at its lowest ebb. I suspect it has always been such and always will be. This discussion need not be restricted to football. People make similar comments about the state of society generally. So, I am naturally sceptical of such claims. What is missing from your post and similar lamentations is balance. For all the negatives you have identified – and with which I agree – there are positives. Most obviously is the phenomenal success of women’s football and the explosion in participation. This is great for the game, gender equality and public health more broadly. Football clubs and matches (AFL/VFL and local) were once places of open racism that was not only tolerated but encouraged. Racial slurs were seen as a legitimate way of putting an opponent off their game. Whatever you think of clubs taking a stance on the Voice, surely we can agree that there is less racism in football today and that is a good thing. What was once glorified as toughness has been better identified as thuggery and the game is cleaner. Does anyone really think we need more players running past the ball to shirt front an unsuspecting player? Toughness is better appreciated as playing the ball and never shirking a contest. Viney, along with Oliver and Petracca, are outstanding examples of tough and clean players. The players are bigger, stronger, faster and more skilful. The tactics and strategy are more complex. Fundamentally, when you strip away inconsistent umpiring and ambiguous rules, the game is still fascinating and spectacular. I look at my young boys. They love playing this athletic and skilful team game with an odd-shaped ball, just as I did at their age. They have no awareness of the concerns I have about the direction of the game. Though I’m sure they will when they are my age, when their own kids develop their love of the game and I bemoan how the game is not what is was in the 2020s when the MFC won a cabinet full of premiership trophies. My point is, just as the game and society change, so do we. Psychological research shows we have a tendency towards preferring to maintain the status quo as we age. We also have a cognitive bias towards negativity and we weight losses more than gains (i.e. the negative effect of losing $100 is greater than the positive effect of winning $100). Evolutionary psychology theory argues we have evolved thus because this confers a survival advantage (at the expense of our happiness and with the burden of anxiety). So, the negatives are easy to identify and we tend to overestimate their magnitude. We may need to look harder, but the positives are there as well. Across the course of my life, on balance, both football and society have changed for the better. Thanks for your great insights and humour over the years. I trust you will receive this post in the spirit with which it was intended.

Why is everyone suddenly worried about who kicks goals. Because we lost TMac? He isn’t exactly kicking bags at the moment. JVR and Smith can easily get 2 themselves. It’s not like we’ve lost a Coleman medalist. The bulk of our goals need to come from smalls as they have all year. If Fritta can find that magic goal kicking foot of his again, I’d be very thankful.

I like this side. It has versatility written all over it. Smith gives us something different. Bit like Frosty. Can do amazing things and unfortunately can also stuff up. Could give the Blues backs some problems. Tomlinson gives Lever a chance to do his thing and of course Hunter gives us better disposal efficiency. All up I'm happy with this side and hope to hell we give the Blue Baggers a horrible hiding. Go Dees

All valid points. Can we just lose the loud music at the games, that’s all. The rest I can handle.

Many thanks to @Demon Spurs @Queanbeyan Demon and @AzzKikA for keeping these threads going over recent weeks. I enjoyed reading them albeit after the games.

Thanks for the compliment and I do receive the post as you intended.

My favourites: I need suggestions for things to do when Carlton are playing. I’m probably old enough to join the local men’s shed but I’m scared they’ll have a telly on in the corner. Might volunteer at the dog shelter, can’t be angry when you’re looking after the poochies. I think I’ll make other plans Friday. Can’t imagine watching another soulless performance is a good use of time. Come & join me for a shopping spree at Chadstone 😂 Chadstone... omg that could be just as bad as going to the footy! I only shop at the Paris end. Go clothes shopping with the significant other. You'll be back watching footy faster than a politician breaks an election promise. …maybe I could spend the time finding a significant other? Did you just copy and paste my format? ;) Yep, I'm not clever enough to do that [censored] on my own. Besides it looks pretty professional. This has a hiding written all over it. Things are only going to get worse. At least I get married the next day. They can only ruin my Friday night. I fully expect to look in the TV Guide and see this game listed under the "comedy" genre because they're going to make us look silly. C'mon Vossy, we know you're lurking around here looking for ideas. At least give the fans something different to cheer about...if we're gonna go down, lets go down swinging rather than take the 'safe' option. Same old same old.

The mood was downbeat before we lost to Freo and didn't improve much as the week went on. Significant pre-occuption with the non selection of Dow. Here is a sample of comments on the same theme. Another Friday night game. Another weekend ruined. We’re killing Friday night footy again Dees by plenty. This is going to be ugly. I've gone from extremely disappointed to feeling the old comfort of going to the footy next week with zero expectations of being able to win. That has done it for me We may not score. We will make the eight. Couldn't have had a worse start to the season and we find ourselves half a game out. Common sense says we can't continue to play this badly. We will go on a run at some point. Just when you think all is lost, it always changes. They lost today, there going to be hungrier then ever, and with our key personnel out OUCH!!! This could be the week we say bye bye to another coach!!! Can we forefit? Watched Melbourne lose this weekend. All the little things didn’t work for them. The ball bounced the wrong way at the last second, the shot at goal just missed, the pass was a metre long. Watch all these things magically happen for them on Friday night. There is still a glimmer of hope within this team. Maybe all is not wrong like it looks from the outside. When it clicks, because it will, it has to. It is going to be be special. Lets hope its this Friday night! Demons aren’t traveling well at the moment, hopefully our boys spark up and bring home the 4 point. I’ve got everything crossed for the best possible result a win. Surprised Cerra got off but happy with it. Looking forward to May & Lever breaking intercept marking records and McKay kicking another couple out on the full this week. Put JSOS on ball, ditch the stupid ruck move. Fisher on ball to spice things up even more. TDK lead up forward. Stop making silly bombs into congested space. Stop making Jesse go for contested marks against players twice his size. We might actually have a chance..lol I thought we'd begun to move past the 'bomb it long' strategy. I even thought we might move beyond the 'boundaries at all costs' mantra. Until we learn to effectively use and exploit the corridor and lower the eyes (two things you'd think would be pretty basic - not easy, but basic) then we've got no chance. While Mirk's ruck work is improving he just can't get involved around the ground. He needs to be clunking them like Cox but he doesn't. Would get exposed against 2 of the best around the ground rucks in the league. We will play Grundy into form this week -- expect the big man to have a night out -- I hope silvagni not forced to second ruck Melbourne might play Harry into form this week ... What will happen is some lesser-light will suddenly have a burst of good play that kills us and the game, then this same person will disappear for the next several weeks. Just say Melksham when you mean Melksham. I can't disagree with you eg Melksham beat three Carlton defenders to win the game for them in the last 30 seconds last year ...that was a real kick in the hurtful places. Watch van rooyen, kick 4+-a star in the making Pickett is playing CBB as much these days - turning into a Rioli class player - unfortunately. When he 'rests' up forward he is still making stuff happen. Fritsch is a freak - I see McGovern as the only serious match up - unless Saad is asked to play a totally negating role on him - that could work b McGovern has no defence. He’ll get carved up. IMO, It has to be Kemp and Young needs to come back.ecause they match up for leg speed and jump - but that takes Saad out of rebound duties. I would love to see Charlie off a HFF just going where he pleases……push into stoppage, burst pass for a handball receive. Gallop up the wing as a hit up target…..if anything it would make may and Lever more accountable Fritsch is the one that worries me…he and Melksham and Kosi P Felt a little sorry for Harry today hearing how it’s been a struggle lately with his kicking etc. especially seeing his mother in the rooms giving him a hug They have bad memories of the job Melksham and Kozzie did on them last year. Kept them out of the finals Still have this niggling fear Harry will find his range this week so I was preparing for an upset. Nonetheless, they have me convinced of a win. Dees by 3 goals.

The best outcome is that Tomlinson recaptures his early 2021 pre ACL form and we get a fit Petty back into the forwardline to save us.

Just had a look on the AFL site. May didn’t play until Round 3, and Tommo went out for him. So I don’t think all 3 haven’t played together (May, Lever and Tomlinson), at least this season - and last year I don’t think they would have with Petty back too. I really hope this makes it easier for Tomlinson, and frees up Lever to intercept.

About time they brought in another defender. Hopefully this frees up Lever

Smithy!!!!!!! Love it.

And they're not playing on each other, so what does it matter if their forwards are taller? We've brought in another tall defender, so tomo can take McKay and may curnow, with Lever third man in.

Perhaps not such a bad thing to be a bit shorter up forward on a potentially slippery night. All 3 forwards are pretty good when the ball hits the deck. And with his leap, Smithy plays taller than 191 I reckon.

Yeah I'm one of the few on here that think he has something to offer up forward IF he's body gives him a chance. He is not a Backman, is far too loose. He has pace and can jump I'm really hoping they can turn him into someone who can spoil the oppo rebounder. Good luck Joel

From memory played round 1 down back and had a very serviceable game against the Dogs. Then was the fall guy for our shocker against Brisbane in Round 2 where the midfield went missing and the backline crumbled under pressure with May putting in a shocker along with many others. Tommo was then banished to Casey where he has played very well.

Selection needs to be based around helping May and Lever play to their strengths. They are absolutely key to our success and we can't afford Jake Lever taking just 2 marks a game and dropping one crucial one in the dying minutes to concede the sealer. The fact that they only have 10 coaches votes between them (I think they've only polled in 1 game each) tells me their either out of form or are badly affected by our new look defence, sans the one less tall defender and less Max Gawn helping out. Once these two players start dominating games again, we will consistently win again.

Fingers crossed because Tomlinson playing well (at the standard we did see from him for a good run before the injury) would make a huge difference to our options for organising our talls. Smith we all just want to see a good effort and effective team play and let the poor [affectionately censored] get a solid block of games into him. I don't mind these changes. It feels a little bit like 'not minding' a 10% rent increase because everyone else seems to be getting charged 30% more... but it is bearable.

This is from a friend and his ‘mail’ has been accurate lately in regards to changes. Joel Smith is in to play forward, Tomlinson and Hunter the other ins.

I just want to meet one person that really likes the loud music at games so they can be interviewed on the news.

McVee's composure and decision making is perhaps up there with Salem...difference being McVee actually has pace. I'm surprised people aren't more bullish on him, I think he's a high level talent

Premier League supporters complain the same way we do. Their game has been hijacked by corporates, all about the television money and the likes of Anfield, Emirates, Etihad and Old Trafford now are tourist meccas with long term supporters often priced out of the game

Good. And I hope they debut him soon.

From AFL website: MELBOURNE is in discussions on a new deal for youngster Taj Woewodin as he pushes for an AFL debut. The versatile youngster is due to come out of contract this season at the end of his standard two-year contract after being drafted at the end of 2021, but is in contract talks for an extension. A two-year extension would be likely as with the majority of draftees coming out of their initial contract.

I thought we'd begun to move past the 'bomb it long' strategy. I even thought we might move beyond the 'boundaries at all costs' mantra. Until we learn to effectively use and exploit the corridor and lower the eyes (two things you'd think would be pretty basic - not easy, but basic) then we've got no chance. This one sounds just like us!

May will take Curnow. He’s been in better form recently and he has the speed and height for that matchup. Tomlinson will play on McKay. Again good with height there as McKay is very tall. The leaves Lever to take Silvagni which is a far better matchup. Hibbo was never going to play on Curnow. The height difference is too much and would leave us very vulnerable in the air. I am glad we are taking no risks with Hibbo. He is very important against the smaller Pies forwardline.

Certainly smaller when you compare us to them. But not that unusual. Have a look at Collingwoods forwards size for comparison. Plus you have to remember we're rolling two 200cm rucks through there regularly.

Happy with the Tomlinson inclusion as mentioned has been very solid down back at Casey and will help Jake play his intercept role, Hunter is an automatic inclusion and looking forward to what Joel can bring to our stagnant forward line. How good if he can clunk a few contested marks as well. Going to be a bit of a nervous watch at the G tomorrow night but aren’t they all the way we are playing. Hurry back Clayton and Hibbo.!!!! Plus a bit of forward manic pressure would help.!!

Many factors why BBB hasn't broken into the side: - Fitness possibly still an issue. Might be on lighter loads until later in the year. - His ability to get any separation from his man (which was always his no.1 strength) has been greatly reduced. No longer presents like he used to due to lack of pace and not much of a contested mark. - Really struggles to do much when the ball hits the deck, especially in most likely wet conditions on Friday - Lack of forward pressure. I would say this is the main one. We're getting burnt off opposition winning and releasing the ball too easily out of their back half. He's been a liability there for a while. So I think its worth giving Smith a try

Agree on Hibberd - this is a clutch game and Hibbo's drive and aggression will be missed....other than that, am ok with Tomlinson and Smith in. Thommo can take McKay , May tags Charlie and Lever floats. BBB not suited to wet footy anyway - his time will come. Our small forwards have to step up.

Thank you. ❤️💙 PS: on the subject of balance, please post more often.

Not sure what they would make of the comments in the game day threads 🙄

Trac in his interview on 360 mentioned this in so many words. How tackling was being coached by choco and that maybe players need to guide the tacklee* to fall on the tackler. Fwiw, he also mentioned that their efficiency going inside 50 was rubbish on the weekend, particularly himself. I really like Trac, he's honest with himself. * may or may not be a word

Welcome back Luci and, as usual, great work!

The last 25 games are irrelevant now. I’s the next 15 that count!

I nominate this as the BEST POST OF THE YEAR!!!!!

Dont mind these changes actually. Keen for Friday night footy and hopefully a win!

Thank you Sped, great reading, balanced, easy to read and uplifting. Please post more of these well considered, and gentle thoughts. How lucky those kids of yours are, if your parenting approach is anything like what you have offered. Keep the beautiful communication and I assume the parenting work up.

I like the ins, I’d prefer Hibbo was playing but good to see players being managed. Tomlinson has excellent VFL form so let’s hope he brings it. As for Smith, well nobody knows but he’s got a chance to prove he’s capable.

He doesn’t.... imho.. i really like Tom... very personable. A true swing player.. on his day an excellent user of the ball and one of those with as a Mr J Wayne would suggest ...true grit. Always remember a game against Swans a few years back.. the bloids had come back and were besting us.. Tmac in the pocket.. Something snapped/switched.. he forced himself upon the ball.. flung aside a number of Swans ..pirouetteted to line up on sticks ..and bang.. I was mightily impressed... But sadly Tommy cant bring that version to play anymore... his body is cruelling him. Hes lost pace and though he still has a tank he's not quite there in AFL terms... and that must annoy him as he is a proud bloke. If he can play and be useful at Casey...i hope he uses the time to his enjoyment.

Apparently he didn’t lose a marking contest in those first 7 games prior to the ACL

Speed Demon, your post was just what I needed, thanks for sharing some perspective.

At least Smith has been kicking goals, especially over the last couple of weeks. But Smith is much more athletic than BBB, so presumably FD are looking for a more mobile forward line - was quite stagnant last week.

What’s wrong with TMac? Injured again or just struggling with age? Reckon they’re getting Hibbo cherry ripe for KB. Maybe to play on Adams.

Maybe interviewed at the ground while the music is playing?

🙂They might stay clear of that one and preserve their sanity. Or be like me and read it only up to the first bounce.

One at the G will do me fine!

That's been the story of our season, and funnily enough, mostly in the games we've lost. At what point does it move from bad luck to an indicator of a mental problem? 30 Brownlow votes and 3 successful tribunal appeals

Even thinking about losing to Carlton makes me feel ill. so I've had to snap myself out of thinking we will lose!

Oddly, in a manner, many if those remarks could have been effectively transcribed from the previous Port and Dockers efforts at doom and gloom. Yet here we are These scummy folk are a lot more certain about the Dees than im prepared to be currently.