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Let me tell you, it was a whole lot more fun being 20 in the 70s than 70 in the 20s...!!

Last night I saw Fritta Jnr, but not Bayley, it was the youngest Fritta, Darcy. The fun-loving of the two, Bayley being the more reserved and quiet brother. Anyways we didn’t talk footy beyond the blinder Darcy played for Coldstream last weekend where he kicked 5.8 and saved Coldstream from certain relegation. He has signed with the Northern Bullants but returned to help Coldstream. We also talked about nude pillow-fights but that’s for a whole other thread. 😁 Fritta isn’t going to Hobart because even though it’s a short flight, the medics don’t wanna put him on a plane when it’s not necessary. It’s not worth the possibility of compression issues. Despite this, 17 Frittata family and friends are attending the match. And Pauline will probs still hold giant Fritta head up because Pauline. 🥰 According to Pauline though, Clarrie is 100% gonna be available for vs Carlton. No doubt at all. 👍🏽 ❤️💙 Oh and Fritta is still looking on track to be right vs Sydney. He’s itching to get back to playing so he’s doing everything he’s told. We’re lucky to have him - he’s so determined to get out on the park for us.

I am so confused, I got told by David King a month ago that collingwood had already won the premiership? Why is the season still going?

Be even more impressive WITH Frosty.

There are a large number of us Demonlanders who watch multiple games across the weekend, and most of us are probably on the mature end of the age scale. So over the years we get to see some great footballers who stand out. I was a huge fan of Paul Kelly from the Swans and would watch Sydney games just to see him. It's the same with Bontempelli. Watching him makes me love the game. Fair, strong, ridiculously skilful, natural leader, match winner. I put him up near Robbie Flower for the graceful way he plays the game. Last night he was at his best.

On a serious note. Any team is beatable if they don't bring their A game. Let's hope the Dees don't think tomorrow is an automatic walk over. Bring our A game and crush them. The 4 points & % are important

Getting down to the business end of the season. Pies have now lost 2 on the trot, port 3.. and Lions have only won 1 of their past 3 games. We've won our past 4.

But Binman, we haven’t come back 17 times in the last quarter to win because we haven’t been down 17 times in the last quarter and that makes us not as good as Collingwood

Today’s media is enraptured with Carlton forward Charlie Curnow and rightly so after his recent goal kicking feats. He was highly touted as a potential high draft pick during his draft year (2015) but a story came out just before the draft about an alleged (I stress “alleged”) indiscretion involving driving and alcohol which caused him to slide down the ranks. He was eventually picked at 12 by Carlton where his brother Ed was already a senior list player. He was the Blues’ third pick in that draft behind Jacob Weitering (#1) and Harry McKay (#10). Curnow was considered a bit of a “slider” as many pundits had him well inside their top ten. Melbourne had two top ten picks in that year and struck it rich with their pick four in Clayton Oliver who was a bit of a “bolter” having been well outside the early top ten boards. The Demons chose Sam Weideman at #9 so our recruiters considered him better than two ultimate Coleman Medalists. We weren’t the only club that would be ruing the fact that they allowed Curnow to slide in his draft year - the Lions selected current Demon Josh Schache at pick 2 in the same draft. So, when we mull over the pros and cons of trading up our multiple high draft picks, it might be worthwhile considering that not all that glitters is gold and that there can be bargains gained in looking at draft sliders and understanding why they might have fallen out of favour. These are Rookie Me Central’s top 5 draft sliders for 2023 and they include a player who impressed when he trained with the club as one of two AFL Academy work experience trainees in the pre season. Bargain Hunting: The 2023 AFL Draft sliders

3 weeks ago, second place seemed out of reach. Now it’s very much in play. Jeez this feels a lot like 2021 with everything starting to fall in place at the right time. Stoked to be at Blundstone tomorrow now. There’s a lot at stake!

C'mon. Choco? Wotcha talking about Willis? Our most successful coach since norm smith for pete sake. The last time we finished top 4 in three consecutive years was 1958-60. He stuffed up last year? Waste a generational list? I would have thought as a long time dees fans you'd appreciate how hard it is to win a flag. We have one. And are likely contenders for several mote years. All under goody. Seriously, he deserves more respect.

Fair win without Frosty

Garry Lyon - a question. Do you recall the dees beat the pies on kb?

Told a Collingwood mad workmate a couple weeks ago the Demons are eyeing off 2nd spot. He poo poo'ed me. I told him this week it'll be a Melbourne/Carlton GF. Looking forward to talking some footy with him Monday 😂

The deal was struck between the AFL and the Victorian State Government. It's not up for grabs. I look forward to 2057 and seeing veteran Melbourne Captain George Gawn holding the cup aloft yet again with ten-time Premiership Coach and AFL Legend Charlie Spargo.

Harley’s had a major impact for the Bombers, 14 touches and a goal assist to half time, and this:

I really, really, don't like this argument - when we do well it's Choco (or Yze, or whoever) but when we do poorly it's Goodwin's fault. Goodwin's win-loss record is comparable to the best modern day coaches. He's taken a club that had struggled for decades and has produced 6 winning seasons out of 7, including 3 (and soon to be 4) finals appearances, at least 2 prelims, and a premiership.

Are you being serious. You weren't a fan till the last 6-8 weeks? Goody won a bloody flag two seasons back! When did you start supporting the dees? 2022?

If a footballer from the 60’s was cryogenically frozen and woke to watch the modern game I can’t figure out if they’d be more confused that the ruckmen have to nominate to compete, or that the names of the 2 ruckmen are Esava and Dante.

Dear Garry Lyon. As a Dees man, I love what you have done for our club, and you were a gun when you played for us. Just a note though - there are 2 teams playing in the Hawks v Pies game and THE PIES ARE ACTUALLY BEHIND. The Hawks are playing better, and thwarting the "rampaging" Collingwood. Any chance you could mention some of the tactical nouse that the Hawks are using to thwart the Pies? Or even their great in-close pressure? Or their team defence. As much as I hate the Hawks, their play deserves respect.

Expecting a 19 year old kid built like a rake to lock down on an in form Dusty when he went forward was delusional!

All the nuffies who told me Collingwood already won the flag

The surprising form of Hawks and WCE should be a warning to us NOT to be in anyway complacent tomorrow - though, granted, Kangaroos are not birds of prey.

Memo to the fox peanuts - 29 points at half time in perfect conditions IS an example of a team with connection and efficiency issues.

Geez, give a fella some authority and he goes all hard core, my way of or the highway, rules are there to be followed.

I thought Dusty did his best work last weekend in the midfield. He got on the end of some good delivery up forward but there was not really anything the defenders could stop. McVee’s biggest error was letting Coulthard kick a crumbing goal when he was too loose.

The latest update from Norf. Whisky drinkers please take your discussion elsewhere. First the Optimists Same, first Tassie game ill have attendeded. I've got a good feeling about this week… I give us a sneaky chance against the scum next week. …there is always a chance Melbourne try a few different looks that give us some breathing room for the boys to get a roll on and make a fist of it. We’re due a surprise win, go Roos! A hint of masochism. Ill be tuning in because I’m a ******* [censored] I'm heading down with a couple of Go Dees siblings. Expect this will be like a root canal without sedative Fortunately I won’t be anywhere near a tv at that time. Otherwise I’d be tempted. I’d rather be in a gulag in Siberia than watch a minute of this game. Acceptance of the inevitable I’ll be 200ks off the Qld coast fishing. No phone/TV service, boat doesn’t have Fox thankfully. Wonder what I can plan for the remainder of the year? With last week's game I reckon we're all back to being the husks we were during that streak last year. Which means every goal will basically feel like a win. Woohoo This playing group is ripe for a belting. I reckon it’s gonna get ugly and early. May, lever and Tomlinson are going to destroy larkey and get a intercept mark record I'm not sure another beating is going to do a lot in terms of confidence. 40 points is just about party time territory. Forward thinkers or fantasists ? (with a whiff of nostalgia ) Would both Grundy and Brown be gettable? My childish dream is BBB coming home. People may laugh but he'd be a better support for Larkey than an unavailable Charlie Comben or CCJ. Strongly agree. Understood the circumstances but hated him leaving. Opportunity for Grundy to get to know his new team mates next year? A tone that maybe familiar to Demonlanders Dawson still no go even after he was very good in vfl. Must be banging someone's daughter Anyone that pays attention to where people are named on the field is an [censored]. People who actually have the ability to pay attention know we do stupid things like name Powell at CHB. One change after that s**t show.. really?. Maybe we need a flogging for changes to occur Lose to the worst side in the competition... NM selection - nothing to see here... all is well. I know there’s nobody knocking the door down but jfc how is Turner still getting a gig? Turner, they are taking the [censored] Silver lining of the club treating selection as a joke is that we can, free of guilt, do the same with the game This club is a joke. Really lost me at the moment. It's just not clear what the club is looking to achieve in the short or medium term with recent selection decisions or the message they are trying to send to members. I hope they get their selection s**t in order next week, because we are a chance to win against another bottom 6 team at home. When Kayne was selected last week, my first thought was that we're tanking. Zero selection integrity at this club and its been that way for years, really starting to s**t me. Another week of baffling selections. We’re either tanking or taking the absolute [censored]. It seems a notable Demonlander has some influence in the Norf camp !!!! So I'm left stewing, taking the positives as they come, and resetting next year after they've hopefully had the fear of Beelzebub struck into them during preseason @beelzebub

the fact we are not playing Hibberd goes to show how amazing Bowey and McVee have been

Would have been 68 today! RIP GREAT MAN😘

Come on Cats..... .......oh god i cant say it without throwing up

Of course i want Geelong to win so second spot is available but, honestly, i absolutely hate them. Has any Geelong player, EVER, accepted that the free paid against him was deserved. I would love to see the dissent rule enforced against them.

Another dose of the flu? They need to look at their control systems for infectious diseases. I've heard colliwobbles can be really debilitating.

Serious question. When was the last time we were 44 points down half way thru the last quarter?

David King right now ..

I can't turn the Pies v Hawks game on and haven't since half time - I don't want to jinx anything. If the Hawks pull this one off, look out Mrs Maldonboy!!

This game is why the MCG is one of the great stadiums in the world. The atmosphere is electric. We are very lucky to have the G.

Garry Lyon is smart. Continue talking them up. Get them to listen to the noise and get complacent. All part of the plan I reckon 😂

Gary Lyon - let's see how this GREAT side responds. For the love of God, they are not a great side.

There seems to be some revisionism going on here. In 2022, Geelong did not rest all their stars. They rested some of them, when they clearly needed it. Every player is different though and Geelong's list was much older than ours. Last year, our players were banged up and pushed through it. At the end of 2022 and start of 2023, the club spoke of ensuring we managed players better and were able to hit the finals without being banged up. This has always been our aim and we've managed players' TOG throughout the season, and used a greater amount of personnel to give ourselves options at the pointy end. There is also a load management variable that simply taking a week off for someone like say Viney, means he then has to make it up on the track and risks losing match touch. We're about to get Clarry back, Jack is a warrior and can take a defensive back seat a bit more with Clarry's inclusion. As for Max's comments about 2022, has Max said anything about being banged up this year, Cranky? Max missed a whole heap of games and had Grundy rucking much larger portions this year than Jackson ever did, so last year was last year, and 2023 is a completely different story. To say selection against North could see us banged up like 2022 is frankly a ridiculous call, not to mention it presumes that load management, injury and our fixture in 2023 was exactly as 2022. It clearly wasn't... we have a much softer run in this year. 2023 looks like North, Carlton, Hawthorn and a struggling Sydney in Sydney. 2022 saw us play Freo in Perth, Collingwood, Carlton and Brisbane at Gabba. You could only compare the two run ins as similar if you were acting in bad faith. FWIW, I would have played Grundy this week for Max, but that might have been a bit fancy, and it's much better to maintain continuity, so I can see where the FD is coming from. Then what do you do if Grundy is brilliant? We've made the right call.

At Melb airport, taken by a DA member… Casey on a bye so not surprising that they’re taking everyone to Tassie. Just nice to know he’s looking fit and happy, by all accounts. ❤️💙

Can we fit another Turner?

Finishing 2nd means we don't leave Victoria. If possible, we'd want to play Port or Brisbane at the MCG in the QF.

I have a peculiar feeling we're setting ourselves for the 1st QF....and against the Pies.... that i think is our best crack at the Flag.. In that view we might be 'trialling' a few more modified line ups if for no other reason than the observe the checks and balances of the group. The finals campaign as we all observe is a different kettle of fish. If all goes well for us it might be but 3 games. But we need contingency through all of that. There may occur the necessity for a bit of plug and play if injury surfaces. Tomorrow's game is an excellent opportunity for refining the optimum mix whilst maintaining fitness through the list. Those that trot out will be expected to.do the job on Norf...to do the things they've trained and to do them better and better with each outting. I always seem to have my stomach in knots with Joel playing a full game but his efforts recently have been stalwart. Can.he apply same for 4/4 atm ? That's a q the fd are im sure asking and for Smith to answer. Again this game a good one for that to be tested. Dusty comes in and out of games now. His best is brilliant. It will test anyone. I think Riv is growing in leaps and bounds...but he'll still be handed lessons... he's still young ( really ) Woey... this season.is a bit of a blooding. We need to temper expectations.... he might or not get many more munutes this year but another full preseason.. will help immensely. He's on his way. Already a handy backup. Milky... love his footy.. This end of the season and finals is made for him and he for them. Hibbo.. has qualities a few others dont. He'll be played when suits. Brodie... no idea really. I can only guess the real plan for him over this and coming years is not quite what we thought...though i sense some revision by the club ( and him ) has occurred. Time will tell... Have a sneaky he might be cleverly instrumental during finals. Think Brown is now Back up Benny. Not to be discounted as we need players who CAN step in. Harmes, Spargo, Jordan are role players...not all roles every week. ....and with Clarry coming back ( some point....one day ) ...well theres only so many deckchairs you can shuffle. Will watch the game with much interest...more about the HOW we go about it than the scoreboard. Go Dees

I'd love to see Orlando bloom in Demon colours.

I think we'd be crazy to at least not attempt to trade up for Harley. Imagine a starting midfield unit of Gawn, Oliver, Viney, Petracca and Reid 💦 Not only are you picking up another tough country lad (Tongala special) who doesn't take a backward step, but you're planning life after Petracca and Viney. Oliver is still only 25 so still has years left to form a good combination going forward. What this also mean is that this adds more years to Petracca longevity in the game. This will give Petracca the opportunity to spend his last few years as a dangerous forward and not the crash and bash midfielder. Do it Jason Taylor and Tim Lamb!

Fun fact: Round 11-16: 39.63 Round 17-20: 52.39

That would NEVER happen! Harmesy knows better than to come anywhere near the cheer squad. 😜

I thought McQualter was doing alright after Hardwick. Gave them a few wins and some hope. Dusty was playing beautifully against us. Just not enough time for the veterans to get up, after only 5 days. If a 5 day break, needs both clubs to have the 5, otherwise too much advantage to the one with more days. If prime time telly, should really have more than the 5 day breaks, especially at the back end of the season, if they want a spectacle. Also, the Docklands curse for Richmond. They need to embrace the travel.

As someone else said here ... Grundy has provided great value in the sense that we've now got a fit & firing Gawn at the right time of the year Max looks totally rejuvinated and that couldn't have happened without a Grundy type to often take the burden And we can manage Gawn & Grundy ongoing for the next 4 weeks and then September So it's the sum of all the parts not the micro image that only the media want to see