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https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/exdemons-attend-reunion-instigated-by-neale-daniher/news-story/66a1ba13f5fef4d94b9d5d37ad31fe2f Footy great and motor neurone disease (MND) campaigner Neale Daniher has instigated a reunion of some of his beloved players. Daniher, who coached Melbourne from 1998-2007, caught up with stars from his beloved 1998-2000 team including David Neitz, Brad Green, Russell Robertson and Rod Grinter. They had a lunch at Lamaro’s in South Melbourne. “Neale actually planned the lunch, we’re in a group and he calls it ODD — the old dilapidated Demons,’’ Green said. “It was great. He’s still walking around and speaks through a computer generated system. “I can’t remember the last time we all caught up like that with 16 or 17 guys there. Lot of laughs and old stories being told.” Daniher was diagnosed with MND in 2013 and continues to inspire the nation with his determination and Fight MND campaigning.

This is not a six retrospective as I was locked away like everyone else. 2021 - Hope is eternal but for demon supporters' life is a [censored]. Lock down continues. Free Agency Melbourne sit on their hands. In the trade period Melbourne swaps pick 53 and a future 3rd round pick for Brisbane's pick 43 and their future 4th round pick. Adelaide gives up pick 33 and 50 for future 2nd and 4th round picks. Braydon Pruess is packed off to GWS for pick 31. Pick 25 arrives from the Swans for picks 31 and 43. Ben Brown, pick 28 and a future 4th rounder are traded from North for picks 26, 33 and a future 4th rounder. Pick 18, 19 and a future second rounder are traded from the Lions for picks 25,68,69 and a future first rounder (eventually pick 1). Pick 46 and a future 4th rounder (tied to North) are traded from the hawks for a future 3rd rounder. Harley Bennell and Kade Kolodjashnij retire. Kyle Dunkley, Oscar McDonald, Aaron Nietschke, Coery Wagner and Josh Wagner are delisted. The National draft sees Jake Bowey (21), Bailey Laurie (22) and Fraser Rosman (34) added to the list. Jay Lockhart is elevated from the rookie list. No one is selected as a rookie. Majak Daw and Deakyn Smith are taken in the pre-season supplemental selection period. Ben Brown, Jake Bowey and Bailey Laurie are added to the list of men still standing along with Jack, T.Mac, the skipper, Salem, Christian Petracca, Angus Brayshaw, Alex Neal-Bullen, Clayton Oliver, Jake Melksham, Joel Smith Jake Lever Charlie Spargo, Bailey Fritsch, Harrison Petty, Stephen May, Tom Sparrow, Kade Chandler, Marty Hore Ed Langdon, Kysaiah Pickett and Trent Rivers. The season was played during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Games went ahead with largely no crowds and teams in quarantine hubs all over the country. Melbourne for the first time in a long time ended the season on top of the ladder, 2 points and percentage clear of Port Adelaide. The rest is history, and the majority of Demon fans watched the mighty demons barn storm their way to a 13th flag still locked in their homes under a curfew. (Thanks Dan ---- Not) Enjoy. 2021- Bang.... bang, bang, bang 4k ==> https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-KwQXsG/i-MVQjQLL/A 2021- Bang.... bang, bang, bang Mbl ==> https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-KwQXsG/i-zkmqMXX/A

If you look at the second photo of Jefferson on 12th Gallery you can see where his strength will be. He has really long arms and takes the ball well out in front. He doesn't try to Klunk it, but more with soft hands like Fritsch. Even from that photo you can see a defender having trouble trying to spoil. Compare it with most photos of JVR where the ball is taken more above his head. For him it works because of his leap and crash into opponents, but also makes it easier for a defender.

Footy is coming.

Mainly the same guys that played in both finals that had us in winning positions but didn’t execute. We are no worse off than last year. We did not lose through lack of creating scoring chances but poor execution and conversion away from finals wins.

I kind of think Hipwood is underrated now. He wasn't good for a long time despite the media pumping him up, then the media turned on him and since then he's kind of being pretty solid by upping his contested work. Maybe Oscar Allen of those 3 but Watts with more time to develop and also a more natural leap and overhead mark is probably realistic. I think he'll have to either pressure at ground level and/or find some easy footy up the ground and use his skills to really make an impact. He needs a few strings to his bow to cover for not being the tallest, quickest or most physical. Reports of him laying a few tackles at a recent training session are positive.

Let’s keep the thread on topic folks. No derailments. Footy is nigh. Don’t forget to buy a snag from @WalkingCivilWar at the Demon Army BBQ to support the cheersquad. Mention Demonland to get 0% off.

I work in comms and it is a daily battle for me. I argue weekly that we need good quality content that takes time to produce. The outcome is quickfire memes that get good engagement but die in the [censored] quickly. Does nothing for brand recognition or growth and merely boosts your social media klout albeit temporarily. The people you're targeting aren't organically engaged in your primary product and so when you actually start talking about football, they disengage. It's the offseason. You could run Top 100 goals, marks, plays, and tackles for 2023. Countdown of the best games vs each appointment. Interviews with players. Instead we get TikToky garbage. This is my daily battle.

Thanks very much for sharing this Grapeviney. Neale is truly an inspiration in the real sense of the word. His courage and strength transcends all sports and his work is incredibly important. All those I know who have met him over the years comment on his warmth, His smile and genuine laughter. How privileged we are to have him.

With 7 periods of play you can have 2 seperate teams play 3 quarters. And the middle mixed to give certain players time off or extra time and you get to see how some youngsters go in strong competition well that’s how I see it,

I hope for. 1 No injuries. 2. Windsor to lay strong claim for the second wing. 3. Validation of the improvement in Laurie and Howes to be AFL ready. 4. Billings to show some clean kicks into a leading JVR. 5. No injuries.

Disclaimer: Saw on the socials they were down at Gosch’s Paddock so headed down for a quick look. Little to no presence of other track watchers and no current live thread, so as a first time contributor, giving what the people need! It won’t be as expansive and comprehensive as what we’re used to… but it’s something. Conditions: Hot and windy (no explanation needed). Training Format: Tailored match sim; line grouping skills; running.. and lots of it. Observations: Tailored Match Sim: Offense orientated simulation. Focus on transitioning the from defensive wing to forward 50. A team forwards appeared to play on the A backs, with Midfielders having cross representation of personnel. General observations – We still bias to target kicking into the pockets. Attempted to lower the eyes on several occasions to get into the corridor, but the defensive group were strong at intercepting and pushing the rebound. Goal kicking was accurate in windy conditions. Oliver – completed his 2km Time Trial pre-session and was fully integrated with the main group for match-sims (so yes, first session back with the group). Was on a modified running session program separate to the others. Had plenty of the ball in match sims. Was great to see close to the start of the season. Schache - appeared to be the A forwards, along with Fritsch and Van Rooyen. Assume he’s in the starting line up whilst Petty is out. Was a key target on the long kicks into the F50. Pickett – so active and such a livewire in the FWD line. Was the most dominant and damaging player. Billings – genuinely looks to add class synergy in D50 and F50 connection. VanRooyen – not quite as big as May (direct opponent), but is the closest thing we have to a big bustling forward. His development this year will be so important. Tomlinson – looked very settled in the A defense team. Played a lock down defensive role on Schache. Viney and Trac looked very silky in the midfield, as did Sparrow. Other observations on the mids were challenging… I’m bamboozled by the detail you guys can provide on the mids at training. They all look the same to the untrained eye. Line grouping skills: Only observation was that Windsor and Langdon were with the defenders. Perhaps Windsor is the emerging winger for Prac Games if Hunter remains out? Running: Various running drills, split into running groups that have been well documented on previous threads. To my surprise, Kolt was in the second group, albeit on a modified program - clearly has some speed and tank to build on in coming pre-seasons. Started to feel nauseated watching the efforts in the conditions so decided to call it a day there. Anticipated and frequently asked questions: Petty was not partaking in training – stuck to the side with a ball in hand. Salem was on the track and fully training in at least the match sims and line grouping skills. Hunter & Fullarton were on a modified running programs sticking to the boundary line. Fullarton was doing some larger kms so looks to be recovering well. Don’t have a comprehensive list of non-trainers, so would only be guessing - which I want to avoid! That is all I have. Enjoy!

Who's cutting onions?

Glad this thread is now finally back on track, after wandering through the fuchsias, tulips and broken glass along memory lane. From dee-railment to re-arailment. What excites most is there will some new blood in the team, with young Caleb & Co clamping at the bit. Could be some real beauties out there with the beginnings of the changing of the guard.

Any chance of naming them? I recognize Grinter, Neitz, Greene, Yze, Nicholson, Holland, and Travis J, but I can't see Schwarz, and, Mister Grinter - god bless him - was before Neale's time...

Fred's daughter

Time for Sparrow to go to the next level I reckon.

Think Adam’s may have been used as a forward with some success in juniors Maybe he can be Petty mk2

They have a McDonalds there? Or is that the personal section for TMac's family.

Because Jack Viney said so And I’m OK with that. But this round zero thing has got me well and truly [censored]!!!!

I think Oliver may play a quarter or 2 like Salem when the youngsters come on. I think Howes and Woewodin will play with the senior players. I think the First 4 quarters will be seniors' last 3 quarters' will be reserves. Seniors B: McVee, May, Lever HB: Rivers, Tomlinson, Bowey C: Windsor, Petracca, Langdon HF: Billings, van Rooyen, Neal-Bullen F: Fritsch, Schache, Pickett FOLL: Gawn, Brayshaw, Viney IC: Howes, Sparrow, Laurie, Spargo Chandler, Woewodin, Hore, Tholstrup Reserves Salem, Oliver, Jefferson, Adams, Verrall Sestan, K. Brown, Farris-White, Moniz-Wakefield Can't wait for the game especially to see how the youngsters go. It's good to have footy back. Go Dees.

Mostly invisible when it’s hot but not a bad second ruck? No, I doubt that’s the aim. Specialist goal kicker in the Fritsch mold who hopefully adds a contested/structural tall role as he bulks up over time is surely the aim. Just might be a slow build

All fair points. I agree he could improve his marking. I'm sure he will as he is so obviously driven. I have only been to one training session this year but I could not have been more impressed with his marking, particularly in one on one drills with key defenders. He out muscled and out marked May right in front of me and i loudy sledged May with the old too big, too strong call - much to Maysie's displeasure, who (correctly) pointed out the ball was kicked to JVRs advantage. In terms of tricks in the bag, I'd reiterate two points i made earlier that I think are areas he has real edge in. For a young KPF in his first full season at AFL level, he did a hell of a lot of rucking. I watched him at Casey at the beginning of his first season and his ruck skills were average. By the end of that season they were pretty good. But last season I thought they were excellent - particularly his tap work. Great he has the skills, even better that he obviously dud the work to develop them. None of the other young key forwards did anywhere near as much rucking as he did, some not at all, other than occasional forward 50 throw ins. And whilst i concede this may well be confirmation bias, my recollection is all the young KPFs mentioned, with the possible exception of Logan McDonald are decidely average in the ruck - particularly both King brothers. JVR will only improve his ruck skills as he gets stronger and bigger (he has another 3-4 years of incremental growth) and as he keeps honing his craft. That is a big string to his bow - and point of difference - particularly in a period where every team is playing a ruck and forward/ruck. Personally I'd like to see him ruck less this season (so he doesn't get smashed and worn out so much - that might be a factor in his marks per game average). But in two to three years time he could become a real weapon in the duel role. If your KPF is as rubbish at rucking as the King brothers, teams are forced to bring in a player like Lobb. So having a key forward who can ruck to a high level is a big advantage. Particularly if your main, or second ruck gets injured. Also, when JVR is fully filled out he will be a beast and be a weapon at inside 50 ruck contests the way Hawkins has been for the last few years. The other point of difference is his tackling numbers. With tackles inside 50 being so important now, having a KPF tackling twice as often as his peers is a big tick. This particular conversation started with a comment by me that not all is doom and gloom in terms of our supposed forward line woes as in addition to Fritter, JVR (who surely we can agree, if not the best, is ONE of of the best young forwards) will go up a couple of levels. Which, for me points to another curious element in the logic of some who think we will slide because other teams will improve. Why curious? Because the implication is we won't. Yes we have key players like maxy and maysie in the back end of their career. But EVERY team does. But that is more than balanced out by the likely natural progression and improvement of established best 22 players like JVR, Koz, Sparrow, Rivers, Chandler, McVee and Bowser. And under Goody, every seaon a young player has come into the side and established themselves as a best 22 player and improved the side - some like Bowser and mcvee from left field. Any one of Woey, Howes, Laurie, Turner, Adams, Sestan or Monez-Wakefield could be such a player And of course, so could one of the first year players like the colt or Windsor.

What happened to the China experiment? What a strange one that was . I understand the Nrl is going to Vegas. Is it some boffin just trying to get a holiday os. I'm also sick of the Superbowl hype over here. Who cares. Don't we have enough Usa stuff on telly and music? Rant over. Feeling better. Tx.

I am not too sure how many will be out but the following is my stab at first 18 with what I think are players who have minor injuries or are a bit underdone to play yet left out (see list). B: McVee May Hore/Tomlinson HB: Rivers/Brayshaw Lever Bowey C: Langdon Petracca Billings HF: ANB Schache Chandler/Tholstrup F: Pickett* JVR Fritsch Ru: Gawn Sparrow Viney Int: Salem (should be managed back to just two quarters), Laurie, Windsor, Spargo Injured/unavailabe: Oliver, McAdam, Petty, T.Mac, Melky, Hunter, Fullarton, B.Brown, Turner * Pickett out Rd 1 (susp). To play final 2 quarters with VFL players - Howes, Jefferson, Adams, Verrall, Sestan, Woewodin, K.Brown, Farris-White, Moniz-Wakefield And in the absence of injured tall forwards, Schache has to be given first shot at the role of forward/back-up ruck. We cannot continue to risk JVR getting injured as the back-up ruck - yes I get that he is better qualified to do it, but Schache deserves first shot at it before we try more risky/reward options such as swap out a defender such as May to fix our forward woes. The other thing we all should remember is that the SCG favours talls - it is shorter than other grounds and you need more marklng options than normal. Hence Schache is required for the season opener and should only miss if he shows absolutely nothing in our two practice games.

I know Stan personally and not only was he a fine and BRAVE player he is a TOP BLOKE!

I was at training last Friday at Casey and was super impressed by Windsor, he has got all the skills and does remind me of Whitfield, as someone commented on earlier. it was a closed session and a bit more tactical than normal and the boys were a bit more willing. Don’t ask me for a run down because I spent a lot of the time inside and missed a lot of the session. I did pay particular attention to the Duke.

Australian Zoo had slitheras covered!

Written by Johnny Young

VFL Fixture Round 1 vs Box Hill, Sunday March 24, 2:00pm AEDT (Casey Fields) Round 2 vs Footscray Bulldogs, Saturday March 30, 2:05pm AEDT (Casey Fields) Round 3 vs Port Melbourne, Saturday April 13, 3:05pm AEST (Casey Fields) Round 4 BYE. Round 5 vs Richmond, Wednesday April 24, 2:05pm AEST (Swinburne Centre) Round 6 vs Williamstown, Sunday May 5, 2:05pm AEST (Casey Fields) Round 7 vs Carlton, Friday May 10, 5:10pm AEST (Ikon Park) Round 8 vs Brisbane, Saturday May 18, 11:05am AEST (Casey Fields) Round 9 vs Sandringham, Sunday May 26, 2:05pm AEST (Casey Fields) Round 10 vs Coburg, Saturday June 1, 1:05pm AEST (Piranha Park) Round 11 vs Collingwood, Sunday June 9, 2:05pm AEST (Casey Fields) Round 12 BYE Round 13 vs North Melbourne, Sunday June 23, 2:00pm AEST (Casey Fields) Round 14 vs Northern Bullants, Date TBC, Location TBC Round 15 vs Brisbane, Date TBC, Location TBC Round 16 vs Essendon, Date TBC, Location TBC Round 17 vs Frankston, Date TBC, Location TBC Round 18 vs GWS Giants, Date TBV, Location TBC Round 19 vs Footscray Bulldogs, Date TBC, Location TBC Round 20 BYE Round 21 vs Gold Coast Suns, Date TBC, Location TBC

The real thing def has a case. Cracking song, that stills stand up. Produced by Molly Meldrum.

Went to put Kayo back on and it’s $35 per month so ended up buying an armchair membership for $250 so works out about $20 per month and I assume will go towards our membership tally, so anyone with Kayo who are paying the $35 cancel it and sign up through the club

I must point out that 10 seconds reflection allows me ample time to push Hi Honey Ho, The Real Thing and Gypsy Queen forward... A long way forward. 68 next week is my only excuse.

And Hunter.

Optimistic having Petty, McAdam and Oliver in the side.

I'm not sure who's still on the shopping list at this point? Are we just going to rely on Adzy to talk Big Tom Lynch into requesting a trade for our 2024 1st, to rebuild? Could be a win win move if he has a year or two of injury free good footy.

Yes. Bring it on. it’s been forever. I use pregame, gameday, and post game threads as my relaxing read. Away OS in September so if that is not a reason to see as much as I can during the year. I don’t know what is.

He was in the rehab group on a modified running program after Christmas before briefly returning to the main group before returning to the rehab group for the last 2 or 3 weeks. No word on a return date from any official channels.

Surely it’s MJ’s marking and kicking skills that set him apart. Possibly leading a big asset also.

Just don't ask for a chicken burger.

I’m hoping to see some evidence of what we have been working on in the off season. ball movement, hitting targets, connection between d50, mid and F50. What? a man can dream can’t he?!

It seems to me that no matter which way we attack, we get plenty of opportunities to score. It's just that we don't convert opportunities to goals often enough. Let's not overthink these strategies. What we really need is an on field mentor to guide our kicks at goal. I nominate ANB to fill this role as he already speaks to the players. GO DEES

It's beginning to feel a bit like footmas.

Those clear spaces are usually out wide on the wings. That's the longest path to goal. Oppositions will often just concede that space in an effort to flood back. When we eventually go long into congestion, if we don't score then the ball rebounds out with space everywhere for the opposition to spread into and use. The last few years we haven't had the foot skills required to make the most of our entries. Our defenders have been incredible and made our game plan look more sustainable than it really is IMO. We need to move the ball forward quicker and cleaner. That's the crux of it. Easier said than done!

My sources tell me that Werridee has reported this post to admin. Something about ‘cutting my lunch’.

I understand that Jefferson has had an interrupted/modified preseason but from all reports he has integrated back into the main group over the last few sessions. I'd like to see him get plenty of forward minutes in these games against the better opposition defenders to see what he has to offer. With injuries to BBB, TMac, Petty & Fullarton the pin might need to be pulled on him earlier than we might have liked. Let's see what he can do.

I am making my first trip down to Casey this Sunday. Is there adequate parking if I am a little late for the 10am start time. Might not get there till just after 10. As this is a substitute for the Family Day will players be available after the game for autographs or at least the players who might not be playing? Is there any seating available? Thank you in advance for any answers. Excited to see the Dees play live in the flesh again.

I would always be concerned that a tall defender takes ruck duties in the backline - it leaves his match up unattended. Less of a problem with forwards IMVHO. Do we actually know how much running fitness Clarrie has been gaining when he was away from the club? Wayne - I really would love you to be right but like so many I have my doubts. Here's hoping.

Have it on good authority that Tom is tracking along really well and a chance of featuring in our practice match against Carlton on Wednesday February 28.

oh the days where we had the under 19's, reserves and seniors, supporters throwing streamers and cut up paper and cheer squads with floggers, kicking the football on the ground after the game, getting on the red rattler to go home with the doors open and smoking on the train, hitch hiking to get home.......