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This is the first video I've ever made but I hope it gets some people signing up! Feel free to share this on Facebook or twitter wherever you think it may reach our supporters. Let's smash the 40,000 members target! Go Dees!

Saints should get the 4 points. They were at the ground ready to play. Bombers were not. Simple really.

Of the newer players: * Magner is a real find and will play in R1. Instantly forms part of the midfield rotation. * Davis was very solid. Looks a year away but has skill, poise and gets to the ball * Couch got better as the other players got tired/slower. Need more convincing * Tom Mac only got a few minutes - why? * Seller - bigger and better than Matt Warnock. Not sure yet why Adelaide delisted him. Looks like a fairly ready made gorilla-minder * I thought Jack Fitz contested really well around the ball and showed a good motor to get away and win possession Of the known entities: * Nathan Jones could become elite. Go ahead and laugh. But his rate of improvement, especially using the ball, is amazing * Jeremy Howe will be a freak. * Joel MacDonald is likely to spend the majority of this season at Casey * I am a Jamie Bennell fan, but he needs to play closer to his man * Watts is a better #2 forward at this stage - I thought he did OK with limited opportunities - he will ebnefit from Clark being in the arc. * Sylvia is all class * Stef has every possible gift but is somehow NQR. Hoping the brain-fade doesn't reappear during the regular season. * Petterd needs to improve his set shooting To me, there will be a lot more contests for spots on game day. This is a fantastic development. Top 8 beckons....

Perhaps the single aspect I was most impressed with from tonight's game was that we didn't run out of legs towards the end of the game. Our side didn't look tired, and that wasn't from a lack of effort. The players could have easily (we've all seen it before) given up because we were "well enough" out in front, or because of a lack of fitness & drive, but they kept on running, contesting, and, what seems to be quickly becoming Neeld's catchphrase, keeping their heads above the ball. Feels great to win, feels better that we can expect more performances like this in the season proper.

I miss the VFL. The tribalism of suburban rivalry. I love the old grounds, junction and western oval. Windy Hill, morrabbin, VFL park. People were more colorful back then with the real footy tragics wearing a thousand player buttons, duffle coats etc. The days when you could have a real beer at the footy (not watered down crap), pack a picnic and kick the footy on the ground after the game. What I loved most was watching the reserves before the game. Identifying the talent coming through. Bring it back. This new professional era has taken the footy away from the people. It's been taken over by the corporates

Me too dee-luded but it might just be our age mate. and as that old saying goes "there is nothing more constant than change"

The most interesting things I heard last night were from Chris Connolly, Jack Watts and Russell Howcroft. Watts talked of the impact of Mitch Clark being there and providing an example of how a tall forward should play and more importantly train. MC has a good pedigree, being an understudy to J Brown for most of his career. Watts also spoke of being pushed hard by the coaches and having more expected of him, but that it was good and he appreciated it. Reading between the lines, it's something that wasn't done enough (or in an effective way) during Bailey's reign. Jack singled out Neil Craig for always being there on the sidelines, yelling, on your back, pushing, pushing, pushing. And that at the end of the session, NC is always there, coming over to have a 20 min chat, and going to pains to explain why he pushes and prods them like that, what he is trying to achieve, and what they should be trying to get out of it. We are lucky to have Craig. Chris Connolly mentioned the Future Fund itself, and growing the group, as one day we will be pushing the club forward in an off-field sense. We need to promote the quality of these events, which have been great so far (and continue to get better), and if we can grow the group to be 4 times the size, it will go a long way to make us one of the power clubs. Actually I think Don McLardy said a fair bit of this. But what Connolly did say was that he had spoken to guys like Brad Green and Cameron Bruce, life members, guys who had played the majority of their careers at the club - it was now their responsibility to do whatever, go away to another club for 5-6 years if they want, but come back to the club and work towards building into a power club.\ That responsibility to put back into the club, like those before them that set the foundations so they could have a decent career. And I guess it's not unlike our responsibility as supporters, especially when it comes to a "junior-coterie" group like the Future Fund. Finally Russell Howcroft told of what he had learnt temporarily working on AM talkback radio for the last 6 weeks. If you have a topic, and nobody is calling up to talk about it, you're failing as a talback radio presenter, and won't be on the air for much longer. And what's one thing MFC supporters generally don't do? - call up talkback radio to talk about their team. So to trace that back, radio stations won't talk about MFC because we're not a "sexy" club that will generate a decent response, like a Collingwood or Essendon. Personally, I've always listened to some extent, but thought that to call up was mostly the domain of idiots and those with too much time on their hands. And it's kinda true. But it doesn't matter how stupid you or your point are to the presenter - they just need something to keep people talking. And talking about MFC, keeping the brand ever-present, is good for the club. I had always thought to myself - as a supporter, what can I actually do to grow the popularity and strength of the club? Beyond pushing acquaintances who I know support the club to buy a membership, what can I actually do besides pour my money into it? Will this is one way, with really minimal effort - call up the radio shows. SEN, 3AW, MMM... Get on the air, get passionate, and it becomes infectious. It'll have a snowball effect. Hell, even if it's the same 10 blokes calling up, sounding like idiots, as long as they are filling the airwaves with MFC, talking about Watts' potential, Morton's skinny arms, Sylvia's guns, Blease's pace... I guess it's all about promoting the MFC brand - about brand awareness, and the increase in supporters and interest in MFC will come from there, and eventually it will become self-fulfilling. There is only so much the club can do, and we all as supporters have a responsibility to work towards a stronger MFC. A bit rambly cos I'm tired, but you get the picture.

The sentimentalist in me would like to see one game a year where current AFL listed players play for the team they grew up supporting. Given three elite players in Judd, Franklin and Pendlebury all apparently barracked for the Dees we'd have have the start of a very strong team, however i'm not aware of many more to select from. I've started a team below - can anyone help me complete it? ??? Dylan Grimes ??? Jack Grimes ??? Simon Buckley ??? Moloney Andrew Gaff ??? ??? ??? ??? Franklin ??? ??? Pendlebury Judd

Just fantastic to laugh at the Collingwood scum in my pub and watch them make mistakes because of relentless pressure . It might only be NAB but the important thing we showed was a relentless attitude . Wattsy had a bad night but took their best defender .Ricky had a good night .I had a great night!!

Was at the game and without the benefit of watching a replay. Jones, Magner, Petterd and Sellar all excellent. Howe and Sylvia both played good cameos. Promising signs from Davis and I thought Couch was much improved on last week. I see the AFL site has named Garland our best but I thought both he and Joel Mc made some appalling errors. If Neeld is serious at this stage Watts will not play round 1. Effort was there but I just dont think he gets what his role is as yet.

Good: Jones Magner Petterd Sylvia Couch Garland Bad: Bennell MacDonald Ugly: Watts- won't play round 1 unless form picks up

It looks like an era of contested football ,making proper tackling effort ,guarding the mark properly ,killing the ball in defence and directness in attack .Really good signs . Even with a lot of errors ,we still won .

just listening on sen but james magner sounds bloody good !! come on boys lets get the win now!!

About 58 points ahead of where I expected us to be, so I am not going to dare complain. Having said that, please give me bragging rights tonight Melbourne. For once let me have celebratory post footy drinks instead of misery drinks. Go Dees!

Well regardless of the result, and believe you me i hope they win, what i am more/mostly happy with is the WAY they are playing. We have been crying out for this fierce attack on the ball and the man for years....

I know, but it's great considering on the radio since it sounds like all Filth there.

Nice burst of three goals there from the Dees!

Jumper looks better on tv !!! no more pink.

Yeah Essendon forfeited - in the amateurs if that happens the the team present, gets the points and a 10 goal win for percentage. I mean the saints got there with no problems. I'm sure their would have been an airport close by they could have gone too and then bused. Maybe they're scared of the rain since they play inside all the time now!

We barely have enough fit/not rested players to fill out the 22 + 7 squad for tonight!

Even if it had stayed purely Victorian no way Fitzroy and South would still be around. Lucky if they weren't followed by several others too.

The Filth have lost at least five out of last years team with 3-4 still out injured also. I'll back my boys in.

You have conflated two issues here. The flood and press have nothing to do with the move toward a national code. Coaches would have invented these tactics if the competition remained as the VFL. I was too young to truly appreciate the "suburban" feel to the old VFL, so I have nothing to add to the actual debate.

Yeah...nah. Definitely not real accounts. Just sayin.

It has to be so - with the NAB rule that if the ball goes out of bounds off a foot ( irrespective if its on the full or not) then its a free kick against - it would make you rethink the hugging the boundary line philosophy. These games are purely to put new ideas, structures and game plans into action.

Love the blazers. Scwabby put a pic of an old blazer up on twitter about 18 months ago and I replied saying with the want to assert our heritage it would be good to have the boys in them. Who know, perhaps the sowing a seed. Good on him though.

Good thread interested in all comments tend to agree with DW Fe and OD.

Interesting listening to Cam Mooney talk about Jonathon Brown's injury on SEN today. I'm paraphrasing, but I think it's pretty close. He said at Geelong "we always thought nobody trains as hard as Geelong, but one thing we had as rule was 'no 3rd man up in a contest at training' cos it's just too dangerous. And it looks like that's what Goose Maguire has done here." Sounds like a sensible rule, considering the photos of Grimes' shoulder injury. Looks like Davis was 3rd man up, causing the injury as he collided with Grimes. Obviously these things are accidents, but they can be mostly avoided with common sense. Anyone got Neeld's email?

I like it we are the oldest football club in the world with a proud tradition, lets embrace it while we move forward and create new memorable moments for this great club. Not everyone has Brownlows to look back on and lets face it the jumper changes every year or two, when your old and retired you can show your grandkids your blazer you got for playing with the Dees, can't by them in the shop son

I like it. Don't have to be stuck in the past to appreciate the tradition of the club.

I like it..................if they were sitting on the interchange bence wearing them to keep warm during a game, then I'd say we've lost the plot, but for special functions etc I reckon it's a great idea. I like traditions, and things that remember the past........especially when it comes to footy clubs!

I reckon it's great. Far from being stuck in a bygone era the MFC is leading the way in re-branding and this initiative complements that direction. The MFC is steeped in tradition and recent decisions to embrace such a triumphant history only highlights the fact that our great story has been mothballed for far too long. There are always those that are critical of anything new, so unanimity on this issue is a pipe-dream, but in the main I think it will be well received.

we might have the mantra as the mt.bulla fans but better that then being seen as a collingwood centerlink bum. nothing wrong with a bit of class i love it.

Great idea. Actually forge meaning for the club.

I don't mind it... could give the players more of a sense of "belonging" to a club and its traditions.

Whether players are traded or moved on or move on they can still choose to remember their time at the MFC will fondness and pride.. This is all a part of the club building its brand and rediscovering its heritage as we go on to write new pages in its history. I dont mind it as an idea, interesting to see how all others and players view it.

i kinda like the idea. every kid growing up playing cricket wants to one day own a baggy green cap. it would be great if the tradition can grow some legs quickly and one day it would be evry kids dream playing auskick to be able to one day own a baggy blazer. this would be dependant on these kids seeing the boys up on stage one september with the premiership year embroidered on the pocket. it makes me tingle with excitement.

If it were to be worn all the time, then it would be "schoolboyish"., but as a special occasion garment that was only bought out out for premium occasions I think it is OK

i think the result does matter A belting will not be good for 2 reasons. -does nothing for the confidence of players going forward and also shows they cannot implement the game plan. - Will have a negative impact on people buying memberships, unfortunately the MFC needs to look to have improved.

Thanks AW, and this backs up what I have been saying on a different thread. Watts will benefit more as a forward from having Clark there. Just becuase Clark will be our main go-to man, doesn't mean we should send Watts to a different position. What he will learn from Clark playin g(basically next to him) will be far more beneficial to his development than playing as a loose man in defence or across half back.

Interesting to hear Watts talk. Reading between the lines of what he said, the coaches weren't hard on him enough last year, didn't expect as much as they maybe should have, and his development was hampered somewhat by not having a decent tall forward to learn from. I should have been taking notes, but the beers were free...

Was a good night, not too much said that hadn't been said already through media. The usual hardest pre-season/everyones training well etc. McLardy, Connolly, Howcroft, Garland & Watts were there All spoke well (told everyone what we wanted to hear), hung around and spoke to a lot of people afterwards which was good. Col mentioned Aussie is doing well, and that he really enjoyed pulling the raffle tickets out of the hat at the functions previously. That's all I can really recall, I was towards the back, and with no microphone it became difficult to hear with the city noise around

I like this attitude. I do. Neeld always mentions the fact that the club still has an inferiority complex when it comes to the facilities Collingood have even though ours are as good as - or even better than - theirs. We are running out of things to complain about, that other clubs don't have to worry about.

Let me preface this by saying that I am leader of the Jack Grimes fan club. I simply love the man. But to all those here on Demonland- Stop Bloody Whinging. Every team has injuries. EVERY TEAM. Brisbane just lost their Captain again. Collingwood has two knee reco's and a few other medium termers. Hawthorn could barely field a fit side last year. Fremantle started recruiting blokes from the mines to fill in.... It is a contact sport and injuries will happen. I don't want any Melbourne player to ever get injured and i will curse the world whenever it happens, but stop acting as if it only ever happens to us. Whether he is back in two or ten weeks, the true test of whether we are an improving side, and even a good side is whether we have depth to cover. Whether there are blokes who can and will step into the void. If you think i am talking crap, think of a premiership team who lost their all australian CHB just before the finals and he never played again. Yet they have won 3 now in 5 years. If that's what we are aiming to become then we must develop a robust enough list that can cater for these situations. I love Grimey and think he is an absolute Jet. I am very thankful that on the face of it he will be fit for round 1. But if he is not then we need to be good enough to cover his loss.... So quit the woe is me crap and the it always happens to Melbourne attitude as if no other club in the AFL has experienced it.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpBkc2jK-6w

I was so traumatised watching Bambi as a child, I'm pretty certain I cried for a whole week about it. I guess it was good preparation for watching Melbourne.

Trapper was a No 1 draft pick, broadly assessed as the best talent in his year. And I can understand why. His good points at his peak were intoxicating. However Trapper never worked out what was required to be truly succcessful be as good as he could have been. He was a wasted talent. We did get good years in 2002 and 2005. But it was a poor return in over 10 years at the Club. Sylvia has talents but not to match winning capability of TJ. He was OPed early in his career that held him back. I have no doubt Col puts in the effort. I dont think at times he has the smarts under pressure. But I think with Col its WYSIWYG. I hope he is the sort of player that does get better as the team does. I think Ben H made a good observation about Sylvia being a finisher and predator..If we could get a productive side going with a multi pronged forward line then Sylvia would be a hard player to cover. Great overhead for his size, strong and can kick 50+m goals. While I dont see him in the midfield I can see him there in short bursts. Agree I have never viewed B'low votes as a reliable metric of performance in a side.

Scored 10 votes in the Brownlow. 2nd best of all players at MFC, led the club for goal assists and second for tackles, and top five for possessions better than Trenners,Jones,McKenzie ect. A lot better than people give him credit for.

How old is col now? he really gets to me sometimes. I wish he would just get out there and use the god given skill he has and start to turn games for us. i think he is sometimes just in another world. Please col do it for your fans and knuckle down just like beamer said at the b&f you could be anything. GO DEES

He might be in his 9th season but his first 4 was over coming and managing OP, from Memory it was only about 2-3 years ago he had the operation to fix this. To me Col Sylvia is a midfielder that has had to spend to much time playing deep forward due to injury restrictions and our lack of key forwards. The ideal role for Col is that high half forward that plays more like the old fashioned wingman linking the backs to forwards. I would like to see him spend more time in the midfield but once again you want him to play that old fashioned centreman working between the defensive and attacking 50m arcs. We need Col delivering the footy to our forwards and also work to be able to kick those 50m+goals. I think we are still to see the best of Col, hopefully we can get 8-10games of the very good Col and only 1-2 games of the very bad Col in 2012. He is the most dangerous player on our list when playing well.