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With a new signing on display, I decided to drive the 50min (traffic wasn't too bad this morning) down to Casey Fields and get a first-hand glimpse of Majak Daw. Some of you might say, gees don't you have something better to do than watch training, but when I used to go to Gosch's Paddock it was always a great way to get a better appreciation of the idiosyncrasies of certain players - whether it be Lynden Dunn and his booming voice or Trac skylarking or Joel Smith doing speedy run-throughs in the rehab group. As a fan, you can pick up so much more by watching from the sidelines - it's why I'm somewhat bullish in my prediction that Paul Spargo's son has finally developed enough to be a reasonable chance of making it and why I won't be surprised if he lines up in the middle of the park in Rd 1. My fanatical Demon supporter training ritual has been forced to step up a notch this year with the move down to Casey Fields meaning for most of us it's a long drive and an incredible commitment to head out that far. Gawny of course likes it because it's a quicker trip home for him now that he's down on the peninsula, but for many of the players it's also a long haul back to their favourite cafe post-training. Anyway I was excited to see Majak close up. I mean we all see them on the field on game day at other clubs, but it's more fleeting look - "gee he's a big dude" or "wow that guys a great kick or has got amazing speed". I remember watching Majak when he was way younger playing in North's defence in a practice match at Etihad Stadium when we played Jesse Hogan as a 17-year-old because we were so desperate to encourage membership under Mark Neeld. Jesse kicked about five that day and not all of them were on Majak, but apart from thinking Jesse was a freakish teenager, I remember thinking, "Gees, that Majak guy is going to be some player such was his visibly superior strength to most of the other guys. I'd checked the website before I went down to Casey and as has been the case pretty much every week since X-mas, there's no details on when or where the boys are training. But we all have figured out that it's Monday/Wednesday/Friday at around 9.30am. The lack of info on the club website is not a Facebook thing. On the direction of the AFL, the club has just shut up shop to protect the players from any potential intrusion from fans and for some (read a few Richmond boys and their coach) that policy might be a godsend ensuring their media arm doesn't have to ward off enquiries or risk a fan calling out some unwanted remark - pretty few fans actually call out in reality, but the fear that they will is there, just like the fear of COVID, however infinitesimal, is there. The AFL has encouraged our move to Casey for training because there's a fence that means control of fans is easier in the COVID era and there's less chance that their player bubble will be broken, which is totally understandable ... to a point. But it comes at a cost of fans, like me, being caught up and lost in it and therefore attacks your core base of support - which runs contrary to what the club is trying to achieve - membership and passion about the club which in turn leads to advertising which in turn helps paying players. A couple of times recently I've stood behind the fence at the goals end, one of the times in pouring rain, and observed. But today I was hopeful that a bit of sanity had finally been reached about the COVID dynamic at Casey because it was tipped to be hot and I didn't fancy being burnt out in the open, especially as Casey and wind goes hand in hand. What I had expected was that the countless CCB's that the club has around the entry point to Casey that are used on women's games day would have been re-utilised to the far side/shaded area allowing the few avid fans like me to watch from a distance about 25m away from the edge of the ground in fresh air - that's way beyond any COVID-safe requirement, although it would doubtless fall outside the AFL's blanket "no fans at training" policy. But alas our GM or CEO have yet to figure out how to serve both the fans and the club and are yet to get approval for a fresh approach from the AFL. So the fences were locked today and a place outside the fence behind the goals beckoned. At least i knew I'd be able to hear Chocco bellowing instructions and with a bit of luck Majak may be playing as a forward down my end. But alas, there was no-one there. Unbeknownst to me and a vast majority of fans, except for the inner-circle ones with ties with players, the club had given the players four days off this weekend. Thanks Melbourne FC. Please get your website up to speed (don't rely on Facebook) and start having a think about how to manage the handful of fans like me that want to attend training. I'm told they will train on Monday. I am not sure if I want sit in traffic again just in case the club changes their mind and the trip back towards the city is always longer when you've got nothing to dream about.

Apologies also from me.I too went to Casey this morning all fired up to provide a report and was disappionted to find no one there. HOPEFULLY next week I can provide another report. Cheers to all P.F

Oh man this is priceless. Pre season training thread arguments involving Saty and he's not even on here.

This a moment i absolutely never sick of watching.

Geelong and Hawthorn finals 2018.

williams has played one game of midfield his entire afl career thus far i'd take oliver over cripps, petracca over walsh, and viney over williams any day of the week

So sorry to hear several guys went to the (not insignificant) effort of getting all the way out to Casey, only to be disappointed! Just wanted you to know that we DLers really appreciate the effort. Your reports are always devoured by those of us far away supporters. Just sorry you weren't able to deliver today, due to no fault of your own! Please don't let it discourage you from future forays down the Hwy...

Beating Hawthorn in a Grand Final can not be topped.

What beats the Melbourne V Bulldogs at the Western Oval when we needed to beat them and Hawthorn needed to beat Geelong for us to make the finals for the first time in 23 years. It was the final round. With 2 mins to go in our game and holding The Dogs just about every Dees supporter at the ground was glue and listening to the radios as the siren went at Kardinia p[ark and Hawthorn hung on to a 3 point win coming from behind thanks to Dunstall's winning goal. The Dees supporters at the ground all went ballistic while our game was still in progress it felt by the players of both clubs had stopped and thinking the siren had gone. However the Melbourne boys would have worked it out quickly l believe. Brings a tear to my eye, 1987. They did it for Robbie,

The 2000 final v Carlton where Green and Bruce tore them apart is my favorite.

Finals aside the Jack Watts Queens birthday game is a big highlight. In terms of turning a corner (it seemed at the time) the Gold Coast game Round 1 2015 was a real lift. We beat up a fancied Suns team and played some really good footy. And I remember we scored our first coast to coast in I don’t know how long. I was in disbelief when Dom Tyson slotted it. The first really enjoyable Saturday afternoon I had spent at the G in ages.

Oliver’s contract feels like it’s going to be the most overcooked, most annoying storyline of the year.

I have it on good authority that Clarry will be a demon in 2022... .... As he doesn't want to play for a fanbase with this bloke in it:

Bad luck for him but a great opportunity for one of the new crop. Not perturbed by this at all. 30 this year but still contracted for 2022. May have to spend some time at Casey. Hope he does that with the good grace shown by Lewis.

Surely the 2006 elimination final against the saints us right up there. I remember thinking this game was the making of Brock McLean and we had the next Nathan Buckley on our hands. Nathan Carroll bringing down G-Train which completely turned the game that night also.

When I still had my VCR working, it was the 1998 final round vs Richmond. Melbourne could go top 4 with a win (after finishing last in 1997), Tiges needed to win to make the finals. Farmer's mark in the opening minutes and then a clinical dismantling of Richmond over 4 quarters.

Anything from 1994 is my AFL comfort food. Final against Footscray is a favourite.

Hi Deespicable. An entertaining read but couldn't you at least have made something up? You know the drill...players training the house down, Daw's a big unit and seems to be fitting in well, good to see players using their wrong foot in kicking drills, Oliver is turning into a lobster in the sun. That sort of stuff. None of us would have known the difference and we would have had our need for training news fulfilled.

At least the drive wasn’t a waste, there’s heaps to do at Casey.

Thank you Old Dee and Better days ahead. It is appreciated. First "good luck" and "happens all the time' is tragic. Luck won't repair this let, alone rolling over acceptance to next time. You didn't hear from that bloke Peter because the Board didn't allow it. To their shame. Second. Do you seriously think our Club is financially robust enough to build new centralised facilities. It's dreaming and a cynical distraction, a tease, a carrot to maintain status quo and screen a woeful financial performance over the last couple of years where this Board has burned through half the Club's members' equity buried under sales of assets and now a gross introduction of a unsupported land valuation. MFC is not a real estate investment. But it has reverted to that asset to prop it up. (phew. I can now take a breath!) And don't be distracted by Covid. It only affected half the year and had $4.5 million Jobkeeper grant to partially cover that hole. Richmond got more than TWICE that. How? AND the full impact of Covid is THIS year and NEXT. That is the year when the Club looses $4.5million pokie income. Has anyone heard of a replacement income stream from this Board? They have already had a couple of years to think about it. If there is one , why hasn't it been widely promoted to Club members? This Board is failing us, then has the temerity to advocate 'stability' and use dubious restrains on allowing 'fresh' reviews. You're right old dee to wish me luck BUT it is all of us that needs that luck. Go Dees.

[censored] off Carlscum

The AFL has warned in briefings to clubs that even the slightest movement to the left or right from the man on the park will incur an immediate 50m penalty. Umpires now warning that this absurd change will be incredibly difficult to police and the effects either way will have a big influence as 50m penalty may be awarded or missed. Remember when they introduced the pritected zone how over zealous the umps were ? This is likely to be a lot worse.... The Rule 1. Players on the mark will be told to “stand” by the umpires. They can jump straight up but have to land in the same spot. 2. Any lateral movement from the man on the mark before "play on" is called will incur a 50m penalty. 3. It means players on the mark will not be permitted to take a single step to the left or right before "play on" is called. 4. Once the player in possessions moves off his line and "play on" is called, the man on the mark is free to leave their position. The AFL are idiots.

Bring back Misson!

blessing in disguise.

This one's a ripper.

Goody will still play him. BFF.

This. Best two game sequence in last ten years. Hate both teams, and their smarmy fans, was a pleasure to be at, and a pleasure to relive... more please..! ??

Is it correct that all clubs are training in "lock out"? If so, is that a State Government requirement or the AFL? I for one am missing not going to training but I might make the effort on Monday. Thanks for making the effort PF and D, great commitment.

A club official posting on a a fan forum, what could possibly go wrong? Only about 1000 different things. They don't need further channels of communication, they just need to decide if they wish to use them. The official policy which has been communicated is very simple. All trainings are closed. The club can't exact promote a locked training session for fans to come stand around a fence. Should they reply to fans who contact them via email, phone or social media - I'd hope so, but that's a different scenario.

Final quarter against essenscum at windy hill in the 90s. Bennet tore them apart in the last quarter.

One key element of any successful business 58er is communication. The club should be communicating to its members - not the other way around! They want our money, yet treat us with disrespect. Just not professional enough in my view, and must improve.

Wow. Talk about burying the lede. Unfortunately I knew the punchline. In keeping with my promise after my last visit I rolled up at Casey at 9.45am. The gate was open. Cool I think. I’ll grab a great spot. Errr but the car park’s empty. After a slow circuit of the car park I exited Casey Fields at 9.46am. Just the easy 119km round trip to boost my carbon footprint.

Everyone here has condemned this before they have even seen it. I put it in the category of 'most people hate change'. There will be some implementation issues (and dire headlines capitalising on the fear of change), as there always are, but those will inevitably fade as it becomes normalised. I don't mind the rule at all. It'll annoy people (because change = scary and bad) but it will encourage less crowded defensive zones because it will force a defence to commit more players to defending short kicks. Short kicks (and maintaining possession) will now be far more valuable since they are a more attacking option now. A short kick means that there is space to attack, or finding overlap runners from behind who have space to kick. In previous seasons defenses encouraged the opposition to take a short kick because it would slow the play down and left only two attacking options: a chip sideways, or a bomb down the line. The best football happens when teams link up with handball and run the ball through a defence. It's exciting and creates goals (and turnovers too). The current 'bomb down the line' game doesn't encourage that at all because it's too easy to block up space around the ball. This at least encourages space and movement around the ball, which should encourage riskier attacking play. It isn't the high scoring we're trying to encourage, it's the risk taking. Taking risks is what generates excitement, and this encourages more risk taking because they're more likely to come off.

It’s quite easy to work out what he is talking about. Crystal Clear actually

If we were to lose Clarry to Carlton, it would be because he's chasing money and because the coaches had decided his down sides had not progressed. So while it would initially seem traumatic for us fans, it wouldn't be the end of the world (especially given the trade currency it would open up). I'd be shattered to lose him, I don't want to lose him, but I think it would tell us a lot about him if we did.

I have zero concern. We are no longer a club that loses quality players. And if we did lose Clarry it would be due to professional incompetence on and off the field and we would deserve the result. Every club would want him but if he left it would be for success, which would leave the Blues well and truely out of the running I refuse to be drawn into this discussion (until maybe June when I start to panic)

Very sad. I will never forget Murray's clashes with RDB during our golden era. They were epic. Sympathies to Sam and the Weideman family.

I'm sorry but since when is Williams of a sudden a better midfielder then Oliver? Absolutely laughable and actually an insult to Oliver that you've pinned Walsh on even terms with Oliver, but rate Williams above him in midfield ability. Just remember he's made the initial All Australian squad 3x as a midfielder, and won a club best and fairest. And he's only 23.

The thought of Clarrie going to Carlscum or elsewhere makes me feel nauseous.

This is my first post. I devoted myself to support the MFC five decades ago. I plant red and blue fuscias in my garden. Baghdad Bob quote above has shaken my belief in the current Board and the process that has led to their election... And follows on from my shock of being told by the Club President who not to vote for. Mr President, you have poked a bear. I have registered the following question to be put to the Board at the AGM next Monday. Who provided the 'fair value' land valuation of 22.5 million and what were the disposed financial investments for $6.58 million and was that at 'fair value'/cost? These two numbers of $millions (one is the Bentleigh Club land increased by $13.5 million, or 257%) may have been plucked from thin air, for all of the lack of information in the Financial Statements for 2020. I am a retired businessman. Fellow devoted Dees on Demonland: this does not pass the PUB test. Baghdad Bob was right to ask, what are they hiding? These two numbers and how they were determined, go to the heart of the question of whether the MFC is a financial going concern, or in pub language, is it broke? The President's previous oversell of the virtues of a small, effectively self appointed stable board, using tactics suppressing candidate statements and access, has warnings all over it. Fellow Demonlanders You did not hear more than 150 words from any candidates because it seems the Board changed the rules prohibiting them from any further member contact. They were effectively gagged. How could this happen? I think I'm right in saying that for the first time under this President, we had the opportunity for input of an 'independent' snuffed. The new candidate had exceptionally good credentials according to his LinkedIn account. But the President actively canvassed his non-election. This is appalling. Who is this President? It is intolerable. It is now my firmly held view that the election process for this Board is void. It has tainted the entire Board. I do not expect my first post will be widely appreciated but it is motivated by my truly beating heart (yeah, someone will say bleating - derr) for the red and the blue over 57 years. Yes, I decided that the Dees were MY Club, 10 minutes after the first game of VFL football I ever went to. The 1964 grand final. I truly believe I will get to see the next one. "The behaviour of the Board is disgraceful and bitterly disappointing" (Baghdad Bob) and in my view, not one fit to lead my Club. My Club, that is on the cusp of its next grand final win. Notice to the Board : this bear will not hibernate this winter.

I just hope he doesn't play Frittas paddock again

Sign up Max and l believe that Oliver will stay and sign well possibly between rounds 5 and 11 just a hunch that is my gut feel. As for the Trac he is signed till the end of 2022,. Max is a Melbourne boy no doubt and l think that Clayton is along the same lines l am confident of that I wouldn't say it if l wasn't confident. However it will be a big sigh of relief when Clayton signs on the dotted line. Just need a good start to the season .

Nah. Cripps is very good but battered and beaten-up, Walsh's disposal is very suspect and Williams barely played midfield. Clarry, Trac and Viney have their measure i reckon.

Cripps is overrated

Hopefully I can get down again for another report! Cheers PF

Three tall forwards stick with the structure and wait for BBB and Weid to be back from injury. Trac is a power Mid then a forward when resting . We have a good mix of talls mediums and smalls now. Tracs goals have mostly come from when he is playing a mid role. His goals are almost kicked on the run or marked outside the 50 metre arc. Tmac , Jackson, M Brown For round 1 unless BBB makes a miracle return.

I like Petty up forward.. HF Pickett Petty Jackson FF Hunt Tmac Fritsch And rotate Harmes and Petracca in there. I rate Hunt as a forward. Great kick and his pace destroys lines and backmen.

I’m not (currently) worried about our list. It has sufficient quality, depth and diversity. However, I still have question marks about the quality and dynamism of our coaching (outside of the Ooze and Mr Williams). Goodwin (potentially) still has a dynamic forward line available to him early this year. As stated in the opening post, this however will require some flair and out of the box thinking. It’ll be interesting to see if Goodwin can will himself to get him there and smash the traditional, formulaic, old school paradigm-based forward line thinking. This is the zone in which the good coaches earn their pay. Quite simply, we need to kick more goals this year. Goodwin knows this. Time will tell if he can execute/achieve this. In the meantime, stay classy San Diego.