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If the week when preseason training melds into scratch matches with other clubs, is the first marker for the beginning of a new season, then this has certainly been a torrid opener for the Melbourne Football Club in its campaign to remain a leading AFL premiership contender in 2024. The Demons were already under enormous scrutiny from the media and football’s fan base (including their own) after consecutive straight-sets finals exits, with Clayton Oliver’s well documented woes, the Joel Smith ban for a positive drug test, a mounting injury list that is heavily skewed against its forwards as well as the spectre of the off field scuttlebutt surrounding the long running battle in court with a former club chairman. It would be fair to say that very little improvement was seen in the situation during the week although, I do maintain that some small rays of light still presented themselves on the horizon. More of that later. Sunday’s match simulation was a bit like Melbourne’s recent weather. The game against Richmond opened brightly with 20 minutes of magical sunshine and five goals, followed by an hour of drenching rain and ten consecutive goals against, during which time the team’s style and cohesion was neither recognisable nor existent. There were moments of sunshine in the next stanza, the lead regained and lost again, then the heavy weather returned in the final term when the Tigers were more fierce in general play against a team lacking the rhythm of life required to win four points that weren’t even on offer. Jack Viney and Christian Petracca were the standouts and Kozzy Pickett was at times special a la Bruce McAvaney among many others who played out small cameo roles. Like Jacob van Rooyen who was clunking the ball well in the early proceedings. Newcomers Jack Billings, Caleb Windsor and young pup, Kynan Brown all showed something, youthful Will Verrall had nice half leaping around in the ruck (but perhaps not yet ready for senior action) when he replaced skipper Max Gawn who called it a day after two quarters (of seven) but not before booting a late goal at the end of the deluge. He then joined the 14 absentees, the ill, the injured and suspended, sitting on the sidelines as the team limped to a 23-point defeat after four quarters. But all was not lost … yet. Clayton Oliver and Christian Salem returned to the football fray in the fifth quarter, several classes above what was a VFL level after-game in three stanzas. Clarry warmed the cockles of our hearts, picking up hardball gets at will and booting the goal of the year deep on the boundary. Let’s hope he gets himself fully right for the all clear to play ASAP because he has too much talent for it to be wasted. First round draft pick Koltyn Tholstrup impressed in his outing as Melbourne slowly edged closer to Richmond and finished two points in arrears at the final bell. Some people still believed the end of the world had come. The team was given three days off but if you thought the rest period would be uneventful, you were wrong. By Monday morning, the critical reaction to the first up February scratch match loss ranged from indifference to apocalyptic. Some felt for the club’s safety in the wake of its various woes and things got worse on Tuesday with the news that Joel Smith was facing four new anti-doping rule violations from Sport Integrity Australia — three for trafficking cocaine and one for possession after his phone records revealed text messages to other players allegedly offering the drug. A news item appeared in the Murdoch press which quoted an unnamed source suggesting the 28-year-old was being "scapegoated" by the club which prompted the response from the club that "Joel has made it very clear that he has no issues or concerns with anyone at the Melbourne Football Club." Some not unexpected editorialising followed from the usual suspects in the media who appear to have been carrying on a vendetta about the club’s culture for a number of years. Read between the lines and the verdict was that the club’s dynasty was over with only one premiership to show for it. I want to comment about some of the editorialising in the media on the Joel Smith situation and allegations of poor culture at the club. Perhaps the more prominent critics need to take look in the mirror and reflect on their own behaviours in response to other such controversies of the past and, in particular, the way a certain club reacted in not dissimilar circumstances. I expect when the outcome of the current investigation is revealed, that our club faces up to what occurred with the proper responsibility that the situation warrants. No denial, no obfuscation nor blame-shifting as we saw elsewhere a decade ago. The acceptance of responsibility if and when the circumstances so deserve will be one of the measures of our culture. More turbulence on Wednesday with rumours swirling that the career of Angus Brayshaw who played such a pivotal role in the achievements of that dynasty was about to end due to ongoing issues with concussion that have stalked him throughout his career. The hammer blow came on the following day when it was confirmed that the Demon champion was retiring from the sport at the age of 28 after recent scans revealed microscopic changes in his brain after he was knocked out in last year's qualifying final by a mistimed smother from Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard, for which the Pies player somehow avoided suspension. A premiership player highly regarded for his football prowess and strong leadership, Brayshaw, who has been at the Club for nine years is much loved by the players, coaches, staff and supporters. Brayshaw walks away with five more seasons still to run on his multimillion-dollar contract, which expires at the end of the 2028 season, having played 167 games for the club. He finished third in the 2018 Brownlow Medal count and had two top five finishes in the Bluey Truscott Trophy for club champion. He will always be remembered for his courage and resilience epitomised in the goal that put the Demons in front in the third quarter of the 2021 Grand Final, after which the team was never headed. Some quotes from a shattered hero of the club:- “I am devastated that I can no longer play the game that I love, but I respect the verdict of the medical professionals, and the importance of putting my health before my career. “I am really proud of what I have achieved over the past decade. I have been able to live out my childhood dream and while it’s been cut short, I am forever grateful to everyone who has been involved. “Concussion is a massive issue facing our game. I hope from this, a terrible result for me personally, can come some positive outcomes for the future of player safety.” Brayshaw is certain to maintain some role with the club in 2024, his loss as a player will be difficult to cover. The manner of his leaving, his wonderful words in the hour of disappointment at the premature retirement and his positive demeanour together affirmed the solid culture of resilience that his legacy at the club will hold forever. The weekend couldn’t arrive too soon after all that but I did promise some rays of hope on the horizon. There was no apparent sign of any organized training during the week so no new injuries that we know about so far plus … There was a well attended season opener at the MCG which marked a welcome return to football after the venue was used for three concerts by an NFL groupie which decimated the surface of the ground which is now under repair. The Coterie sponsored function, on the other hand, saw a lift in spirits. Firstly, there seemed to be much optimism about the return to training of a number of the injured brigade. I won’t go into any detail because nothing was “official” and therefore best to wait until we see visual evidence of their return. Secondly, the speeches from coach, captain and the club chair were all positive, inspiring and reflective of a fair degree of confidence for the coming season. Similarly, the interviews with players from every line including the newbies. There was a wonderful tribute to Gus who understandably wasn’t in attendance only hours after his retirement announcement. I sense that the composition of next week’s Community Series Practice Match against Carlton at IKON Park will be as close as possible to the expected Round Zero lineup in Sydney, give or take Kozzy Pickett who isn’t available for the latter match up. I think that after all these years, I’m pretty good at reading a room. There seemed to be an undercurrent from players and officials that they are quietly seething at the poor rap, some of it insulting, they’ve received from sections of the media of late and that they are ready to show their resilience emphatically on the field of play which is, of course, the only sane way to respond.

There are no milestones for our Round One match vs Dogs. This means we have the entire front of the banner just for Gus. We welcome any and all suggestions for banner content. Note: one of the AFL’s rules is no insulting opposition players/clubs on banners, regardless of whether or not a player’s career has been cruelly cut short due to the deliberate action of a filthy thug… of course, that’s just an example. We’ve had the suggestion of a minute’s applause (standing ovation) at the 10-minute mark of the first quarter. We’ve also had the suggestion of as many as possible cheer squad members behind the goals wearing a Gussy-style helmet. These are just two examples of ideas that are welcome and that I’ll put to our esteemed DA leaders, along with banner content suggestions. Let’s show Gussy how much we love and respect him!

No words WCW, just an enormous picture of Gus’ helmet with a premiership medal draped on it on the banner and we all know what that means.

Thanks dc. I take it you are the other sane poster😉 Um... I haven't been unwell. To the contrary: fit, healthy and happy.😊 btw, I haven't closed my DL account. I come on to DL to respond to PM's and read the occassional Notification ... it is layzie's quote that brought me to this thread. I've enjoyed the time away from DL so it is unlikely I'll be reading any threads or posting. Nonetheless, it is nice to know that I am missed a l little.

The feeling right at the moment is that both Florent & Hayward are more likely to leave than stay. Remarkably, the Blues are heavily into both.

Don’t worry, NC. We’ve plenty of time to sort that… and LOOOOONG memories.

A standing ovation at the 10 minute mark sounds good WCW. Maybe we can all light a cigar at the same time like Gus did in the middle of Optus. They won’t be able to kick all of us out for smoking.

As long as i've followed the dees we have been an easy target for the media. And the fact that for most of that time we have been a basket case on and off the field has meant that we haven't been able to use that derision as fuel to respond on field and shove it up 'em (because if you ain't got the cattle it, righteous anger is not going to help over a season in terms of results). And that of course perpetuates the cycle. It's different now. We have the cattle, systems and experience of being a top team for multiple years to take advantage of the justified anger at the bollocks the media has served up and channel that into our footy.

Factual Similarities: Both Played in losing Grand finals Both wore original jumper numbers in the 30's Both took out a champion opposition player in finals (those players' season over as a result) Both victims have a flag to their name Both victims were wide open and undefended Neither Wright nor Maynard were suspended Both instigators were Collingwood players Factual Differences: In Wright's case the ball was about 40 metres away, Mayanard was around 10 metres away. Each act occurred in different centuries. In Wright's case , no-one saw the act - In Maynard's.......the AFL world saw it, me live. Conclusion I guess in my mind I'll see both acts as one in the same on balance That Gus's hit happened 58 years later and still went unpunished is unfathomable - but that's just my opinion. At this stage only an opinion - but like Wright - Maynard will forever be associated with the recent act - thanks to the internet. A legacy that he will spend his lifetime justifying - as Wright had done till he passed away.

I agree wholeheartedly Dee* I also am beginning to wonder what powers they have to take someone’s phone and interogate it without a Police Warrant, or am I missing something here. Where were the so called authorities in 2005-2006 and the Essendon fiasco???

Great read. Too much hysteria going around. Premierships aren't won in February. We have a 1 in 18 chance of winning the flag every year. The sun will rise again tomorrow. Go Dees.

Hope you are ok WCW. Come back soon, with your effervescent optimism for the Dees.

I hope that at least one of the players (Gawn or Trac my picks) will do a golf swing celebration after a goal in tribute to Gus. As for Dees fans I think the 10min mark 1min applause is a good idea.

But that's the problem manny. I doubt Powell-Pepper meant to hit Keane in the head. It was no doubt a an accident. But an accident that would not have occurred if the bump was a reportable offence.

Great idea WCW. Love to do it on Kings Birthday though!

That quote, allegeldy from someone close to the investigation and implied by the article to be employed by Sports Integrity Australia was downright defamatory, insulting, destructive and vindictive. The fact that someone, implied by the artcle, to be employed by an organisation with 'Integrity' in their name would even utter those words, in that order, aloud to anyone is disgraceful. As is any media organistion that blatantly and sensationally trotted them out. It is also a complete act of cowardice that no name was attributed to such 'strong words' The fact that the club and the AFL have constantly been saying they are not at liberty to discuss the case yet that quote (and article entirely) makes it to print implies to me there is far too little 'Integrity' at Sports Integrity Australia, in my opinoun.

Surely it's a football act and of course the Crows player moved thus running into the innocent Port player. Apology, wine and roses then move on.

Me too my seething has gone deep now and if this all doesn't galvanise the whole and complete club from top to bottom then I don't what would

Good article. re the last paragraph- they should be seething. I am. I have been seething since the QF. The season cannot begin quick enough

Thank you Whispering Jack, a much needed uplifting read of positivity, very much appreciated.

I wouldnt bet on dees giving Maynard a hard time. Why didnt we sort him out in the QF when we had the chance. Hawthorn would of put Maynard on a stretcher to keep Brayshsaw company. If anyone gets hit in the KB game its probably us. Collingwood is protected but we're not. May will be reported and suspended in a nano second if he so much as tickles Daicos. The AFL is a joke run by amateurs. Im becoming less interested in this season 4everyday as we approach March 7.

I remember that wright dog act behind the play,no report,but pretty sure he never played again.Maynard only has a few games to go before he never plays again.Go Maysie

As I was going through my old grandpa's belongings after his death, he was 110 years old, he was a old archaeologist uncovering some of the world's ancient wonders, I came across his journals of his archaeological digs in Rome, he wrote about the finding of a ancient text, buried in the previously unknown the great Julius Caesar tome, they where translated to English, it was titled raising demon legions. They learnt Caesar and 2 other centurions would chant this text before his army would go to battle, it was believed that this would posses his soldiers with a Demon legion, this would give them superhuman strength, and no fear, this is why Caesar smaller army's where able to beat larger legions. But in Caesars last battle, he chanted this alone, He wrote in his journals that this text should never be read out lound my one person, because that man would never find peace, but if you did, you had to have three people read it at the same time, this text would release the demons and make them a formidable force. After the hell the Melbourne demons are going through, me and two of my mates decided it was time for this demon to be released. I ask some of you demon fans out there, to do the same thing, and read this text, that I'm about to reveal. Oh great and powerful ancient demon, Alala rises and take the souls of my men, lead them to battle take their hearts and minds. Oh rise great demon Androktasian and beat my enemy's, the filth, the Blues baggers the peptoide bombers, the road kill roos, the rising sun, the ugly orange giant, the stoned crows, the lighting power failures, the bad news bears, the 2 time dogs, the 1 flag Saints, the blood swan, the meth coast, the shockers, the microwave tigs, the abortion hawks, and the grandpa cats.

Thanks Storm Boy. You’re correct, Gulden is in for a very significant increase and WA clubs are coming hard for Logan. I try to pass on innocent little snippets here and there, would love to pass on more, but must be mindful.

The cigar premiership pic with "Thank you Gus" would bring a tear to my eye.

gotta use the pic of him with the cigar holding the premiership medal aloft "always an mfc champion"

Just a red and blue helmet, with black where the face would be, and two eyes peering out of the darkness. "GIVE EM HELL"

10 min mark applause isn’t great as anything could be happening then. Let’s just get him to present Max with the Premiership Cup at the end of the year 🏆!

Could it be... is this the time... to bring back the bugle? Maybe a cavalry charge call at the moment in the third quarter when he took the gully catch in the grand final ;)

The thing that drives me nuts about the Brayshaw/Maynard incident is that I thought that the messaging for years has been if you do not show proper duty of care for your opponent, and they are severely injured with a head injury then you get suspended. He opened the door for suspension the moment he went up and didn't show care for the opposition player.

No Pickett in Round 0 so why not ease Clarrie in with a stint up forward where he could prove to be a handful for defenders who rarely play against the type of player. That’s being creative, surely?

I think the scenario should be treated like a losing a RFA. Given that Brayshaw earned circa $750K, that should equate to roughly what North got for McKay. im not sure if ladder position has anything to do with it, but it would fairly equate to an early-mid 1st round pick in 2024. Now you have to ask yourself, where would you draw the line? Is it only when the AFL forcibly medically retires a player, which it will only really do on concussion matters. Would you be prepared to accept a similar outcome if it was say Murphy at the Pies? Can this type of precedent be taken advantage of? i.e. will clubs load up players with questionable concussion outlook and offer than high salary, long term deals? i would say it would be unlikely. No one would have expected Brayshaw to be taken out like that and then forced to retire.

If the AFL still believes that the head is sacrosanct (and after the Maynard hit on Angus Brayshaw, I have my doubts) then they should go for a 4 week suspension in this case. The precedent must be set once and for all that you don’t hit the head.

I looked at the O'Dea case and noted the victim in Greening was a Brayshaw-type player - all class, except O'Dea got 10 weeks - because it was on the tele. Thus Wright's defence of " no Comment" to the police investigation, along with no tangible/reliable witnesses meant he walked- just like Maynard. O'Dea not so lucky. But Wright was a "good bloke" notes the Pies club website. Just like Maynard. Gee, that's another similiarity too I missed. I'm signing off now and will follow Gus's career post- playing with love and affection. My spies at the Club's launch had nothing but pariase for the feeling in the room, and the leadership shown by Max, Kate and trac I think. Go Dees.

Hopefully the clubs Legal team will be following this up with SIA, although we may never find out.!

You might need to remind us what they were, @Demon17. I suspect I'm not the only one who doesn't remember precisely what Thorold said in 1965.

Ban the bump. Player knocked out cold because SPP elected to bump not tackle. Who's to say that head knock wont end Keane's career. As i noted in the gus thread it is inevitable the AFL will have to ban the bump. This is the exact reason why. It is a completely predicable event, so the AFL can't argue they have taken appropriate steps to protect the head of Keane. it is also a good example of what i was saying about why nann ng the bump won't change footy. What did SPP achieve by electing to bump not tackle? Even if he head not hit hit him in the end, ie a totally legal hit, how would his team have benefited? Maybe the ball jars loose and Port win the ground ball? He legally hurts an opponent impacting his performance? But a tackle could achieve the same results AND possibly also win a free for Port for holding the ball. And a tackle would also mean SPP, a key player for Port, not risking missing the critical 2-3 opening games of the season.

Some comments about the incident are getting very silly. Maynards actions were reckless & similar to Cripps & Rioli in recent times who both managed to get off due to "technicalities". It was nothing remotely like the Wright/ Somerville incident. The fault rests totally with the AFL & the way the rules were written and interpreted.

While one can argue that we have better things to focus our energies on(*), please explain how 'banging on' about Maynard gives them ammunition? Take any historical evil action that people may be reminded of. I don't see that reminders gives ammunition to the supporters of the evil action? (*) not that what we do on forums like this has any effect on anything except ourselves.

Bravo marieisademon, Bravo indeed.!!!

Well put. Good article 👍.

Maynard... Lower than the cayman trench😡

Gil et al may have been almost as happy had they been able to formulate a Blues' one. I have certainly fallen out of love with the AFL: couldn't bring myself to watch either of the PFs nor any of the GF. Still love the Demons however. There was absolutely no need to make up another new rule - for years it has been emphasised again and again that if one chooses to leave the ground and cause an injury (or in the case of Kozzie even if you don't) you are liable - special exceptions being for CFC or CFC players around finals time of course. Brilliant Goffy Can tear the heart out, or make them stronger. Over to you all, players. Maybe he could present the cup to his teammates after the GF.

Confirming Angus has officially accepted a role at the club for the 2024 season.

Would be throwing everything at Finn Callaghan at the end of the year. Big bodied midfielder who's going to be a star of the competition.

Jordon left as a Free Agent. Dunstan retired. Neither were MFC list management decisions.

Agree well said. He has so many positive characteristics that enhanced the team. Perhaps we are only beginning to recognise the true value of those characteristics and the extent to which he will be missed. He was the thinking footballer that backed up with natural intuition and courage. One of the most courageous players I have seen. Above all else, his versatility across all lines made his role in the team almost irreplaceable. He ranks up there with Petracca, Oliver, Viney and Gawn for contribution, leadership and value.

Maynard would be close to a criminal assault charge in my view The AFLAre a gutless corrupt organisation

I'm so devastated I haven't been able to post for 24 hours on this. Angus is one of my all time fave Demons (and I've seen every Demon for the last 50 years). It's been a privilege to watch him over 10 years. Always fair, committed, courageous and a club-first player. A premiership star who could play anywhere from half-back to half-forward to mid-field and influence the outcomes of games. Never shirked a tough contest nor gave the Club grief - a model citizen on and off the field. His parents would be justifiably proud of their children. It'll take me years to get over this. Signing off with a tear in my eye. QD