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The club needs to come out and clearly state it's intentions to the media on JUH before it's too late and we miss our chance to be in a news article.

Perhaps the Pies should be forced to pay his contract out of their cap.

Clarry out of favour? I know that they’re a little behind the times down that way but it sounds to me like a copy of the Herald Sun from last December has finally blown into town and landed on the windscreen of their recruiting manager’s car.

Is it Laurie’s fault that he gets selected? If you were in his position, would you be putting your hand up and saying “oh no, I can’t play, I’m not good enough”? Perhaps he’s not up to AFL standard, but there’s really only be way to find that out for sure, and that’s by playing him at AFL level. Last year he showed signs, but this year he hasn’t delivered on them. I find your line “He deserves nothing” to be particularly abhorrent! He is trying his hardest and that appears not to be quite enough, but it is hardly his fault. It’s almost like you’re accusing Laurie of letting the club down.

Every other club in the league would want him. I’m sure Bontempelli would be sought by everyone as well, but it ain’t going to happen. Best to stop reading when you see the authors name, and his employer.

Here’s some positive news: this Sunday there’ll be a sea of these behind the goals… We’ll put a splash of red on them and will wear them while banner-raising as well as for the entire match. (31 degrees on Sunday so we’ll likely need paint-scrapers to unstick our hair from our heads 😅) Unlike the Carlton cheer squad, (who looked amazing in their Blues Brothers suits), we don’t have to fork out $165 per person to look great. 😁 Also unlike the Carlton cheer squad, in the event of a loss, we won’t look silly, which is how they would’ve looked had they lost. Because our accessory isn’t for S&Gs, it’s part of the celebration of the career of a much-loved champion, it could never look silly. And in case anyone’s wondering… HELL YES we’ll be wearing them again on KB.

Popping in then immediately out of this thread just to show folks who haven’t had the good sense to visit the positive news only thread aka the best thread ever, what they’ll see behind the goals on Sunday… As many rows as possible of the CS will be awash with these. We’re gonna paint red wings on them (copyright be damned!) and we’ll cut out ear-holes… in the right spot, unlike Gussy who cut out his ear-holes incorrectly last year in Adelaide and had to play the first quarter sans helmet. 🙃 *hotfoots it back to the positive news only thread*

Or so it appears, OD. Don’t let that dour exterior fool you. I PM back n forth with the Rooster and truth be known he’s a big ‘ol softie 🥹 He’s sweetness and light and all that’s good in the world. His glass ain’t even half full, it’s full to the brim… of marshmallows. 😃 There, that should shut him up 😄

I’m going to be a grandmother! 🥳

Blue sky outlook Round zero 2024 1. Blake Howes debut. Whilst drafted as an attacking wing/half forward, Howes played an excellent game as a mid sized defender. He won 1-1 duals, was composed with the footy and marked well under pressure. Howes showed with a big pre season and injury free run, he’s a future player. 👏👏👏 2. Caleb Windsor debut. Our second debutant. Again showed quality with his run and carry. Will add much needed pace to the midfield. 👏👏👏 3. Bailey Fritsch. 4 goals. Mostly accurate except for an early miss. Looked like a forward with movement and desire to kick a goal. 👏👏👏 4. Jack Viney. Beast mode. 30 possessions. 14 contested possessions. 7 tackles. 2 goals. Huge game. Huge heart. 👏👏👏 5. Clarry. After the summer dramas, it was great to see him back on field. 30 possessions. Will get better with fitness base. Hopefully he’s back to enjoying the game. 👏👏👏 And finally. Kozzzzzy is back for round 1. 🤩🤩🤩

“Out of Favour??…” Please explain I am so glad i no longer work for the Media. It has become a total cesspool Hunter S. Thompson was right

He’s too young to go to Geeelong and still has six years left on his contract with us plus he is very close to Tracc and Max. Click bait, media are still grasping at straws to get people to read their rubbish.

Not going to happen. Close thread.

I find Roost and a few others play an important role to steadying my mood after a disappointing loss. It's like the steam coming out his ears is releasing pressure from inside my head as well. The extent to which I agree socially validates the frustration I'm also feeling. The extent to which I think Roost sometimes goes too far resets my thinking to argue the case for the positive. We're an ecosystem in here. The demonland terrarium!

And undersized and not physical or quick half forward isn’t a great package but we don’t know why he was subbed. There’s a chance it was more that he ran his backside off. He was first in speed in attack and 3rd in speed of defence and when he came off our pressure only dropped. He has to cut down on errors but there has to be an understanding that it’s an inexperienced player in a team with no team chemistry and few targets in the trickiest role to play. Every half forward makes errors. Every Melbourne half forward makes multiple errors when there’s no forwards to draw the ball, create space and make kicks look good. Im fine with Laurie getting dropped but I wouldn’t write him off entirely just yet.

Fair point, the tribunal is an seperate body. Still reckon the AFL should have appealed it to at the very least make a strong point that they were not happy with their decision.

I finally found the bloody keys to my Royal Enfield. Been looking for ages.

I generally don't post about conversations I've had with people in the inner sanctum out of respect to them and their privacy. And I've already mercilessly invaded this person's privacy but KITP's comments have pushed me over the edge. On Sunday I was having a swim at Bondi. As I was walking in to the surf who should be walking out but Goody and his partner. I didn't realise it was him at first. He smiled at me thinking I'd recognised him which I hadn't at that point. Once I did I said Sorry Goody I'm a Dees supporter. I bet you thought you could have a swim in Sydney and not be bothered by anyone. He and his partner laughed. He was very friendly and stopped to chat for a minute. In relation to Laurie he said something to the effect that he's going to be alright. He just has to believe in himself which he will. That's not it exactly but as close as I can remember. He also said Jeez you're a good looking Rooster and sooo intelligent. I didn't realise we had such good looking intelligent supporters around. They must all be up here in Sydney. That's not it exactly but as close as I can remember. Or then again maybe not.........memory's so bad these days.

Days of old where revenge would have been swift, on dog acts on the footy field, have long past for the better of our game. I would hate to watch any of our boys try too physically seek revenge on that f…ker, a waste of energy and it means their not concentrating on what our team does best, play good footy. I’d like to see no acknowledgement of that f…ker at all from our boys, no hand shake and only a cold stare into him, and of course within the rules of play make him feel the anger we Demons have of his dog act on Gus. ANYBODY who’s played footy knows that hit WAS with intent. Geez I hate that team.

This website's profanity filter cannot handle what I have to say to Geelong about this.

Yep. She had an opportunity to show the AFL has a backbone and would take players health more seriously etc. She failed. Maynard now has a premiership medal and a long career ahead of him while Angus is retired. The way she handled that incident was a poor start to her tenure. Anyone can say they're not happy, but actions speak louder than words. She took no action and didn't challenge the tribunal result either. Rules been changed since, but justice was not served. Not to say she won't redeem herself and do valuable things in her GM role, but I don't see anything overly impressive yet.

If he's so "out of favour" then why did we select him for round 0 against all odds?

I've set my sights on winning the lottery. It's nice to dream.

That is one of the better footy photos I have ever seen. Sometimes you don’t need spectacular marks or big hits being caught at just the right moment, to show what this game of AFL is about. A photo that captures not just the moment, but captures the emotion of that moment, can be far more effective. The look of concern in May’s eyes sent a shiver up and down my spine and almost brought a tear to my eye. It’s the photographic equivalent to a medieval painting by the likes of Michelangelo. It’s a rare gem! (settle down Tim, settle down!)

If Maynard had been suspended I would've definitely said this should be the case. Sadly as the AFL ticked it off as "nothing to see here" they get another pass. Most fans I come across are of the opinion that we shouldn't be forced to pay out his full contract under the cap, with those saying we should pointing to extremely different cases (players with one year to run on their contracts, clear risk in signing them with injury issues). Us not paying it under the cap sets a very dangerous precedent and I would say the PA in particular should be getting involved to encourage it be outside the cap, otherwise it will make clubs far less interested in doing long term contracts. What really gets me annoyed is when people say "oh that's what you get for signing a player with concussion issues", Gus hadn't had concussion issues for a very long time, bearing in mind he was regularly checked by experts.

Can't have a poor kicking midfield if you don't have any midfielders

I wonder why I hate Geelong so much. We would probably have sold him a few months ago but no one was interested. So Melbourne do the right thing and stick by him to see if he can turn it atound and thus far he has and now you have those sleazebags at Geelong putting their grubby paws into the pudding hoping for something cheap. Unbebloodylievable

My sister has gone to NZ for 2 weeks and is out of comms range

Congratulations WCW .... I became a grandparent just over a year ago. I can certainly recommend it. My daughter is a Demon (of course). We watched the GF together. And one of my most treasured photos is of the 2 of us with the Premiership Cup. However her husband is Carlton, and he's more 'into' footy than my daughter, so my beautiful granddaughter will be a Bluebagger. It could be worse ... filth, Essendon, Richmond, Jee-long ... (I'd forgotten how many teams I really hate.)

I got a full refund from Uber Eats after waiting an eternity for my food to be delivered from the restaurant to my door, as my food was stone cold. Thought it was a winner. As a result of that complaint, at the slightest delay to getting a delivery person, my orders get cancelled. Now, I'm not so lazy and get off my [censored] and buy the same food for much cheaper direct from the restaurant The Morale to this story, swings and roundabouts. 😳😳🤩🤩🤓🤓

So, big positive. So far every club that has moved Brodie Grundy on has won the premiership the following year.

Really you jest Lord T I presume. Was gutless in not taking the case to the Appeals Tribunal if she did not look like making a soft statement just to look good.

Tom Morris saying Holmes could command $1m per year over 6 years....

via AFL site YOUNG DEE TO EXTEND MELBOURNE looks set to lock in young tall Jed Adams to a contract extension. Adams, who was the Dees' second pick at the 2022 national draft, is a developing key defender. His initial two-year deal is due to expire this season but the Demons are in discussions on a two-year extension with agent Tom Seccull, from Hemisphere Management Group. The 19-year-old, who was picked from Peel Thunder in the WAFL, spent his first season at the Demons playing with Casey in the VFL.

He's in a big contract with many years to go. Ball's in our court

I'd play him as the sub this week for two reasons: Firstly confidence, now we have been hearing for quite some time that internally he's rightly rated. These are the same people that said the likes of Petty, Sparrow, Spargo (I'll admit he has dropped off), and McVee were highly rated while plenty on here wanted to pot them. They see something so I'm willing to back them to a point. Dropping him after a game where there were over a dozen of far more talented and experienced players played like poo makes him the fall guy. I'd rather drop someone like Chandler who for me has started getting comfortable in his selection as a weekly thing or Spargo who is underdone and shouldn't have played last week. Secondly regarding the sub, it takes the pressure off him and if we were to drop him it's a progression. He should have been the sub vs Sydney with Billings starting, give him that role and when he comes on demand an impact.

Selection conundrums ... Bowey is out. We could move Salem back but that would disrupt the new midfield set-up. If we do then the logical replacement appears to be Woewodin. The other backman choice is Hore but they may be worried about a lack of pace with Tomlinson and Lever. The left-field alternatives backline replacements are headlined by Billings who is experienced and could learn the system quickest and is a lovely kick. Woewodin and K.Brown are punts. Spargo sounds injured, apparently seen hobbling in duress at the Sydney airport and in the rehab group at Monday's training. The logical replacement is the ubiquitous Woewodin. Longer odds on Tholstrup, AMW, K.Brown or Sestan. Laurie was subbed but IMO, given Spargo's situation, is likely to be retained in the 23. Assuming Woewodin replaces Spargo then again the candidates are Tholstrup, AMW, K.Brown or Sestan. Schache - it seems "the hate Shack is a little old place that we can get together". The replacement candidates in order of longest out of rehab but shortest on recent proven record are Fullarton, BBB and Petty. I think TMac is a backline replacement these days. They may stick with the love Shack. I left out that Kosi is an automatic in. C'mon and bring your jukebox money ...

Rather give him away to West Coast than see him in a Geelong jumper.

It's sometimes nice to know that you are not alone in this world.

it seems the insight is 'no one has any idea how this is going to work and it's pretty messy'?

We’ll take Holmes, TDK and their first pick

Also know as clubs put 100 names on a whiteboard to discuss/monitor and Oliver is one of the 100. I noticed the Jay Z had a new show start last night and broke the "story" on the show. I suppose they needed something to talk about and get people to tune in next week.

Didn't do much of a job managing the Maynard prosecution. So far as the next ceo is concerned, I don't know what her name will be.

What an outstanding professional Jake Melksham is.

They need access to a footy record, so they can see that there are players out there other than midfielders!

He had already tipped a couple of Million for the club, which was broke. He got us the Bentleigh club and Leigoak which having been sold by the current administration are still are the only assets the club has after 160+ years. To have tipped in further for the Olympic swimming pool site is a bit over the top as a further ask. And there wasn't an oval next to it until Eddie kicked out Athletics Vic.

Careys 98 not out was an excellent knock.

I'll never forget that little interview Gus gave to Gary Lyon in the rooms after the 2021 flag win. Where he acknowledged everyone so beautifully. This is for everyone! It was probably the highlight of the day for me. When the win really hit home. Glad he'll be working at the club into the future.

#39 Koltyn Tholstrup #39 as expected with higher numbers is rather transitory. Either the temporary holder of the number gains a toehold and moves up the pecking order. Or gets short shrift and is speedily delisted. The exception to the rule, was Neville Jetta whose name became eponymous with the jumper. Neville played a record 159 games in the guernsey for the Demons. Like a quality red maturating with age, Neville became a top AFL small defender, who exemplified courage and determination. Of those who moved on to succeed. Gerard Healy would be a name most would recognise. His early promise was soon rewarded with elevation to the #3 guernsey and in time recognition as club best and fairest with the ‘84 Bluey. Lured to the Sydney Swans by a big contract offer. Healy continued his ascension to football immortality with the 1988 Brownlow medal. George Lakes was another who showed promise in #39 moving on up to #9. George was of Greek descent, his father having anglicised the family name. Recruited from Broken Hill as a gun recruit by Jim Cardwell Melbourne Club Secretary for the start of 1968 season. (JC was synonymous with the golden age dynasty of the 50’s to early 60’s). I recall George as a very skilful centreman in John Beckwith’s coached teams of the later ‘60’s. Unfortunately injury and form lapses meant his promise was unfulfilled. Russell Colcott flipped the other side of the #39 coin. A forward sans well developed mop of hair with a spectacular leap. Competing against the likes of Ross Dillon and Ray Carr. With Tiger Ridley wielding a pair of scissors list deletion was inevitable. He later joined Big Bob Johnson at Oakleigh in the VFA. Where he flourished on Sundays. In a more tolerant environment, taking some big speccies. Austin Wonaeamirri was a glimmer of hope for the Demon faithful in a barren period for the club. His staring role during his debut season. In the magical comeback win against the Dockers in round 7 2008. Is of course the stuff of legends. Sadly Jim Stynes then Club President and Dean Bailey Coach. Who were closely associated with the early (albeit short lived) success of indigenous players from remote NT communities. Are no longer with us. Austin kicked four fabulously celebrated goals and was nominated as a rising star. Circumstances unfortunately, did not allow Austin Wonaeamirri or Liam Jurrah continued sustained success. But as a comet suddenly appears in the night sky and burns so brightly but briefly. Cameos not to be soon forgotten.

I got to see this comment.