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Just had a chat with Kingy. We talked about training. I told him that of the players I’ve asked about training so far the consensus is that it’s brutal, intense, very challenging, etc. I even told him one player called him a [censored] psycho. He loves it. He said that tells him he’s doing things right. But I also told him that these same players all said while it took some getting used to, they actually love this level of intensity and they feel so much stronger and fitter. I told Kingy that thus far there’s been no S&Gs out there. Not a single shc!tt or giggle in sight. He said, “Oh there’s S&Gs, most definitely there is. But that’s when we’re over there” and he motioned towards AAMI. He said he doesn’t just let them engage in S&Gs, he encourages it because there has to be a healthy balance. Then, back on the serious training subject, he told me some of the things he tells the players. This was my favourite: he tells them “Yes, it’s bloody hard, it’s brutal, I’m pushing you then pushing you again, and again. I’m pushing you to your absolute limits. I’m doing everything I can to get everything possible out of you and that’s because I want you to be bulletproof and, more importantly, I want you to KNOW you’re bulletproof.” Talk about inspirational! It took every fibre of my being to resist jumping the fence and slam tackling anyone in my path then running 50 laps for fun. But then I remembered I’d likely pull a hammy just trying to jump the fence so instead I just pictured myself doing it.

Umpires are killing us.

I sense I shouldn’t get involved but he wasn’t loyal to the end. He was loyal to the extent he didn’t want to leave but he certainly wasn’t loyal to his team, his teammates or his contract. It’s sad that an absolute hero has left us under these circumstances but King did exactly the right thing to restore locker room harmony and a team first philosophy. And I’m the first to admit I wouldn’t have done it, but it was 100% right.

future AA plus captain?

I can’t see Kozzie ever being vice-captain let alone captain. He’s not comfortable in the spotlight… off-field. He’s introverted and he’s the first to tell you he will never change in this regard.

Today I met Matty Scarlett. He’s a lovely person. I thanked him for coming to work with us and he said it was his pleasure because our club is run so well and he’s happy to be part of a club that’s looking likely to succeed next season. Kingy asked me if I’ve met David, our new psych, which I have. Then Kingy told me David’s a former professional basketball player who played for several sides in the NBL, boasting six championships, which is the league record for most championships for an individual player. Kingy said, “Google him, he’s very accomplished.” And he is, the six championships were with three different teams, including a three-peat with the Sydney Kings. Early in his career he spent three years playing college basketball in the U.S. for the Boston Terriers. Then he returned to Australia to begin his record haul of championships. Kingy said he likes having a wide range of talents from various backgrounds and David is yet another example of this.

Arrived at 9.30 to find nearly all the players out having a kick to kick with a partner. Melkys partner was his young son. The rehabers havent changed since last time. And i know this is impossible but Langford looks even taller. And Max G must be sick of the sight of the back of Disco head as thy run the boundary. Shane McA was running with Reece Conca but perhaps not at the same intensity as Wednesday. Tom Matthews had a bandage on his left leg and was jogging the line. Also did some time on the bike. And the baggy training shorts seems like a tent at times. TC did some time running the line. I dont think that is his favourite drill... Hendo and Vines on the bikes. The match sims were good fun. Trelly move very well but tried to take on Fritta and Culley. Trelly off to catch his breath.. Culley and Windsor looking good. And if you are a young add on from Casey and Windsor is chasing you dont run in a straight line. Salems tackles always keeps his opponents on the ground for an extra couple of seconds. Onleys disposal may be an issue. Kalani did some competitive work with Jamar, with Conca kicking the ball in . Bump now, ...and again ...and again. And just between you and me, I think we are going to handball more next season. (Just kick the thing I can hear us yelling now). At any one time there are about 30+ 'track watchers' looking on.

Kozzy is a ball magnet. Got a hardball get on the wing, sold candy, left others in his wake, weighted a nice pass to a train-on, kept running got the handball back and drilled a goal on the run from outside 50.

Hats Off Hats off to Darren Crocker and his ‘invincibles’ — the North Melbourne Kangaroos — on winning the 2025 AFLW Premiership, going back-to-back and remaining undefeated since the 2023 grand final. Only one team came close to toppling the royal blue and whites: the mighty Demons, who led by six points at the final change of Preliminary Final 1. Alas, North held firm while Melbourne fatigued to lose by 10 points. Take comfort — none of the other 16 teams got anywhere near this close. In his grand final presser, Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich said his team “threw the kitchen sink” at North but admitted it barely made a dent. A second-quarter brain fade from stalwart Shannon Campbell — gifting consecutive 50-metre penalties to Kate Shierlaw — swung momentum irreversibly. The final margin of 40 points was a statement win. Catch the Kangaroos if you can. North Melbourne has assembled a mighty team: competitive, highly skilled, and lightning-fast ball movement that made Brisbane look helpless. The Lions bring ferocity but lack finesse — their best footy thrives in chaos, not precision. North lost the 2023 grand final, then added Libby Birch from Melbourne in 2024, grand final best-on-ground Elish Sheerin from Richmond in 2025, and in 2026 expect to secure former No. 1 draftee Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner from the Bulldogs via the draft. An elite group that keeps adding quality without losing talent. With Kangaroos stars Jas Garner and Ash Riddell leading the charge, a three-peat in 2026 would not surprise. Melbourne’s Season A 10–5 record and official third-place finish was reward for effort. We played scintillating footy at times, especially in the last two finals against Adelaide and North. Club leaders Kate Hore, Tyla Hanks, and Maeve Chaplin were standouts, all enjoying personal-best seasons and earning All-Australian honours. Megan Fitzsimon was thrusted into the midfield after Liv Purcell’s season-ending knee injury in Round 2 and delivered her best season yet. Shelley Heath produced a career-high campaign, capped by a sublime semi-final against Adelaide. Eliza McNamara burned up the wing, averaging 341 metres gained and 23 disposals. Ruck Lauren Pearce looked the fittest she’s ever been, playing every match and anchoring the contest. Tahlia Gillard missed the start of the season but returned in Round 6 and grew into a finals star. Her deputy, Saraid “Radar” Taylor, played 12 games in a breakout year. Up forward, Kate Hore (24 goals) reached the magical ton, Eden Zanker (22) and Tayla Harris (16) rounded out the top scorers. Tayla’s versatility — forward, back, and ruck — made her an impact player, rewarded with a contract extension to 2027. New kids on the block: Molly O’Hehir, Maggie Mahony, Laela Ebert, and Ryleigh Wotherspoon all showed plenty during the season to provide real excitement for the future. The season closed with much-loved premiership coach Mick Stinear stepping down after 10 seasons and is now heading to Geelong. No announcement yet on Melbourne’s next coach — watch this space. Season Highlights From • Melbourne: 10–5 record, 209.2% percentage, 3rd place finish; finals win over Adelaide, narrow prelim loss to North. • Round 1 — Western Bulldogs (Mission Whitten Oval): 48-point win; debutants Molly O’Hehir, Maggie Mahony, and Laela Ebert impress; Shelley Heath kicks the opener and logs a career-high 23 disposals. • Round 2 — St Kilda (Casey Fields): 74-point win; Lily Johnson kicks her first goal; heartbreak as Liv Purcell suffers a season-ending knee injury after 19 disposals. • Round 3 — Collingwood (Victoria Park): Thrilling 4-point win; Kate Hore clutch goal; Grace Campbell misses after the siren; Jemma Rigoni debuts; 75-game milestones for Hanks, Pearce, Zanker. • Round 4 — Richmond (Casey Fields): 37-point win; first use of goal-line technology overturns Fitzsimon’s shot; Hanks (32 disposals) and Hore (12 tackles, 2 goals) dominate. • Round 5 — Port Adelaide (Alberton Oval): 2-point loss; milestones for Harris (75), Fitzsimon (50), Campbell (25). • Round 6 — West Coast (Casey Fields): 51-point win; Zanker kicks five in the first half; McNamara’s 50th game; Daisy Pearce coaches against Melbourne for the first time. • Round 7 — Gold Coast (Casey Fields): 87-point demolition; Suns held goalless; Ry Wotherspoon breakout game. • Round 8 — Essendon (IKON Park): 14-point win; Bombers goalless for two quarters; Maeve Chaplin BOG with 24 disposals, 14 intercepts, 611m gained. • Round 9 — Fremantle (Fremantle Oval): 5-point loss; late bus drama; Freo exploits the Doctor with four first-quarter goals. • Round 10 — Sydney (Casey Fields): Finals clinched with a 44-point win; Rigoni kicks her first AFLW goal. • Round 11 — Brisbane (Brighton Homes Arena): 9-point loss; Chaplin kicks her first AFLW goal after the three-quarter time siren; Ruby Svarc’s miracle snap seals it. • Round 12 — Geelong (GMHBA Stadium): 14-point win; five-goal third-quarter blitz; Gillard drills her first AFLW goal; Heath’s 75th game. • Qualifying Final — Brisbane (IKON Park): 13-point loss; Hore’s 100th career goal; Mahony kicks her first; Zanker concussed. • Semi Final — Adelaide (IKON Park): 11-point win; Hore becomes first AFLW player with 25+ disposals and 3 goals in a final; Gillard’s chase-down of Randall epitomises #demonspirit. • Preliminary Final — North Melbourne (IKON Park): 10-point loss; season-high crowd of 7,057; Harris takes mark-of-the-year contender; Melbourne leads at 3QT before North surges late. Friendly fixture When AFLW published its 2025 fixture, we breathed a sigh of relief. It was clearly favourable for a return to finals. During the home and away, we didn’t play 4 of the Top 8 teams: North, Adelaide, Hawthorn or Carlton. Nine wins and 209.2% saw us finish in second after the home and away. Awards • Kate Hore: 2025 All-Australian (AA) forward line, AA vice-captain; widely rated among the league’s best. Now a four-time winner of the Daisy Pearce Trophy for best and fairest MFC player during the home-and-away season. • Tyla Hanks: Finally, AA (centre) and third in W Awards. Runner-up in the Daisy Pearce Trophy. • Maeve Chaplin: AA defender; intercept queen, leadership elevation and fifth place in the Daisy Pearce Trophy. • Eliza McNamara: Third place in the Daisy Pearce Trophy and leadership elevation. • Tahlia Gillard: MFC Coach’s Award 2025 and missed 5 games with injury! • Maggie Mahony: MFC Best Young Player, standout displays in November finals. • Megan Fitzsimon: MFC Demon Spirit Award for the second consecutive year and fourth place in the Daisy Pearce Trophy. Congratulations to our Demon champions making an impact across the competition in Season 2025! • Player Movements & Trade Period With Mick Stinear stepping down after a decade at the helm and recruiting guru Todd Patterson long gone, the club is facing a pivotal moment in defining its future direction. It’s a critical off-season where big calls and bold moves will reshape Melbourne’s list for the next chapter. Meggs asks who is spearheading list management and running the coach replacement process? The headline trade saw star forward Eden Zanker (with Lily Johnson) depart for Fremantle, a decision that stings but Melbourne ultimately finished the trade period with an upgraded draft hand, including two first round draft picks 9 and 14 along with later selections (53, 71, 89). Expect the club to use only two picks, keeping list places available for targeted re-signings. Fresh faces are already on board: • Aoife Horisk, an Irish Gaelic Football speedster who lit up the draft combine, brings pace and forward flair. She was fastest in the 20m sprint and came 10th in the 2km time trial. • Mia Austin, daughter of Carlton great Rod Austin, adds size and goal sense at 178cm — a young forward with serious upside. Retirements and exits include Gaby Colvin hanging up her boots and Denby Taylor moving on. Meanwhile, the Club still has list spots to fill, with uncontracted names like Goldrick, Mahony, O’Hehir, Rigoni, and Dethridge in the mix. Aimee Mackin is not expected to return. With more than 650 players nominating for the draft and academy prospects expected to dominate the top end, draftees like Chloe Bown, Chloe Baker-West, and Jordynn Allan are tipped to dominate early selections but we’ll have to wait to see who’s available at our selections. It’s exciting as Melbourne’s recruiters will have a golden opportunity to inject more fresh talent. Meggs is hoping for a strong bodied skilled mid and another key defender with elite kicking. The 2025 AFLW Draft takes place Monday, 15 December at 7pm —hopefully whoever is calling out the numbers has a good recruiters’ eye. And to help you wade through the draft prospects on Monday night, here’s a very useful preview from afl.com.au - afl.com.au/aflw20 prospects to look out for at this year's AFLW draftFormer AFLW player Phoebe McWilliams has run her eye across the draft pool and picked a handful of the best prospects across each lineSigning Off That’s a wrap for Season 10. It feels like the end of the chapter with Mick’s departure, but optimism abounds as we turn the page. A strong core, fresh ideas, and returning talent can propel Melbourne to new heights in 2026. Thanks for reading — and for riding every bump with Meggs this season. Wishing you and your families a safe and happy festive season. C’mon Dees! MEGGS

I had a busy day yesterday and so I’m late with this post. The match sims are the things that get track watchers excited and we had our first real hit out yesterday. Others have covered them very well and it’s interesting to get different perspectives. There is no doubt there is a different intensity this year. Last year at this time it was ball movement with minimal contact progressing to dancing with your sister stuff as the PS went on. This year there is pretty serious stuff going on, hence concussions and I’d think more injury and soreness. I’m surprised Leb hasn’t been mentioned because to me he was the clear standout in the sims. Played midfield, won the ball at clearance, was used as an outlet player and got heaps of the ball. Kossie was the other one who got it a lot and while some of his delivery was very good some needs to be tidied up. Jai Culley continued to impress and Moose was good although Gawny wasn’t there but I thought he had the better of Tom Campbell. Kolt, Trelley and XT also showed their stuff as did Sharpie who seems to have progressed significantly from last year. Blake Howes also did some really good stuff particularly in the half field drills. Just for the record I haven’t given up hope on Jeffo, to me he is still an interesting watch.

For those amongst us that were not able to get down to the family day today, hopefully this will be able to give you a sense of the morning. Red and blue Christmas ==> https://youtu.be/GfGm0TyJUns I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. I've enjoyed putting these little pieces together over the last couple of months. I hope you have enjoyed watching them. Go dees in 26, onwards and upwards. See you all again in the new year. Merry Christmas one and all, 6.

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1941480/afl-training-report-friday-standouts MELBOURNE’S AFL pre-season is ramping up with players putting their best foot forward this side of Christmas. While they're not full matches just yet, the group have started completing 20-minute match-like drills, with Melbourne Media trackside to scope out the notable moments. Anyone watching on would be able to quickly note that Kysaiah Pickett isn’t looking to slow down, despite having already had a career-best campaign in 2025. His quick feet and electric energy were back on Gosch’s and dare we say, with a slight edge to them, making the Demon even more of danger. A moment of excitement was a chain down the ground between K.Pickett and young draftee Xavier Taylor, the duo’s speed helping them link up through the centre and deliver the ball inside 50. Changkuoth Jiath started strong during the half-ground match-sim, his intercepting and explosive speed out of defence a standout. Through the middle and up forward, Jai Culley was as strong as ever, clunking marks and winning contests – two skills he became known for in the back-half of last season. One match-up that was particularly entertaining to watch was between Aidan Johnson and Jake Lever, who went head-to-head in the opening half. Johnson proved stronger in plenty of the one-on-ones. Brody Mihocek seemed crucial up forward, not just from his own impact, slotting a number of goals, but from his vocals, clearly using his experience to help lead the young teammates around him. Bursts of talent came from draftee Latrelle Pickett, one standout moment saw him speed down the ground, successfully taking on a number of players and coming out on top. Second-year Demon Xavier Lindsay had moments of gold. There’s exciting potential with Lindsay for 2026, who was able to put together an impressive 2025 despite having not had a full pre-season in the lead up to games. With a full pre-season under his belt, there’s no telling where he can take his game next year.

I went got there at 7:45 and left at 10:00 once Robbo said the players were leaving I thought it was time to go. I didn't notice any of the girls traning it must have been the Casey girls. Got all the autographs except for the absentees in Langdon, Fritsch, T.Mac, Bowey and Sparrow and the coaches Riv, Chaplin and Jonesy. Even got Robbo's autograph he's still a legend in my eyes. Selwyn didn't think he was worthy of giving an autograph but I said you keep the boys going your a star so he gave me an autograph near the Demon Army tent. I also got Kingy's autograph near the tent. He said I'm not sure where we will finish but we will be playing some exciting football. Also got Kentfield autograph near the tent, wasn't sure if I got his autograph on the ground so I may have Kentfield's autograph twice on my jumper. Saw him get a hug by I think it was Ghost writer. I was too scared to ask who she was because I'm afraid my idols will let me down some how. So remember this Ghosty when I go to a captains run on Saturday I want your autograph on my jumper because we all know you are the greatest training reporter on Demonland. Great to see most of the squad injury free. The ones in rehab Viney, Matthews, Moniz and McAdam should be in full training after Christmas. Didn't ask Hendo how his rehab is going as I forgot. Melksham said his hamstring was only minor and no problems there. Said to Trelly "Little Kosi" he said he wanted to be known as "Big Kosi" as I expect he is taller. Brought a Melbourne cap and scarf plus brought myself a coffee and a sauage sanga with onions it was a good day.

Clearly the club are all across Demonland… 😃😃😃

We at Demonland would like to thank Meggs for the wonderful contribution made in this season in covering every aspect of the Demons’ journey through this very crucial season for the club. Meggs’ own personal style has helped us ride all of the bumps and live through all of the highs and lows of another exciting season for the club’s AFLW team. Three cheers for Meggs!!!🍾

Tmac just arrived. He’s usually first out. He looked a bit puzzled when he saw the other three already out there. I’ve never seen someone put their boots on so quickly - not sure he even tied the laces 😅

Reg Taylor’s first instinct to counter attack with fast feet is very real and creates great transition. Plenty for him to work on but it’s always nice to see someone’s best attribute look legit

Taylor has taken some great courageous marks. Can definitely play tall and small.

Kingy confirmed that Kozzy’s application on the track and dedication was unbelievable. It sounds like, despite his quiet demeanour, he is becoming a leader and will elevate even further in 2026. Kingy made a joke about him wanting to play exclusive midfield because that’s what he (KP) wants. King also referenced Culley, saying that he can’t believe he was delisted. Said he is training to an extremely high standard. It sounds like he has emerged as a leader this summer also.

To me it was a simple decision. Clarry was the biggest player problem in the club, by a mile. His huge salary was for 2021 Clarry, not current Clarry, that was another problem. Where did we finish the last two years with him? We brought in a bunch of new players in the last couple of years, who would be judging us and what we stand for, the culture had to be improved. The locker room is now happier and if you talk to the track watchers, they have seen a happier squad training. Good luck to Clarry, but much better luck to the Dees.

Culls in particular flattened him. Trelly asked me if I’d seen this happen. I said I had and what the hell was he thinking??? He said he tried to take them on and it came undone. He said that’s gonna happen now and again but it won’t stop him from trying. We’ve got ourselves a good one.

Further on the subject of Vines seemingly having a weight lifted from his shoulders, despite being injured, he definitely is different now. And he’s not the only one. I see a similar thing with Melky, Max and Tmac. They seem to be less burdened, if you will. I spoke with one of the medics and he said it’s probably because of all the changes and that Kingy has a reassuring way about him. This makes sense. I was introduced to our new “psych” as he calls himself. His name is David. He’s about 6ft5 and very softly spoken and gentle-natured. I felt like I’d had a professional session with him, minus the $600 fee 😁 David only started two days ago which means we’ve been psych-less since Stephen Rendall left months ago. Maybe we haven’t had a desperate need for one, therefore not in a hurry to fill the position 🤷‍♀️

Nothing to worry about re Disco. His hammy isn’t a concern, they’re just being super cautious with him. He’ll be “running today and running fast” according to Pete our head physio. Pete says at this time of year they don’t want anyone trying to be a hero. I have nfi what that means, I just nodded like I understood

As always massive thank you @Ghostwriter , @Kev , @Harvey Wallbanger and any others that have made the effort to get to training and provide reports. You're efforts are much appreciated. I'm hoping in the new year I'll get the chance to get to a few sessions.

I find your constant haranguing of our only living premiership coach a bit ludicrous PF Simon Goodwin had a Development team in charge of the younger players ( David Neitz Academy) who’s role was to strengthen and fast track our youngsters through the process to AFL, on the whole they were very successful, unfortunately some players take a lot longer or just can’t make the next step. To constantly blame the Senior Coach for that failure is quite unusual, every year every team has to jettison 6-10 players that can’t make the grade, the coaching group have provide Mathew Jefferson extra time to find his way. And if you go back to finals in 2022 we ran out of Forwards leading into the finals and Harrison Petty was thrown forward to provide a target, he has been used in this fill in role due to our lack of tall competent forwards, that is no longer the case and Petty can return to defense which is his best spot. Also as mentioned by other posters it is time for us all to move forward with the New coaching team and Improved young playing group and look to 2026 and beyond, I believe there is a lot to look forward to.

1+1 will not equal 2 in this situation. Oliver having a good or great year at GWS does not mean regret and it certainly does not mean he would have had the equivalent output at MFC. If anything it will justify moving him on being best for club and player/person. In my view both were too comfortable in the existing situation. Granted he would have had a new coach as a changing factor but the time to cut our losses for the overall good was still the best move.

I’m a professional. I’ve been doing this a long time. Cut and paste my friend.

I spoke to Andy M W and asked him if he was going home for Xmas . I think he’s from Darwin? He said No, he wanted to stay in Melbourne and train.

Windsor lace out to JVR on a beautiful lead. Goal. More of this in 2026.

Two fantastic leads from JVR straight up the middle delivered laced out. Love to see it.

I finally got down from interstate to get to a training session. Great to meet and have a chat w @Ghostwriter @Fritta and Turner @Winter Dan and 31. we’re a good bunch of folks us dee supporters! Nothing much to add other than CJ moves like a frikn gazelle and Latrelle looks highly skilled and, dare I say it, ready to go.

This doesn’t mean 1/3 of our best 22 are injured. Some of them are being monitored, some have a minor niggle, some are almost right to go having come back from injury but they’re waiting until the new year before putting them back in the main group. Two of them are in concussion protocols. An example: Shane is tracking really well and will be in full training in January. He says that right now they’re concentrating on getting him sprinting and changing direction suddenly. He’s ticked all the other boxes.

Great turnout today. The club is delighted with how many people showed up, especially since rain and even possible thunderstorms were predicted. So many kids decked out in their regalia… a wonderful sight. We sold out of almost everything. That means more giant heads on the horizon 🥳 A huge thank you to the Demonlanders who attended and supported the DA by buying our wares. I was relieved of my duties as till-b!ttch for a spell in order to find Steeley to give him a cupcake for his birthday (today he turned 30). I hadda battle through the multitude of weekenders to get to him but it was worth it, he was so grateful. Luker came to see me but only because we have this “tradition” at sausage sizzles where I smuggle a cupcake out to him. Hence, he came to see the cupcake, not me 😁 But the best thing about today on a personal level is that Shane brought his partner Taylor over to meet me and… he let me hold their 12-week-old baby girl, Mia 🥹 All in all It was a great success.

My first mission today is to give Jack Steele a birthday cupcake which I bought this morning because I accidentally ate his Demon Army cupcake on Saturday. He’d forgotten to come pick it up and I had no choice but to eat it 🤭

Boys changing into the runners now. That’s it from me from preseason training in 2025. Bring on 2026.

McAdam (wearing #27) is taking part in the Match SIM Later Edit: Not McAdam but Riley Bonner.

Didn’t you know. Every thing was Goodwin’s fault except for the premiership.

A number of train on players present today including Toby Sinnema. This could mean Bowey could be place on the LTI List.

We’re a bottom four midfield now sadly and we won’t be competitive again until our next generation of midfielders in Langford, Windsor, Lindsey etc have matured.

Sounds like Windsor is having an epic pre-season. With injury seemingly behind him I'm looking forward to seeing him next year in his 3rd season.

Weddle and Gruzewski both currently showing a lot more but drafting in hindsight is always easy but the suggestion Goodwin hampered Jefferson’s development is laughable

Big thanks to Demonland, Ghostwriter, WayneWussell, Ditcha, PaulR, Startifastbart, Harvey Wallbanger, Fritta and Turner, all posters and special comments for another excellent training day thread yesterday. Sounded like a lot going on and appreciate the ongoing reports on our injured and rehab’rs.

I thought JVR was a mixed bag today in the sim. Two strong marks on the lead against TMac, two failed attempts at mark of the year jumping on top of Tommy, one set shot at goal after a strong mark from 40m that went off the side of his boot and one pass that went straight through his hands when on a fast lead. He looks great at times, but still seems to have the odd unexpected skill lapse. Yep Culley’s running goal in traffic was a standout, his kicking just looks so smooth and natural. I can’t see what is going to stop this guy being a big surprise packet for opposition teams next season. Berry is interesting to watch, he doesn’t look dangerous but I haven’t seen him make an error yet, picks bouncing ground balls up on the run cleanly and delivers correctly by foot or hand. Taylor is another who I haven’t seen make a mistake, seems to have plenty of awareness of what’s going on around him, gets the ball takes the opposition on, has a bounce and looks for targets. I am on board with this bloke after watching him in a sim last week, take a pass in the pocket, have a bounce with Kossi coming at him, he just side stepped, fended off Kossi’s lunging arm and proceeded down the field, leaving Kossie sprawled on the ground and that’s no mean feat. Very composed for a newbie. The other player I have been following is Tholstrup, in the few sessions I have attended his skill levels are good in the drills, he’s enthusiastic and involved. His only bad habit is trying to out muscle tacklers and often getting caught. Watching him today he was playing wing on Onley or drifting to half forward but had little direct involvement in the play. I was hoping he would get some time in the middle just to see how he goes getting the ball with the jets, Kossie and Windsor. I still don’t know what roll he can play best for us. He has football skills, his draft combine results say he has elite agility and endurance with more than adequate speed but what are the extra ingredients you need to make AFL level when you are 186 cm tall? Going into next season I am, for some reason, very much glass half full on what I have seen so far.

I was there and whilst the question could not be answered, there was a Freudian slip from COO, who said “when we are at Caulfield” when talking about the Future Fund needing to be accessed. The financials are in order. The loss is a result of payouts to Goody and Oliver, which are included in this years figures according to accounting rules. Kingy was terrific. Gave supporters plenty of time and was open and honest. He is a wholesome country boy at heart, but I believe he has a great knowledge of the game and will connect people. For those teeing off on those who asked questions, it’s a very awkward setting to ask meaningful questions. If you are so concerned, get off your bum and come ask for yourself. Also, the lady who referenced the Mercedes is a former MCC committee member and passionate supporter of the club. The Mercedes is an old 1980s Merc that she has painted with Dees logos as a bit of fun.

I don’t know if it was said publicly but a friend of mine was there tonight and he told me he had a conversation with Paul Guerra privately during which Paul said training at Waverley is off the table and that training will be at Gosch’s and Casey until such time as Caulfield is up and running.

The Tmac fam attends training often because Lmac (Leo) insists on being there. He loves watching his dad. A while ago I mentioned on here about when I asked Leo who his favourite player is and he said, “Tom McDonald, number 25, Melbourne Football Club.” So formal 🥹 Well there’s been a change. Yesterday Tmac’s partner Ruby told Leo to “Tell Ghosty who your favourite player is.” Turns out Leo’s favourite player is, as he put it, “number 32” (not so formal). Reason being, when Spaz is at theirs for dinner he reads bedtime stories to Leo. When you’re 4yo that’ll do it 😁 According to Spaz though, they’re not bedtime stories; Leo has a book called Where’s Bluey? similar to Where’s Wally? and this is Leo’s book of choice because “he’s all across it, he finds Bluey before I do, he kicks my @rse every time.” 😅

I’d much rather Clarry at GWS than the dirty Cats!