hemingway

A little unkind OD, a little out of character for such a gentleman.

Agree, it may not be where we want it to be, but it has changed for the better. Like OD and like a long lost lover I am desperate for success but philosophical that this may not mean a flag given the brand called AFL is a massive marketing organisation that has designed an uneven competition for the benefit of the interstate clubs, the new clubs, and the large wealthy Vic clubs. We will need everything going for us to beat those odds. If we do, it will be a miracle and indeed Karma for the AFL.

Two of my favourites, Bluey the fastest man alive who could tear apart defences with his speed and long kicking and the dashing flamboyant Donny who could leap tall buildings, run like the wind without fear and drop kick 60 metres from half back. And have a smoke at 3/4 time. These were footballers to hold in awe.

3 memories 1. As a kid going to the game in my footy jumper, dad and his mates, so proud and excited. We won most games. We were Hawthorn, and like Hawthorn we normally found a way to win the close ones. To know that we were the greatest, with the greatest coach, captain and team. We had the "culture" of success. To know and experience the hate and jealousy of other clubs and their supporters. Thinking this feeling would never end. We were born to rule until 1965. 2. Seeing the famous 64 GF on top of the old Northern Stand when 100,000 people held their collective breath when Gabbo and then Froggy kicked their goals. Seeing Demon fans celebrating and Magpie fans (women) crying. Having nightmares of Gabbo's run and dreaming that he won the game. 3. The thrill of the 1987 final series and the games against North and Sydney when we smashed them. When the Demon fans stood as one to clap Robbie off the ground in the last Q against North in order to rest him for the next week. I have never again experienced that love for a player as we experienced for Robbie that day.

Everyone wants success in whatever form. We want successful careers, we want happy and successful relationships, and everyone likes to be associated with successful things. We want to feel that our lives are meaningful and worthwhile, and ultimately successful however we measure it. Everyone on this site has a long standing and continuous relationship with our footy club. We have an emotional investment in our Demons. We want them to be a successful team not only for our own satisfaction and enjoyment but we want our team to be respected because of that success. Not everyone can win a gold medal or win all the time. Winning a flag is the holy grail and so much can go wrong or rather you need so much to go right, like winning the Tour De France. I will be happy if my team not only wins footy games but can do so consistently so that others will admire and respect our club. I will be overjoyed if we win a flag but it is not the be all and end all. It is the cherry on top of the cake. But in my mind it is not take it or leave it. Let's enjoy the ride and enjoy the fruits of future success rather than dwelling only on "the flag".

I don't have strong views about the selections. My only strong feeling is that we need fresh legs, fresh minds and inclusion of players who have been performing at Casey. We need desperate players and lots of run.

Astounded over the negativity associated with Gus and for that matter the team. Injuries and/or concussion problems aside Gus is a natural instinctive footballer with the skills and the smarts to be a very good player for the MFC.

I actually agree with your assessment Ad. Our improvement is also the cause of our increased expectation and disappointment when we lose. By the way, I do have a son called Adam.

Post Darwin, Etihad and St Kilda, says it all. Until we win these games and are able to win consistently and consecutively we cannot claim to have turned the corner. And other clubs and the media will not take us seriously. Incredibly disappointing. The team needs its head read.

hopefully a calculated risk picket, but it seems to me more like a risk.

Agreed but we will need all parts of the engine working. Importantly we will need to reduce out turnover count as it will probably be a close one if both sides bring their best game to the contest. Hopefully, we will have learnt some lessons from the past, particularly regarding our nemesis Nick R. I hope that deep in the final quarter we are all over the Saints on contested ball, but importantly run and spread.

or the indian fertilizer company linked to uncle joe.

Glicks may well see more of the Gutnicks not less. Glicks is a favourite spot for those down on their luck.

a tiges supporter?

You and everyone else nut, except for Ron and a few other lonely souls now coming out of the woodwork to pronounce their greatness.

I don't think DJ, spouse and 13 kids will be seen at the soup kitchen anytime soon. My sympathy is only extended to those below the poverty line rather than for people who try and build personal wealth by borrowing from others and then lose it. John Elliott also comes to mind as one of those greedy individuals who simply well...just got to greedy. We do have reason to thank Joe for his contribution to the club but I suspect this was more about personal power and ego than simply the act of a generous supporter. Still I sure he is a charming fellow when talking to his bankers.

Good to keep folks guessing picket. Predictability becomes boring.

Fair enough Chris, at times we can be to quick to pass judgment. Patience has been a great virtue in judging Jack. He is beginning to flower like the team. No coincidence I think just as our past judgments were made when the team was so poor. But I agree, he now compares favourably with Nic Nat and may well become the more important player to his team.

Nice story thanks for sharing

Each to their own Faulty. If it be your will.

The Weide I would keep on ice but Hulett interests me given his big body and option to play back and forward. Is he an option down back? I have not seen him play but we need another big body that either plays down back or can be used in a swing role.

Garlett and Kennedy's inconsistency is a worry. Really cant afford to have them not turning up from week to week. I guess that when others become available, this inconsistency may see them out of the team.

Of course you will. That is your attitude.

Really disrespectful and harsh comment. We will be a better team when we have our young guns back but no need to speak so poorly of others. Players like Matt J and Jack G deserved their spot and played exceptionally well. They should be congratulated.

I might be old, dead or forgotten but I have standards. Bull fighting has history, culture, skill, artistry and a narrative that would be lost on these guys. Running the bulls is for thrill seekers, drunks and dope heads. Like many things, this event has been spoiled by modern tourism and idiots that have the money to travel but have no appreciation for anything other than booze and living the moment. Their presence and participation is meaningless.