hemingway

Neitz, Oliver is a young footballer at the start of his career. He plays a crash and bash style of game. What does this mean for his longevity in the game? How many shoulder operations of this kind can you do? Is the decision to undertake this procedure precautionary or an indication of the seriousness of the damage already done? For most of us, surgery is the last resort only undertaken if all other forms of treatment have failed or not going to fix the problem. Professional sport is another thing, but do you think this type of surgery is sensible or the answer at such a young age?

DJ you must have missed the interview with his parents? i'm assuming he is from "a blended family."

Jane, it’s called doing your duty! No doubt you would do the same for your Hubbie if it was Dees v Tigers. But doing your duty can be tough. It’s a test of character. I know. I have a Collingwood supporting wife. Since Friday night i have had to remind myself of my marriage vows. I did not include an exemption clause relating to my wife’s footy allegiance.

So much development and progress this year. Hope to see Hunt and Stretch step up next season.

Agree with all your comments, Soup. Like a young boy running towards the front line, he was sacrificed in his first game. He was our Paschal Lamb. Like Oscar, my doubt is whether he brings that burning intensity or effort to the contest. However, I accept your comments and hope that you can remind me next season of the error of my judgement.

Lever coming back will make a huge difference but agree we need a tough nut who is quick in body and mind and able to go one on one or has the speed to get back, like Lever.

agreed. gawny's body is not going to hold up without better support. he will run himself into the ground.

What we need is a tough defender that plays tight contested footy and has an intensity to burn. Apart from Nev, I don't think we have one. Oscar is improving but does not seem to have that intensity or desperation. At times, he appears strangely detached. Petty is similar. Like Oscar he is a young guy that will continue to improve but he is not a tough nut that's going to put the fear of god into his opponent. In short, I would like to see us acquire another defender who brings that hard nosed belligerent attitude to our back half.

Some good points. An article in the Age weekender talks about the importance of timing and leaving on your own terms. Very few get it right and hang on for too long for a range of reasons. Its a good article with a lot of home truths. Lewis should read it, because he has the choice. And despite dearly loving Nathan Jones, he is approaching the same point in his career. He may have another season, but father time is now calling.

Sure, if you want to be pedantic. My point merely being they were building last year and were further ahead than most people gave them credit for.

agreed

That may be true AF, but for this season they are a better side. We saw this in the last game of 2017 when they comprehensively outplayed us. Our ceiling may be higher but for this year, the Pies are the better side.

Wow AF a stop over in Adelaide, how exciting. Let's hope it gets better. A win will make your sacrifices all worthwhile. And a direct flight back to Melbourne.

It's a reminder of what a great history and culture we have. And culture is built on success and adversity. And what great characters and footballers have been part of the fabric. Flanagan's piece is a reminder of times past, but also our great culture. Reason to be very proud and not ashamed.

Wow, if that doesn't bring tears nothing will. Spine tingling.

agree with last sentence. what you get is what you give up. money and players. I would hate to see our list broken up, except for some fringe dwellers and your not going to get a deal done for a gun by trading fringe dwellers.

you named your source which is more than most posters do.

The last two finals matches have been just like 87. In 87, we came with a run at the end of the season and then played superb footy against North and South. Most punters including Demon fans did not expect what would unfold in 87. A little like this year. We slaughtered both sides. The game against North was simply unbelievable. Less anxiety in 87 than this year as we won so easily. When you look at the 87 team line-up it was a helluva good side, with plenty of stars, together with a few journeymen playing a team role. Like this year, we made the finals after a long drought, and the jubilation of both wins in 87 was incredibly emotional and memorable. Particularly due to the late great Robbie Flower. When he was taken from the ground in the dying minutes against North, it was spine tingling to hear the collective noise of the Demon fans as he was given a standing ovation. In 1987, the Demon fans were out in force but has been bettered this season. The outpouring of emotion during both matches and post match has been incredible this year. My personal elation is very similar to 87. It makes up for all all the despair and disappointment over the years. It also tells you that players and teams have to take their opportunities as they come along. And as supporters, we have to enjoy the here and now.

Yeah Moon you are of course right but its a bit like putting off love making to have another drink.

and before John Lord, Norm Smith, and after Lordy, Tony Sullivan, a great half back flanker. but Harmesy is a beauty.

Hey guys, we are in the final series and playing a final on Friday night and you want to talk about trades. Stay focussed. Who cares about Scully. My only interest is knocking off the Hawks.

Methuselah lives, but at age 969 there would appear to be an age difference.

An important player for 2019 and beyond. But has to play his role as per game plan and become a disciplined footballer (which I suspect is not his natural inclination). Next year will be make or break for him.

Harmes always had the desire and determination, just needed consistency, confidence and some skill improvement. Trac is still an important player. He is tough at the contest, his tackling is first class and man o man that handball to Jonesy was a thing of exquisite beauty. Polly Farmer like.

spot on old son