London Demon

We are nowhere near being a contender I’m afraid. On the evidence of today - one game of course - we have not progressed at all. If anything we looked worse. Not that it matters now.

This guy is going to be quite something. His spring, running ability and general athleticism is obvious, but add to that quick hands and a willingness at the contest makes him an outstanding prospect. Obviously at this stage lacks muscle mass, but there’s an ample frame to put it on. If he can do that and stay fit he’ll be elite in 2/3 years

Yep folks, we are now on the bottom. Extraordinary, hardly believable.

Today's was a great game and occasion, between two great clubs. A bit sad too, because we are not in the same class and probably never will be.

Forget it

What sort of crowd anyone?

Good luck Demons!

We have no chance whatever

MFC History and Character Commence rebuild. Fall to the bottom, a couple of years of total embarrassment, at end of year 2 a couple of unexpected wins,. Engender hope Climb ladder to mid-table respectability or a little better. Encourage optimism. Founder, fall back, get passed by other clubs. Repeat.

Who cares? Its over.

As ever Josh is very open and informative. Re the main issue, Step 1 in the process is Jesse making a decision. If he decides he wants to go then Josh and his people get to work to get Steven May. As for May himself, from the brief highlight tapes I have seen of him he is clearly a big physical crash and bash type player. He doesn’t strike one as being hugely skilful to be honest. He disposals by foot in particular look a bit floaty and imprecise. Oscar looks to be better in that regard. But Josh says they have been following him for a while so they must see more to him. I guess I trust the back room people.

Anyone who saw Smith in last week's VFL prelim got any comment? How did he play?

Goodness, big call! Clearly the selection committee see something in Smith which I for one haven't seen. But I trust them. Sorry for Fritsch, terribly sorry, but its a brutal game. He's young, a fantastic talent, he'll get another chance. Go Dees!

Good luck to all from London. My sister sent me over an MFC scarf during the week, and notwithstanding that it’s still pretty warm over here i’ll wear it today, as a sign of solidarity with all Demon lovers. I wonder if anyone on the tube will recognise it?? Anyway go Dees. As usual I’ll follow the game through this site, too nervous to watch it, and anyway I am supposed to be working! The first few minutes will be crucial.

I have weighed in on this one before. He’s a special talent: huge pace, spring, good hands, kicks the ball a mile, fanatic attack on the ball. He’ll come good. Talk of trading him is ridiculous.

This game is more than a chance to progress to a prelim. We talk of hoodoos? This is the biggest of them all. We have been humiliated by Hawthorn time after time after time again. Literally for decades. This is the opportunity for redemption and revenge. Sure in public put out the usual bland platitudes about what a great club they are, how we’ll have to play at a top to have a chance etc etc. But in the inner sanctum focus on how Hawthorn in general and Clarkson in particular, has made us suffer, made us a total laughing stock. Come the bounce next Friday we tear into them with total ruthlessness.

Well it’s now 810am London time, time to get on a red double decker to head into the City of London for work. It’s trempting to attempt to say something profound but hell, skip it, just want to say good luck one and all Demons, keep the faith whatever happens tonite. Go Melbourne!!

I’m sort of with you on this Skuit, ie yearning for some rational analysis rather than the rants and ridiculous exaggerations we usually get on the Gameday thread, but what the hell at least the contributors are sincere. We’ve all suffered together and maybe now finally we might be on the cusp of something good, we may as well stick together. I urge u to re-join! I will be from London. I can’t bear to watch the game live, I judge what’s happening from cautious peeks at the Gameday thread. I know that sounds mad but it’s the only way I can cope

Jayden Hunt, notwithstanding he’s out of the team at present and has had a tough year. He’ll be back and will be huge for us in the years to come. Raw pace, great spring, manic attack on ball, huge kick. Just needs the experience and fitness to add to that and he’ll be awesome

Spare a thought for me - I first started following the MFC in 1965....

I am showing my bias here Cos I really rate him but one partial solution to the lack of pace issue is Hunt. I say get him in. Smith going down gives an opportunity

We do have an weakness in lack of outside pace. I’m most situations , against most teams, we are skilful and disciplined enough to more than cover it. But the weakness is there to be exploited by the best/quickest sides. Collingwood has, or rather (before injuries) had that ability. I think GWS has it, ditto Tigers of course. Eagles I have not seen enough to say. That’s going to be our challenger over the next phase.

Not that it was a wonderful performance on Saturday but feeling a bit better about MFC this week. It was a solid win. Bringing Frost into the back half has added a bit more of both height and pace. Spargo and Jeff, and Oliver, adds a bit more pace/ nip in the forward half. My view is that if we can get Hunt fit and inform that would add a little more and give us the best chance to complete with the top teams. I know making the 8 is the principal aim but I’m not giving top 4 away just yet. All our rivals are copping injuries. We are in comparative good shape, and things like that count. But the big game will be Geelong at Geelong 2 weeks from now. We must take them.

Here we go. Must win.

As a said in a recent post on this subject just leave it.