Deers

What hate? Jared's been a great player, a great clubman and a warrior in defence. For his sake I'm happy to see him look elsewhere. With an ageing body and losing the leadership role, I think his cards were marked anyway. He's not part of the future and we'll capably replace him. Good luck and thanks.

I'd rather take a few big hits as long as it hardens us as a top-flight contender down the track. This is why I hold no ill will toward Neeld. He's having a crack at least.

On further reflection, I don't have a tipping point simply because I don't follow the game that much to care. I was born one day and got a Demons scarf and that was that. We lived in League territory throughout my early childhood and knew nothing of the Demons in the early '90s. We came to Melbourne in '95 but it wasn't until '97 that I was brought to a game - Greg Hutchison's first as caretaker. We won. I was a paid-up member the following year and continue to do so today. I've been to 90% of home games since 1998 but it was only since 2008 that I've actually closely followed the Demons. Before then it was purely entertainment. And I accepted being a Demon supporter like I accept the bulbous nose on my face. Eventually I'll come round and embrace it. And I have. But now I have reached an age where I can make my own choices. I love the MFC right now and it gives me great joy to support them. But the MFC owes nothing to me. If I lose interest, for whatever reason, then I'll walk away. That won't happen overnight, although another long, dark period like this one might do it. If the Demons move to Hobart or fold then I'll pull up stumps quickly but I sense most of the 85% 'unconditonals' would too, so that doesn't necessarily count. I'm just happy with the here and the now. So, umm ... I'll be a [censored] and vote C because I wouldn't vote for A or B. Damn, that reads like a typically conservative, fair-weather Demons' supporter. But you know what? Whilst I'm knee-deep in it, I will be as wildly passionate (read: feral) for the Demons as any one of you.

How would others know the finer detail and why the hell would they care?

Hence the big offer for David Mackay. Never mind what other elite inside-outside runners with slick hands are out there - who would be willing to join us? If explosive speed and high endurance are the demand then I would think Toumpas, O'Rourke or Mayes are suitable candidates.

Question for all: If we are forced to commit pick 3 to Viney, would you still consider trading (pick 4, no doubt) for Hogan?

I think we will be heavily in the mix for Caddy. I'd happily give up pick 13 + a senior player (and pick 3 for Hogan) IF we come to an understanding that neither GWS nor Gold Coast will bid for Viney. The MFC won't simply waltz in and take Viney in the 2nd round without conceding some ground. But we've got such a strong hand anyway that no-one should blink twice at it. Leaving the draft with Hogan, Viney, O'Rourke (pick 4) and Caddy sounds pretty damn amazing.

Damn dude, I didn't think getting laid was so complicated. If it were me I'd probably get arrested for donkey-punching.

Shame about Claremont losing. Regardless, if that's the last we see of Hogan on the field this year, then he's left on a very strong note.

He's absolutely destroying it. 16 disposals, 8 marks and 2 goals after 7 minutes of the third quarter. EDIT: I can't keep up! 20 disposals, 9 marks and 3 goals.

Hogan is currently playing for Claremont in the Colts' preliminary final vs. East Fremantle. It's half-time and he's had 13 disposals, seven marks and a goal. http://www.wafl.com.au/games/view/9414

They invented the Superwall for the Australian Open tennis. It was well received but it was purely a novelty thing. Now they use it for the footy, the V8s and lord knows what else. Bring on the X Factor Superwall! Where you can see the green room, the view from underneath the judge's desk, a slow-mo replay and the host taking a dump during commercials.

That was strange. Collingwood were up by 2 goals and West Coast couldn't get it inside their forward 50. Did he mean to say West Coast? And then, twice, he desperately pleaded, "West Coast need to find something from here", as the ball trickled OoB in Collingwood's forward pocket with 90 seconds left. He has called for T.V. before with Fox but you couldn't tell that here. The commentary rarely matched the visuals.

The recruiters and a lack of up to date football nous from everyone. Spot the forward in these two descriptions: OR The club was frantically trying to replace Neitz with a new lead-up forward that they forgot the whole game changed. Now we're spoilt for choice with a skilful 195 cm tweener and this [censored] of a beanstalk. And yes, I think we do go on about it too much. But it comes from a rational place: a lack of trust in our recruiters. I'm damn worried that we're going to [censored] it up again. Even if there's a new team in place. Ok, now that seems irrational, but should I be condemned for acting in this way?

Neither could Blease for 18 months. For me it's a moot point. Stringer is a tough kid. The leg has affected movement but it's temporary. I've only seen a couple of VFL games but he still impacts the contest. I'll be furious if they overlook him because of the injury. It's not crippling. If it never happened he would be rated top five.

I was born into being a Demon. Our family are passionate people but we are not obsessives. I will support the MFC until they are no longer the MFC. But I must admit, these past 5 years have tested my nerve.

Yeah. This is getting rather tedious. Some people can't avoid looking a gift horse in the mouth.

The mini-draft thread covers Hogan aplenty.

Makes you stop and think: damn, we've got it pretty good here. We'll have three potential A-graders before the top eight enters the draft equation. They can keep jostling to maximise their fortunes but I wouldn't fret if Viney goes at 3. He's a top-fiver on ratings anyway. I know we've been in this position before in 2009. Not every draft is a flawless exercise though, regardless of your strong hand. (See: Hawthorn 2005) As long as they can squeeze at least one decent player out of it. And we did in Trengove. So did Hawthorn with Birchall. And we should match 2010's report card with Viney before considering who else might get picked up. Having the security of Viney in the bag really helps in this process.

We lost Scully and we got pick 4 and pick 13. If we're forced to draft Viney at 3, we will still have pick 4 and pick 13. How does logic seem to fail some people?

Good for you! Guess where we are now? Last. What is wrong with "Through and Through"? It touches on history (nod to Schwab) but also sends out a call to arms. It acknowledges the hard times we've faced in the last half-decade but reminds members of the club's will to push on. With the passion that rages through us, we will see it through. Et cetera, et cetera.

I think we should stop looking for offcuts in the trade / FA pile. Some of the suggestions makes me wonder why we're culling our own. It emphasises just how huge a get Clark was; moreover, how it will never be equalled again. There's the potential to snap up three or four A-graders right out of the draft this year. Time for the club to close ranks and believe in what we can do from within.

Nice thread title, Rupert.

Being ruthless doesn't mean sticking the knife in one's back. If we're going to do it right, shoot them between the eyes. Be brave. Don't compromise. Win.

We were interested in him, but the carrier pigeon hasn't arrived yet. Better call it off.