DemonDave

I disagree, last year we carried many of our so-called 'best 22' when they were clearly carrying injuries. Robertson, Davey, Neitz, Yze, Moloney just to name a few. We had many fit young enthusiastic kids that couldnt get a look in because of this. This is what killed us last year, while the side looked OK on paper, the players werent able to give 100%

Why would you be resting a developing, young guy like Frawley? Surely he has to play every senior game possible this pre-season to further his development. I can't buy any excuse about him not playing other than he's injured. Same goes for Lynden Dunn and Morton. If they're willing to risk skinny guys like McNamara (who was easily the most impressive of the draftees) and Cheney, then why not Morton? Dunn is also still learning the craft really. The selected team was puzzling, 4 ruckmen (White, Jamar, P Johnson, Meesen) and a whole swag of talls (Holland, Martin, Warnock, Zomer etc etc). The team balance was all wrong, and we were always going to get slaughtered out of the midfield...

i think the whole point of it is to try and portray what would probably be a considerably more accurate view on our injury concerns than the daily papers 'injury lists' provide. I think Rivers was listed as 1-2 weeks most of last year. Those lists are a bit of a joke. The MFC websites injury page is usually relevant for June of the previous year, and usually if a staff member of the club gets interviewed on radio/tv/print about the state of players injuries, they usually put a bit of new age spin on the question and never really answer it in true politicians style. I really cant see the likes of Matthew Whelan being anywhere near fully match fit for at least the first half of this year. Even at this early stage we clearly have the biggest injury list of any of the other clubs already, its quite alarming. But getting information on these injuries from the club is like pulling teeth.

I’d love to see Brock McLean as captain of the Melbourne Football Club. But it still boils down to the fact that he’s not ready for it. He still has not yet played enough consistent football over a sustained period of time for his selection to be justified. Sure he had a great 2006, but Brad Miller had an outstanding year in his 2nd or 3rd year too, it doesn’t mean you’ll go on to be a superstar at such a young age. Showing leadership qualities is one thing, but we’re not about to give Jack Grimes the captaincy now are we? It has to be earned, invariably the best side at each club is their captain (with the exception of St Kilda who’ve given it to all bar the boot-studder). Brock McLean is not yet our best player. If he puts in two solid seasons, and either wins or places in the B&F, then I think he’ll be ready. But for now, comments from this article such as: "He can say whatever he likes about me. It's water off a duck's back. I don't really care what he thinks about me," McLean said of the curator. And "What's the point of bringing it up? If he wants to ring up and lag me to the papers, let him do it." still do not reek of maturity. Add to this the burnout incident after his overseas escapades, and I think Brock still has some way to go to reach his destiny, that of captain.

Anyone seen the profile photo of Shane Valenti on the Herald Suns revamped footy website? He looks suspiciously like Austin Wonaeamirri to me! http://superstats.heraldsun.com.au/profile/240388.html

http://news.realfooty.com.au/schwab-rules-...80205-1qa5.html ""I am very happy with what I am doing, and really positive about where we are as a footy club - and also contracted for another two years," Schwab said. "So it is not an option for me at all. We have really enjoyed Perth, really enjoyed what we are doing at Fremantle." So there you, that rules out his return......

Have we ever once, once, heard Steve Harris come out and speak passionately about the club he is CEO of on radio or TV?

Rubbish. I'm a member of Storm as well, and they have one of the best memberships in the NRL, and their crowd figures while in the lower percentile are hampered by a 3rd world home ground. Just look at the surge in crowd numbers at Victory games once they moved from Olympic Park to Telstra Dome. Once the Storm move into their new facilities next year you'll see a marked increase in crowds. Waldron has been instrumental in a lot of these things happening. He's passionate and has made a huge difference since he's taken over. (unless you can claim to have been at some of the Storm info days like I have and can tell me otherwise). You cant just say its the recruiter and coach, thats a naive approach to what makes a modern day sporting organisation succcessful. And do you seriously expect to hear the CEO of Richmond or Carlton or anyone coming out and singing the NRLs praises on radio once a week? Of course not, their competing for the same recreational dollar on the weekends. I for one am quite happy for Waldron to stay where he is, and for the club to seek out 'the best and most qualified person for the job' now that Harris has officially left.

Well this was in todays Members newsletter which was received today: 2008 Membership The Club’s membership drive has started strongly, and a big thanks to the 13,636 members who have already signed up for 2008, which is on track to achieve our record membership target of 30,000 members in our 150 year. For those yet to renew, do so now to beat the pre-season rush.

It was within another news item: WEST ADELAIDE LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS The West Adelaide Football Club is pleased to announce Nathan Brown is the club's new Captain. Nathan has returned to the club after a successful 10 year AFL career which saw him play 145 games. A passionate West Adelaide person, Nathan has had an immediate impact on the training track and throughout the playing group. Full of energy and enthusiasm he is looking forward to leading the club into a successful era. Nathan will receive support from vice captains Peter Walsh and 2007 Steve Hamra Medallist (Best and Fairest) Simon McCormick. The West Adelaide Football Club would like to acknowledge the efforts of David Piasente, who stood down as captain after two seasons. David led the club with determination through a very tough period and did so with distinction. David will be working on ensuring he gets his own football back to his usual high standards after a couple of frustrating years with injury. He will also work closely in a mentoring role with some up and coming young players at the club. Andrew Collins, Senior Coach, said these 3 players have been empowered with the on field leadership of the West Adelaide FC and the enormous responsibility along with the great honour that is leadership, sits naturally with all of them. All have a strong desire to be the best they can be and an extreme hate of losing. They are demanding of their team mates in regards to on and off field actions and lead by example and are courageous role models. Nathan with the support of Peter and Simon are steadfast on making this club great again and are looking forward to sharing a great season with their team mates. Nathan, Peter and Simon will assist with coaching duties throughout the season.

Well done to Brown Dog on his 3 year deal, and being made Captain of his old side: http://www.sanfl.com.au/news/sanfl_news/page_3/130/ And Ferguson and Neaves are announced in this press release: http://www.westadelaidefc.com.au/files/Med...2011%202007.pdf Oh and also Peter Walsh is a playing Assistant Coach..

Great effort MFC4Life! The Port Adelaide coach was Darren Mead, ex-Port AFL Centre-Half Back. Ward mentioned how he was really looking forward to playing with Brown again in the SANFL this year, and that both the boys would be at Football Park cheering the boys on when they come over. Chris Fagan was the first to receive Life Membership, and his speech while enthusiastic and heartfelt, went on for aaages. Board member Michael Coglin who presided over the bestowing of Life Memberships then revealed they'd allocated 3 minutes for each recipient after his speech, so jokingly said the others would have to be cancelled. Craig Cameron was next and mentioned he was always picking up the slack for Fages. For the trivialists, Fagan wore his club suit, Cameron did not(but admitted that yes he was now a Melbourne man), nor did Chris Connolly, who came across as mentioned as if he was already part of the furniture at the club. I wasnt sure about Connolly until last night, but think he'll be a tremendous asset to the club over the ensuing years. Barry King was the famous doorman given the volunteers award, you only had to take one look at him to instantly recognise him. He was presented with the award by the wife of the person the honor was named after who's name escapes me, Gardiner mentioned she refused to talk, and then made the quip of the night saying 'I was she was my wife instead of the one I have' in relation to this. Many laughs ensued. Also awarded life membership was media powerhouse Ian Johnson, it was great to see a man of his stature there, his speech was very brief though. All in all a somewhat longer AGM this year due to the sheer volume of Life Memberships that were awarded, but it was great to hear from our new coach, recruits etc...

Starts at 7PM, and is usually roughly on-time each year (save for the last minute hurried entrance of the playing group)...

Thanks Craig and good luck with your new team. I've really appreciated all your insights both here on Demonland and at the AGMs/Info Nights over the past decade. Your accesibility, honesty and likeability will be missed by everyone at the club Cheers, DemonDave

Well worth a read if you have the time: http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/stev...7135371657.html

I'm usually the same, renew in the New Year, but someone from the club rang me on Tuesday, so I decided to renew on the spot. Now all they need to do is get the consecutive years right on my ammended membership card when it arrives!

Thanks for the training updates. I would never have put Beamer right up there in the spatial awareness categories, as he always, always gets tackled trying to take on a second and third opponent when breaking out of a pack. Good for him though that he's finally able to have a flying pre-season. As for Wheels, bit of a worry if he's in the rehab group again this pre-season as he was last year. At his age and with the style of football he plays, is his body starting to let him down? Lets hope not, or its a slippery slope to retirement. I expect to see a photo in the paper the day after all our draftees join their first training session, the obligatory 'group shot', each holding a footy, smiling and quoted as saying 'its great to be training with some of my boyhood idols' and 'I didnt realise it would be so intense'...

Anyone remember the game where Chopper bagged 9 majors against the hapless Tigers? Congrats to him if this news is true...

Finally got my pack Monday, several days after some of my other family members. And despite being a VFL/AFL memebr since the 80s, my membership years on the card is incorrect. I have my membership cards going back to 1994, so i rang the club and told them and they happily changed my years membership and will send a corrected gold card when I've paid, so I'd suggest others with similar problems contact the membership department on the number on the renewal flyer. I don't like the wording of the flyer either about the 'late service fee', its very negative and oppressive, should be worded more as an incentive not a penalty. As for the scarves, yes I already have enough scarves, something different like a tie or cap would be much better for a change. And no I dont join up for the trinkets either, but they are a nice addition when you rip open your membership pack.

Well its happened now. After Spurs dismal home display against Getafe Martin Jol and assistant Chris Hughton were shown the door. Bizarrely, it seems word got around at half time of the game that Jol had been sacked, so the crowd sang chants to thank Jol during the second half, he even afforded them a goodbye wave.

Myself and a few mates went upto the Gabba last year, and got the club allocated seats, and I agree they're terrible, behind the goals quite a lot of rows back, who wants to travel all that way to have a lousy view? Cant the club get better seats?

Can we get someone on Tuesday, June 10th 2008 to get prepping for the lastest installment of the Queens Birthday Massacre?

Last years fixture was released on Tuesday, October 4th. So using that as a measuring stick its already late this year. No doubt the league will be quoted about 'the intricacies of calculating the draw using the finest computer program from America' and 'accomodating as many of all of the clubs wishes as we can' and 'We think its a fair and exciting draw for all teams'. All of these statements should really read 'We bowed to whatever the TV networks wanted us to do for next year, pleeease can we have our cheque for next years TV rights now?'

Bang on Tony, I was at the demons shop at the 'G yesterday, and there's already an enormous version of the new logo stuck under the main counter, clearly the club had already made up their mind about the logo but used the advisory survey as a means of justifying it by wording the question about the new logo as such that most people would simply say 'no preference'. You would think also that the demographic who undertook the survey would've been heavily skewed to the under 40 demographic that are more internet savvy too, and they are more open to change and less wary of tradition generally. (sorry if these are considered sweeping generalisations!)..

You can almost guarantee that Collingwood will get 18 home games, and just the 4 interstate games. And McGuire had the gall to come out the other day to say the competition would be compromised if the Roos moved north and recieved compensation draft zones. The competition is already irrevocably comprimised by the charmed run the filth get with the draw every year!