Wiseblood

And that is counted against him for today, yet not counted for the previous two wins? No player is perfect, and we had plenty off the boil today.

Funny how this thread doesn't pop up in the previous two weeks, or the two games prior to finals, when he was terrific. Then the usuals come out to pot him in a game where 20 players stunk it up. Funny that.

I'm pretty flat after that. The Eagles mugged us from the opening bounce and everything they did turned to gold, both from a coaching stand point to even parts where we would smother a ball and it would still land in their lap. Everything that has made us so good in this finals series abandoned us and we didn't know what to do. That will come with experience. BUT... I am still super, super proud of the boys for not only fighting on today, but for all they have achieved this season. Every single supporter would have taken a Prelim Final appearance at the start of the year, and we KNOW how good this side can be. We have shown so many positives this season, from the emergence of a variety of players, to how much our game plan has improved and evolved throughout the year. So, even though this is a really tough pill to swallow, stand up and be proud. The Demons are back, and while we might have been vanquished this time around, I'll be backing in the coaches, players and us as supporters to come back bigger and stronger next season. I can't wait for 2019 already and what the future will bring for this club. Even facing a loss like this, how couldn't you still find a way to smile about just how good things can be in the very near future? It's great to think about, even as flat and disappointed as I'm feeling right now. Bring on 2019 and a Demons premiership!

No, we don't. I'd be stunned if we had any interest at all, especially after we just acquired Lever, re-signed Oscar and have Frost playing terrific footy. We don't need him at all.

Yep, but with the form Frosty is in, I think Footy IQ is all that Kennedy has on him right now. Frost has the size, the pace and the strength to go with him in pretty much any situation. Plus with Kennedy not 100% fit I doubt he will be as dangerous on the lead, so Frost may even look to run off him a little as well. Either way, while I believe their forward line can be one of the most dangerous in the competition, we have the players to cover them. Our backline in the last two weeks has been super and I do think we can keep them to a beatable score.

Thanks mate, I appreciate that! Good to be back and able to post a little more often! And I agree re: Darling's strength in the contest, which is something that I think is a little underrated... well, by me anyway. I'd like to think Smith can do with him round the ground and on the lead, but he might need a chop out if they look to utilise Darling one out. However, with Kennedy not 100% fit, they might look to use Darling further up the ground which will be to our advantage.

I reckon there is a good chance Smith plays on Darling, and Oscar takes the resting ruck with Frost on Kennedy. Just my two cents, but I think Smith could be the perfect match up size wise and pace wise for Darling.

Spot on, PD. His selection is not about what Fritsch doesn't bring to the side, but what Smith is able to do match up wise. It's not a knock on Fritsch at all, it's more about the size the Eagles have up forward and ensuring we counteract that. 5-6 weeks ago they didn't have Kennedy so Frost and Oscar were enough. Not this time. Plus, it allows someone like Hibberd to play a more attacking role off half back, interchanging with Salem and Lewis. I think it's a smart selection as well.

Are there? You and a couple of others doesn't constitute 'many' in my book.

Fritta is stiff, but they obviously have a clear role in mind for J. Smith, one that probably frees Hibberd up to play a more attacking role alongside Salem and Lewis.

No change, to me, makes the most sense. However, if the selection committee feel that Joel Smith is the right choice for this weekend's game, and Fritsch is the one to miss out, I'm not sure I could argue with them based on the decisions that have been made recently. They know what they are doing, and while I'll be shattered for Fritsch, he might get a run in the GF if they feel he is better suited to the match ups in that game.

A holiday? I wish, mate. Have a bit of time up my sleeve but won't be taking it until after the Dees have won the flag in just over a week's time!

Hey mate, Thanks for the tag. I'm still around (been swamped with work, sickness, my little girl got sick as well etc) so I haven't been around much lately. I'm hopeful that it's all passing now though! I've been enjoying every bloody minute of this and what makes me even happier is that I know everyone here has been enjoying it as well. No matter how negative, positive or in between we've been, we can all enjoy this together as passionate and faithful Demon fans. It's just amazing. Thanks for thinking of me and I'll hopefully have more time to enjoy this with you all in the next few days! Go Dees!

@ProDee will be happy with that.

This has been the longest two weeks ever. Absolutely can't wait for the game to get underway. DEMONS!

Article on the HUN saying the same thing. Wonder how we swing a decent deal with our first pick being in the 30s?

This is already, by far, the best game day thread we have ever had.

Have you started divorce proceedings yet?

Three? Try five. I think I need to see somebody though...

Love your work, Chazz. I hate these bastards and would love nothing more than to roll them tonight!

I'm holding you to that!

"I am the egg man" "I am the Walrus" John Lennon, 1967.

I'd like to think most posters here can accept the fact that, for this year at least, playing finals is a large step in our development and has gone a long way to casting aside the demons (excuse the pun) of our last 12 years. Regardless of the result tonight, I think we've made tremendous strides both on and off the field, and I am really excited for what lies ahead for us. Like others, I'm watching from home tonight as I can't get away from work early enough to make the game, but will be home in time to watch it live with my wife. Thankfully my daughter will be in bed by then so she won't be subjected to the fist pumps, loud groans and general rubbish behaviour that will be thrown at the TV. I'll keep the rational thoughts for this thread instead.

Very true, Clint. I'm loving the fact we're playing in September and we're not just here making up the numbers. If Geelong do knock us out then I'll be hugely disappointed but also proud of the season we've had and excited for the next few years ahead. We can't lose sight of that, regardless of the result tonight.