Rodney (Balls) Grinter

32 minutes ago, Stiff Arm said:

Merry Christmas to all.

Not quite my favorite day of the year, but that's only happened 3 times in my lifetime and only delivered once.

Hoping there is a bright shiny new one that Jack is holding in the stocking for next year.

59 minutes ago, Roger Mellie said:

So 640, what did it say?

Maybe this is another off field thing we can't talk about 🤷‍♂️

2 hours ago, Dannyz said:

Johanniesen was electric that day. Hardly been the same player since. 

I think the Ch 7 comentators were willing him on to be a game changing influence again when he took that grab in the 3rd qrt of the 21 GF as well, but alas ... 😔

🤣

So for those that don't make it through the Hun paywall, is there an upshot to the article?

Has Salo found an approach to managing his health issues that should set him up for career best form in 2024?

9 hours ago, whatwhat say what said:

methinks you forgot someone...

Jack has been bloody awsome for the MFC.

The passion and heart and soul that he pours into his role is second to none.  Chip off the old block in terms of hardness and professionalism to training.

I think that's the real value in father son's, that loyalty and belonging that they have growing up around the club like Jack and the ethos being passed down from their parents.  See the same things going on with Woey, Brown and White.  Even though Billy and Wiz Jnr didn't ultimately make it, I feel there was alot of respect shown in hosting them at the club.  Billy in particular was credited by many as leading the way in his professional approach to training and positively influencing our culture in that way.

4 hours ago, Jontee said:

Should we draft the family dog?

Nope.

I've seen dogs that are far hungrier for the ball than that.

My old under 12s footy coach had a real see ball, get ball kind of dog.  Was a whippett or something too, so had some good pace as well.  It mostly just trained with us, but every now and then it got out on the park on game day and really tore it up a bit.

4 hours ago, Stiff Arm said:

Congrats to Jess and Max

Gee, imaging growing up and saying to your mates: "My dad was a drought breaking premiership captain!"

And then your mates look up at this 2m+ man-mountain dad...

Congratulations to them both indeed.

From the persona he exudes publicly, I'd imagine that Max would be all of an inspirational, caring and super cool dad. 

I'm sure Jess is a great mum as well.

It seems like baby birthing season is well underway at the MFC at the moment!

16 hours ago, Pipefitter said:

Im already concerned about trying to play 2 Gawn rucks in 18 years. 

13 hours ago, Jaded No More said:

Great news and a big congrats to the Gawns.

Would be greatly appreciated if George and Louis could both work on their forward craft ASAP

It's ok, big from what I recall, Max started his career as something forward / ruck if I recall and I think his forward craft goes all right having kicked multiple bags of 3+ goals in his career.  That Geelong prelim a and last Rd game in 2021 Vs Geelong ...

The third thing I think the club needs to change is for our supporter base to get louder and more vocal at games.

Our chants are week as [censored] and for too infrequent compared to the other Melbourne power clubs like Collingwood, Carlton and Essendon/Hawthorn (if they had anything to cheer about).

Like others I do feel we need to get better at taking the game on, when attacking from situations where the ball gets bottled up in our back half.  So often our front half game makes it almost impossible to score due to the congestion (and I get that retaining it in forward 50 is part of our defensive strategy).  But too often, we wasted oppertities to torch the opposition, when we had an open forwardline, because we lacked the dare to move the ball quickly in those situations. 

We have players like Kossie, Joel Smith and Chandler that have pace to burn, or JVR, Petty and Fritsch who would love to contest just 2 out, but too often, we don't pull the trigger.  One of the things that Melksham bought to the team when he came in, was an attacking mindset of taking the game on when there was open space out the back - we need to get him coaching our half forwards and wingers and even when injured, he can make a substantial contribution to the team.  With players like Melksham, it's not only about taking the game on, but also quickly summing up a situation and kicking the ball to the right spots.

How much would our forwards love to run onto open space and a ball that's bouncing towards goals 25m - 35m out - even if our forwards arn't leading the foot race, the pressure it puts on the defender to gather cleanly and then turn out of trouble, without getting caught in a tackle or deliberately disposing of the football out of bounds is immense. 

There were many whom under rate T Mac's contribution in 2021, but his ability to keep the ball moving by quickly turning, taking on his opponent and then kicking deep up the field with a reasonably well directed 50m pass was a key reason we were able to score in many situations.

I think something the club does need to change and get better still at, is giving the up and commers better exposure at AFL level.  Playing that player that's on the frindge as the sub week after week isn't going to cut it.  I understand the tendency that Goodwin has for stability in the team and that yes, we did blood more players in 2023 than 2022, but I feel we need to step up another notch.

I concur with others that Bailey Laurie is not any kind of replacement for Jake Melksham.  Guys like Joel Smith and Shane McAdam are the closest 'likes' we have for Melksham.  It was a stupid quote by Superfooty really.  It's not like Melksham really had any substantial continuity with his role in our structure over the past three years.

I feel Bailey really does face an uncertain future over the next few years and I think he maybe something of a Toby Bedford problem - a player that's too good for VFL and may get a game in many other teams, but is currently on par or slightly below par with a bunch of others we have that play a similar role.  His task will only get harder with the likes of Tholstrup, Winsor and Woewodin and AMW playing a similar role and style.  As much as the club needs to step it up, so too do players like Bailey when they get oppertities.

Still, I think Bailey may also be the sort of player we need to keep for the sustained sucess of the team and keeping him motivated and committed to the MFC, with modest exposure at AFL level is a challenge both he and the club need to rise to.  I do feel that sustained sucess is assisted by being able to retain these types of players at modest to low salary cap costs.  We need that next tier of young players comming through to fill the roles of ANB, Viney's age bracket as they retire out of the team.  Loosing Toby Bedford and Jordon out of our team was a loss in that sense.

3 hours ago, Wrecker46 said:

If the AFL were serious they would bring back unduly rough play. Captures any weird incident like a flying cannonball smother that isn't otherwise deemed reportable. No room for technicalities.

They had plenty to charge Maynard with, they just lacked the motivation to do so.

1 hour ago, Deebymistake said:

The thug coming on to talk about his mysterious illness.  I keep the channel on 7 despite my revulsion.  The mystery illness he lives with is OCD.  He explained his distress at overthinking and needing to repeatedly check he has locked his door.

 

Well, if I was constantly surrounded by Collingwood filth, I'd be constantly and repeatedly checking my door was locked too.

Seriously though, how does repeatedly checking your door is locked actually count as OCD?  I do that sort of thing, but I'd hardly call it OCD.

Grandma migrated from Adelaide and had gone for Norwood over there.  Dad has memories of attending the 64 GF and still tells me how the Neil Crompton the defender who wasn't suposed to be there kicked the winning goal.

Growing up in the 80s, I a flirtation with Hawthorn (I now shudder at the thought).  Went to a few MFC games in the 80s, but the one that really stands out was final Rd 1987 at the Western Oval.  I liked Robbie Flower as a kid and the one royal blue second hand jumper I had as a kid had No.2 on the back.  Dad had told me it was probably going to be Robbies last game, but if we won, there was a small chance we'd make the finals.

Recall us standing up the back in the standing room behind the goals, right at the back, near a big corrugated iron fence.  Even though I could hardly see the play through the crowd, it still goes down as one of my greatest footy experiences.  Vividly remember us comming from behind to kit the front and take control, then dad listening to the other game and them hitting the front.  The delirium when all the Melbourne supporters realised we'd be playing in our first finals series in 24 years is a feeling I'll never forget and I was sold on the mighty Demons ever since.

Even in the 90s when we had relative sucess, it seemed difficult to come across Melbourne supporters my own age.  Probably no coincidence that two of my best mates in high school were MFC supporters and that we are still close.

Sat through us getting trashed at the G in 88 and 2000 GFs.  Although 2021 was an amazing tonic at the time, it still stings that I couldn't get to the game and be there at the G when we won on the day.   ...so the quest goes on in 2024!

15 hours ago, Deebauched said:

I will go back to THAT kick by Lever to Max infront of Geelongs wall of defenders in the last round at the cattery. The ball had to go exactly where it ended up or likely no mark no goal no win.

The oldest players in the Geelong side knew we were going to win the flag. You could tell by their body language when they mingled with the dees players. Winners respect winners.

Geelong knew.

I recently re-watched the last 45mins of that game in Geelong and James Harmes contribution to that win is somewhat underrated and unnoticed.  He didn't do the most silky things, but he was in it everywhere contesting the ball, laying tackles, generally getting involved in the play in positive ways and not giving up when the game looked gone.  He wasn't the only one, but seemed to me to be one of the main culprits, along with guys like Gus, Gawn, ANB, Oliver etc.

Guys like that can be a pretty important part of the fabric of the team.  It was sad seeing his deminished form this season.  It would have been nice for him to be a one club player, but I wish him all the best at the Bulldogs.

At least he racked up 100+ with us and hopefully we are still his spiritual home for a potential future father son/daughter.

On 06/12/2023 at 09:01, Katrina Dee Fan said:

Blatantly obvious that that's what they were doing, all in the name of ensuring the AFL got their dream of a Collingwood premiership.  

Yeah, at the same time as putting in their token 'protect the head' effot in an attempt to legally indemnify them down the track.

Would be great for MFC supporters to buy up tickets and get a good Demons crowd to this game.

I'm not buying into the Brody Grundy grudge match garbage, but I do bloody hate Sydney and would love to go up there Rd 1 and beat them on their home deck.

5 hours ago, leave it to deever said:

It's interesting.

Because as much as I condemn the whole violent episode, I'm secretly hanging out for the revenge game.

In a completely fair and flattening event of course.

Just Lots and lots of smothering.

And maybe sometimes on the ball.

Agreed.

I feel there is a primevil human motivation for vengeance and violence against Collingwood the next time we play them.  The logical part of my brain says it may not be the right one, but the emotive part definitely feels that way.

When I do think about it more deeply, what I think would satisfy this lust for blood is to categorically demolish Collingwood on the scoreboard every time we play them for the next decade, leaving their low life supporter group humiliated, depressed and bring home the flag next year in a totally dominant season from start to finish.

1 hour ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

I have a son the same age as Clarrie, and I know that Michelle (his mum) was extremely upset with the media pile-on, especially since she had other upheavals with which she was burdened at the time. I spoke to Clarrie exactly how I would’ve spoken to my own son. After all, these boys are people first, footballers second. 

Totally agree and this is why as I suspected, the exchange was something of a reflection on you as well WCW.

If only the media would remember the last bit.  So much of the time the seem to be reported on like they are objects, there for our entertainment, the sponsors and media.

On 29/11/2023 at 10:58, WalkingCivilWar said:

I actually did tell him exactly that! He appeared outta nowhere (my umbrella means no peripheral vision) and I knee-jerked and yelled out, “CLARRIE!!!” He said “how are ya?” I said, “better now that I’ve seen you here!” Dave, the physio called him to go and as he walked away I yelled out, “We love you Clarry!” He actually responded, “I love you, too.” 😅 Afterwards he came over and we had an awesome chat. It’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him. He told me about his 10 days with Chin and his family. I said, “Kade’s a great kid.” Clarrie says, [censored] oath he is!” That’s so Clarrie.  😁 He reckons he needs to lose five kilos. I said, “where the hell from?” He patted his belly. He ran off with the physio and when he came back to the fence he said, “you’re still here.” I said, “Yep, got a problem with that, fat-guts?” He laughed and said, “you’re a real fan” meaning because of the weather. I said I most definitely am. He pointed to his temple and said, “We remember this.” I mean, we hear things like this from the girls all the time. It’s rare that one of the boys say it.

 I’m back again. We just chatted again. He’s so funny. I said I’d better step back from him lest I take his eye out with my umbrella. Dave said, “geez imagine if that happened!” and we laughed. Clarrie says, “it wouldn’t matter, I’ve got two.” Then I said, “seriously Clarrie, you need to know us supporters love you so much, we’ve got your back, we always have and we always will, and we’ll always love you.” He said, “well someone has to” (love him). Before I could say anything he quickly added, “nah, thanks for that.” 

Just to add one more to those saying what a great post this is WCW and how it lifted my spirits Re the mighty Red and Blue.

I also think it's amazing that given all that's gone on with the media, Clarry would be so open and happy to have an exchange like that with you.  Think it say something about both of you.

Clarry does seem to be a pretty simple country lad at heart - just open and straight down the line, no BS.  Think he and the club made the right decision to stick by each other.  Can't wait to see what he and the boys can produce this season with him back to his normal self physically and mentally.

On 29/11/2023 at 13:49, Dee Boys said:

Rivers and Woey have gone to new levels physically. Really excited to see where Rivers can get to this year, he was a real standout while I was there.

We all know Rivers is a star, but I'm really excited to see where Woey can go this season as well. 

Wasn't really expecting him to get a game last year based on the reports comming out of his performances at Casey (i.e. some good stuff, but not setting the World on fire).  But when Woey got his crack at AFL level, he looked the part almost instantly and I thought he did some really classy stuff.

A bit of AFL body size and strength was perhaps all Woey was lacking last season, so he could really make an impact this year if he can work his way into the side.

18 hours ago, Demonland said:

According to Jason Taylor on the Demonland Podcast he was tried up Forward and in Defence (in addition to the Ruck) during the Under 16 National comp.

JT obviously keeping a keen eye on the lad.  Does the quality and potential of Kalani partly explain why we haven't recruited more developing ruck depth at the recent draft and trade period?

If he's anywhere near as good as his old man, he could be a genuine ruck replacement for Max not too long after I'd expect Max to be in a 'retirement window'

I do fret a bit though and just hope we don't get dudded like we did with Mac Andrew, with a change to accademey and father son rules that makes it difficult or impossible for us to recruit Kalani.

18 hours ago, Demonland said:

 

So I just wounder how important the seemingly good state of the keeping the past players engauged has been to this?

From what I understand Rod Ginter and Paul Hopgood? have been very active and really revitalized that group.  Also woundering if family are invited to the events and if not, would that be a good idea?

6 hours ago, The heart beats true said:

You’ve really got to applaud his professionalism and work ethic. Didn’t get his shot until 23, looked good at the level, gets a season ending injury, delisted, does absolutely everything he can to keep at it, and gets another shot.

I’ll be cheering extra hard for Marty this year. I love these kinds of stories. It’s good for footy.

100% and full credit to him (and others like Oscar and Corey Wagner).

That never say die attitude and personal resilience not to drop your bundle when the chips are down post being delisted is the sort of attitude and culture that we want at the club.

I think this is also sensible in respects to getting a bit thin for mid - key back depth with Hibbo gone, Petty poised to play mainly key forward and some question marks over the availability of Joel Smith.

Smart move by the club in my book and good luck to Marty second time around in the mighty red and blue.