tiers

I was fortunate to attend the 2014 50th anniversary premiership lunch at the Bentleigh club. Having been at the 1964 grand final it was a delight to meet the players again. Hassa was one of the 14 (out of 20) players who were there and I got all their autographs. It was a joy to be there and Hassa was, as always, wonderful. After kicking the winning goal at the old Glenferrie Oval in 1964 to guarantee us first place on the ladder for the finals, how could he be anthing else. GO DEES. GO HASSA BABY.

Always the practical joker. In 2010, at dinner in Shanghai after beating the Lions in an exhibition match, we were talking to Neita on the outdoor balcony of the restaurant where the team and supporters celebrated, Neita was distracted by what seemed to be spit balls hitting him in the side of the head. Of course, it was Robbie who was having a great laugh. We were on the supporters' tour and got to meet Robbie who was always happy and friendly. There are some memories that will never fade.

They all do, including us as supporters.

Leave Windsor alone. He showed last season that he could be the winger that we dream of. Like Langdon, he covers the whole length of the ground. Why compromise his best position to try and make him something else. GO CALEB. GO DEES.

Nibbler was unique as a small mid/defender operating all around the ground but who could also become an attacker when the opportunity presented. Sacrificing Langdon or Fritta's best game style to cover for Nibbler is mind numbingly silly. What was special about Nibbler was his ability to operate all over the ground - he was just as likely to save a goal as kick a goal. Langdon does the same (as does Windsor) but Langdon's boundary line running ability to carry the ball is priceless. I believe that his 2 way running was one of the main reasons we won the flag in 2021 - he changed our game style and direction. There is no easy direct replacement for Nibbler (as there wasn't for Angus) and so we must experiment and distribute the work load. It might be that the biggest loss from Nibbler is his on field leadership. He should be signed up as a future coach.

Could he be a Martin Pike style third tall hard nut who complements the likes of JVR and Disco? Until we lost patience, Pike was an integral part of our forward line alongside Lyon and Schwarz. He then played the same role in winning 4 flags at North and Brisbane. Don't judge him yet. Let's wait and see.

Since Brad Green became interim president and since Gary Pert retired, it seems to me that the club has found it's feet and is on a better track. Litigation over, Goody reinstated as a top fella, Clarry and Tracca about to hit the track, no internal issues, team leaders on the track showing the way and the sun is shining today. Who could ask for anything more? GO DEES ,

The back page of today's The Age (a tabloid rag), on the sports page, has more of Clarrie than the Caulfield Cup and The Everest results combined. How pathetically poor is their journalism. A fully resolved player situation is more important than the results of two significant horse races especially where the same trainer trained the winner of both events. Says more about the tabloid trash than about MFC and Clarrie.

How close to retirement?

Saty's back. He's been missed. Can't wait for his knowledgeable and insightful training reports. I hope he still has the same affinity with the players.

If only he bounced the ball with his left hand, then.................

+1. His loss was almost unbearable as he could fill any hole and play any style. Forever grateful for 2021.

Watching or even listening to the count is mind numbingly awful and I gave up bothering as soon as it became a tv event. Watching players get drunk is boring and the only upside is goggling at the wags. Too much inane commentary and pretend analysis. Nobody has a clue. I am old enough to remember Bob Skilton and Ian Stewart win three brownlows each. Skilton won his playing in a poorly performing side where he was a standout for his skill, courage and determination. Stewart was silky smooth in teams that were at their respective peaks so he outdid some top competition. He won his second medal playing just 12 games out of 18. That's class. Sadly modern football does not allow for such players to excel. It's all about numbers of possessions but not about the qualities of Skilton and Stewart. The player most like them is Neale who wins his own ball and disposes with skill and flair. The other favoured players do not. Should he win, will he be considered the equivalent of Skilton and Stewart? Not quite but still deserving.

I was there with two filth supporters. What a relief after Gabbos run. Froggy's goal was the sweetest of all especially as I watched it coming towards me. What joy. And after we had beaten them by 89 points in the second semi two weeks earlier. Kept me going for 57 long years.

Don't we all want the very best for Tracca? Let him go with our best wishes and hopes for a full recovery so that we get our beloved Tracca back in his best condition for 2025. He can watch the votes on streaming video and the media will miss out on its frenzy. GO TRACCA. GO DEES.