Deemania since 56

Don't get me started ...

Sparrow would relish something meaningful - and positive - instead of a negating role.

Precisely correct. What would a pre-season preparation achieve if he was not - at the minimum - experienced in the demands of the big-time game, the team of participants, the desirable options onfield and the areas of his own game that could be expanded, further developed and contributory?

With surgery and a complete off-season training regime, I would expect Clarrie to resume the mantel of being the Dees' best player in season '25; however, some kicking discipline (long bombs) still needs to be re-visited for the team to benefit from this recuperation.

Not much contention about that, WSWS. For us, with properly coached support, he'd be more than very handy.

'disingenuous' and 'demented', no, not at all. Just analytical.

That really hurt. It was obvious (or at least most likely) that another loss was on the cards (perhaps, a streak of inexplicable losses) and how could I not think Badloss would continue on his merry, well-compensated role to lead us into the gloominess of mediocrity?

Encouraging.

Rebuild top to bottom, for sure ... this has been a gut reaction from '23 - now. Alex is a great player and has worked his guts out for the Club, but family comes first.

A very narrow window, granted; however, months of summer training might well be a difference in his 'proving'. There is a great deal to be achieved, not only for Kentfield, and with a new coaching plan across the board, chances of re-establishing our 'dynasty' may well sparkle again. Kentfield seems to be a likely type for this purpose but circumstances place him a fair way behind our collective mountaineers.

No answers, no strategies, no hope. Agree fully with you, SONS!

Perhaps little value now, but it would be pleasing to arrange at this very moment for a replacement coach to take over the reins immediately after this current season is completed for the Dees. Jordan Lewis and/or Akermanis would be useful in the role, for example, or even Big Max. There are many possibilities as far as coaching is involved, we just have to make the decision - there are many fans who are considering a top-down change for 2025. We need to be brave, I guess.

And, doing well, too. Another year and he will be a gun - just as JJ might have matured, on-field. Chin has got attitude and drive - moreso than most of the team - and is solid enough to get off his bum for a return to the impact game. Tackles really well, time after time. A hunter for the action. Have I mentioned his goal-kicking skills and those from quite a distance out? Best we've got, actually.

Hate to say it, but I agree with you.

Irresponsible, dangerous for Max, fool-hardy. Negligence, once again.

Umpires did not have an optical appointment pre-game to ensure an even playing field for the Demons. In general, I agree fully with your comments - there was - for an undermanned team - some really good plays, performances and resistance to the well-favoured Port team. I thought Gawn, Kozzie and Rivers were - against the odds - exceptional, with Langers rather busy beating almost the length of their (Port's) wing. Carna Dees. There is something to coach; let's hope we get one.

The 'bombing' and the 'shooting for goal' are the two worst characteristics of the Demons now - both severely interrupt our options during a game, the attention paid to other players upfield and hence, delivery execution. Surely, these 'attributes' are deflating and we are not coached to play this way?

Far too close in the run-up to the man on the mark, kicking way to high and thus, not straight through the ball ... how many times have we seen this in our 'set shots'? It totally minimises our alleged goal-kicking practices.

Without doubt, the Dees performed better than expected and it was a minimal loss - something to herald the coming season, it preparation and its focus (with a new coach).

He certainly has that 'couple of months to prove himself', so we must hope that he knuckles down to the task, learns heaps and improves accordingly - Kentfield could well prove to be a great pick-up in an environment geared to learning, training and specialist coaching, up close.

Just seeing Tracc on the grass would be uplifting.

Hope springs eternal. Wish we could be a little more assured of a positive result.

Excellent reasoning ... be nice to take the Filth to the cleaners in the last round. Give them something to remember - or is that expecting too much from their intellects?

Same report that I heard from another on-looker. eg: 'Looks the goods if trained, closely coached, was braver and had more confidence - any confidence - developing confidence - and took some initiative when it mattered'.

It is all a representative benchmark for his progress and a strict regimen for his skills improvements ... let alone some realities of the big-time season ahead of him. Develop, develop and expose.