Deemania since 56

Jeffo may well be very useful - at a time when Fritta is down on form and impact - and Jeffo will only benefit from the experience and senior onfield associations. Many things appear quite possible, and Verral is just a moment away, as well. The same enrichment opportunities apply with Gawn back where his leadership can be consistently applied across a whole game. Given the return of Melk, the budding abilities of JVR and the keen eyes of ANB and Chin, things could really happen but it must be time to bring all of these synergies to the fore.

I'd be very accepting of such an outcome; I love our Demons and have maintained enormous enthusiasm as a supporter across many, many years through thick and thin, yet this year things have gone very wobbly wherein our skills and prospects have nose-dived, significantly. I regret to say it, but it is my belief that our season is relatively going to end outside the final eight. This does not have to be a gloomy forecast, it has many positives to build for 2025 (the improved selection/experience opportunities of new players and the settling of injury, illnesses, extraordinary umpiring and hopefully some coherent selections onfield and with recruitments in the coming future). To me, it seems most likely that we will finish this season around 9th or 10th on the ladder. There have been some games of which we can be very proud and from these, the future is quite bright. Player losses have been the most damaging element on our slate - and these began pre-season. Carna Dees!

We must further develop an ability (all game) to run in waves, each side of the centreline end-to-end, with overlaps and creating both carriage and receiving options going forward, with those forwards leading to space, artfully, both sides. That is what cruelled us against against Freo, 'sharing the run' and 'receive'. When we did overlap - too infrequently - we we killing them, nearly each time. Only luck (for Freo) occasionally interceded. Coaching 101.

Amid the gloom of the season that was, there is a true glimmer of light, hope and expectation.

These abstract decisions from the Club are getting more than annoying - Fullarton should be played in the forward line to release Fritta to the game he plays best and then pick up a few scores himself, in the process. The Melk can help him with this, if SG cannot.

Another reason to keep smiling.

Terrific chart, well done.

Tenacious Dixon, cannot forget how much he played '...above his weight' with an admirable degree of courage, 'mongrel' and speed. Lousey kick, but lots of 'em in the hard stuff.

Talent to burn ... with a thrill-seeker's outlook ... there was more to him than mere football, I guess. A man of diversified interests?

Well, it could be ... We have dipped our toes into the 'mongrel' puddle and whilst it was deep with much riding upon the wet-shoe outcome, we came out the other side absolute victors ...

Notice the surprise in Maysie's eyes ...

Dreams can be exciting - not just nightmarish. If we crew well, we will sail over the moon.

Brian Dixon's old jumper?

If it is wet, wet ... yes. If it is merely a fine dampness ... yes with a tall or two on the bench. If it is cold and drier ... yes with a tall or two on the bench, with attitudes to be 'mongrels' and blockers. Time to blood Jeffo and/or Verral (not sure about the spelling of the latter name).

Great questions. Interesting (not impossible) suggestions.

Dear SImon, I am looking forward to a fully defensive game for Petty. I'd like Jeffo to be played at FFwd, releasing a re-invigorated Fritta to the 'loose' ball and Chin to assist Kozzie with the clean-up for goals. I have received advice that Verral can hurt other ruckmen and would fit in well with a zonal 'around-the-ground' rucking series of responsibilities with our talls - Petty excluded. Thank you.

For the last two games, the players - particularly the enthusiasm of the newbies - find ways to look out for each other and make something resembling a machine to play decent footy as a team. Just like what happened after half-time in our grand final win, a few seasons ago.

particularly in the last quarter.

Such levelling, for Gawny and the MFC in general, is well overdue. Consequently, nothing will change; favourite advantage will definitely continue - such is based on AFL revenues and media contract revenues.

As a rule, I have worried about our form trailing to the 'also rans'. Our new look (that DL enthusiasts begged for, for months and months) has finally seen the penny drop as far as the coaches are concerned, and including our personnel loses of late, it is possible to feel confident that we can beat Essendrug whose ability is inflated. Dees by about 20 points. (Channel 7 commentators, commenting on tonight's game stated clearly that Essendrug would win the match, as they need only teams with large memberships to make it to the finals. This explains much of their commentary this year and perhaps, the influence that the bigger clubs wield over the media expenditures, umpiring decisions and game conduct assessments for the majority of the competing teams).

There are just so many instances of Cam's excellence - just about every single one of these, fond memories and terms of endearment to his efforts and skills. Boy 'o boy, could we do with another one of this fella given the No.21 to wear with pride.

We're blooding tall forwards for the bigtime ... I want to see more of this to herald in the AFL 2025 season. Take no prisoners, bring some 'mongrel' and develop extraordinary confidence!

Now, it's an ultimate challenge; whatever the result (which should see the Dees win), it is just phantastique to get ahead of the Filth on the ladder, particularly in the 'sharp end' of season. Is it time to say: 'Thanks, Essendrug'?

Slept like a log, myself. The subconscious relaxation of a Filth loss kicked in beautifully...

Good ol' Collingwood for never, they know how to lose a game ... even though the Cats won this ordinary, in finals they will certainly be lame ...