Deemania since 56

Midfield bursts for Viney, into the forward line for a rove around and a few shots. You've got this right, AF. There is more to his game than what we have seen this year (and that has been commendable).

Ken Oath!

Great win. Team play was evident. As the match progressed, our team observed the road to success within it - all about looking for each other and taking the opportunity to exploit the positioning upfield. Forwards could still have been a little more mobile into space but it was a huge improvement from previously. Goodwin, I consider, had little to do with the ideas mindset employed; this was the result of player determination across the game, led by Clarrie and Viney, early and (when he got onto the field) Gus with his pick-ups and deliveries. AVB is our Rock of Gibraltar - taking hits from behind without umpire observations. Jackson was very impressive and is coming along very nicely - he will get a couple of bags scored at the deep forward line in the near future, and he looks highly capable of good team play. Must say, Melk put in a good one - leading to space and in recoveries. Fritta was a little lost out there, though; he did not move as frequently as he should - finding space for the quick grab He held a few nice ones despite the battery of blows he received from Crows backmen, again, not seen by the umpires. It seems as though the umpires give the Crows (as well) a licence to play dirty, cheap and illegally when the chips are down - for the first three quarters, the umps kept the Crows in the game, as well. Gawn was hammered behind his back and received several knee-delivered (at full pace) body kicks once again. One of these was directed from behind at this bandaged knee/leg with the intent, obviously, to maim. Umpires did not see or react to these attacks, either. It is as if Clarrie and Gawn - predominantly - are such good footballers that it is OK to trash them both at any opportunity without penalty. Oversight and disregard are now standard fare from the whistling snot goblins, where the MFC is concerned. Salem passed well with good heads-up resolve. May was brilliant and of course, dominant. Walker swung a few until May's temperance warning was issued in the second quarter and from that moment on, it was as if Walker was no longer on the ground. Trac had a quieter game but his influence was ever-present. Viney was superb across the game - a powerhouse driver and scrounger. His teamwork was highly creditable, looking and finding outlets across the field (under these influences, he is able to play an unmatchable style of footy for the benefit of the whole team). Played great golf this morning, in the calming knowledge that we can play footy if our whole team acts as a team. A great win. We invented our own way to win the footy, propel the footy forward and to find targets. Goodwin must be thankful that a few heads got together to put up such a stern exhibition of thinking footballing. The whole side responded.

Y'know Febes, I'd love to agree with you because this makes sense. Two things worry me, and I know that I am not on the slow side: firstly, stubborn Simon will be responsible for taking out of the team - or substituting players' onfield time - to disadvantage that cohesion of which you speak and secondly, it has occurred to me for a longer time than I can tolerate that Stubborn Simon does not communicate well with many of his charges - particularly amongst the playing group and I suspect amongst his FD team, as well. It is because of this relativity in his role as Head Coach that I remain, week in-week out, very concerned about that game plan (whatever it is) and how he is going to transmit the message to the players with clarity, intent and measurements to observe its successful progress across the game. He does not appear to be a 'feedback' type at all, certainly not a game modifier based upon visual and play observations and requirements. How in the name of hell can he relate these necessities to the players (or 'fire them up')? By the way, Febes, welcome back.

As a Club, we are not validating recent decisions and selections adequately. We allow these to become longer-term issues and tend to stoke the fires of further complacency rather than throw a bucket of water over the mounting deficiencies. Evaluate immediate performances continuously and enact upon the evidence so gained. Only absolute positivity is acceptable - all else will only fester.

Maybe Goodwin is starting to panic - calling in favours from afar.

Fairy Nuff.

Those producing positive results - Hogan, Watts, Frosty, Kent, King, Stephan Martin, perhaps?

Problem with the thinking if it is the players who are out of congruence - Goodwin and his FD let it happen. Assured selections, no form no matter team regulation, game plan impossible so players had to make up for it when in possession of the ball. etc, etc.

Yes, speed is a true advantage and Hunt tends to play good footy against the Crows

All the other chickens have gone home to roost because they do not forage the danger points quite like Frosty could. Headless spectators and critics are a more apt consideration; Frosty was doing things that he would soon master.

We all knew that Frosty's game was under some scrutiny but we could rely upon him; he was our backline excitement machine who worked hard, got better and better at his craft, made impacts across a game like no other in very positive terms. The trade to the Squawks heralded from the first moment a significant lag in our capabilities, in which most of our supporters prepared for a serious and heartfelt loss. Such a loss has been proven - even in this topsy-turvy season. He is now more reliable than ever under Clarkson's coaching - his skills and anticipation have greatly improved. Sad time for the MFC - retaining OMac to appease TMac, and sacrificing at the first external call our beloved Frosty. Wish him well but wish he was still available - his presence opened doors for Lever to 'float' the backline in interception and covered the double-handling of opposition forwards for Nev and May. Poor decision to trade the Iceman.

Totally.

Changes were essential. Forget height and former reputations - not getting a kick or two is the worst marque of a footballer; sadly, this factor applied.

Should have happened early last year - momentum gained, momentum lost - all due to the FD and its management of our long-suffering players. Now is not too late.

The Dees' turn to shark their ruckman. Could be beneficial - if they use Gus as an inside mid on the move to read the tap - and Clarrie to gobble to crumbs. Keep Viney out of the centre at rucking time - Viney runs through the centre well within an existing play, not a clearance from a ruck tap.

Saw Maxxie resting to full advantage on one knee during the Power game. He looked sore, requiring a short rest with arms on his knee. Looked buggered, actually - so we need to worry. The likelihood of injury for him is ever-present based upon the way we overwork him.

Well, no need to overlook these two talented and promising recruits for their first games, is there? Deer in Headlights is a real hoofer, from what I am told - and as for Flora Extra Soft in waiting, I saw him leave a big mark on the BBQ table when tackled perfectly by a 4 year old grandson. It's just great that you can 'scout' so quickly because the existing options just 'aint working.

And drop OMac, Salem, Harmes replacing them with muscle and pace - who are hungry for the game.

Too late in the decision-making is a critical consideration. Are we to recruit the equivalent of out Team at the end of Goodwin's contract? Could that be possible? Hell, no! In the interim, we lose the bank balance. We sit back to watch the talent that we have - and the depth - rot on the vine under Goodwin and his compliant associates, including the mysterious Club Chairman. They're doing alright, Jack, bugger the Club and its short-to-medium term future. (Melbourne is experienced at a decade-long re-build, it can do it again); however, this is not what the fans, supporters and members desire. This scant success must frustrate the players who once looked forward to successful footballing careers, albeit that such careers have mixed -- but early - termination points. All that hard work, personal endeavour and team co-operation, the wasted lives and aspirations. It is a stark reminder that the players' efforts were only essential in a drawn-out process of making up the numbers for the greater good of a series of coaches, their footballing lieutenants and advisors, and the fans who invest more than money alone into the Club. Worse than this is the product of such non-development of players to perform at their peak with consistency. If I was a footballer at this time, I'd be looking for an exit point from the MFC as there is no pot of gold at the end of this rainbow. To start with talent and promise, and end up as an 'also ran' is simply not fair or justifiable. Rant, rant, rant.

Pathetic game for TMac. OMac was bloody useless, again. For OMac, just too slow for the one-on-ones on six occasions in the first quarter, alone. Four of these were goals to Port. Scaredy Cat in four contests as well in the same quarter and again, outside the packs to be out of harm's way without physical danger. GET RID OF HIM!

So, who's been a naughty boy, then?

Aggression is imperative for this match. Take no prisoners, Dees.

I expect May to flatten Dixon (accidentally). Port flattened Max, last time.

This tendency to bash Max is more prevalent than ever. It would be hoped that the umpires have discussed it during the last few days as it is now a blight on our game. People come to see a champion play, not to watch him crumple into a heap from gratuitous violence - nearly always unsighted from behind - indicating essential cowardice. I'd expect a few more frees should be coming Max's way from improved attention by the umpires to what has been going on for several years.