Deemania since 56

In a two-way discussion of some length, it was determined, unanimously that: it is terrific to have AVB back on the field - and let's hope that he can be there every week without risk; AVB's role in footy for the Demons is to put people on the ground; and AVB must chase at all times to scare the living daylights out of some recipient or several across a game, once he has put two or three down on the ground so that they have to live with the fact that they are not Demons!

If that was not a deliberate, maiming action then why did he commit to harming Clarry well after he watched to ball pass out of his reach? Deserves two weeks and a strong reprimand - it was the epitome of dangerous play on purpose.

From time to time, Hibbo shows a little bit more resolve, more concentration, more desire to do stuff for the team. He will get back to this more consistent play, surely. He does feed out a good ball and can run with purpose to set something up. Whereas the other one, well, I was very surprised that he got into the team/onto the field. One spoil, one kick, six leaks or non-contested regionalisations do not make a guernsey in my opinion but I have said that type of thing many times before. May, Hore and a utility backman will make a whole difference down there now that Nev and HIbbo are getting on in years. I'd also expect a rather quick rise from a couple of our new young'uns - the backline seems to be a potential breeding ground at the moment - certainly in times of need.

Very good signs from these three, as well as the other improvements. Great signs of depth and competence for the coming season.

Soft, indeed! I drive from Adelaide (from the southern coast 40 kms southwest of the city) to Melbourne for many games during the season, a round-trip of about 22 hours, at least, with the handbrake providing particular instructions on the route, the speed, the distances to go, the meal breaks, the traffic flow and the price of fuel - every five minutes for the entire journey. . How's that for being an avid Dees fan?

It is a reward for the players like a golden halo with reath. However, it is also a black mark for injury prone MFC players and thus, should be avoided.

Merit, indeed! Great location, large enough and capable of stylised development to suit longer-term needs for the MFC.

These three (T, L and Vanders) are seasoned footballers, after all - and how good will it be to bring in the young guns progressively during the early rounds of the season, armour-plating the whole team.

Is is not a reality that our 'home', the MCG, has been taken and Club-filled with other clubs, to the point that suited them to a 'T" at a moment's notice across the last two decades? Is it not, therefore, the responsibility of the AFL to re-locate the fortunate (other clubs) but poor decision-making on behalf of those 'other clubs' prevailed? The AFL - and in part the MCC - have oversighted and approved great disadvantage for all co-tenants at the expense of the MFC? Further, is this not one of the most classic cases of well-overdue compensation yet to be addressed and granted to the MFC? First encroached, then even more continuously, first to be compensated is solution and surely the mantra to be adopted by members.

Yes, well regarded as a footballing coach and mentor. Well regarded to the point of coaching/teaching/supervising at St Kevins College, as you say. It would be great to have him involved in the MFC coaching ranks - perhaps he could straighten out a few kicks at goal, in general field play and teach a few of our current players to 'put in' when the going counts. It was all about team pride, for Rodney.

Hah-hah! Another slice of accuracy from MR!

Onyer, guys! That would be phantastique. In the past, I have hung onto every word from Rodney the Grunter - a man who largely self-sacrificed his footy career to do something about the way the games against the Dees were being implemented to the blind eyes of the white froth holding the whistles.

Can't do it, due to other commitments and I would feel absolutely irresponsible, abjectly disappointed with myself and altogether remiss if I missed this conversation with one of our greats - and certainly, one of my own personal favourites from the footballing fraternity across the years. Is there a way to get this recorded online, for example, to listen at a later time? No.14 - what a footballer!

Bailey was a very entertaining footballer; with selected opponents, he was highly reliable. Admittedly, there were 'some' ordinary games but he always managed to rile his opponents and negate most.

Another example (Pike), of inbuilt mongrel with skills. We miss this...

So eloquently posited, RB. It is almost 'nobles oblige' the way the MFC have handed out players to help others. Let's all hope that Whoreform plays mediocre football this year with Frosty onboard. He may well prove to be the spark that they needed.

Minimum of 14 wins in the home & away fixture, with at least two finals wins. Any more than that would be far too unexpected; however, I'd consider 14/2 is very possible - depends on how the players are managed, Goodwin's courage and standards, and improvements where these may legitimately be expected as DL fanatics have discussed.

Bailey was special - terrific backline runner and clearer - in the mould of Frank Davis.

Dirty Dave was an essential. Gerard was the second worst 'let go' we have ever done. Frosty was the greatest 'let go' loss ever since.

The card only pathway worked for me - an interstate/armchair member - as it has those two extra games (that are available with the digital on-phone pathway. So, interstate/card still gets 5 game entries, and 'she who must be obeyed', the 'hand-brake', gets the same membership deal. It costs a fraction more than the digital, even fo interstate members, but it is worth it for the types of trips that I make to mighty Melbourne to touch base with my heritage. Opted out of the parcel deal, as well, as over the years, the merchandise mounts - and last year I won the door prize at the interstate luncheon in the Sporting Globe pub, which was a $400 gift voucher at the Demons shop at the MCG - so I am well equipped with other Club paraphernalia. The old 'flash and sit' card is the way to go and cannot be superceded adequately - provided that little Club window in the Southern Stand stays in operation to collect tickets for guests. 'Carna Dees!

Such a pleasing rap for Stanley the Alves. He may not have actually been one of our echelon 'greatest' but by hell, he was a fantastic footballer, a fantastic wingman, a great Captain, a beautiful kick and 'on-the-run' disposer of the ball, a speedster, too. He had the best baulk and blind turn routines one could ever see (and has ever seen - absolutely impeccable) and knew better than most what it took to kick a goal from a long way out. Even Bartlett got a few from the Southern Stand wing - and these were commendable: Stan got all of them, everytime. I always hoped that he would coach the Dees ... his stint at the Saints as coach was marred by a very sick club and limited talent within the footy department/majority of players. Stan, to me, remains a playmaking icon of our Club and certainly, one of the great characters of our Club.

Fully agreed - Ray and Ron did the spotting I recall as well as the gameplan and skills development. Widely successful across a whole team. Swooper did hold them together, pushing on with the doctrinal emphases of their recent past.

Makes you cringe a little in disbelief - how could Northey assemble such a talented team - and talented, it was - legendary players and capabilities almost across the board. Northey was capable of bringing out the best in his charges, ice-cool and demanding of a certain standard of contribution. I think he coached Redan, in Ballarat, as well where considerable success was achieved repeatedly. Over a couple of years, Northey was the ideal coach for that crew and a tactician of the first order. We wuz robbed that season...

Hard not to pick Robbie Flower. We have had some greats, when in form. 1. Flower 2. The Ox 3. Hardeman

This has a very nice ring to it - toss in Brayshaw as a receiver and we may well be away into a big and successful season.