Deemania since 56

Just initial impressions, MB38, these may not come through but it really was (for me) a solid series of comparators with a fish out of the Casey waters and still a few tricks to master.

There is a pleasing reality: these newbies punctuating our team nearly knocked off a very hot team (Brizzy) playing without good fortune and disrespectful umpiring.

He's got that 'Laurie Fowler' style on the run, straight into good tackles, takes the bump and emerges with the ball, kicks to improve the team positioning - now for the forwards to be able to read it all (with movement to make him targets).

Great get. Now to enhance his experience and talent - or is that beyond our coaching methodology?

Absolutely! Keep playing these new blokes - they are showing signs upon which we will benefit.

So how do you really feel?

Our senior players have a real responsibility now - to augment, lead and encourage the young 'uns' coming into the side against all odds. These new players will benefit from the experience and the increasing identity with the MFC; it is hoped that they can grasp the challenge ahead, making good impact on our successful re-build and return to form. Go get 'em, boys!

So bad, it totally negates Fritta, JVR, Chandler, resting rucks, flankers, utilities ... and the midfielders, themselves.

I feel the same way, given the coaching, demands/injuries/limited reliance and selection(s) this year! Giving the 'younger ones' the opportunity in the AFL team is paramount for improvements in '25. Fresh rounds in the magazine, so to speak. If they can hit the target, they will still kill.

Midfielders, bombing = little game play for Chandler other than what he picks up on the side with extraordinary efforts. Lowering eyes from the midfield, Chandler gets space, gets goals.

One of our heroes, for years, with great effort for the teams in which he played and the Club, in general beyond that commitment. Now he looks to be complacent alongside other media-types covering footy, just to maintain the good wicket that TV commentary represents and, of course, the dollar; it's a lucrative job. I guess times have changed from the Bob Davis, Lou Richards, Jack Dyer images, clear preferences and loyalties out loud, competing with the Harry Beitzel and Drew Morphet-types of better days in impartiality, and the revered sacrosanctity of the umpiring craft.

If the snot goblins are so smart, well-selected and highly trained, how come so many Carlscum player utilise this free kick roundabout, so frequently, so universally, so blatantly and get away with it each time? Is there something wrong with the issued whistles they suck?

The tools to work on are scarce in our development processes; it is almost 'either you've got it or we can't waste any more precious time on you'.

Dunno about being a 'bust' just yet ... some things have impressed observers but the whole package could well not be there, just yet. If this is a maturing talent range that he 'might' have, he'd be handy, there is a spot for him to accelerate or help to organise his skills, understandings and contributions. Admittedly, it takes intensive coaching and staged roleplays so perhaps, that is an initial extension that has not really been worked through in his growth/development.

I watched Sparrow's development closely over the past 2 years, as my interest in his footballing talents grew from some great tackles and great kicking for goal (unexpected boomers), allied to an increasing frame and bulk for tackles that dispossessed, stuck and were remembered by the recipients; and, some intimidation for interceptors when on the run. I do see him as a forward, myself and for this season, expected far greater of him than what has so far been demonstrated; for this, I suspect that he is out of his best position and role, still with great promise, I believe, on the HFFlank and central areas around the 50m mark. He does provide good protection for those coming through with the ball and this, too, needs to be more frequently utilised within the forward line from hell. Just opinions, prognostications....

Great effort, Kynan. Great to see Yze sitting next to Brown Snr, too. The two ingrained Demon Family members looked great together. Thinking of Yze, might it be possible for him to take over in 2025?

Word-for-word agreement, here. Errors, oversights (repeatedly), taking the easy pathway and negligent towards continued pressure (elemental mongrel) on opponents (right across the ground and zone-to-zone longitudinally (except for some/a few backline slots) all lead to reduced dominance of the game and any vestige of winning intent.

Now we are talking; these infringements are not part of the rules of the game but we are expected to tolerate these obviously errant umpiring performances moreso than any other club for some AFL-inspired reason.

You'd expect that to be coached out of him by now, it receives limited rewards with our forward set-up. Basically, it's the long bomb of which Viney is a great advocate.

Sad, but true.

Learn from this, my word, much can be taken from it. The character of Tracca was fully tested and he shone for his team in a most unappealing way. He still shines in our recent assessment of his duty towards the Club - beyond the call. What a lesson for upcoming players: this is what it means to be a Demon. Self, has no place...

I was about to add something to this list - there are many gaps - but such a fulfilment, as you state - may well augment the additional gaps previously considered - appropriate changes (as you suggest) would bring many implementation benefits.

Let us concentrate on 'mongrel', under containment, of course. See ball, get ball before anyone else, support with strength, go for it and rebound - recoil, repeat. 'Can' those who miss goals that should have been achieved. I think it is all called 'bravery'.

Bludd oath! Been that way for a while now, regretfully, for one reason or the other we've been culled time and again including sloppiness by learning exponents.

Nicely posited, Beelz, feel the same way.