Deemania since 56

Yep, Thompson was just emerging as one of the best in the Red 'n Blue - by hell, he could play...

One would hope that it is all being appropriately managed and one can remain confident that such is the case, given our performance experts and their bank of appropriate strategies. My main concern would be, perhaps, the longer-term effects of these short recovery measures, as the toll rises in terms of 'almost instant' recuperation from tough or toughest games. The season, unlike in my day, is really a long one and filled with far more competing teams, thus more games to be played; across the past few years, injuries and susceptibility to injury or fatigue have played a role in our finals campaigns. This has not been a positive outcome, moreso a disappointing result and we (MFC) have been booted in the bum to make way for more fortunate season campaigners. Of note, some of the finalists have fared better than the Mighty Demons in the fixture arrangements, even with the luxury of 'managing' swathes of their personnel for the benefit of what might still come, once rested. Any scrutineer making such observations of the AFL's scheduled 'demand' for a team to be ready in less than 6 days could at least probably (or actually) be able to nominate those 'fortunate ones' with a 'favourable' draw. May the gods of the calendar see fit to make each week of football more equitably spread, for all. I reflect on footy teams in the comp as what Fogarty analysed as 'Fortunate One'.

Y'know, LitD, I am rapt to see the footy as early as it is scheduled but I do wonder about the impact such incomplete non-recovery interludes might take as the season progresses, and the toll it may take with all of our players who are critically important links in the teamwork and gameplan chains.

Another short break between games is deliberate handicapping, neglect and above all, insulting for the thinking supporters of the MFC, the players themselves and above all, a blaring weakness in contrast to the high morality yardstick so self-considered and 'faked' by the AFL.

The number of consecutive behinds we kicked was disappointing but at the same time, the inaccuracy that mounted was also a clear indication of just how comprehensively we were 'killing' the Cats by having the opportunity to take set-shots so frequently, ideally within relatively close range. On rough estimate, around 6-7 goals might well have been the final outcome. That is a stark but very pleasant realisation. Their own forwards were freaked-out by our backline efficiencies, putting enormous pressure onto the alleged 'quality' of their goal-kicking reputations. Ours, in turn, are just starting to solidify.

Talent to burn; clever, a thinking-man's approach to the game; knits up the run between half-back and half-forward; gives me the shivers - doing the Stan Alves time and again - truly, a wonderful footballer.

Noticed that - blaringly obvious that he could not even say: 'The Demons played well.'

We keep coming back to these points: Max is a true champion, an excellent example to all of his players, a great captain of the footy Club. He should be knighted for his contributions to sport and civic dignity.

Great win. Goal kicking, needs finishing attention now, as at least four resultant behinds were due to the kick being taken too close to the man-on-the-mark. Deliver a little further back boys, kicking through the ball with a well-balanced run-up prior to delivery - otherwise, you will (and do) miss certainties.

Yes, expect a Cats rebound score or two. We will need to be in front, score-wise, a ready; particularly, ready to rebound a few goals ourselves in response. Who is going to be our forward line surprise package, tonight?

Yes, it's time to choke the Cats.

Sparrow is due for a big game - he has the attributes, maybe he has been lacking some fitness recently. He is really an asset coming forward from the midfield area - even shooting at goal, on the run from just outside the 50m arc.

Windsor has speed to confuse opponents and a good eye, upfield. Windsor tackles confident ball-hoggers really well. Windsor comes in, for me.

If he is a decoy forward, Spargie Pants will eat him alive!

We need him; we have the spaces; creates another alternative to our mesmerised long-bomb conundrums up-front. Get him - blend him, keep ingenious options open.

Could not consider Tracca playing a game in defence. He has delivered some relatively quiet games across the season so far this year, so we could naturally consider it is his 'rebound' time, rapidly approaching. Rivers, Clarrie and Tracca giving the Cats a very hard time would be wonderful to see - breaking midfield restrictions, running further into the forward line at full pace (with the ball) and lining-up the big sticks with more characteristic accuracy. Our smalls need to have smarts switched on across the fwd line to provide real options to goal, in support and in un-marked territory. We can knock the Cats off - the road trip to the 'G will exhaust them in the first instance and secondly, such travel will handicap their endurance across a whole game. 'Carna Dees!

We know that is the case and watch it take place too silently.

No, he is not.

Yes, similar thoughts, here RnBR. Stocks are maturing, markets are widening from injuries, game plans are improved but not yet great, and there is a considerable continuum remaining in this footy season. We might well pounce from here on.

Just a playful tap to the diaphragm - such as this observed spectacle - can be extremely debilitating, easily bruised and very, very painful - hence, professional boxers utilise this 'hitting zone' more frequently than most other bodily sites. It renders breathing difficulties instantly when not braced across the abdomen; for example, Clarrie was approached from behind as he was evaluating the play ahead, so he knew nothing of the cheap shot he was about to receive. It was almost a professional assault as if it was pre-determined (coached) to occur, totally regardless of forcefulness. Unacceptable, totally handicapping for a short period of time, and the mark of a coward within the game of footy.

Very good reading ... looking forward to the continuations to follow - we are lucky to have such an informational source of well-written depth.

Our forwards 'almost refused' to penetrate the spaces they should have - overall laziness and poor coordination. There is no profitable gain in statically waiting for the 'perfect' incoming bomb.

Yes, the turnovers were cruelling when these did not have to be ... the Dees allowed themselves to be hurried searching for spacemakers that never penetrated. Disco put in a good game - very handy with his ground coverage when it mattered. Well fought, Dees ... but it could have been a very prominent 'walkover' with a bit more thought and effort. Not too sure that Petty is 100% - he should be contributing more in terms of effective possessions and disposals.

Taj has also added some 'in-close' skills with both hand and foot, and does move to receive these days around more central play. Developing nicely, a very strong prospect in the not-too-distant-future ...

In an extremely tight circle of mates, up-wind.