Deemania since 56

Now we're talking....

At least the encroaching, blood-sucking competition and rivalry will not draw us asunder. We can concentrate on a short-term future of re-building, re-establishing a capacity for a win or two first, and then lunge into the maelstrom with a little more confidence. After last year regardless of the trade-outs, we needed to take a bitter pill of reality. Almost, but still not quite right. By heavens, Lever and May owe us big time, as do some of our 'talented' footballers of the recent past.

The punt on the younger players is very necessary - it enables some assets that they may have to stick and grow.

Same and I recommend golf as the alternative.

It is noticeable, isn't it? The annual roll of the dice in the selection and allocation of umpiring games cannot be as random as we hoped. We are destined to see it stitch the finals teams yet again and the win/loss ratios of the rest of us.

We enter this intention every year but selections seldom give us longevity related to great skills and pace.

That is correct, Chook. Too many have not come on, given the frequency of 'elite' in an 'elite' selection of 'elite' young players. By all reasonable standards, at least 75% of recruits at such a level should be those whom you may 'want to play due to their skills' the year after recruitment to a club. It seems to work for Hawthorn, Geelong, Collingwood, Richmond, Essendon, to name a few. Whereas for the MFC, the 75% play in the firsts because there is no-one else.

It could be (hyper-hope once again) that this year the draft will be beneficial. By now, those making such decisions on our behalf will have learned a lesson or two about player profiling before the draft dribble begins, as we all know what specifications we would be looking for amongst the offerings.

I reckon, given back the years, that I could make some good footballers, not champions, out of Keilty, TSmith, Spargo, Lockhardt and Chandler - given a sustained exposure. Add to that JSmith when recovered and Baker after some more exposure. Maynard needs attention with speed and teaming, and should get that focus straight away. There is good stuff there - and I wish I was in Viccy to see Casey play often. There's bound to be some additional talent that I am currently unaware of at this point. After all, Casey is a feeder for the big time yet many are languishing at the periphery without roadtests.

Could well be the case, for both players and if so, fairy Nuff. Hope full recoveries are on the way, as soon as possible.

Must be part of Plan B - but it makes sense. Surely we have a Plan B?

Tried that two weeks ago and got hit by criticism. It was a suggestion to break the losses of momentum or disposession from the umpires.

Tick. Correct.

Great analogy ... loved the bit about C + W, and then NQR stocked for a limited time.

Even Clarrie, for all of his great assets, has become a 'bomber' of the football with added 'over the shoulder, no target...' intent.

Collingwood would be almost 'obliged' to take him on ... and we could demand a substantial trade price to pick up two or three great country kids who are ready to rock n roll.

Agreed, DJ. Lewis should be released from playing ASAP and used in the coaching/strategies/development role.

You noticed it too, WWSW? I really like the line of attack and that backline is the best selection of the year.

I did stay positive until quarter time, in retrospect, DZ and it was a reasonable quarter for us against Richmond. Not long after that I needed another ale or two to stay focused, not able to get a round of golf in the darkness of an approaching night. Weid and TMac didn't clunk anything except their respective reputations; Max was treated poorly by the umpires so the Nank could start the Tigers' engine. Sadly, we did not make them earn their goals - they just did as they pleased against us. Looks like a few teams are going to do that after the first five rounds...

How does this message get through? We have been recommending it for over a year, now - and whilst we are down with rehabs and the ageing know-it-alls, it would be bloody handy.

Hear, hear! Wish we'd kept Gysberts, too - he may have taught the Weed how to take a mark.

I think that his indulgence with half-sucked minties and the two or three musk sticks is a reason that he fails to gain the desirable bulk so required of a KPF who only operates in large packs to make social connections.

The blind kicks, the bombs, the mis-kicks to opponents, these are just killing us and playing to the opposition. Week in, week out. Just some of the many factors to be immediately addressed - so, I guess it will not be done, either.

Fritta is a forward, once again re-iterated.

Free boot-studding and a shower after the game - nothing more!