Deemania since 56

Nichols was a beast - levelled by Laurie Fowler in his Richmond days prior to joining the Dees whilst being held in position for Laurie's follow through by big Neil Balme. Some say that it was justice for what Nichols could do quite regularly to the whole of the rest of the competition. As a ruck, Big Nick was more than handy for Carlscum and he took no prisoners in that effort.

It was a time, after the big win in '64, occupying the next two decades (at least) that the MFC made up the numbers in the competition, punctuated occasionally by some great, big and unexpected wins when seldom expected. I can remember the stand closure at that time and you a most probably correct about the empty stand but I cannot remember that being the case on the day of that big mark of Shaun's. To me, it does look like the crowd has been eliminated by 'photoshop' techniques, it is so clear.Who knows?

Thanks for this epic photo, IHW; a true moment to remember. SSmith was a very loyal Dee, with some superb assets (as if he did not come from the Kangas to join the MFC). He was more recently quite adamant that Joel was to be a Demon player. Because of Shaun, I have immense faith and hope that Joel is going to be a 'beauty' for the Dees.

A common, decade-long circumstance for Melbourne FC games, sadly. Limited interest except for those genetically linked at the hip to the red 'n blue. Things were pretty low ... crowds were always far less than expected ... token media coverage to boot.

Barry Davis, Essendrug champion par excellence.

You could bet on it - that would be a smart decision given our 'acquired' new depth and playing options.

Was that Tommy limping with two crutches around the players' car park? And was that Clarrie in the wheelchair? Ad infinatum.....

Yep, only a fool would participate in the AFLX - unless there was no choice from the Club. There is a nice 'ring' to this idea - the Dees could well be the only team in the comp that does not participate for reasons of professional ethics.

Truly underrated - he was a brilliant player who was always into the hot zone, clearing and teaming, terrific kicking skills, agile, tough and fast. In later times, in purple patches of a few games, young Dean Kent made me blink twice - he had Hassa's attributes at times, and Kenty looked very similar to Hassa on the ground when moving towards the ball - he even kicked a little like Hassa but not as prolific or effective. Kenty kicked a big one last season, a very important goal at the end of the game. Hassa did this many times across particular games in the days of 'individual efforts'.

Very true; practice games like this one, four weeks out from Round 1 are fraught with some peril and risk of injury. I'd rather belt the Filth during the season, and QB is ideal. The finals would be even better if we were to [censored] them clean(ly). I hope a Casey-based team is selected for this practice match for so many reasons ...

When signing on to to Dees, Joel was accompanied by his dad, Shaun Smith, who said to the media: 'Joel has a bigger leap than I ever had, better hands, too." With another year of experience now achieved, this could be his moment!

Port are in trouble this year...bad start will again be the cause. Loss of confidence in the coach will be another cause. Everyone I talk to about footy considers the Dees to be the team to beat this year - almost all are assured of a Demon GF play-off with a solid win going to the RednBlues.

I reckon that the big Braydon P will handle them all - and if May can play and does - Port are complete history - with Tracc and Clarry and Brayshaw running wild.

Joel has impressed me in the past, as you say, with full '...potential...' so it appears that this is starting to really come through with consistency for 2019 and beyond. A full season of adaptation, training and coaching, and this high intensity pre-season and increased understandings combined with heightened familiarity - both with his awarenesses within the Club and in his adaptation to these demands within the game planning amongst his teammates - may well have been the opportunity knocking on the door for him. We have a young star on our hands in this one which we all hope, no doubt, eventuates starting this coming season.

Best wishes in your life's pursuits, Tom.

I doubt if anyone would deny that fact. Getting closer as the nerves fray more noticeably.

Really good descriptions, Hemingway. These 'fuller' events trace backwards over 45 years of greying matter and as you say, Huddo was not your ordinary footballer. In the worst of circumstances, that day, he was stopped and as a rabid Dees supporter, thank Heaven for that in one or two regards within a bunch of disappointments for the Hawks.

High-level Harmes. Totally agree. A real Club driver getting more and more lethal. Has the blend to make great outcomes for the team. On a personal note, Bay Riffen, are you related to the spoonerisk Clint Bilton?

BT was a thug; however, his style rapidly changed when he met Rod Grinter at the 'G, one lovely afternoon. He sprinted 40 metres to where Grints was taking his kick (from memory, a mark that dislodged a Filth forward). BT grabbed Grints from behind in a headlock - twisting and turning to inflict damage. Grints, cool as a cucumber, merely bent over sending BT flying over the top and into the turf, and BT was too scared to stand up to face our best-ever field assassin who was ready for some retribution. Grints was all muscle, power and righteousness and did what he did for the benefit of the MFC and his teammates. He actually had some marvellous footballing skills, as well - still the best 60m hit 'em on the chest 'pass-er' I have ever seen.

Just one of those past memories, on the day. Maybe it was half time but I lean towards pre-game in that haze of the passage of time. I was also transferred to Adelaide for a few years and then on to Queensland for a similar timeframe, so that affected my enthusiasm for Membership renewals.

Memory is a constant worry, but I think you are correct. I remember, distinctly, that it was a Melbourne player but I remain at this point uncertain who it was - yet, I can still see (in the back of my mind) the old black and white footage of this occurring. What I do remember is that as soon as that action took place in a 'spoil', you just knew that Hudson's knee was going to be ... buggered ... before he even felt it occurring. That all sounds ominous, but it was purely accidental. There definitely was no malicious intent - other than to spoil the kick Hudson was attempting to clear.

I miss Kenty's playing style already. Hope he has a good year.

This guy has got to play on the wing. Just like his dad. It would be like 'insider trading' on the way to multiple goals. I'd suspect his dad would teach him a trick or two along the way - how to make 40metres to get within range ...

Yep, tough as nails. I can remember that although he was not a quick runner, most forwards just wasted the ball in attempting to get rid of it before he arrived. Preusse might be like that with defenders, if we get to play him forward as May will have taken care of the backline.

Agreed, but his long shots at goal were a marvel ... accuracy was amazing post-high.