Deemania since 56

'...lead by your own standard...' - there is a good deal to be said about this; often, it leads to an ultimate leadership position. Just look at Jones, Schwarta, Lyon, Barassi, Flower and a few other elites.

Well posited.

Clarry, Melk, Tracc and Viney will be OK by 23rd March. Most likely, very OK. OMac can have a run with Casey.

Still cannot get into it.

That seems to be a correct assumption as a target market; however, I think the age bracket could be reduced to Under 12s at the maximum but this should be done with caution because it may erupt into an event of social divisiveness.

These two players are going to assist the Dees to a flag - and it will be achieved by raising the bar and strategies utilised across the backline and into the midfield. The forwards, in turn, have been supplemented with maturing flankers and key drivers of attacking footy. Best defence, possibly best midfield and an awesome forward depth. All looks good.

It is enough to make one sick - do we have to put up with this? the AFLX without seniors manning the field is of little interest as we are after a preview of the season, not a game of hop-scotch with minors and maybes represented by unnecessary artwork and non-football razzle dazzle; in the past, when the Dees had done well in the previous versions of the competition, our season outcomes were good - in a way, though not directly, the AFLX heralded something promising about those who work hard year in, year out for the success of the Club.

Good line-up at this early stage. Would play 'Light' Lever off the flank in a mobile role towards CHB and side-approaches, with the stronger Frosty at CHB to exploit slightly more mobility and aggro, not locked into flank space but with more of a movement range in which to run.

Hore is indeed a very good signing and considerably useful as a 'prop and run' backman. Kicks well, too, from all MFC and DL reports.

This is very reasonable; it will also give Nibbler the opportunity to straight-line his assets into the forward line; he does return to position and zone very quickly, and well. Wagner certainly could be snapper nearing the goal mouth, too.

Lateral movement is the key for him.

It has been a while - whilst in the interim, bleeding in the backline - that we have had a rebounding and speedy backline. Some of the tools were there on a variable basis, season to season but this current backline array looks poised to destroy opposition forwards and mid-fielders like fly-swatting road runners. Frosty, May, Hibberd, Jetta (and Lever when returning), will be a core - a mechanised unit of role players - a great defensive barrier and destructive for those who might attempt to get in its way.

As the games roll by, this is meritorious thought. Some support options now exist across the whole team.

Well, he has done well in the miasma of depth at this stage of the year. There are obviously going to be some week-by-week changes to a core team across the coming season. It is difficult to imagine that AVB, Stretch, Hunt, Preusse, Spargo, et al will miss out Rnd 1 but there just is not room for everyone. Hore is a worthy opportunity, it seems, pre-season form or no pre-season form - experience is another consideration. I don't mind at all that OMac is not picked.

Molly-Dookers rule! Bring back the drop kick and stab pass, I say.

Just loved this report from MR...clever and very funny.

Yep, remember that with Flower ... who was mighty adaptable ... do you reckon Fritta is as adaptable or skilled?

Many up-sides to this player and his capacities - just worried, as mentioned, about him being flattened with such a light frame.

Amazed at just how much attention and early respect Preuss is gathering from Demon fans ... if someone regularly going to training sessions has the inclination, could we please have a sustained and very well considered report on his strengths and weaknesses as these are interpreted from observations and other sources, and write a post to these effects on DL across the next few weeks? It would be very interesting for all, taking an individual player in for some scrutiny.

Fritsch is too valuable as a forward to play in defence ... he ain't got jostle power, for defence ... but he is a great mark, has some speed, kicks quite well for goal (s) and can lead into space quite OK. Great at passing across minus 40metres, too. Sound handballer. Definite forward.

Williams at Carlscum and the Swannettes proved that years ago - fast thoughts, fast actions, slow pace. Big points.

I have wondered if Jesse was approached by Ross Lyon to save his (Lyon's) job at Fremantle on a promise of a contract extension.

Had, not has.

Yep, great forward skills and intent that could be devastating if he went for goal, more often, preferably on the run in quick plays. Great in close to weave and deliver around opponents - or just find the starting point for his own line towards goal.

I'd think we would all agree on that because of the plethora of skills that Salem has displayed in a mixed team that rarely involves him in all aspects of the game; what he has shown is a superlative consistency in his application (when the team time aspect of his game was involved). Skills? Most definitely 'YES'. More game involvement? I just wonder about his previous injuries, medical conditions, body build for the rough stuff; so far, he has been more than useful and at times, brilliant. Team maturation will bring out his best, I'm sure.