Deemania since 56

I'd agree with this, as we do have speed in some young'uns at Casey who are on the verge of senior selection - and in reality we possibly need only two more ... in addition, the further development of a few (of the likes of Hunt, Wagner, Spargo, Stretch) - with the return to form and desire of Garlett - may well be the key as these guys know the brand, code, plays, teammates, set-ups and expectations across the field, already. KK will be a considerable asset, too, in this 'confirming' year of play and training to come. Given that we also have run from the backline now - with Hibberd, Frost, May, Jetta, Salem, et al, we are not going to need an overcooking of pace specialists, just open space finders and receivers with take-off skills and onfield space hogs. The quality of training and development for these bright sparks is perhaps most important to a stirring year of ball possession, delivery and opposition confusion.

Just another example from the AFL of their sectarian interests rendering maximised profits, and underpinning poor decisions and judgement from the past. The whole fixture arrangement represents a chook raffle mentality in a crowded pub.

From the experience of past years, the AFL fixture for any year cannot be released until in private conversations, Eddy Maguire has approved that draw. His exacting criteria, not comprehensively included, seems to be: first game of the season for the Filth at the MCG at least 14 home games in a season no more than two interstate games in a season we only play the Dees when they are devastated with injuries gate receipts maximisation is configured based on which team we play at home and what crowd that team may draw we are advised - before spending our entertainment funds - on which umpires will be allocated to each match in the pursuit of cordial relations with those umpires prior to the upcoming game over a 'slap dang' lunch as our guests.

Welcome, FD, to ManDee's 'Killjoy Club', and I quote: ' I would like to suggest that those asking for a thread to be closed be banned for 1 month. If the thread is going after the month ban them for life. There are too many killjoys in life, don't come here if you don't like it. It is not compulsory.' Horse floggers, uplift your sources of glee for the sake of the civilised, joyful status quo.

Or, I wish I had Jesse's girl......

Can we now close this thread? Castigation and innuendo serve little purpose and Jesse, the FD/MFC and our success may still warrant our respect?

Plus Preuss and hopefully from the draft, Bailey Williams.

We - and the AFL - just have to develop absolute contempt for Maguire and his rantings that are akin to a spoilt little brat. Cop the draft as it falls, Eddie and whilst you are at it, play a fair amount of 'away' games interstate.

Interesting, John. Trac also seems to have lost a little 'courage' in close - a big pre-season is definitely a necessity to work back into lethality.

This amazes me at times; the number of DL posters who exercise free will to criticise Frost and his alleged '...lack of skills...' when all he might need is some split second to steady in delivery - and that is a coaching issue. That split second, by the way, will have an ever-reducing timeframe as he adjusts to its impact in games. Usually, Frost is up there, any opponent, ready to pounce and run, just like Sean. I can clearly remember Sean having delivery problems for a couple of seasons, as his kicking was erratic most of the time but, by hell, he won the ball and again, usually affected a clearance. Then some FD coach took him aside over a pre-season for some extra work on foot passing, longer passing, handball and eyes up option finding. Instant transformation it was, and Sean became another legend of the MFC for superb contributions across the field, for uncompromising reliability and toughness, and for heightened skills execution through an enormous confidence build in his game. Frosty needs 'some' of this coaching attention - I am convinced that this is all he needs. He could be a terrible weapon in our arsenal of elite players and is worth the effort. You know what? Rodney Grinter is the man to teach him how....

That is good to hear - new club, new teammates, new game plan; why wouldn't he blossom in 2019? Max will show him the way.

The luxury position is that both Johnstone and Lockhart are kept, developed, exposed. Immense value for Casey, potential value for the big league team in the near future. Several roles may well exist for both, in both teams - both tough at the football.

We must be in the raffle to play more Friday nights this year - we just must be a Victorian pace-setter in that regard alongside the Toiges. We must also be relieved of interstate travel in which we are subject to continuous, incestuous abuse across the fence. Tiredness from travelling is also a concern.

He has some experience now, had some downers, too. Getting back up at present and it is with the Dees! He will get up, he'll be a great flanker and ball deliverer. Like his height - deceptive for opponents and very capable of marking May's big kick-ins - probably done it many times already. Good mover, two-way runner; ideal! Welcome, Kade.

This is relatively overdue, now. He must begin to make a sustained contribution across a game and week to week, month by month. Let's hope his pre-season boosts his aerobic capacity and endurance, assisting him to reach another level; Big Max has given the whole team the inspiration and set the benchmark in terms of team contribution - we have several key drivers in the team that could likewise contribute to a flag in 2019.

That would be very handy, as well; and yet, the expertly allocated moment of 'biff' has a lingering effect on that player for the whole game. Not that I am encouraging violence, it's just that hard players may well see moments of terribly unfortunate physical distress in opponents and can share another moment or two of wise counsel and interpretative understanding soon after.

Sure loved that way big Carl took anyone on, making them tremor in fear, losing possession, getting somewhat out of the way or running away from their coaches' instructions for that game. There was no bluff. If you were caught, you were done and never came back. Biffen did this too, and I place him higher than just a mayhem agent. He settled things. As for Rod Grinter - he was as good as anyone at setting and settling a score of benchmarks on aggressive and effective play. It was a shame that he was penalised so heavily although in interviews, he admitted he deserved it from time to time. (I also thought that Grinter was the best foot-passer across any distance that we ever had - such a beautiful, powerful and quickly directed kick to a teammate. Stunning!)

...and Viney through the middle....

May is a tough character with purpose. I reckon 'Far Cough' sounds appropriate.

Didn't hate Melksham or many other transferees. Didn't like pretty-boy Moore, though.

Terrific becoming more 'accepting', felt that way about Peter Moore from the Filth.

Yes

The concept of 'swing' is so confusing for opposition players to man-up upon. We have some reliables poised to play a swing role up front with potentially great effect. The strength factor is just fantastic now.

Can't agree with much of that unless the opposition plays 9 defenders.

Probably the same old reliables: led by TMac, Melksham but now there are a few others who have learnt to do what is necessary in forward play. I also see AVB, Harmes, Hannan and ANB stepping up. It would be just mesmerising if Petracca hit that type of form, as well. The Weed? Good chance if he doubles his work rate. KK is ready-made so the pre-season is critical. I have a suspicion that the dark horse might be Preuss in a 'resting' role.