Deemania since 56

I like a good, accurate summary, and this one, QD, seems to hit the spot from so many directions. Thank you.

Sorry, Robbie57, only some heads are protected, some rib cages, some legs ... the conundrum continues ... just ask Max!

Too right!

Strawbs was a good bloke, handy big man onfield, thinker when it came to form and style of delivery, absolutely top value. He was aggressive (mongrel) at times but disrespected by umpires (possibly because he had freckles) and thus, a target for their form of derision. One hopes that AJ is not so characterised by the less than honest or competent holding a whistle these days.

At this stage of the season, they (the AFL) had to penalise us in some way - didn't take much argy-bargy consideration, just a rather rapid and snatched out-of-the-blue decision that may or may not be considered 'dangerous' - that's good enough. After all, it is Melbourne.

Yes Chook, I felt that Bowey was impressive across the game, not necessarily all game - but it was great to see him more active and inventive with his kicking skills, accuracy and tenacity in winning the ball on occasion. He can only put these experiences in the bank, work on these, become (once again) a really good clearing backman. I'd hope that the return of Judd will add to his capacities etc.

Fritta needs to get his mojo back, so Turner in next week to replace Fritta (for more conditioning) would probably be a wise move.

The fwds sadly have the talent but no inclination to lead out of Mt Vesuvius into emerging space; consequently, far too high a percentage of entries are inaccurate long bombs from which opportunities are curtailed and positive scoring is limited. All of our opposing teams over the last few years know this, responding accordingly. Thankfully, today some of our recruits attempted to overcome this blaring anomaly. We are left in hope ... with few exceptions.

Lousy situation, but a bloody good replacement with a big heart and required talents.

Like to see our forwards straight-line it to space, giving Clarry, Tracca and coy something to stab at with the smalls in support and hungry.

These were greats, no doubt. Looking forward to seeing some of the Ox, more of Liam J, and Stan Alves from way out there.

I still hold my breath over that one.

Gee! Saw them all. What a history. Carna Dees.

Have a great day, DZ.

Wise words, with fingers crossed.

Tend to agree, IHW. Johnson will also clear (physically) those gathering opposition packs in the wet, thus enabling first and second efforts for the mighty Dees, with bumps, shepherds and blocks. Tough nut time, mongrel motivations. Feels good already.

Foresight!

New game plans, marque 'infinities' across the past few seasons. We need adaptability across the field of play, initiative held by the players themselves, courage and continuous pressure on opponents.

With the correct encouragement/practices, he might (and is likely to) overcome the 'yips' with goal shooting, and it is agreed, he is a prolific connector and team player on the flanks; not as good as Windsor on the wings, but highly serviceable in the role.

Particularly in the early stages of the game, Howes really does need to stay in perpetually close contact and coverage of his opponent. He has a tendency to create a flankish gap, straying just that little bit too far from his attacking opponent when attempting to 'space-make' in the possible progressions of Demon possessions. Man on man, he is quite effective, a good spoiler and has the mobility to break to our advantage.

yep

Kozzie is like that on the football field, too ... he has a head full of tricks and footy magic, not giving the opposition an inch of predicting what he is going to do to them with that non-declaring exterior. Then, on cue, he does it! He'd be an impossible player to man-up upon. Onyer, Kozzie.

With what he says, it makes it incredibly worse than anything else the inexperienced media collective may offer.

Now we're talking, a little protection for Max is overdue. The umpires certainly ignore that need.

You betcha ....