Deemania since 56

The umpires under instructions from the AFL regard themselves as 'entertainers par excellence', far more important than the players, and teams. If we killed The Filth by significant amounts, the 'entertainment' level and resultant anxiety from a spectator's point of view would be massively eroded. Plus, of course, this game was against The Filth and its hotline to the media in general, the AFL Headquarters, the gate receipts, the broadcast rights, the Tribunal and the thousands of toothless simple minds (so represented) in the Piggery. Sad to say, but evident. I knew we would win, and JSmith would start making a supporting difference to the game up forward when I noticed several Demon supporters breaking out the French brie at 3/4-time. Of course, they didn't have any wine; who would drink the swill provided by the caterers at the ground - and you cannot bring a dusty but mature red into the ground as an accompaniment. Viney and Salem were great today - and May was a rock, well supported.

Rod Grinter was something else imho - he was a sacrificial lamb who would do anything for the benefit of the Demons. He was very effective in clearing the slate through acts of what the media regarded as 'thuggery' but they could go to the other 'uggery' if you ask me. His career was heavily curtailed by 'acts of immense generosity' towards the team against the assumptive actions and brutality of opponents. Some of those were delivered with enthusiasm, some were last resorts. We were not a powerful team in that era - Rod stood up making many opponents think twice either before or after it was medicine time. The cowards avoided him onfield; the brave generally wore the consequences. At least it can be said that Rod Grinter kept the Tribunal in employment through acts of restitution and levelling.

Gulp! Sniffle. Sniffle. What other footballer could invoke such emotions?

Blair used to teach me how to do 'the banana' kick at Central Park (Malvern) when I was a little fella. He'd train/run there a couple of times per week. It added a whole new string to my bow - I used to drop kick for distance, stab pass for accuracy and only had a weak mongrel punt prior to that contact.

I'd reckon that JJ's positioning would considerably reduce an over-reliance on 'zip and energy around the ball' provided our midfielders can spot him - or do intend to spot him. He is a very good island in midstream flows and has great disposal when mobile.

Nicely posited but Golly, I could see these approaches being very useful with many Dees players since '64; in fact, these tenets possibly could have made Gysberts a run-away champion! Sadly, he didn't get very far past 'run-away'.

Entirely reasonable but what is a Bronwlow?

It's too intellectual. There's more than one character and it had a written script.

Absolutely brilliant. Best Filth joke I have ever heard.

It (the concept of '...culture...') does seem to be most awkwardly utilised in this context.

I heard that the good folk at Collingwood used Brylcreem (for two decades since 1950) as toothpaste, particularly when told '...a little dab will do ya...'. It was cheaper than Colgate in those days but in the tube, looked exactly the same. Taste, as with everything Collywobbled, had nothing to do with it.

I have always believed that a little 'mongrel' early makes a difference - and if there is a recovery, a little more can be applied to keep the bastards honest across a game. Unfortunate accidents are morale deflating in the longer-term of the game itself, so there is limited need for second attempts as disciplinary action. We have a few deft exponents in the side - Hibbo is the the one whose opposition is often given a warm welcome and he has been known to be of assistance downfield, on occasion. Let's hope we can provide a revelation of cause and effect to The Filth on the King's Birthday?

We always got blisters (in the Army) - both feet, really all-day nasty ones in the old GP boots. The medics came around every evening and lavished methylated spirits very generously on our feet. Wake up in the morning - - - gone! Ration pack, coffee, march on for another day, every day.

It's going to happen, amid the realisation that he is different in some way and thus, a protected species when bumped within the rules. Watch him fold, just like his awkward early days at The Filth.

The best and most efficient way to stop the 'out-marking' in the forward line is not to place static talls in the goal square. It's also poor percentage/effectiveness to do the pillars of salt routine and only look for a kick if it can be seen against the skyline. We could, otherwise, have a ripper and generously-served forward feast from any angle!

Living in the 1970's was a great time. I still have two dozen or so MFC players on my mind, daily, embedded in a permanent consciousness of footy wizardry. Each stands alone - everyone else in the team(s) tried hard but didn't meet the criteria very often. Still, happy memories over time.

Being mobile upfield makes a forward a target, maximises opportunities, draws out defenders and hopefully leads them for dead, exploits space or double-back-across, particularly if they are quick, agile, strong, can mark, can kick a mile and is accurate over 55m out. JVR has got all of these attributes. Plus, he's a team player and man. He can only improve. Congratulations JVR, rising star is a very good marque to reach, so early.

What does 'She, who must be obeyed think?

Ollie wants to beat The Filth. It's like putting antiseptic on a wound.

Cox is chest weak ... aim low, below the clavicles (collar bones) and hit with a shoulder, square-on with foot movements away from the target, rather quickly. Keep the head down - don't stop to help him up. Give it 4-5 seconds then ask '...are you ok?' One might not be enough. Someone else can give him one, just to finish the job. He's also pyss weak below the knees, and has a poor centre of gravity; thus, a timely yet firm hip clash will interrupt his centre of gravity - outside the base of support (feet) - and he will topple. Worth a practice at the training run.

Bowser was phabulous! Such bad luck. Committed, brave, robbed.

The longer we keep that quiet, the better. Just imagine, Clarrie a surprise inclusion. I have a feeling the leg has been causing some less than striking form for Clarrie, for a while and needed good resting - but he has been out training so it must be OK suggesting he is close to fully 'better' already . Looking forward to some Tracca/Clarrie magic, Petty back in and a royal flush in the mysteries of team selections. Let's not show our hand? We already have the Ten, the Jack, the Queen, the King and just await the Ace from the dealer. It might help to raise the table before we declare ...

I reckon Smith looked pretty comfortable, given the time he has experienced out of the big-League game. He is a point of difference, as well, with some precursors suggesting usefulness and linkages up forward. JJ should come in and could replace the injured Bowey, rotating with Brayshaw in a half-back to midfield roving, clearance and attacking first line. Disco could play tall in the backline, as well, and much depends on the availability of Petty in this regard, to free up Lever. I'd like to see Chandler in a more 'roving' role through midfield-forward - Kozzie must stay forward forever dangerous, whilst key forwards (ie: JVR and Smith - perhaps Sparrow) lead to space as targets, and link up with midfielders/flankers.

The writing is on the wall in so many examples yet there are talents that do work to keep the faith and hope - these attributes need to be investigated closely and ramified across the team and its talent supplies. A win against a very desperate Carlton is still satisfying - to say the least - yet it was our individuals (rather than our team) that had greater desire much of the time, resisting a Blues fightback and rebounding somewhat in the final quarter.

Bowey was outstanding. Plugged into a hole and holds his own - with knockout vision upfield.