Deemania since 56

I had a dream: we refuse to co-habitate the MCG with 'foreign', well treated teams. Our member numbers soar to unprecedented heights as a result of this new dynasty that lasts and lasts. At the five year point, we begin building our own home ground away from the 'G, merging with a floundering Richmond to build a compact yet beautiful stadium (that just fits our extensive membership on one side in luxurious comfort where every seat is a $200 view of the ground and electronic scoreboards). The stadium has no location in my dream but it does serve a plated hot meal with good cold beer to all member patrons. There are no 'corporate' luxuries, it is a people's palace with a free pie and sauce to non-members, a can of Coke or a cuppa tea/coffee. We dictate to the AFL (and they have no capacity to refuse) that all of the MFC-R games will be played there on Friday nights, only. Away games dovetail perfectly for the same privelege to be extended to the Casey team on the odd away match and they use the ground as their membership has also gone 'through the roof'. The whole place becomes football central and the Pies, the Blues, the Bombers and the Cats fold in their increasing misery. Someone telephoned ... and that was the end of the dream ....

That can be a great feeling. My neighbours, here in Adelaide, are not talking to me this morning as I have a little 'Demon' red and blue flag wafting in the breeze just outside my front door. Let me elucidate: the whole street is not talking to me. They are all hiding inside and their Crows flags have been taken away and are hidden somewhere - however, it is the morning for the garbage to be collected by the local council so I can guess where half of these Crows flags now reside. Good onyer, Dees! Not just a win, a total shellacking!

Yes, I'd reckon that is the case and was thinking that with a few of his anti-Crows breakaways during the game. Seems like the layoff that he has endured brought on some other forms of training that assisted running speeds and faster take-offs in a straight line for the ball - watch out, Doggies, the Filth and others, he's on a mission to take this train to the end of the line - a premiership.

They are all playing their roles superbly; however, those roles are different and upon looking at the lists of great players for the match, it is next to impossible to rank players of a team when they are doing different things so well ... and then they merge these differences into a team effort for success. Their skills are seen but these come into play when opponents make mistakes and errors of judgment. Some receive from Fook Ups more frequently than others; some just beat opponents through mindfulness; some combine either setting-up a multi-carriage of the ball or just participate in that chain; all do what is correct for the team more often than making their own mistakes to impede the team. We are at a peak at present - fewer errors of all kinds, more effort to multitasking responsibilities and improved judgment across the board.

Tex did open his big mouth at the bottom of his empty head and now what he said so philosophically is back, biting his enormous bum. He'd be lucky to retain the captaincy, let alone get a game again this year.Touche, Dees.

Spargo needs to be ready for the Filth.

The Filth won't acknowledge anything about the Dees until they, too, are thrashed as comprehensively as others have endured over the past five weeks. We all knew that it could pan out this way and incredible depth has facilitated a team of up to 30 hungry players.

Want to thank you guys for progress reports and keeping us all in the know. It was a great effort, widely appreciated. Glad to hear that the Casey fellas did well, again. There seems to be some real depth coming along. Thank you, again.

The Adelaide 'Advertiser' and its panels of Crow/Port experts basically ruined Saturday's newspaper this morning with everything but direct statements that Lever is going to be sorry he transferred to the Dees. It was full of inuendo about 'lost mates' and 'aggressive moments' from the Crows. Jake, of course, is above all that and its appearance of direct aggression will just wash off like water on a duck's back. It most probably is going to be another very black day for the Crows and if they lose it in recriminations and aggression towards Lever, it is also going to be quite amusing. Carna Dees....

Miss this guy in the firsts - talent with just a bit more control needed.

Great news about Kenty. His speed and aggro are valued.

Enjoy, Dave. Had a few dark ales in Adelaide, so staying here. Got my tickets sorted for Queen's Birthday against the filth, though, coz that game cannot be missed. You have a good day, and might seeya next year.

Come on Casey. Wish we had Pedo in the firsts, but ..... .... .... it doesn't seem to be the case. Hope he notches another 6 goals. Best of luck for the game.

Didn't know that the Women's Weekly printed information for laymen on football injuries.

Nice little reminder, and additionally, it must be stated that walking with increasing pace in pastures new is a wonderful journey. This weekend, it is the Crows turn to learn that silence is often the best remedy for the scathing attacks to the MFC over the past few years. Humble pie time for them all. Have a great game, Dees.

Thanks for that. Great player who did it his way with absolute style.

Yes, funny that - I was corrected the other day for calling it 'Docklands'. Who are these intolerant people?

Yes, most certainly an ornament to the game. Used to get to the G early on game days to see him play in the Reserves team. Such developing class. Took the marks, kicked like no-one else you ever saw, handled the nasties on the field with aplomb and just before they hit our little rovers. Then into the firsts, went he. Did it all on a bigger stage to better effect. One of the greats. Did you see his TV interview with Mike Sheahan a year or two back? Pure honesty: 'I did what I did for Melbourne.'

Well put!

That photo, like so many of the stylish things that Sir Rod, the Grinter did on the field makes my eyes watery. I haven't felt like that since my dog died. It is just so touching how he would sacrifice himself for the MFC and the impending AFL Tribunal hearing every couple of weeks. What was truly amazing was the sheer artistry of his method - complete, fast and performed in multiples of engagements with smart-arse opponents who fancied their capabilities. What would we do with a Sir Rodney these days? He could really play football, that bloke, as well.

Depending on the club of the many one might have played for - it all sounds so familiar. The methylated spirits on the blisters was what we had the medicos do for us in the Army; taught us all how to swear to high heaven once applied, but very effective. Oranges in the junior leagues because the ladies' auxillaries were just wonderful second mums to us all and brought these along amid great smiles and cuddles in-between quarters. As for your lemons and salt tablets, you can go and get fxxxxxxxd.

We used to have bad blisters inside our White Diamond footy boots 'back in the days' and these hurt like crazy, far more than anyone could imagine, particularly across and under the toes. Our coach's mum gave each of us so afflicted a short pair of moderately thick wool socks, then some cut-off old nylon stockings to put over these that came just above the ankles - our boots were the old high-sided type - and then, put the long footy sock over these - well powdered with talc so it sounded like you were farting as you ran - and then the boots, laces just a little looser than without the padding. Worked like a treat. Made a soft toe effect for kicking a heavy, wet football - particularly for the drop kickers amongst us. Probably no good for today's players as they are not as tough as we were! Mouthguards? Only after quarter time when we had some quartered orange peels. (smile)

Pedo has always been a great kick for goal and it must be remembered that he is more mobile than ever, just now. His fitness is better now than it ever has been for us. He has sacrificed 'an abundance of nourishment' for a leaner and meaner contribution. His form at Casey in the past month has been staggering and the key to this output has been his marking and ability to split a pack. Pedo will be a very good inclusion against the Crows' team (and it must be considered that 'targets' such a TMac - who will play, Hogan, Fritch, a resting Gawn and the crumbers will be there to support him and will be supported by him, strongly, as well). The way we are now moving the ball, there will not be excessive congestion playing the extra tall in Pedo this weekend.

A break is pretty important for a longer-term yet new player - I'd doubt that his recovery from games would be as conditioned as that of more senior players - this recovery interval is only developed over several years and rather than experience a lag in performance why not allow that extra time to get that sharpness that he can deliver? I would really love to see Sparky Spargo hot to trot for the Collingwood game - he will burn them on the day. Garlett, in comparison, has been given a big message and must apply more fwd defensive pressure than he had more recently. His pace and sneaky goal sense will be important on a bouncey field like there is in the Alice, and with the Crows' backline tendency to move out of the hot zone as the ball approaches. I'd be thinking Hannan off the bench in this role would be more than handy, as well.

Rational thinking, nsfm.