Deemania since 56

He was a freak with marking, Greg Parke. He took more marks than anyone and most of these were heavily contested. Lousy kick but a good handball feeder at the same time, just as long as a kick. I can remember him - a policeman - directing traffic every morning and often in the evening at the centre of the road at Camberwell Junction prior to traffic lights being installed at that 6-way intersection. We'd lean out of a tram and attempt to knock his hat off his head as the tram rattled passed. He, in return, smiled broadly and shook his finger at us allegedly disapprovingly. It was fun.

Don't get me going - Tassie, Hassa, Townsend, Parke, Dillon, Hardeman, Alves, and all the others. Geez it was fun.

They nick-named me 'Cass' based upon part of my surname, and every party I went to in my uni days it was always: 'Jumpin Jack Flash it's a Cass!' Never lived it down. Thank heavens no-one who can remember the 1960s lives nearby...

Laurie Fowler, tremendous footballer for Melb after his stint with the Tigers. Best friend of John Nichols, I heard. And Tassie Johnston. Those great drop kicks from the Richmond goalsquare past the centre of the MCG. He just knew where the ball was going. Few ever got in his way. Two greats. Hardeman, not a tall, killing all opposition forwards, the greatest.

Lovely name. Why not keep it?

Thanks.

What is the condition of T Smith? Is he ready or capable at this stage of playing in the firsts?

Great players.

A great backman moved on to the forward line, elite at both ends of the ground. Memory is a big issue for me, at times.

Really strong DA. Great players, all. Yep, Brett Lovett was intended. Sean Wight and Alan J were in my original list and accidentally overlooked around 4-6. I overlooked Yze only because of his frequent forward work. Frawley was good but to me, not as great. Jetta is definitely the best interceptor we have over the past two 'revival' years. Thanks for the comparisons. Always fun...

Really difficult to compare those great backmen of the recent past and to rank them as well; but, it is good to remember them and others who gave the MFC some respect in a difficult 20 years, or so. Here is my ranking, just for interest: 1. Hardeman 2. Steven Icke 3. Danny Hughes 4. Frank Davis 5. Brett Bailey 6. Graeme Yeats 7. Peter Rhode 8. Glenn Lovett 9. Matthew Whelan 10. Jared Rivers 11. Peter Giles There are, incidentally, many more that I really enjoyed watching their skills and efforts for a team that was regularly thumped.

Tom McD is an uncertain starter at this point, as well.

The dilemma continues and many of us will nearly always feel a loss. It is difficult to dismiss Jack now that he has left the Club and many of us wish him well in the greater football world. Now it is time for us sympathisers to heal; Jack has. We must move on with focus on the current bank balance and its possibilities. The problem with being a MFC supporter is that we are loyal as hell, forced to be reminiscent, living histories of neglect and poor decision-making, and consequently unsuccessful at the level of which we dream. Let's do it this time.

And sometimes, one wonders why a Tasmanian team has not be able or permitted to enter the competition - population is not necessarily the reason, yet that would be based upon the holy $1.00 in some eyes. Tassy football, in general, is remarkable to watch if you get the chance. It reminds me of the VFL days - contests are great. Umpiring is very communicative and as a result, proves to be really consistent.

I'd reckon you were correct, Wells 11 (great jumper for the centreman). Frost's game dropped a few clangers but I'd reckon that he is so adaptable that now, most of these would be rare. He should IMO be in that magical '22' and several supporters and members that I have spoken to have raised that point to the extent that he would be their favoured CHB or even Fullback with the current personal down that end. If not, yep, he would be a very high quality replacement and even so 'off the bench'. Depth is pretty wonderful, heh? In the DL piccies of players, there is one of Frosty lifting a weight in training - just a chest, arms and head shot - this photo is intimidating as I cannot think of one AFL player who would not be confronted by landing him as a tall opponent with leg speed and attitude.

Just a personal note of thanks, Binman, to another.

Hiya, Wilbur. Agreed about the bottle fermentation in Cooper's Beer. However, it is three times better if you make it yourself. Cooper's make a ripper series of home brew mixes; have not had a bad one yet. Some are exceptional, such as their APA, Stout and Real Ale. However, I am probably talking to the converted so forgive me. The brews are fine to take to the 'footy' over here - meaning a few bottles slipped into the nearest Foxtel lounge when the Demons are playing on their telecast through Channel 504. Other than that, my home was Melbourne and I must admit, I miss it even after 18 years in Adelaide. Hell of a drive to get to the footy at the MCG, though...

Posited most appreciably, with sound foundations of logic, perception and that deeper understanding of the things of this world. It bound my thoughts with clearer meaning and for that, I thank you. Kind regards...

Hey, over here in Adelaide, there are two clubs that drive you absolutely sick. Port and the Crows. No TV coverage for MFC, no articles in the daily paper, no radio commentary, no nuffin. Loathsome behaviours all of the time from supporters with at least 20 commentators counting every breath of every player in these two sides. They even think that they got a bargain with Watts, Toumpas and the profits from the Lever deal. Yep, hate Essendrug and Carlscum, but these two in proximity are unbearable.

Yep, putting the ball into space is a real forte for Salem; he anticipates a 'run-on' opportunity with great precision and it works to very good effect.

Just an aside, the following: Apart from draftee Dom Barry, playing his first game since 2014 with Melbourne, and Jack Watts, Port didn't get much out of prized free agency signing Steven Motlop, Jack Trengove or Lindsay Thomas in their debut appearances.

Great performance - even though it was a JLT series game - that clearly indicates his capacity to mix it with others as an opponent and as a team player/resource. Would also like to see Spargo and the Ginger Ninja (Baker) next week.

Now that is controversial.

Hell, that is a great consideration. Fits nicely with a total running game to have two feeders in tandem.

Memories fade, SWYL. Can you remind me of: what was the alarm, and Carlscum players' talk with Ratten, broken bones. Just cannot recall these things but a stir of the grey matter may be of assistance, if you wouldn't mind. Kind regards....