Deemania since 56

Given his physical stature and the package of attributes, Robbo was one of those great Melbourne stars, and such a nice bloke.

It would still be nice to think and experience the Dees' 2018 season as one in which Port is annihilated by the red n blue.

What great footage. Robbo could do special things - all it took was the initial teamwork.

Thanks, Dr Gonzo, I admit that there was some mid-term improvement but at that level, I feel that weakened the backline defences with Tom off to other duties and Oscar was somewhat repetitive in errors of old. Still, I also believe that more stints with Casey will assist him with sticking to his man, spoiling more effectively, more often and taking marks with subsequent and effective clearance play. I may be wrong, certainly; in time, I'd hope that his improvement is a continuum and occurs more consistently. Thanks for the comment. Go Dees!

Like your comment, Tarax Club. A real Ron Blaskett with Gerry Gee. What a fabulous memory, down to the Channel 9 studios in Richmond just after school for all the Tarax lemonade that you could drink whilst running berserk on the show as an 'audience'. Those were the days, and MFC was really strong, then.

Thanks, one-eye. You would think that was the case, quite naturally. From adversity comes.....stoic resolve?

Worrying, amusing, unsettling, fd preferences leave some in wonderment, but thank you for the opinion. 'Carna Dees!

He does have some attractions, even though little has been seen of him for some time. He has a tough and long road - possibly full of potholes - ahead of him so it will be a challenge.

Weideman and Oscar McD - - plenty of Casey room for these two.

Depends who is challenging this linking series, Clint. We are a different team to what we were - for so long. Somewhere in the chain, Frosty, Lever and Hibberd must be given a chance to interrupt, fatally; I'd reckon that Jetta would have a say in the proceedings, as well. Not terribly sure that JW will tear us to shreds unless he plays on Oscar McD.

We must assume that Balic can regenerate form and fitness - even if it takes us into the season proper. He has shown top form and ability, and was unfortunate with injuries but he would not be invited to 'suit-up' if it wasn't apparent that it was all still there - subject to conditioning at a level where he has recently been. I'd say he might well be a 'smokey' when these things are achieved. Players change and change rapidly when highly motivated.

100 days to Round 1. Time to get cracking Dees. Each year that advancing doubt raises its head. This (2018) has got to be the year. Injuries must be overcome before February. Let's do it!

Good, possibly means that these are all going to be distributed from now on...I need a new car sticker!

Salem does come out of the backline very well, quickly and with the ball, his kicking is often masterclass. He also provides a terrific running link for the progress of play into the forwards. Keep him on the backline to mellow from familiarity...

When I cleaned my glasses, this 'stomach' looked much better...

This is an interesting public statement by Jack Watts. In this morning's Adelaide Advertiser, to appease the Port supporters for press coverage, no doubt - which happens a great deal in Adelaide - Jack Watts' comments about Port being closer to a Premiership than Melbourne are back-page news (sports headlines). The article does not have much depth; however, it is fairly lengthy for items of this nature. Maybe, it is an attempt at controversy and/or incestuous local grandstanding. That Watts has fallen for this type of coverage is alarming for the mild-mannered, temperate opinions and feelings that he has expressed in the past in a 'red n blue' clown suit. I have been one of his most ardent supporters over the years and have seen him do things on the footy field that truly cut the mustard. At least he does not brag on this record nor does he make promises that 'he is going to be the difference' for the Port Adelaide side. He instead retains some modesty and draws upon the skills and reliability of some of the existing Port players (in the forward line where he will be utilised), and then refers to Port's 'strengthening' of an already impressive team that has just come forward via its 2017 draft recruitment outcomes. I really don't have an opinion on all of this but I thought it might be of interest to Demonland readers.

Maynard looks ready.

Whilst as a Dee supporter, I loved him as a player. However, his '...best decision I've made...' statement really might well read: 'The only decision I had left.' It is a pity.

Flying under the radar is good for the start of the season, although we can rabbit on a little amongst ourselves because the Dees are an unfavoured team, by most accounts - certainly in the media and certainly by Sam 'the brainless' Newman. I don't mind if they all (the media) have their rogers growing out of their foreheads in blind prejudice - because it is another indication that they 'cannot see for nuts'! Outside the supporter and club groups, I would doubt if our best 22 were fully known in the media's mindset. Still, nice to come into a match as an unannounced underdog and cream their dreams by quarter-time - and we will do it, this coming season with some massive victories across many games. 'Carna Dees! Remember the Crows game at Adelaide Oval in 2017?

Hiya, Nuts. Agree strongly with your request, above. Would be phabulous in the extreme, as last season was a long-awaited eye opener for the Dees, providing us with some incredibly good football to savour but access to critical plays are virtually unobtainable. Good one.

Terrific shots. Thank you.

I still respect the Ox, his football knowledge and its implementation. He regularly proved that in his play and field orientation. I'd bet his 'scripts' were pre-ordained by someone who had some envy of his credibility. ]

Well put, the rest of the flotsam of comment is not only negative but also, none of our business.

THAT Max is indeed a handy player. Wish it meant a little more other than the pick in the national draft.

Great questions, Skuit. Really, these are starting to be nagging questions, daily, as the season keeps nearing. With reference to what is going to be a bumper season and an invincible team down at Casey, all of these players would fit in very nicely, in those roles. However, with the Mighty Demons first 22, I guess most will fade for the coming season as key acquisitions moving up from the aspirations that they have held in the recent past. King is getting better, but this has been a fairly long journey. He is very good at the tap. Gawn stridently asserted that Filipovic had '...all the skills...' and was suitably competitive. Another season of development and these two could be poised for a 2nd ruck role - or handy off-the-bench types. Given such development, I would think one of the two could be a 1st ruck in times of need, with AFL exposure to assure such a decision. Keilty is already an 'off the bench' prospect to fill gaps when needed this coming season, surely. He plays both back and forward and would probably out-mark most AFL opposition players, and be in position to take the chance. McKenna is largely unknown but there is considerable support for his retention. Match appearances may well give us more indications. Spargo, to me, looks like a Garlett replacement should it ever be needed, heaven forbid. Speed, fwd pressuring, agility are his assets and I think, if trained in the role, possibly very dangerous for clever little snaps and freakish scoring. Despite the limited observation of him, Spargo reminds me of Ricky Jackson, except quicker. Surely that is a good thing? Fritch is a gun. I would expect him to pressure several players that we currently utilise in the fwd line - on the flanks. I'd expect him to be a regular. Baker and Petty look very good - and it will be the Club's development processes that will hold these two back, if at all. Each has a role and would contribute well. The difficulties with 'depth' are major considerations, too. Who and why do we substitute a player into the side at the disadvantage of another who has already proven to be at a useful standard? The only opportunities will possibly be in our 'aged brigade', our loyalties that affect our decision-making, and a sense of risk-taking. I'd play Petty as the Full Back to replace OMcD - but here is an example of my bias, once again. Still, great questions that we will all ponder upon across the summer, Skuit.