Deemania since 56

Thanks for this advice. Maybe it is too early to extract expectations from one so young. His father was a little slow at times but read the play and his roles extraordinarily well.

What are the circulating words about Jake Lovett? What is he like as a developing footballer and does he bear any similarity with his father? If he has one ounce of his father's talent, he may well be a great talent for us down the track.

Fully agree - particularly with Jack Watts' contribution to our side and the aspirations of the coaching panels. Sometimes I think these two things were in conflict, given the changing nature of our coaching panels across the last 12 years or so. Watts was close to being the most skillful forward around and given a team with genuine momentum, would have ideally suited the emerging Demons in all regards, and now, must adapt (yet again) to another, alien set of coaches and teammates, considerable egos and anxieties. Boy, I would still like to see Jack in Attack Watts with the Demons, in our best 22. Particularly now that there are signs of smarter, more quick thinking young players making progress with a defined development. The speed of Watts' thinking and execution were always highly regarded on-field and supported by his great team play, and was often too quick for 'developing' players. Thank heavens for a duplicate quick thinker and mover - Clarry - who added great similarities in play-making to the team as Watts tried to do for so many seasons. I really think that Nathan Jones was the only other player who could 'read' what Watts was doing, could do and often did in attack. Pedo was on to it as well, whenever he had 'game time' . Watts' legacy will last for years at our club. We are going to miss him as a footballing asset, not just as a sentimental 'favourite' battered from pillar to post.

Thank you. I thought it might well have been him. I'd only heard of that nickname once and was dumbfounded by it. Again, thanks for the clarification.

Great comments and pics, guys. Terrific to see. May I ask: Who is 'Nibbler'?

A mindful backman has just intercepted a forward thrust from the opposition, has skilfully passed the ball quickly to a running teammate and surveys the progress of the ball whilst picking up his opponent. Blissful is he who has initiated a chain of promise that led to a goal scored from his instigation. Fairly similar for a midfielder ... very similar for a forward. Both of these are of a lesser duration; but, the vibe is stronger and so they must attempt to set the patterns again, and again, and again to play winning football. And then, they think as one to do it again, and again, and again. A win results. Simple? Or do I need psychoanalytics ....

Pendlebury injured his finger. The quoit was too tight for his usual greeting to an opponent working hard at the football.

Pedo is one of our best and certainly, most reliable, when needed. He lifts, and lifts, and lifts. The Weed worries me. With a great heritage and all the physical attributes (other than those for which he must be working out in the gym every day) to further his skills set and endeavour. It is as if he cannot read the play and if he does, he does nothing about it. The great Ox and even Lyon should be taking him aside after team training and working on him - teaching him - motivating him - and supervising his pre-season very closely, as two individual coaches working together from their experience(s) to bring this possibly great young player to some modicum of importance to our side with a role and a potential to excel. What'cha reckon, guys?

Hope we get some responses from those able to attend training in this rather still, quiet and what appears to be 'silent' start to the next season. Even the MFC Website appears loathe to add daily news and views - though Matt Burgen probably does need a vacation and he does do such a great job over the course of the calendar year. Anyway, we are all missing our footy and some Demon stimuli in this period - is a wake or period of silent dismay for our loss of Jack in Attack Watts? When living in Adelaide, interstate, as I am, one of the greatest difficulties in keeping abreast of daily, weekly and pre-season information. The papers here refuse to publish articles on the Demons and the media, in general, is very incestuous about two alleged teams called The Power and The Crows, whoever they may be. So folks, how are the mighty Dees looking at this point? Kind regards to all....

Maybe a short lifetime eating Mama's pasta can be run, worked and dieted off the lad ... a weight reduction would enhance his speed, agility, reducing a future propensity for injury and to enable more blistering centre clearances. Just maybe ... he has to kick at least fifty goals this coming season, as well.

Great list of messages, well stated and realistic, It's Time (above). Some hard truths, some complimentary but all valid and these are the things that supporters like to consider and dwell upon. With this accurate analysis, improvements can be measured. Strongly agreed with your analysis.

Gosh, fellas, Jesse is Jesse and that is a great thang. I rather admire his casual attire choices - it obviously puts the shakers up the spines of the uninitiated - how esoteric do you wish to be? He is not long from Perth and if you knew the town well, realise, at least, that fashion is not a big achievement over there. The Sandgropers are three hours behind and a generation or two out of whack attempting to catch up a light speed with some very abstract effects. Good on yer, Jesse. I reckon you are one of the smartest players on the field with your MFC jumper and Demon scowl. Set your own pace - and make history in what you do best.

Thanks, 'Comdedia

Could not agree more with the AFL/Sydney/Canberra point, hardtack. My son, based in Sydney, feels the very same but is fortunate to drive to Melbourne often across the season(s) to watch his Demons play. You are correct, it does not matter where nor when, we must win, win, win regardless of difficulties, travel and home crowd bias. For example, the 2017 game against the Crows at Adel Oval was an example of the resolve that we must show week in, week out.

Financially, not a good draw or as good as it well might have been. We have the 'G and so, it is up to us to attend en masse. This should occur as it is widely considered that the Dees will have a better season in 2018 and with that momentum, more members and supporters will attend games - even those non-supporter crowd numbers will come in droves because they want to see the mighty Dees do well all the way into September. Have faith folks, we are going into the big-time at last.

He had his good days, he had his bad days; he was a backman who could rotate up forward; he was just one of many who had some problems with Peter Hudson, and others up forward in that era. Still respect his reliability, though.

Other than both his running and attach on the ball, it's good to see Deespicable mention the talents of Sean Wight. Impossible heritage, unstoppable player. 1987 was just one of his big years. He made many a player look good with his initiating foot passes over great distances. Grinter's passing up the field can never be ignored, either. He was just superb at finding a team mate's space to mark with a kick deliberated 50m upfield.

Yeah, he would be a good pickup no matter what we try to say about him to discourage Adelaide and Collingwood, in particular.

Honestly, this is an impossible selection to make, as we could all pick over forty players who would make the grade. What about defining our selections for this coming season, 2018? The backline looks elite on possibilities, except for Oscar. What about the rest of the team? Then, the application of the game plans the coaches should apply.

It was rumoured, as well, that other team members are scared to hit the showers with him. That would rule out a pick-up by Adelaide, Port, Collingwood, Hawthorn, GWS, the Doggies, don't you think?

Biffen was a rule-stretcher, yes; however, he was only protecting his team mates. He made a few opposition forwards shake in their socks and he was incredibly reliable at full back.

I am no bloody typist! I meant to write 'take-off' speed, above. Sorry.

Can never forget Stan Alves. The best blind-turner the game has ever seen. Unique tack-off speed and made space beautifully, often in impossible situations. Tremendous kick of the football, both sides. Would have been a great coach for the Club in our driest times. He did work hard, always, lifting a series of mediocre teams to save or challenge in every game. I'd reckon he had some involvement in the development and masterclass shaping of the greatest winger of all time: Robert Flower.

Petruccelle seems to be a little 'Peter Daicos-y', no? He'd be a great pick-up but our draw ain't too good. If only there was another Leoncelli!

Highly supportive of Pedo in the best 22; he has the utility assets to change an opponent's game plan and this is generated from an outstanding attitude towards his contribution and that of players around him. He can change games on his very special gifts and skills, and with big fitness improvements, 'his tank' had enabled this attitude to shine through the past season. I am worried about the young fella who is the spitting image of the great Melbourne player and captain, Hassa Mann, on the field. That is, Dean Kent. Few athletes can overcome the damaging effects of a dislocated shoulder, a long-term weakness in the stability of the joint arises. To me, this is a real shame, as Kenty has shown plenty and if he can get up well for 2018, I'd reckon he has those attributes (in buckets) that we need on the half-forward flank both as a goalsneak and as a key linkman for other forwards. His kicking and running can both be excellent if he has game time to settle in this role. He is a killer short-pass exponent. He is also quite tough and hard at the ball. His head is always up, and with his fast on-field mind, zeros in on a team-mate to deliver the end result through a scoring opportunity.