Deemania since 56

Carna Dees, from the first bounce-down to the final siren ... down the corridor with support, support and accuracy.

Gulp! Lest we forget ...

Perhaps, MFC supporters have a multi-generational genetic advantage?

Talisker is my clan whiskey and from loyalty to the fine folk of Skye, is difficult to sidestep when buying a bottle of scotch.

With filtered ice and a drop of water, all whiskies are ripper, in their own ways.

Really agree about Cunnington - seems to star against the Dees, each time we play, then goes noticeably quiet when challenging other teams. We need to lock him down with a fit, muscle man.

Duursma - smokey No.1 - talent to learn, versatility to apply to several roles, good footballing blood.

Agreed, he is a talent almost ready to settle into a more dynamic midfield role - from which Tracca will be re-allocated to the forward line (most of the time). I rue the moment that Bedford left as he was potentially potent and would not like to see JJ move elsewhere now that he is tasting his role in a series of successful games, and adjusting to his role, accordingly. FFS, he is a cog in what many observers see as the best midfield going. He's not a Clarrie, he's not a Tracca but he is better, by far, than what most other teams are fronting and maintaining. He's a learner and already is becoming a regular.

Yes, Hibbo needs a run and exerts great backline authority; given our fwd line strengths (now someone has woken up to our advice across this whole season) JSmith can relieve Hibbo from the bench later in the game. I have an image of McVie, Bowser and Joel creating another backline fortification to that of May, Lever and Hibbo/Salem. A utility of Sparrow and Rivers supporting from the midfield into the defensive areas for clearances and sheer, mobile grunt.

There still in no justifiable protection from AFL umpires for the head bashings that Max manfully endures each game - in every quarter - for the good of HIS team. Just silence....

A bit of aggro is necessary in all players; a bit of sustained mongrel is even better. Checking out Petty's physique, not height, against the Richmond defenders was interesting, swing in a bit of true mongrel and we have one hell of a full forward who watches for the drop of the ball, gets involved late to avoid 'blocks' and holding, and surprises with his bulk-effect; and, when necessary, leads out to a space as a rather unstoppable beef steak on a mission. Combine that with JVR's mobility and reach, as well, it's a strong combo. Add in the Melk, it's a circular waltz to goal, stripping defenders left, right and centre. Toss in a few frontal smalls (thinking Kozzie and Chandler) and ANB coming in close to just look after the immediate tackling - it's almost an unchallengeable forward line. Then there is JSmith, coming in off the bench to exercise his right of way, his defensive skills and his sudden elevation to mark, spoil, block - it's all awesome.

Yep, there is a great, underlying talent with ANB to create disarray and to 'bob' up to slow the opposition, then there is his ability to slow the pace of the ball when necessary, to give his teammates time to re-establish positioning and tag their respective opponents, then, despite a few turnovers when this doesn't work, he rallies like a lightning bolt to support and supply as if to 'clear the plate' through the physical blocking of any opponent with aspirations to become legendary.

With three greats - Clarrie, Hibbo and Fritta - on the road back, one could dream that a little more is there for the taking. Maybe it could be better - a chastened Grundy hitting good form in the ruck just to give Max that short, un-assaulted chop out so he can concentrate on dominating EVERY game.

Yep, undestood, it was such a great game. I forgot to mention, Hibbo will come back in to assist strengthen the team alongside Clarrie and Fritta. Even Grundy may hit some form. Things are getting sharp for the finals.

Leading to receive puts the icing on a great team. Just watch the Melk, Petty and JVR - they all won because of it!

Just imagine, Clarrie and Fritta are to come into that team to strengthen it...truly!

Petty, Gawn magicians - and the rest of the team, led by Viney, would not give in to the Tigers resurgence and endeavour. What a great, appropriate pre-finals game. ANB consistently proved his worth in a linking team and paused play at perfect moments for team coverage. One could go on, but the main theme was 'team, team, team' and it was bloody brilliant.

Now ya talkin'

Oh, boo-hoo, we're going to miss seeing him beaten by a Demon dynamo ....

I also think that TMac is likely to be returning for finals, as a last hurrah. However, there are acknowledged 'againts' equally as strong as those concerning BBB.

No, don't do that, please. Their (Tigers) inherent illiteracy is '...something up which I cannot put!) Thanks to Jack Dyer.

Pig has authority written all over him against experienced forwards - like those in the Tigers team. Should get a run for 2-3 quarters and then rested (at this stage of the season and its promise of finals), then swing in Tomlinson for some rough, tough leg work and spoiling; I reckon that Tomlinson is blending well with Lever/May at the moment and has sometimes gapped them when their lack of speed has caught them out of position. Petty is the alternative but is asked to play the Lever/May role too frequently by intercept marking. Petty, Hibbo, Lever, May (May could swing forward on occasion), McVie and Bowser for mine, creating a single gap for a mobile Salem and a drop back Gus on occasion for the shallow stuff.

If JJ had some real work on his speed, he'd cruise well on the wing. He has demonstrated quite a bit of initial speed in clearances and 'run pasts' to receive in a chain, and kicks well to moving targets. He 2-way runs to space and thus, could be more dangerous with greater speed applied on the wing.

Absolutely correct - maintaining BBB there, for the majority of the game, offered no threat, sensible ball retention, marking opportunities, shots at goal from Mr Accuracy (as he is known) and only one 'ball to ground' for the smalls to attempt to exploit. I like BBB but he is static, slowing, largely ineffective under pressure. JSmith reshapes games and up forward, he is a real threat to defenders as he has their key tricks in the back pocket of his shorts.

Yep, yep, yep. I feel sorry for Petty as a result - unable to continue with a hurt, previously damaged injury - expected to play out a time period by the 'caring' coach who ignored his sad inability to further contribute to the game. Had JSmith come on at that very moment of injury, who knows what might have happened to the Lions' lead? When Joel did get the nod to go onfield, he showed what was needed and stood some torrid treatment, as well.