Deemania since 56

Courageous commitment, DZ, and loyal. Well posited.

I didn't watch it ... just strongly suspected that it would be another verbal, non-specific con job. It appears from DL comments that it was just that ... We have lost our mongrel and team carriage to defeat other contenders, as frequently exposed across the past few seasons. We have ignored the potential of some of our past 'greats' to inspire, re-design and establish a consistent, winning culture and intent. We have moved too far from the Demon heritage and mindset. Now, we are soft, contradicting occasional and impressive onfield surges in short bursts (usually in the third quarter of games) and then, merely hanging-on to await the final siren. There are exceptions, of course; there remain, more often, capitulations and disappointments. I really wonder how the likes of Neita, the Ox and Lyon (et al) perceive this situation and analyse the steps in Demon rehabilitation.

Full of bitter truths and reasonable requirements for the Team, with coaching changes and adept recruiting. It is difficult to believe that the types of players that we need have not been available, for one reason or the other, including scouting oversights.

Hooray! Now we are thinking.

Yes, but fond memories have lived a very long time.

I am still anticipating Spazza cracking four or five great games in a row, hard tackles emerging with the ball, hitting targets hand and foot, kicking a swag of great goals. I reckon he can be a great footballer, but as yet, has not broken out of the plastic bag in which he is restrained ... lacking confidence across the game, hamstrung by something in his instructions so far. I live in hope for him.

Inna Gadda da Vida! Daisy chains and butterflies ...

Superb comedic association there, D/Stoned.

The Ox!

Intermittent rotations of Maysie into the fwd line might make a bit of difference to our score line, plus he is not short on giving advice to those in some need during match play and additionally, the present form increases in TMac more than cover any shorter-term loss of May in the backline. Just sometimes, I tend to think May is under-utilised at full back, offering far more in talent and experience, including marshalling teammates, creating blocks and tackles to advantage that would all auger well for our underperforming forward potency.

That most probably means that Juddy will be the next monkey on the media grinder's squeezebox.

Was going to drive from Adelaide to the 'G but my Kayo subscription, which connected Saturday before the game, had to be somewhat justified in the eyes of 'she who must be obeyed'. Fairy Nuff?

Jai seems strong in that run-on (with pace) to continue the chain and handball receives in a straight line towards the big sticks, backing-up with a lovely molly-duker for a ripper goal ... just like Leoncelli. Golly, we need a mid who can do that and score.

JVR should be running up to the ball, well before despatch and into some space. Turner, on the flanks, does this well.

I like a good, accurate summary, and this one, QD, seems to hit the spot from so many directions. Thank you.

Sorry, Robbie57, only some heads are protected, some rib cages, some legs ... the conundrum continues ... just ask Max!

Too right!

Strawbs was a good bloke, handy big man onfield, thinker when it came to form and style of delivery, absolutely top value. He was aggressive (mongrel) at times but disrespected by umpires (possibly because he had freckles) and thus, a target for their form of derision. One hopes that AJ is not so characterised by the less than honest or competent holding a whistle these days.

At this stage of the season, they (the AFL) had to penalise us in some way - didn't take much argy-bargy consideration, just a rather rapid and snatched out-of-the-blue decision that may or may not be considered 'dangerous' - that's good enough. After all, it is Melbourne.

Yes Chook, I felt that Bowey was impressive across the game, not necessarily all game - but it was great to see him more active and inventive with his kicking skills, accuracy and tenacity in winning the ball on occasion. He can only put these experiences in the bank, work on these, become (once again) a really good clearing backman. I'd hope that the return of Judd will add to his capacities etc.

Fritta needs to get his mojo back, so Turner in next week to replace Fritta (for more conditioning) would probably be a wise move.

The fwds sadly have the talent but no inclination to lead out of Mt Vesuvius into emerging space; consequently, far too high a percentage of entries are inaccurate long bombs from which opportunities are curtailed and positive scoring is limited. All of our opposing teams over the last few years know this, responding accordingly. Thankfully, today some of our recruits attempted to overcome this blaring anomaly. We are left in hope ... with few exceptions.

Lousy situation, but a bloody good replacement with a big heart and required talents.

Like to see our forwards straight-line it to space, giving Clarry, Tracca and coy something to stab at with the smalls in support and hungry.

These were greats, no doubt. Looking forward to seeing some of the Ox, more of Liam J, and Stan Alves from way out there.