Deemania since 56

Umpiring has never been worse.

Perfect choice! You'll feel inwardly strengthened for the game.

Risky travel so stay alert. I guess the disgusting aromas will keep you intuitive - but simultaneously, green around the gills. When the train doors opens at the station, you'll feel like your in heaven. Just like the last 60 seconds of the 4th quarter, to come.

My niggling sixth sense keeps telling me that after the win against Blue Goo tonight, we will rage in the finals to our sheer delight and this will be achieved by something up-the-sleeve that we so far have not considered ... as if we had a secret weapon or change under construction that is going to rip predictable opposition strategies to pieces. Hence, flying under the radar is potentially a wonderful thing.

... and we'll get some more, if it keeps up!

Agree with you MX. I also thin that the Melk will rise again, against the Blue Baggers, becoming mobile again looking for space and trick shot opportunities. It is his greatest, sunsetting career chance prior to finals (and a berth therein) so Kozzie and Chandler need to action some feeding to him to keep the scoreboard ticking over. I'd reckon (not overly optimistically) that we will knock the Carlscum man-for-man and teamwise across the board by at least 20 points.

Not sure if Fritta is going to be ready - it would be great if he is OK to resume - but winning the Premiership is also a matter of conditioned readiness and gameplan(s) - not H & A ideals. We have the talent, that is for sure; do we have the recipe for such success?

Yes, he is a part-time rucking alternative but can also be damaging up forward. That has diverse appeal, to me. Plus, he is agile, committed for the ball, relatively quick and evasive - thinking 'mobile forward' and 'dodger' - so, with great midfield feeders, he could be quite utilitarian for us.

That seems like the most intelligent solution, I feel. Known performers - each of them - given a freshening and some innovative mobility responsibilities. Clarry and Co. need some targets ...

I'd reckon that getting Smith to lead out from the forward line to opportunity is just a small tweak. He's mobile, fast and could be cunning in this role.

Yes, the Blues look ripe for the picking.

It was a good win, overcoming a challenge, sustaining a fight back, controlling a winning position and effort. Well done, boys.

Truly? That is good news!

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.