Deemania since 56

They certainly were fit, Daz. I rather liked the low-key crowd at the training session, keeping out of the way but close to the action. It complemented the very purposeful intent of all of the boys undertaking some really hefty interval training focussing mainly on the upper torso - yet it was comprehensive, and everyone egged everyone else on to work very hard and complete the tasks against the clock. The fieldwork was also low-key but the players were all committed including the rehab group working at the far end of the ground. The teamwork, teammatey nature of the lighter drills were impressive, as was the universal commitment to achieving one's best in the shuffle drills. Interestingly, there really was no particular stand-out group or individuals. The 'team' is absolutely welding and working together and with this endeavour, comes elevated performances and team-wide acknowledgement. Some of the young blokes remain unknown to me at this point; however, I was impressed with the levels of performance across the board. This was also an extremely good PR exercise for the adoring fans and locals around the area - quite a few, too - and for the diehard Demon supporters, many who came from miles away. Nice to see nearly an entire school dismissed yet supervised to observe the mighty Dees in such glory. A resounding 'GO DEES!' or three at the end with the players intermingling with the kids occupying the grandstand was really touching. Sorry to have missed you, by the way - one gets talking to other Demon supporters who '...don't let go...'

Looks great in terms of depth, looks a nightmare at the Selection Table.

Seeing I am in Bendigo, this week, I might just pop across to Yea to see the training run - might even see ya there if luck is on my side. I'll leave Bendigo around 6am to combine the accommodation of a 'Yea pie and sausage roll' with a long black coffee before the action begins. How will I identify you, Dazzle?

Can't see Yze standing for that! Those needing to train - even for progressive evaluation scrutiny - must have been called to bear arms.

Just an opinion when prompted by an article to consider his footballing role. I do rate Hunter whilst at the same time consider him to be very suitable for HFwd Flanking and using his good kicking to score on occasion. That left me thinking about the other wing and the speculation that he could fill it; or, was there someone else who could do the same? Tomlinson once again came to mind, simple as that in the argy-bargy about who, what, where, when ('23 season), why ... etc.

I still reckon Tomlinson should get back on the wing - with his increased fitness (even greater running ability across a game), build and two seasons of decent backline skilling and nouse, and an increase in his professional footballing hunger, he - the space maker - is going to blossom as one of our greatest receivers and playmakers into the forward line. No kidding, I reckon he's got it and could very well bring it out this coming season.

Stop it, you guys. It hurts to remember ... such great players, such memories and then we realise their demise and the silent years that followed. Oh, it was absolutely fabulous, so continue. Just reading the above four sentences everything they did floods back at that is a real pleasure. What about Vagg, Bourke and others including the excellence of Norm the Smith?

Good summary, km. Depth is actually astounding and it really does include highly positive 'form improvements & developments' that put us in somewhat of a luxury cruise - provided injuries are minimal, and selectors provide those necessary opportunities where warranted.

Well put, so ...f.. a. ... d, why do the umpires let them play that way with one reward after another?

Midfield roles will knock him about - most probably often as he has to be stopped and thus, will be stopped. He could easily be regarded as skilful enough to hold down a midfielder's role but in all honesty, he is small and susceptible, unlike his famous uncle. His true upside is what he can do in attack from almost any position within the forward line. That includes sticky fingers for the ball, tremendous positioning and passing by hand and foot, kicking remarkably well for goal and opportunities for other teammates, reading the play and predicting when, where and how to come into the fray and the road home at 1000 mph.

Apparently, Tomlinson won the time trial run. That is impressive. I am still keen to see him out on the wing as a spaceman specialist - capable of running, running, running with the addition of height and impressive up-skilling. Could be a smokey?

Yes, each will have a fascinating journey, I expect...talented blokes, no doubt. Let's hope the Club can allow these two to be further experienced and developed - enough for regular selection in the big time to display their improving wares.

I really have high expectations on this young fella. He has, in cameos - and there have been plenty of these - really impressed with poise, muscle and thoughtfulness - even though he has had some clangers, as well. He must use clangers to guide his learning and experience. Reckon he could closely watch Clarrie and Tracca this pre-season, picking up a trick or two. Sparrow is going to be a very important nut in a short period of time.

How could anyone see Clarrie not being in the echelon of the 'all time greats'?

Fair suck of the sav...

Spot on! All we really need now is some of that alleged video reporting to protect Gawn with the indented skull and back of the neck, Clarrie with total bodily evidence of physical abuse during and behind play, and a medical appointment or two for Fritta to rid him of elbow marks to the jaw, temples and lower back.

Phantastique game.

Matthews was a violence adherent onfield, yet still, he remains in my memories as one of the top 5 players to grace the game, for a variety of 'other reasons', of course. He seldom stood toe-to-toe with his onfield adversaries, selectively going the bash with an unexpecting physical lesser. Assault is the accurate term - I just wish he'd run into Biffin once or twice, or the intolerant-of-that-type-of-behaviour in Rodney the Grinter.

Something rings very true in this idea - I would not be surprised if Dogga did not perform as well in the future as expected.

He really is a priority retention for the Dees; lock him in - we, the fans, insist. Already one of our favourite footballers.

Nah, such brain stretching is a way to realise you are too old for your own good .... had no idea about this one.

Staggering, ain't it?

It is all so exciting, as you describe, that I feel like a three year old, once again. Off for a piddle once again, too, just thinking about the possibilities.

JT doesn't casually make strong statements like this one - he's too close to the pulse of the matter, as well. Kozzie will stay a Demon, thank heavens. He has fully earned everyone's respect and admiration - with that comes some dependency on him from the whole team - a group of blokes who have opened the doors to his incredible skillset and his development as a team player.

He is a talent at a level above most competitors - we do not want to overlook him (Fritta) at any stage of a game or season. Gutsy, highly competent, opportunistic and reliable. The only forward who bothers to find space, make space and get the job done - most times, effortlessly. With a strengthening forward line and hopefully, a better game plan through half-back to deep forward, Fritta will have even more freedom to cut loose. He is starting to look like - and be as effective as - Gerard Healy up forward when playing for the red'nblue.