Deemania since 56

This has got to the point of being inexcusable from the umpires.

What! Clarrie got a free kick? Bulltish! Who, when, what, why, where? I saw a few cheap punches from behind, one kick, seven 'holdings', three knees into the groin and a deliberate trip or two - nothing remarkable for Clarrie - but no compensatory frees! I thought I had good vision across the entire game. What am I missing out on?

If we are not set-up at the scene of ANB's ball possession or his intended points of disposal, he keeps possession and allows himself to be tackled, usually falling artfully with the ball and not getting a 'holding/incorrect disposal' decision against him, such is his mastery. In those few crucial seconds, the rest of the Dees are setting up or have already set up for the next play. This is a main value of the gut-runner, graduated and empowering team sacrifices. Just watch him, and when he does it. He occupies those seconds with a touch of class at all risks to his own well-being. Seldom does he not get away with it - and it is not negative play; it is highly positive - ie: for a purpose. If he gets to break whilst in possession, he goes for it should the downfield be set already; if not, withdraw defensively and repeat as required. Forcing a ball-up, his support structures (Viney, Clarrie, Petracca and Jackson) are then in place, enabling him to retreat for the next 'game interruption' of which I speak.

Times changed, surprisingly, around 1980. The usage of quotes-within-quotes became a common trend and to compensate, the single was used with the internally doubles used within. For example, John just confirmed that he is 'going to the footy but Jim let me know that "...he cannot get off work for the match..."', so we will both see the match and report back to Jim later.

Very, very good: that little bit about the Greek paratrooper.

Single quotation marks, not double.

Great game from Hunty.

Dirty footy overcome; the Dees provided resilience, determination, were focussed and set on a mission - to a man. The Bears had to concede, it stuffed up their game. The mongrel we sought was provided in better footballing terms. If we play Geelong, they will be next because their footy ain't as good as ours. The Filth, on the other had, will just fold.

Must agree, Fagan is classy, astute, articulate and knowledgeable. He communicates well and has achieved a great deal in a short timeframe with the Lions.

Not even making it to a contest. Repetitively.

Fair, but the game at the start of the final qtr is really messy, with Casey all-at-sea with teamwork deficits and little run and drive. Their record is great for this season, so we cannot complain. However, they are down on competitiveness today; Brisbane are not far ahead, also without much drive - just making space up the ground to keep them in the lead. Some of our key players are down today, not making defensive or midfield in-roads with the ball. It is good, however, to again link names with players and possible potentials.

That performance from Zorko additionally requires separate investigation. If it does not occur, the AFL is liable.

We are going to play the Cats in the GF, in all likelihood. We will dismember the Cats in that contest.

Though Sparrow did well against the Lions. A few fumbles but his body mass usage in tacklings meant that several prominent opponents, when tackled by Sparrow, stayed tackled and ineffective for some moments. This kid is a bull and is getting very effective in this role - his responses with the ball are continuing to improve, as well. He is like a door-jam in our team for opponents of all shapes and sizes (and reputations), and it would be good to see his 'recovery' and 'distribution of the the ball' given ongoing coaching attention and development. This will be the marque by which his 'boomers' will shag other teams with his ongoing impact development.

Zorko and a couple of other Lions really attempted any opportunity to inflict cheap damage to the Demons right across the game - particularly from behind when running past and in contested huddles on the ground. A great sign from the Dees was their ability to temper responses that might ruin our match and form dominance. That is the measure of 'mongrel' we have been looking for. A few apt responses in the form of direct challenge came from Viney and Harmes - and no Lion had the courage to anoint Tracca with a cheap shot, it appears. The ANB incident needs investigation in particular.

Picking the best 6 players is really difficult and that is the way I like it - performances like that represent a whole team effort across a whole game - the team performance lifted enormously and merit points widely distributed at the expense of individual efforts and outcomes.

Around 3.4%

That is a better result.

Now that's an idea! I have a full bottle of Finlandia - is it any good? Might be a pleasant change from the old Bundy and Coke. The nerves certainly think it is warranted. Advice, please....

You've been to the Coconut Tree, too? Never forget her opening line whilst my mate and I were enjoying a cold beer: 'Mehorney Joy, lovie long time, no sheet....'

Thoroughly enjoyed these little reminders of how talented Dean was, extremely good pace, evasion and kicking ability. Nice jumper, too ... Johnny Townsend would be proud of you, Kenty. Best wishes for the future.

You'd hope that it is not an opportunity to 'show what he can do up front' but instead, an opportunity to practise and solidify what he will be doing/is being instructed to do up front in the AFL finals .

Ouch! Probability and potential may well lead to eating your words ...

Take blood, Dees. If you go out with that attitude and keep it, the game is yours and the Lions will wilt.

Very impressive package, if you ask me. Develop, develop, let loose!