Deemania since 56

I still reckon that play-on from the mark was not an option, neither was 'thinking quicker'. Due to the way our forwards play, there is not a great deal of leading or anticipating driving/receiving efforts coming into our forward line - and thus providing targets (other than those readied yet ignored from Spargo). A little like ANB, some plays had to be seen across seconds and so a delay was imposed to get the full picture of options. This is one of cruelling features of the fwd-pocket assault. It has to go, and Jordan (and ANB most likely, as well) have both been developing instincts for the strike zones that will improve and be more rapid when the options are created up-field. We now have two recruits in addition to our stocks of stone pillars who could assist in this regard as a generator of creating opportunities, enhancing our forward delivery speeds and creating sensible shots from marks taken just outside or within the hot zone of 50m, not having to find a single forward/resting ruck to take the 'pack' mark without fail. Jordan will have benefitted from this onfield analysis within his games so far. We all know that he kept possession, was forced to take some time and must have been very frustrated that the 'team' failed to initiate innovation for the hard work.

If he was available, he'd be my Pick 13. Put him through the Casey academy to season his play to our needs, then let him go for it in the big time.

Imagine Munkara after some AFL-level conditioning, coaching and skills adoption ... he is already a noted talent.

Sparrow really does have some qualities to go up two levels ... the coaches need to take him there. Skilled, keen, toughnut standard. Could be lethal onfield.

Far too good, agreed.

That would be phantastique!

That is all very likely. I'd hope, at the same time, that he quickly adapts to the Red'nBlue, and becomes a stalwart onfield leader, a very loyal teammate and a developer of improving young guns across the team - and at Casey. He has enormous experience and perhaps, some influential characteristics for the betterment of the team.

What about the knee surgeries? Both knees, dislocated shoulder and broken clavicle. Not looking too bright at the moment, I must say - plus, he's been confirmed as a very active 'party boy' who is out on the town most nights. Are we talking about the same fella? The pick number (13) already sums him up pretty well in terms of longer-term potential, does it not?

Jordan

Absolutely hope not ! Three years of it for one year of reasonable results.

I really do feel this up-close-and-personal proximity just before the game is important, rubbing shoulders with - and listening to - two great, champion footballers who never say die. It may not take effect, but I'm sure that secondary influences with rub off in due course.

Agree.

Some heart-rendering yet socially encouraging stuff being brought out onto the paddock; from your example, I'd bet that certain interactive values arose from your grandson. He must have felt that for the good of the team, Fairy Nuff called the shots and then internalised its merits. He had a considerable personal reward and in logic, hope within these experiences springs eternal.

Almost related to that is my nephew's footy experiences when he was 11 years old. Each kid in the team was made feel welcome, was encouraged to do their best (no matter how bad their respective footballing skills might have been), and many other accolades of good sportsmanship and responsible adult coaching - that included well-behaved mums and dads, and other family members who came along to watch 'Neddy' play in the team. For example, barracking amongst the parents was not encouraged lest an outcry or two 'hurt' someone's feelings, and family spectators were reminded that verbal abuse to opponents and the umpires set poor examples for the children involved in what was in most cases, their first 'team' and competitive venture into sport of any kind. So, one of the worthy traditions of the club was that each week, three of the players 'won' a small trophy each to compliment a good performance and excellent behaviours, as encouraged. It was a gesture deep in the realms of sociological good manners and effective participation in a meaningful, disciplined engagement with sport (in this case, it encouraged good sportsmanship and respect for others no matter what were the circumstances on the day. This rotated around the team across the full fixture for the year; every player won 'a trophy'. When my nephew won his trophy for 'excellence' on the sporting field, the team actually won the game. The only problem was he had a bad cold, a consequence of which his mum and dad kept him at home that Saturday morning. In other words, he won the trophy without being in the team and not even turning up at the ground!

But schnitzel is Austrian...make it bratwurst sautéed in onions and horseradish with a little Dusseldorf mustard to accompany. :-)

To think, many of us scoffed at the assumptive self-confidence back then. We have been taught a lesson. Heil, Tracca.

My guitar gently weeps in sympathy down that long and winding road. Feel very much the same; the Beatles actually had the talent with incredible mystique that affected the whole world, not just partisan minorities. As for Robbie, it would be terribly bad fortune to have missed watching his talent week in, week out. There never was and never will be a another player on the paddock like Tulip.

Yes, elevated conversation would be unavoidable and a great way for him to 'get the message' about what is going to be done to the opposition when they get out onto the ground!

Really like the way this Petracca bloke moves, treadmill or no treadmill. Looks like he's been going at it for a while in this session, and isn't it great to see him operating this way - hammer and tongs - at this stage of the next season. This bloke does not compete with his mate Clarrie, he just ensures that he is in the best possible condition that he can be and takes it all on (including the physical testing) from his own inspiration and volition. Gotta admire his inputs to our Club; professional endeavour and focus. Onyer, Tracca!

Most definitely.

Bombers to crash?

Revising the game plan in the forward line could make a real difference to our scoring rate and accuracy, including all of the entries to the fwd line itself. Hunter and Schache could be entering into a carpet ride, given their attributes and also, most of our existing forwards would benefit as well because they are potent footballers traditionally given a teaspoon of opportunity instead of a tablespoon of common sense. I'm thinking what good forward feeds could be possible, adding the talent-base with Hunter and Schache, fed by Langdon, Clarrie, Tracca, Gus, Rivers, Sparrow et al, and observant, agile JVR, Fritta, BBB, Petty, Kozzie, Spargs, ANB, et al. It's also about suitable pathways being available, eyes up, without the gaps in the chain of events that formerly had to dictate that in the majority of cases, we bombed long - over the heads of the gaps that existed - to get the ball into that disastrous left forward pocket.

I have always thought that, too. Many times - watching the Dogs - I'd swear that it was Mitch doing those classy things with much greater frequency than in his time at the Dees. As my failing eyesight deceived me, I'd stare at Lachie for a few seconds longer just to realise that it was not Mitch but certainly, there was a considerable resemblance. I was happy with Mitch at the Dees; but this increase in skills (by Lachie) was the true indicator - onfield, things really happened as Lachie plied his trade - that was the true discriminator as to real identity. When we secured Hunter, I happily felt that our talent base had just taken a more consistent elevation, more quickly applied, and with greater accuracy and effect. I hope that he brings that quality 'lift' to the Dees.

Interestingly exciting to attempt to unfold this quiz. Abstract, by all means. As for the clue about first names, I certainly couldn't see the wood for the trees! Nice one.

Pampered Menial was a great album. So too, At the Sound of the Bell. I still listen to these albums from time to time just for the musicality of blending instruments - terrific arrangements from nowhere!