Deemania since 56

Perhaps missing out again on finals will augment some real change, to assist a set-up for finals to come. Your comment inspires some positivism, after all.

Disco would also be an advantage inclusion.

With the number of promising recruits and possibly useful transfers (imports) into our team across the past few years, who have either stayed stagnant as footballers (not making regular appearances in the AFL team or producing the promise they have held for the future, or have been traded out to other clubs - some with pleasing form improvements under other coaching panels) it would appear that across the last five to six years our development work and absolute recruiting agendas have seriously been left wanting. We are now experiencing a talent deficit, although some young guns have displayed terrific, accelerated form potentials. This is surely a deficit within the laws of averages for both recruitment and intensified player development, and one that locks us into a state of continuing, middle-order mediocrity.

I was elsewhere, living in Adelaide with a birthday party to attend within the family. I did watch the telecast that was disappointing to say the least - and have felt ill all day with such a result to the game.

Now that I believe in ... Turner should have been on earlier as his bulk and marking were missing up forward. Rotten season for all of us.

There is a little more to this argument that perhaps cannot be stated; to some extent, I'd consider it better management for a form indicator to warrant selection or alternatively, a readiness to be exposed to the big time as a direct reward of indicators achieved at Casey.

What a WOFTAM! (waste of ******* time and money), certainly missing the sentiments of 99% of the footballing public.

Jeffo may well be very useful - at a time when Fritta is down on form and impact - and Jeffo will only benefit from the experience and senior onfield associations. Many things appear quite possible, and Verral is just a moment away, as well. The same enrichment opportunities apply with Gawn back where his leadership can be consistently applied across a whole game. Given the return of Melk, the budding abilities of JVR and the keen eyes of ANB and Chin, things could really happen but it must be time to bring all of these synergies to the fore.

I'd be very accepting of such an outcome; I love our Demons and have maintained enormous enthusiasm as a supporter across many, many years through thick and thin, yet this year things have gone very wobbly wherein our skills and prospects have nose-dived, significantly. I regret to say it, but it is my belief that our season is relatively going to end outside the final eight. This does not have to be a gloomy forecast, it has many positives to build for 2025 (the improved selection/experience opportunities of new players and the settling of injury, illnesses, extraordinary umpiring and hopefully some coherent selections onfield and with recruitments in the coming future). To me, it seems most likely that we will finish this season around 9th or 10th on the ladder. There have been some games of which we can be very proud and from these, the future is quite bright. Player losses have been the most damaging element on our slate - and these began pre-season. Carna Dees!

We must further develop an ability (all game) to run in waves, each side of the centreline end-to-end, with overlaps and creating both carriage and receiving options going forward, with those forwards leading to space, artfully, both sides. That is what cruelled us against against Freo, 'sharing the run' and 'receive'. When we did overlap - too infrequently - we we killing them, nearly each time. Only luck (for Freo) occasionally interceded. Coaching 101.

Amid the gloom of the season that was, there is a true glimmer of light, hope and expectation.

These abstract decisions from the Club are getting more than annoying - Fullarton should be played in the forward line to release Fritta to the game he plays best and then pick up a few scores himself, in the process. The Melk can help him with this, if SG cannot.

Another reason to keep smiling.

Terrific chart, well done.

Tenacious Dixon, cannot forget how much he played '...above his weight' with an admirable degree of courage, 'mongrel' and speed. Lousey kick, but lots of 'em in the hard stuff.

Talent to burn ... with a thrill-seeker's outlook ... there was more to him than mere football, I guess. A man of diversified interests?

Well, it could be ... We have dipped our toes into the 'mongrel' puddle and whilst it was deep with much riding upon the wet-shoe outcome, we came out the other side absolute victors ...

Notice the surprise in Maysie's eyes ...

Dreams can be exciting - not just nightmarish. If we crew well, we will sail over the moon.

Brian Dixon's old jumper?

If it is wet, wet ... yes. If it is merely a fine dampness ... yes with a tall or two on the bench. If it is cold and drier ... yes with a tall or two on the bench, with attitudes to be 'mongrels' and blockers. Time to blood Jeffo and/or Verral (not sure about the spelling of the latter name).

Great questions. Interesting (not impossible) suggestions.

Dear SImon, I am looking forward to a fully defensive game for Petty. I'd like Jeffo to be played at FFwd, releasing a re-invigorated Fritta to the 'loose' ball and Chin to assist Kozzie with the clean-up for goals. I have received advice that Verral can hurt other ruckmen and would fit in well with a zonal 'around-the-ground' rucking series of responsibilities with our talls - Petty excluded. Thank you.

For the last two games, the players - particularly the enthusiasm of the newbies - find ways to look out for each other and make something resembling a machine to play decent footy as a team. Just like what happened after half-time in our grand final win, a few seasons ago.