Deemania since 56

TMac could well put in another blinder - he's due for one - but he must keep mobile across the fwdline.

This is going to be the case, most likely, but it will leave the Doggies terribly pre-occupied, all game and that will weaken what is left to make real progress in the game - as we have a huge talent base outside of our core of best players.

Reckon Sparrow is a good chance to man-up and destroy for the GF, alongside of the moving midfielders as these players penetrate. Against the Cats, he cleaned up a few about to intercept the Demon ball-carrier, and did so particularly nicely. Still, early days until Saturday, but I hope Hunt is onfield.

Yze.

Our players in the selected side need to just ignore the hype that they have earned, gathered and proven. Go at 'em, Dees! Play as if there is no hype - build your confidence from the conduct of this game - largely ignore recent history. Make a new marque with team play, support, intelligent linkages. Create a new history by winning every quarter of a GF through determination.

If we are prepared to go the biff, block and bust 'em, then we can batter that team of scrawnies (the Dogs) and reduce their impact. We also know how to play as a team - as the best team this year - and, I suspect, our desire is far greater, as is out new-found culture. Give 'em hell.

We are skilled, and fresh, playing simulations and training at a level just a little more difficult than a pre-season with an intent to take the Cup and cruel the Doggies - not every other side in the competition. We are going to knock the Doggies off their umpiring-based perch. In a GF, there are no FREE RIDES.

There is a remote chance that most of us could be wrong - ie: the Dogs are primed to 'go' against us. Common sense tells us all that what you state (above) is correct - we are primed to 'slaughter' the Dogs. I'd reckon we will finish the game (and the Dogs) with a lead of around six goals.

Season by season, watching the price of a relatively useless 'Football Record' rise to more than a can of beer or a hot dog/pie has turned me off ever buying one again. I know my team, I know the jumper numbers, I commit to memory the week by week selections. The 'Record is a thing of the past, just like free Showbags and samples.

So what is new?

That will be a start but if he is turning, that is the perfect moment to impact with him for Dees' players. Be his shadow and be ready if he turns in any direction. He will often attempt to provide a teammate with 'blindside' protection/screening - that is the best moment.

Ben will really turn it on in the GF. He has practised his 'tricks' and 'readiness' in lead-up games, he has led forward and taken nearly all opponent defenders with him, he has started to increase the accuracy of set shots, plus a few snaps. This is the last game for the year and this game is super-important for him; good scores are vital and he has the toolbox to produce great little contributions across the game.

Semi-secret GF preparation is sought ... the footy media has many hangers-on, many mouths to feed, cannot have exclusive access to the MFC to create a story or make one up, no whispers to pounce upon. Nice, ain't it?

Christian Petracca - by a mile. Will bag 6 goals, rip the Doggies'midfielders apart on his way to perfect deliveries by foot to other Demons' forward leads, give the Buntempiliac a 'don't argue' that takes him off the ground, steam-rolls Johanneson into a blob of chewing gum stuck to the turf until taken off, and pairs with Oliver for an unstoppable midfield display. As an extra, he will even the score with a Footiskry back who punches Gawn in the back of the head for the fourth time/no penalty .

And Fairy Nuff, too!

We all know that we can cover the assets of the Doggies ... and then some! As Smith (aka Cats' mouthpiece) has said, we are the 'most white hot team' he has played in finals - and that says something. A few other teams, coaches, key players are saying it, as well. Attitude, killer instincts, team play will all contribute to this GF win for the Dees.

The only reason that Clarrie might not win the Brownlow - we are full of great competitors in this very special year, robbing one another of the alleged votes. Still, that combination dominated the season from start to finish, and will again in the GF. Lever could be thrown into this mix, as well.

We have no guarantee that we will get over the umpire advantage exercised in Doggie clearance statistics; and yet, one would hope that the GF is such an auspicious game that they (the umps) wouldn't dare ... otherwise, the game is ours by some margin that should - in the course of ability and the long-awaited even playing field - display a continuing Demon lead in scoring and clearances. The big one, boys; let's do it for Ron and Jonesy!

All are noteworthy, suitable for the task. There is little between them. However, although it would be impossible to achieve, Ronald Dale Barassi would be the ultimate presenter and Australia would melt into tears seeing this wonderful man and Club member doing his thing, his birthright and his inspirational personality in that role. This is our opportunity to reward him for a lifetime of dedication. Bluddy covid-19, those who are not observant of the health recommendations have just about bugg-erred Australia and this is yet another example of such compromisingly self-centred negligence. I will dream that Ron is doing the task, instead.

I agree, but in a 'swapsies' arrangement with ANB. This is because we also need Spargo's skills nesting in the forward half to 'read' and deliver those lethal forward opportunities against a pith week Bulldogs defence. ANB feeds, but also his snapshots - these will be very valuable, as well. Hence, the swapping - but the two of them could run CDaniel ragged across a whole game.

Who was the ugly barstead on the right?

Don't forget the very talented Gus. He'll have a thing or two to do with our penetration and leading from the front - all game.

Webber, a statement of utmost humility and concern.

Gee whizzz! How do you really feel about them? Some are most civil with a social and interpersonal grace.

Sparrow will be the man in the absence of AVB. He's clever and careful, yet very capable.