Deemania since 56

Improved coaching and player development initiatives (combined) must be called upon to better those who we pick up within our 'allocated' priorities- and those that we take specifically for 'development' down the track.

Absolute 'GULP', what a great highlights reel. He looked happy at the Dees, too. He has an enormous role to play in the future. Pace, silky skills, confidence, quick thoughts (and good ones), with just enough mongrel to take phenomenal intercepts and embarrass big name opponents.

History has proven this to be totally correct.

I, too, have been thinking about this for some time; to my mind, Oliver is not alone in this argy-bargy that has been ongoing since the Flag. We have waved goodbye to several 'sure things' under this tutelage and there have surely been some stoics in the team that have shown certain reluctancies onfield and in applied endeavours. We urgently need an independent Club review and to ignite a new motivator, sweeping or brushing-up our team with a new broom, lock, stock and barrel. We are approaching a condition and performance-level of 'stale'. The Ooze no doubt saw it as a mountain too steep to climb.

Just thinking of Yze ... home-grown Demon - perhaps forever. What a loss ...

Surely, it's recreational from which they will learn more about the game than if Goodwin was there ... ?

Nah, the geometry of bricklaying is too much for that Neanderthal, far too much. He'd be a good deal better off with a broom and keeping the billy boiling for those who have talents.

Gus' speech at the Brownlow was superb, representing the best speech, the most intelligent, the most encompassing discussion from a footballer that I have ever heard over the years. The room was full, impressed and totally silent, attentive and respectful on each point he raised and weaved meticulously into his message. Gus, you are an example to us all; quality stuff, par excellence. Our Club needs your constant input.

Not many of us forgot Bedford's departure, just when he was adapting well to the Badloss method; if forgotten, then it probably is an extreme embarrassment to those responsible, as many of us on DL at the time regarded the loss as worse than 'misfortune'.

I was huddled with my Dad, in the backyard in Malvern, listening on the radio with Mum's constant supply of scones, raspberry jam and whipped cream offerings across the afternoon, and many cups of tea. A fond memory, with Mum's soothing, repetitive comment that '...you two should relax, Melbourne will win it - just wait for the replay!'

That is my recollection, as well, Sir W. It was prime time for some dynastic ascension, after all.

Let's identify in younger players and recruits those who can exhibit, on a consistent basis, absolute 'mongrel' - other skills will develop when intensively coached across game plan 1, 2, 3 and 4.

You missed the pun but are forgiven.

Better thinking - agree with this, Of. Still, I have tired of the past decade rising, falling, achieving, failing in a conjunction of poor press, AFL treatments and negligences, battles of consistencies with umpiring fraternities and perhaps, much more that is now expected negativities to experience.

Thank you for the praise; it feels good to be recognised for meritorious thought.

A power club caught in the clutches of self destruction. Surely a situation to amend, whatever it takes?

Woof, happiness ... great combination, mongrel abilities.

I suspect that both Roffey and Pert never wanted a full external review (and still would not assist its invocation) for perhaps, a variety of reasons - yet the fans speaking to fans seem to support such a move wholeheartedly. I would prefer such a review to take place under an external governance, not involving Pert in its agenda or governance/influence, so that it remains fully non-biased, or too close to incredibility or 'steered' when disappointments and unfavourable elements may arise. Bring it on, seek the truth, fly the flag, not the reputations. I have full support for the opinions and intents of Neita, Tracca and Green; independent reviews can thus cross into sacrosanct areas should there be a need; if not, let the truth and foci be explored. We want a healthy Club; not a Club of also-rans.

Our midfielders could do much better if they were capable of better acceptance of responsibilities. They need to: *read and attack the fall of the ball, no matter which ruck wins the tap-down or if the melee squirts down on the ball *learn how to reciprocally spread in an instant to receive chain handballs/taps accordingly in 360-degrees *draw up at least one halfback defender to cover surprises of ball entry into the opposition forward zone whilst our midfielders challenge opposition ball carriers (if that be the case) *learn to keep eyes down for forward line progress should these players learn to spread and lead out providing positive options *go harder at each engagement with the game, pace, aggression, power, recovery, making space, 2nd & 3rd attempts.

Could not agree more! I still think we have a better current (and incoming from Casey) list than the Hawks but the work done by their coaching team and play advisors is far superior to that of the MFC. New boss at the top is very pleasing and I hope his influence is heeded down the line to the height of the cut grass.

For me, I shudder at the term 'brain fade/s' when it comes to Frosty. His enthusiasm for the game was unbridled and that worked wonders with 'hope springs eternal' - even when a catastrophic outcome presented. For me, he was more entertaining that Jacko (Mark) due to his sheer exuberance. Someone must be thinking that he has improved as a footballer and has considered re-enlisting the Mighty Frost to the Manor, I guess. It just makes me smile thinking of his fearless game.

Football aside, Frosty was greatly appreciated, no - actually loved - and a very fast runner, powerful tackler with a mind of his own to enhance the team; not too many other players caught the bug he offered, but he had wonderful ears to listen to their points of view. He'd be a killer player down at Casey; highly enthusiastic about new styles of the game we sometimes get a little bored with and thus, a light on the horizon of hopes and prayers for Mr Unstoppable.

Remembering, of course, that Max - in several moments of Club stress - has propelled all before them, ridden the journey and provided the examples, then took them all to somewhere they needed to be and still persists to the benefits of 'everyone MFC'.

It is all a sign (signs) of leadership, at multiple levels and responsibilities, culminating in multiple oversights and continuing poor decisions and influences. External reviews are the key to identifying and ameliorating such issues; it is commendable that at least, DL contributors have recognised key issues and put forward multiple suggestions that perhaps nail solutions and immediate options. Change is imperative. Go Dees.

Actually spot on.