Deemania since 56

Gawny, in the first quarter, copped three free haymakers from behind from North, each on the right temple of his head. Two in a pack mark where one North player went for the ball, the other behind Gawn not going for the ball at all - just to provide a fist to the head to interfere with that play (Gawn about to outmark the bloke in front) and to initiate or establish a 'weakened' Gawn game for the rest of the match. Another two were also delivered to ensure Gawn was kept quiet by non-footballing means in that same quarter; one on the ground scramble with the umpire well behind / out of vision and another, in a recovery from a Gawn/Goldstein ruck duel. Again, by these blows were deliberate, appeared planned and delivered by a non-participant in the contest coming in from the side. It almost seems as if the umpires require some prescription spectacles when it comes to Max Gawn. It also seems to be a coaching directive, in more ways than one, from more and more clubs that we play. All OK, obviously, say the snot goblins with the power of the whistle and the ineptitude of the incorrect decision. How, and when, are the umpires/AFL going to reduce this blight on the game. Mongrel is about winning the footy by using footy protocols and maintaining such an effort. It is not about surreptitious attempts to maim.

Another really good test for Baker - if he is the one to replace Viney (although Chandler might have been handy but played the last match with Casey Thurs night). Baker needs another test or two as his genuine pace gives us a three-pronged, full ground speedway (Hunt, 'Baker', Kozzie/Spargo) that is very handy for spacemakers. Enjoy the game, folks. We have got this one.

That would be a shame, but I think it is a difficulty (should it occur) that we can overcome, such is our depth.

I hope that the rest of the team maintain their forward pressure and clearances, enabling a good rate of scoring and all-game challenge for the Kanga- rangas. Then it comes to BBrown who is making somewhat of a first-game comeback. It would be great for him to figure prominently in the scoring right across the game; however, it is not terribly fair of us to expect him to produce a magical big score off his own foot. The 'run' in the bigtime is the most important thing; touching base onfield with the rest of the team and its strategies, linking up where necessary, effecting good teamwork and creating opportunities. I suspect he will score liberally himself, as he is that type of talented player but I would be happy with 2-3 goals from him. If he hits a purple patch and scores more or much more than this, I think we would all be absolutely delighted. Dees to win by about 70 points, if we put in a 4-quarter effort. We have to be serious as we could knock off the Bulldogs' percentage dominance as well as take the 4-points to sit on top of the ladder. Very exciting times...

Just maybe, Jones is being rested/managed for a niggle. He is in relatively good form and the North game would suit him as an under-and-at 'em protagonist. Melksham is running out of occasions for the bigger contribution so maybe this is - or is nearing - some of his last chances.

There are a few things for the MFC coaching panel to remember from what you have illuminated. We play the Dogs in the near future and it would be great to cement a win over them, to get on top of their 'flick & run' methods, to exploit their weak backline and to scar the mindsets of their forwards. All in a day's work ... by then ... one would hope.

Rosman shows quite a bit of promise; a few more Casey matches and roles, and some rotations into the AFL team will provide him with excellent orientation and familiarisation of what we need from a player of his potential. His recovery from strenuous exercise bouts was impressive - he'd fit beautifully into the running machine style of play that we should be capable of sustaining. I like the boy.

In the basking glory of the Tigers last night (who we beat into submission) winning over the Bulldogs (who we are yet to face) , I am less jittery about playing the Dogs in a few weeks. Success over the past Premiers is a great accolade. We'll get some more if we keep it up!

That Queen's Birthday match will be an opportunity for the Mighty Dees to make a very big statement about the near future and its progression as a footy force. Cannot wait to see this one.

This will be a 'saving grace' for the Weed. He must develop more enthusiastic ground skills and intercepts at the fall of the ball, however. There were several melees/scrambles for the ball against North in which the Weed just stood at the side looking in, waiting for some Casey player to knock the ball out to him, and this: prevented or leassend the likelihood of Weed being injured, and was rather lazy when his bulk could have assisted a clear, Casey possession deep in the forward line. Still, his game was commendable in most regards yet his opponents were lamentable in nearly all regards.

We have the runners, the under and into its, the tappers, the smackers and the whackers. If it rains heavily, North will fold even quicker.

Someone, a mate who prefers anonimity, spoke with me about Dusty's alleged concussion, and then his return to the field to play on -- against the rules of sound player management. The footy analyst (my mate) suggested that the Hibberd 'run with' role on Dusty was so effective, Dusty quit the game on the spot at the first opportunity for a feint injury. He's a great player but he, too, like Dangerfield, also appears to be a sook.

Reality bites, at times.

Fairy Nuff.

The visible fact is that Jordan is getting red-hot! A few more consecutive games, he'll most probably be white-hot. This is a wonderful conundrum (which player to utilise) for the selectors - and each provides a variation in the team's productivity. Great times ahead ...

Interesting to note that there has been very little comment this week about the behaviours of Reiwoldt, Nankervis or Lynch across the game - 'mongrel' is more refined than their respective 'after the event' behaviours. It seems as though the AFL, the umpires and the media can allow/condone retribution displayed by certain clubs' teams, yet not for others. As the Demons improve, it is most evident that our 'best' are 'targets' to be openly, deservedly disrespected.

I'd like to hear from Yze one-on-one, as well.

Effective strategy - keen and legitimate.

Yes, Healey's departure was a classic example, despite his unquestionable ability and efforts with the MFC.

If the 'small' inclusion is either Chandler or Bedford, let's hope that the selection is for the one (of these two) who has, can and will display the most 'mongrel' against the opposition; in reality, of these two, the skill set and ability/potential to fit into the team and its renewed game strategies are possibly equal.

Wonderful football weather report. I can smell the sea breezes, already. I have the oyster-sellers on the dock imprinted on my mind and it's making me hungry for a few dozen freshies with a droplet of vodka on each, for lunch. As for the footy, BBrown should come in to display his skills with the Hobart wind systems on the way to kicking ten (or so) goals for the MFC. Problem is that I cannot get to Tassy this weekend for the game. I hope those who can get there have a ripper time.

I am amazed by his reach - his reach is very long (in the arms), rather than height off the ground, although he can take off when needed. Apparently, Daw has an even longer reach with opposition players having considerable difficulty spoiling his maring efforts - that is, if they do not 'chop' his arms, which is illegal. With the now-improved 'feeder' clusters in this current MFC team, BBrown is going to have a field day on the lead and in the air.

Phantastique description

It would be nice to win the game against North. They are struggling, as we knew it for so long, yet man-up to field a team, as we did as part of the League. We must strive to anihilate the rest of the competition who have had it so good for so long, including AFL/umpire liberties and income-generating preferences, again, for so long. A win against North is expected; if it is a healthy or very healthy victory, well and good - we could do with a little more percentage preference at this time of the year. However, there is no real need to 'can' them for poor fortunes. In any case, it could be imagined that North could create an upset - that is the nature of our great game, rare as it is, these days. If so, well done to them.

He is very much worth a 'senior' game against North Melb as a forward, a backman, a ruck interceptor, an obstacle who tackles strongly and marks truly.