Deemania since 56

Proof is now in the pudding. PF, your foresight of the recent past summarises the season that, for us, is now over.

Agree. But if a dual offence were to be established - even though it really appears that Kozzie was innocently playing the ball - you could bet your last sixpence that Moore (as a Filth player and thus above the law) would be exonerated whilst Kozzie, an intense small player whose speed and agility are strikingly superior, would be most harshly treated of the two, particularly if an ex-Filth operative was to bear judgment on the limited contact so ascertained.

It is difficult to determine whether or not it was " Kozzie's contact " because of the correcting and deliberate movement of Moore's attempt to get lower and lower, lining up for a head contact (incomplete) in order to assure himself a free kick/find a staged head contact rather than lose the incomplete and deteriorating possession attempt of the ball. It's all a construct of bull****!

I'd reckon that it would take about five years; there is much to be settled and put into place. Our retirees will occur soon, and these players have done us proud but must be replaced. Similarly, recruitment needs great focus and a steady year by year development, with a good, across-the-field bank of talented replacements. Player development, exposure and great coaching procedures will be critical to filling the gaps we have experienced so recently. Coaching talent and depth, game styles, alternative strategies need to be established and put into place and given very high priority as part of the product of recruitment and game-day execution. We must strive for onfield mastery, nothing less. We also need that identifiable 'home' as part of the re-build to come.

It was a Collingwood player ducking his head down low to the shortest 'legitimate' tackler onfield ... hence, a life ban will be applied plus many diatribes of condemnation - particularly in the media via the AFL.

Time to take the gentleman's game more seriously - the Dees let us down again - so it's Shield and Test cricket for the next 6 months ... total refreshment! That should give those who represent us at the Club sufficient time to make amends, turning abject failures into tangible ownership of rallied hopes. '24 was an absolute disappointment, footy-wise.

We're all in the same boat. There we are, drowning in the consequences of the season set-up from the AFL cabinet yet remain unheard, damaged and abused whilst the tide turns us way out to sea. The greatest turn-around of the last decade is before us with only months of engineering ahead in order to prevent the impending capsize; pass me a lifejacket, please, and a compass that works.

On the injury front, I wonder which Demon player(s) the Filth have in mind to maim, cripple, damage in this 'dead rubber' of a game, as it is their last opportunity for 2024 to so afflict their greatest rival.

No doubt about that ... phenomenal kick, tough as nails and great hands. Always thought he got the rough end of the pineapple at the advent of A. Jakovich. The two of them, onfield together, could have re-written the footy text book for forward play.

Almost worthy of never reading anything more on any topic from these clowns - the power of the pen has gone to their heads, too far, too randomly, too inaccurately. Big opinions, small brains, lesser communication skills. Name one who varies from this assessment. Lyon, Gawn obviously excluded.

That space creation attacked with purpose was invigoratingly revelational.

I had similar thoughts about Marty Hore. HBF is a unique spot to play - he has put in some good performances over time in that spot. Consistency will be the key, I guess.

Self-reflecting on the game he played, the things he did, the space he made, the attack on the ball that he engineered, Disco has much to be proud of, building confidence and initial knowledge of just what a good forward he actually is proving to be. Well done, lad.

... possibly the East Malvern Stationmaster over the fence ... or is he now coaching the Under 7s?

Let's hope for - and see clearly - a leap forward for these players who have been dished up a shockingly uneven playing field throughout this season in the form of an alleged 'fixture'. High note for the season for these fellas.

The concept of another loss is strong but the achievement of some spirited play by the Dees with a weakened list is inviting. It is - as previously mentioned - very much like the Neeld era; at least, we had the courage and good sense to select another coach-in-charge, back then. Why can we not do so now when the chips are down, the future looks hazy, selection is often questionable, recruiting is partial in regard to talent, fans and members of the Club are so often downcast and expectant of improvements in performances, game-style, player readiness and of course, outcomes?

Hope springs eternal ... that is the problem, being a Demon supporter ... still, it would be very pleasing to have a win.

Absolutely inspirational - at so many levels of the 'pile of what's needed' at the Dees. Gus, one of the greats and a pillar of Clubmanship.

I agree with you. Someone at the selection table (probably sitting alone) has few thoughts of the 'MFC longer term' and resists discussion on the radical ideas of others, including members and fans powerless to gain innovative playing capacities.

Surely, you are used to disappointments at the selection table by now?

Perhaps Chris is, perhaps Chris is not. One thing that appeals is to replace the doorman - change can be as good as a holiday. Maybe, in 2025, it would be a good offering for Badloss, who really needs to see the other side.

Don't get me started ...

Sparrow would relish something meaningful - and positive - instead of a negating role.

Precisely correct. What would a pre-season preparation achieve if he was not - at the minimum - experienced in the demands of the big-time game, the team of participants, the desirable options onfield and the areas of his own game that could be expanded, further developed and contributory?