Deemania since 56

I'd reckon Marty will continue to develop; he will be an asset down back and has just the right amount of mongrel to deter hopeful optimism in opponents.

On the upside, I'd just guess he would kick far better than Greg Parke could; he has a long boot, it seems and can identify the space between the two big sticks of importance. His marking and central pack work seem to be quite similar to Parke's (a player it was hard not to love) and in terms of toughness, mongrel and positioning outside of the packs looks similarly well. Do we have a coach to get the best of him as he develops?

I want him (with that penetrating, accurate kick and his mobility, his toughness and an ability to lead and mark) as our next CHF - with the right coaching and a walloping pre-season, he could be our next big forward 'coz he reminds me of Park the Greg, only more mobile.

There is quite a bit of good-to-bloody-good about Disco ... another year has passed, he might be almost ready to erupt into what we need; he really could out-pace opponents and I'd love to see him lead out of the fwd stink and into potential glory for the Dees.

My concern is around the retention of Oliver should that arise against all the negativities of the moment insofar that will Clayton be able to contribute his 120% to the game onfield - attitudinally moreso than physically - and who, other than Gawny and Tracca will be able to inspire him to his past excellence to that end?

Any mongrel therein?

Yes, DZ, it is my observation and mere interpretation of (perhaps) how and why so many things that can be overcome pan out to affect team performance, progressively in tough times, and then, what could be a solution to the downward spiral. It asks a good deal, I admit; it also is a relatively suitable way to proceed more positively into a new era that we as supporters have anticipated.

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.