Deemania since 56

Reduce patting the ball, increase directed hitting the ball to pre-advised teammates and 'spots' - particularly when rucking in the middle of the playing field. All it would take was a wink or two...

It is just a personal opinion, established after watching T'son working on the wing for a while, now. It is a big corridor to goal for forwards to lead into as a trident of opportunity.

TMac is a great runner, sure, but not a fast or agile paceman as required on a wing. Prefer Tomlinson on the 'outer' side who is demonstrating a few more attributes than most, using space to complement speed = ball delivery

...and Schwarta's sons, too ...

Good footballer, marking, running, kicking, reading the play, anticipating ....

It was most opportune for him to exhibit the goods, TC. It really made a backline difference.

Sadly, true. The AFL has lost control of the rules it implements. This is no level playing ground, just an avenue for cash.

I remember, Dieter, that you played for Ewing Memorial at Central Park. That's why I answered your post. I spent hours there as it was close to home, practising my drop kicks and stab passes, and running with the Harriers at least four times per week, and taking in the glasshouse and fountain on my bike. We - at the tennis club I played for - used to love beating Ewing in our seasonal competition tournaments but I played cricketand footy for Chaddy with my mates, not at Central Park despite it being so close to home down Burke Road. As an adult, I took my young kids to Hedgely Dene gardens for picnics nearby, catching yabbies with them, feeding the ducks, etc. Great days are made of these..........they all grew up being Demons supporters and fanatics, at that!

Who played well for Casey up forward? Can we get these guys into the Seniors?

Have confidence in our mids because even the very top sides would love to have them: Oliver, Brayshaw, Petracca and Viney. Throw in some of our 'runners' new to the MFC and you have a combination to steamroll everyone.

Yes, he was a Phys Ed teacher (and obviously moved to a less phyisical and demanding role in teaching - the Humanities - later in life. This is an example of his flexibility and talent. I recall him entering the Swan Hill Tech staff room prior to appointment for the next year (I was on staff at that time prior to a requested transfer closer to the Melbourne zone). Whilst at Swan Hill, I think that Big Carl coached a local team very competitively in the Murray Valley League ( Woorinen FC, I think it was from memory), keeping his boot studs muddied by the attractions of Aussie Rules. As you know, Dieter, the Malvern area was my old hunting ground and home; it was quite amazing how many footy identities appeared in stores and retreated into the carparks in the Glenny Road shopping precinct, as well. Thanks for the memories.....

Stronger teams can 'read' our game - easily - and thus, such game plans must be terribly transparent to do those things that offset us from winning more matches. Our coaching must by now know how we are beaten or out-manoeuvred. I see much benefit from the ascent of Yze and Chocko in that coaching mix, plus their advice. Lewis the Jordan could see it in his first year but he, too, it appears, was not listened to by the coaching leadership. Time for the complete change is now - lest we fully stagnate within the space of a smallish and unrefreshed mindset.

Loved the Junction Oval. Played tennis there, as well. Remember the game, it was a Demon nightmare. Carl was absolutely unique and boy, could he jump. Old time footy personified.

I suspect King for the Saints might put on a good performance now he is back in the team. I'd like to see him manned by Petty who is competitive and capable; this could release May to do some stuff in delivery across the game, gaining metres on working solely in the deep backline most of the time, particularly as we are not getting a great deal of mileage gained from Salem down back. Just a thought.... if we are horsing for coursing ...

Our problem, nailed and exposed.

Jones still has talent in abundance; he is tough, he is a skilled footballer, his 'get into trouble/get out of trouble and circular evasion is very valuable, he is a good kick and passes the ball well. Reduced game time may be necessary but he is a Demon, through and through. His replacement is difficult to foresee, and in his sunset, we must develop another who can emulate his contributions.

Salem has to perform ... in close and on the break with some good kicking.

Crackers used to light up, as well.

The Brownlow Medal, and Robbie Flower, Gary Hardeman, Greg Wells ... all robbed.

The realist must affirm that one man does not make a football team successful. In this case, one man (subject) could make greater success of his own carriage onfield for the benefit of the team awaiting to receive.

At the least - we are stronger than what we presented in Round 1.

Hooray! Petracca has had his experience lift, but worth/value and common good for him and fans is in the forward line, as we all know and cannot comment upon lest we see ourselves criticising Wingood yet again. Kosi and Tracc could be an awesome forwardline combo outside of the KPFs. As for Gus out on a wing, we have a dual understanding of poor placement and function. He is a natural midfielder and clearance achiever. Tomlinson is useful back, but he is the rightful wingman out wide, making enormous space, taking marks and two-way running for what are becoming highly effective disposals within the creation of a whole new corridor of clearance and attack that we have lacked for so long.

If he has the same name, and looks the same, and wears the same jumper and number, and demonstrates his good understanding of his teammates who all call him 'Gus', then I'd reckon it is the same player being requested to play 'Angel on the Wing' to save Goodwin's neck as the latter cannot train, coach, develop or acclimatise the required footballing type for nuts - so he sacrifices one highly talented player's footy career and a pleasing team outcome in a process of self infatuation subsidised by the MFC.

As a player, May is better than Tassie (was) but they had many, many similarities and fine qualities in common. Don't forget some of the great backmen across the scarred plank of the backline that we, perhaps, are overlooking. Gary Hardeman was similarly unique and a tremendous player, with several trades producing some greats like Icke, for example - and who could forget the early Neitz? There were plenty across several decades who proved to be phantastique. Onyer, Maysie ... highly respected. At present across the League, you're the best.

I'd think that this is too tangential to actually worry about. All players, despitie roles and placements on the field, should have developed and inate awarenesses, realisations and known responses (from coaching) to onfield circumstances. I don't imagine players just loitering around awaiting (more senior) instructions and cues to perform their respective roles. Our player strengths and weaknesses in relative terms are already known and observable, surely? (If he does that then I must do this.) I'd rather think that each player can determine how to support the playmakersat any time - or most times - to best effect and thus, join the playmakers' group. Is that not the role of teamwork?