Go Lordie

A reverse David Neitz, perhaps? Maybe, but first he needs to learn how to read the play.... And take one-grab marks.

Cruel, DeeBlood, but fair.

The Kolt. I think I have figured his genealogy. At first, I though the Kolt must have been related to the 1980s adventurer Hans Tholstrup. Hans was the first person to circumnavigate Australia in an open power boat and the first person - along with 6 times Bathurst winner Larry Perkins, who built the machine with brother Garry - to cross the continent in an electric vehicle. But, then I thought the Kolt has a better resemblance to someone who could have been his grandfather. Is the spirit of Harpo alive and well in the Demon forward line?

THE KISS. Am I the only Demonlander who spotted the influence of the Kolt Kiss? There is no way the Kolt can be dropped. He dispersed his kisses sparingly last week, but now every Demon forward will be vying to earn a Kolt Kiss, and I believe that will encourage them to tackle harder, lead more often and - important, this - kick straighter. THE KOLT MUST STAY IN THE TEAM.

What's that? Hard to see Adams , Howes, Sestan, AJ, Hendo and Culley getting a game when we are back at full health?

This is a team notorious for inaccuracy. Over the long term Fritter is the most accurate forward at the club. No-one can stay at 100pc all the time. Ad long as he comes good in the Prelim, that's all I care about.

Harmes 4 goals V GWS. Very pleased for him. He turned the '21 GF with his beautiful pass to Fritter in Q3.

The Pies are peaking too early. Goody has timed our run beautifully.

Thanks for the update, stinga. That sounds positive re JVR.

I want JVR to succeed, but I don't see him leading at the ball-carrier and I don't see him busting open packs when the long bombs land in the hot spot. I remember him taking some marks early in his career by drifting across the pack, but I think opposition coaches can neuter that with a block by a small defender. I see one of his issues this year is that he can't judge the flight of the ball. He seems always to run under it (on those rare occasions he is in front). P.S. If he has to be taught how to use his body, that means it doesn't come naturally to him.

And JVR.

Binman, do the stats tell us how Freo reeled us in after we scored 6 goals in both the first and second quarters? We managed 3 goals 3 in Q3 and 1 goal 6 in Q4, maintaining our number of scoring shots (6 or 7 a quarter) but recording a major deterioration in accuracy. Was this a return to our normal abysmal accuracy or a reflection of increased Freo pressure? Was our accuracy in Q1 and Q2 just a fluke?

Agree. How good will it be when May, Lever and McVee join him?

A couple of weeks ago, after he led the China Grand Prix from lights out to the chequered flag, i suggested we recruit Oscar Piastri because he knows how to LEAD. Suddenly, against Freo, we had forwards leading and taking marks or forcing opponents to give away free kicks. It was amazing. Question: was it loose defence by Freo or A: a distinct change of attitude by the Dee forwards or B: the change of personnel in the Dees' forward 50?

Hi Alex NFn, I have to disagree. Ed Langdon has never been a bit player. From his time as the other member of Gus Brayshaw's Wingers' Club, Ed has been a major contributor at both ends and, crucially, in transition. On the weekend he fired us up after Freo scored first ( Admittedly from a free against Ed) with important assists. He has always been worth his weight in gold.

I think the odds are 14 to 4. Pretty obvious, really!

Bowey has actually been in top form ALL YEAR. And Chandler, too.

Hi Billy, I didn't mean to insult you or your passion. Apologies if I did. I'm 76, retired, live four train stops from the 'G and have been a supporter since I was 7 in 1956. I am as shocked as you are about our team at the moment, but I don't think knee-jerk reactions in the form of sackings will achieve what we want. Last time we were in a tizz, the AFL had to step in and organise a CEO, a president and a coach (Roos). Surely we can organise our way out of this without looking like headless chooks. Go Dees!

Hello Demonlanders. I am writing to let you know how much I appreciate the weekly Demonland podcast. Andy, George and Binman offer a lifeline of sanity compared to the blather that is presented on TV, radio and in one Melbourne newspaper. Of course, in good times, it is great to reflect on wins but, in our present position, the podcast and the Demonland chat rooms become a vital source of mental health, offering us the "talking therapy" championed by Freud. Without this outlet and the exchange of views it offers, we Demon supporters would be pent up, frustrated and gnarly individuals who would not be pleasant to be around at home or at work. Rejoice! We are better humans for participating on the website and the podcast. That's why I have kicked a few bucks so Andy, George and Binman can salve their throats after - oh, so gently - telling us the truth about our beloved team. I was very surprised to see that the current campaign aims to raise a measly $3000. You three are worth 10 times that, if only in the money you save us by us not having to get mental health checks. Keep up the good work!

Too early to assume we will finish last and give the Bummers the First Pick. Hold, hold...

Calm down, Garbo. We all have to stay the course. There are no silver bullets, just persistence.

So, you're a fair weather supporter? Not sure we need more of those.

I'm not quite sure what to make of this but at the start of one of the quarters in the Essendon game JVR was giving a last-minute rev-up to the forward group. I think Melky had a few words after JVR but, fair dinkum, shouldn't it be players who are senior and have earned some respect be giving the rev-up messages, not a bloke who has had a total of 16 kicks in 5 full games? It looks like he is only in the side to give Max a 5-minute break each quarter. Grundy was doing that AND Grundy could at least take a mark.

We are getting better ar least I effort. Dees1911 is right though, wegive the ball away too easily because of poor skills. Our powerhouse midfield can't hit the side of a barn. Even CP5 stank it up tonight , lthough the effort was there. But, but, but. Bowey is up and firing, Salo has taken a step Chandler has been good ( less so tonight) , Langdon was super, Fritter was better, Melky also. However our fourth quarters are garbage. Question: is it Selwyn Griffiths' fault, or too many spiritless players?

They get the frees because they are first to the ball, generally by leading at the ball carrier. Dear JVR, please take note.