Go Lordie

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.