Demons3031

Remembering Chris-he was our great hope in the forward line in very lean times-shame about his knee injury. I believe he started in guernsey Number 46 then was given Number 5?(1967. 1969, 1977-thats a long time out of the game) According to Demonwiki, Chris Aitken 14 games for 15 goals. He was in the era just after Maurie Bartlett - ..both played CHF for most of their games of their limited number of games. Maurie 7 games for 7 goals. Guernsey No 3. My only match at Victoria Park, Maurie played a great game and almost got us a win. If Tassie Johnson hadn't been blatantly pushed in the back which the umpire missed resulting in a Collingwood goal, we. would have won that match. After 6 goals from 4 matches in 1966, Maurie was dropped to the Reserves-not sure why. He got a two match suspension in a Reserves game in Round 9 and then was traded to Prahran-I'm still at a loss to know why when we desperately need a strong forward in those years. Possible a discipline thing and a fallout with the coach., Norm Smith? Does anyone have any more details on this?

Neil Crompton...wore Number 12 then crossed to SANFL 1961 and returned 1962 wearing Number 5.

Number 6 jumper number if I remember QB? Loved watching him play at the "G" with Dad.......not long after we got our memberships through. Dad put all our names down in the early 50's.:)

I spoke with Darcy several weeks ago and let him know I hope we pick him up. :). I have sent you a message defuture15:)

Could be worse-some sides have Blacks, Greens and Grey's playing for them.:)

Great post 58 er. Similar memories here as I was born in 1950. Dad used to take us to the MCG to the old Bay 13 in those days-on the wing. Lolly boys, others selling "Here's your hot pies", other selling shelled peanuts. When I eventually got my first and only jumper I cut the sleeves off and Mum sewed 31 on the back- a shame I didn't have the muscular arms like Barassi to go with it! LOL He sent me a signed photo a week before the big announcement to go to Carlton-I was, like you, shattered. Always wanted to have a coffee witrh him before either of us passed on...I had better make sure I get through the pearly gates :)

Nice tribute to Ron on the Essendon Followers facebook group https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=808004974666726&set=a.130111685789395. As a kid, RDB was my hero. Dad used to take us to matches at the MCG where we would sit on the wing in the old Bay 13. After the '64 Grand Final I wrote to him asking if he had an old jumper I could have. I got a reply with a signed photo saying "Sorry Tim-no jumper. Maybe this will help." A week or two later he signed with Carlton. It must have been a franctic time in his life with that big decision to make yet he still found time to write to me. Up the top of my bucket list was a wish to have a coffee with him before either of us passed on. I missed out on that but I am sure at the moment he is having a quiet ale with my Dad upstairs.

5 Gawn 4 Petracca 3 Neal Bullen 2 Oliver 1 ?

Hmmm... I thought they played like a team who is going through hard times but has the courage and determination to work through that and give of their best. I find it inspiring to see the self belief and confidence they are developing for such a young team.

This turned up on my FACEBOOK PAGE.

How good was Hunt in the last few minutes.

I agree with your thinking CB. Limiting Smith's contribution to so late in the game nearly every week leaves missed opportunities. Smith Petty and JVR makes a strong marking forward line and its where we have been weak all year. Smith is also good at ground level and competes solidly despite the odd mistake. He can always be switched into emergency replacement roles when another sub comes on if we need it. He is too valuable a contributor to leave out. of so much game time. He needs match time before the finals..but leave Tomlinson in the 22. He has a great first half week before last and was our best defender when Lever and May were struggling. I don't think he was responsible for much of what went on in Richmond's forward line yesterday- the way the ball came in he was not able to do much. Having said that, he played much better in previous weeks.

Does this mean we lose not just 4&5, but 4, 5 , 15 and second rounders LT?

Joel Smith and Tomlinson have played crucial roles for us recently. We need to keep them both in 2024.

Yep.

Anyone else think Max is carrying a head cold?

I was there that day-what a disaster-Quinlan was on fire and it was so unfair on Robbie Flower.

I would think too that it is not just a matter of Brodie going off on his own to "learn the craft". It would involve a lot of working at training and in planning with Stafford, BB, Fritsch, the smalls etc to learn how to work together-and part of that is them learning to work with Brodie too. As well, the mids and whoever else is delivering the ball need to become adept at learning Brodie's strengths, limitations and leading patterns and movements. Just remember how well that worked in the 2021 GF with Harmes and Fritsch and how that helped turn the game. If we continue to bomb it long and just expect magic to happen then that shouldn't be seen as Gawndy not working. Having said that, yes both Max and BG need to really work on the forward side of their game.

Hope things turn around.

Amazing the impact it has. I might even get stuck into some of those jobs around the place I have been neglecting the last few weeks (Months)!! Feeling positive and inspired.:)

May was next to Melksham with his arm around him when singing the team song. I think that says a lot.

Interested in your perspective on this Titan. I too thought Smith was good in the first half- and he stood up when others were still playing poorly-to me he actually showed leadership. Most of his good work i felt did not come easily from pinpoint delivery-he worked hard, showed skill and made chances out of little. Was it his poor play that let Stewart into the game second half-or just the horrible delivery to no-one coming from further up the field. I have a feeling a lot of Stewarts good work came as a result of other's poor play rather than Smith being the cause of Stewart's good play. What is your perspective on that?

Re Joel Smith-I wasn't sucked in AD. I saw the excellent work he did in the first half with his marks, contesting, knocking on, handballs when the rest of the. team was struggling. He actually showed leadership with his efforts. He was quieter in the second half but one of our better players overall who contested hard all night and was effective. In my view he is a very important player for us.

A great player-no 37. I'll never forget a mark he completed whilst lying on his back in the goal square down the scoreboard end. He must have. got a hand on it in the air and the pack crashed down and he stuck out his hand whilst on his back and the ball landed in it. A really great second attempt slips catch during footy season! RIP Bernie-thanks for the great contribution and wonderful memories.

A very prescient post JG. :)