Demons3031

Back in ye olde days, goals were usually kicked via a drop kick or a punt (torpedo or spiral) or even a place kick in the earlier days. Usually commentators had a focus on whether it was a clear goal or just made it.. Comments would refer to things like "straight through the hey diddle diddle" (middle) or the like. Was that a Harry Beitzel or Jack Dyer favourite - does someone remember who coined that one? I can't remember how they described goals that narrowly made it. It seems commentators these days have a more expansive armoury to describe the way a goal has been kicked or the manner in which the player gets it home or even how surely or accurately the ball has got between the posts. In their excitement to tell the fans a goal has been kicked, what are some of your favourites descriptors over the years and any commentators who might have given birth to or who specifically might often use the terminology? P.S Do most see spirals and torps as one and the same or was their a difference - I thought there was but might be wrong.

Thx Tarax.. some wonderful contributions from Demonlanders bringing back great memories of players and what they brought to the game and our club. Thanks to everyone who has shared!

Darren Bennett was a great kick Damo. I'm having trouble remembering Ted and Kevin's kicking- was it great passing or kicking for goal that made them a stand out for you? I didn't get to many matches for quite a while and heard most of their matches on the radio.

Peter Weekes (Number 25) came up in another post where his interesting kicking style was mentioned. It fired up my memories of players over the years who were either superb kickers or were remembered for having unusual styles of kicking. Being an older member of Demonland, my greatest memories were of Don Williams with his wonderful attacking drop kicks as he ran to the centre line from half back. And those exceptional drop kicks of Tassie Johnson from the goal square to the centre line-incredibly long and precise drop kicks that so often ended in the arms of Terry Gleeson, our ruckman at the time. Ian Ridley was another great from memory. Unusual styles reminded me of the awkward but effective kicking of Brian Dixon- a remarkable player. Ed Burston was another who was only on the scene for a short time late 60's - he showed so much potential- he was still learning the art of goal kicking when his career was cut short. A unique kicking style. I'm interested in your views on some of our kicking greats or unusual kickers.

Spot on Hemingway - we needed players with bulk, strength and marking ability..we seemed light on in this department compared to opposition players. I do remember a great game he played at Victoria Park which we nearly (and should have won)

Yes I remember Peter Weekes kicking for goal with his individual style action. Thats a good list of players there Tarax!.I wish some of those had stayed on a season longer with the Dees but I guess they knew when it was time.

Hi Dee-yes I agree-not a lot in common. I was mainly after observations and views about what each might bring to the mix skill wise, position wise and other attributes. I only got to see a bit of Dunkley last year and am enjoying the views on here on where he would fit in and be effective if he does get games. I feel there is something there and I hope he is played in positions where he can use his skills and build confidence.

Spot on Vagg. John Townsend suffered a serious knee injury after the 1965 season- My memory was it happened overseas in the USA in an exhibition game against Geelong- someone might correct me on this. Missed most of 1966-67 and he re-injured it twice. Ken Emselle missed most of 19068-9 with a serious knee injury

When I was very young (Born 1950), Dad used to take me to see matches at the G- the old Bay 13. I do remember the Cordner brothers the first time Dad took me. Then Dad took me to a Prahran game and pointed out at least one ex Melbourne Player. It was then that I learned the link between Prahran and the Demons. Denis Jones was one of the first links. He wrote a message for me once -Dad got it for me "Always keep your eye on the ball Tim " Denis Jones retired from the Dees soon after and went to play for Prahran. I remember in our lean years in the 60's and early 70's when I went to see the Dees, Prahran supplied Melbourne with some players--Kerry Ryan and Rod Payne were two-we needed goal kickers! Many Dees went on to play their sunset years with Prahran. Ken Emselle, John Townsend, Bryan Kenneally, Brian Dixon to name a few. Would anyone like to contribute to a list of who they remember went on to Prahran or vice versa? I know a few more but would love to hear other's memories.

A fine player for Essendon. I do remember his TV panel days..very softly spoken and came across as a real gentleman.

Just did some checking Round 7 1966. Barrie Vagg 5 goals 5 behinds.. Demons beat Bombers by 5 goals. Norm Smith was still coaching at that stage. Reminded me a bit of Geoff Tunbridge though I was very young then and can't picture him all that well in my memory-and also a bit like John Northey..elusive and could slot wonderful goals.

Yes the ranks are thickening..reminds me a bit of those times in the past when the development started to pay dividends with players coming through the ranks..e.g Ray Jordon's just one example.

I'm with you Jontee- I thinklyou are right about those names- think they may have become part of the panel when the originals like Bert Deacon, Chicken etc moved on.

Asa matter of interest Vagg, I was doing some research last night on Demon players who moved on to the VFA club Prahran (who I also barracked for). Barrie Vagg was one. He was a favourite of mine. Number 32. Seemed to have taken on a style that reminded me of Geoff Tunbridge (Number 23 in the late 50's I think). I recall one match in 1966-7 when Essendon came to the MCG and were favourites to beat us easily- and we surprised them- including a 4 goal effort from one Barrie Vagg! (The Dons tried both Barry Davis and Alec Epis on him to no avail! Was wondering why you chose Barrie for your Demonland name..not related by any chance?

Yes good old Bruce Andrew-I think Bob Skilton was the other player used in those demonstration teaching videos (maybe Ted Whitten too?)-they were very educational- some of the still photos from them were posted up on the noticeboards at my school (CBC St KiIda) back in the early 60's and I used to study them..especially the stab kick. Gee it would be good to see it back again-I'll never forget Billy Goggin taking the tap from Polly Farmer and hitting Doug Wade hard on the chest as he lead out from full forward-on multiple occasions in one final.

Good one Demonstone. Yes he was small- would have been great to see him play- must have been a real champ.

I actually had a conversation with Chicken at the MCG after a game where Ken Emselle kicked a goal over his head to win us the game against Footscray back in the late 60's or very early 70's I think Chicken played for Fitzroy?

Am also remembering some of the panelists - Mike Williamson, Butch Gale, Chicken Smallhorn, Bert Deacon....any others come to mind?

Good memory Damo. Is my memory correct- dod they give out free Pelaco shirts to footy players who came on as guests after the match?

Especially if the game calling is of the last couple of minutes of the '64 Grand Final!

Thanks for the thoughtful replies- some good perspectives and I enjoyed reading your views. You are spot on Loges-LOL- at my older age these time warps pop up every now and then. We relied a lot on radio for VFL coverage back in my day-and they really brought the footy alive even without the visuals. Though we did enjoy Pelaco Inquest with Mike Williamson and the TV replays on a Saturday night before reading the Sporting Globe! If I start rambling and calling Langdon "Bluey Adams" in my posts then I think a cup of warm milk and a pair of slippers and a nap might be needed on my part!

Hi all Am looking forward to seeing these two (Dunkley and Rivers) in the team together at some stage next year. Wondering what others think about the positions and roles they will play and how they will contribute in a game. Interested to hear your analytical responses and also some possible match scenarios for the creatives in the Demonland group. I can already hear the voices Of Mike Williamson, Phil Webb Jack Dyer and others commentating on some of those scenarios! Thanks in advance.

I seem to remember he played some handy games at centre half forward too.

I know..and thats OK.

Pick 42 would have been nice to have kept. Still not sure why we gave that to the Hawks. Regardless of how we feel about losing Frost I'm not sure we did all that well in other parts of the trade. I suspect it might have been possible to get what we got (Pick 50 and future second rounder etc) and still kept Picks 42 and 61 and future fourth rounder if we were tough enough. I fear we were so anxious to do the deal and weren't strong enough in our negotiations. I reckon having 42, 50 61 might have been quite fruitful for us. Thats my feelings anyway..interested to hear what others think. Have I got this right or confused things?