DemonicFinalFantasy

I was compulsorily annointed a 'scray supporter to even out the supporter base within the family (either Tiges or Dogs). Must of got sick of not winning and told my dad I wanted to barrack for the Demons, as they were 'winners'. This would have been in the early 60s. My dad said no one can switch teams and tried to talk me out of it by being told someone important was no longer at the MFC (Barrassi and/or Smith, I don't remember which). But I must have been adamant and I would have been about 7 or 8 yrs old. Suffice to say it was the beginning of a severe drought. During my childhood, I only got taken to a couple of matches ($'s were scarce), none of which Melbourne won. I suspect dad was selective on which matches we went to, as there were few spectators, and I wasn't allowed to leave when the game was lost by 3/4 time. He kept saying he'd seen Melbourne kick 10 goals in 10 minutes but I never did see that happen. Dad was big on hard lessons! Fast forward and find myself in WA in the late 80s. Scarcely any, except depressing news, of Melbourne's fortunes. West Coast enter the comp and even less news. But hey, I witnessed first hand the magic of "that" premiership, for which I am eternally grateful. That evening was blissful compensation for every last depressing and disappointing period since I chose to barrack for the Dees, decades ago. Well, that was cathartic!!

Am I missing something? Four games in the opening round only? No games on Sunday? I suppose it gives the non-playing teams an opportunity to "manage" their players after a torrid pre-season. I'm sure they appreciate the gift. 🙄

The MFC logo should always be over a player's and fan's heart.

I spent most of my anger and disappointment earlier in the week, so really not shoving hot pokers into my eyes (just yet). It was a relief to see most of our entries into foward 50 that were not bombed consistently onto the top of players heads tonight, but we were finally forced to play that way with the lack of personnel. Key learning, Simon! Maybe JVR will now learn decent forward craft from Melk in the off season, instead of simply pack crashing.

The AFL needs to divest itself of the governance of Australian Rules Football. It has proven itself time and again to be unable to handle conflicts of interest, review and implementation of rules and guidelines, introduction of technology, fixtures, umpiring, and a myriad of other aspects they have botched over the last few decades (Tasmania anyone?!!). We desperately need a separate entity, like most sports have (eg. Football Association in the UK), that are the gatekeepers of the game. That truly provides independant direction for this unique game. The AFL can continue to be the peak competition, and market itself accordingly, but it needs to hand over responsibilities that conflict with its main mission.

I don't see how a person can decide to brace for contact and not have the option to decide for a "don't argue" fend-off. If it was a team mate he was headed for and not an opponent, it would be a safe bet which option would be chosen. Duty of care for one, but not the other.

I actually think that if Gus decides to continue playing, the club will discourage him from doing so. I can't imagine how everyone would feel if Gus decided to play on and in 2024 happens to take another hit (no matter how small). At some stage one needs to err on the side of caution, not go in with fingers crossed.

Of course ... Gus should have had one of those full length training pads that the trainers use to protect themselves at training. /s

Grundy will be practising his set shots all week after this. Van Rooyen one week no doubt.

Having viewed the replay again, he's more often than not behind the ball in a more defensive role which doesn't free him up to run with the ball if it comes out the back. Coupled with being on the non-preferred wing its possibly a reason why he doesn't get into the usual DL votes as often these days. Curious if it will change heading into finals. Cheers guys!

I feel Langdon is at about 75% of his usual self from past years. His fluidity and accuracy seem to be lacking and he sometimes looks lost and all at sea in positioning. I can only see the game on TV so dont get a full or true perspective. He's a player that we admire for his altheticism and ability to move the ball forward, to our favour, but it doesn't seem be happening of late. Increased pressure? Different role? My own skewed perception?? 🤪

I hope BBB and JvR do a lot of talking (like May, Petty, Lever) but are never jointly contesting. Divide and conquer! Its the smalls time to stand tall and deliver. A frighteningly hard game but one where we click at the right time, in the right location, and score. Recent losses be damned! We are now onward and upward. Us by a modest 19 pts. ❤️💙

Consistently bombing it on top of his head isn't going to see JVR develop much craft at AFL level which is a pity.

Hoping the smalls hit their straps and have a respectful spread of goals. One outstanding quarter, either the first or last, I dont care. Both rucks to stand up and mark strongly. Hyper-awareness of teammates and sniper deliveries by hand and foot. Overhead handballs should be outlawed. How did that get in there?? Dees by 22pts.

I only get to watch games on TV from here in Perth, but for the most part, when cameras focus on the coaches' box, Chocko doesn't seem present in the game or involved with players. It's just something I've noticed. Does it mean anything? ... shrug!!