Chook

8 mins left and still a fair few empty seats.

Ground announcer going through the wce team. Introduces will rioli as the wiz. Sorry but no. Just no.

EDIT repost (cursed WA internet)

"Please welcome the Melbourne Football Club into the ground " BOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! ...And it begins. Stadium only half full and already they're f-in loud.

3500km and close to a grand later, I've made it. GO DEES!

Feeling very vulnerable in my dees scarf on this train right now. If you never hear from me again I've probably been abducted by Eagles fans.

I got this ticket free from a fellow demonlander. No relation (I assume).

Ticket? Check. Scarf? Check. Signed "Thank you for flying over" card? Check Free $10 food voucher? Check. Commemorative Max Gawn cookie? Check and check. Looks like I'm all set.

I am now firmly entrenched sweep in the bowels of my 4pm Virgin Aus flight, next to a French couple who clearly have no idea why all these freaks around them are wearing red and blue paraphernalia. Radio silence now for a bit.

I ain't eatng my cookie. Imma frame it on my wall alongside a stuffed eagle, hawk, and cat.

Frost didn't play that day. Any game Melbourne played at the G this year without frost is irrelevant.

Just left work and in my way to the airport. Excitement building…

Are you flying Virgin?

…Be much happier on my flight back across the Nulla.

I'll have you know I'm a young virile Country Road wearer. That's a lie. I don't wear Country Road.

Fritsch was woeful at times and has given me the old "sphincter clench of doom" feeling over the past few weeks when he's had the ball. Smith doesn't fill me with confidence either especially after his injury but he's a physically strong defender…something we desperately need in this game against the best forward line in the league (our status as the highest scoring team notwithstanding).

No bailing for me. I'm either dying on the plane, dying during the game, or living long enough to tell the tale here on Demonland. Thanks again Spud!

Apparently I am now, thanks to Spud. Now to book the best flight I can on cheap notice!

You must be very passionate indeed if you get a "twinge" out of this picture.

For sure! I'll be in and out of the state like a zephyr though, and Spud'll be in the land of Hobbits and Elves, but I know I'll owe the man a favour.

I'm in. Gimme dat seat.

For the benefit of Mister Gawn, The boys this year won't be at Lorne But Perth instead. The Sizzle bros will both be there I rate them both to do their share What a dream. Over rucks like Vardy, he palms to Viney Lastly marks up front and then down back! In this way Mister G will challenge the world! The celebrated Mister G Performs his feat on Saturday In Central Perth. The demons fans will dance and sing As boos ring out around the ring. Don't be late! Messrs. G. and V. assure the public The season ends with demons second to none (But of course don't give a thought past this week!) The team begins at one (or 3) When Razor Ray will give us kicks To raucous boos. And Weideman will demonstrate Ten shots for goal he'll undertake (I've come around). Having been some years in preparation A splendid time is guaranteed for all And Saturday, the Dees are topping the bill.

If I were Dom Tyson, I would be desperate to get a trade at the end of this year. He will never be anything other than a medium-to-good inside midfielder and we have heaps of that type already — almost all of whom are well in front of him.

Did kids actually wear footy jumpers with their favourite players' numbers on them back then, like in the painting?

I subscribe to the old Leigh Matthews rule: 1 goal to the opposition team for every minute you have 19 men on the field.