No. 31

I too like Ron the 3rds speech. RDB wasn't just a footballing legend, he was a father too. It was a human angle to the footballing legend. I grimaced when I saw Eddie M was hosting and there were many C'Wood references but then again it was hard to avoid given how many times RDB played in a side or coached a team that defeated them on the big day. However, I thought Eddie M. did a decent job and there was some genuine emotion from him at times.

I prefer this 👍 Now make the monogram larger, white and rename MFC to Casey (or Caulfied) and then it would look uber stylish 😜

Anyone have a Digital Membership? Looks like good value. Ditch Kayo and get an MFC Digital M'ship, still get Kayo and save $110 p.a. 😊

Carlton's "good finish" was winning 9 in a row where a loss in any of those matches could have ended finals aspirations then and there. They actually showed a mental toughness that most Carlton supporters thought the players may not actually possess. That achievement wasn't dimished by an iffy call on Caleb Marchbank's "hand of god". The other close calls in the finals were probably all correct. Agreed that the Dees weren't that far from another flag this year. They could have and should have beaten the Pies because they outplayed them. Woeful kicking for goal cost them against the Blues. The forward line and delivery to it was lacking for most of the season TBH. A midfielder with some polish in kicking into the 50m arc and a quality key forward and the Dees would have swept all before them this year I say.

Good luck to Oscar, he looked to show some promise at Princes Park but was cut short by serious injury. Hopefully he has recovered and can give it another crack out West.

I like symmetry too. Perhaps the MFC logo could be on the back, centred on the red yoke (written in Navy Blue)? 🤔

Monograms are elegant I say! 😁

Some truth to that I feel. The pain of losing 4 consecutive finals and the recent media pile on has to burn and motivate the players. One of the reasons why Carlton developed an edge in the home straight of this seadon was the burn of being openly ridiculed by opposition players and the media in the horror mid season slump.

It wouldn't be your typical lease. The land in the centre of the racecourse is Crown Land. For instance, Carlton FC have been leasing Princes Park (Ikon Park) since 1896 and there is an Act of Parliament that also sits behind the lease.

Well MFC wouldn't be signing a 10 year lease. I would be thinking of something closer to a 99 year lease.

Yes lease length will probably be an issue and the area inside the racecourse is governed by a trust. There is some land that is MRC owned on the perimeter of the racecourse as well. Will take time to work through the issues but Caulfield is the best bet for a single permanent home for the Demons for many reasons which have already been fleshed out in this thread.

The other option for the Lions is an upgrade to the Brisbane Showgrounds: https://www.austadiums.com/stadiums/brisbane-showgrounds

Once the new Metro tunnel opens, Caulfield Station will be even more easily accessible from other parts of Melbourne. Caulfield Station is fine as a destination station in its own right, needs upgrades as a transiting station though. It is the largest train station outside the inner city core and where the Cranbourne\Pakenham and Frankston Lines branch out. As far as PT and road links are concerned, Caufield is an A grade location. What I am curious about is where within the racecourse precinct would the Demons facilities be? If they are at the Southern end then Glen Huntly Station and the 67 tram are probably the better transport options. Glen Huntly has a new train station that opened recently as part of the level crossing removals.

Sure Ed Curnow has great running endurance but let the man retire in peace! How would you use a veterinarian at the Demons though? I am sure Andrew McKay would take good care of any club affiliated pooches 🐶 PS - may need pick 41 instead of 46 to get this trade over the line 😁

Reality is he has been a flop for the Blues considering he was a No.10 draft pick. Has shown ability and promise on occasions but never delivered consistently. His 2022 season was decent and I thought 2023 was the season for Lochie to step up to another level. Alas, he hasn't been able to grasp his opportunities and appeared to regress from the previous season. If there is room in the Demons list he might be worth a punt. Would see him primarily as a Casey player and as back up. This would be his last chance so that might motivate him to make the changes he needs. I think a draftee would probably be a better option to be honest. Ollie Hollands at Carlton was a new draftee and a revelation as a winger (No. 11 in the 2022 draft) and is certainly a first 22 player at the Blues now.

Carlton definitely play better with Harry in the side. He provides a great marking option on the wing, decent field kicking and will run, chase and tackle quite well for a big guy, he adds alot to the side even without many goals. It is just now with Tom De Koning finally showing signs of stepping up a notch recently (and Jack Silvahni re-signing) that Harry may possibly be dangled as trade bait?? 🤔

Not sure that talk of Harry McKay is realistic. If he somehow did go to Melbourne and you wanted him for goals he should be used as a classic full forward inhabiting the goal square. He played that role in 2021 for Carlton when Charlie Curnow was still out injured and won the Coleman Medal with 58 goals. His set shots were usually much closer to goal (with the consequent higher conversion rate) than they have been in the last 2 seasons where he was used differently and further away from goals. He is the kind of player who if he regained their set shot confidence could be the missing piece to win a flag. But yeah, there is an element of a gamble. Fritsch can be used for longer range accuracy with McKay closer to the goals. As for Rory Lobb, run away as fast as you can. He plays 3 or 4 decent matches a season.

20 odd years ago when I started my professional working life, Christmas Parties could be wild affairs at times. Social mores change over time and end of year functions are much tamer affairs than in the past (at least from what I have observed). I suspect the AFL is no different to the rest of society? 🤔

Or look at Brisbane and Melbourne, regular finalists for several consecutive years now. Dees with one flang and the Lions with a chance to get one next week. Of course there are no guarantees in football and outcomes are a complex interplay of playing lists, form, coaches, preparation, mentality, injuries and sometime just plain luck thrown into the mix. Next year the Dees could get the wooden spoon, but I am 99% certain they won't. I'll put a $100 on the Blues having serious September action again in 2024. Carlton have a very good list now, needs a bit of tinkering to improve but they are ready after losing their finals virginity and gaining some useful experience this season and in the 3 finals games they played in recently ...

2028 for the Blues Quintuple ... 5-peat Flag 😝 😁 The Blues window is definitely open now, just need to keep working to improve and evolve, but all the right ingredients are there which hasn't been the case for a long time. I am pretty happy how the season panned out after the horror 6 losses in a row. I am still bullish on the Dees as well, just need to look at the foward line set up and perhaps adjust some tactical things. Tinkering rather than wholesale refurbishment that some understandably dejected souls here think. Would be happy to split some silverware with the Dees up to 2028 😊

Top 4 next season I would say. Voss has actually shown himself to be a better coach than most gave him credit for (me included). The Carlton list is the right age/experience/quality profile to make the next step.

A 3 is easily converted into an 8 😊

Little chance of the Lions having a soft outing tonight, the Blues have been playing tough, bruising footy for the last 3 months, will be a tough game, whoever wins.

Transiting in Singapore and just read this sad news. RIP Ron. A true legend of the game and he left an indelible mark on Melbourne, Carlton, North Melbourne and the modern game.

Good start by the Dees, TDK kept the Blues in it with 2 goals ... Carlton then wrestled the initiative and Joel Smith kept Melbourne in it. Tight game, will be a close one in the second half I say ...