Dee in a Kilt

I hope Demonlanders don't mind a wee indulgence. Earlier this week MFC attire was proudly and contentedly worn into 10 Downing Street. Photos below. In a surreal experience, I was invited to a reception at Sir Keir Starmers digs with a small reception celebrating London Tech Week. I had low expectations as the quality of global political leadership is bog ordinary. Maybe because of low expectations, I found Keir (we're first name basis now - not) to be a most engaging listener and speaks from the heart. For our small audience anyway. But it was an easy environment. The UK is really backing tech to bring growth to the economy. Everyone had to hand in their phones to police when we entered 10 Downing. It was just like an airport check-in with passport ID check, pockets emptied and metal detectors - except it was all manned by experienced police who were incredibly respectful and polite - big difference to an airport. Walking through the hallways filled with paintings, pictures and busts of historical figures ws dream-like. There was a long staircase just like in the movie Notting Hill in which Hugh Grant busts some dancing moves. My younger daughter reckons Hugh dances like me, so I was tempted. 🕺😂 At the bottom of the staircase a staff member both guarded a side room and provided directions. I asked her if Hugh had danced in these rooms. She laughed and said it was all filmed elsewhere. As I said - surreal. But, strangely, not unlike @Ghostwriter and her game socks, I felt comfort wearing those Dees socks and links.

Not to be dramatic but informed, I went on to ask Claude.ai "If an AFL player had a number of concussion instances over 9 years ago, he recently had another incident in which he only presented symptoms 4 days after the game and it is has now been 4 weeks and he still has not cleared protocols, does this have any significance or does it reflect significantly improved head trauma protocols these days?" The response:

Early in his career, Jack had repeated concussions as his habit was to drive into contests with his head over the ball. These concussion instances were short-spaced apart as there were not the protocols we have today. At the time, the club said they had to retrain Jack's attack on contested ball otherwise his career would be cut short. Jack did learn to turn his body going into contests. But still... I hope Demonlanders don't mind if I quote Claude.ai to ask about delayed impact of repeated concussions from earlier in a sporting career:

It's my understanding the way we lost against GWS in round 1 collectively dented the boys' confidence. At the same time, the players had to implement the new game plan. A drop in collective confidence and implementing something new is not a recipe for success. Before the Freo game, there was recognition the boys focused on the new game plan to the detriment of the strengths Goody and the players always valued - the stuff that wins grand finals - contest, total team defence... Goody was quite open in his pressers and he said as much at the time. Going into Freo, the team galvanised behind embracing contest and total team defence, starting with pressure in the forward 50. Then it becomes a 'chicken or the egg' thing where was this re-embrace of the Dees historical strengths a catalyst for the improved form of our leading players or was it that the instruction to 'stop over-thinking the new game plan' resulted in freeing the players up mentally? From there, confidence feeds on itself. The Gabba game was huge for their self-belief and belief in the new game plan. There's truth in the old saying "Success has many parents while failure is an orphan". Goody would have been incredibly lonely when we were 0-5. And it was not obvious he had any support from others in the club, especially without a CEO or the President-in-waiting Steve Smith. Another wise old saying is failure never defines you, but how you respond to failing can build character and your destiny. Goody's response through the 0-5 period and the last 6 weeks has been compelling. Godspeed Goodwin

I’m surprised Kossi is 9th for pressure points on the team. It feels like he creates so much more pressure. Kossi is like if you’re in the surf and you notice a shark fin 100 metres away, you feel the pressure. 🏊‍♂️🦈 Kossi should have +50% bonus points as he’s that preying shark that can eat you somewhere in the vicinity

I was also at that 2018 West Coast prelim @BDA . What a shocking experience. I sat behind Jordan Lewis's wife and 6 year old son, who had his Dad's number on his back. The Eagle fans noticed this. In the first quarter, when Jordan made a handball error gifting the Eagles a goal, a mass of Eagle fans stood up, all looking at Jordan's wife and son, thrusting their arms up and down, pointing at wife and child. Jordan's son immediately crawled into his Mum's lap in the embryo position...And they kept yelling and pointing... There are times when human acts frighten me. Having said that, I agree Collingwood supporters are worse. Proud to be a Melbourne fc supporter.

It's also the first time this year the Dees have had strong, experienced leadership across every line. Backline - Lever and May Mids - Gawn and Trac Forwards - Melksham and Petty With the youth we've had in our forward line for so long, the absence of Melksham has been telling and significant. This is why I prefer Jake in a defensive forward role (Andy's description, not mine 😂). In this role, Jake can see, direct and lead better. It's likely another reason for Lever's quick inclusion. Lever brings on-field leadership in spades and is about the only Dee with the respect and self-confidence to tell May things others would fear to say.

With TMac's strong form, it's the first time this year we've had an emergency player who would make the starting 22 in most of the other 17 clubs.

Very nice description @Deeoldfart . Trac has been truly open and honest since his very first media interviews at the Dees. In those early days, older players were surprised with how well he articulated feelings within the club and where the club was at in a way that that was open and honest yet respected the club itself. Surprisingly, the lads get next to no media training. There are some aspects of AFL as an industry that are brilliant - I mean, what a great game - and there are other aspects that are cringe worthy amateur hour. Still, nothing's perfect, especially me. Back on Trac, his openness and honesty reflects a man who has been raised by a family filled with authentic Italian family love. For those who remain somewhat disgruntled with Trac for the media circus and conjecture following the Kings birthday game last year, just for a moment put yourself in Trac's shoes. He was informed he could have died. Then, he may not be able to play footy again. The recovery process was traumatic. For someone who aspired (aspires?) to be like Dusty and become the best in the AFL...how would any of us cope coherently... For this, Trac should have our compassion, nothing less. Celebrate a champion at the G this Sunday.

Viney's delayed out is a worry. He had many concussions earlier in his career until he learned to turn his body going into a contest. Multiple concussions over a career becomes a medical issue. As sure as night follows day, the AFL is going to have a massive lawsuit from ex-players with evidenced brain trauma. In the background, there will need to be significant, documented evidence the Dees and the AFL have ticked every box to ensure Jack faces no danger from playing AFL. On a related note, aren't you all really ticked off: That West Coast kid only received ONE week when it looks like our Jack will be out for 5! I hope new, well-networked MFC director Steve Smith can become The Incredible Hulk within AFL headquarters with this sort of stuff. The *!@&% TV commentators made light of the hit Jack took. They're not in sync with the seriousness of head trauma in global sport.

AJ has to stay in. The last time we played Sydney (March 2024) was the first time Max played against Grundy after Brodie was traded by the Dees. Twice Grundy intentionally drove his knee powerfully into Max's back. To my eyes, it came across as payback for who knows what reason. Max is crucial. So we need AJ to stay in just in case Grundy has any more payback in mind - and because Sydney runs with 2 rucks. What we Dees fans are not used to is Goody managing players. In previous seasons, Goody insisted the boys play every game and play through niggles, delivering the mental resilience that delivered flags. He has changed dramatically this season. That extended bench is so strong, I wouldn't be surprised if another player was managed this week.

In the postgame thread, I summarised comments by SEN's expert caller for the game, Dean Solomon. @Adam The God asked that I repeat some of the post on this thread. Here are some of Dean's observations over the course of the game pertinent to this thread: Goodwin clearly out coached Fagan. It was a brilliant coaching game by Goodwin Melbourne has given the competition a blueprint on how to beat Brisbane: In the 2nd half, Melbourne set up their defensive structure to take away Brisbane's passing into their half forwards. Solomon said it was almost as if Melbourne was inviting this pass, then causing the turnover and rebound After half time and in their half of the ground, Melbourne brought 2 of its forwards up towards the stoppage, bringing their Lions defenders with them, which opened up Melbourne's inside 50. Make Harris Andrews ineffective, reduce Neale's and Zorko's impact - does this make Brisbane beatable?

😂😂😂 @Rab D Nesbitt I follow the St Mirren Saints in the Scottish league. My heart's with the Paisley Saints as my great uncle played for the Saints before being whisked off to WWI. Interestingly, rugby is bigger in Scotland than soccer. In Scotland, there are more golf courses than rugby fields and more rugby fields than soccer pitches. When I first came here, I called them 'rugby ovals'. The Scots laughed at me saying only an Australian with your cricket would call them rugby ovals. But honestly, AFL and the Dees leave them all for dead. What a great game. What a great club. In Europe, no work gets done over July and August to take advantage of the weather and summer school holidays. My word the weather is terrible in the UK. So my wife and I are heading back early July for 2 months. Can't wait to see the Dees live.

I enjoyed listening to SEN's call of the game with Dean Solomon. He played for Essendon and Fremantle and was interim head coach of Gold Coast for 3 games. Here are some of Dean's observations over the course of the game: Goodwin clearly out coached Fagan. It was a brilliant coaching game by Goodwin Melbourne has given the competition a blueprint on how to beat Brisbane: In the 2nd half, Melbourne set up their defensive structure to take away Brisbane's passing into their half forwards. Solomon said it was almost as if Melbourne was inviting this pass, then causing the turnover and rebound After half time and in their half of the ground, Melbourne brought 2 of its forwards up towards the stoppage, bringing their Lions defenders with them, which opened up Melbourne's inside 50. Make Harris Andrews ineffective, reduce Neale's and Zorko's impact - does this make Brisbane beatable? Fort is a very good ruckman, but Gawn is currently playing at another level When you see Gawn live, it's amazing the power running he does that's not captured on the screen This was one of the very best games of the season This was Petracca's best game since returning from injury Aidan Johnson is madder than a cut snake Melksham is at his best when he looks like he is playing angry

Thanks Andy. It's wonderful when you do these interviews on club and player personnel. Here's some questions: Harvey, you seem so much bigger than your parents. Are you a family outlier or are there bison-like bodies in the family tree? Our family had the great pleasure of hosting a number of MFC draftees before the Brayshaw's took over. We could see why host families are required in the first year. Going from high school to a full-on AFL environment was incredibly taxing emotionally, mentally and physically. At home, all our boys were walking zombies the first 6 to 9 months as they basically just trained, played, ate enormous amounts and slept and nothing else. Has the transition to an AFL environment improved or is it still footy, eating and sleeping to this stage of your career? Are you with your family, a senior player or a host family I was surprised our draftees were really tight with their own recruiting class and, to a lesser extent, with the recruiting class one or two years older. It seems the older players have families and have developed interests outside of footy, perhaps not enabling a strong social bond with the newbies. So there was not the same tight social mentorship and connection. Is this still the case? Harvey, I love everything you're bringing to the Melbourne footy club. You're a brilliant addition. Sports science is such that by time you finish, you could be playing into your 40's. Be the first to 400 games for the mighty Dees!

You always have good insights @Ghostwriter . Thank you. From what I hear, and to my surprise, Jonesy is well regarded by the players and is considered a strong addition to the coaching group. I believe it was Paul Roos who started the process for Jonesy to understand the depth of meaning underpinning leadership with the confidence to soar above being a brute footballer. That Roos provided this mentorship was important. Jonesy was a player leader during truly dark days. It would have been so easy for this period to be mentally scarring for the remainder of his life. That he confronted darkness and now becoming the man with head coach aspirations speaks volumes to Jonesy's character. Goody has also been important to Jonesy's growth. Roos was old school, aloof with the players. Goody brought authenticate player connection representing today's leadership. Given his years playing together and understanding his human strengths and weaknesses, I think Jonesy is ideal for Clarrie's mental health battle. BTW, did you see the clip of Trac being interviewed after the Eagles game? Trac was brilliant regarding Clarrie, speaking of the importance of men showing vulnerability fighting mental demons. There's a raw honesty about Trac that's endearing. Godspeed good Jonesy.

Interesting @M_9, does this mean Meek was confused who to ruck against at each contest around the ground?

Two questions for Binman's stats file discussion: 1) If Viney had an amazing 15 tackles and the 2nd highest off-the-charts pressure points, why was his player rating the 2nd worst on the team at a poor 3.3? 🤷‍♂️ 2) You've mentioned many times Goody's game style is taxing and your explanation makes a lot of sense. Our 3rd quarter team pressure rating of 219 was immense, worthy of a grand final. I believe the TV commentators said the team pressure rating was over 230 in the 3rd quarter. Are there stats revealing how taxing this quarter was compared to the other 3 quarters? Perhaps this, together with 3 games in 12 days, with two crucial talls in Max and Maysie off a good chunk of the 4th, helps explain the 4th. BTW, huge shoutout of thanks to @WheeloRatings, you're awesome, I think I have a Bromance with @binman and love the work of Andy and George

I listened to AFL Nation as I couldn't watch the game. The commentators felt at times that the umps blew the whistle only after hearing loud crowd protest. They went on to say when they watch NBA games, referees generally have over 15 years experience. Often over 20 years. They then commented on the inexperience of the referee crew at our game and we have lost a lot of ump experience in the last 2 years. AFL Nation said running 15kms per game and each ump expected to take their turn bouncing the ball in the middle loses talent and experience and the game suffers. Last year the AFL earned $2 billion revenue and an operating surplus of $45m. Why isn't there an independent review of officiating? Why don't they make referees full time professionals? The Club can't say anything publicly as discussion of umps is off limits and they risk massive fines. The AFL needs to hear from We The People. Can Demonland start an online petition that goes viral??

Let's focus on the Eagles and nothing but the Eagles...

This comment by BW made me think of Nathan Buckley when he stepped down as Pies coach mid-way through the 2021 season after 9 years at the helm (that timing is eerily familiar). In Buckley's last season, I recall the Pies played without passion, as if trying to think too hard about what they were supposed to be doing. Collingwood won only 2 of their first 11 games. Buckley's last game was against the Dees on Queen's Birthday when we were on top of the table - the Pies were revved up and of course they won. But we had the last laugh that season. Robert Harvey became interim coach. Then Craig McCrae came in at the start of 2022 and the Collingwood players responded to his coaching with loving their footy and playing with excitement and passion. After finishing 2nd last in '21, the Pies came within 2 points of winning their Prelim Final in '22 and then they won the flag in '23. So things can turn really quickly. We have so much talent.

For anyone who has been in a leadership position, the adage certainly rings true 'success has many fathers while failure is an orphan'. My experience is, when things get exceptionally tough, 90% of people go running the other way or immediately go to the blame game. It's when you find out the true charcter of people. I think most people would be shocked about how this 90% can often include Directors of Boards. I'm making no representations of the MFC Board as I have no knowledge. My point is, I really feel for Goody. We owe him so much for 2021 and the years of great success. This is where the CEO and Steven Smith situation is not helping. Would you like to see Brad Green, the Board, Alan Richardson take some of the heat, be by his side?

George, in the situation the club is in, strong governance becomes critical to ensure the organisation acts methodically, professionally, timely and considers all stakeholders. Specifically, what's your take on: MFC's governance structures given Our CEO situation New Director Steven Smith is highly influential and will be overseas for 3 months (Having said that, President Brad Green has been impressive since Kate Roffey left) In a worse case scenario, your guess on the Goody payout, noting: The poor guy can't resign as it will be financially disastrous for him If terminated, the financial impact on the club could determine the club's timing of actions Offset by the financial impact of club sponsors, membership and game attendances

Let's talk about Selwyn Griffith, MFC's high performance Manager and Strength and Conditioning Coach. Recall Selwyn replaced Darren Burgess after the 2021 Premiership season. In 2021, Dees fans were brimming with confidence going into 4th quarters because we knew no one was as mentally and physically tough as the Dees. Burgess taught physical toughness delivers mental toughness. The last third of that grand final was breath taking. For a while now, it's been the opposite. At the end of last season, George repeatedly mentioned fitness and our inability to run out 4th quarters was an issue. With hindsight, George was bang on. Despite the club's "thorough" post-season review, we start the first 4 games as we ended last season - seemingly unable to run out quarters and games. Additionally, at the end of 2022 and 2023 seasons, I recall those wonderful Demonland reports on team practices stated repeatedly many players could barely run by season's end. In 2023, we lost both finals by less than a goal. Just imagine if we freshened players up like Geelong has done for years... The Dees should have won that '23 flag. Now Selwyn is a wonderful, genuine person you'd want as a mate. A good human being. However, in the 2024 financial year, MFC had $57m revenue and $44m assets, demanding Peter Jackson-type professionalism. At the end of the day, the smelling salts of reality is we have to be assessed on our results. Is Selwyn Goody's Achilles heel?

In 1854, Henry David Thoreau wrote "Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth." Goody, Max and others have liberally used the word "love" of late. I can somewhat understand it. When he was at his lowest ebb, Max brought Clarry into his home for a number of days despite Jess having recently come home from hospital having given birth to their second. Others in the club have gone above and beyond. That's love. None of us can truly understand what Trac, his wife and family went through following the horrific spleen injury. Following such raw emotion, love from the club, coach and team mates was needed to get Trac back on track. It seems Kozzy dearly wants to return home but he loves the club and its people. But love is such where if the actions do not follow the words, credibility can cut irreparably. Trust is lost. Goody called for a team response following North. The lack of response was evident on the first minutes of Gold Coast. The response was better against the Cats. But with all this talk about 'love' from our leaders, shouldn't we see a truly powerful response? What is the truth? Has Goody lost the trust of the team? BTW, LOVE what you do Andy, Binman & George!