Whispering_Jack

Couldn't announce it on the evening because the confirmation of the sponsorship only arrived this morning but we are pleased to announce our platinum sponsorship of a young bloke called Kalani White. Welcome aboard.

And the final Hall of Fame Legend is the late, great Robert Flower. A loyal champion who is greatly missed. He died at 59 - far too young.

A story about Hassa. In early 1959, my father brought home a new black and white television set (it was well before colour came in). On our first Saturday morning, I watched Veall’s World of Sport and the interviewee was a young recruit from Merbein who had come down to play for Melbourne. Only problem was that he had a broad country twang and I couldn’t understand a word. Thankfully, he improved in that regard to the point where he spoke well and advanced to great heights in business as well as footy.

Next inductee is Hall of Fame Legend - another three time premiership player - 1959, 1960 and 1964. “Hassa” Mann was named captain after Ron Barassi left to go to Carlton. A three time Bluey Truscott Medallist. The award was announced by Barry Bourke who made a bit of a meal of it. 😃

Third inductee is The Ox. David Schwarz who played 173 great games from 1991 to 2002.

The second inductee into the Hall of Fame is Stephen Tingay, courageous, hard and skillful wingman from 1989 to 2000. A very popular award among the crowd. “Nothing in this game is given” - it’s a thank you to his parents for their support.

A rousing speech from Alby’s daughter Jenny and her rendition of Its a Grand Old Flag was sensational.

Alby Rodda a three time premiership player who played from 1939 to 1950 and WW2 soldier inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Of course the big announcement tonight will be the unveiling of Demonland’s new Platinum Player sponsorship kindly offered to us by the club as a result of the retirement of Steven May. We’re just waiting for confirmation of the sponsorship. Stay tuned.

Tonight is the night for induction into the Hall of Fame. This is our current list:-

Q & A - with the Steven King Feeling real now that the preseason matches have started and been played. Lucky that he has a good mix of mature players and talented young players. The big boys have settled in well. Interpretation of the ruck changes important. Don’t want to lose craft. Credit to Troy Chaplin and his assistants. Team to be ruthless, selfless and connected.

Q & A - with the club’s leaders Max Gawn and Jack Viney. Captain role - MG: you have to come and take it off me. I love it. JV: Achilles flared up after the break and unfortunately it didn’t calm down as hoped and surgery was the last resort. Looking forward to returning. MG: Liked Max H’s performances over the summer. Jack and Tom C expected in 6 - 7 weeks. Max says Kalani can kick (unlike certain ruckmen at the club).

Club chairman Steven Smith opens the proceedings. We’re ushering in a new era.

We’re on our way in …

4 - 6 is bad enough.

Both he and Ethan Stanley are good gets for Casey who’s ranks looked a bit thin on Saturday morning. The commentators on the ABC and the AFL streaming service should have a field day pronouncing big Marcus’s surname.

A reminder that this is an appreciation thread for a champion player and not a place for rumours or speculation about his private life.

Here it is:

Updated again as a result of the Steven May retirement. Watch this space for his replacement.

Agreed. However, even in this age the final decision is usually only made once a specialist or specialists have had the opportunity of examining the patient.

I think the delay in announcing the Luker Kenterfield prognosis is a factor here. Fingers crossed, but if it's not promising and he gets put on the club's inactive list, the club has two decisons to make. Ah-Mu and Cross would suddenly emerge as the main contenders.

I put May on such a high pedestal that the only Demon key defender I can place above him was Bob "Tassie" Johnson who played in three premierships (1959,60 and 64) and captained the side in 1969. But in the modern era, he reigned supreme in his role.

One of the legendary stories of the 2021 season was the way in which Steven overcame the pain barrier and not only played injured but starred in the biggest game of the year. That sort of physical and mental toughness is the key to winning a premiership. Congratulations to Maysie on a sensational career including three or four seasons as the elite key position defender in the game.