Whispering_Jack

In light of the goings on at the WACA and given Paddy McKenna's excellent credentials in the sport, was there any discussion about him getting a call up to higher honours in the Australian XI at Bellerive next week?

They called the AFL Draft of 2001, the Superdraft. Emma Quayle of the Age has put together a podcast on that draft - here's the intro - The Superdraft: 15 years later It may well have been a superdraft for some but what about Melbourne? Our first pick at number 9 was Luke Molan, a KPP from the Geelong Falcons who had an injury interrupted career and finished up without playing an AFL game. His Falcons teammates in Luke Hodge (#1) and Jimmy Bartel (#8) played in multiple premierships, the latter, selected one pick before Molan) winning a Brownlow. I suppose you need to be in the right place at the right time. Further proof of this came when we selected Steven Armstrong from Perth with our second pick at 25, one behind Stevie J who was taken by the Cats, played in multiple premierships with them and but for an indiscretion in the finals might have repeated the dose at GWS this year. Armstrong was a handy little player but his career was unspectacular. He was one of the players traumatised by the Bali Bombings on an end of season trip and eventually cleared for peanuts to the West Coast Eagles where he played in a premiership team. Melbourne also had the next selection at 26 and took key forward Aaron Rogers from the NSW/ACT Rams. He struggled to get senior selection and like Molan, left without having played a senior game. We struck it lucky with Brad Miller from Mt Gravatt Queensland with pick 55. He had a decent career but also finished up a little to early and spent some time at Richmond. The club passed on picks 70 and 82. If you're interested in Pick 69, he was Michael McCarthy from Old Xaverians taken by Geelong.

Lumumba ready to return for Melbourne in 2017 after concussion ruined 2016 welcome back your highness

Chris25 has just released the third round of his phantom draft and Melbourne's first pick which was supposed to be 47 is actually at 49 on his analysis. It's an interesting selection:- Third Round 43. Essendon - Jack Graham (183cm, 83kg midfielder from North Adelaide) 44. Geelong - Mitch McCarthy (196cm, 87kg forward/defender from Dandenong Stingrays) 45. Adelaide - Brandon Parfitt (179cm, 78kg midfielder from NT Thunder) 46. Collingwood bid on Zac Sproule (GWS Giants Academy*) Bid matched. 46. GWS Giants - Zac Sproule (197cm, 84kg defender/forward from Murray Bushrangers) 47. Collingwood - Jack Maibaum (193cm, 90kg defender from Eastern Ranges) 48. Sydney Swans - Max Lynch (200cm, 96kg ruckman from Murray Bushrangers) 49. Melbourne - Willie Rioli Jnr (177cm, 75kg forward from Glenelg) AFL Comparison: Daniel Rioli (Richmond) He's a 21 year old now, but some might remember him from his draft year playing for the NT. He was generally considered one of the most talented kids in the whole draft pool, the only problem was that he couldn't run and weighed well above 90kg. The way he's changed his body shape and fitness level is a credit to him, and he can now push up into the midfield. But his goal sense is absolutely elite, I think he could play next season and win games off his own boot in a matter of minutes. 50 Carlton bid on Isaac Cumming (GWS Giants Academy*) Bid matched. 50. GWS Giants - Isaac Cumming (183cm, 74kg midfielder from North Adelaide/GWS) 51. Carlton - Louis Cunningham (181cm, 77kg midfielder from Oakleigh Chargers) 52. Sydney Swans - Ben Davis (187cm, 84kg forward/defender from UNSW) 53. Western Bulldogs - Ben Long (183cm, 71kg forward/defender from NT Thunder/Footscray) 54. Collingwood - Elliot Himmelberg (196cm, 89kg defender from Redlands) 55. Adelaide - Lachlan Cameron (192cm, 88kg defender from West Adelaide) 56. Richmond - Willem Drew (188cm, 78kg midfielder from North Ballarat Rebels)

Knightmare's AFL list analysis: What does your club need? "Melbourne List needs 1. Relieving ruck (with Cam Pedersen, 29, and Jake Spencer, 27, Melbourne's primary options relieving Max Gawn through the ruck, another ready-to-go option is vital) 2. Experienced veterans who can provide further leadership to the young group - (Nathan Jones is the clear leader but would benefit from further support) 3. Outside midfielders - (specifically players who are damaging with ball in hand) 4. General forwards - (to support Jesse Hogan, some quality small and medium forwards could be introduced to better balance the front half and provide better forward pressure) 5. General defenders - (Michael Hibberd is a solid list addition but another high-quality general defender would improve Melbourne even further) Draft picks: 47, 69, 84, 102, 120, 138 Who should they draft? GWS Academy medium forward Lachlan Tiziani (a talented top-ager) would fit well and may be available when Melbourne enter the draft. High-leaping mature-age forward Liam Ryan would also add significant excitement to Melbourne's front half. As general defenders, Harry Morrison, Bailey Morrish and Tom Williamson may be among those who may still be available to Melbourne in the latter half of the draft. Esava Ratugolea late in the draft if still available may if available be Melbourne's best choice towards filling the club's relieving ruck need. He will take time to develop but may with time be able to fill the position."

And treat it with the gravity it deserves.

My trip back in time continues ... Round 10 1956 Saturday 23 June at MCG Attendance 36,361 Melbourne 5.1.31 8.4.52 11.7.73 12.10.82 South Melbourne 2.1.13 3.7.25 6.10.46 8.11.59 Goal kickers Frank Adams 3 Denis Cordner Robert "Bob" Johnson Ian Ridley 2 Tony Bull Peter Marquis Athol Webb The undefeated Demons continued on their winning way with a comfortable 23 point victory at home against the Swans after leading at every change. Round 11 1956 Saturday 30 June at Glenferrie Oval Attendance 15,500 Hawthorn 3.4.22 3.7.25 5.10.40 5.12.42 Melbourne 1.1.7 6.7.43 8.7.55 11.14.80 Goal kickers Clyde Laidlaw Ian Ridley 3 Ron Barassi Athol Webb 2 Robert "Bob" Johnson After a slow start, Melbourne got into gear in the second quarter against Hawthorn at Glenferrie Oval, keeping the hosts to two goals after the first break and winning by a little over six goals. Future coach Dennis Jones made his debut in this game. Round 12 1956 Saturday 7 July at MCG Attendance 26,772 Melbourne 1.6.12 4.9.33 8.12.60 11.13.79 Richmond 2.0.12 3.1.19 5.1.31 7.3.45 Goal kickers Robert "Bob" Johnson Ian Ridley Athol Webb 2 Ron Barassi Brian Dixon Dennis Jones Laurie Mithen Stuart Spencer In a milestone game Geoff McGivern (100) and Ron Barassi (50), accurate kicking for goal kept the Tigers in the game for most of the first half but the Demons were far too strong in the end. It was Richmond's lowest score against Melbourne since 1925. Round 13 1956 Saturday 14 July at MCG Attendance 46,022 Melbourne 5.7.37 8.8.56 12.10.82 14.10.94 Carlton 4.1.25 6.4.49 9.7.61 12.7.79 Goal kickers Stuart Spencer 5 Ian Ridley 4 Peter Marquis 3 Robert "Bob" Johnson 2 The Blues put up some stiff resistance but the Demons, with their rovers Spencer and Ridley dangerous in front of goal, held sway by 15 points. Round 14 1956 Saturday 21 July at MCG Attendance 47,956 Melbourne 0.5.5 3.10.22 6.14.50 7.17.59 Footscray 1.4.10 4.6.30 7.8.50 10.12.72 Goal kickers Stuart Spencer 3 Peter Cook Robert "Bob" Johnson Ken Melville Athol Webb Melbourne lost its first game for the season and only its third in 12 months after a tight tussle with Footscray on the MCG. Scores were level at the final break but the Bulldogs were too strong and drew away to win by 13 points against the inaccurate Demons who hit the post four times during the game. Round 15 1956 Saturday 28 July at Brunswick Street Attendance 13,000 Fitzroy 2.2.14 4.6.30 5.9.39 7.11.53 Melbourne 1.4.10 3.7.25 8.12.60 11.15.81 Goal kickers Stuart Spencer 3 Terry Gleeson Ian Ridley 2 Ron Barassi Brian Dixon Noel McMahen Laurie Mithen Melbourne started slowly against Fitzroy but took over after half time to get back on the winning list. Round 16 1956 Saturday 4 August at Kardinia Park Attendance 29,687 Geelong 0.5.5 3.9.27 5.9.39 8.10.58 Melbourne 2.3.15 3.5.23 3.8.26 8.8.56 Goal kickers Robert "Bob" Johnson 3 Ian Ridley Stuart Spencer 2 Peter Cook After going thirteen rounds without a loss, the Demons suffered their second defeat in three weeks at Kardinia Park. The home side dominated for most of the game in the centre of the ground but when Melbourne kicked four goals in eight minutes at the start of the last quarter, it set up a grandstand finish. The Cats regained composure to just hold on to draw a game behind the league leaders. Round 17 1956 Saturday 11 August at MCG Attendance 16,186 Melbourne 5.3.33 10.6.66 12.10.82 16.18.114 North Melbourne 3.2 8.3 11.4.70 11.5.71 Goal kickers Athol Webb 6 Ian Ridley 4 Robert "Bob" Johnson 3 Ron Barassi 2 Stuart Spencer Stung by two defeats in the space of three weeks, Melbourne blasted North Melbourne to the tune of 43 points at the MCG on a day when full forward Athol Webb booted six goals. Round 18 1956 Saturday 18 August at Victoria Park Attendance 31,089 Collingwood 4.1.25 6.1.37 7.2.44 9.6.60 Melbourne 1.1.7 6.5.41 7.10.52 10.13.73 Goal kickers Stuart Spencer 3 Ron Barassi Robert "Bob" Johnson Ian Ridley 2 Brian Dixon The Magpies on their home turf held the early ascendency but the inaccurate Demons took control in the second quarter to win by 13 points. Ruckman Denis Cordner celebrated his 150th game as he neared the end of a stellar career. Future skipper John Beckwith played his 100th game for the club. Melbourne finished the season three games clear of their nearest rivals Collingwood and Geelong with the latter suffering a late season slump missing out on the double chance with a final round defeat at the hands of Essendon. After looking like the Demons' biggest threat for the flag, the Cats were out of the race a week later when they lost the first semi-final to the Bulldogs. Ladder W D L % P Melbourne 16 2 - 146.0 64 Collingwood 13 5 - 125.9 52 Geelong 13 5 - 121.9 52 Footscray 11 7 - 114.2 44 ---------------------------- Carlton 10 7 1 113.7 42 Essendon 10 8 - 95.8 40 Hawthorn 7 10 1 88.9 30 Fitzroy 7 11 - 89.3 28 South Melbourne 6 11 1 88.1 26 Richmond 6 12 - 86.8 24 St. Kilda 4 13 1 88.0 18 North Melbourne 3 15 - 69.6 12 Second Semi Final 1956 Saturday 1 September at MCG Attendance 91,680 Melbourne 1.4.10 3.6.24 8.9.57 11.14.80 Collingwood 1.4.10 3.7.25 8.10.58 8.16.64 Goal kickers: Robert "Bob" Johnson Stuart Spencer 3 Ron Barassi Clyde Laidlaw Noel McMahen Ian Ridley Jim Sandral A crowd of more than 90,000 watched as two traditional rivals in Melbourne and Collingwood slugged it out a close game in windy conditions on the first day of spring at the MCG. Scores were level at quarter time and the Magpies held a one point lead at each of the next two breaks before the Demons kicked away in the final term to win by 16 points. The first half was dominated by the defences of both sides with the highlight for Melbourne being a 65 metre goal from skipper Noel McMahen. The lowlight was the injury to Geoff McGivern following a collision with John Beckwith during the second quarter. He played on to the end of the quarter with ankle and knee injuries but was unable to reappear for the second half and did not play in the grand final. This was therefore his last game. The team had to be recast after the main break with McGivern's replacement Jim Sandral playing an important role as the game's tempo increased dramatically. The teams booted five goals each in a high quality third quarter, but the fast-fading Magpies managed just 0.6 in the last to allow the fitter Demons to take control of proceedings. Rovers Spencer and Ridley, who had dominated their opposition all day, opened the last quarter with Demon goals before the Pies put in a period of sustained pressure which only netted them four points. Bob Johnson kicked his third goal, and his team's last, from a difficult angle after a 40 yard dash by Ian Ridley make the result safe. Best for Melbourne were Spencer, Johnson and Cordner. GRAND FINAL DAY 1956 Saturday 15 September at MCG Attendance 115,802 1956 Seconds Grand Final 1956 Melbourne 4.6.30 9.8.62 11.12.78 16.14.110 South Melbourne 2.2.14 8.4.52 8.10.58 10.12.72 Goal kickers Ben Crameri 8 Terry Mountain 3 Tony Bull 2 Peter Brenchley Longney Dick Atkinson Brian Collopy It was a big day for the Melbourne Football Club. In the hours before the senior team ran out for their clash against Collingwood, the Seconds team was in action against South Melbourne and thanks to an eight goal haul from rookie Ben Crameri they were never seriously challenged. The Demons' led by 20 points at three quarter time and smashed the opposition in the final term to win by 38. Best were Crameri, John Lord and Carlton recruit Graham Kerr. Seniors VFL Grand Final 1956 Melbourne 2.4.16 6.11.47 10.16.76 17.19.121 Collingwood 3.3.21 4.3.27 5.6.36 6.12.48 Goal kickers Stuart Spencer Athol Webb 5 Ron Barassi Robert "Bob" Johnson 3 Ian Ridley Collingwood won the right to challenge Melbourne in the Seniors Grand Final with an emphatic 39 point victory in the Preliminary Final against Footscray but the Demons were still hot favourites to go back to back as premiers, having already beaten the Magpies three times during the season. The Melbourne team sheet read: B: John Beckwith Peter Marquis Trevor Johnson HB: Don Williams Noel McMahen (captain) Keith Carroll C: Frank "Bluey" Adams Ken Melville Brian Dixon HF: Jim Sandral Clyde Laidlaw Laurie Mithen F: Robert "Bob" Johnson Athol Webb Ian Ridley FOLL: Denis Cordner Ron Barassi Stuart Spencer 19/20: Terry Gleeson Ralph Lane COACH: Norm Smith The premiers out-matched the Pies in skill and ability and eventually won their second straight flag comfortably - sealing their status as one of the greatest teams in VFL history. Collingwood’s Bill Serong kicked the first goal after three minutes and, despite the answering goal from Athol Webb, they were full of running and held a slender lead at quarter time after a late goal for the Demons from Bob Johnson. After the break, the tide turned. Webb booted his second thirty seconds into the quarter and Stuart Spencer pounced after a ball-up in the goal square for another. From then on, it was one way traffic. Every Collingwood player was beaten in his position and Melbourne was in control with Denis Cordner dominant in the ruck and Laurie Mithen brilliant at ground level. The Demons held a 22 point lead at the half time siren. The Demons came out and did all the attacking with Spencer and Johnson dangerous in front of goal. The match was over at three-quarter time with the Pies trailing by 40 points but the ruthless Demons went on their merry way with Webb helping himself to three goals in the last term to make the match a rout. The only thing the Magpies won was the free kick count (32-24) but otherwise they were smashed everywhere on the ground. Stuart Spencer was best on ground with his "powerful" roving and five goals. Ron Barassi and Ken Melville were also amongst the best. Athol Webb also had one of his best games. Keith Carroll suffered a broken nose and concussion after being struck with an elbow in the second quarter. He was already being operated on by the time the game ended. Unsurprisingly for such a large crowd the match grossed an all-time VFL record crowd and gate receipts to match - raising £19,718. The match was to be the final game for four excellent footballers in Denis Cordner, Noel McMahen, Ken Melville and Stuart Spencer who had won the last two best and fairests. The fear was that with the loss of so much experience and talent, the team would be unable to maintain the momentum and possibly even fall by the wayside but the team was up to the task and won the flag again in 1957. The Demons were entitled to be called the champions of the nation as they also recorded wins against Port Adelaide (SANFL), East Perth (WAFL) and Tasmania’s North West Football Union in exhibition games Stuart Spencer capped off his carry with a second consecutive Keith “Bluey” Truscott Memorial Trophy for the club’s Best and Fairest player. Voting 1st Stuart Spencer 87.5 2nd John Beckwith 87 3rd Ron Barassi 50 Other Awards Best Clubman - Ralph Lane Outstanding Service - Brian Dixon Most Unselfish - Athol Webb Best First Year Player Jim Sandral The leading goal kicker was Robert B Johnson (43) Off the field, the club made a profit of £1,268 for the year. The dominant Demons of sixty years ago could truly lay claim to the mantle of the greatest ever sides produced in VFL/AFL history.

Your great uncle was one of my favourites and he was part of a sensational centre line of Dixon, Mithen and McLean. He passed away far too young a man.

My trip back in time continues ... 1956 - WHEN THE DEMONS RULED (PART TWO) by Whispering Jack Round 10 1956 Saturday 23 June at MCG Attendance 36,361 Melbourne 5.1.31 8.4.52 11.7.73 12.10.82 South Melbourne 2.1.13 3.7.25 6.10.46 8.11.59 Goal kickers Frank Adams 3 Denis Cordner Robert "Bob" Johnson Ian Ridley 2 Tony Bull Peter Marquis Athol Webb The undefeated Demons continued on their winning way with a comfortable 23 point victory at home against the Swans after leading at every change. Round 11 1956 Saturday 30 June at Glenferrie Oval Attendance 15,500 Hawthorn 3.4.22 3.7.25 5.10.40 5.12.42 Melbourne 1.1.7 6.7.43 8.7.55 11.14.80 Goal kickers Clyde Laidlaw Ian Ridley 3 Ron Barassi Athol Webb 2 Robert "Bob" Johnson After a slow start, Melbourne got into gear in the second quarter against Hawthorn at Glenferrie Oval, keeping the hosts to two goals after the first break and winning by a little over six goals. Future coach Dennis Jones made his debut in this game. Round 12 1956 Saturday 7 July at MCG Attendance 26,772 Melbourne 1.6.12 4.9.33 8.12.60 11.13.79 Richmond 2.0.12 3.1.19 5.1.31 7.3.45 Goal kickers Robert "Bob" Johnson Ian Ridley Athol Webb 2 Ron Barassi Brian Dixon Dennis Jones Laurie Mithen Stuart Spencer In a milestone game Geoff McGivern (100) and Ron Barassi (50), accurate kicking for goal kept the Tigers in the game for most of the first half but the Demons were far too strong in the end. It was Richmond's lowest score against Melbourne since 1925. Round 13 1956 Saturday 14 July at MCG Attendance 46,022 Melbourne 5.7.37 8.8.56 12.10.82 14.10.94 Carlton 4.1.25 6.4.49 9.7.61 12.7.79 Goal kickers Stuart Spencer 5 Ian Ridley 4 Peter Marquis 3 Robert "Bob" Johnson 2 The Blues put up some stiff resistance but the Demons, with their rovers Spencer and Ridley dangerous in front of goal, held sway by 15 points. Round 14 1956 Saturday 21 July at MCG Attendance 47,956 Melbourne 0.5.5 3.10.22 6.14.50 7.17.59 Footscray 1.4.10 4.6.30 7.8.50 10.12.72 Goal kickers Stuart Spencer 3 Peter Cook Robert "Bob" Johnson Ken Melville Athol Webb Melbourne lost its first game for the season and only its third in 12 months after a tight tussle with Footscray on the MCG. Scores were level at the final break but the Bulldogs were too strong and drew away to win by 13 points against the inaccurate Demons who hit the post four times during the game. Round 15 1956 Saturday 28 July at Brunswick Street Attendance 13,000 Fitzroy 2.2.14 4.6.30 5.9.39 7.11.53 Melbourne 1.4.10 3.7.25 8.12.60 11.15.81 Goal kickers Stuart Spencer 3 Terry Gleeson Ian Ridley 2 Ron Barassi Brian Dixon Noel McMahen Laurie Mithen Melbourne started slowly against Fitzroy but took over after half time to get back on the winning list. Round 16 1956 Saturday 4 August at Kardinia Park Attendance 29,687 Geelong 0.5.5 3.9.27 5.9.39 8.10.58 Melbourne 2.3.15 3.5.23 3.8.26 8.8.56 Goal kickers Robert "Bob" Johnson 3 Ian Ridley Stuart Spencer 2 Peter Cook After going thirteen rounds without a loss, the Demons suffered their second defeat in three weeks at Kardinia Park. The home side dominated for most of the game in the centre of the ground but when Melbourne kicked four goals in eight minutes at the start of the last quarter, it set up a grandstand finish. The Cats regained composure to just hold on to draw a game behind the league leaders. Round 17 1956 Saturday 11 August at MCG Attendance 16,186 Melbourne 5.3.33 10.6.66 12.10.82 16.18.114 North Melbourne 3.2 8.3 11.4.70 11.5.71 Goal kickers Athol Webb 6 Ian Ridley 4 Robert "Bob" Johnson 3 Ron Barassi 2 Stuart Spencer Stung by two defeats in the space of three weeks, Melbourne blasted North Melbourne to the tune of 43 points at the MCG on a day when full forward Athol Webb booted six goals. Round 18 1956 Saturday 18 August at Victoria Park Attendance 31,089 Collingwood 4.1.25 6.1.37 7.2.44 9.6.60 Melbourne 1.1.7 6.5.41 7.10.52 10.13.73 Goal kickers Stuart Spencer 3 Ron Barassi Robert "Bob" Johnson Ian Ridley 2 Brian Dixon The Magpies on their home turf held the early ascendency but the inaccurate Demons took control in the second quarter to win by 13 points. Ruckman Denis Cordner celebrated his 150th game as he neared the end of a stellar career. Future skipper John Beckwith played his 100th game for the club. Melbourne finished the season three games clear of their nearest rivals Collingwood and Geelong with the latter suffering a late season slump missing out on the double chance with a final round defeat at the hands of Essendon. After looking like the Demons' biggest threat for the flag, the Cats were out of the race a week later when they lost the first semi-final to the Bulldogs. Ladder W D L % P Melbourne 16 2 - 146.0 64 Collingwood 13 5 - 125.9 52 Geelong 13 5 - 121.9 52 Footscray 11 7 - 114.2 44 ---------------------------- Carlton 10 7 1 113.7 42 Essendon 10 8 - 95.8 40 Hawthorn 7 10 1 88.9 30 Fitzroy 7 11 - 89.3 28 South Melbourne 6 11 1 88.1 26 Richmond 6 12 - 86.8 24 St. Kilda 4 13 1 88.0 18 North Melbourne 3 15 - 69.6 12 Second Semi Final 1956 Saturday 1 September at MCG Attendance 91,680 Melbourne 1.4.10 3.6.24 8.9.57 11.14.80 Collingwood 1.4.10 3.7.25 8.10.58 8.16.64 Goal kickers: Robert "Bob" Johnson Stuart Spencer 3 Ron Barassi Clyde Laidlaw Noel McMahen Ian Ridley Jim Sandral A crowd of more than 90,000 watched as two traditional rivals in Melbourne and Collingwood slugged it out a close game in windy conditions on the first day of spring at the MCG. Scores were level at quarter time and the Magpies held a one point lead at each of the next two breaks before the Demons kicked away in the final term to win by 16 points. The first half was dominated by the defences of both sides with the highlight for Melbourne being a 65 metre goal from skipper Noel McMahen. The lowlight was the injury to Geoff McGivern following a collision with John Beckwith during the second quarter. He played on to the end of the quarter with ankle and knee injuries but was unable to reappear for the second half and did not play in the grand final. This was therefore his last game. The team had to be recast after the main break with McGivern's replacement Jim Sandral playing an important role as the game's tempo increased dramatically. The teams booted five goals each in a high quality third quarter, but the fast-fading Magpies managed just 0.6 in the last to allow the fitter Demons to take control of proceedings. Rovers Spencer and Ridley, who had dominated their opposition all day, opened the last quarter with Demon goals before the Pies put in a period of sustained pressure which only netted them four points. Bob Johnson kicked his third goal, and his team's last, from a difficult angle after a 40 yard dash by Ian Ridley make the result safe. Best for Melbourne were Spencer, Johnson and Cordner. GRAND FINAL DAY 1956 Saturday 15 September at MCG Attendance 115,802 1956 Seconds Grand Final 1956 Melbourne 4.6.30 9.8.62 11.12.78 16.14.110 South Melbourne 2.2.14 8.4.52 8.10.58 10.12.72 Goal kickers Ben Crameri 8 Terry Mountain 3 Tony Bull 2 Peter Brenchley Longney Dick Atkinson Brian Collopy It was a big day for the Melbourne Football Club. In the hours before the senior team ran out for their clash against Collingwood, the Seconds team was in action against South Melbourne and thanks to an eight goal haul from rookie Ben Crameri they were never seriously challenged. The Demons' led by 20 points at three quarter time and smashed the opposition in the final term to win by 38. Best were Crameri, John Lord and Carlton recruit Graham Kerr. Seniors VFL Grand Final 1956 Melbourne 2.4.16 6.11.47 10.16.76 17.19.121 Collingwood 3.3.21 4.3.27 5.6.36 6.12.48 Goal kickers Stuart Spencer Athol Webb 5 Ron Barassi Robert "Bob" Johnson 3 Ian Ridley Collingwood won the right to challenge Melbourne in the Seniors Grand Final with an emphatic 39 point victory in the Preliminary Final against Footscray but the Demons were still hot favourites to go back to back as premiers, having already beaten the Magpies three times during the season. The Melbourne team sheet read: B: John Beckwith Peter Marquis Trevor Johnson HB: Don Williams Noel McMahen (captain) Keith Carroll C: Frank "Bluey" Adams Ken Melville Brian Dixon HF: Jim Sandral Clyde Laidlaw Laurie Mithen F: Robert "Bob" Johnson Athol Webb Ian Ridley FOLL: Denis Cordner Ron Barassi Stuart Spencer 19/20: Terry Gleeson Ralph Lane COACH: Norm Smith The premiers out-matched the Pies in skill and ability and eventually won their second straight flag comfortably - sealing their status as one of the greatest teams in VFL history. Collingwood’s Bill Serong kicked the first goal after three minutes and, despite the answering goal from Athol Webb, they were full of running and held a slender lead at quarter time after a late goal for the Demons from Bob Johnson. After the break, the tide turned. Webb booted his second thirty seconds into the quarter and Stuart Spencer pounced after a ball-up in the goal square for another. From then on, it was one way traffic. Every Collingwood player was beaten in his position and Melbourne was in control with Denis Cordner dominant in the ruck and Laurie Mithen brilliant at ground level. The Demons held a 22 point lead at the half time siren. The Demons came out and did all the attacking with Spencer and Johnson dangerous in front of goal. The match was over at three-quarter time with the Pies trailing by 40 points but the ruthless Demons went on their merry way with Webb helping himself to three goals in the last term to make the match a rout. The only thing the Magpies won was the free kick count (32-24) but otherwise they were smashed everywhere on the ground. Stuart Spencer was best on ground with his "powerful" roving and five goals. Ron Barassi and Ken Melville were also amongst the best. Athol Webb also had one of his best games. Keith Carroll suffered a broken nose and concussion after being struck with an elbow in the second quarter. He was already being operated on by the time the game ended. Unsurprisingly for such a large crowd the match grossed an all-time VFL record crowd and gate receipts to match - raising £19,718. The match was to be the final game for four excellent footballers in Denis Cordner, Noel McMahen, Ken Melville and Stuart Spencer who had won the last two best and fairests. The fear was that with the loss of so much experience and talent, the team would be unable to maintain the momentum and possibly even fall by the wayside but the team was up to the task and won the flag again in 1957. The Demons were entitled to be called the champions of the nation as they also recorded wins against Port Adelaide (SANFL), East Perth (WAFL) and Tasmania’s North West Football Union in exhibition games Stuart Spencer capped off his carry with a second consecutive Keith “Bluey” Truscott Memorial Trophy for the club’s Best and Fairest player. Voting 1st Stuart Spencer 87.5 2nd John Beckwith 87 3rd Ron Barassi 50 Other Awards Best Clubman - Ralph Lane Outstanding Service - Brian Dixon Most Unselfish - Athol Webb Best First Year Player Jim Sandral The leading goal kicker was Robert B Johnson (43) Off the field, the club made a profit of £1,268 for the year. The dominant Demons of sixty years ago could truly lay claim to the mantle of the greatest ever sides produced in VFL/AFL history.

So the paperwork for the first two delisted free agents of the 2016 recruiting period has been lodged with the AFL and in the fashion typical of the times, they're not really DFAs in the strict sense. Two of the 12 players who were allowed to join Essendon earlier this year in James Kelly and Matt Dea will continue with the club in 2017 as primary list players.

How on earth could you get a thread like this back on track? That's not a riddle BTW.

Should be a lucrative position as I believe there are a lot of head cases out at the Lexus Centre or whatever they call the place these days.

It all starts on Monday for a limited number of players when the first wave of players will return at 9.30am at Gosch’s Paddock. TRAINING TIMES I'm sure most of you are looking forward to reading and discussing reports from training but please note the following:- Posters are asked to be polite on training threads. Personal abuse of players or other posters will not be tolerated.

And when the good Princess passed on, did you inherit the royal title?

I can vouch for the fact that Redleg has been imbibing up here in the hot Queensland sun. Surprised however, that after three days of the delisted free agency period, there have not been any signings announced as yet.

Imagine him coaching with Dunny in the team. Very interesting ?

My boys ~ unlikely that we'll pick up any of the top Dragon prospects but ... you never know. Dragons roar into draft with first-round hopes

We have three "live" picks ATM - 47, 69 and 84 but will be using the third pick for Josh Wagner's rookie upgrade. I think that pick 47 will see us taking around the 45th to 50th player selected of which 7 or 8 will have been academy or father/sons. Pick 69 could well see us moving up a few selections but I'm not sure it matters much by that stage of the draft. If we can pick up one good AFL player with our two picks, we're doing well. Hopefully, our recruiting people have some players in their sights who are worthwhile draftees at those levels as well as some more inspired rookie picks like VDB and Wagner.

1956 - WHEN DEMONS RULED (PART ONE) by Whispering Jack The year 1956 was special one for many Australians. It was the year when for the first time a Summer Olympics were staged outside the Northern Hemisphere. The Games of the XVI Olympiad were predominantly held in Melbourne and from 22 November until 8 December, 1956 Australia held centre stage on the world scene, probably for the first time ever. During the Games, even the country's most popular sport, Australian Rules football was given a place with the playing of a game between amateur footballers on the MCG. A month or so earlier, the football club that bore the host city's name won its eighth VFL premiership with a dominant performance in the grand final. This is the story of that team's glory year. The Demons were already a club to be feared among the VFL's then twelve teams. Under coach Norm Smith they had risen from second last in 1953 to a grand final in 1954, a game in which they were comfortably beaten by Footscray. A year later, the team skippered by Noel McMahen were premiers. They were young, talented and driven, inspired by a man recognised as a master strategist of the game. They were hungry for more. Melbourne was left homeless in the early part of the season when the MCG was rendered unavailable due to preparations for the Olympics. They trained at alternative venues; Olympic Park during the brief preseason period and then, from the start of the season, to Albert Park. They were only able to unfurl their premiership flag from the previous year when they returned to their home ground, the MCG, in Round 5 against Geelong. A lesser side might have struggled in those circumstances but not Melbourne which was unbeaten when it stepped into the MCG for the first time and maintained that status for the first thirteen weeks of the season. The young side that Smith and club secretary Jim Cardwell had built over the past year was beginning to mature into a very special combination with some outstanding players like Ron Barassi, John Beckwith, Robert "Bob" Johnson and Athol Webb. Their only losses for the season were the return game at the MCG against Footscray in Round 14 which was the only time they lowered their colours at home and a fortnight later against Geelong at Kardinia Park. The depth of the side was evident when the seconds won the curtain raiser to the Grand Final before a then record crowd of 115,000. The seniors then came out and crushed traditional rival Collingwood to win their second consecutive premiership with a team hailed as the best Melbourne side ever to take the field. Here is how the season unfolded. Round 1 1956 - Saturday 14 April at Punt Road Attendance 25,000 Richmond 2.1.13 4.4.28 5.4.34 8.7.55 Melbourne 4.6.30 6.8.44 10.14.74 12.16.88 Goalkickers Robert "Bob" Johnson Stuart Spencer 3 Ron Barassi Laurie Mithen 2 Ralph Lane Ian Ridley The Demons were untroubled against the Tigers who were unfancied against the reigning premiers and that is exactly how things turned out at Punt Road in the season opener. The visitors led at every change with 6'6" big man Bob Johnson and clever rover Stuart Spencer each booting three goals. Round 2 1956 Saturday 21 April at Princes Park Attendance 18,656 Carlton 1.0.6 1.5.11 1.7.13 6.11.47 Melbourne 5.5.35 8.9.57 10.15.75 12.18.90 Goalkickers Athol Webb 4 Ron Barassi Laurie Mithen 2 Robert "Bob" Johnson Ralph Lane Ian Ridley Stuart Spencer The team was far too strong for the Blues at Princes Park keeping the home side down to a single goal for the first three quarters. Round 3 1956 Saturday 28 April at Western Oval Attendance 33,265 Footscray 2.6.18 2.8.20 5.10.40 5.11.41 Melbourne 1.2.8 3.4.22 5.6.36 9.13.67 Goalkickers Stuart Spencer 3 Robert "Bob" Johnson Ian Ridley 2 Ron Barassi Athol Webb The Bulldogs challenged strongly and led at the final change before the Demons powered home with a dominant last term aided by a strengthening wind. Round 4 1956 Saturday 5 May at Punt Road Attendance 23,000 Melbourne 3.8.26 5.10.40 6.16.52 10.19.79 Fitzroy 1.1.7 4.3.27 4.4.28 9.6.60 Goalkickers Ian Ridley 3 Robert "Bob" Johnson 2 Ron Barassi Peter Cook Brian Dixon Laurie Mithen Athol Webb The Demons held sway for most of the game and recorded a comfortable win despite some poor kicking for goal. Round 5 1956 Saturday 12 May at MCG Attendance 47,130 Melbourne 2.7.19 3.13.31 5.18.48 6.20.56 Geelong 2.2.14 5.5.35 5.7.37 6.12.48 Goalkickers Ron Barassi Ian Ridley 2 Robert "Bob" Johnson Clyde Laidlaw Melbourne was finally able to unveil its 1955 Premiership flag and it was before a big crowd in a clash between the VFL's only two undefeated sides. The game was marred by heavy rain with much of the ground under water. Stuart Spencer kicked 0.11 an equal AFL/VFL record for inaccuracy. Most of his points were from kicks off the ground. The team trailed at half time but a powerful third quarter saw the team draw clear and record an 8 point win in the end. Round 6 1956 Saturday 19 May at Arden Street Attendance 11,000 North Melbourne 4.2.26 5.3.33 5.6.36 6.6.42 Melbourne 1.2.8 3.6.24 6.9.45 11.18.84 Goalkickers Ron Barassi Stuart Spencer 3 Athol Webb 2 Robert "Bob" Johnson Laurie Mithen Ian Ridley The Kangaroos wrested the early lead at Arden Street in a game in which their spearhead kicked all but one of their six goals for the day. His opposite number at full forward for the Demons, Athol Webb kicked two before severely bruising his chest and shins when he ran into a goalpost at full-speed. Despite being nine points behind at the main break, the Demons controlled the second half to run out comfortable winners and doubling North's score. Round 7 1956 Saturday 26 May at MCG Attendance 46,868 Melbourne 1.1.7 5.8.38 7.10.52 11.13.79 Collingwood 4.5.29 6.5.41 9.6.60 9.7.61 Goalkickers Ian Ridley 4 Stuart Spencer 3 Ron Barassi Robert "Bob" Johnson 2 This was the first of four clashes for the season for traditional rivals Melbourne and Collingwood. It was a tense, close encounter with the Magpies holding the ascendency at three quarter time but the home team was up to the challenge with their roving division led by Ian Ridley and Stuart Spencer dominant in front of goal to run out victors by 18 points. Round 8 1956 Saturday 2 June at Junction Oval Attendance 26,300 St. Kilda 1.7.13 1.9.15 4.11.35 6.11.47 Melbourne 1.2.8 5.3.33 7.5.47 9.7.61 Goalkickers Robert "Bob" Johnson Ian Ridley Athol Webb 2 Trevor Johnson Jim Sandral Stuart Spencer A vigorous but inexperienced St. Kilda team took things right up to Melbourne at the Junction Oval come away with the victory. They were undone however, by poor kicking for goal in the early part of the game. Athol Webb moved to a half-forward flank and his speed was a major contributing factor in the victory as were the performances of rovers Stuart Spencer and Ian Ridley. Round 9 1956 Saturday 9 June at MCG Attendance 32,543 Melbourne 2.3.15 9.10.64 13.14.92 15.17.107 Essendon 0.4.4 0.7.7 1.11.17 4.15.39 Goalkickers Robert "Bob" Johnson 7 Ron Barassi Stuart Spencer 2 Brian Dixon Ian McLean Ian Ridley Athol Webb Big Bob Johnson was in sensational form up forward with seven goals in a 68 point demolition of a poor Bomber combination at the MCG in the last game before the mid-season bye. Over the next fortnight, the Australian National Football Carnival was held at Subiaco Oval in Perth with the Victorian team running out easy winners. Ron Barassi was the only Melbourne player to gain All Australian honours at the end of the Carnival. (to be continued)

The year 1956 was special one for many Australians. It was the year when for the first time a Summer Olympics were staged outside the Northern Hemisphere. The Games of the XVI Olympiad were predominantly held in Melbourne and from 22 November until 8 December, 1956 Australia held centre stage on the world scene, probably for the first time ever. During the Games, even the country's most popular sport, Australian Rules football was given a place with the playing of a game between amateur footballers on the MCG. A month or so earlier, the football club that bore the host city's name won its eighth VFL premiership with a dominant performance in the grand final. This is the story of that team's glory year. The Demons were already a club to be feared among the VFL's then twelve teams. Under coach Norm Smith they had risen from second last in 1953 to a grand final in 1954, a game in which they were comfortably beaten by Footscray. A year later, the team skippered by Noel McMahen were premiers. They were young, talented and driven, inspired by a man recognised as a master strategist of the game. They were hungry for more. Melbourne was left homeless in the early part of the season when the MCG was rendered unavailable due to preparations for the Olympics. They trained at alternative venues; Olympic Park during the brief preseason period and then, from the start of the season, to Albert Park. They were only able to unfurl their premiership flag from the previous year when they returned to their home ground, the MCG, in Round 5 against Geelong. A lesser side might have struggled in those circumstances but not Melbourne which was unbeaten when it stepped into the MCG for the first time and maintained that status for the first thirteen weeks of the season. The young side that Smith and club secretary Jim Cardwell had built over the past year was beginning to mature into a very special combination with some outstanding players like Ron Barassi, John Beckwith, Robert "Bob" Johnson and Athol Webb. Their only losses for the season were the return game at the MCG against Footscray in Round 14 which was the only time they lowered their colours at home and a fortnight later against Geelong at Kardinia Park. The depth of the side was evident when the seconds won the curtain raiser to the Grand Final before a then record crowd of 115,000. The seniors then came out and crushed traditional rival Collingwood to win their second consecutive premiership with a team hailed as the best Melbourne side ever to take the field. Here is how the season unfolded. Round 1 1956 - Saturday 14 April at Punt Road Attendance 25,000 Richmond 2.1.13 4.4.28 5.4.34 8.7.55 Melbourne 4.6.30 6.8.44 10.14.74 12.16.88 Goalkickers Robert "Bob" Johnson Stuart Spencer 3 Ron Barassi Laurie Mithen 2 Ralph Lane Ian Ridley The Demons were untroubled against the Tigers who were unfancied against the reigning premiers and that is exactly how things turned out at Punt Road in the season opener. The visitors led at every change with 6'6" big man Bob Johnson and clever rover Stuart Spencer each booting three goals. Round 2 1956 Saturday 21 April at Princes Park Attendance 18,656 Carlton 1.0.6 1.5.11 1.7.13 6.11.47 Melbourne 5.5.35 8.9.57 10.15.75 12.18.90 Goalkickers Athol Webb 4 Ron Barassi Laurie Mithen 2 Robert "Bob" Johnson Ralph Lane Ian Ridley Stuart Spencer The team was far too strong for the Blues at Princes Park keeping the home side down to a single goal for the first three quarters. Round 3 1956 Saturday 28 April at Western Oval Attendance 33,265 Footscray 2.6.18 2.8.20 5.10.40 5.11.41 Melbourne 1.2.8 3.4.22 5.6.36 9.13.67 Goalkickers Stuart Spencer 3 Robert "Bob" Johnson Ian Ridley 2 Ron Barassi Athol Webb The Bulldogs challenged strongly and led at the final change before the Demons powered home with a dominant last term aided by a strengthening wind. Round 4 1956 Saturday 5 May at Punt Road Attendance 23,000 Melbourne 3.8.26 5.10.40 6.16.52 10.19.79 Fitzroy 1.1.7 4.3.27 4.4.28 9.6.60 Goalkickers Ian Ridley 3 Robert "Bob" Johnson 2 Ron Barassi Peter Cook Brian Dixon Laurie Mithen Athol Webb The Demons held sway for most of the game and recorded a comfortable win despite some poor kicking for goal. Round 5 1956 Saturday 12 May at MCG Attendance 47,130 Melbourne 2.7.19 3.13.31 5.18.48 6.20.56 Geelong 2.2.14 5.5.35 5.7.37 6.12.48 Goalkickers Ron Barassi Ian Ridley 2 Robert "Bob" Johnson Clyde Laidlaw Melbourne was finally able to unveil its 1955 Premiership flag and it was before a big crowd in a clash between the VFL's only two undefeated sides. The game was marred by heavy rain with much of the ground under water. Stuart Spencer kicked 0.11 an equal AFL/VFL record for inaccuracy. Most of his points were from kicks off the ground. The team trailed at half time but a powerful third quarter saw the team draw clear and record an 8 point win in the end. Round 6 1956 Saturday 19 May at Arden Street Attendance 11,000 North Melbourne 4.2.26 5.3.33 5.6.36 6.6.42 Melbourne 1.2.8 3.6.24 6.9.45 11.18.84 Goalkickers Ron Barassi Stuart Spencer 3 Athol Webb 2 Robert "Bob" Johnson Laurie Mithen Ian Ridley The Kangaroos wrested the early lead at Arden Street in a game in which their spearhead kicked all but one of their six goals for the day. His opposite number at full forward for the Demons, Athol Webb kicked two before severely bruising his chest and shins when he ran into a goalpost at full-speed. Despite being nine points behind at the main break, the Demons controlled the second half to run out comfortable winners and doubling North's score. Round 7 1956 Saturday 26 May at MCG Attendance 46,868 Melbourne 1.1.7 5.8.38 7.10.52 11.13.79 Collingwood 4.5.29 6.5.41 9.6.60 9.7.61 Goalkickers Ian Ridley 4 Stuart Spencer 3 Ron Barassi Robert "Bob" Johnson 2 This was the first of four clashes for the season for traditional rivals Melbourne and Collingwood. It was a tense, close encounter with the Magpies holding the ascendency at three quarter time but the home team was up to the challenge with their roving division led by Ian Ridley and Stuart Spencer dominant in front of goal to run out victors by 18 points. Round 8 1956 Saturday 2 June at Junction Oval Attendance 26,300 St. Kilda 1.7.13 1.9.15 4.11.35 6.11.47 Melbourne 1.2.8 5.3.33 7.5.47 9.7.61 Goalkickers Robert "Bob" Johnson Ian Ridley Athol Webb 2 Trevor Johnson Jim Sandral Stuart Spencer A vigorous but inexperienced St. Kilda team took things right up to Melbourne at the Junction Oval come away with the victory. They were undone however, by poor kicking for goal in the early part of the game. Athol Webb moved to a half-forward flank and his speed was a major contributing factor in the victory as were the performances of rovers Stuart Spencer and Ian Ridley. Round 9 1956 Saturday 9 June at MCG Attendance 32,543 Melbourne 2.3.15 9.10.64 13.14.92 15.17.107 Essendon 0.4.4 0.7.7 1.11.17 4.15.39 Goalkickers Robert "Bob" Johnson 7 Ron Barassi Stuart Spencer 2 Brian Dixon Ian McLean Ian Ridley Athol Webb Big Bob Johnson was in sensational form up forward with seven goals in a 68 point demolition of a poor Bomber combination at the MCG in the last game before the mid-season bye. Over the next fortnight, the Australian National Football Carnival was held at Subiaco Oval in Perth with the Victorian team running out easy winners. Ron Barassi was the only Melbourne player to gain All Australian honours at the end of the Carnival. (to be continued)

So GWS have made their nominations (see thread on 2016 AFL Draft Prospects) and, although they have nominated an incredibly long list of talented youngsters, they haven't included Max Lynch.

The AFL has received the following Academy nominations for next month's AFL National Draft:- Brisbane Lions – Jacob Allison, Nate Dennis, William Fletcher, Jack Rolls, Declan Watson. GC Suns - Jack Bowes, Dan Charlesworth, Jesse Esam, Nicholas Kempe, Curtis Marsden, Brad Scheer, Max Spencer, Shawn Watson, Josh Williams. GWS – Isaac Cumming, Sam Fisher, Ryan Garthwaite, Harrison Macreadie, Kobe Mutch, Harry Perryman, Will Setterfield, Zach Sproule, Lach Tiziani Sydney Swans – Darcy Baron-Hay, Jake Brown, Ryan Hebron, Callum McFadden, Ned Reinhard, Matthew Wilson. The AFL has received the following Father/son nominations for next month's AFL National Draft:- Adelaide – Ben Jarman Collingwood – Callum Brown, Josh Daicos Geelong – Sam Simpson Jake Waterman – West Coast

Actually, it looks like it's going to be Josh Wagner and he is the Big Brother of North Melbourne's Corey Wagner. I'm not sure if the family has an Animal Farm.

With the first delisted free agency period opening on Tuesday, the Herald Sun examines the 15 most valuable delisted free agents for 2016 AFL off-season. I don't expect that the MFC will figure in the race for a DFA as we have a full list of players apart from the three places that need to be kept available for the draft. We would therefore have to delist a contracted player to do so (perhaps with the promise of picking him up again in the rookie draft) - as I've suggested before that's highly unlikely.