Deeoldfart

Dean Kent is shaping as an inspired choice at pick # 48. At worst I think he will be a good long term player, but to me he has some 'future star' qualities that will hopefully bloom under our new coaching and development regime. His steady improvement over the course of this year suggests to me that he has what it takes to succeed, and this is further evidenced by the fact he has already overtaken a number of his older and more experienced peers. I'm bullish about his prospects, and reckon he could be a beauty.

The excitement and optimism are fantastic, and something we should all enjoy right now! However we must not lose sight of the fact that it will be a hard slog over rough terrain to get to where we want to be. The most important thing to me is that we can now be very confident that we are on the right track, and not lost in some bloody wilderness with no map, no compass no GPS and no friggin' idea whether the sun rises in the east or west.

I clearly remember the absolute despair I felt on the days that followed Norm Smith's sacking, and again when Barass announced that he was moving to Carlton ...... and try as I might I can't erase the vivid memories of 186 and all that has followed. For me, these are the lowest points in a very barren 50 years for my beloved Demons, but despite it all, I have clung blindly to the hope that the latest 'five year plan' would be the one to take us back to the top where we belong. Sadly, I must now concede most of my optimism over the journey has been viewed through 'rose coloured glasses'. But today things have changed! I now honestly believe that I can view the future through 'Roos coloured glasses' ...... and they are entirely different to the ones I have left behind. Welcome to the Melbourne Football Club Paul Roos. I have discarded blind optimism and replaced it with well founded faith.

I urge you to hang in there Demon Ox. I imagine that living through another day like these last few, is one hell of a lot better than dying through a similar period.

Like the majority around here, I reckon the Nathan Jones / Col Garland quinella is as close to a certainty as you can get.

The way I am feeling right now, they are just grains of sand.

A much better footballer than his CV will show. Well done DRod, and all the best for the future.

If this is fact, we would have to assume that the Club is 110% certain that Craig is totally clear of any potential implications in relation the drugs scandal which is still under investigation.

Yep. Reported on ABC radio in Canberra this morning that up to 100 NRL and AFL players are being investigated. If accurate, It gives some focus to the "blackest day in Australian sport" statement.

Yep, and this is a beautiful piece.

Yeah, I know ......... you heard that from an impeccable source close to the Club.

You are a true 'Christian' 'bub!

Renewal was 'no brainer' for me and Mrs Deeoldfart plus the usual Redlegs membership for the kids' Christmas gift. No matter how tortured the journey might be, the destination will make it more than worthwhile, and if I'm no longer around to see another flag (a real possibility given my age and the way the Dees have traveled of late), I will rest in peace knowing the joy that awaits my kids.

That's not a new revelation, and Lynden is far from being Robinson Crusoe. Compared to many of his team mates he has had a solid year,

6. Dunn 5. Toumpas (I'm now convinced) 4. N. Jones 3. Terlich 2. Sylvia 1. Spencer

Jack Viney by the length of the straight. He already plays like a seasoned midfielder and it's hard to believe that he's only 19 with a handful of senior games to his credit. He's already taken over the mantle as clearly our #2 midfielder, and imo would be getting game-time in most, if not all other teams. In 3 or 4 years I expect him to be influencing games a la Joel Selwood. While Terlich and M. Jones have been serviceable for us, I doubt that they would be playing regular seniors for most other teams. Kent has had a solid debut season and might turn out to be good (or even very good), but at this point he is a long, long way behind Viney imo,

Thanks for that Supermerc. Solid CV for the job based on the following snippet : "De Crespigny later served as the AFL's Business Development Manager and Manager Corporate Partners before moving to the ACT and becoming General Manager of Brumbies Rugby for the Rugby Union side."

Except if it's bad, which I hope and pray it isn't!

Don't waste your time Cunnerz. Logic goes over his head.

This quote from Neil Craig is the one that really stood out for me: “The element that has really impressed me about Jack is that he really cares about wearing the Melbourne jumper; playing for Melbourne is more than just playing AFL football and he has great passion to change the perceptions of the Melbourne Football Club."

Well done Jack, first for winning the Rising Star nomination and second for officially becoming Jaded's favourite.

6. Viney - I know who I'd want with me in the trenches! 5. Trengove - probably his best for a couple of years 4. Mckenzie - subdued the influence of Fyfe / Mundy 3. Dunn - mostly dependable, with only a couple of 'brain fades' 2. Silvia - worked hard, but disposal let him down too often 1. Spencer - continues to make it harder for Jamar ?, no names, but there are a couple I definitely wouldn't want with me in the trenches!

Not only that wyl, but took his first breath just a few months before our last flag. I'm looking for omens and that HAS to be one! Well done Glen, it's now time to shake the tree.

Thanks as always KC! Great that the Scorps seem to have regained some of their sting, and with (hopefully) a few key inclusions for the finals, they might just be there for a long time.

Time to lift your game Jack! It's time for you to arrest bragging rights from your sis.