Deeoldfart

Yep, greatly appreciated guys. We are seriously spoiled on Demonland! As an interstater, I wouldn't even get quarter by quarter scores on the radio.

Interesting stats rufus, but it's now 2013, and I have real hope that we will significantly improve those numbers. Improved fitness across the board; a bit more drive from the middle (admittedly not yet tested); more experience at doing things the 'Neeld way'; couple of decent goal-kicking targets in the forward half with a couple of ok crumbers at their feet; a potentially more settled back half; and improved depth to keep the incumbents 'honest' from week to week. Given a half-decent run with injuries, I'm not concerned. Probably baby steps in the first half of the season, but we will rise!

Happy with this outcome from what I understand of the circumstances. Now that the court case is over, the ball is squarely in back in LJ's court.

Demonland is my footy 'lifeblood'. Only too happy to donate a bit extra. Huge thanks to Andy, Nasher & Co.

Moist eyes when I watched the video this morning. Such memories, both delightfully happy and profoundly sad. Geez time flies ..... 12 months down the track already. #13 is for you Jimma, whenever it might be!

Five-star summary Maldonboy. It's coming together very nicely, and the Cameron Schwab 'knockers' will be silent in 5 or so years.

I too am excited, but unlike some, I'm not expecting my excitement to wain early-on. On the contrary, I'm expecting it to start out slowly, and build as the season progresses, and we see: the players (new and old) begin to gel as a team; the kids get some games under their belts, and start to adjust to the demands of footy at the highest level; implementation of the Neeld game plan(s) start to become second-nature and instinctive; each player build confidence in his own abilities, and those of his mates; and some of the rewards from a tough pre-season campaign. I'm not expecting this to culminate in more than about seven or eight wins, but I'm genuinely excited about the prospect of seeing my team graduating along the road to becoming " the hardest to play against in the AFL".

I was very skeptical when we drafted James, but he surprised me a bit as the season progressed, and clearly did enough to earn a spot on our list for 2013. At worst he should be a versatile and tall 'depth' player for the next couple of years, but he may surprise and play more than a 'bit part' role in our rise up the ladder. It would be a credit to him and the MFC if he becomes a 'regular'.

Dunno 'bout that ...... OD might give you a run for your money!

I have my fingers crossed that Tappy will establish himself as 'best 22' in 2013, but he has a way to go. He obviously needs to get a lot more of the ball (av. only 11 disposals per game in 2012), and he needs to consistently 'hurt' the opposition with his main weapons, his strength, his tackling and his 'booming' left foot. .

Nah, I'm sure Nuts would have been referring to finals in 2013.

Impossible for me to go past David Schwarz (circa 1994). We would have been talking about an AFL 'Hall of Famer' if he hadn't done his knee. Edit: Changed 'Legend' to 'Hall of Famer'. Was gettin' a bit carried away in the moment.

Great news. Hopefully no setbacks, and now just a matter of gaining match fitness. All Demonlanders please touch wood!

Good news. The best I can recall at this stage of the season for many years. Without wanting to jinx us, we've more than earned a long and sustained period with Footy God's smiling in our direction.

As always, I am buoyed by the upcoming footy season. Nothing could ever change that!

Ha,Ha. Very good Biff ... back pocket of course!

If and when Jordie can no longer earn a regular place in our best 22, we will be able to say that our midfield has 'arrived'.

The jury is still out imo ......... 2013 will be crucial year for Tappy. Ask again in October.

Unfortunately I'll be stuck at home 600kms away, but I'll be at Casey in spirit, glass in hand, and hanging off every progress report that you good guys are a able to send via my favourite website. Thanks in anticipation!!

I really like the way Nev Jetta plays and I suspect Neeldy does as well ......... hard, courageous and tight with reasonable pace, disposal and ability to read the play. He seems to do the 'team things' well, and with the premature departure of Barty, he has a golden opportunity to claim the vacant BP spot. He is still learning the role of a small defender, but he has many of the right attributes to make a go of it. If he can put his injury problems behind him, I can see him becoming an integral part of our defence by year's end.

A well crafted statement from the Pres. imo, and exactly the sort of communication that we, the loyal MFC supporters, deserve. It was music to my ears, and another signal to the wider football community that we are becoming a club that will once again 'stand for something'. Bring it on!

I hate the way this issue is tainting the integrity of our great game. I wish it would just 'go away', as much as I wish the whole tanking bull sh!t would go away ........ but of course I know it can't.

Yeah Old mate, we know all about being 'slapped down' don't we? ......... but Hell, it's 1 February and we deserve to feel good about ourselves and the prospects of our team. We have earned the right! ps. I love your growing confidence. Pragmatic but positive baby steps at this stage is fine!

I have a sickening feeling at the bottom of my stomach. Lets hope the attention is mostly precautionary ... you can't be too careful.

I do the same Boss ..... I was never any good on the left! And in relation to your first para, you should have a chat to Old Dee!