Deeoldfart

When I wrote my initial reply, I thought to myself 'I bet somone will raise the '88 granny before this thread has run its course'. I wasn't disappointed nutbean. edit: GF year.

I don't know about Billy, but his old man was a lightly framed, fleet-footed winger and as good a kick as you could imagine. Won a Bluey and kicked his share of goals. He would be handy at the Dees right now.

The article probably has some truth to it, but it doesn't for one minute excuse the woeful skills, softness and poor work ethic that we've shown in rounds 1 and 2.

With only one or two exceptions, it's a very predictable first up 22 imo. For me, the real interest lies in where they line up on Saturday, and how various players rise to the Neeld challenge and/or fall away, over the course of the year. Congrats to Mitch, James and Josh on being selected to make their Demon debuts.

Spot on Deemitch. That's exactly my interpretation.

That's a fair assesment H, but I'd probably add 'footy smarts' with another question mark. The question marks hold the key imo. We'll know the answers soon enough.

I think you need to read the book (Ben Cousins: My Life Story) to understand the context of how his addiction evolved in parallel with his football career. I'm not suggesting for one moment that I condone or excuse any of Ben's involvement with drugs, but I think I now have a better understanding of the life of an addict, and how difficult it is to break the cycle, despite the very best of intentions. In Ben's case his personality type made this doubly difficult (everything he ever did, including football and drugs, he did at 100mph). In his mind, drugs were his 'reward' for the maniacal way he trained and played. Edit: typo

I totally agree hardtack. I undoubtedly would have had a much harsher view of Ben's life-style until I read his book (written shortly after his retirement). That was a complete eye-opener for me, and I now have considerable sympathy for the situation he has got himself into. I just see it as a very sad situation for all concerned. Incidentally, Ben would have to be in the very top echelon of players I have seen in 60+ years following football.

Don't get too annoyed stranga. You'll really love it by around 4:30pm next Saturday, I promise you!

Get's the blood coursing through my red and blue veins just as it always has ... but one day I'd love to hear the second verse belting out, just like it did in the 50's and 60s.

I will be watching through teary eyes from Canberra, silently thanking Jimmy for his contribution to the Melbourne Footy Club; thinking of the thousands of kids who now have a better future because of Jimmy; and thinking of his family in these toughest of times.

Many thanks for the link. Incredibly moving. Brilliant work Garry!

Nice first post Lace Out. Welcome.

I said at the end of last season that I thought the jury was still out on Nev's future. Sadly, it has just become much tougher for him.

Like most of us, I have read hundreds of tributes to Jimmy through teary eyes over the last couple of days. I thought this extract from the notice placed in the Herald Sun by the Board of our Club was very moving, and relevant to this thread: "We proudly call ourselves the Jim Stynes Board. To the members of the MFC reading this notice - we will never forget the values of Jim Stynes, and long may they be the values of our Footy Club."

I agree. The biggest hurdle might be the AFL.

Yes. It's is not about doing it for Jimmy, but unhesitatingly following Jimmy's mantra (like always giving that extra 1% or 2% even when you think the tank is empty). It's one of the reasons why Jimmy was such a high achiever, and it's certainly what we need as a footy team. I also think it's exactly what Mark Neeld would have expected from day one.

Beautiful Jack ..... and just when I thought my eyes had finally dried.

Jimmy, you are no longer with us in the flesh, but your spirit will live forever in the heart and soul of the Melbourne Football Club. Rest comfortably big fella. Heartfelt sympathy to Sam and family.

Through my normal lenses, I see us no better than treading water this year, as we take time to adapt to the new game plan and sort out which players have the ability and desire to be part of the future. But hell, I have an old pair of glasses which I put on around this time every year, and somehow the world looks more rosy when I wear them. 8th position with 12 wins for me.

I found this interview with Rudeboy very enlightening. https://theconversation.edu.au/liam-jurrahs-biographer-speaks-on-yuendumus-tragedy-5863

Black Caviar. I dream of the day our footy team can take on the best opposition and still win convincingly, start, after start, after start.

x2

I know exactly how you feel wyl. I generally hate streakers as a matter of principle, but the intruder on that day at least took our attention away from the main game, albeit briefly.

There's also a chance we will sign up a good number at the intra-club at Casey, which I think is on the same day.