Deeoldfart

C'mon old dee. You obviously need something to lift your spirits. How about: Jamie Bennell is one year closer to delivering on his undoubted potential .

Don't do that! I need something to support between October and February.

Only two posts on this thread today, and 25 and climbing on the other one, so I thought I should do my bit to revive our flagging spirits with this little gem that I heard the other day: It seems that a new disease has been diagnosed in the US called 'Electile Dysfunction'. It's symtoms are the inability to become aroused over any of the potential Presidential candidates (Democrat or Republicans) for next year's election. A bit like the Dees 2011 season in a way ..... not a whole lot to get aroused about.

Ditto, but I will follow the off-season developments with great interest. If we can get the critical decisions right, we could be back on track as early as 2012.

I still believe in Santa Clause, you should too!

Just me, I think!

Senility old dee? I think it starts to set in at our age.

Couldn't agree more Redleg! I'm now really looking forward to the off-season, and those critical decisions which will probably determine whether our so-called 'window' opens any time soon. It's the first time I have ever longed for the season to end, and there have been some bloody dismal years in my 60+ years following our Club. I was chatting along these lines to my 35 year old son the other day (a more devoted Dee would be hard to find), and he reminded me that I had at least experienced the euphoria of winning some Flags, albeit a very long tome ago. It made me stop and think. Maybe I'm one of the lucky ones!

Yep. It's a simple game really. Why do we complicate it so much these days?

I'm in the middle of reading "Mongrel Punts and Hard Ball Gets ... an A to Z of footy speak". It's a light and often humerous read. It contains a short section on 'Dyerisms'. The late ex-Tiger, Jack (Captain Blood) Dyer had a special way words. As someone I remember fondly from his days on World of Sport, the following quotes had me pizzing myself with laughter when I read them last night. They might also bring a smile to your face, especially if you have been around long enough to remember Jack. If not, they will at least be a change from banana smoothies. "Things aren't the same now there are five teams in the four." I won't say anything in case I say something." "An Essendon supporter is a Collingwood supporter who can read and write." "The only way to tackle Justin Madden. I don't know." "He was tuckled strongly by Tack." "Mark Lees long arms reaching up like giant testacles." (presumably meant to say tentacles) "I want you to pair off in threes." "That's the beauty of being small .... your hands are close to your feet."

Don't we all ....... and we will on Sunday for starters! I know that the patience of us old buggers has been sorely tested over the decades since '64, but I really think both of us will again taste the sweetness of ultimate success. Far from giving up on the work Baily did on our list, I'm convinced we have most of the ingredients in place. In 12 months time I think we will look back on season 2011, and in particular the Geelong loss, as the debacles we had to have. They will be the catalyst for some fundamental changes both on and off the field at our footy Club. These changes will be critical to our future success. It really sh*ts me that it had to happen this way, but the important thing is that it happened now, rather than the 'problems' (whatever they might be), festering away for the next two years when they would have undermined our chances of grasping the holy grail. Hang in there old dee. Right now the glass might seem less than half full, but looks can be deceptive ...... it will be brimming over with sweet nectar before you and I are done!

Geez old mate, things can't be that desperate. Take a leaf out of Redleg's book and cling to the few glimmers of hope that remain from this dastardly season. If that doesn't work, have a glass or two of good red, and try again. We can't afford to lose you.

I can't disagree with any of that Redleg, but I do think the way the game has changed in the last couple of years means that he now needs to be more accounable than was in his rookie year. I hope he can live up to our initial expectations.

I totally agree that a bit of tlc might lead to a bit of much needed confidence, but if that's the case he will need to learn to bounce back quickly each time he gets knocked down. As we all know, the caper he has chosen for his career can be pretty brutal. ps. I don't think the fact that Cale has been moved from pillar to post (and never really had a position he could claim as his own) has helped his confidence and apparent fragility.

I'm hoping a new coach might have a positive influence. Hopefully not a forlorn hope.

Without wanting to be unduly controversial on this thread, Cale has been almost as frustrating for many of us supporters as the subject of that other thread (but obviously for entirely different reasons). I hope he plays a blinder on Sunday, and starts to cement a permanent spot in our best 22 for 2012 and beyond. Edit: word duplication.

Thanks for that Old Dee! Just when I thought my football world was at its lowest ebb for years, you go ahead and make it irrefutable. $h*t!

If you can't be nice, please go back to the 'dark side' and stay there.

When the 'real world' is free of di!ck heads, hunger, poverty and war; or when the price of bananas is once again affordable, whichever comes earlier.

And I know that feeling ....... without even contemplating the price of bananas

Why didn't I think of that!?

Recently, pitmaster posted the following comment on the 'you know who' thread (post #1062 for those who are game to venture over there): "It's been some time since I contributed to the (name omitted) speculation so to avoid being attacked for being un-Melbourne I want to add something. I mean, how can I respect myself as a declared Demon if I am not adding to this thread?" I have made a personal pledge not to contribute to 'that' thread until the lad has made his decision, so I couldn't respond over there. However, I think some important questions need to be asked and answered, and this seemed like the logical place to do it (thanks Redleg, for creating this avenue!). Q1. Do I fear being attacked for being un-Melbourne because I choose not to contribute to 'that' thread? A. Slightly (I'm a coward at heart!) .... but I realise I must be strong! I keep telling myself I'm not going to let my timidity sway me from exercising my democratic right to remain 'Melbourne', while choosing not to become embroiled the 'you know who' debate. Q2. Do I feel that I have lost all self-respect as a declared Demon because I'm not adding to 'that' thread? A. No, definitely not! I am my own man, and if I want to remain a declared Demon without sullying (note: there is no 'c' in that word) my self-esteem, then I'm bloody well going to do it, no matter how hard it is! I know this pathetic attitude might put me at risk of breaching the Demonland Code of Conduct, but all I can do is hope that the Mods (MRC?) will take my good record into account in determining my fate. I'm sure I don't have any carry-over points.

Great initiative Redleg! I read the 'you know who' thread, but conscientiously avoid posting because I know full well that I wouldn't be able to match most of the BS that goes on over there.

I have to agree wayne. Vinar was a massive kick, and definitely a few yards longer than our Tas. I too remember the kick that they raved about on WOS, and 91 yards rings a bell.

I agree with you HT, I never saw Danny kick a drop kick. I think Barrie has his full-backs mixed up. Maybe he is thinking of someone from his era, perhaps Tassie Johnson who was the best exponent of the drop kick that I ever saw.