Deeoldfart

The inclusion of Spence may mean that the Russian will spend a bit more time up forward. That will give the Saints a bit more to think about, especially if Bennell,Jetta and Flash play forward, as named.

A few of points Redleg 24. They relate generally to the importance of AFL players being of sound character, and not specifically to the young player under discussion. - these days all AFL clubs do comprehensive character checks on players before they are drafted. That suggests to me that they regard having the right 'character' as important, wouldn't you agree? - 'playing football well' is indeed a key part of being a good AFL footballer ....... but so too is having the right disciplines to prepare and train as a professional, to play team football, and to follow team rules, etc. I'm sure we can all recall plenty Melbourne players who could 'play football well' but did not tick some of the other boxes, and consequently failed to realise their potential; - off-field incidents are becoming more and more frowned upon by the AFL and clubs, and rightly so. They can tarnish the image of the game and they can cost sponsorship $s. Important issues as far as the Melbourne Footy Club don't you think? I sincerely hope you do 'give a stuff' about these considerations.

I frequently ask myself 'what has happened to the hours in the day?' Stupid question ....... the answer is simple really! Thanks to Andy and the crew, Demonland has become a great institution for Demon tragics like me.

6. Bate 5. Frawley 4. Dunn 3. Grimes 2. Garland 1. Scully Oh, the sheer agony selecting the best of a pitiful lot!

Reads like a commitment to the Dees to me. He's going nowhere!

Very important signing for the Melbourne Footy Club. Well done 'Rush'. Work rate this season has been nothing short of outstanding.

I can relate to that sentiment only too well 'old dee', but as my three Demon-mad kids keep telling me, they havn't even savoured their first metaphorical 'drink' yet.

Apparently there's already a cartoon doing the rounds ..... Hall's body with Julia' head.

Agree with that 4jacks. Also, it's probably not much more than 12 months ago that some around here were arguing that Chip was a waste of an early draft pick. Certainly, his potential was rarely (if ever) acknowledged in the media, and I suspect many in the wider football community would have known of him more as Spud's nephew than as a young / developing Melbourne player.

I hate saying this 45, but, "fair enough"........ Bring on the footy!

Fair call I guess, but how many outside MFC are 'in the know'? ...... and anyway, in my book, a similar statement could be made about the Russian.

I know I am biased, but I would have Chip in there at #5.

........ and Martin, who has a long, long way to go, but is still well ahead of PJ IMO, based on his relative youth and far greater versatility.

It was interesting listening to ABC radio yesterday afternoon, when Stan Alves and Chris Grant rated teams on a scale of E to A on their season so far, compared to what their expectations had been at the start of the year. A rating of 'C' was the pass mark. Stan rated Melbourne as B+ and Chris rated us B. Not surprisingly, both praised our back-half and midfield, but commented that our forward set-up (primarily meaning Jack Watts) is still a couple of years away. No mention was made of the current forward line absentees, LJ or Ricky Petterd.

That's one of the reasons I see it as a very important game ........ we need to give this psyscological hoodoo a giant kick up the backside. Putting it to rest once and for all will make us mentally stronger in the future, when winning games at AAMI might be crucial to finals, or dare I say it, premiership chances!

Another great read Jack. I remember those days of 1965 only too well. It was the second time in my life that I can honestly say I felt devastated by things to do with football. The first was in September 1958, but strangely, even that didn't hit me as hard as the great Norm Smith's fall from grace at the Melbourne Football Club. Sadly there have been many disappointments since those times ...... but never enough to sully my undying passion for the mighty Demons. I am now more confident about the future prosperity of our team than at any time since the heady days of the late 1950s and early 60s. Absolutely, "the line has been drawn and the times are a changing again".

Thanks graz ... my grey matter is obviously deteriorating faster than I would like. Suffice to say that the injury to Ox snuffed out a brilliant career just as it was getting started. He was destined to be regarded in the same light as Carey and other great CHFs IMO.

If I remember correctly, it was at Lavington Oval in Albury.

Welocome Bhima ... good first post! I don't want to become embroiled in a debate about the pros and cons of pokies, but I would certainly add 'community' to your strong list of positives. Our work with the Breast Cancer Network Australia, the Trachoma initiative and the excellent work we are doing on a range of fronts in and around Casey are just a few examples.

Agree R24. I have to admit to being uncertain until this year, but from what I have seen and heard of his work, both on and off the field, I'm now convinced that he would be my choice when Junior steps aside.

How time flies .... it doesn't seem that long ago that Danny played his few games for the Dees. I like, and agree with the general sentiment expressed in the article, but I don't entirely agree with the list of players mentioned as forming the nucleus from which our team will develop.

Great book, and a well worn and treasured posession of mine. I have lent it to several people who were going through tough times and they all found it inspirational, just like the man himself.

Welcome DeeStarr. Really appreciate info from 'inside'the Club, where appropriate.

That's exactly how I see it.

No need to watch the replay Nasher. You are spot on!