Deeoldfart

Agree. I was particularly impressed with Maric's composure and disposal. Still a schoolboy but I can't remember him fluffing a a kick or handball.

Absolutely spot on.

Great stuff Chook. Reminds me a bit of the Glory Days when our footballers played for the jumper (not their pay packet), and sacrificed everything for the team. We are on the way back!

....... and not thinking of anyone in particular 'bub, ..... but some rarely take off their blinkers.

I hope Junior is in the higher bracket too. I know he's in the twilight of his career and he's just finalised a new one year deal, but he's also won the last two B&Fs.

Totally agree. Why take the risk with one or two games to go when we have been cautious all the way through? Debut round 1 2009.

Exactly rpfc!

Agree .... Chopper seems to tell it as it is, and I really look forward to his reports for that reason. Does anyone know where he will be next year? I read an article a while ago indicating that he is currently tied to both the Dees and Sandy. Obviously that cant continue in '09, and I was wondering if anyone has heard what's happening.

I have a gut feeling that the boys will be inspired by the sensational support at the Debt Demolition dinner ..... and they'll be on a mission to reward supporters and members for the faith shown in them and our great Club. Geelong might be flat, with nothing to gain from thrashing a lowly team .......... and the result may be a lot closer than most people think. Just occasionally, my gut feelings bear fruit. C'mon Dees. Go for the jugular!

Thanks for the clarifications Eastie and DD. I hope we can afford to carry a full list of rookies in '09, given that all MFC departments are likely to have to share the pain of any cost cutting initiatives.

I reckon we might also want to hang on to Jake Spencer, probably for a second rookie year. It seems that they are very happy with his development to date, quality rucks are hard to come by, and, as we know, talls can take longer to develop.

No way, not even for free! We are building a new culture at MFC. History suggests that Didak thumbs his nose at authority / team rules, and is incapable of learning by his mistakes. Imagine the message his recruitment would send to our youngsters!

The following statements by Footy Operations Manager Ross Monaghan (from MFC website) adds to the very positive view many of us are forming about of our playing list for 2009 and beyond. The progress of rookie Spencer is particularly encouraging (maybe we won't need the other Warnock). "...................... In the Sandringham reserves, 2007 first-round draftee Jack Grimes starred and now looks set to make his senior debut with the Zebras this weekend against Geelong at Trevor Barker Oval. "We would think Jack would step up and play with the Sandringham seniors this week, after he had a terrific game with the Sandy twos," Monaghan said. Kyle Cheney also impressed in the Sandringham seconds upon his return. "Kyle had a really good game. That was his first game back after a broken hand. He had a terrific first half, although he ran out of gas in the second half, but he certainly showed some really good signs on the weekend," Monaghan said. Monaghan also made special mention of rookie ruckman Jake Spencer. "Jake's a really developing ruckman and he unfortunately got squeezed back to the Sandy twos, but he was terrific in the ruck," Monaghan said. "He kicked one outstanding goal … we showed that to the rest of the playing group today, so he was pretty popular for that." Monaghan said Spencer's progression had been significant this season. "He was very raw at the start of the year, but he's a got a great character and we're really pleased to have him and he keeps improving every week," Monaghan said. "He's a terrific kid and really competitive and that's what you want and he's big, so he's coming on in leaps and bounds."

Yep. Now for the rest of the orchestra!

Well spoken H.

I'll go along with that. Similar build, hair colour, playing position and (as far as I can remember) kicking style.

That's the way I see it too.

I'm not entering into any debate about who should / should not be traded, delisted etc. (people at the Club are in a far better position to make those judgements, and I'll back whatever they decide in terms of player personnel). But I do like D t's comparison between Doggie and PJ. It hadn't occurred to me before this, but I reckon it's spot on.

Spot on H!

60. All of the above plus premierships in the 55, 56 (only vaguely remember them), 57, 59, 60 and 64. Former Melbourne boy but have lived in Canberra since 1970. It's been a long time between drinks, but I think the tide is just starting to turn. It will be a little while yet, but hang in there Demons fans .......... I can feel an era coming on!

Probably agree Frankie, but we are all aware that the big guys take longer to mature / develop. I'd be looking at a 3 year minimum of NikNat or Watts to 'ripen', but the longer-term rewards may be greater. How good / valuable will all of them be at their peak? ....... that's the key question. Geez I'm glad it won't be my decision!

For goodness sake, hang on to Wheats. He's having a great season (top 5 in Bluey if count was now IMO). Seems to me that he's thriving under Bails, and we need some experience while our young list is developing.

Spot on Melbman. Exactly as it should be.

Me too DA!! I actually responded to the Club in a pretty positive light, and indicated that I hoped this would be the forerunner of regular and timely communications to the grassroots membership on the whole range of issues that interest us. I was delighted to receive a prompt reply, thanking me for my contribution, and indicating that my note had been referred to the Board. Wouldn't it be fantastic if the Club actually started to listen to our views, and to take them seriously? Maybe they will!! Go Dees.

Definitely no thanks! Can't see that he would add any value.