Deeoldfart

Ditto. Beautifully stated Graz.

Agree with you about Wheater's kick ins, but I'd love for him to be given more time up near the middle, where his booming kicks into the forward line could be even more damaging to the opposition.

I'd love to see Sylvia doing the kick ins. Belly certainly isn't the answer here ... too indecisive, and doesn't have the pin-point disposal needed for this task.

I have written twice to the AFL (the second letter was addressed personally to Demetriou). Didn't even do me the courtesy of acknowledging my correspondence, let alone responding to the concerns I raised about promoting the AFL in the traditionally non-AFL regions. I live in Canberra and last year we had the even more ridiculous situation of both free to air TV and Foxtel broadcasting the Melbourne v Swans game that was played at Manuka Oval! Not confident that it will do any good, but I'd hapilly pin my name to a petition. I'm sure members of the Canberra Demons would do likewise.

He's coming along nicely, but even better is the support he's now starting to receive from those around him.

Even more proud to be a Dees fan this evening!! Play with that level of commitment, intensity and discipline and we'll make a few teams sit up and take notice as this season progresses ... and very importantly, we are getting senior level game time into the likes of Wanna, Chip, Judy, Morts, Warnock, etc.

Kennett has great form. As Premier he 'sold' the State that he presided over and, not content with that, he's now badmouthing the team that started our great game. Shame you low-life, shame!

A tick box for retirees would be handy.

Like some other posters, I definitely don't need another scarf ... I already have nine MFC scarves. I also have a similar number of ties, and now that I'm retired I rarely wear them. What I would like is a small lapel badge, inscribed 'Member 2009' and successive years. I can't wear more than one scarf or tie to the footy, but I can certainly wear lots of badges. I currently have around 40 (including DIP badges) some some of them dating back to the 1960s, and these adorn the scarf which is part of the 'uniform' which I wear to games. I'm also very attracted to Vanlo's idea of saving the Club a few $s in these financially difficult times, but I can imagine the uproar from posters on this site (and Members generally) if that were to occur. What I really love is the idea of the Club gifting a small item to members to pass on to a youngster, as part of a drive to attract juniors to support our great club.

Great post Rocker ... had damp eyes just reading it.

Ha ... ha

Can't help thinking there was a strong Chris Conolly / Kelly O'Donnell influence in the way the Russian took on Sandilands on Sunday.

I really love 'em all but ........... those who I will always defend are those whose names consistently feature in the ''Best" list when the team is travelling poorly. We've had plenty of practice at losing this year, and IMO, those who have made good / solid contributions across the year so far are Paul Wheatley, Brock McLean, Brad Green, Nathan Carroll, Paul Johnson (until injured) and Nathan Jones (before his bad one on Sunday). I'd also give honourable mentions to Cale Morton and Wanna (because they are in their debut seasons and greater consistency will come with maturity and experience at the top level). Then I'd add Neita to positive side of the ledger, simply because I couldn't leave him off. He's in the twilight of a long and distinguished career for the MFC, and he wears his heart on his sleeve every time he runs onto the field. I'm not in the business of bagging Melbourne players, but I'd have to admit to frustration with Col Sylvia, Lynden Dunn, Juice Newton, Daniel Bell and Chris Johnson who, IMO, have not yet delivered on their potential.

Rush and PJ need to share the No.1 ruck responsibility for the remainder of the year to see whether they are up to it. They have played in Whitey's shadow for too long and need more opportunity. The same could have been said about Symmonds and Jolly, who have gone on to prove themselves at other clubs.

Completely agree Graz, and great to read this positive thread about a guy who is all too frequently bagged on this site. Does his job every week and never makes the headlines for the wrong reasons. A great bloke as well. Doesn't know me from a bar of soap, but went out of his way to come over and have a chat when the boys were up here in Canberra for the pre season camp.

Spot on Powelly.

Thanks Nightmare, I'm sure I speak for all the other interstaters in wishing we could have been there too. Must have been sensational! Unfortunatly we couldn't even get TV coverage in Canberra, with both free to air and paid TV showing the Swans / Dogs game. So much for Demetriou trying to promote the game in the regions. Anyway, I listened to every word of commentary via MMM and my PC, and I sang the song just as loud at all of the truely faithful who attended the G. What a win!!

Garland at FF maybe? He did a few nice things as a forward during the pre season, and his recent form with the Zebs has apparently been ok. Newton doesn't deserve a game until he has put in a few decent efforts with Sandy.

Me too!

Agree that the wording could be improved, but why be pedantic? Personally, I know that the Dees will not be premiers in 2008, but this knowledge won't dampen my passion, or subdue by baracking, right through to the final siren in round 22.

Couldn't possibly lose interest, or worse, change teams. The Dees are in my blood!

No need for a 'Bex and a good lie down'. Rhino is spot-on.

Great thread, thanks to all positive thoughts. For my part, I think we need to make the move to Casey Fields, and really capitalise on our presence in this 'growth' area. Conduct junior clinics and undertake regular school visits etc. to garner interest from the kids. Welcome the people to training, and show genuine interest in, and promote ourselves in the local community. In short, develop the area as the 'grass roots' supporter base for the MFC .... something we have never had! Not a 'quick fix' but if it's done well it might just be sustainable.