Deeoldfart

JJ had a fantastic debut year, based on a strong pre season, and very solid performances in most games where he took the field. He’s not a ‘flashy’ player, but (I expect) just gets the job done as the coaches ask of him each week. Spazz overtook him in the last 1/4 of the season, but I reckon they both have strong futures at the MFC.

Good summary’Balls’. Vanders had a good career severely curtailed by injury and perhaps, the emergence of a couple of superstars on our list at just the wrong time for him. It would be very hard to find a Dees supporter who is not full of admiration for the way Aaron played the game, and his contribution to our Club over his short career …………….. and there’s very good reason for that!

As other posters have suggested, Trent plays well beyond his youth and experience, and handles the ‘big occasions’ with aplomb ……… Messrs. May and Lever ‘take a bow!’ Seems to have red and blue blood in his veins, and is another whose signature we should be seeking at an early date. Great kid! Great recruiting!

Jake has some elite AFL skills which are clearly highly valued, but to an extent, these are offset by flaws in his game which don’t reflect our demanding game style. He must be well aware of the adjustments that he needs to make to regain a regular spot in our best 22, and the ball is squarely in his court. He’ll be pushing uphill against an array of younger talent, but I’d love to see him earn it! If he does, he will make us an even better team!

Nev was an outstanding player and role model for us, with a huge work ethic, and moral / ethical standards to match. I want him back at the Dees one day, when the timing works for him and our Club.

Bowser seemed to come from nowhere as a short term ‘fill in’ when Hunty was injured, but form made it impossible to drop him a few weeks later (and that’s no mean feat, because Jayden’s form had been very solid before injury). He’s just a very ‘complete’ footballer, and when he develops a man’s body over the next couple of pre seasons, the future looks extremely bright ……. a 200 gamer you’d expect. Another Jason Taylor ‘special’.

In the end, an untimely ACL injury may have cost Marty a place on our List for next year I agree with Max, all 45 players played an important part in our success in 2021. Thanks Marty for your contribution, and I hope you get a gig as a DFA at another club, and can make the most of that opportunity.. Footy is such a ruthless industry!

Lingers runs a half marathon in every game, and still has the capacity to sprint 'on demand' to support team mates, provide an outlet or gain meters for the team. As stated by @Hopeful Dee above, his goal in the GF exemplified his outstanding work rate throughout 2021 Fantastic season, and a very important 'cog in the wheel'.

I hope #22 will be reserved for Wowey's son.

https://www.womens.afl/video/74342/why-purcell-left-the-cats-hungry-dees-eye-off-silverware

Poor Bailey didn't get a chance to press his claims, with injury and the shortened VFL season curtailing his opportunities. Jason Taylor speaks of him in the same vein that he speaks of Bowser, so maybe another ripper kid in the offing.

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It is a great credit to Hibbo that he even got back to play at the top level in 2021. Notwithstanding that he is probably in the twilight of his career, a position in the best defence in the competition is still his to lose, and I don't see him giving it up meekly. Well done on a great achievement!

......... and don't forget Jonesy and Jetts, who both stayed the course during the tough times, but also suffered the disappointment of not having a Premiership Medal to show for their sacrifices.

We have used so many superlatives in the season reviews for players #1 to #12, I wondered if there would be any left for #13 (😄). To me, a post match interview late in the H&A season (can’t remember exactly which match) says it all ……. after another ‘off the charts’ performance, he responded to the interviewer’s question by stating: “I just hate losing”. He gets battered from pillar to post every game (often unfairly), but he just bounces back up like the true champion he is, and goes about dominating games of football. Say no more!

2021 Max is widely touted as the best captain, and one of the best and most influential players in the AFL. Nothing else needs to be said really! He sets the example both on the track and in games, wins games off his own boot, bleeds red and blue and is an outstanding spokesman and ambassador for our OUR club. Superb season, and just keeps on raising the bar!

As my avatar suggests, I’ve been around for a long while. During my time on earth, I’ve been very fortunate to enjoy the very best of our ‘golden era’, and (I guess), less fortunate in a ‘football sense’, to endure the post 1964 ‘doldrums’. Over the years, I’ve said to many friends and acquaintances (most of whom don’t really understand my passion for the Dees), that all I want to see before ‘the inevitable’, is another Melbourne Premiership. Since our glorious 2021 win, several of those friends and acquaintances have reminded me of my idle comment. They know, but don’t understand, that when my number is up, I will die a happy man.

I really feel sorry for players like Toby, who didn’t have a lot of ‘form based’ opportunity to press their claims for senior selection, because of the shambolic VFL season. I don’t know much about Toby, other than he is said to have pace and a strong work ethic, and (I think) good endurance. Obviously, those ‘in the know’ at our footy club see a future for him, and I wouldn’t question their judgement for a minute. It will be fascinating to watch his progress, and if there is a position in our team that he can ‘make his own’.

Gus is another player who sacrificed his preferred playing position for the good of the team, and he was rewarded with a Premiership Medal. He had an excellent year as a key member of the inaugural ‘wingers club’, but often went without the external plaudits he deserved. I doubt he gave a (expletive) about that! Playing his role for the team is his mantra, and he did it to a tee!

Charlie was the consummate role player in 2021. I reckon he did everything that the coaches asked of him, in a very difficult position to play, and performed most admirably. Well done on a great team contribution Charlie!

Rick is, without question, the most reliable rebounding defender in the game, and consistently in our best 6 or 7 players, which is outstanding for a defender in this day and age! As mentioned by others, his leadership is a standout quality, and (along with Maysie), I reckon he played a huge part in developing and seamlessly knitting inexperienced players like Harry Petty, Bowser and Riv into the best defensive system / unit in the game. His croaky voice in some post game interviews, is evidence of his on-field coaching and leadership. It’s hard to speak too highly of his season!

That was a sensational interview. Clearly Burgo will be a huge loss, but I have absolute faith that he will have left Selwyn Griffith with the necessary intel to maintain an elite level AFL program at the MFC.

Just a fantastic clip .... and it says every bit as much about Jason Taylor. as it does about 'Dogga'!

Jack is another player who changed his role for the betterment of the team. It's great credit to him that he was able to go against his natural instinct to 'shoulder all of the load all of the time', and adapt his game to better complement those around him. He now forms part of the most feared mid-field combination in the competition, and was a vital cog in our Premiership.

The mischievous spaniel with the missing front teeth. His development in 2021 was phenomenal. In March / April he was a role player, by September he had become a game changer. We wait in awe for when he grows out of his puppy-hood! Go Dogga!