Deeoldfart

I still reckon there was some talent Haydn in there somewhere.

I strongly agree D_J, and I'd add that some of Max's tapwork to our mids on the move was brilliant. Just as predictability is important with our kick-ins (as discussed above), unpredictability (to the opposition) is important around stoppages, so long as Max and the clearance players are 'on the same page'. While Max fumbled a bit around the ground vs the Dogs, I thought his ruck work was outstanding.

I thought along similar lines LH, and also wondered whether crowd noise vs the Crows may have blocked out some of Rick's calls from the backline.

Difficult in such a disciplined, even team performance. I settled on: 6. Oliver 5. Harmes 4. Gawn 3. Petracca 2. Lever 1. Brayshaw Unlucky: Rivers, May, TMac, Spargo, and ANB, among others.

I'm just 'over the moon' stoked. That win was for all of us!!!

Outstanding article ...... fantastic insights into the new ‘Melbourne Way’. If this attitude is permanently ingrained into the psyche of every player who pulls on a red an blue, and reflected in all decisions made within our Football Department, we are in a good place indeed. Go Dees!

Last weekend we played far and away our worst football for the year, had one of our key playmakers missing, and we were crucified by a couple of late umpiring blunders ............ and yet we still only lost by a point to a team that played ‘out of its skin’. If we return to playing ‘the Melbourne way’ with everybody playing their role, we can defy the odds and win this. Should be a ripping game. Dees by 10 points.

In - The real DEMONS! (fingers crossed). Bring in what we delivered against R'mond, and we win comfortably.

Captain Tom (#32) Medical Sub.

Marty Hore was at training on Tuesday. See the Training Gallery on the MFC Website.

Another great discussion guys. Thanks!

What a competitor he is!! His post match interview sums him up perfectly ........ he hates to lose! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pepXAgylna4

1/2 time. Little to inspire from a Dees perspective.

Sydney dominating possession.

Casey Radio is the best I can get: https://www.caseyradio.com.au/shows/vfl-vflw/

6. Oliver 5. Petracca 4. Langdon 3. Lever 2. Gawn 1. Jackson

Well we are not the first team to be beaten this year by a blatant umpiring error at the death. Now I suppose all we have to look forward to, is a pathetic acknowledgement from the AFL that the maggot got it wrong on this occasion.

When I’ve thought about football this week (which is a fair bit!), I’ve often found myself thinking about the importance of next week’s game vs the Bulldogs. I know very well that getting ahead of oneself in this business is fraught with danger, but I’ve certainly fallen into the trap over the last few days. Anyway, so long as our players don’t fall into the same trap today, I reckon we’ll win by 7+ goals. If they do (which I very much doubt) we’ll stay in touch, and get our act together late in the game to grind out a hard fought but close win. No drama!

Probably on the basis that he offers more than Chandler at the moment, but he obviously knows that he's on notice.

Wow! I LOVE the pressure for spots.

There is no right or wrong answer to the issue raised in the OP, because it will vary from week to week depending on the the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. However, right now we are in a position of strength, having a very 'even' team, with high caliber (star) players across all lines (see the 10 or so mentioned earlier in this thread), as well as an exemplary list of role players who have shown that they can be relied upon to do their job almost every week (eg. Spargo, Hunt, ANB, Hibberd, Jordon, Rivers, Brayshaw, Kozzie, Jackson etc.). If we can maintain this ethos we will continue to be in a very good place, but if a couple of players drop off in this area, the structure / system will break (most of us would agree why Melksham was relegated vs Carlton, notwithstanding that we could always use his exceptional foot skills). Of the 'stars', it's obvious that all of them would be very important in a final, but then, the transition from Tommo to Petty has been seamless, as was Jordon stepping into Viney's role last weekend. The one ingredient that is incredibly difficult to replace is leadership, so I'd argue that the most difficult players to replace in a final would be Gawn and May. Let' hope (pray?) that the footy gods continue to be kind to us, and that this discussion becomes academic.

Repeating myself here, but another fantastic podcast last night. Many thanks to the crew.

I have a hunch he'll be watching from somewhere Chook.

Goody just said on 360 that JV still has some boxes to tick to play against the Crows, but if he misses, he’ll definitely be ready vs the Doggies.

What a wonderful resource we have in Demonland! I've been a Life Member ever since membership categories were introduced, and each season I try to toss in a few extra bucks to say thanks to Andy and the crew, who contribute their time, energy and 'hard-earned' to provide an outstanding service for us long suffering Demons fans. Given that I'm in such a good frame of mind about 9 zip, I hereby pledge to make an additional donation if we make it to 10 zip. ps I hope this post isn't out of line Andy / Mods. If it is, please delete. My donation will be forthcoming regardless.