Deeoldfart

Exactly LDvC. Not dissimilar to the media response to our AA full-back having an ale in public view, very shortly after he arrived at the Club. Critically, both Clarry and Maysie totally embraced the culture of the MFC very quickly, and now seem to be leaders in driving standards, both on and off the field.

Undoubtedly it is CD! While I agree 100% with what you've posted, there are a few other ingredients which make the 2021 version of the Demons the stand-out. In particular: 'role players' understanding and playing their role, and in some cases sacrificing their preferred playing position for the good of the team; a selfless 'team-first' attitude by everyone who takes the field; improved leadership, and for the most part, the ability to change things around 'in-game', when things are not be going as as planned; a team that is 'hungry, single minded and driven' to succeed; 'next level' fitness to run other teams off their legs; a spread of talent across all lines; a game plan that is built around hard, contested, team football; seemingly, a TEAM both on and off the field; solid depth across all lines, aided by a comparatively good run with injuries in 2021 (touch wood!). I'm sure there are others, but that'll do for now.

Tattoo for me too ..... I've been threatening it for years. Nothing outlandish, just small and discreet ......... but at my age it will be a HUGE statement!

Dilemma for me. Geelong are ageing; GWS will be under-manned. Conclusion: Prefer GWS, but expect it to be Geelong. Bottom line: We will run either team off their legs in the last (if not earlier). Comfortable progress to the Granny.

The excitement is building .... I can hear it in your voices. Many thanks guys, for another fantastic episode. Thanks also to Terrence for his insights.

Outstanding ‘across the board’ team effort makes voting difficult. Six in the votes, and probably another six unlucky not to be. 6. Clarry (the Coaches’ Champion) Oliver 5. Max (All Australian Captain) Gawn 4. Alex Neal-Bullen 3. Christian (All Australian) Petracca 2. Bailey (All Australian Squad) Fritsch 1. Angus Brayshaw Unlucky: May, Viney, Sparrow, Lever, Langdon, Harmes

Still a way to go Ralph, but should it happen, I’ll be crying ………..BUT they will be tears of Joy!

We are a very, very good football team, built for finals! But you all know the drill, one week at a time! ……

Goody has been saying since Round 1, that our aim is to build a brand of football that stands up to the rigours of finals. Almost every player interviewed since our win over the Cats, has said that the new season starts now. We’ve been single minded on this all year, and the players will be fully primed for this game. We won’t drop the ball now! I’d expect it to be a tough ‘finals type’ game, but I’m confident that we’ll win going away. Dees by 30 to 40 points.

Thanks WJ. Love to reminisce about our Golden Era. Just pondering about which of our current players plays most like the great Ronald Dale back in the day. It's clearly between Tracc and Clarry IMO, but I lean towards Clarry. What do others think?

A fit Gunston is a quality player / team player and seems to be a very good leader. He would be an excellent addition to our list, so long as it doesn't compromise our tight salary cap position, either now or for the 2 or 3 year contract that he would be seeking (presumably we would require some 'performance' clauses in there to safeguard our side of the deal). Clearly our Club is well placed to make a call on all this.

What a great night of individual awards for our beloved Dees ….. but I’m sure they all know full well, that there are bigger fish to fry.

Five AA blazers. So proud of our Club this year, and this is only the beginning.

Outstanding youngster. Well done ‘Dogga’!

Highly deserved for an outstanding season. The most prestigious individual award of all IMO.

Beg to differ LO. Smith frees up Lever to do what he does best. Fingers crossed that with Lever intercepting, the ball doesn't get down to Cameron to do too much damage.

That's how I saw it. Following on from an outstanding win, why would we change the lineup?

Selfless "team' football!

Couldn't agree more bingers. I had the pleasure of working with Hassa for around 6 months in the early 1970's. A gentleman of the highest order, but with the most fierce handshake I've ever experienced.

Outstanding work again guys ......... and special thanks to Dee Zeph for his contribution. Go Dees!

Outstanding humility from Tracc. ....... and if he can shed tears on National TV, then I don't feel at all uncomfortable about blubbering in the privacy of our lounge room.

Well done Clarry! Only a few more weeks of your 'never say die' attitude, and you can give your bashed-up body a well earned rest. More personal accolades to come, no doubt ...... but we all know that's not what you strive for!

6. Clarrie (guts and determination) Oliver 5. Max (lead from the front) Gawn 4. Rick (ever reliable) Lever 3. Christian (calm and collected) Salem 2. Ed (positively tireless) Langdon 1. Kozzie (live wire) Pickett

That was my best football moment since the last home & away game, Western Oval, 1987.

I’ll finish my medicinal cognac now, and hope my voice has returned by the morning.