Deeoldfart

This will be our first hit out against 'real' opposition, and we are fielding a strong team that, from all accounts, have had a strong pre-season. It should be a good indicator of how we are travelling at this early stage. I'll be disappointed if we don't win

That was very disappointing. Wastefulness in the forward half has has been a problem all season. It cost them tonight!

A great way to kick off a weekend of footy for this 'footy starved' Demon fan. Our experience and strong form vs StKilda's youth and enthusiasm .......... except that we also have plenty of youth and enthusiasm! Dees by a fair bit I reckon.

My heart rate went up several notches I on reading that team! My concerns about our growing injury list went down by a similar amount! Really, really looking forward to Saturday evening now. C'mon Dees. 2019 was the aberration!!

I thought Pert was open and forthright. He knows that he and the Board will be held accountable for what is (and isn't) delivered. He also acknowledged the significant challenges ahead. I was left with the impression that our Club will leave 'no stone un-turned to climb the top of the mountain', and I'm heartened by what he had to say. And yes, I know actions speak louder than words ........ and so does Pert, and he said so.

I really liked the bit about the importance of maintaining a positive body language, demeanour when you are totally 'stuffed'. Don't give the opposition an inch .....

I'm really looking forward to this! The insights in relation to Harley and due diligence by the Club (currently on AFL website) are outstanding.

Great win girls. Love Sinead Goldrick's hardness and intensity. Second game ever. Plays like AVB.

Given the considerable criticism about our lack of on-field leadership in 2019, I'm attracted to the concept of having a nominated leader in each part of the ground. I'm comfortable with Gawn and Viney sharing the captaincy, and I think Lever would be an outstanding marshal in our back half, and imo, it would be almost impossible to omit Nev. The forward half is more tricky. T.Mac is the obvious choice, but IIRC he has had a couple of stints in the leadership group but hasn't lasted long in that role. I have no idea if there is an underlying reason for this, but if not, I would go for him. tbh, none of the other regular forwards inspires me greatly as a potential leader. ps. wwsw's post above is the first I've heard of Viney 'campaigning' for votes. If it's true, I don't like it. Unity is imperative!

...... and so they should backpedal!

I'm very happy tonight. Different game but still red and blue! Love the Dees, regardless of gender.

I absolutely love this story, but must admit that MFCSS already has me nervous about Harley's first game in red and blue.

Petty for me. His progress in 2019 was exceptional imo, and I'll back him to continue that trend in 2020. Loads of upside and can play at either end.

A fit and in form Harley would be a massive asset to our team. Subject to the longer term medical prognosis being half sound (50/50), I'd be prepared to offer him a 12 month contract right now, just to ensure that he gets the best professional guidance and treatment throughout his rehab. If he doesn't play a game this year, then so be it. High risk, but very high potential reward.

If the Dees improve as much as the quality of Demonland training reports this pre season, #17 to #1 will be a breeze in 2020. Thanks track watchers!

What planet do you live on?

Close to topic and a great gesture by one of our major sponsors: https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/553989/zurich-to-match-players-donation-to-bushfire-crisis

Great work IT. Thanks, and keep them coming. It's now time for the Club to give us an honest, up-to-date and complete injury update. I'm nervous about May. KK, Brayshaw, Bennell, Jones, Tomlinson, Spargo, et al (??).

I don't need a 'gimmicky' football game to motivate me to contribute to a worthy cause. Thanks to the outstanding work of the NSW RFS, and a decent slice of good fortune, our tiny property in the Snowy Mountains is still intact (albeit surrounded by miles of gut-wrenching desolation). Sadly, there are many thousands who are far less fortunate!

These had commentators pretty excited, and I'll never forget them:

Broady was a much loved team mate and his name is perpetuated through the annual awarding of the Troy Broadbridge Memorial Trophy to the best and fairest player in our VFL team. Made my heart swell with pride when Dees players of the day helped rebuild a school on Phi Phi Island that had been washed away in the tsunami. What a great Club! RIP Broady.

He's the best by a country mile, Loved it when he was 'embeded' at the Dees for a season or two.

The truth about my advancing years really hit me the day that I stopped to smell the roses, but couldn't stoop far enough to get close to a bloom.

A huge thank you to Andy and all others who make Demonland such a wonderful place for us to meet and share our woes, disappointments, hopes, dreams and occasional joys. As an 'interstater', remote from the Melbourne media, I honestly don't know where !'d be without a healthy serve of Demonland to go with my Weet Bix and muesli 365 days a year. Hope Santa was generous with red and blue gifts for everyone, and that 2020 brings something very special, even if we do have to wait until September!

Not as much love for Fritta in this thread as I would have expected. Come the end of 2020, that will change!