Deeoldfart

Canberra ........that's just about as ex-pat as you can get.

Rekindles joyous memories of 1964. Thanks 'Froggy'.

I'm currently spending a few days in the Victorian high country, and arrived at reception at a motel in Mount Beauty wearing a Dees top and cap. The guy behind the counter immediately commented, and said that we have one of the best young footballers in the AFL, Clayton Oliver. He went on to say that he was a former coach of the Echuca under 14s, and he relayed the following story about Clarrie. It seems that the U14s played two 15 minute halves during the half time break in the seniors, and one very wet Saturday afternoon, the squad was one player short. Clarrie, who was 10 at the time, approached the coach and pleaded that he be allowed to make up numbers in the U14s. The coach eventually agreed on the understanding that Clarrie wear a helmet to reduce the risk of copping a serious head knock while playing against much bigger kids. You guessed it, Clarrie went on to play a 'blinder' on a rain sodden ground and kicked 5 goals in half an hour of football against much older kids. The motel man reckons that he knew there and then that Clarrie had what it takes to become a star in the big time. Dazzledavey36 might be able to add some credence to this story. IIRC he has spent some time in and around Echuca.

Nothing 'creative' from me. I'm just you're average 'Joe in the street', who loves our Club with all his heart, is lucky enough to have witnessed quite a few Flags, and who wants to witness at least one more before the final siren sounds. That's my Monika, and I'm proud of it!

Happy New Year to all Demonlanders! Enjoy Auld Lang Syne with with friends and family tonight, and may we all join together in jubilation to belt out the same tune (with different lyrics) on the last Saturday in September!

I just watched Mitch Hannan's GOTY, and then re-watched it another eight times. That used up three or four minutes! ? ps. the goal still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end, and the elation in the crowd still brings a tear to my eye.

Troy's short life and developing career were celebrated a few months later at our first match of the season, under lights vs Essendon at the MCG. I'll never forget the eerie silence that enveloped the MCG during the pre-match that evening. For many of us, I think it was the first full realisation of what had happened, not just to Broady, but to the many thousand others who lost their lives in the tsunami. The Dees had an easy win, and dedicated the victory to Troy ..... very fitting1 I also remember the great work done by the MFC in building a new school on the Phi Phi Islands in Broady's memory. Many of the players of the day gave up their time to assist with the building project. RIP Broady. Never forgotten.

I've asked for something very special from Santa this year, but I hope he doesn't bring her down the chimney. Thanks Demonland and all it's subscribers. You kept me (mostly) sain during the bad times and you are keeping me (mostly) sain during the good times .......... and that's gotta be a good thing. May all your Christmases be red and blue! Sorry. Too much Christmas cheer! Go DEES!

Our Club is more and more becoming an off-field 'pace setter' for the entire competition. I'm proud of that fact! ................. and on-field is quickly heading in the same direction. Go Dees!

Great pics as usual Six. Thanks! What were Frosty's antics all about in the early 'huddle' pics?

100% Rodney. Neville is not only a great footballer and a great person, but he is an outstanding ambassador for our Club, the game and his people.

I'm sure we will be conservative and give Lever all the time he needs to get back to 100%. Further, I was delighted to hear that he will be going to the States to do the same post operative recovery / strengthening program as Petracca. No doubt luck plays a significant part with these things, but with the right precautions, you can at least reduce the likelihood of further bad luck.

So many highlights, such a talented list, so much to look forward to. Keep 'em coming folks!

I've said it before and I'll repeat it here.......... I love seeing Fritta in the lead group with ANB and TMac. Taking an outstanding debut season to a new level ............ ?

100% ......... and I love this bit too: "Now running shoes off and footy boots on. The whole group have gone into a tight huddle in the middle. Someone has started up a chant and the whole group repeats the chant as one. Different phrases over and over. Finished by chanting I have no fear and jumping up and down on the spot. Incredible sense of commeraderie." Pre- Christmas when training is usually a hard grind with all the repeat running and fitness stuff, but it sounds like the boys are loving every minute of it. Not satisfied with top four, and champing at the bit to take the next step! Brilliant! I'm enjoying your "unexpected" visit to Melbourne as much as you seem to be It's Time. Many thanks for sharing!

Josh Mahoney said January on his Demonland podcast.

If I'm not mistaken, Fritta has been near the front in many of the running drill pics that I've seen this pre season. I don't remember that of him last year, and if he has added that string to his bow, he will be a weapon and a half on the wing.

I know talk is cheap, but imo that was an impressive interview.

Nit picking (sorry), but I think Corey Maynard has played 2 games, one in 2017 and one this year.

...... and Harmes, whose last third of the season was outstanding by any measurement. Unfortunately, key omissions like these make me wonder about the credibility of everything else contained in the article.

On the front foot like we are with most things these days. Love it!

Scheduled for January.

Yeah, me too!!

Seriously good pic of a seriously good back half. Keep 'em on the park and we will be seriously hard to beat!

Thanks guys. Enjoyed it as usual. The highlight for me was Josh saying that Jake Lever will be travelling to the States in January, to undertake the same intensive post knee reco rehab program that Tracc did. I hadn't heard that before.