Deeoldfart

Well I'd be more than happy to be seen as a stereotypical Melbourne supporter, but sadly, I can't afford a Range Rover. Instead I drive around the suburbs in my old Pajero, with 300,000+ clicks on the clock, that's held together by hundreds of (mostly 'dog-eared' and faded) MFC stickers. Does this count?

What a fantastic gesture by Tommy and Oscar!

Surely the lighter sessions reflect the heavy workload demands that these guys have carried over the last little while, or perhaps minor niggles, knocks or bruises. MFCSS is a thing of the past, isn't it?

I was around throughout of our 'Golden Era' and before, but 1964 holds the greatest memories of all for me. I was still at school, but I'll try to describe my highlight in a few sentences: The Dees were 4 points up late in the last quarter, when Ray Gabelich, Collingwood captain and a lumbering and uncoordinated ruckman, went on a long run towards goal. The ball was bouncing all over the place, but 'Gabbo' somehow managed to maintain some sort of control, while every Melbourne supporter at the 'G' was praying that he would kick it from a long way out. Despite our prayers, he kept going and dobbed a wobbly punt from close range. Collingwood 2 points up, with bugger-all time left on the clock. A minute or two later, Neil ('Froggy') Crompton, the Melbourne back pocket player, took the ball at half forward for the Dees, and kicked the match winning goal from 30 to 40 yards out. The Melbourne crowd went berserk, and moments later, the siren sounded to give Melbourne the Flag against the arch enemy. I'll never forget that moment! Footnote: In those days, it was unprecedented for a back pocket player to be in the forward half of the ground, and legend has it that our coach, the legendary Norm Smith, reprimanded 'Froggy' after the match, for being out of position. Surely if this did actually happen, it was 'tongue in cheek', but you never know! Interesting, 'Froggy' also represented Victoria in Sheffield Shield cricket. He combined his sporting activities with a full-time job as a school teacher. Gee, how times, and football, have changed in the last 54 years, and my love of the Dees has increased with every passing one of them. Now for the next Flag, while I'm still on earth to watch it please! ps. I must have been confident of a win, because I remember winning six pence on the double, Melbourne seniors and Under 19s both winning the Premiership. Very relieved when we won, because I didn't have a penny to my name, let alone sixpence!

Well done to the Casey boys for making it to the GF, to the AFL boys for showing true 'espirit de corps' in getting to the game to watch and support, and to our ever-reliable posters for keeping the rest of us up to date with scores as the game progressed. Outstanding weekend for the Dees.

Jeez, you are a better man than me H_T! Here it 10 hours post match, and I still haven't calmed down.

6. Viney 5. Oliver 4. Hibberd 3. T. McDonald 2. Gawn 1. Harmes

We have become a serious football team. We can win classy, we can win ugly. We can meet a challenge head on, wrest control and go away with it. We have a steely self-belief that will never be denied! I love you Demons!

Have a wonderful, wonderful night fellow Demonlanders. I look forward to reveling in the post-match joy on here in a few hours time. Go Dees!

With Stratton and now O'Meara out, the ducks seem to be lineing up for us to shoot them down. But recent history shows that that's when we are at our most vulnerable, and Clarkson is a canny coach. Another day of reckoning for our team. I think we will get over the line, but geez, I'm as nervous as all hell. Go Dees!

Just announced on AFL360 that Steven May told GCSuns today, that he wants to be traded to a Melbourne based Club.

I'd expect nothing less from a premiership team-mate Barrie.

Another enjoyable podcast guys. Thanks! Loved interview with "Jack Sparrow" (apparently his emerging nickname around the Club). Mature well beyond his years.

"Jetta and the Hard stuff" Neville is made of 'hard stuff' for the 'hard stuff'.

It takes all types, I suppose! I just cheered myself hoarse at the time, and sat back and marvelled each time I've watched a replay!

Outstanding attitude. Great Club-man!

Jordan Lewis on 360 gave a 100% guarantee that Hibbo will play.

Great stuff DD36. Any 'feel' on the vibe / enthusiasm, camaraderie shown this morning? Are they still up and about like recent weeks?

Especially if Hibbo has more than a bit of soreness.

"Friday on My Mind" The Easybeats This one will be true for me, all week! The Easybeats - Friday On My Mind - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBJLoYd8xak

Words can't do justice to what PJ has done for the Melbourne Football Club. He deserves formal recognition. Life Membership would be appropriate.

Frame it with poo, and hang it over your bed head.

A Cup as the centrepiece would be a good starting point!

I finally got bed at 12:30am and slept soundly for no more than a couple of hours. I then woke up and replayed highlights from the match over, and over, and over in my head. At one point I was thinking about the reaction of the Melbourne crowd to our victory, and realised that I had tears streaming down my face. It was 4:00am for God's sake. That's what this footy club means to this silly old fart, and I suspect a great many of you folks. Thanks for enduring my nonsense.

Just another Jason Taylor / Todd Viney rippa!