Deeoldfart

Thanks 000. Really appreciated!

Thanks for your training reports over the last little while 000. They are both well written and very informative. Given that you have become 'a regular' in this role, I was wondering whether you could provide us with an assessment as to how you have viewed the overall quality of training over the last (say) 4 to 6 weeks. For example, have you seen improvements (or otherwise) in specific areas such as skill execution, intensity, voice / leadership over that period(?); and have there been any significant changes to the focus of the drills over that period? I know I'm asking an awful lot, and I recognise there are a number of variables that can impact on quality (such as the weather, and the individual form of the players, etc), so I'll understand fully if you ignore this post. In short, I guess I'm asking you to put yourself in the shoes of our Match Committee, and tell us whether, iyo, the overall quality of training has recently trended up, down or 'steady as she goes'. Thanks again.

I have no doubt that we will win, and win well, if we can bring our best football to the 'G'. Our win over the Eagles was outstanding, and despite our disappointing form against some of the better sides at our home ground this year, I can see no reason why we can't reproduce our best on Sunday. If we do that, we will go into September well rested and brimming with form and confidence. In those circumstances, it would be a brave pundit to predict our early demise. Just do it boys .......... one step at a time!

Loved how up-beat everybody was. Thanks everyone!

Thanks for showing us that Queanbeyan Dee. Good for a laugh and to read the odd 'humble in defeat' post. Let's rvisit next week if they tumble out of second spot. That could be hilarious, but only if we win, of course.

I didn't watch all of all games on the weekend, but from the 80% I did see, the thought process underpins some of these selections seems awry. Most notably, they seem to lack a sense of the impact that various players had on their respective games / results. But who really cares anyway? What the absence of Melbourne players does demonstrate, is what a fantastic team performance it was to get us the four points. I'm far more proud of that fact, than I would be if we had 3 or 4 players in this gimmicky 'team'. I'm sure that our players and Match Committee would feel the same way.

The word "rigged" in the header.

My three word rating of the opening post. joeboy: complete absolute nonsense.

Brilliant! I wonder how many Demonlander lounge rooms were like that on Sunday evening. I know mine was.

I very much doubt that Hibbo will be an out. If he had any sign of a hammy niggle, there's no way they would have risked sending him back out yesterday. Besides, I'm sure Goody said in his presser that it was cramp, caused by playing his first game for a month in a pretty warm temperature.

Bugger. Ten into six doesn't go! 22 contributors but here's my best effort: 6. Gawn 5. Harmes 4. Melksham 3. Brayshaw 2. Oliver 1. Salem Very special mention for Nev. Couldn't quite fit him in my votes, but he just keeps backing up, week, after week. after .....

That free was a guess at best, and a very bad one at that!

Unashamedly so ........ just like I did at the Western oval in 1987. I live in Canberra where it's bitterly cold tonight, and after making one post on the Post-match thread, I announced that I was going for a walk. When I returned the tears were streaming. I blamed the cold. Mrs Deeoldfart didn't believe me for a minute!

Who cares about choking and head-space and all that crap. Today it was all about what was inside the chest cavities of our 22 warriors that counted the most when it was required. You bloody beauty!!

No late changes to either side Final Interchanges: Melbourne: Spargo, Brayshaw, Weideman, Fritsch WC: Ryan, Sheed, Venables, Cole

One for the oldies among us: "Wishin' and Hopin'" by Dusty Springfield. An interesting fact is that it was released in 1964, but this has pros and cons. Obviously we won our last Flag in '64, but the hit song only reached the Top 10. Interpret that as you will.

Goodwin Recall: 'As emotional as I've been'

There's been loads of advice all week about what the Dees should, and should not do to win these games, but I reckon Whispering Jack hit the nail on the head in his post above, where he said it's got a great deal to do with "self-belief and ability to win against the odds". We unquestionably have the team, the talent and the game to win if we bring that mind-set today. The stakes are high. Now is the time to prove it! I think we will.

That's what it seems like after today's performance for Casey. Seemed disinterested and played without any heart whatsoever. Doubt we would get the Twisties if rival clubs saw that DV8.

This is compelling viewing imo: On The Mark: Neville Jetta Neville is an outstanding young man! We all know him as 'rock' in our defence, but this is more than matched by the snippets we learn about his 'journey', his family and the work he does away from the limelight of the AFL. Extremely well spoken, with a sense of humor that I hadn't seen before. Brilliant!

From what I saw against Sydney (TV only), Spargo seemed to try hard but had minimal impact. Garlett failed to work hard and also had minimal impact. On reflection, while they both had very disappointing games, I guess you must always give the nod to Spargo in those circumstances.

I know what you mean Clint, but spare a thought for me. I'm too old to have one (because it will most likely be what takes me out) ............. and I want the joy another Flag before I'm pushing up daisies.

If Charlie's inclusion in the starting 18 means that he will play on Sunday (as it usually does), then I know even less about football than I thought I did. I really think he has a bright future, but to me, he has looked 'cooked' for the last several games. I hope we don't look back on his inclusion as another costly selection blunder.

Like some others, I have been 'flat' all week. We'll probably know after the first 10 minutes if the players feel the same way, and if they do, it's probably 'goodnight nurse' for 2018. However, if we come out firing, I think we'll go on with it, and come away with a nice win to rekindle our hopes for September action. I hope we can do it ........ No ....... I'm bordering on believing we can do it! Go Dees!

The lady next door had a pair of navy knickers pegged on her line with red clothes pegs. It was blowing a gale and they were hanging by the merest thread, but she fought against all odds, and managed to save them before they were blown into oblivion. I thought to myself "now that's a good omen".