Deeoldfart

I have a personal 'rule' never to bet on the Dees, so for me it's just incredibly exciting to see how well we are placed on all of the charts at this point in time. At last we are widely (and justifiably) recognized and no longer anonymous! I know a hell of a lot can happen between now and then, but if things go our way ......... who knows?

In roughly the following order: sit at the 'G' unashamedly bawling my eyes out until the stadium management kick me out; have my first 'night on the town' for more than 50 years; attend the Sunday celebrations at Gosh's, to share the joy with countless exuberant and inebriated Demons fans; dilute my finest single malt with tears of joy for the next week, when the reality of what we have achieved might finally sink in.

Yeah, I can see your point of view Adam. However, I don't really view it as being about Jonesy's ego, but more about recognising his stalwart leadership over an arduous journey for our Club. If for some reason that's not in the best interests of the Club as a whole, then the sure, scenario obviously changes. I agree 100% with your second sentence, and I have no doubt that both Jones and Lewis would do exactly that.

I like the current structure with two joint captains and joint VCs. We only moved to this smaller group earlier this year, and it would be silly to change it now imo. I'd love to see Max as joint captain with Jack, but I think it's unlikely to happen for 2019. It might be seen as too disruptive, and unfair on Jonesy who led us well through the 'dark times' when we had no other 'real' leaders. He has earned another year, I reckon. I think Lever will probably be promoted for 2020, when I'd expect Lewis to step down. A definite 'no' on May from me. He needs to earn his stripes at Melbourne before being considered.

FWIW, John Ralph on tonight's "Trade Lowdown" (Fox) said that the parties involved in the mega deal involving Neale, Hogan and others, were still locked away in discussions at 7:00pm. He seemed fairly confident that the deals to get done.

Thanks PD. Based purely on my own judgement, I would not have been keen on chasing May. However, over recent years our recruiters have had considerable success in making the right calls at this time of the year, and only a fool would ignore that. They are paid professionals, and they see and analyse a hell of a lot more than us mere fans. Your post confirms (to me) that it's very easy for us fans to focus on the trees while ignoring the forest.

I'm worried about this increasing trend on Demonland. I literally cringe, and move immediately to the next post, as soon as Dr.D's avatar appears on my screen. ?

This is an all round win. We get the backup for Max which we desperately needed*, North get to bolster their midfield stocks, Dom leaves on good terms with our Club, and he probably gets to play at the top level, in a position where he can have his best impact. If only all trades were like that! And good luck to Dom. He served us very well in a time of need, and he should be proud of his time at Melbourne. Further: who knows what gem Jason Taylor will be able to snag from obscurity with a pick in the 60s; * I think the impact that Braydon Preuss will have will go well beyond being a back-up to Max. I reckon he will surprise quite a few!

Seems around his true worth to me relative to other comparable trades, and his 'dodgy' hammys and shoulders. Good luck to him. He probably needs plenty of that just to get on the park consistently.

Fingers crossed that the colt from old Regret doesn't get away!

Reading this thread over the last few days has totally done my head in ....... and now this!. Bugger me! I wonder if we'll never know the the story behind the story. Doubtful I guess. I just hope and pray that it doesn't have any adverse implications for our Club.

I'm sitting here trying to sort out some very complex tax stuff by the deadline that ATO have put on me, as well as keeping a close eye on the trade moves affecting our Club. I'm not sure which is the more frustrating (or important for that matter!).

.......... or the prognosis on Jesse's narvicular. (MFCSS?).

Exactly ..... and imo he hasn't 'regressed' at all, but has been 'overtaken' as an inside mid by Viney, Oliver, Brayshaw and Harmes, who are among the best in the business.

Thanks Chook, greatly appreciated as usual! I'm not sure I understand the "salary relief" bit. Surely, if Freo have offered Jesse big bucks on a long contract, we wouldn't contemplate paying any of his salary, even for one year (as we apparently did for Jack Watts). What am I missing?

In the post-match commentory on ABC radio, they said he had separated himself from others in the rooms, and was "crying his eyes out".

I have some (heresay) reservations about May, but I do like that he would add some surety, and an element of hardness to our defence. However, that amount of coin and duration do seem a bit 'Rance like' to me. I thought it was most likely his manager 'flying a kite' but I'd be the first to acknowledge that I know absolutely zilch about these things. The principles of supply and demand for ready made key defenders would surely come into it, and there aren't too many of them around.

Jake Lever (AFL Tonight) seemed extremely enthusiastic about the prospect of playing alongside May. Almost as if he knows something that we don't.

I greatly admire Pedo for the way he combined his role as a 'fringe player' on our list, with being a 'heart and soul' clubman, whether in the seniors or at Casey, and both on and off the field. Always gave his all, and you can't ask more than that! If he does the same in the next phase of his life, he'll do well.

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!

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

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!

It's been such a long time! I'm overcome with joy and lost for words right now. Please share a few of these with your nearest Demons fan: ❤️?❤️?❤️?