Deeoldfart

"Menzies was in Canberra, 'Blue Hills' was on the wireless, and Melbourne was on top of the football world. Everything was as it should be. Home and hearth was safe and sound, and the Demons kept winning. Melbourne had made the finals for 11 straight years, played in the Grand Final for eight of those, and it would surely be ever thus." The year, of course, was 1964, and you could probably have bought a whole bunch of bananas for a bob. Sadly for us Demon tragics, it didn't remain forever thus. But as Dylan and PP&M so eloquently put it, "The times they are a changin". I can feel it in my water ... even at 3:00am when I struggle out of bed for a second nightly pee (too much warm cocoa, but I need it to help me sleep). Yes, there is a mood of nervous anticipation around the house. Mrs Oldfart has always been more pragmatic than me, but she can feel it too! The Dees are on the march again. As sure as the sun will rise in the morning, #13 is just over the horizon. Realistic, dreaming or senility?

Just a gut feeling on my part rolly. Kel had several very strong games for Casey 2's iirc, plus he has shown glimpses in Casey ones indicating that he might have what it takes. He is a highly skilled player with a bit of 'x factor', but he needs to develop an AFL body and to build his consistency. 2011 was his first year on our rookie list, and he had the lightest possible pre season. In addition, he suffered very bad home sickness during the year. If he can become comfortable with life in Melbourne, and focus on footy, he might become the crumbing small forward that imo, we really need, especially now that we look like having have a tall forward set-up.

Like OD, I havn't been totally convinced by Evans. He certainly showed us that he can get the ball, but can he use it (?) that's my question. I know a few people at the Club are quite positive however. My tips are Tomy Mac (based on the training reports) with Kel Lawrence as a 'smokey'. We are screaming out for a small crumbing forward with pace and decent tackling skills, and it wouldn't surprise me if he's getting games by the end of 2012.

..................... or insufficient rum in the banana daiquiri perhaps?

I wholeheartedly agree with you old dee. Jack has a wonderful way with words, especially when he's in a nostalgic frame of mind. I thought he might have mentioned the late Bobby Davis though, the third of the 'three wise monkeys'. (can I use that expression in these modern times?)

Enjoy!

Speaking of which, I guess you would have had a celebratory champers last night old dee. Three draftees, apparently none of them bean-poles!

Never mind ..... the quality of the training obviously made up for it. Seems like the boys are working like they've never worked before ....... even on match days for some of them.

I think Redleg is auditioning for it right now.

I'm getting more excited as each day goes by. I'm expecting: #36 - a small crumbing forward / tackling machine with a strong body and scintillating pace who can kick them from anywhere; #52 - a lanky, quick outside mid with exquisite skills on both sides, knows where the goals are and will be ready to go from round 1; and #54: Waylen Manson.

Was just listening, and pondering how good it would be if our bloke became an all time classic like this one. No chance I guess, but the off season is time for dreaming. http://youtu.be/UPrixYOTNHw

Mrs Dof had the banana and passionfruit portion but declined the whipped cream and crushed nuts. She has far more self-control than I do.

Welcome to Demonland Scoop!

Given that the T$ thread has resumed in a slightly different guise, I thought I should mention that I had my first banana split since the end of the footy season last night. Banana (obviously), fresh passionfruit, crushed nuts and lashings of whipped cream. Delicious, but not great for the waist-line I guess. When I told my lovely wife that it reminded me of Demonland, it confirmed in her mind that I've completely lost it. Some people just don't understand!

That's all true Redleg, but I recall very similar sentiments about this year's Trade Week. That unexpectedly captured every Dees supporter's attention late in the piece.

10 and growing is a good number Nasher. I hope they are all Dees. I have three kids .... each of them and their partners are staunch Dees. Four grand-children - they don't have a choice.

Thanks molly. Beanie and bib at this stage.

You have your work cut out there old dee. But as you know, where there's life there's hope .......... you and I are proof of that old mate.

Family and the MFC are tops with me old dee. Number four grand daughter is only 8 days old ..... time to sign her up I reckon.

Everyone on equal footing. Names mean nothing. Every place in the team must be earned from here on in. Exactly what we need and I love it.

Silly old fool and and silly young tool in that order. I'm very content in the knowledge that neither of them are at my Club.

Just got back from a week in the bush, out of mobile range and definately no computer access (didn't even know who won the Cup until this morning). I can't believe how I missed Demonland and how much reading I have to do to catch up on all things 'Melbourne' and all things T$ No B$. Congrats on passing the 1000 mark Redleg.

Based on his very limited exposure at the top level, Tom appears to be a bright prospect. He seems to have well rounded footy skills (strong for his age, quickish for his size and a solid mark and kick) but the impressive thing for me was the poise and good decision making he showed for a player of his short experience. He certainly didn't look out of place at the top level, or overawed by the occasion of his first couple of games, and this augurs well for the future.

Absolutely! I took that as a given jcb.

We expect nothing less than what the Low Rent Pub Crew were able to achieve with Clark. I presume you are staying at the same digs.