Deeoldfart

Thanks Saty. Re the running: was it repeat sprint work or were they just churning out laps?

I was at the SCG that day, and will never forget it. Schwarta, Stinger and Stormboy (Charles), all outstanding, and all had their careers cruelled by injury. Cost us a flag I reckon. After the game Mrs Deeoldfart, myself and our three kids were in a bus full of very forlorn Sydney fans returning to Central Station. Five of us up the back singing the Grand Old Flag with gusto. Fond memories. Please excuse the nostalgia.

Treasured memories viewed through teary eyes. Sincere thanks Demonland!

ANB progressed to become a good role player in 2017, and his work ethic almost ensures that he will go on to become very good as his skills, strength and vision improve with experience and application. If he progresses to that level he will be an integral part of our team for a long time, and another very good 'call' by Jason Taylor.

Fantastic pics Six. Thank you! Geez, some of the boys look in sensational Nick for this stage of the pre-season. Clarrie and Jets as well as other standouts who have been mentioned elsewhere.

What's the golfing equivalent of backing into a pack to take an overhead grab Dee?

From the highlights that we've all seen, this kid looks exciting. If he lives up to that promise, and retains his flowing locks, he'll add to our growing list of cult heroes quicker than you can say 'ginger ninja'. That's got to be a good thing!

Right now I'm comfortably satisfied, primarily because over the last few years I've developed a fair degree of confidence in Jason, Todd and team to make sound calls on draft night. But as always, it's got to be a question of 'wait and see'! This time two years ago I was ambivalent about Clarrie (sight unseen), but I now wear a bit of residual egg on my face .......... and conversely, Col Sylvia was an outstanding pickup in his year, but sadly, we waited too far long for him to have that one decent pre-season.

I love the fact that he has fought back from previous disappointment to be drafted. Work ethic and leaving no stone un-turned is the new Melbourne way!

Fantastic result. I'm now fully over the malaise prompted by our late season crap football, looking forward with anticipation to tomorrow's draft, and genuinely excited about what 2018 might bring on the field. Seriously, strong plaudits to PJ and his team! PS. My current exuberance is only slightly enhanced by a by what I've used as a thirst quencher in the last hour or so.

Impressive interview ...... impressive young man!

Looking forward to reports from anyone who is lucky enough to be attending today. Pre-season training reports are just the remedy to get me back in the swing of things after the doldrums set in in late August. Thanks in anticipation ps. any confirmation (or hopefully) otherwise about Jonesy's calf injury would be appreciated.

Q6. Stephen POwell?

Q6. Max Gawn?

Q11. James Sellar?

At a stretch, Q3 could be James Strauss.

Q2. Rohan Bail (cricket). Could just as easily be Brad Green (lawn bowls)

Not the correct answer I know, but on reading Q4 I immediately thought of Heritier Lumumba.

I'm somewhat surprised by this debate (even on Demonland), but for my part, I'm very comfortable with David Schwarz the footballer (circa 1994), being mentioned in the same breath as Wayne Carey, the footballer. It's just a huge pity we only had a brief glimpse of Schwarz at his best.

I'll nominate Petracca. I''m confident that he has the tools, but does he have the desire and dedication? Genuine question, but no reason to believe otherwise.

All ex-Melbourne DFAs, have gone to their new 'home' with my very best wishes, but Jack undoubtedly heads that list. I can't think af any other sub -100 game player who is so universally liked. Thanks Jack, for carrying yourself so professionally and proudly as a Demon, through the toughest of times.

Like some others, I went very cool on footy after our gutless 'end of year fade-out'. Unlike previous years, my interest in the finals series was barely lukewarm, and it is only now, with the trade period gone and draft approaching, that my interest has been somewhat rekindled. But I always knew that my support for Melbourne will live as long as I do ....... it's in my DNA. A few days ago I renewed memberships for myself and five other family members. It will be their Christmas gift, and they can 'like it or lump it' but I am very confident that it will be the former.

Smack 'em, and show the football world that we mean business in 2018.

Exactly od. In fact I think he spoke briefly at last year's B&F, and specifically commented along those lines. He was almost apologetic that he had broken his own convention, but had done so because there were a few specific points that he wanted to cover.

I say it at this time every year, and I'll say it again now .......... Demonland is the football 'lifeblood' of every avid Melbourne supporter who lives interstate or overseas. A genuine and huge thanks to the owners of the site, to all those who donate countless hours helping to run it, and to all posters, despite their many flaws and idiiosyncracies.