Deeoldfart

I'm almost always bullish pre-match, which is a pretty good feat over the last decade. Unfortunately, this morning I can smell a bear.

In his presser this morning, Goody indicated that Gus will play back (presumably BP or HBF) for Casey this weekend. I like that approach. The more 'straight ahead' role, as opposed to being 'in the thick of the action', will hopefully assist in building his confidence and form on the road back to being the Gus most us see as a lock in our best 22 when he is right.

Sing this song to my wife of almost 50 years for Mothers Day: (I Believe in Miracles)

Each and every one of us here has been variously frustrated, gutted and everything in between, by the performances of our team over the journey (some have had to endure the pain and heartache much longer than others) but as true supporters, we know that the Melbourne Football Club is in our blood, rain, hail or shine, The author of this letter is not and was never a true supporter ....... but he / she is most definitely an attention seeker of the highest order. Bit sad really!

Yep. Ease him back into his work at Casey, let him build his confidence and fitness, and (barring injury - heaven forbid) it won't be too long before he's bashing the door down for a senior recall. Fit and firing he's a lock best 22.

Not sure anyone is saying we couldn't use him Stretcher, or that he wouldn't be in our best 22. It's more about our team priorities right now, and whether he meets those needs. Personally, I'd prefer that we use up valuable list space and dollars on a player who is more likely to take us to the next level, such as a classy outside mid.or a goalkicking forward/ruck.

Certainly gentler, funnier time to be a supporter RtG. One of Lou's quips stick in my mind to this day. Footscray were playing another team (not the Dees) and went in as heavy underdogs (no pun intended). In Louie's column on Saturday morning, he made the bold statement that if the Bullies beat whoever it was, he'd cut the late Teddy Whitton's front lawn with a pair of nail scissors. Of course the Bullies got up, and on the following Monday morning, there was Lou's photo on the front page of the Sun, on hands and knees, and trimming Teddy's grass with nail clippers. Of course he was surrounded by a mob of very happy Scray supporters, keeping him honest.

A football icon, both on and off the field. His weekly columns in 'The Sun' brought football to the multitude of Victorians who couldn't get to games, or chose not to stand on a pile of VB and Fosters cans amongst the opposition hoards at venues like the Western Oval, Windy Hill, Victoria Park and Glenferrie Oval. RIP Louie.

Some of Plappy's post-match comments following the Casey game on the weekend: "Despite two indiscretions (reported twice in separate incidents), Melksham was one of Casey’s best, playing on ball to gather 30 disposals and provide first possession for his side all day. He covered the ground well with run and carry, while pushing forward to chip in with a goal. “I thought he was brilliant,” senior coach Justin Plapp told melbournefc.com.au. “He played the way we needed him to. We give him a role and he stuck to that really well.” ...................................................................................................................................... “We lost three players going into half time … which threw our rotations out a bit,” Plapp said. But Casey's inability to finish its work in tight situations let them down late in the game. ........................................................................................................................................... The ruck battle with North Melbourne’s 206-cm Braydon Preuss was a challenging one. Mitch King worked hard with the help of Declan Keilty to minimise the big man’s impact, but Preuss’ aerial presence was crucial late in the game. James Harmes showed plenty of grunt early in the match with nine first-quarter disposals before copping a head knock. “Something has happened to his eye. He’s been taken to hospital,” Plapp said. Billy Stretch was clean on the outside in his first game at VFL level this season. He had 25 disposals, showing his usual class and composure with ball in hand. Ben Kennedy continued his strong start to the season with another 26-disposal performance. “He shows a lot of intensity and competitiveness and slotted a goal on the day,” Plapp said. Similarly, Jack Trengove worked his way into the game to be a valuable contributor through the middle with 22 touches. The 18-year-old small forward Dion Johnstone had his best game for the season. He kicked two valuable goals and is beginning to look more comfortable at the level. ................................................ Alex Neal-Bullen was held as emergency for Melbourne at the MCG and didn’t play." Melksham reported in two incidents, Harmes in hospital with eye problem following head knock. No mention at all of several others including Kent, Weid.

I find that Demonland restores some sanity in my household. Lock myself away with the PC and a nice red, and I can generally temper my disappointment, frustration and anger. If that doesn't work, uncorking second bottle of shiraz certainly does.

6. Viney: looks like a leader to me 5. Frost: going from strength to strength, and becoming a 'springboard' in the back half 4. Oliver: Clarrie did what Clarrie does. 3. Lewis: right place at right time and leadership 2. Hunt: his move forward was inspirational. One to remember for the future! 1. Jones: very strong around the contest, but some (unusual for him) wasteful disposal let him down at times.

Fantastic second half coaching Goody. Positional moves at the half, plus a 100% lift in intensity on the field, almost snatched an unlikely victory. Like everyone reading this, I'm absolutely gutted. It seems that four quarters too much to ask.

Great stuff Dees. Another quarter like that please!

This is precisely where we didn't want to be. Show us what you are made of Dees ...... a meritorious win please!

..... but they are not going to go searching inside your pre-warmed designer thermal underwear ....... or are they?

All I want from today is four points ........ and that's exactly what a four quarter effort will deliver.

Never thought I'd be saying this, but like many of us around this place, I'm rapt that Carlton won today. Good Old Collingwood ........NEVER! Eddie will be crying into his Moet tonight.

Absolutely thrilled that we have finally reached this elusive milestone, but we can't (and won't) rest on our laurels. There is another elusive milestone just around the corner!

I expect the Hawks to come out 'all guns blazing', and we'll need to match them from the get-go. If we can do that, then I think we'll wear them down around the contest, and win comfortably in the end. However, anything less than a four quarter effort on our part, could see us in trouble. I don't want to be playing 'catch-up' football at any stage.

Great quote JV7 .... thanks for sharing. A 'four quarter' win over the Hawks and no injuries, will have them brimming with confidence and ready to attack the rest of the season.

If we could have seen Clarry's current season record before round 1, I reckon most of us would have thought that 'Max must be having a great season'. To think that he has achieved what he has on the back of mostly second, third, fourth and even fifth string ruckmen is phenomenal.

As an interstate member, Demonland is my 'football lifeblood'. Long may it flourish .................... and of course it will, with a little support from us avid Demons!

6. Watts 5. Pedersen 4. Oliver 3. Lewis 2. Petracca 1. Frost

I've graduated from 'woe is me' to quietly confident about our prospects as the week has progressed. The team selections (both sides), and a slightly longer break, give us a bit of an edge imo, and I think we can play harder for longer and get over the line ........ but Tracc needs to be 100%. He could be the difference if it goes down to the wire, I reckon.

Ripper interview wit Nev : 100 games: Neville Jetta So self effacing ....... such a team player.