Deeoldfart

Let's do it Demonlanders: MFC Round for Reach

I'm currently in a remote area of NSW. Watched the game on Fox, had a few too many 'quiet ones' post match to celebrate, and drove 30 odd K's this morning to find 'phone reception, so I could join the Demonland chatter .......... and of course I'm loving it! My two overriding observations on the game: no 'passengers' after 1/4 time; Goody can coach! You bloody ripper!!!!!

6. Jones 5. Vince 4. Oliver 3. Gawn 2. Lewis 1. T.Mac If I could I'd give all my votes to 'Team' because that's where we won it. Too many unlucky players to list them here.

My heart says we'll win, my head says we won't. Hearts are trumps! PS. I'd be more confident if we really had beaten them in 2016 Jack.

Aggressive game style / aggressive at the selection table. I love it! ......... yeah, I know both can go pear-shaped, but I have faith that both will prevail on Saturday arvo.

I love it! 'Horses for courses' (StKilda at Shitihad) team selection, I reckon.

Maybe disappointment (at not being available) is being confused with lack of interest.

I'm absolutely thrilled that Joel is set to debut.

2:00pm deadline for rookie upgrades for round 1, I think. We'll know soon enough

Here it is: Season 2017 is here I love it ......... just wish it was longer

I recall hearing that it's a chant learned from a motivational speaker (from Africa I think) who attended a team bonding pre season camp that our AFLW team had together . I have no idea what it means.

100%

Feeling sorry for Jonesy?? Supporting sponsors' products comes with the territory of being a club captain, I would have thought.

Jimmy gave so much to this Club. It's time to repay him in spades ..... starting in 2017!

I feel sick in the stomach whenever any Demon suffers a serious injury. Wishing Col a speedy and complete recovery.

Thanks D167. Hulett at HB and Hannan at FF ..... very interesting if that's the way they line up on the day.

Like you Unleash, I agree that the article is a good read, in fact I'd rate it as a very good read, and a cut above the what the HS usually serves up. The quoted text only adds to my excitement for 2017, and beyond.

I've seen and heard enough this pre season to be confident that we won't lie down in any game in 2017. That should mean winning more than our share of the tight ones, and refusing 'point blank' to be beaten by the likes of Essendon and Carlton. As we all know, good teams find a way to win, even on their 'off' days, and I have a hunch that we will see that characteristic emerge this year.. My strong gut-feel is that we'll finish 5 or 6 with around 14 wins ......... a perfect launching pad for 2018 and beyond. Besides, I'm sick and tired of waiting!

I totally agree that the level pressure that our mids and forwards bring, will go a long way towards deciding this game. The absence of Vanders and an underdone Kent (in the unlikely event that plays) weaken us in this area. For this reason I'd seriously consider playing Jones across half forward for good portions of the game. To me he has the attributes of game-sense, hardness and goal kicking to make a good fist of it, and I certainly think he could add more value in that role than rotating through a HBF.

Well we'll see about that!!

I became 'welded on' as kid in the 1950s. It was obviously easy back then, but I'm proud to say there's never been hint of wavering in my passion throughout the doldrums that have followed. Oh yeah, "go Scorps" in 2017!

Here's a belated injury update from Misso: Injury update: David Misson The only longer termers (not mentioned) who I can think of are Vanders, JKH and Wags. Not too bad going into Round 1, but match fitness is clearly an issue for a few.

I'm sure many of us on this side of the country will be interested in your observations McQ.

Injury update from the Club 08/03: vandenBerg to miss start of season Is one or two Intra-club runs with Casey sufficient to get some of these guys like Kent sufficiently match hardened to face up against the Saints. Doubtful in my view. We could maybe get away with one only (Garlett?), I reckon .

Join (probably) everyone here in a few hearty renditions of 'The Grand Old Flag'.