Deeoldfart

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'.

Agree, but still a real bugger. Having had just one JLT, he needs match practice after a season out of the game,

I'd also play cautious with Jack Viney if there is any sign tenderness in his (previously) broken hand. We know exactly what we will get from Jack, and there's no point taking even the slightest risk with such an important player when there are no premiership points up for grabs.

He does look a bit like Dicko, but thank goodness he doesn't share the same kicking style.

I stopped, and carefully considered the rankings (trying my best to eliminate my MFC bias). My conclusion is that the Champion Data conclusions are a load of tripe. Without doing a head count, I reckon that no more than 50% of our boys are rated where I would have them.

The thought crossed my mind when watching our womens' team, that the guernsey looked pretty good (I assumed at the time that it had been designed as a point of difference between our M and W outfits, and I didn't quite understand the rationale for that), but it's certainly the best clash guernsey option that I can remember. Well done PJ (and others) for listening to members and supporters, and fighting the good fight.

Absolutely bloody fantastic news. The role fits him perfectly, and we all know that he's a 'heart and soul' Demon.