Damo

Its arguable there has been NO history with 31 for over 40 years. I think JT would fill it out in all its original "Death or Glory" persona from those ancient times, in better fashion. He seems to have that little bit of [censored] in big games that go hand in glove. There is no other number I embrace at Melbourne. Just an age thing i guess. The fear of a jinx with that particular number is my personal superstition.

Ball wants to play on the MCG I believe. Both for the softer surface and for the fact some games are wet(easy on his groin) and he will not be any slower in the mud. I cant see him wanting to play at Docklands for Essendon. He will end up too sore. I reckon thats why he has avoided their Physical Examination, if as reported, he has. He wants Collingwood as no one plays on the G more than them and he may have been promised to be rested one out of three games.(Im guessing). His dismissal of playing with the Demons is puzzling to me, as we have nearly as many games both on the 'G and outside. Which I suppose exposes my theory...

McPhee just will not go in to a pack to get the ball. He is Ok on his own but most Bomber supporters are very happy to see him go. Why then he wants to play under Mark Harvey is a bit baffling.

Ball can hit targets but not anything over 40 metres. He is slow as well. If Tony Shaw had polish and a few might think so, Luke Ball has a tonne of it. His career was shortened similarly to Woewodin's when he was fashioned into more of an inside mid-fielder as opposed to a running mid. Thats just my opinion but Im more cheesed off about what is on offer, than about Luke Ball. Im hoping there will be more chalk than cheese as we get closer to the PSD. Or should I be hoping for Cheese? Must write to Can We help about that one.

I agree. I believe Cam Bruce or Brad Green will play more games next year than Luke Ball. I also think that Cam Bruce would be more valuable any way you want to look at it. Leadership included. I cant believe so many are dishing crap out to these two by wanting a has-been to come in and take over. Many Saints fans I know think he will struggle to play 10 games next year even if Grant Thomas was coach. I hope we dont get him.

I agree. It used to be called urging. Unfortunately I can remember times in the old Bullring when I have been an urger and I have been stupid enough to respond to others urging me on. Funnily enough, the older I get, the fewer times I become vulnerable to this insidious and weak trait. Nevertheless, there for the grace of God, etc.. Vale the old Bull ring. Where was I? Channel 9 producers have been involved in the last 4 weeks with: Sam Newman and his remarks about the "monkey" Hey Hey and their blackface Reinforcing Fev's idea he would be hilarious if he had a couple too many. Channel Nine are skating on thin ice, IMO.

Point being? I understand it was not lack of ability that cruelly cut short a promising career but tragic circumstances that he couldnt put behind him.

Stewie Lowe had a late resurgence learning how to kick goals when Peter Hudson became a specialist coach. It added years to his career. Robbo also learned relatively late in his football life how to "not miss" a set shot. In the end they both became reliable set shots. I also dont think looking to hand the ball off helps as he looks disappointed when this option is covered. Wouldnt help confidence much.

I believe in Jordie McMahon.

Go Milney, Go Sainters, What a lot of [censored] and wind.

You cant trade PSD picks.

I agree, pathetic. He did however succinctly express the views of 90% of the football world.

Dear Two Sheds, I have always admired your Moniker and your avatar of tom Waits. Your posts have been pretty much worth reading(to me) and your input thought provoking. i dont post as much as i used to but am glad, though shocked to read your post. Please battle on and try to keep yourself healthy. Although I know you arent, Dont give up. Keeping a stiff upper lip to family and relatives is difficult. I hope I would have the courage you have shown in writing that post, the most personally confronting i have read on Demonland. Is it possible that you could update now and again? I think you may find a rich vein of support from many on here and I guess a few will have PM'd you as well. Are you in inner Melbourne? Do you have a partner? Please let us know, ThankYou for sharing your battle and thoughts, I really will be thinking of you and hoping for the best. Good luck Damien(franky)

We havent tasted success since we had a gun in 31

Well done Robbo. The friendliest of all, always acted as if you knew your audience personally. If the Demons didnt give much, you always made it worth the trip. Best wishes.

Caro said on the weekend that Gary's speech was equal to the best speech she had heard in football. I thought she qualified it by saying the best she had ever heard Lyon make, but a colleague disagreed. Even if it was(just) the best ever from Lyon, it must have been truely moving. I would expect she will mention it on tonights Classified.

Really good marking players can feel so assured of what they are about, that that they instinctively see what is coming next. This is not 'spending it before you have it"BTW. If you look at any picture of Gary Ablett senior taking a mark you will see he is not looking at the ball as he takes the grab, he is looking at where he will land/what to do next. I am making no comparison with Gary, Im merely pointing it out... Seeing this in JW made my heart leap. Also when he kicks a goal, it does not faze him one iota. This is a good indicator. As opposed to Brad Miller who when he kicks a goal is reminiscent of Michael Palin's stuttering character in a Fish called Wanda. When he drives a steam roller over Kevin Kline who is stuck in concrete at one km/per/hr he says"Got Him!". Poor old Brad is relieved to hit the side of a barn.

No worries 1858 Like your work.

I am not sure it is something to worry about. Peter Daicos when asked this question says he always straightened his shoulders to face the goals, no matter what was coming or what the angle. His highlights prove this, although he is accused of kicking them from "all angles". Although sometimes it is necessary, it is not encouraged. All coaches encourage you to square your shoulders and run in a straight line towards goal.

good post. Totally agree. I watched junior closely yesterday, he is not the player he was. He has had a very good go, and should be given a few weeks off.

I thought Watts looked exhausted by Qtr time. Pretty big build up would be the probable cause.

Brendan Goddard took a little while and he is a "tall" who has really come good.eventually.

A fantastic read. We are lucky to have such great reporting. This is the best thing ive read for a month!

I would like a talented Key Position forward that would fill in for a couple of years, until we are ready to have a red hot dip. If we have a plethora of draft picks at the end of the year, I would like us to to use something (maybe 2 or pick 18)to trade for a proven talent. I believe we will start having a working fast midfield and we need some marking and goal power to bridge the hole that is waiting for Jack watts. He is a fair way off. Any talent comes with problems. If we did have Fev, (who I agree would raise the largest hackles) it would mean we would have to mature enough as a team to ensure we can stick to the right path. I believe we would have more problems with player attitudes,TV schedules and memberships if we just keep picking youngsters. To start the new 2010 year off with a boom KPF would rock our world. We have the picks in the bank, why not ask about the Kosis, Roughys, fev's, Quintons, whom clubs may be ready to deal with as they will get SFA draft picks when Gold Coast raises its head.

The other shoe drops when the story is told about when Nicky did a week or two for spitting on Greg Williams. It wasnt the reason given in the press but by this time Nicky was wearing proudly his skin pointing and had had a pretty good run in the brownlow. It was well before Gavin Wangeneens win and would have made Nicky the first indigenous winner. Greg Williams had always denied (rightly, Im told) that he had any aboriginal heritage, but rumours abounded and the story was that Nicky believed Greg should be black and proud. Hence the spitting charge. There are some interesting stories about Nicky Winmar...