jumbo returns

It took 3-4 years to 'build' that backline. I think the forward line is still a couple of years away, but it's looking fresh, enigmatic and unpredictable. It'll happen.

That relentless attack on the ball in a desperate last quarter, with Brown coming at him was amazing....magnificent! He's had an amazing 6 six weeks, but tonight was all guts! Congratulations, Junk Dog.

I like the white strip. Actually, I really don't care, as long as the team plays the toughest footy they can possibly muster against a team that will do anything for a win.

Agree to disagree. When Read played his best footy, he made other players around him stand tall.

Yes, incredibly hard at the ball, but can cost easy goals. Still, like you, I'm a fan and he has the nastiness to really shake a few players. He reminds me of 'Filthy' Phil Read who played several damaging games of footy for the Club. Opposing players were very, very wary of this bloke and I think that Joel has forged this reputation for himself now.

Nearly agree - I think Liam Jurrah is an absolute freak and will become extraordinary.

A couple of ordinary decisions by the umps who seemed blind sided all day. Crowley and Pavlich's magnificent diving efforts - revisit the game and have a look at all that acting! The crowd unnerved the young fellas somewhat. Clumsy tackling (falling onto the back of diving, fainting footballers)

Sam is a very endearing young man with a great disposition. He is friendly, has a terrific laugh and his mates love him. Everything came too quickly to the 'Bleaser' and after that broken leg, he lost his way. He was depressed and started doubting himself and his ability. I would like to congratulate the club for their support of Sam. It would have been very, very, tough watching his close mates Gysberts and Watts play senior footy whilst he nursed that injured bone. Good luck, Sam, go for it!

Loved Shane Woewodin's game against the Cats that put us fourth? I think? Amazing ball magnet and I think he kicked some goals too. Lining up for a queue ticket after the prelim win against North with other supporters. Arriving at the 'G Monday morning at 4am to the smell of coffee, eggs and bacon to queue up for my tickets. Getting caught on Channel 7 camera (pulled a sickie) as they filmed down the line.... Great year.

He sounds (potentially) an excellent addition, but will he still be available once the Gold Coast have all their picks?

Why is Spencer left in? He costs games - if Newton did okay in the ruck at Casey, why not? At least he can kick and mark the bloody thing!! Worst case scenario, it'll be up to the 4 in the middle to shark Ryder's perceived advantage...

I'm not sure the Jake Spencer experiment worked. He is shocking. Nothing's changed with this bloke, just the date.

I haven't seen much at Casey, but the times I have, Spencer has been found wanting...will he make it?

Hey HT, I suppose I was expecting more brilliance, more resilience, less mistakes. Suffice to say, it seems that the older, more experienced players continue to make mistakes and drag the youngsters down with them. I dunno, more...more...mongrel. Hard to explain the intangible.

Excellent post. I agree - some one on one stuff. Firstly, for the education of running around with those who go hard and secondly, the accountability...

Yep - and got rolled too! I read somewhere that some punter took 18-1 about us getting the wooden spoon. The odds were trimmed to 15-1. I suppose I should have said that all the footyologists feel that we're underperforming and the draw doesn't look good.

Doesn't sound like a bad idea - he's a booming kick and a good runner. But, I don't see it happening this year. This is something that will need to be worked on during the pre season.

Another typical Demonland post full of merriment and wit. Can't supply a comment without a smirk of self indulgent repartee. Sir / Madam, I will applaud thee to the ends of time.

Currently 15-1 to retain the wooden spoon. This is not how I expected 2010 to unfold.

The effort against the Cats was, I thought, meek. (I've moved on from the Crows) What do you expect against one of the flag favourites? A team that we could conceivably wrest the Cup from down the track. Obviously a better effort is one thing, but let's see how long the guys can stay with the Saints. If we try the corridor, we'll get slaughtered - Saints are the most disciplined zone team in the comp. Time for every player to man up and occasionally kick to a contest. Time for someone to step up and support Maloney. Time for a forward to become damaging. Time for older players to block and take some heat off Scully and Trengove. What are you hoping to see?

Agreed - so they should.

.....what is he? 60k dripping wet? NOT ONCE did he shirk the issue. It's a shame the team didn't play with the same intensity on Sunday.

What a beauty! Did he kick the goal?

Damn! I love this player - a hard nut and a great runner

Your questioning relates to some cryptic prior knowledge that inevitably creates an air of uncertainty. You knew the full intention of your reply - explain yourself to generate debate and discussion.