H_T

That is good news. I don't recall the name(s) of the the person(s) in the membership department last year, but they were very helpful and efficient. We received everything, all in readiness prior to the family day.

Yes, I think so too. No spinner has really stepped up yet and put their hand up. Selectors may choose on gut feel for the Ashes with Hauritz to tie up an end, well at least try and tie up one end.,,,

Here's hoping we are never at around $20. Even against Geelong.

It would enhance our chances of being off the "endangered species list", but it would ensure we are far from the "extinction list" for now.

There is that word "competitive" again, Bailey warns us....

Looking forward to the walk on the way to the 'G', among fellow supporters and opposition supporters.......ahhhhh footy!!!

what....joined 3 times azzkika? edit: I'm in, bring it on tipsters...

Thought I'd highlight these quotes. After all this issue needs addressing come season's end. Hopefully Spencer can blossom for the short to medium term. No doubt the footy department tried to address it last draft/trade period. Ie. R.Warnock. Before he bowed to the Carlton Crew.

Number of wins: 4 Average losing margin: 34 points (we'll be "competive for longer") Average winning margin: 15 points B&F top 3: 1. DAVEY 2. SYLVIA 3. McLEAN Leading goal-kicker: BATE (31 goals) All Australian representatives: Nil. Top votes at the Brownlow: Davey Best first year player: Bennell Breakthrough year (first-year players do not count): Sylvia Disappointment of the year: Queens Birthday Biggest area of improvement: Membership Surprise packet of 2009: Sylvia Headline of the year: Grimes wins Rising Star. Best win of the year: against Tigers Worst loss of the year: QB v Collingwood Final membership numbers: 31,565 And just for fun... Number of times Bailey will use the word 'competitive' in 2009: 295 Number of games until Rivers and Moloney both break down with injuries: N/A Number of weeks until Sylvia makes headlines for being a tool again: N/A Number of weeks suspension served by Spencer for whacking someone on debut: N/A - won't happen Number of times Aussie does the 'frog leap' in 2009: None. Will put that all behind him. New culture at the club. I hope Robbo does the same. Number of "when is Jack Watts going to debut?" threads on Demonland: Still calculating.......

Spencer's promotion from the rookie list is an indication that he's made more progress than the coaching staff at Melbourne had hoped for, despite the setback injury to Mark Jamar. His inclusion in the team for Round 1 would see him leap frog 22 year old John Meesen for selection to ruck with Paul Johnson against the North Melbourne Football Club on Sunday. BAILEY CONFRONTS RUCK DILEMMA

Your 2nd and 3rd scenario seem more than likely to me than scenario's 1 and 4. I'd also love to see the 4th scenario.

It could be a bit smaller for break even depending upon the emergency meeting by club presidents, AFL and the MCG & Dome today for the clubs are fighting for a better deal.

Me too. I think we will see an improvement. In all honesty we need it. 2008 was the lowest I've seen the club since 1997. (Special mention to 2003). I think I predicted a final tally of 31,484 by the cut-off in June, back in September/October of last year. Pretty sure it was that number - it could have been 31,848........, I can't seem to find it yet in the archives of the forum here at Demonland. But I will, if someone doesn't find it before me. I'd love for it to be 35,000 plus but I think that figure will be out of reach for the club this year - hope I'm wrong.

absolutely smashed it.....lol

Well condemned, we've just smashed passed 25,000 (25,006 to be precise) ....it's a fair chance we'll get to 25,500 by the bounce on Sunday. Go Dees!!!

Cheney looks like Walshy with a face lift.

Collingwood 4 times. That's good. Means I won't see alot of them this season.

I disagree, I think Robbo and Watts will definitely play more than 12 games combined this season. I give them some chance of being the leading goal kicker, given last season's returns.

Mitchell Johnson, sensational. Good series win in South Africa, 2-1, despite the last test loss by outright (innings and 20 runs). McGain's figures ......wow. I think that just about wipes him out for the ashes, based on the selectors thoughts of similar circumstances with Krejza.

Personally, I believe G.Lyon is on the money with his prediction West Coast). I'm a little surprised Essendon failed to get a mention. I don't think many of them thought hard when asked which side did they think would get the wooden spoon. Melbourne was an easy answer based on last season still fresh in their minds.

39,331.

I read this article with much interest. Was glad to read that the journalist is 'embedded' with the Demons for 2009. Sure to read many more articles on the Dees by Martin Flanagan.

Totally agree. Time to move on and up with the Dees and current board and administration. Go Dees!

You may as well place the money on Geelong to win the premiership for 2009. As for placing ANY money on Melbourne to finish top 8 at $7.50. The boys at Sportsbet/TAB would be laughing. They will need that money anyway to pay out those who backed Geelong to win the P'ship.

Although it might be that it is 100% certain, that Y_M has made predictions - albeit incorrect predictions, he is however certainly no where near successful when on the topic of "draft predictions" - sure to be hovering down at about 14%. That is being generous.