beelzebub

Im with Alpha here.. As we DO have both 1 and 2..and the club KNOWS who its picking.. then how is it that radically different from the GC KNOWING who it is taking at 3..?? It clearly gets to double dip its advantaged concession here. A bit much for mine unless whats good for the goose is good for us too !! of course there would be gains.. its ridiculous to suggest otherwise. or why else are we as a team starting early?? Its the same reasoning. The earlier and better you train the better the outcome. A real problem in many respects is that draftees come into the program much later than the rest of the team. This could be avoided. easily The club just announces its picks ( 1 and 2 ) and gets on with it.. They will in reality start a little later in many instances because of exams etc but some modified programs ought to be introduced as early as possible. No one in there right mind spends every hour on swat-vac studying.. some balance and exercise is actually beneficial..so why not in accordance with a team's program? The AFL is full of sh!t when it comes to its own rules about what is right and wrong. It makes most up along the way to suit itself. The game has and will evolve off field. The draft..and its public face will change also in line with expectations of all parties and the simple requirements of participants to be involved without delay. The draft could in fact be brought forward 5-6 weeks, maybe that would resolve things

he doesnt look quite so skinny anymore !!

Well.. am a little surprised this hasnt hit the boards yet.. AFL thinks Big with talk of20 teams ( Herald Sun ) Here we are just coming to grips with the notion of a new team in 2010 and another the year after and already the boffins of the AFL want us to get used to the idea of further expansion. Yes I know, its all probably far too early but then he ( AD ) does like to look at things long term Who and where would these teams come from. it would surely be a heinous crime should Tassie not get the next franchise... cant wait for the bun fight over which town gets the bragging rights !! Has been mooted that a 3rd WA team might eventuate....cant see it personally...theres just not that many people over there The only place not represented with a team ( assuming Tassie gets the 19th ) is the NT.. now, we all know theres just a bit of talent knocking around up there Would a FNQ team beat them to the punch though .. a team out of Townsville ?? would they then be the Out of Towners ?? ( sorry ) Could a Canberra team get up ? would one move there or adopt it to round out the national representation ? how would it all work ?? can it all work ?? If you played each other thats 19 games.. so how do we work out the double ups ?. Do we go to a conference system..two lots of 10 teams, Play within conference twice for 18 games and 4 of the other ( swapping for other 4 every other year, if you follow ) for the normal 22...or some such similar convoluted system. Top 4 in each conference to play off for finals ?? Ol Vlad seems determined to spread the AFL's reach ever further...where does it end ??? or is he just plain old Bonkers ??

Im sure in 1,2,4, even 8 years time .,..they'll saying " another freakish goal from #24 for Melbourne...JURRAHHHHH !!! " many players have changed numbers after a year.. Its not such a bad pedigree to have that number.. and im sure no one is really going to be wondering...hey whos that guy in Robertson's jumper ??..do you ??

Well done Aaron Dees for Aaron another nice insight by Flanagan on our new Bluey winner Let her rip in 010 Flash !!!

Depending probably on Meesen taking to the field Jakes opportunities may be of the 8-12 game nature this comong season. I expect the club will ajudicate upon his development and decide whether perseverence is warranted. But keep in mind he is still very young by rucking measures. With Russian holding #1.. Meesen backing up ( hopefully ) then theres still plenty of time to bring this kid on. If were looking at this again this time next year and no improvement then some serious questions need to be asked... not quite yet

He seems to be heading in the right direction. Appears to be getting a bit more mass about him. Its a much slower path for Rucks..but slow and steady gets there. Keep at it Jake.

How exactly would you have us understand that the prior alleviates the latter ? Whilst a section of the MCC again we are all but financially autonomous. The MCC isnt some bottomless pit of money So wesell 2 games in 3 years.. repeat two games in THREE years and pocket a million. How is that any worse than a game at Subiaco or AAMI ..other than we get zilch for them !! I think developing a following up there is smart thinking...especially with our 'conections' Hell maybe we can sell space on our socks....promote the "red " centre

came to the club as a bit of a left field unknown. now he's a right field unknown.. Still much to see from him.

stop quibbling... can be replaced with a better one (photo ) but idea is good

Very much so. Still a delegation at the appropriate juncture would/might prove worthwhile. Leave all the paraphanalia at home and just go with the 'heart-felt ' simple-sell. Show him this is a club of passion and belief and "you can be part of it..its something very rare and special"; we're embarking on a journey through greatness to reward. Scwabby has indeed been a revelation. He 'gets" this club. its a homecoming for him...not just a job. I again hark back to the summit of last year... you could feel it it there...were on our way. Hes part of it.

Jaded... I say this with much respect as you are obviously quite talented and able to bat for yourself. As an older and hence more ...traveled in life...person i will offer this for your ponderence. Often the gates of fortune or luck are opened by those that dare seek them out. They are not obvious for if they were to be so then everyone would try their hand. They are not hidden either but are there for those brave enough to trust in themselves and their abilities and are even more so able to understand that a rejection is not always a denial of ability, just of opportunity. You have passion. You have ability. You have shown fortitude in the time and effort spent on your project, pet though it may be it has required dedication. You now have a choice. A simple one really. you can pack it all away and wonder "what if" or indeed travel the road less trodden and roll the dice. A sage once offered that the worst it can return is a NO, and thats where you are anyway so you cant really lose by presenting your case. It in itself is a lesson worth learning. You will be amazed at how many "fortunes" ( not always financial but life enriching ) have been initiated through nothing more than someone havig the gumption to knock on doors and not take the first no as a sign to give up.. If you really and truly think your designs worthy of not only admiration ...but purchase ..then I beseech you to follow your heart. Go for it girl. Im sure that just about everyone here at Demonland would be barracking for you. To put it more succintly... look at what is currently on offer. You know yours is better. Go tell them, go show them and make them believe. Dont wait for luck, make it. Dont wait for "that" day, sieze this one !! Go on :D

added a few more tricks to his portfolio did ol Russian. Certainly not one dimensional now. Am actually glad hes staying with us, if only for now. The bugger nearly cost us some games with his goal kicking..... cost us as in winning !! Looking forward to his next season and possibly another step up

the more I look at it the more it has a lot of that ol varsity look about some of it.. thats classically ageless ( very good from a stocking point of view too ) You could be on a winner there Jaded... hound the club.. .. But id get a couple of samples made and give the to seected people...oh....Stynes.. Scwabby.. Cuddles...etc... I remember back at the summit there were various mentions about better club-wear.. you just solved it !! Also mentioned was idea of utilising the talent within the club... exactly like this again well done.... good luck with your career aspirations... Somehow dont think you need it though !! lol

geezus... some pretty fair efforts in there..Some id actually buy if available. makes the "real " stuff look terribly ..well... crappy !! lol If you have access to screens.. and /or a computerised embroiderer you should make up some samples..and show the club Im sure theyd be as blown away with not just your ability but the passion behind it.. This is a club of passion now you realise Ought to be 1858 as all references by club are to it.. just food for thought .. I love the ...because its more than just a sport... I believe you have merchandise there that would cross interest into the general leisure wear arena.. Some folk wouldnt even need to follow AFL or indeed Melb but it has "old" appeal. Seriously...ring the club.. make an appointment with Scwabby and whomever else.. JUST DO IT !!

yeah !! hear its quite beneficial... must try that. lets put it on our "To Do list " !!!

if Davey on song...Turtleman back in form... and Jurrah fit and firing...theres three reason to be entertaining for starters. Supplement that with Watts.. Scully and Trengove ..and its gets better..other players will lift. it wont be boring

couldnt agree more...and it needs to be around these guys ( and similar) that the club promotes itself. god...could you imagine Jurrah giving a clinic to a 100 ( or more ) kids !! .. have the promotions caravan there.. etc etc etc..

Ahh yes...remember that day fondly...was a guest of a mate of dad's.. ( an essendon member..mate,,not dad !! lol ) he was all chesty and vocal til that last quarter.. three of us got up ( [censored]..for reasons that become obvious later ) on a table back at their members bar...and proceded to sing the Melbourne song as much to our surprise as anyones as it really isnt the cleverist thig to do ..lol... yet no one said a thing They were all sheep; all bleating the same disbelief...not sure if it was of us or the mighty Dees winning. Either way was a hoot.. and we didnt stick around to long after that..:D

I really quite like this but will question those two. I dont think Collingwood are still the whole package..not tyet.. Ruckign will improve out of sight.. but who's kicking their bag ?? Thats why they wanted Fev. Depth still a curiosity.. they were found wanting exactly as I suspected. Im not with you entirely with Weagles either as id put them below us. I suspect we will have a much better 2nd half of season.. but could surprise a few early places 6-12 being a lotto

maybe Carlton 3rd game in ??

Nah...I WANT to play someone like the Sqawkers early .. I like the idea of the pies twice. Two good games to start the season. We wont be anyone's doormat anymore. There are quite a number of Demons with things to prove to the world...will be worth watchnig

I think as an allied topic what we need to do is get a lot more people even interested in Melbourne, if nothing else than as a spectacle. we need to get paying bums through the turnstiles and on seats. We have to make it people WANT to watch our games. We may well get another record membership this coming season on the back of our young kids making some waves and the expectations of new recruits to make an impact. I know a mate of mine just wants to see a couple of "Jurrah" games..and he's Collingwood of all things. But there's some excitement building. If we are now going out to get serious and play real "winning" footy with full gusto and real determination then people will see it..and want to see it more..and see it live..and the Telly peoplel wil lpick up on it.,. and so it snowballs.. Yes we have a high hit rate on those that follow us.... quite simply not enough follow us..we have to grow them.

Further to the Collingwood v Melb suggestions is the nature of the demographics as well. For a long long while the precinct surrounding Victoria Park was extremely hostile to all things non black/white. You lived there you barracked for Collingwood. Has to be one of the most parochial and territorial histories within the VFL/AFL. Yes other 'burbs had clans but Collingwood had the most insular of all. This probably fostered too via a lot of success..it fed the fires. Melbourne had the G ( and now has it properly again ) but the audiences and followers of Melbourne despite the mythology of its upper crust pedigree came from all walks of life and from all points of the compass. We were everything and nothing...whilst teams like 'wood had its specified turf. Others have mentioned the nature of 'families' etc and this does have a say in the history of the clubs respective followings. My own partner is one of nine.. the whole family are black and white. Half of their respective offspring are black and white. Of recent times the factor which for me defines the difference between the clubs is the strength and determination that Collingwood have portrayed as compared to say the more feeble efforts on and off the ground that we have endured. It is changing though.. and no before time. What jumper does Collingwood play in....its black and white or white and black. Its somewhat unchanged and they absolutely defy the AFL to try their hand at dictating to them ..In all honesty...good on ya Collingwood. They show by their stance they are not to be trifled with.. They emminate strength.. people like to follow strong leaders etc. Compare that to us in all but recent months/year. If we want the fans...we need to be worthy of following. That is now about to happen in my estimation. The club is refocusing on what it is to be not just Melbourne...but a Demon Melbourne. Going are the pansie like multitude of soft colourings and in their place our 'real' self. Dark dark blue and 'blood' red. Some may see these subtleties and non events but any numerous studies will show the results of the effects of colours. If we want fans we need to play exciting and determined football. We need to take them all on ..and on our terms. ...and on our ground. We need to get teams fearful of the days they meet us at the G. Then we need to show them all we dont really care who or where we play...because we are Demons and we will take you on at 110% comittal. Suburbs are no longer exclusive to any club. But we can reclaim the G and our heritage...but we have to back it up once we cross that white line. The players, currently and soon to embark upon this battle for our hearts must know and understand who and where they are, not just geographically but historically. We lost fans because we became a non defined blacmange of sorts. Everyone knows what Collingwood is...we now need to let them know exactly who and what Melbourne is. Its already underway... 2010 will be a truly defining moment in this clubs history. When we're back on the map, they , the uncommitted will rally to the call, it will be iresistable

About the most realistic thing said about pick 11 yet. WE are our own masters re 1 and 2 but we can only speculate and hypothesise the scenarios regarding 11. A few more players may yet engage interest via the PSD for some clubs and the nature of shopping list only has to alter for a couple of clubs and picks3-17 can change dramatically..which of course affects our own 11 and then 18. Youd almost have to think Butcher is bordering on a project player with his list of pros and cons. I dont think thats the way we look at players anymore; we can afford to be more discerning.