Demonster

This is a serious question. I've seen Sandy play a few times, but never really noticed Newton. Can he play and what is his best position? Ditto Dunn and if they are the future, where would each play? Both appear to me to be a bit under-sized for key posts. Is that right?

Brodie Holland - has a girls name, behaves like a poof off the field, but tries to be a tough guy on it. What a [censored].

Ah yes, boasting ablout belonging to a popular mass - there's character. By definition then, the more the better. As a small nation, it makes Australia look pretty ordinary - although I doubt the bogan's would get that.

Both Krakouers were pretty handy in the one team at North, it is a pity both Davey's aren't in the same team at Melbourne, but we did have a good look at him. I have a lot of faith in our recruitment, and George's OTO's words are instructive. Rodan is another similar type of player overlooked by most clubs and seemingly relishing a second chance. I think clubs do tread warily with small forwards. Every club needs one these days, but probably not two. But then again, given the defensive pressure both the Davey bots put on, it could have been worth a punt.

I'm intrigued - just who are these 'young kids' that are being held back? Garland was OK for Sandy against Geelong, and did Petterd play?, because I didn't see him - ditto Buckley, although I liked the look of him in NAB cup, but still a little way off in my view. No one I've seen is ready to go - remember that Dunn and Bate spent a year at Sandy playing with men, and Bartram played a very good pre-season. I agree, if a young bloke is playing better than an old bloke, he should be in - no question. But if Yze goes back to Sandy and gets 32 touches and has a major impact, playing alongside a 'kid' who hardly gets a sniff, it has to be Yze that comes back every time.

A lot of good people forget that the hardest thing about playing footy is actually gettin' the ball, and unfortnately the youngsters just don't do it as well as the older folk - see CJ & Matty Bate once the side is struggling. For all his disposal faults, and they are nowhere near as bad as some people on this site make out, the likes of Ward is still a better option - and he is also one of the players in the current side with pace. We do have a need for speed, but a youngster has to be ready - otherwise it's worthless - if they're any good their time will come. Also, an AFL selection has got to be warranted by the individual through sheer talent, or it has to be hard earned. 3 in the bests at Sandy in a row and you should be knocking on the door - any youngster done that? If they are not in the best at Sandy, it is laughable to think they can cut it with that form in the big time. The first bloke I would have back in the side is Bizzell, a proven performer and an obvious opponent for Pavlova in my view. It was only the previous pre-season where we were looking at him as a wingman!

Brentnall - you just need to grit you're teeth (we all do) and bear it. No wins until the filthy Magpies on Queens Birthday (Rd 11?), when we finally have our full team out there for the first time for the year after Wobbo and Clinty Bartram get over their knees (other in's Neitz, Brock, Colin S, Dunn, Frawley, Rivers, Pickett), to then win the remaining 12, sneak into the finals with similar form to Essedon in 2000, and win IT. Unfortunately at the end of the year we then have to trade Aaron to Essedon, who have finished last and secured first crack at Judd, in exchange for Judd because their best player for the year, Aaron Junior, threatens to quit unless Essedon recruit his brother. We then win the following 4 flags to make it 5 in a row for the first time ever. You might just want to pop down to the TAB tomorrow and see what that one's paying.

Lynden Dunn who would have helped today, and James Frawley who appeared to be pencilled in for Rd 1 after his pre-season form.

Chins up folks. Now that our backs are really against the wall, and that the umpires no longer pay a 15m/50m penalty for running over the mark (or the rule doesn't exist...or it does exist but has only ever been paid once) I look forward to us going 0-7 before storming home to surge into the finals with real momentum to win the flag. As history showed with our defeat of the eventual '87 premiers in the '88 prelim., we would have won the flag in '87 if Jimmy hadn't been penalised - and please shoot yourself before suggesting that Buckenara would have kicked it anyway. Bring it on.

Some good positive player by player observations Nicho. Overall I'm prepared to give them until the end of the month.

You mustn't have seen the last 2 games of last year, both being finals. The last game he single-handedly brought us back into the contest and was the only player that gave us a chance of winning in seriously hostile territory (I was there). Credit where its due.

You're back flankers are........?

No - its each to their own. I actually find attendance at these games a completely liberating experience where I can stroll around, check out the play from different positions i.e wing, back-line; forward-line; and focus on players without giving a hoot about the result. I did notice many more Hawk supporters there than Demons. Symptomatic of the lower ranked clubs paying far more attention to the result than those with an eye to September. Thought Biz was good when invoved- some clean ground level touches. Liked Hughes quick hands in heavy traffic at one point in the first, but knackered walking around the boundary during the second. Buckley busy and looks allright. CJ loads of upside. The Frawley boy made a few mistakes and will need to get used to the tempo. Jones will be very good when surrounded by Brock, Brent and Col. Braddy Green might have his kicking boot back. Wardy still has plenty of tow for an old bloke - I'd have him every day of the week. As for the Dome, what's the go selling dim sims sans soy?

It's Cam Bruce & Travis. If they become elite level players week in, week out, then we will win the flag - assuming everyone ese plays to potential and there is organic improvement across the list.

Apocolypse - you've gone from Silver to Gold. Rhino - 20 years ago, not just the Saints were clinging to life - the entire comp. was. And defeatist cultures? That's what the Bears had before they won 3 flags. History is bunk. I share your comments 'though on Carlton - watch out Essendon.

Let's see how the Qld market goes while the Bears are shiite. NSW needs to penetrate the western suburbs yet - a fair way off. In any case, if NSW & Qld go ahead with 2nd teams they will be partial re-locations with North & Bulldogs playing half games in the adopted state and half in Vic. All other Victorian teams are safe. Anyway, great topic Apocolypse - the sheer delight of Carlton's plight.

I reckon Nealey is a good coach. But your comment is right. Anything less than a prelim. appearance this year and he should probably step aside. If we can reach the prelim. and perform well, then we are on track for a flag the following year during the Neitz / White window. As for Bomber, as plenty have recognised here - his comments after King mid-air kicked Jeff White in the face were disgraceful. He is a winging, excuse making turnip. I would have Daniher ahead of Thompson as a coach and as a bloke.

Btw, it's not an honour, it's a choice.

Btw, it's not an honour, it's a choice.

Go Dapper Dan. Great to see someone truly flying the Demon flag. We are the best club in Victoria IRRESPECTIVE of where we finish, let alone in 2006. We were the best club to support throughout the 70's and 80's. It is always a thrill to watch the Demons play. It is an honour to support Melbourne. About time others on this website stopped kicking their cats, stopped their snivelling, and became a bit more tribal. If you want flags, go barrack for West Coast. If you want character, stick with the Demons.

Agree Disciple and Condemned - it will be Daniel Bell. My call last year was Matthew Bate, so I've got form!