Toot182

I think that this is a pretty good reflection of where the Dees stand at the moment.

It's always easy to forget, when we were getting smashed, just how young our players are.

If you lookat this line up; Bartram, Garland, Frawley, Pettered, Buckley, Dunn, Bate, Wona, Valenti and Morton have all had significant experience now at AFL level.

Another pre-season and a bit more experience just makes me think how many exciting times we have ahead of us as a young and developing team! We're (almost) the Hawks of a few years ago, and look where they are!

Rollinson_65, unfortunately you'll have to inform the sainters that neither of my mates can make it any more, one is going to Sydney, the other to Tasmania and won't be returning 'til Sunday night. Not our loss though, so not all bad news!

Cheers

Toot.

Hmmmm, another chance for a Tassie Team? They seem to have a serious case! (I would never change aleigences but would definitely have a soft spot for them)

My bet is the AFL will never bow, which disappoints me alot. :angry:

their numbers may come good but, if not, we will need individual players to say on sunday that they can volunteer to play their best for the opposition or, alternatively, they would rather go home without playing...

no need to post, just think about it...

OK, I've thought about it:

I might be able to bring a couple of my housemates (geelong supporters) down who i'm sure would be willing to run around to try to cream me. Although by the sounds of it, one may be leaving for Sydney on Saturday. They are both pretty good, one playing seniors/reserves in Tassie SFL.

I've just got a couple of questions that someone may be able to answer; first, what time are we turning up? and am I right in assuming everyone needs to look after their own medical issues (i.e. there's no insurance) so if someone goes down with a bad injury (touch wood for everyone), it's on their own head (so to speak) to look after?

I have no qualms about this - just thought it might be an important issue and will probably change how much i'll put my head over the ball or seriously justify how hard i'm going to be hitting a sainter, I don't want to be liable for a big medical bill - struggling student here!

But if Carroll thought he hadn't breeched it, why would he settle for less than his full 2009 salary?

My girlfriend used to work with Carroll's girlfriend and said he was absolutely devastated at all the stuff that had happened, and all the issues that came from his actions. However from what I understand he was fully expecting to be on the list for the Dees and playing in 2009.

There was definitely some emotional attachment to the club, and perhaps this was one of the contributing factors as to why he settled?

Hi Guys,

I've been following up this thread for a while and i'm really keen to jump on board! sounds like a good time.

Do you have any room for me? It's been a few months since i've pulled on the boots and my fitness is not premium, but i still think I can be a solid contributor.

Rgds.

Toot.

I'm just a bit surprised we went for an un-known at pick 35 that wasn't invited to the AFL draft.

From what they guys on the radio/bigpond it seemed that WCE were going to pick him up next pick, seemed really highly rated by his club... god I hope he's not a Weetra.

Welcome to Demonland - JAMES STRAUSS

I'm sure that this will be flashed somewhere else, including a more comprehensive wrap, but here's what they're showing about him on the AFL Draft Tracker

BIO

Athletic and agile midfielder who reads the play well and has good skills by foot. Ranked equal fourth in the 30m repeat sprints, highlighting his suitability for a midfield role at AFL level. His 2.98secs for 20m confirmed his speed. Vic Metro U18 representative in 2008 who attended Scotch College.

STATS

Kicks: 7, Handballs: 6, Disposals: 13, Marks: 2, Goals: 0 (Averages from U18 Championships)

Sounds good! Speed

Confirmed via SMS from Melbourne at 9:59!

GO YOU GOOD THINGS!

Ha ha yep!

Just got that! Brilliant!

Unfortunately guys, Garland, Warnock, Martin and Rivers can't all fit into our backline at one time. All four should be selected if fit and in form. One of them may start on the bench, and at least one of them needs to be flexible enough to play forward or back.

Garland can play small - he's played on Farmer - and I think he can also play forward.

I agree with you both.

I had always hoped, and even called into Triple M after a game one day, that one of these guys - Warnock, Martin or Garland could turn into a Neitz - learn their trade in the backline, and then turn to a FF/CHF and become a really good player - IMO Garland would probably be best if he could put on some muscle because he's probably the quickest and most agile out of the lot.

What do you think?

(this has gone of the Rivers topic, but I still think everyone is making some excellently valid points.)

Also you will find the atmosphere is increadable in MFC reserved seat areas.

Couldn't agree with you more! I've lived in Melbourne for 3 years now, been a member and had the same reserved seat, and now every time we have an 'away' game at the 'G I miss my special little spot with the faithful around me (even the bloke who abuses everyone in the team...)

It's brilliant.

We ride together, we die together. Demons for life!

Rivers. I love the bloke, but with all his injuries in the past 2 years, are we going to see him back to full fitness and having a positive influence on the field in 2009? Reason I ask is I haven't seen any updates/stories mentioning his progress around the traps (unless I'm looking in the wrong places).

I'll be really worried for him if he can't break this horrible run, I really want to see him back out there... does anyone know anything I don't?

Cheers.

Great read! Good to hear you're asking the 'tough questions' I'm very nervous about Saturday morning, this is a pivotal point in our rebuilding stage so we have to get it right. By the sound of most of the people at this night, they're happy with the way the club is heading, which makes me happy

How old is he?

Interesting vote count! i actually thought it might be a bit closer than that, but i think it's the right way to go.

Go Dees!

I don't see any clash issues going on here... maybe some of the lads on the field can clarify but it seems everyone got by ok?

Shame on the AFL - long live the Dees in the Red and the Blue!

That is a very interesting move... obviously very smart off the field, not quite switched on, on the field... some strange statements in that article! if that is infact true, jeez Jimmy jumped on him quick! It's obviously been in the works for a while