praha

I like beating Richmond not because I dislike the club or fans but rather because the fans are without a doubt the most irrational, whinging group of fans in the league. It's actually funny watching them at games. - They yell "ball" more than anyone, and at times when, clearly, it's not holding the ball (although these days we hardly know) - They boo every. single. free. kick. - They attack their own players more than anyone

He did one or two really nice things last night and he's actually frequently involved in the team's push forward of center. He has a presence where even if he doesn't get the ball he's involved some how. It's easy to miss but with a stronger and improving midfield he'll win more ball. He is invaluable to a GOOD team. He's not the role player we need him to be in a poor side. The better this team plays, the more valuable he is to the side. Harsh reality but still a positive one. If (when) this team is up and running, he'll be one of the fastest. Just can't expect him to be Nathan Jones.

http://twitter.com/barrettdamian/status/464568620413358080

What is currently Demonland's primary source of revenue? Is it ads? Donations?

Tyson's goal. Without a doubt. Was at Crown watching the game. Had this Adelaide couple on a table next to me. The whole game I was pretty timid, only really perking up on an obviously bad call or to criticise Melbourne, but they would get stuck into me every time Adelaide scored a goal, turning to me like as if I had offended them or something. Why are interstate supporters like this? Is it because they're used to sitting among so many of their own? I always just focus on the game, never what other people quip or scream, and always say what I want without ever getting personal towards players or fans. But people tend to take offense far too easily, like as if you can't passionately support your own team: people can say bad things about Melbourne, I don't care, but when people get stuck in for something you direct at a team, that pisses me off. Focus on the game, not what the people around you are saying (unless they're being racist vulgar arses, of course). That Tyson goal was amazing. I clapped so hard and jumped up and down. I didn't look over to them but I could tell they want to throw their drinks at me. Stuff 'em.

How does any of that make him right-wing? You're relying on tired generalisations. He votes Green. That's irrelevant, though. His type is present throughout the industry. They're merchants of negativity. He belongs in the Canberra Press Gallery, not football journalism.

Hutchinson and Barrett are on the AFL's payroll. They are lefty trolls that think everything is non-subjective, that nothing can be discussed, dissected. That there is one way and if you don't fit that standard of morality or whatever then you are wrong. Barrett's "They were 100% right" comment on Viney's suspension is evident of this. He would argue that within the guidelines, he should be suspended. He can't comprehend that maybe the guidelines just don't fit in with how the common person understands the games and rules. Having a lawyer argue rules to a player who responds spontaneously to a situation is a mockery of the game itself. In society we have time to react, to consider the consequences. In Football the goal is to get the football and WIN. That is it. There are rules, yes, but there is NO rule against accidentally hurting someone. The AFL has basically legislated against accidents. It is a travesty. It's like trying to say to someone, "It is illegal to offend someone". These are laws built around human action than are spontaneous but also firmly subjective. Also, Hutchinson says what the AFL wants him to say. He gets pulled into line all the time for anything directly negative of the AFL or sport, and Barrett is the same. There's no doubt in my mind that every story he breaks comes directly from AFL House, which helps shape the narrative to suit the organisation.

At quarter-time we stage a mass crowd protest: We all turn our back on the ground and look inward at each other - the fans. Or we could place paper bags on our heads. Wait, what are we angry about?

Black armbands might rub Adam Goodes the wrong way...

It is sacrosanct, and seeing as you acknowledge that, you must value the head's capacity to make a decision and thinking freely. The decision to play the match in the first place.

The funny thing is his description sounds exactly how it looks, and he'll still get rubbed out.

HEY-O! No but seriously, 7/10 for effort.

Gee whiz. With the team training so well, under the "Neeld philosophy of training", we should win by 100 points every week

Efficiency.

I predict 34,000 to 39,000: 10,000 of the remaining contributors staying with their free tickets, 15-20k Melbourne fans, 10-15k Dogs fans, depending on weather. Fight me.

I had no idea their supporters were such whining little assholes! I have never seen a group of supporters be so bitter after a loss. It's quite amazing. Turns out the club is too.

It was an unfortunate injury but I always saw suspensions as being a way to punish an act deemed to be unacceptable in the game. Suspending Viney for that sends a very bizarre message. The AFL has allowed PR to take control of the MRP and the fact someone was injured suggests suspension, no matter what Viney's intent (or lack thereof) was. Our great game is dead.

Not the first time Demonland has been wrong. I also hope it's wrong about Spencer, Jetta, Toumpas and Watts. And I think it will be.

It's the pressure. It's reached a point where there's a pattern and it's clear than so long as our defensive pressure is up, we're in it late. Those 45 less behinds in the context of a game, across 5 games, is 9 points, so yeah, it's 9 more scoring shots, but on average it's only 1.3 goals. If we can stem the scoring even further, even if the opposition still outscores them, if they can bring that down to 2-3 more shots, then suddenly this team is beating anyone.

Need a bloke like Byrnes in the side, just not sure Byrnes is that guy. I'd rather Kent, Toumpas, or even....Nicholson *runs and hides*

The only play that let me down was Frawley. He's part of that Bailey era core group that has major lapses and just doesn't work hard enough at times. He sometimes (always) has the judgement of a backman when playing forward. That kick out on the full just can't happen.

Epic win.

I'm trying to get over my "losing isn't winning" ideal but I agree: anything less than 4 goals considering the Crows' scoring power will be a big win. They simply cannot let the Crows get a 4-5 goal headstart. From there it'll either blow out, or won't change much from there. Keep it close from the get-go and they're a chance. Against any team.

I wonder if there will be any official recognition on a game day? I'd love a 50th anniversary guernsey. From a marketing perspective it would certainly help the club sell some merch.