Adam The God

No one can get close to them anywhere.

It shows you how brilliant our supporter base is and exposes the fair weather supporter bases of these 'bigger' clubs. Carlton couldn't notch 25,000 fans last night and Essendon struggle to get 23,000 tonight. Carlton won a flag in 1995 and played finals a couple of years ago. Essendon won the flag in 2000 and played in finals recently. Melbourne won the flag in 1964 and last played in a final 9 years ago, having been through the ugliest decade of football in certainly AFL history and rivalling anything witnessed during the VFL era as well. Yet, we still get 25,000 against interstate sides in poor time slots, with poor weather. Makes me proud to be a Demon. Our supporter base has copped a lot of unfair criticism over the journey, but we are one of the most vocal and steadfast supporter bases in the league, despite being a relatively small one - at least in terms of attendances and membership. In conclusion, it is great to see Carlton and Essendon in the wilderness. I hope it continues for the next 20 years.

Bennell's better than Motlop, with greater potential too.

Agreed.

Maclure reckons they are the third worst side in the comp. I'd love to know who he thinks is worse. Talent-wise, Carlton are easily the worst list in the comp. The way they're playing, only Brisbane would be worse than them.

Not sure about that, mate. A-League crowds are down and they're frankly pretty ordinary. It's just not gonna happen. At least not in the next decade.

Except the AFL aren't really in competition with soccer. I know they think they are, but the A League is rubbish and is played during the cricket season anyway. If anything, cricket is in competition with soccer.

Gee, I'd love Cripps though. He is going to be a superstar.

I'm loving it. It's hilarious. And it's great watching everyone giving it to Carlton and Maclure. The way they're patronising Carlton reminds me very much of the way everyone has patronised us for the past decade. They do it, because they hate us, and they do it to Carlton because they hate them too. So it's a compliment of sorts. Anyway, really enjoying this. I don't think there's any chance Barker will get the gig. Didn't think so before this game and it's now been confirmed. They've been pathetic. They are in for some more pain, Carlton and I'll be loving it. If they try to cut corners again (ala Judd), it will only wallpaper an ordinary list. They have to do the rebuild properly this time, which means probably 3 to 4 more years in the wilderness.

Thought not. Thanks mate. So it shouldn't have any impact whatsoever.

Did Billings even play against us last time?

They probably weren't a great side to choose either, OD, unless she started barracking in 1999. They're in a bit of trouble despite beating us with their young kids. Our blokes just didn't turn up to play. Maybe there's a chance she'll jump back in the next 5 years.

That's true, OD. But unfortunately, as you well know, these things take time.

You cannot discount where these two clubs have been in recent history though. One played in Grand Finals in the last five years and still has a core of players from that team playing, so a strong culture has been in tact and been able to nurture the young guys coming through. The other club fielded the worst team in 2013 I think I've ever seen, has won about 20 games in seven seasons and had deep rooted cultural problems across the entire club, as near as two years ago. There's absolutely no point in comparing them. St Kilda have a couple of nice, young players, but we've built a core over the last two or so years that will far supercede their crop. This week will see another tight game and possibly a Melbourne loss, but over the next 5 to 10 years, I think you'll find we'll be dominant. We're moving in the right direction and are currently about on par with St Kilda, although they're probably slightly more consistent due to their core group of leaders from the Lyon era. But we've closed that gap significantly in 12 months and it will only improve next year, whereas St Kilda may lose one or two of their experienced leaders. I think when this happens, you'll find they'll dip in form.

It's character building, Nash.

I could relate to a lot of that. Certainly sounded like us between 2007 and 2013. In board fighting, administrative instability, a crap first and second team. It becomes all encompassing. Success really does trickle down from a well run administration and make its way through the entire club.

Not in every situation, but the vast majority, certainly.I say this often, but I coach at a private school in the traditional Melbourne heartland. Barely a demon in sight. Very scary. Success is what will ultimately bring kids back. There are some that are stoic, tough individuals who I very much admire, who will continue supporting despite poor performance. Unfortunately, these kids are in the minority.

My old man was always pretty firey when I was young. I got my loudness off him, now he's mellowed and I'm the crazy one. I never walked away from games that we lost saying that was a bad experience with him. I walked away saying losing was a bad experience. I think it's totally a horses for courses situation and everyone is different. If your side is relatively successful, as we were when I was growing up, that's all that matters. You will want to go again if you win. I can absolutely see how some kids would be put off though. Particularly, if you were a kid in the last 10 years or so.

If it's true that Treloar was offered the same deal as Shiel, it's clear that they prioritised Treloar too, but he either wanted more money or had his heart set on returning to Victoria or both.As for Treloar lacking x-factor, I completely disagree. He's fast, hits the scoreboard and wins a heap of the ball. He's already in the elite category for mine and was there last year too. Treloar will be in the top 10 midfielders in 3 or 4 years time. He is a gun, who is probably down on form slightly this year, which tells you something, given his ability to put up big numbers consistently.

You're lucky, mate. I've been with my girlfriend for almost 9 years. Still haven't been able to convert her. If she'd gone for almost anyone else besides Hawthorn, I reckon I would have been a chance to convert her, but alas they pump us every time and win the flag every year.I just have to bide my time.

In all seriousness, I'd be offering $700,000 to Prestia and Treloar. Think 6 year deals. They are young and A grade talent already. Add them to Brayshaw, Hogan and hopefully Petracca, support from Jones and Vince, and that's a seriously good midfield. Then there's Viney, Tyson and VNB.

Tongue in cheek, OD.

Well, see, this is where I'm different. I much prefer to antagonise the locals (as I did in Adelaide and Geelong). It's the main reason my family are concerned that I sit with them.

I won't be giving my kids a choice, OD. You're a demon or you don't go with me (or more aptly - you're dead to me).

Sit in the good seats, but be noisy about it. Hope the younger fella enjoys it and that our mob put up a respectable display. We don't need to lose any more young members.