BangkokDemon

I think both footy and league are safe as long as they don't kick themselves out of the park, by asking too much money. There are several pubs downtown and in places like Phuket & Pattaya where they show both codes to pull in the punters. We have a dish, but it is also on several cable operators. As long as I see the important matches I'm happy. Today was one of those...so I'm not!! But the signs are there now!! Go Dees!!

Australia Network is a great service to all us overseas Australians. It also provides a good service for anyone wanting insights into the country and what Australians think about things like the recent turmoil here in Thailand. I only hope when the next round of bargaining for AFL rights comes up, it is able to do maintain the rights for footy.

I was able to listen via the AFL site earlier in the year. But the past few weeks - nothing. I also tried direct via 3AW & MMM same issue. I hope your son is right - I would have done anything to be able to listen today...well nearly anything !

I do live overseas. I work in the music biz too - used to be called the "record" biz - so I know what you mean and agree entirely. Their small minded attitude will open up opportunities for others - eventually. I wouldn't even mind paying for LIVE streaming - well at least a realistic fee - not this whimpy replay for a stupid price and days after the event.

I have lived outside Australia for 16 years - Thailand for the past 10. I keep up my membership and as soon as my salary comes this month, I will contribute to the Debt Demolition. I don't blame Melbourne for this dumb down. It is short sighted thinking from the "wizz kids" at AFL and Big Pond. Today was even worse, because the Australia Network (ABC satellite TV) had the Doggies v Freo. We had a good run from them earlier in the year, but not on much lately. Surely someone must be able to understand, if they want to expand the game outside Oz (as we should), they should get out of their small island mindset Perhaps Jimma and the rest of the club can start the ball rolling for fans EVERYWHERE - not just in the "little pond'...Big Pond ...what a name - full of water hahaha!!

What a day to suffer the stupid policies of the AFL and Big Pond (or is that Bog Pond?). Living in Thailand, I've suffered long enough, not being able to view videos on line because of AFL/Big Pond copyright restrictions on any online viewing outside Oz. Now they've extended this ban to radio broadcasts as well !!! Now I'll have to wait until someone puts up some highlights and the theme song on You Tube!!! Stick that up you Bg POnd!

Well, I am in Thailand and the Australia Network (ABC Satellite)for most of this year,have shown the MCG Sunday game starting at 11:30am - 30min delay. But for some reason today, they have a bum sniffers Rugby League game on at 1:00pm - not even a major game like ours (Penrith Panstyers v Auckland Worriers)! Then at 3:00pm is the Carlton v Scraggers. My only guess is, the programmers are from Sydeny or New Zollen???

I can't speak for the others, but I'm posting about it, so you know what to expect. It will happen. And I can tell you it will be one of the "sweetest" days of your life !

I was there as well in '64 - where were you sitting ? I was in the front row of the MCC members - as a full junior member. Got there at sparrow's fart of course - what a day. Wasn't a paid up MFC member back then, but have been for a lot of the rest, since. I look forward to a repeat of that event, in a couple of year's time. This team has the nucleus to get us there ! Only difference, is I will be the "old guy" who was sitting next to me that day and [censored] his pants, when Gabalich made the run to put the Maggies in front and then Froggy Crompton came storming out of the back line to kick the winning goal - Nothing like winning a flag and this group (in spite of yesterday) is starting to know that too !

Yes, that's a good message, which must get through from yesterday's drubbing. I think many of us realize this is a "rebuild" year and there will be ups and downs. We can all be patient, for only so long. But, this far into the season, they should have learnt what is "acceptable" and what is not - this lesson it seems, has still not been learnt. Time is running out.

Hey, Stuie, I'm a big boy, I didn't take it personally. I don't think the players have been "let off" at all, after today's performance - certainly not if you read what DB said about the way they played - living in Thailand and thanks to the "wonderful" Telstra/Big Pond money grab, I can't see the press conference on line. This game was winnable. We probably have 3, maybe 4, should be winnable games, for the rest of the year. But you never know, as we seem to play well against the top sides, maybe there's another "surprise" win - maybe even next week ! If the boys don't step up and show they've learnt from the previous 13 games this year, I will be starting to think "here we go again". But, just compare where we are now, to the season before Geelong became the benchmark. Or, even StKilda before Ross Lyon took them on. I'm sure all their fans were wondering, when their turn would come. So Stuie, get mad, get frustrated (I was after today), but don't, I repeat, don't give up hope on these boys. They are something special - but there's a long, long way to go...we were a long way down.

Calm down. As I said, I've been following for nearly 50 years. I was there during the "golden period", I have been through the great teams put together during the Northy years and the better part of the Danahier years. I have also suffered many, many years in the wilderness. And, although this current team is frustrating the hell out of me (and obviously you too), there is something different about them. If I am saying the same things, this time next year, I will be the first to agree with you. But, somehow, I don't think I will...

I've been a supporter for a couple more than 46 years and have seen all the ups and downs. Today was one of the downs. If the boys(after all, it is those "boys", who will get us over the line, in a couple of years - when we win a flag, or two) and the coaching staff learn from today's less than satisfactory performance, it will have been yet another "lesson learnt". I also did not expect, we could even dream of finals this year. And don't forget as was said earlier, 8 wins is still well within our grasp - but of course we need to do better the get those 8 wins. That's obvious. But,what good is served, by struggling to finish 8th and going out in week 1, to a much better side by 50-60 points? This is not our "do it for Robbie" year. We don't need that "lesson". When we are ready to play finals, the world will know it.

We'll all keep up the battle along side you, Jim. The boys fought out a draw today, so next time, you could see them win the 4 points...next time and beyond! Good luck Jim

Whatever our opinions we can all celebrate that the demons have produced great and entertaining players over the years. Surely we can do it again.

As I said, I know it defies logic, but maybe not psyche ? This is the team of the Red & the Blue. The Read & the Blue, are the colours we win in. The white looks more like a training jumper. So, it's possible, when we wear it, we go out there, as if it's a bunch of training drills ? Stupid idea ? Maybe...but we don't win in it.

I know this probably defies logic, but sitting here in Bangkok, the minute I saw the team run on the ground in that horrible white jumper, I knew we'd have a bad day. It might be illogical but maybe facts stack up : when was the last game we won, wearing white ? It seems from many of you who were at the game, the white jumper sucked.On TV it gave out nothing of our team. It could have been a netball team from NZ for all that anyone knew. Even the Demon on the front was buried in a sea of white. It is not Melbourne - Melbourne is the "team of the RED & the BLUE' as our song says.

One other noticeable thing about this team, they don't like to lose. They believe they are the equal, or better of any side above them. This is not an ego trip, but more a belief in each other and their ability to get the job done i.e. WIN. That they lost last night will have hurt. But as they appear to be learning quickly, it will only make them a stronger and better team. It will tell how much they have learnt, if next week, they do the job on a side below them.

I have never been one of "little faith". I have followed the Dees for more than 50 years. I was there in '64. Living in Thailand these days, I have to plan my visits to see the boys and/or watch on TV here. At the start of the season I was joking with friends, that I had booked my ticket, to be there at the end of September (which now could be October..no, no) 2014 - 50 years to the day, I was last there, to see a Demon Flag. After round 1, I harboured thoughts, I might be a bit optimistic about 2014. But, now as each week goes on I think maybe I could even have to book my air ticket a little sooner than expected. Nothing wold give me greater joy !! Go Dees !!

Still up on You Tube. I just checked...had to didn't I ??? Go Dees The link :

Wonnabeeri, you're a gem - thanks ! next time I get to Melbourne, perhaps I can buy you are "beeri"!! Cheers

I live in Thailand and you can't get Bog Pond videos if you don't live in Oz!!! Now the club is on the up they should move away from this monopolistic behemoth. I think I can get it if I pay to "join" Bog Pond. There seems to be something about joining (Big Pond) and paying... I wouldn't mind paying if I knew most of the revenue was going to the club. Sadly, all the other matches have been on TV here - but not this one!! What a win!! Now to keep at it ! Go Dees!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, I read your Top 6 thread - very good. You and the others commenting, obviously have mnuch better knowledge of the future Top 6, than me. I more or les agree with most choices for the current crop and I generally agree with the concept for analysis and planning But, I don't think it explans to me, anything about why winning a flag is the "only thing" you want. I say I want a strong club; you offer a way to get a great team, I agree - so why am I "opposed" to your thoughts? We both want to win a flag (or lots in fact). The reason I say a strong club is the most important thing, is becasue amongst other things, it will allow us to build a strong playinggroup (including most importantly, your Top6) - who win flags Q.E.D. Let's agree, to agree??

I don't think we're opposed at all. I want to win more flags. But, I also want a strong and poweful Melbourne Football Club. Good, strong clubs, win flags. Don't you want that too ? As for Scully, I envy you, having the chance to see him in action. I also miss not being able to see Jurrah improve weekly; see Grimes win the Rising Star award last week and all those other things - except on TV.

<<BangkokD, you make your case well but I think you are trying to have your cake & eat it too. What you call "list management" others are a bit more frank about.>> Go the Biff, I don't think that's what I want. There is a difference between "tanking" and "list management". It's not just a matter of semantics. "List management" is focused on using this part of the year for trying out new players and protecting others from further injury. Therefore winning is not the only thing.This makes sense (to me) "Tanking" (to me) is when the side is chosen to give it the best chance of losing. A fine line admittedly, but 2 completely differnt mind sets. I think the articles in both The Herald Sun and The Age show what the club thinks about the issue.