Ned

Chief, you've won me over (as did reading about the recent training session). New season new ballgame.

Great reports for us marooned in Sydney. Many thanks!

Interesting on the stats. Very interesting. I think the Bombers are likely to battle a bit this year (just my hunch but they lost a lot of talent) and they only fell into the eight. Having said that, their games against Collingwood on ANZAC Day and against the Saints were unbelievable. The speed and skill level were very high. In a different league. I am as hopeful and optimistic as the next Demons supporter and entertained thoughts of finals until I watched those three wins. That brought me back to Earth and made me think a bit more cautiously. Then again, a big pre-season and no injuries and anything can happen!

Right, fair enough. I only got back to Australia a couple of years ago. Anyway, patience is my call!

Wouldn't surprise. The Age is dying.

Yes, Geelong and St. Kilda took six or seven years to reach the potential provided by high draft picks. (Let's face it, Hawthorn was incredibly lucky to win the premiership in 2008). I would be over the moon if we made it to 10th. Richmond and Fremantle (and possibly Port) are the only teams obviously below us -- and the Dockers are a different side out at Subiaco. So 12th-14th is probably more likely. I just don't want to see any more floggings and real stability in the team, including the coach. The club has held together well during this dire period. It would be terrible to get too cocky and then see instability if we fall down. As to Carlton, I reckon there are real problems there!

Hi, I'm new and want to introduce myself. I really enjoy reading the forums and hearing from other Demons tragics. I am a little worried about everyone getting ahead of themselves on how the Red and Blue will perform this year. I watched the last three games that we won in 2009 and feel the pace and skill-level of the team is well below the other 75% of clubs in the competition. It's almost like watching a practice match. There were some really great improvements in some players, Sylvia being the standout, and the team has certainly gotten stronger. But some clubs had thrown in the towel during the second half of the season and we were playing weak oppositions, it seems to me. Anyone have thoughts on that? I am just afraid that come round one against a hungry Hawthorn it may not be pretty.