spalding

was shocked how easy it seemed - front row level 2 for 8 tickets in MCC. For next year's celebration (which might be more muted given we will be winning it at the mcg) I will know to be ready with all the mobile phone numbers I needed!😀

i dont think their midfield is prepared to work as hard defensively as ours, and although its a legitimate argument that they have more depth, that depth ends up on the wings and flanks - where the two way running of our specialists such ANB, Positivelingers, Gus and Salem provides more for us than they get from the extra midfielders (which, as someone pointed out before, are not particularly quick).

our percentage in the second half of each 2021 final (combined) was 348.2% (PF 195 vs 56)

Reckon we will play cats and doggies twice, due to the league seeing Dees v dogs as a bit of a marquee match up for the next couple of years, and cause we always play at KP. I actually want the flag unfurling to be a Saturday afternoon home game vs Freo. Think we would get 50+K to a game we normally get 25k if we are lucky. Games v bombers and blues will get 60k to whenever they are played as I think both those teams will be pushing for 5-8th. in the last demonland interview with Pert I gig the vibe they feel they owe NT - so I reckon we could play a couple of games there. Ideally one home game and perhaps an away one vs GC could be an option given its now their recruiting zone.

Stairway to Heaven

Everyone was better even Jack Vineys improvement from the GC game to the rest of the season was massive. Wonder if he was told that if he kept trying to break tackles instead of setting clarry or Trak loose he would lose his spot (no matter how much Goody loves him). Only mistake I can remember from him in a fantastic finals series was his kick deep inside 50 in the second quarter of the GF to no Dees and 3 dogs.

I think Guru Bob has a much better grasp than Guru Gary

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/demons-sold-three-years-worth-of-merchandise-before-grand-final-glory-20210928-p58vi7.html it just keeps getting better. relevant > premiers> powerhouse ? I really hope we can get Daisy over the line next.

I rate this guy higher than Cerra - stronger overhead, a better (huge) kick (as long as he gets it over the man on the mark!) and tough at the contest. Given he comes cheaper, sign him up for 3 years and save some money for dogga, kosi and fritta.

I felt it was a weakness for us to shut down the small forwards, but after the job Bowey and Hibbard did on Weightman a couple of days ago - and the improvement in Hunt's defensive game, I'm pretty comfortable for the next 12 months at least. It seems like quite a few track watches like D Smith too - so once he has a bit of continuity in our gold standard casy development programme he could be ready to replace Hibbard in 12 months.

he's still regularly calling DwaynePipe on SEN at after midday. I think he will say that we would have won by 100+ if Weid and Hunt were playing (I'm sort of embarassed to admit I know that I listen to that show occasionally)

I said this on the thanks Jonesy topic, but more appropriate here: B&F night 2021 "The inuagural Jones-Jetta award for the most selfless MFC player to both the team and the culture of the club is awarded to Angus Brayshaw"

B&F night 2021 "The inuagural Jones-Jetta award for the most selfless MFC player to both the team and the culture of the club is awarded to Angus Brayshaw"

Given what we are building culture wise, and Gus’s role in the leadership group and probably the player who sacrifices his own game to play a role more than anyone else in the team, I wouldn’t trade him for dusty let alone a kid who bails out on his club cause it’s a bit hard being away from mummy. I know that sounds harsh, but seriously how many of us moved interstate or overseas for years and years for jobs that paid a hell of lot less than his does.

they kicked six goals from forward stoppages - which was the major outlier and something that we shuld be able to address. This was why Champion data suggested the predicted outcome was a draw. The cats were not a good indicator (given they have the worst small forwards in the league), but we did pretty well vs Brisbane in this area (except for Cameron in the first quarter) - but I think have improved with Bowey, and Hibberd as small defenders rather than having Smith in the team. We need to make sure midfielders (such as Bont, Smith, Treloar) are defended more closely this time around.

awesome - should send it to Channel 7 or foxfooty

Is that the same Kane Cornes who was saying that he thought Port’s small forwards could be the difference if they met in the GF?

You guys killed it - thanks so much from all of us in front of our tv’s over here in the East. The noise, chants, and support from behind the goals as Max went beserk in the third quarter really added to my enjoyment of perhaps the best 10 minutes of Demons footy I’ve seen in my 54 years!

I could have written this word for word. Perfectly summed up the way I feel

Not Satisfied. I would be heartbroken. At least I feel very proud of where we are now as a club - but 2021 would count for nought unless we win this year and/or we don't at least maintain this level of consistency and competiveness for the next few years.

I actually think Riv could possibly do this role. He is a great spoiler (long arms?). The danger is that Cameron drags him back to the goalsquare and is too strong in the body, but maybe if that happens he can hand over to Petty. They can't play all of Eva, Hawkings and Cameron in the goal square unless the centre breaks are like they were for 15 minutes in round 23.

Their height is going to be a challenge for us with Smith out. If we can sneak through this week, I think this is actually a better set-up for a GF versus Port or Dogs though.

There is a great article on the ESPN Australia website about the MFC past players association for those who are interested. How Melbourne's past is inspiring the new generation to success

I can’t think of anyone I don’t consider a key player these days. God we have come a long way!

I'm feeling sick because I hate Geelong so much I can't cope with the idea of them beating us and then potentially winning the GF. I don't think I will feel as bad as this if we get through to the GF, particularly if Port win their PF, as I have a couple of really good friends who I could be happy for even If I am devastated. I am starting to feel that Optus may be better for us than the MCG, as I think the crowd will be 90/10 our way (and pretty feral against the cats) and I'm hoping they will influence the umpires like they do for West Coast games.