hardtack

Also, after putting to rest one hoodoo in AAMI Stadium, we now have a chance to lay to rest another with our poor form at Etihad; if we can get through these tests, even if we don't make the final, at least we will be going into season 2011 confident in the knowledge that they can win anywhere.

What credibility?

I'm very excited as I'm looking forward to seeing the new recruits going around and to see how Strauss and Blease go. I'm also a little excited about the Sydney/GWS/GC round as it will be interesting to see where those teams are at... I hope Scully is watching as it may help to give him some sort of perspective as to where he would sit in a side like GWS (that is, bottom of the ladder).

Speaking of which, Samsara was quite a good movie as I recall :-)

Ha ha... don't worry, being an ex-Melbournian I do have an understanding of the geography there; demographics maybe a different story as its been a few decades since I lived there and I understand many suburbs (eg, Altona and Yarraville) have become rather gentrified) - I was a Croydon boy.

Then I would expect your comprehension to be a little better; your entire "clutching at straws..." discussion emanated from a couple of comments that simply related to an error in your reporting of the comments made on the Footy 360 show.

And herein lies the another problem... the likes of Eddie Everywhere and many posters simply do not know the geography and associated demographics of Sydney. For DeesPower's benefit, the Cronulla riots emanated IN Cronulla (the original assault was on the beach) and the groups of middle eastern people who attended were said to be from the Bankstown area, NOT Blacktown. They are two very different areas both demographically and geographically. I think Eddie is making the same error... it is the south-west of Sydney that has a large middle-eastern population, not the far west. If Eddie knew anything about Blacktown and surrounding areas, he would probably change his reference from falafel to hangi as there are probably far more islanders than people of middle eastern extraction in that part of Sydney. Additionally, it is hardly a wasteland as the bulk of Sydney's population is located in the western suburbs spreading from Parramatta to Penrith, with the south-west seeing a lot of new housing development and also growing quite rapidly. Anyway, regardless of all of that, it was a particularly ill-considered comment and one that will hopefully come back to bite him in a big way.

Huh?? I was merely pointing out an error in your comment that ALL presenters on the show were convinced he had signed.

Not entirely true... Mark Robinson (I think it was) said that he believed Scully will stay at the Dees.

Not half as amusing as those who are prepared to believe the rumours being put out by the likes of Eddie Everywhere.

Yeah, perhaps this is an indication that Bailey is making a concerted effort to take home the NAB Cup silverware?

maybe you should have transposed the first and second sentences? ;-) Anyway, if Scully is going to go, I have to admit that I would rather see him go to somewhere like GWS where he will have little impact on the competition for a few years (I believe we have the depth to cover his potential loss)... and that is probably one of the reasons I believe he will not be going anywhere, his chances of footballing success and the opportunity to increase his value are far greater where he is now; in four years time, $6mil will seem like small change.

I am expecting us to put up a good showing. In some ways (and this is probably at odds with many's thoughts) I feel that playing the two games without the break could be advantageous to us, especially if we do well against the Crows in the first game, because we will be able to carry that momentum into the Port game - I don't think Port will be much of an obstacle regardless. I also believe that if we do progress to the second round, then we will see a surge in memberships (albeit small) - the reason we broke the record last year was because after round 1 of the season proper, we started to show what was coming with this team... a good quick start this year will reinforce that belief and hopefully attract a lot more members - we mustn't give the impression that we have gone backwards, and winning against both the Crows AND Port on their home turf, will convert many disbelievers.

I would like to think that Scully's management is a little more astute than many give them credit for and see that a couple of good seasons at the Dees that see us playing finals, can only add to Scully's reputation and value further down the track. A quick grab for $6 mil now will see him most likely languishing in a team that will be going nowhere for at least 3 or 4 seasons to the point where his value will go south - maybe that's not such an issue when you are as far into your career as Ablett was, but for someone just starting out it is necessary to be a little more far-sighted.

Drop kick? ...what about the stab pass? Now THAT'S what I want to see!

He is indeed... I would be calling for him to be "sainted", but unfortunately that now has rather bad connotations... maybe settle for a knighthood and a shrubbery?

I never actually mentioned any "cause"...but, whatever.

Maybe "mickey mouse crap" to you, but for those players representing the indigenous footballers is considered quite an honour. But you're right, why should we care about what they want... we know what's best for them!

Oh yes, of course... in his role as President Merkin Muffley (love the name).

Have joined Dreamteam League - team name = hardtacklers

Maybe, but for them to represent indigenous footballers in this game is a great honour... so I am really pleased for them; besides, I can't really see that Richmond side being capable of inflicting anything, much less injury, on anyone.

Indeed, a brilliant film that came out about the same time as the original (and depressing) Fail Safe... I recall seeing them as a double feature. Along with Being There, Dr S was Peter Sellers' finest moment. "Gentlemen, please stop fighting, this is the War Room!" (not Sellers)

Well, we could say it's been slim pickin's since the 60's as far as flags go.

Beautifully written piece WJ... reminds me more than a little of a particular journalist who went on the Demons journey last year (and that's a compliment by the way). I look forward to the next installment.

Yep, and a description here: NT AFL: Indigenous All Stars Vs Richmond Tigers