Bitter but optimistic

Yes it's been a long time since anyone was frightened of us.

What I am really looking forward to is the likelihood that our players will no be pushed around and bullied by the more physical teams any longer. With Clarke, Dawes, probably Pederson, Hogan to come, an aggressive Spencer and Gawn added to couple of existing big bodies the schoolyard bullies will have to tread more carefully. Melbourne has lacked real muscle for years. Better still. Maybe we will become the schoolyard bullies!

The secret is having a moral and upright lifestyle.

The Wizard was also Farmer. So we had the farmer and his ox. Please tell me that helped as it will support my thesis that we are all nuts.

Why? She can't do anything but sing.

Yeah. You sure picked the right club!

I gave my son a similar choice. Follow the dees or I won't buy your footy boots.

I’m not a noted thread starter (for obvious reasons some will say). However, the more I read and follow “Demonland” I have to ask the question about the connection between lunacy and supporting the Melbourne Football Club. I am 60 years old so I can remember the glory day of Neil Crompton - there is some excuse for me. But what attracts young supporters? We have basically had shite since ‘64. Since I’ve joined demonland I’ve participated in or observed some wonderfully vitriolic debate. I continually ask myself how can such diverse individuals support the same club? Current threads, for example, speculate about what position to play players we haven’t even signed yet. Or, where players will end up who haven’t been delisted yet. It’s crazy stuff to have such passionate supporters of one the worst performed clubs in living memory. Our membership has increased in recent years. Why do we do it? What makes you a Melbourne supporter? (Or is that Melbourne Tragic?) Are we different to those who support " successful" clubs?

I believe we started a game this year with both Grimes and Trengove on the bench!

No. He was much too well mannered. However, I got the impression that it is a little overstated for the lay back and casual Darwin lifestyle.

About halfway through the season just gone, I did consider that very change!

Shot ourselves in the foot? We've blown our feet off! One can only hope that Dr. Neeld proves himself either a master of orthotics or transplants in the next 12 months or so. Otherwise he will need to be transplanted.

I had the pleasure of having a long chat with Jared at a function prior to the Darwin game. A delighful down to earth bloke. While he was not specific about his own plans two things were clear. 1. He is a commited demon. 2. He talked about the concerns of a player who is approching the big 30 and wants to maximise his opportunities before it is all over career wise. My overall impression was that he dearly wanted to stay at Melbourne but that ultimately he had to consider his long term future. IMO he has been a courageous and loyal servant of the club. I hope we we do what it takes to retain him.

Quite right 'pantsman. Neitz was on of the very very few Melbourne players who caused opponents to hear footsteps.

I'd take Tippett in a blink. No even more, I'd actively chase him and offer good money. He's tall (200cm), he's athletic, can mark, can kick and has guts. I'd love him and Clarke in the same forward line and it would cause major headaches to the opposition. (Always, of course, hoping that Tippett himself does'nt get any more headaches!)

Don't get me wrong you are most wellcome but Arnt there any [censored] sporting teams to support in the US of A?

Carefull! You'll get a warning point!

Instead of "name" I should have written proven. In other words guys that can be selected and do a job.

The problem is we are not the only club chasing and I'm also wondering just how attractive we look at the moment. The reality is that Viney is the only certainty from this list.

The exodus of players is one thing but as the toll mounts who are we going to replace them with? The list of available experienced "name" players is dwindling -eg Boak gone, Cloke not wanted, Tippett going north if anywhere. If we replace all our losses with draft picks or fringe players from other clubs, I fear we are going to sit in the doldrums for many, many years.

Several clubs interested?

Well below your usual wit DC.

My confidence will only be restored by the only thing that counts - winning games. Therefore I will have no false hopes, confidence or optimism until we kick some serious arse in 2013

What the f### makes you think i'm feeling sorry for myself? It's all about the club! I'm sorry for the club that has attracted shite or has had it dumped upon it for any number of reasons over countless years. Yes I get [censored] about paying my 500 plus every year but I also feel pessimistic about the change that is promised every year but never eventuates.

It's marvellous how history repeats itself. We have a shite season, miss the finals and are generally a laughing stock. However, we have draft picks, or a new coach or some other reason for optimism and the pre season (wet) dreams start again.. How many times has this happened? There must be a Phd. waiting for whoever can determine the particular strain of insanity that makes Melbourne supporters line up year after year for yet another f###ing. Happy days my arse!