Demon17

Lewis last 1/4 in Round 22 was sensational under huge pressure at Optus against Eagles. He's a conundrum but I'd rather still have him around next year. He will or won't earn his spot. I believe based on last pre-season 17/18, that Goody will make hard decisions for the benefit of all (Watts, Fritsch yesterday etc. ) making the next 8 weeks or so fascinating. Full faith in this next period to set up 2019. One will be killing off any rumours about Hogan leaving for example.

So you didn' t see the previous 2 finals with Cats and Hawks staging comebacks, with hawks players saying " Don't choke" and yet overcome but still young and inexperienced team finals-wise? Huge steps taken this year, good platform for next year's assault and glaring deficiency which I acknowledge shown up yesterday as a good dose of reality (think Lewis, outside run, close in shots at goal, Tyson ...) All fixable. Soon as I heard the forecast yesterday I thought the season over. Ended up being 28 degrees.

What will be will be today. But pause for thought to reflect and consider that Nathan Jones leads out the team in 2 hours equalling Jim Stynes games record.

Timely post dd. Well done. Importantly your reflections were absolutely supported over last 3 weeks by key media stakeholders publicly such as robbo caro hutchy and bt. It helps having the best product around such as marketable articulate polite and humble young players and leaders. Oliver s interview with roaming brian last friday after hawks win was one for the ages. That kid is all class. Along with weideman finishing his interview with a "...thank you very much brian ..."

Joel Smith was terrific at training on Wednesday also. Not the end of the world for bailey although he will be disappointed. He will play forward next year when back line re-settles with lever and play every game. Could be a selection next week for match ups if Dees get through tomorrow.

Really good point. In both finals Tyson delivered the perfect ball into the forward pocket for important last quarter goals to Melksham and Weideman.

I hope not, but if if Smith is in I hope Tyson remains. Don't touch the inside mids. Tyson as a gun if played correctly with quick hands to extract which is where this game will be won.

Give bt credit. He complimented the club on its approach to providing full and open access as the best in the afl. As did caro and hutchy on monday night. Well done dees media team and management.

On the way to training now. Thanks KJO. Post if the week !

Im pleased razor Ray has the game. If snyone has a mind of his own its him . Significant in dealing with this real issue on the day

It is a good read and the team analysis is well balanced. But I can't cop the comment about "...Part of that is the perception of our MCG form...". Its not perception - its reality. The pies game this year was too impacted by injuries to both sides to be a reliable predictor of form, and prior to that WC had won 2 out of 7 at the G (against Carlton) A Tigers vs Eagles GF will be the lessor outcome for the AFL in terms of interest and competitiveness. Dees have to win to set up the dream GF.

Very true. The worst thing about being talked about - is NOT being talked about (Oscar Wilde) I joke with Pies friends about their lack of teeth. And am proud that I like skiiing.(but a working class boy also) Its all good fun in the end.

He and Lever were both in the coaches box during the game.

Based on last week and lack of nerves and aggression at the ball so is brayshaw melkshem tmac oliver gawn jones tyson jetta hannan ............etc. This group could be a dynasty if they want it.

Sadly he's a bottom 6 player at the moment. Good around packs and pressure for sure but when opportunities arise has usually hard to predict outcome.

Absolutely. If they win they can be back at Tullamarine by Midnigh AEST. Thus sleeping in their own beds. For once a good call under the circumstances by the AFL.

Hibberds lap running was strong, and not idling by. Was taken out of main group early. His running strength suggest its precautionary.

Weid was last off the rack after completing some extra ruck simulation with a group of 5 which included Viney and Oliver. Other midfielders left a bit earlier.

I have a theory that when we lost Wowie in 2002 some soul left the club of that group. No-one leaves this cuurent team . Incl the rubbish talked about hogan. The tightness of the players cannot be overestimated.

9000 mcc reserved seats sold out yesterday in 10 minutes . Last week was much longer. Mcc will be packed again with red and blue

Spargo did a couple of good things in tight traffic early showing he wasn't overawed for an 18 year old and remained composed in defence zone. The current lineup got the team into final - west coats game etc and all deserve to remain in barring injury. - Tyson included .

Good comment. Compared to the garbage/bias you read on other club sites this is reasonably balanced without the emotion either. Some comments actually reflect demonland comments during the season.

Great call. Could be our biggest risk and needs attention in selection. Tyson worked well as an extractor on Friday but was on the wing at a couple of centre bounces. He and Jones can't play that role next week. Need a fast stopper here.

Another soft ride for Angus coming up?

" Blow them away" was Bob's final summary of what the MFC will do tomorrow night and Whately reluctingly agreed that the game would be over well before the final siren.