Deetective Sgt. Taggert

I just re-watched the first half of Round 1. The team definitely played with a bit more run and dash and worked much harder for each other and spread really well in that game. There were still a similar number of skill errors but they were able to cover them up better with second efforts. We also had a lot more run and dash from guys like Kent and Frost. I'm not sure if that means the coach is to blame for not be able to get the team to perform consistently, or its more a matter of the younger guys starting to tire as the season wears on. But we shouldn't discount the whole season just yet...

"I'd easily get a game in this side and I'd love to play alongside Jack Viney..."

They could run all day, but too small and no courage at all (based on the guys in the street who love talking [censored] to passers by, but back down as soon as you confront them, unless they've got ten mates backing them up...)

Yeah, I guess I meant that I had a bit of a break after suffering through that period!

I have recently returned from a two year sting working overseas (Ethiopia). I returned to Australia a week ago, went to the Brisbane game on Sunday, then watched today's game against the Saints on TV. Prior to this I the last game I saw live was in July last year against the Cats at the MCG, and before that it was the game against GWS in 2013 when we somehow kicked 12 goals in the last quarter...plus I have watched a couple of game replays where available on YouTube (AFL website replays weren't available in Ethiopia). Here are a couple of musings based on two years with very limited opportunity to see my beloved Demons play live: Firstly, Demonland is a godsend when you are overseas. I can't thank the administrators enough for their efforts to keep the site functioning and for the insights provided by some posters, particularly those with insider knowledge and who provide such great training reports during the offseason (the most exciting time for us poor MFC supporters!). For all its faults and failings, the community of supporters on Demonland helps to keep those of us overseas in the loop and to make sure we still feel part of the club in spite of the distance. The regular reporting by Football journalists just doesn't cut it in this regards. Secondly, what happened to the excitement of our beloved game? After Garlett snapped that goal to make it 5 for the Dees in the first quarter against the Lions I was jumping out of my seat at the G and genuinely excited about the next 3 quarters...but by time the final siren rang I couldn't even sing the song after almost dying of frustration. Yes, we won, and yes both teams are high stoppage teams, but seriously if I can't get excited about seeing my team win for the first time in over 2 years then something is definitely wrong with the state of the game. Thirdly, after two years I would definitely have expected greater improvement. Sure it's been less than two seasons under Roos, but surely we should be able to address our consistency issues by now. It's hard to understand how teams like St Kilda and the Doggies who were contesting Grand Finals and Prelims in the late 2000s have fallen and risen above us. We still seem to be paying for the past mistake of moving on senior players before their time, which has robbed our club of experience that our younger brigade can learn from (both the Saints and Dogs have older/senior players as captains). Moreover, although our recruiting of recent years has been pretty spot on (both national draft and trades) I suspect the high turnover of players is affecting the ability of the team to gel together. Not to mention that many of the players have had to learn 3+ different game plans over 5 years or so. Fourthly, I think we can finally say we have a good group of younger players who can form the nucleus of a competitive football team. Guys like Brayshaw, Hogan, Viney, Salem, and McDonald have all show they have what it takes to become elite (or close to it) players, and more importantly, appear to possess the right attitude. In spite of some recent woeful performances, we should all take some consolation in what these younger guys have showed to date. They just need time to develop and hopefully the addition of some A grade talent and greater improvement from guys already on the list. Lastly, I really feel for those of you who have been watching the games week in and week out the past two years. Having been out of the country I have at least not had to deal with any other AFL supporters on a daily/weekly basis, which means my suffering is largely self-inflicted from my obsession with reading Demonland and consuming all and every article I can find online. As such, I can understand why many of you would be jumping off the band-wagon (or off the nearest cliff) after today's dismal performance. And I honestly don't blame you one bit. If you are not enjoying the footy, then you should find something else to do on your precious weekends. And no-one should be berated for it. But we shouldn't lose hope just yet, in reality the team is still only 1.74 years into yet another rebuild. And the team has show enough glimpses this year that they can play a relatively attractive style of football that looks like the type that can hold up in finals when all cylinders are firing. The question is, will any fans be left by the time we play finals again?

We will be lucky to pinch a win over carlton, which will take us to 6 wins. Probably the bare minimum for a pass mark for the year. At least brayshaw looks the goods still!

I just dont get it. How can st kilda be already so much better than us?!

Edit: the last round is flexible but im sure theyll still get prime time...

Would you believe the rematch of this game comes in round 23...what a farce

I agree. The young kids have a different feel about them this time around compared to the past. A nice blend of different characters too from the more serious to the fun blokes, which I think bode well for overall team chemistry.

Dare to dream!

Yup, I woke up to the news after a heavy night out in Addis Ababa, and then my lady friend left early so no chance of compensation....

Great to see our younger guys forcing their way into the side on the back of some good form. Can't wait to see what ANB can bring, seems like a calm and professional young guy.

Not all donkeys run around all their lives with no problems, this poor lass got hit by a car last week in Addis Ababa (apparently sitting and waiting in vain for first aid to arrive):

So far, so good

Being overseas the last two years I haven't seen many full matches. Curious to know what role Michie plays and who he is fighting for a spot with?

Don't see the logic of naming spencer on the extended bench? Or does that mean he will be an emergency?

I just noticed this interesting tid bit of information in an article on the 'Coodabeens' on the AFL website from yesterday. Oh the irony! What coodabeen for the Dees!

Not watching the game but the scoreline is staring to get ugly in the Cats/Blues game. Is MM now on borrowed time?

At least we won ours! Makes me feel a bit better in the face of the recent shellackings...

I'm inclined to agree on the mere fact Hogan is back!

Interview demonstrates he is clearly a very smart guy, I mean he basically describes off the cuff his entire recovery program in detail, and I actually learned something! I also remember watching his draft footage and he even though he didn't have any major highlights, he just look so composed and natural in everything he did, which got me really excitied.

I also agree with the articles contention that Jones is a better role model for the benefits of hard work and determination. Thats not to take anything away from Gary, as he's a proven champion and diligent trainer, etc. I used to play junior footy with Steve Johnson, but as good as he was, I took no inspiration from him because it was purely his size and natural ability that made him a good player. He was also a bit of an arrogant tool with poor social skills and a low IQ. Meanwhile, there were other guys I played with who weren't as talented, but who trainied hard and did the team things that I would have picked first...

Well Roos did warn us about not reading too much into Round 1... ...we may have forgotten it completely by the end of the season or even by round 7...

I thought our toughness was great too, both in terms of winning the contest ball but also when putting pressure on the kicker. Particularly loved when Kent smashed Malceski over the boundary line into a GC teammate. That kind of attitude and approach has been sorely lacking since I can even remember...