Tarax Club

Pleased Judd McVee and Taj Woewodin are getting some favourable reviews from our knowledgeable trackwatchers. In the VFL big dance last season they were the most noticeable of the uncapped younger guys out on the park. For sandgropers they stood up well in the inclement, heavy conditions not unlike today by the sound of it. Like Kade Chandler’s intent too, his determination will hopefully be rewarded this season. Go Demons!

The question has been raised D-D. Is Casey Fields the new centre for mystical experiences in Aussie rules football? Some Demon supporters believe the miracle of the 2021 premiership had its genesis there deep in the Covid epidemic. As a bolthole for conditioning and team training. Away from the madding crowd. Repeated recent sightings of vipers, men of dissolute appearance with binoculars and now it appears a new religious sect is emerging on the fringe of outer suburbia seem to confirm Casey Fields as a veritable "Gardens of Eden". Perhaps the AFL tempted by the 🍎 should endorse the name change, well at least the property developers wish it so. For further reading go to www.footyalmanac.com.au/footy-as-religion-a-myth-for-all-seasons/

Very early going but enjoyed Mr Mongrel Punt's insights for 2023, backs are back, strong midfield cohort strengthened with classy experienced imports. Forwards; a tantalising mix of older heads Tom and Ben (Masters Po and Kan), Bayley already abroad (Caine), JVR and young Jefferson (tyro KCC's) their AFL journey about to begin. Out on the paddock this morning the chat might go something like this... "Close your eyes (post kicking action of course!) What do you hear? … Are you able to hear the grasshopper that is right at your feet."

Obviously too much Christmas pudding. Skin fold tests to go ballistic next week.

Appears as if the Ammo's B section Grand Final had more akin to World Championship Mud Wrestling than amateur Aussie rules. Old Haileybury's premiership triumph continues the club's rise through the ranks under Daniel Ward's tutelage. Stefan Martin hasn't pulled on the boots again post his AFL retirement but Jack Lonie (ex-saints) did. Young Kye Turner does get a number of mentions in dispatches. Watching this space with interest.

So for our Kiwi compatriots it's Tom Duck and Megan?

Time will tell but are we getting a Ford Fiesta or a Gen3 Mustang GT?

Off St Kilda Rd in Moubray St tucked in behind Wesley. Still extant, refurbished relatively recently for wedding receptions.

Ron and Gerry Gee appeared at the ‘Reefer Cabaret’ in the old blind institute Ormond Hall in Prahran mid-70’s. A very risqué R rated performance. Blew the socks right off of the earlier strictly PG rated Tarax Show material. The audience were reportedly ‘rollin’ in the aisles’.

Ronald Dale made appearances too heralded as ‘Mr Football’

Dedicated red ‘n blue baby boomers OD!

You are only as old as you think you are OD! Lived in Shep well before local TV was even thought about. We were one the first households to have television (only because my dad was an adept welder and built a steel ‘tower’ for the antenna). Transmissions were received from Melbourne, blue cellophane covered the screen in an attempt to reduce fuzziness.

As we await Picket’s report from distant Casey Fields. The limited transmissions received so far seem to flicker intermittently between reality and mystery. (re: Steven May’s presence or absence?) Like trying to receive television broadcasts back in the early 60’s of my early childhood days from the Goulburn Valley. Black and white fuzzy images that would seemingly coalesce and than elusively disappear into the ether. Of those early formative days of TV broadcasts one of the most memorable shows began with Rod Sterling’s narration “There is a fifth dimension beyond which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition and it lies between the pit of man’s fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the an area which we call the Twilight Zone.” Knowing Picket Fence has great affection for the suburban culture of his youth and his previous reports have heavily referenced cult favourites such as the original Star Trek, Space Family Robinson, and he has lovingly homaged Columbo’s Peter Falk… The question arises where is PF?

Over at the Saints circus, the coaches carousel has another merry-go-round at the Linton Street roundabout. Rats is gone but Ross returns. At the end of the coup, one imagines Ross scratchily wondering where is Luke? During the meet and greet the new guy. Or was that grownup Halloween for the the whole troop? "Luke's at Batman Avenue Boss" some newly appointed factotum whispers in his ear. The penny has dropped as the cobwebs momentarily clear. The Saints already deficient list, stuck between the gas gone out of the moneyball party balloon and yet another painful rebuild (short term according the recent saints members' media spin) is definitely more deficient now. If Goody's 2023 new year's resolution is to truly give those showing consistent form at Casey a fair go, Luke Dunstan deserves a shot. Maybe the new flexibility for that extra spot on the pine will provide him due opportunity.

Gibbo’s gracious contributions will be missed especially on Gus & Yawny. All the best Ben.

Thank you Big Kev. Marvelous!!! You are our 'go to guy' at Gosch's Paddock. Just add UFO's Aliens and Martians you'll soon rival Picket Fence out there on the *Outer Limits!

Par contre, it suggests more humble origins and most importantly a great sense of humour. Love to be a fly on the wall when Jed and Max first get together. Vive le gars différent.

Young bloke just bustin' to give it a crack. Deservedly elevated after patiently awaiting his opportunity. Trust he really gets a fair go at it next season and beyond. Good luck Kade!

Yawn who are the premiers? Officially most boring ceremony all the awards but not the Flag.

Veni Vedi Veci

Qccentric interpretation of rules re:holding the ball. Do NRL rules apply north of the border? Rest of the country knows this is an AFL game. Send the clowns back to Lang Park!

Straight shootin' Demons to trump Banana Benders in the Moonlight Sunshine State.