Tarax Club

Many here have commented that Luke Jackson appears not ready for AFL including our good selves (see Joe Boy's 3 word analysis thread June 13th) "needs solid apprenticeship". Admittedly LJ had a rather modest debut both impact wise and statistically, but a closer examination of his contribution does reveal his considerable potential. He appears to read the flight of the ball well, as evident by him presenting for marking contests on multiple occasions and getting his hands on the ball. Only to have the ball slip from his grasp. However later in the match he did catch the Sherrin in a contested marking encounter against an opponent. As an acquired skill, a big grab in a pack situation must be one of the most difficult to master, especially in a fiercely competitive AFL game of footy. With powerfully built, match hardened opponents crashing in. As a previous poster on this thread wrote, LJ was the beneficiary of some free kicks for pack infringements. His very first free kick for goal was from a fair distance out, on the half-forward flank at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. It was a booming, confident kick almost goal post high and not far shy of the full points. Other weapons in his arsenal? His leap is extra-ordinary reminiscent of another youthful enigma with flowing blond locks, whose debut unlike Luke's was a spectacular triumph against the demons of old. Leaving the stratosphere and back on terra firma, LJ appears way more coordinated and graceful, perhaps reminiscent of an older Luke, (both have the basketball background). The best available AFL apprenticeship environment in 2020? "In this post Covid-19 season where the unusual is normal, give our neophyte stars the opportunity to ascend the AFL stage and strut their stuff."

Judging from this 'recent' training shot? Ball drop could be an issue! Anyway we'll back Bayley to get it right. Just fine tinker the bio-mechanics.

Agreed there's a lot of it about. Within the footy bubble and beyond. That being said there is certainly evidence of perceptive and insightful contributions here. Hopefully those in positions able to enact change choose wisely and provide creative solutions over time. Much prefer critical thinking over group think though, as this week's result fades into the rear view mirror.

Hopefully Sunday morning with a latte has kicked in and for some the emotion of a close shave has cooled to almost rational. The merry-go-round mentality of changes for next week that many here appear to ascribe to 'beggar's belief' (quote). Perhaps brainwashed at demondland is more apt.

As usual a most perceptive and insightful post Whispering _ Jack. We absolutely stole the chocolates and they're left with some rather over boiled lollies. Take an ugly ugly win any day to coming up one behind short. Query on your very first post today for GAMEDAY "Its been a long time coming". Were you channeling the great Sam Cooke, David Crosby or the Zutons?

Joeboy - hip hip hooray! Gawn - ruckman and rover Viney - lacked real impact Jetta - slowing down fast Smith - gyroscope went haywire May - play the percentages Salem - opponent won day Rivers - promising debut performance Harmes - wasted down back Tomlinson - use potential utility! Langdon - kept scrapping throughout Melksham - missing in action Fritsch - shotgun full forward McDonald - hardly raised canter Jones - disappeared down wormhole? Hunt - leading goal scorer Jackson - needs solid apprenticeship Neal-Bullen - influential first quarter Petracca - has midas touch Oliver - consistently cracked in Bennell - bravura cameo performance Lever - tall on tall! Brayshaw - lower your eyes Goodwin - caught short today MFC - miracle final counter

Only Carlton's inaccuracy saved @#X!$%?*'s head from the chopping block!

Detected a whiff of bathwater that quarter. Hope Goody pulls the plug at halftime!

If we all care to recall... Tom has 'unfinished business' with this mob. Would love to see him run amok at CHF. Pleased to see the inclusion of Jayden Hunt, courageous with a never say die attitude to boot.

Nibbler seemingly could not get a 'grip' last season. But has shown some positive signs earlier in the pre-season. Statistically not the worst performer in round 1 against the Eagles in Perth. In fact recall him kicking a smart snap goal from a crowded pack. At his best a solid team contributor at the coalface.

All in the wash Barry! According to Japanese Prime Minister Mr Shinzo Abe a high priority on personal hygiene is part of the 'unique' strategy that has contained the covid 19 epidemic there. One suspects the 40 page AFL compliance document has strictly stipulated the daily laundry of training duds.

As long as that's not white powder without the cheesy flavour SWYL! Prefer my twisties straight out of a freshly opened pack, wholesome and crunchy ?

Not wishing to claim a scoop but this news doesn't 'seem' to have appeared elsewhere on a demonland thread. According to an article on afl.com 'Coaching squeeze hits as Dees make tough calls' Daniel is not unfortunately one of the twenty five staff currently retained at MFC. A sign of the times sadly. Daniel has been a loyal servant to the club both as an experienced player, member of the coaching staff and runner on match days. Max Roach has also been stood down from the coaching staff. Wish them both well.

Uncle about to receive his medicine!

If this comes to fruition, we're happy to attend and provide a detailed report. With two provisos; 1. Demonland provides us with AFL accredited press passes (expect it will RSVP invitation only event) 2. Our 'chesty bonds' must have a prominent red V. (thongs are of course de rigueur) Your self-appointed top end correspondents

Appreciate the link Dr. G! British Pathe footage, with an authentic Aussie voiceover. Well before our time, but has that distinctive style of going to flicks (Saturday nights?) and watching the Australian Movietone News. Rupert was still learning his trade at the Melbourne Herald. 80 odd seconds of the stuff of legends! A viewing of the brief highlights show how truly magnificent the Redlegs team of that era must have been. Surprisingly reminiscent of the contested ball, once possession was gained, move the ball quickly with creative handball and clean kicking skills to an open forward line, where will of the wisp small forwards kick accurately for goal. (Considered to be desirable in today's era of the 'game plan'). Norm Smith received an award for 'most unselfish'. Evidence of his team orientated play was clearly on display twice at 00:30 with a well directed handball that cleared the pack, followed at 01:00 by a 'creative' handball to Alby Rodda front and square for a six pointer. Both involvements would be described as goal assists now. Never going to complain about the look away, backwards over the head handball again!

Agreed JJC, not wishing to obfuscate matters further, but according to Webster's obscure (of people) is defined as "not attracting attention, not known to people at large" Oxford somewhat elucidates by suggesting... those unknown to fame, whereas an online dictionary reports "not discovered or known about". On the question of the Feldmanns' ancestory, (even more obscure sub-thread: Jewish MFC footballers). WE were pondering placement of a question mark after their nomination. Our research indicates possible Prussian or Ashkenazi origins for the Feldmann name. We have also purportedly tracked Derek to northern climes. Where he may reside (well at least until recently) as a manager of a timeshare holiday resort.? Anyway the bubblegum card depicts Derek with some other 'obscure' Ex- Demons.

Maintaining the even more obscure sub-thread: Jewish Ex-Demons footballers, Derek and Rick Feldmann. Returning to the very obscure Gentile Ex-Demons footballers thread... Laurie Queay played two games in 1972 (probably off the bench). Unfortunately 'Tiger' Ridley and the match committee were unimpressed, he never played for the firsts again. Pretty decent footballer in his day for a school now prominent in recent AFL drafts.

At that game and visibly recall the Fidge- Millane 'incident' to this day. Ted rather publicly and mistakenly retaliated to sly whack from Millane, during the play, with a powerful right cross to the head. Millane was dazed, confused and on very rubbery legs. So much for the faux tough image, Millane attempted to project on the footy field. Unfortunately for Ted, Swooper massively disapproved, it was Ted's last senior appearance and he was delisted at seasons end. The match itself? After an three goal opening burst by the Magpies, a fabulous Brian Wilson lead recovery by the Demons, who stormed back to secure a memorable victory.

Now that is an innovation we'd like to see! Open the transfer window for May 31 202_ . Have Jesse return on loan (a la the English soccer) for the remainder of the season. Re-kindle his passion for the game and sort out the dysfunction in the forward line. Win win. ?

Yeah, physicality on the footy field at its best. Sadly 'legislated out' of the game today.

JUst viewed video of 1st semi-final 1994 Dees v Doggies... the great Jakovich out injured? but Captain Garry and team mates step up to the plate and performed magnificently. We were in the zone! True, memory is less reliable as time passes. Prior to viewing would have sworn (erroneously), young Neita cleaned up Chris Grant,who appeared to be out for the count. But he returned to the ground after half time! Albeit a little 'groggy' and probably less able to perform. With concussion rules in place now would not happen. Only fly in the ointment? Having to fly to Perth and play West Coast Beagles the following week. Sound familiar? Dreams of ultimate success thwarted by earlier opportunities not taken at that moment in time. Other teams with less talent have won premierships, perhaps decided by the roll of the dice or the bounce of the Sherrin.

Skuit, if you're currently "stuck in Darwin" my only recommendation would be the recreational lounge at old Impex worker's village at Howard Springs, Social distancing may apply. You're right Demon's supporters here probably wouldn't raise a centurion's cohort. ?

Just when we were both thinking here we are marooned in Darwin fading into irrelevance and obscurity. After withdrawal of future MFC games in the top end 2019. Rab D Nesbitt has helped revive the Tarax brand somewhat by accident. Rab you may have recalled our claim of attending every Demons' game played in Darwin. Unfortunately though research at Demonwiki has proven that to be erroneous as an earlier match was played in the 90's which was temporally inappropriate for our presence. Pleased to read so many fond memories from other baby boomer posters. Anything to add some levity to your day!