Pates

Clarry will go down as an all time great not just of the club but of the competition. Congratulations to him and all winners of various awards. Interesting (and really good) to see that ANB won the coaches award. I remember when he got unfairly screwed by the MRO for his dangerous tackle against Adelaide last year (deserved suspension but not the length), I genuinely thought that could be the end of him. But the club stuck fat with his, he came into the pre-season same as TMac with a clean slate and rejuvenated attitude, and became the true definition of a clubman and a role player. He clearly loves the club, and is loved by his teammates. I’m more than happy to eat humble pie with my previous beliefs on what he would be as a player. The other thing to note, as you’d expect from such a great year, is the players that ended up outside the top 10. Fritta had an incredible year, Brayshaw sacrificed to play a team oriented position, Spargo always cracked in, and Jackson won the Rising star. I don’t think any of them would begrudge their positions, they ultimately got to taste the greatest victory of all!

Hard to look past any Geelong win this year as they were all critical at the time. First win declared us as a strong player, second win got us the minor premiership (after the siren), final win dismantled them on prime time telly and got us into our first granny in 20 years. I can’t stand Geelong, their arrogance from players to supporters is only bettered by Essendon.

I feel like there will be a few oppo fans with sour grapes that try to taint the achievement of last year. I think the funny thing is the quirk of the AFL is that it’s not unusual for the best team of the year to not win the Premiership. We defied that trend by being the best across the board the whole season, how Geelong almost snatched the minor premiership is beyond me because they were very ordinary early on. Port were pretenders. The Lion’s best was very strong but they couldn’t sustain it. Dogs were the only true challengers but [censored] the bed at the end of the season making it hard for them. There can be no doubt: we were absolutely the deserved premiers. Now comes the next challenge, backing it up as the hunted!

How nice must it be for draftees coming to Melbourne thinking, “these guys have been good at nurturing and developing players”. It’s such a removal from what we were pre-Roos. Allowing young players to come into their own at a steady pace is such a beautiful thing. Hopefully this coming season they have a full VFL to get match practice and game time.

In the same year and two presentations we had the first MOC not be told the ANZAC Eve medal before she went up to present it, and the second (far more important) have the MOC forget to let our coach have his extremely deserved time in the sun to have his speech. Bring back Craig Willis!

Definitely wouldn’t disagree with you, I think each of them bring something different and equally important to the table. That moment in the GF that Oliver was being tackled by three doggies players and still managed to get a kick out of the congestion was absolute insanity and next level beast mode from him.

I’m just watching the ANZAC eve match vs Richmond, holy cow he is just such a ridiculously cool customer. I know he was the same (if not better) in the Grand Final but he was so damn good, could’ve been as good a choice for the BOG medal as Petracca. The thing that makes him stand out above just about everybody is that he sums things up so quickly, he does these deft little taps and handballs that he knows he’s likely to cop a hit at the same time. His footy intelligence is just about the highest I’ve ever seen at the club.

One of the best things about Jackson is that he is going to add at least 1-2 more years of quality football for Gawn. Bit by bit Max will hand over over ruck duties, maybe even be rested occasionally, because Jackson has proven he can handle the pressure of being the man in the ruck. Max will probably go down as a modern day great for his achievements already let alone what he could be capable of for the rest of his career. As for the chatter about player X (Gawn, Trac, Oliver) going down and we drop out of the 8. All three go down, well clearly that is the key components the engine going down so let’s see how any side goes with that. But I think if we lose one then there are others ready to step up. (IMO Trac would hurt the most)

It’s obviously tricky to work out out of season by the other interesting one would be the same stats for “best 22”. Would have to imagine Geelong’s average age goes up then, the cliff is coming for them big time. I had a chat with a mate who’s a cats fan, discussing the fact of them being up there so long without the reward of a premiership. Didn’t seem to bother him much, he was quite happy just to be up there in the conversation. That home ground advantage is massive for them, I feel it’s papered over some cracks that they have. I just hope the when the cliff comes, it’s that bad that they don’t win at home and the cattery goes to half capacity of fans. (I really hate the cats!)

Robbo probably didn’t give them a choice! 🤣 (To be fair he’s giving a good go)

Walking up the G, seeing the sea of Red and Blue, honestly felt like the footy was back! It’s a weird event, but everyone’s having fun which is what matters. First time I’ve seen my brother in a year and half, great way to celebrate.

I just don’t understand the reasoning behind this, firstly I actually don’t mind the “tradition” of Blues v Tigers to open the season on Thursday. Secondly Wednesday night has got to be the least fan/family friendly hour, which means (as we have seen) fans will AGAIN miss out. At least a Friday/Saturday provides the weekend to recuperate and give kids some rest, Wednesday is ridiculous for everyone. Total fail from the AFL and I really wish Pert/the club had fought this to see passed the tv coverage numbers.

I strangely enjoy watching the dogs get on top of us for that period. It reminds of just how much we had to work for this on the day. Will be interesting to see how everyone there reacts to that period, probably when the bars/food stalls will get busiest! 😛

Anyone hopped off at Richmond yet? MCG gates open today or do we have to use the Swan St exit?

Barassi missing out is definitely a downer on the event. He deserved this opportunity more than anyone to celebrate this moment with the fans but it’s impossible not to see him being the one to raise the flag round one next season.

I like the bells tolling before the players walk out almost as a heartbeat, then as soon as “It’s a grand old flag” is finished put the rest of Hells Bells on.

Good luck to him, not sure the Suns are a great fit for him but I hope he has a long and successful career.

Really like the look of him from those video clips, I think 45 would be the perfect fit for him. Welcome to the club!

They’d have to be insane not to have multiple merchandise stands around, there could not be a better combination of factors for people buying stuff on impulse. Happiness, celebration, beer, and Christmas coming up!

I totally feel your frustration D-Land. I ordered a premiership cap and bottle opener on 29/09, still hasn’t arrived.

Reckon Trac could have something to say about that, mind you Clarry would still be my tip.

It’d be good to know a little bit more about how the day will look, will it be ticketed seating or will we be allowed on the hallowed turf? Either way it’s going to be a great day!

He’s made the number 31 great again, now he’s got the chance to create his own legacy with it. Well done Fritta!

If there was consideration for him to move into a midfield role (or shift Kozzie to be an outside mid on rotation) perhaps he could be an option. Best available will surely be the go when pick 17 comes so if he’s best available, sounds like he’s a good prospect.

Great of him to say that, it’s gonna suck to see him play in different colours. Could’ve been a great pair to have with him and Jacko for the future.