FarNorthernD

"and for some reason I can't help thinking there will be similarities between Northey's Demons and Neeld's Demons. Ludicrous I know, given that Neeld is yet to fire a shot, but wouldn't it be sensational?" Agree. As Neeld says he won't die wondering and neither did Northey's Demons side. The late 80s team also had a hard edge to them and were not intimidated. Something we are aiming for this season Lets hope Neeld can take them that one step further than Swooper could.

Round 22 1987 is still my most favourite Demon memory. The pure joy of making the finals after all those lean years. I was born in 64 and went with my father to games throughout the disastrous 70's. At one stage I told him I had decided to barrack for Hawthorn. He said that was OK but I would only see them twice a year (when they played Melbourne). I stuck with Melbourne and for a couple of years we did have the leagues best centreline (Alves, Wells, Flower) but even that was soured when Keith Greig won 2 brownlows even though Robbie was, in my eyes, a far better player. Not much to hang your hat on in those days. And then after the Footscray game, we had those two huge finals wins and it seemed everyone in Victoria was a Demon supporter. Tim Lane on the ABC was talking us up and said "Who is going to stop them?" Unfortunately we found out the next week but for a short while, and for the first time in my life, my football club was an irresistible force and it felt fantastic.

He must occasionally look at all the positive things that have happened at his old club over the past 5 months and compare it with the rabble that is the Giants and wonder what he has done. You sort of get the feeling that Neeld would be the perfect coach for him too.

I don't understand why the Giants have made him the highest paid player in the league. From what he has shown to date he isn't even close to being the best player from his draft. Which means the Giants are paying him on potential. He is quick off the mark, can run all day and handballs well. But he is also small, only an adequate kick and not known for his marking ability. Purely on potential, if I only could take one, i honestly don't know who i would choose out of him and Gysberts. I am also guessing he is not a natural leader who others would rally behind. We could do very well out of the compo picks As I said, I don't get it.

Wouldn't mind the 27s forming our half back line this year

Voted for the end of first round compo Use it to target any out of contract gun Gold Coast midfielders who are looking to move back home. Player will already have 2 years development on clock and be ready to step straight into our midfield If no player available, use on best available in draft Leave other compo pick in bank for later opportunities

Wonder if the Gysbert's 'general soreness' omission is part of a rotational policy. Young body who throws himself around who could do with a week off. They will not drop Bartram and if Garland comes up could see it being a "No changes" week or just one change - Gys in for Bennell

Agree with Demon WA. Voted for Trengove, but if Grimes was to stay on the park then would go with him. What about short term? If Green decided to step down to 'concentrate on his footy', would Moloney be next in line?

Lineball but Scully for me. Trengove is Cousins* to Scully's Judd. Trengove will be the great clubman and leader but love watching Scully grab the ball and accelerate away from the pack or dish out the impossible handball. And hands up if you don't think he will work on his kicking. Want to keep both please *Without the character flaws

Have been a big fan of Dean's but would love to see a John Northey type with this group. One who can get them playing for each other, with some real passion and never say die attitude. This is not good tonight

Really all you want is some structure, commitment and desperation. Too many throwing their arms in the air, who will take responsibility? Brad Green where are you? Midfielders where are you? Thinking it all looks too much like the 70's Dees. I'm sad now PS Umpires suck

Yep a nothing article that says in 700 words that Bailey is under pressure. The difference betweens Caro's best and worst is huge. She lacks consistency

A friend once explained why Robbie Flower, great player that he was, wouldn't necessarily become a good coach. Robbie addressing a player prior to big match at the G "OK son, when you get your chance take a mark over the pack on half-back, play on, out run their quickest player, 3 bounces (2 on your left hand, 1 on your right). Get yourself into a bit of trouble in front of the members stand, sell the dummy, blind turn, straighten up on your non-preferred foot from the 50 and kick the goal. Understated punch of the air. Repeat" Always thought hardworking, nuggety back pockets made the best coaches. Matthews did put that theory to rest.

Midfielder Midfielder Midfielder Ruckman Midfielder Midfielder Midfielder Midfielder Midfielder Jurrah If we don't get consistent first use of the ball from the centre bounce we will struggle to win games If we don't pressure the opposition as they go into their forward 50 then a backline with King Kong and Voldemort won't stop them kicking goals and we will struggle to win games If we can't deliver with precision into our forward 50 we will struggle win games Jurrah in the list because he is Jurrah

Happy that Petterd and Wonna going well but equally pleased to see Gawn getting amonst the best. A co-ordinated 208cm mobile man mountain could be a very good thing in a couple of years

Perhaps Mike could have expanded his Nathan Buckley analogy by mentioning that if he had of stayed with Brisbane he could have played in 3 flag teams, perhaps 4

Hopefully Watts will complete his first full preseason after being injured last year and still at school the one before that. This year I thought he came on really well and did a lot of things that a 6' 5" kid has no right to be able to do. He will be very good As for Maric in those couple of games he played in his first year he showed signs of having that thing that all good footballers crave - time. He was rarely hurried when he had the ball and made decent decisions even if his disposal didn't live up to the hype Here's hoping he can pull it together

Part of our problem of the past decade has been the lack of true leadership. Yze, White, Robbo and Bruce all gave many highlights but when the pressure was truly on they often went missing. Neitz also was a great player but when the goal just had to be kicked you just knew he was going to struggle. With Bruce closing his locker door at the Dees for the last time, this presents an exciting opportunity for us to unearth a generation of new leaders who will stand up when tested, who will inspire others with their deeds and who will lead us to the 13th.