Maldonboy38

Maldon played in Essendung colours yes, but not the same jumper. Please!!! We never called ourselves the Bombers, we were always the Dons. Later in life I had the opportunity to play in the Bendigo Football League and would you believe I could not play for Castlemaine because they had Colliwobbler colours so I went to Kyneton and put up with a Richmond strip. Old habits die hard.

The new mascot doesn't really do it for me. I understand the thinking behind it, appealing to different generations etc... but where will we see these mascots used? My understanding of a mascot is an image or a symbol out front to give a tangible rpesence to the values and heart of an club, group, entity. If these 3 figures will appear on matchday at the 'G my kids will love it and it will draw, and hold, their attention. Posters for the kids, stickers in junior membership packs and maybe even some junior clothing would work treat. If they intend to splash it across internet media, newspapers and promos then it is a big mistake. Those of us who are really into engaging with the Dees through these means are much more likely to be stimulated by the new logo. BTW, the older demon Checker really DOES remind me of Brian Dixon.

My 17 year old daughter is a HUGE Liam Jurrah fan as is my eldest son. About 2 years ago he was getting very interested in Gary Ablett and Geelong and I was struggling to maintain his interest in the Dees. we were never on TV and we lost almost every week. Oh no - I was losing him to the meows meows! Then, everything changed when one Liam Jurrah came on the scene. When all 6 of us - me, the other half, and four kids - went to see us thrash Essendung in 2010, LJ turned it on and that was it. Right now that same 17 year old daughter is standing behind me making me vote for LJ on the poll. Personally, I reckon Rohan Bail has a huge future and I love his run, or the man-crush on Frawley would make me choose 44 or 8.

Gysberts wasn't limping or anything, but he did spend some time doing a series of runs where on the return he had to do excercises that reminded me of Monty Python's Ministry of Silly Walks. Lifting his leg up and out in his stride. Jake Spencer did these movement excercises with him. Not once did he sprint or stride out in full which is a good sign of a hamstring, quad or major muscle injury. As soon as I posted about Lucas Cook I was sure I made a mistake about his status. Yes, he was pick 12 - my mistake. I suppose his sticky hands stood out because it has been a while since I have seen this attribute in a Melbourne player. Neita was a super star but could have hands made of wood sometimes. I suppose Ox was the last genuine one touch mark we have had. I did hope Newton would do this also but this forum is awash with comments on that so I will let that well alone.

G'day everyone - I have just joined Demonland after being a constant reader for the past 12 months. I thought I would add some information about this morning's training at Casey Fields as I went down to have a look. I could only stay an hour but saw enough to leave a few impressions. Sam Blease. His running and energy are really good, and he always gets himself into a good position but his kicking was poor. I am unsure why but am assuming that his recovery from a broken leg is taking longer than first thought. Wonna, Gysberts, Campbell all spent a long time running, or doing close-in hanball drills with Brad Gotch. Matty Bate walked around at the beginning and then disappeared indoors. Jake Spencer did heaps of running. He looks really big now and his kicking looks poor, but is getting much mre effective. Really impressd with his aerobic fitness level. Scully is amazing and trains as if he is in a match. Sharp, very focussed and his kicking was on song which is good news after a high number of foot-blunders in matches last year. He comes across like the sort of bloke who is addicted to footy - you know, when he isn't training or playing, he is reading about it, learning in some way, or just tossing a footy around in his hands. REALLY impressive and stands out on the training track. Col Sylvia was another one who made few (if any) mistakes and made all the short sharp sprints into a bit of a competition. His aggression and skill level made others sharpen up. Aaron Davey's leadership was great to see. After each drill, whoever was in his group got a pat on the back or bum and a word of encouragement. It was intentional, deliberate and effective. I haven't seen him in this light before and he comes across as a strong and effective leader. The young Lucas Cook looks to be an excellent rookie choice. He has VERY strong hands. I watched his group for about 15 minutes straight and it is simple: if the ball hits his hands, it sticks. He is still very thin and his basic build reminds me of a tallish Robbie Flower so he might not get too big but I imagine he will be buring it up in about 2013. Like many others I am developing a serious man-crush on Frawley. He jokes a bit at training and adds definite personality, but as soon as it is his turn in a drill he is prepared to monster his own team mates and impose himself. And boy, is he BIG!! Grimes was in the same groove as Scully. Very clean, very quick and few if any errors. A real encourager and should be captain one day. Last but not least - no Watts. I am a fan of this young bloke nad reckon he could be anything. His laid-back appearance belies a footy brain and elite skills but I hope the pre-season is not slipping by again. Anyway, that's it for my first post and I look forward to hearing from you.