The Reverend

Hop it...

We're all desperate OD. But desperate times call for one thing - optimism and faith - well that's obviously two things, but if we all stay positive and have nice dreams I am convinced our faith will be rewarded. It's about creating a cosmic shift in the mindset of all. The stars are aligning OD. It's a grand old flag and everything is going to be just great. Trust me, I'm an optimist!

I still think his "what about Sylia's mother" call was pretty good, but yes he does become tiresome.

We wear our battle scars and wounds with pride OD. It's what will separate us from the rest. we need to just learn from the past, cherish the present and dream for the future. No point hanging on to our bitterness - it just gives us more wrinkles. Smile and remember that, in 2014, we haven't lost a game yet. This is going to be a much better year than last. In fact, I'm so confident that I'm willing to bet a bottle of reasonably priced single malt that after eleven rounds we will be no worse than 4 wins and 7 losses. Either way we'll both be winners. If I lose, you'll be able to drown your sorrows and I'll know I've done something to ease your pain, and if I'm right, I'll be able to celebrate and you'll be happy with the wins. What do you say?

Just one?

Who cares? Bring on 2014!

C'mon OD, you've got to shake that automatic cynicism reflex. Don't be a doubting Thomas - have faith! If it's all gone pear-shaped by round 3 you can then return to the cave of cynicism. But for now, it's the off-season - a time to rejoice in the possibilities and dream a little.

Fair point!

Blessed are those who hide in shells for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who post on Demonland for they shall inherit the flag. Blessed is Old Dee for he has been a true and loyal keeper of the faith.

As a forward, he may have been hindered by some of the delivery coming out of the centre and half-back. Let's wait and see what he can do when he's injury free and getting some decent presentation. Don't underestimate smartness. I'd rather a smart footballer than Jake King!

I say he's the Messiah! Jesse Hogan will lead us out of the wilderness and into the promised land. The heavens will shine down on us and the angels will sing "It's a Grand Old Flag" to the roars of the Dees faithful. Hallelujah, brothers and sisters, I have seen the light and it is good. In Jesse we trust! Praise the Lord!

Not too keen on Dawes then ...

It's what I want to see. I don't really care what the game plan is, I just want to see the results, as you say, of a well executed game plan. Who cares how it happens as long as it does. The armchair experts can analyse all they like but a loss is a loss and a win is a win. The record books don't say much about game plans, they just record winners and losers.

WINNING!

Both are perfectly acceptable and have served to give me a much more cheerful outlook on life. Having said that I tried some Monkey Shoulder a week or so ago and was pleasantly surprised that a blended whisky could actually taste that good. Apparently it's blended from just three malts. A good economical alternative when the pension cheque is late. Reasons to be cheerful.

Maybe that's why OD can't remember.

Ian Dury had many reasons to be cheerful. Let's see if we can get a song out Demonlanders' feelings about the Dees as we enter into a new era of hopefulness. Maybe someone can take the ideas and put them to music. I'll start us off - feel free to add to the list: Paul Roos - another level Jesse Hogan - so much to offer A fit Mitch Clark Peter Jackson - very clever A kind fixture...

Like, yes.

I am, as usual, optimistic. It's a great time to be a Melbourne supporter - so much to hope for and dream about. Mind you, this year there seems to be something different in the air. It's almost like somebody knows what they're doing at the MFC. I can't wait for Feb 14 to get an idea of the changes that have been wrought. Looking forward even more to March 22. It's got to better than 2013. The Lord has promised and decreed that this will be the year of the DEES!

I like the like button. Like, it's nice to be able to like stuff that I like. Like, I don't like not having a like button. It means like I'm not able to like something I like. Like, bring back the like button.

I think Ben's right. Clearly selfish. He could have dished off a couple of times there. Let's hope Hogan does better than this.

Way to go WJ! There are so many reasons for optimism at this time of year. The best thing any of us can do is to get along to games and support with everything we've got. It's all about positive energy. Let's all commit to being generators of hope rather than prophets of doom. It will make a difference.

Hmmm, I might need to rethink my optimism. At around $340 a bottle, this might be out of my reach unless I can justify it with at least a finals appearance this year.

Thanks Nasher. As all can see I have found a way of combining optimism for the future of our beloved team with my second passion. For those, like me, with vision impairments brought on by advancing years, I have found a malt whisky named 'OPTIMISM'. Perfectly appropriate, I feel. GO DEES!

Don't we already have a thread for this news?