Hannabal

(I feel like it's Groundhog Day.) Both my parents barrack for Hawthorn. Also, I voted nay in 1996. It was my choice. And I've been in more fights than had hot dinners defending the Dees. That too was my choice.

It's always a choice ... even for the feeble minded. Btw, love and reality can live hand in hand. Reality is that I love the MFC. Reality also is that the MFC has been a pathetic joke for much of the last 40 years. That said, the convenors of the club today are doing a fine job, both on and off the field. See you at training.

I reckon your stats say little or nothing - other than what they actually say. They say that Higgins and Minson were injured early in 06. They say that Jones and Bate should have played sooner. They say that we're more reliant on our youth than the Doggies. Nice try though. Also, can you give me gametime stats, please ?

Take 2 Bex and have a good lie down. Btw, it's not an honour, it's a choice.

Yeah, the game stats are wrong. Sylvia

I agree with that statement. A junior would often play very early in the season, or the last game or two. And when they did get a run their game time was minimal. We look back through the record books and say that ND blooded xyz players, but, as you point out, it doesn't always give the paint the whole picture. He's been much better in this regard the last couple of years. Though, having better cattle helps too.

Game plan, skills, endurance - 'gut running', and leadership have never been more important. Contested possessions are as important as ever, but mainly at stop plays, such as ball ups, boundary throw ins, and the centre square. The reason we see less contested possessions per game is that once the initial clearance has taken place the team in possession starts blocking and creating space and the defensive team in that piece of play either mans up or starts a defensive zone. There's not the contests that we used to see all over the ground, but more a chess board with set plays. Games are won in the midfield and the pressure to win the stoppages has never been greater.

Not all clubs can expect a leap forward due to the maturation of their list. Adelaide are hanging on and we saw what happened to Port and Brisbane. Port is ahead in the rebuiling process but at least the Lions have 3 flags in the cupboard. What exciting youth have Sydney blooded over the last 2 years other than Malceski ? From a Demons perspective, it's reasonable to expect these players to imrove barring injury: McLean, Sylvia, Bate, Bartram, Dunn, Jones, Davey, Rivers, Bell, CJ, PJ, Jamar, Carroll, and Moloney. That's a fair chunk of our best side and doesn't take into account any surprise packets. Of course that begs the question 'who's in decline' ? It goes without saying that we need Neitz, White, Robertson, and Pickett to maintain their existing levels. And in Robertson's case we could expect a better year if he's over his knee soreness. Clubs throughout the AFL are at different levels of experience and list quality. We're in the somewhat enviable position of having a good list with vast natural improvement within it. The really good news is that much of our quality is young and already important to our best 22. Btw, you salivate over McDougall but the guy is a hack. Unfortunately during trade time ordinary footballers like Thornton suddenly become elevated to almost star status. I'd rather do nothing than trade for trade sake, or to appease supporters.

How do you know what we tried and what we didn't ? You mention JJ. How do you know how hard we went ? He was always going to stay at Essendon if he got a 2 year contract, which ultimately happened. What's a 'bargain' ? And if it's a 'bargain' why is it a 'bargain' ? I'll share with you some comments from CAC on Demonology re the draft just gone. "Guys I know that there is alot of angst surrounding the trade period. However, when it comes to last weeks trade period - nothing gained doesn't mean nothing ventured (or indeed offered.) We don't do our negotiation through the newspapers as other clubs do." Also "I won't go into what the machinations of th trade period were. Because most of our movements were looking to improve our draft position. This obviously involved players who remian on our list. One snippet I will reveal is that the offer made to Bret Thornton by Hawthorn would have had him paid nearly double the salary of our current full back. Trading can have an effect on pay scales within a club." BBP, we have no idea of the machinations of trade period, or what it takes to effectively balance the trade, draft, and list management. As for your thoughts on trading Bell ? Fair comments. You've got to give something to get something. But what was on offer ? We've put a lot into Bell and I'm confident we'll reap the rewards. I suspect the club is too.

I've always enjoyed not having to log on every time I view this site. It would be great if you could re-introduce this feature.

I've noticed you're 'on him' but I'm not buying. He'd need to make a quantum leap to even come into consideration. I've seen him at TBO and at Casey Fields in Sandy Two's, and whilst he has talent he just doesn't like traffic. I hope you're right but I'm a 'hold' on this one.

Yes, but Ablett could have played midfield for the bulk of his career - one didn't have to rob Peter. I believe he went to FF too early. But it's hard to argue.

Very true. Many people mistakingly believe that the Hawks made a huge blunder letting Ablett go, but they knew what they were doing. My brother was on the Hawks senior playing list at the time and there was never any doubt about his ability. In his first game for the two's as a 17 year old he had over 30 possessions and kicked 5 goals from the centre. As for Steve Johnson ? Some players never learn. I'd need to know more of the facts, but with his recent history I'd be very tempted to cut him. That said, Thompson would look a tad inconsistent and hypocritical. I doubt he's in a position to change the culture in Sleepy Hollow given his previous 7 years.

Nearly every 'star' in the history of the game has played in premiership teams. They are pivotal to their sides success. Whether it be Michael Jordan and his 5 rings, Wayne Gretski, or Shane Warne, stars shine brightest and rise to the occasion when needed. You can also look at individual sports, ie Tiger Woods; Sampras; and Federer; they win the ultimate prise when it counts. I reckon I can count on one hand the amount of genuine stars that haven't won a flag: Skilton, Lockett, Flower, Ablett, and Buckley. I'm probably being hard as I'd happily accept Roos, Kelly, and a few others. But look at some of the names that have tasted the ultimate success: Matthews, Carey, Barassi, Whitten, Brereton, Dunstall, Tuck, Hird, Voss, Jezza, Williams, Kernahan, Bartlett, Blight, Greig, Schimma, Watson, Madden, Bourke, Daicos, Silvagni, and I could go on. I will admit that with the talent throughout the land having been further spread with the advent of 16 teams that it's probably possible, and more likely, to win a flag in this day and age without the star some of us crave. That said, it makes life a hell of a lot easier with one. Just ask West Coast how they rate Judd and Cousins. CAC knows that the development of a bona fide star will round out his recruiting career with the Dees. He also knows that the premiership table usually bears a strong resemblance to the quality of the top 6 at each club. Do the exercise yourself. Rank the ladder in order of the top 6 players at each club. It usually bears an uncanny resemblance to the premiership table at the end of the season. A star is a star because they are superbly consistent with the highest quality football, they win contested footy, they have the uncanny knack of producing the inspirational when it's needed, and they make those around them better. They're match winners. It's little wonder they usually have a premiership medallion hanging around their neck at the end of their careers. I pray for a star. Others can please themselves.

Thanks for the PM, Dappa. I'll respond here. I started posting on the old Demonland just over 4 years ago, although I'd been an avid reader for 12 months prior. And it didn't take me long to recognise the quality of Deefan's posting. I didn't agree with all that he wrote, but his balance and depth of thought interested me. Spunjy and Scoop Junior, amongst others, also made quality contributions. My point being ? Almost all the posters I read then, and since, have either thought our team/list was the bee's knees and under performing, or the coach was useless. Then you had the other group who wouldn't hear a bad word about the club, players, or coach. They riled me the most. For too long I've put up with this club and many of its insipid supporters either not giving a damn or failing to understand the mindset of winners. I may have gone too far on occasions trying to shake up what I perceived to be a mundane status quo, or overly apathetic supporters, but so be it. It's a mindset that hasn't endeared me to some, but it's a stance I believed to be necessary and I make no apologies. I want to support a cutthroat club that has a hard edge. One that knows what is required for success, isn't afraid to step on toes, and makes the tough decisions on players when necessary. And I haven't always felt that these trademarks have adequately emanated from the MFC. Also, imo 95% of posters haven't had a realistic grasp of their club and its onfield capabilities. But I digress. Dappa, you're above comments don't quote me accurately. I'm very optimistic about our future over the next year or two, before a lull in 2009/2010. However, the lull will be short lived before a strong resurgence. West Coast played finals 2002/03/04 and went out in straight sets each year. It took those years of building their list and gaining experience before they were able to seriously threaten and ultimately succeed. I think we're in a similar position. I take great solace in our finals victory over the Saints and our 3 successive September appearances. I think we are in a position now to seriously challenge, although I suspect that 2008 is more realistic. Playing and losing finals can be mediocrity or the stepping stones to success. I hope and believe it's the latter. I'm not a Daniher apologist and I reckon he's made mistakes along the way, but I give him credit where it's due. I've said repeatedly that "outside midfields are consistently inconsistent" and I know that he recognises this and has put in train a young group that is well and truly on the way to rectifying this situation. Other than Neitz, our leaders haven't been contested ball winners. They're classy, but unable to influence games due to an inability to win the ball in tight or take the game by the scruff of the neck. What's the point of having a leader who can't stamp his impromata on a game of footy ? Whilst Brad Green has improved in this area, it's one reason he should never be captain imo - one of the areas where Deefan and I disagree. Btw, I'm not picking on Green as I believe he gets a bum wrap on here. He had a fine year which has gone largely unrecognised. We've got a couple of structural weaknesses as a side and as usual injuries will play a part, but no team in the competition is perfect. There's no champion Brisbane Lions outfit running around. Can we pinch hit and cover where we're deficient ? Time will tell, but unlike others, who rightly point to our NQR kpp's, or a potential ruck issue, it's the midfield that causes me most angst. The potential is fantastic, but are they currently capable of the 'gut running' required to win a finals campaign ? I'm not so sure, but we must make top 4 if we're a genuine chance. I think we can. Sorry for the self indulgent rant.

Look at some of Fitzroy's players from the corresponding period - and they had 10 less years. Garry Wilson, Quinlan, Roos, Pert, Lynch, Osborne, Irwin, Beecroft, Serafini, McMahon, Rendell, Conlan, Merrigan, and even Pikey, to name a few. Nine of the players I mention made Fitzroy's team of the century. As I've said earlier, we've easily had the worst combined team of the last 30 years. Let's hope it's our turn for a moment in the sun. PS: Lawrie Fowler easily makes any Dees team I've seen.

It wouldn't matter who picked our best team of the last 30 years. Even the Footscray and Fitzroy teams of the last 30 years make ours look mediocre. I should know, I lived through it. Let's hope the next 30 years makes up for the last.

I've said it before, I'll say it again, and I know I sound a killjoy, but our best team of the last 30 years is, at best, easily the worst of all 12 VFL clubs and at worst a complete embarrassment. I favour the latter.

How has Yze gone in finals ? I'll tell you - he hasn't. If you can't perform in finals you're about as much use as a cold pie. Or as Blight would say, look at the players that regularly let you down in big games. Well I've looked and I've had enough. Daniher dropped Yze from the leadership group a year ago. He sees what we see and I suspect his patience is wearing thin also.

Yeah, I'm not wedded to it, and as I stated, it's the one area that concerns me. That said, when I look at Sydneys backline of Bolton, LRT, and Barry, as well as WC's with Glass, Hunter, and Chick, I'm not sure they need to be too tall as long as they compete/negate well, have pace and create.

Whelan Carroll CJ Bell Rivers Bartram TJ McDonald Bate Green Dunn Davey Robertson Neitz Pickett White Bruce McLean Jamar/PJ Sylvia Jones Moloney Millers deficiencies don't thrill me, and his strengths aren't significant. The third tall in the backline worries me, so it's fair to say I'm hoping CJ can make it his own rather than expecting. I was tempted to have Bate at CHF as I can see him in this position in the not too distant future but for now his run and carry will be important. My team will change over the course of the year. Who knows, Frawley may be the third tall by round 15 and Petterd may do a Bartram. One thing is for sure though, I hope that Godfrey, Ward, Brown, and Whealtley get limited games, otherwise it's more of the same. Though, they've all been fine servants of the MFC.

That's a very top heavy half forward line, Vibes. Apparently CJ has been training with the backs, so I doubt he'll line up there. Also, for those including Ward, I pray you're wrong. Whilst he had a very good year in 06, I know that we'll remain an average team if players of his ilk are in our 'best 22' - not that I've ever seen a best 22 as injuries always prevent such an occurence. Someone had "apologies" to Bartram. Assuming they weren't taking his injury into account as an apology wouldn't be necessary, I can't believe how he'd be omitted. He warranted selection in all 22 H&A games until injured in his last match. He brought vigour, pace, determination, and excellent negating abilities. Jones missed one posters team. I also find this bemusing. As we move forward, if guys like Jones aren't in the team we really are treading water. Same with Sylvia when he's over his injury - he's a definite. In his last 6 games Jones was in our top 2 clearance players. That's a commodity I don't want languishing at Sandy. I don't want to seem to be carping without even posting my own team, but they were some of my initial observations. If requested I'll post a team, but like many silently reading, I too think it's premature. That said, I'll put up if requested.

Farmer's mark in '98 v Tiges. Farmers goal at Waverley v Hawks was fantastic. Woewodin's goal was very good, as was Davey's v Cats. I'll always have a special place for Viney's goal a minute in to the match on the first saturday in sept in '87.

My brother met your namesake only a couple of weeks ago in Richmond. He's a builder in Tasmania.