Lucifers Hero

It is a premiership winning list. But they are so hard to win. With the exception of Laurie every player OOC after this year has been an entrenched or semi regular selected 23 this year. I can see a few obvious list reductions this year. But next year it will become very difficult to choose who goes. I guess players who aren't getting games will move on ala Melksham's interest in going elsewhere, if rumour is true.

While on mia culpa's (thank you @WalkingCivilWar), I'll walk back on my 'hoping he doesn't play in the GF' comment but I would have like some mention of the club supporters and awareness of our history etc. 2000 GF really makes me see red.

In the sen interview Pert said he was managing the marketing and communications. The club is running with a very tight script whenever anyone speaks to the media. It makes we wonder if Hibberd went 'off script' here as it strikes me as odd that the club would endorse his theme. Playing for his brother would certainly be endorsed. Not sure about the rest. I'd like to think that Jack Niall reported only part of the interview but he is a good reporter and not prone to 'click bait.

if-the-gourmet-cheeses-haven-t-yet-been-ordered-by-stadium-caterers-then IF ... the gourmet cheese platters with quince paste haven't yet been ordered by Optus Stadium caterers ... THEN ...they'd better be quick. There is a lot of navy blue and red wandering around Perth at the moment. The club being in Perth for a week or two before the bulldogs gave us a head start on winning over the locals. The club made a huge effort with their 'get aboard the Dees' bus, some free food vouchers, some free scarves etc. And, Max would have won over quite a few more all on his own in the PF. We will have most of the neutrals for the GF.

In his 'what if' column Purple has suggested that the Neale trade may be resuscitated late in the trade period. And Tom Mitchell (just won the Hawks bnf) may be on the move. if-the-gourmet-cheeses-haven-t-yet-been-ordered-by-stadium-caterers-then A few months ago Mitchell flagged he would be open to a move, to a Vic club.

Geelong are reportedly interested in Talia and someone on here said Melksham. Its one way to reduce their age profile, I guess. If they get them it looks like thy're going to have another shot at finals but again fall short. The combo of Scott, an 'old' team and control football haven't worked in recent finals series so no reason to think that won't continue.

The leadership we have now in Gawn, May, Lever, Viney, Petracca etc is excellent. They drive standards on and off the field. In the past we too often lacked on field leadership, reading the play, adjusting tempo etc. Our current crop of leaders are good at those things and keep team mates too team rules and team structures during games. Hence our more cohesive and consistent performances this year. It is a changing of the guard. Always sad to see stalwarts go but there is another lot itching to make their mark and make us even better.

They also need a planning permit. That could take years. As you are aware it is smack bang in the middle of a low rise residential area with mainly houses on medium to large blocks of land. I suspect the locals will want to keep it that way. With it being on a corner with three street frontages the locals will probably want a park with community facilities. The club has sold in a peak market. Good time to cash in and let someone else take on the locals and the bureaucracies.

Spargo. He is the coolest kid. Rarely gets overly excited with a goal and he has kicked some beauties. Rarely makes mistakes. Lowers his eyes and finds teammates. He is the off-broadway kid. Not as flashy as most around him but equally important.

Time and place is my issue. Yes, the last line is OTT. I'm venting. An occasional indulgence which in part why DL is a good place to be part of.

we-ve-got-a-special-bond-hibberd-playing-for-the-essendon-34-and-his-brother It is wonderful that if Hibberd plays and wins a premiership medal that he dedicates it to his brother. But I can't abide that he is representing the 34 WADA suspended Essendon players. They were found guilty by the highest court in the world. It is beyond crass and disrespectful to invoke those players in our premiership campaign. “I guess I represent those guys. I do. I feel like I represent all those guys over all the years. We’ve got a special bond, whether we contact each other frequently or not, I think it’s a bond I’ll have with those guys forever.” I get that he has a special bond with them but why invoke them now!! I would rather he talked about representing Melbourne supporters, getting a flag for us, creating our history, playing for his teammates etc I have an ugly lump in my throat. We remember the ambush and thuggery of 2020. He needs to learn something of our history and should know how galling that interview is for Demon fans. There may some on here that have forgiven. I haven't. I hope he doesn't play in the GF. His jumper colours are red and blue but based on that article it sounds like his heart beats for the red and black.

When Kate Roffey she arrived she said she would work to bring past players back to the club. This could have her fingerprints on it. As and aside. Love the Jaguar ad at the start of all the club videos lately. Every word about the car sounds just like our attitude to this season and the GF.

The latest list reflects Jones' retirement and Tom McDonald's 2 year contract extension, from 2022 to 2024. And I've inserted a table to track list changes.

Love that Pert is 'flying the flag' for the team. His 2010/11 grand final preparation experience is going to be invaluable.

I still can't see its her face! Do you take it her for walks...

What is that in the foreground 🤔

This is my favourite GF thread so thought I should contribute my demon decor efforts: The last photo is to acknowledge the 1964 Premiership team (on the wall) and be ready to celebrate the handover to the new Premiers on Sept 25 (if we win), in true Melbourne supporter style with wine and cheese!

I was thinking the same thing. First the Jones retiring announcement now the Melksham story and our season isn't finished yet. As you say, curious timing. Would have thought everyone would keep their powder dry 'til after the GF to not distract the team from focusing on our ultimate goal. List changes can wait.

Did someone say we aren't making players available for the media... ...looking at you Caro!

Love it!

Thanks, I missed that line.

They don't call the Crows 'fruit loops' for no reason.

On a different note, the players have said how much they feel for us supporters in lockdown and missing out on sharing the finals with them. I like to think that being back by 9.00pm (Melb curfew time) shows a bit of empathy for our plight. While unlikely it makes me feel better that they are staying focused.

Not sue either article in this thread says that. Re the history part, rationally we all know that yesterday is no guide to tomorrow. I'm happy to dream for a further10 days and 🤞 there is another fairytale/cinderalla story in the making. Its the editors that create story titles not the authors. Click bait!

Harsh commentary here. He had a significant ankle injury a few years ago. Out for a long time. Hasn't been the same since.