Lucifers Hero

1. On 'new' and 'old' evidence: Even tho this appeal starts from zero, parties can only use evidence that was available as at the time of AFL Tribunal ie using your words they can only use 'old' evidence but if it was unavailable at the time of the Tribunal it is 'new' evidence. There appears to be 'new' evidence in relation to 'abnormally high' levels on tests of TB4 for two players. CAS will need to form a view on the admissibility of any 'new' evidence. 2. On 'comfortably satisfied': I think we are saying the same thing but your wording is more precise than mine.

If WADA intended to subpoena witnesses surely they would have by now, to allow time for appeals. As bb said if 'witnesses' were subpoenaed it would have been leaked somewhere. Also, I assume an appeal would need to be published in the daily 'business of the Court' in whichever jurisdiction an appeal was lodged. I doubt the CAS hearing would start if subpoenas were still pending. (It started today and will end within a week). So either WADA don't need the witnesses (or can't rely on their testimony) or thought subpoenas would fail or the witnesses will willingly appear. It seems most unlikely any of the key players will appear before CAS.

Today's tally: 20,206 up about 750 in a week! Half way to our goal! I'm guessing most of the increase is processing the 'early bird' (Oct 31) memberships. It will interesting to see if last week's new logo campaign gives the tally a decent lift in the next few weeks. The closest comparison I can find to similar date last year is: 20,509 on the 26th of Nov.

Agreed on its own, it isn't 'proof'. It will be an aspect (if admissible as evidence) that could influence the 'comfortable satisfaction' level CAS needs to find which the AFL Tribunal could/would not.

When frozen samples were tested a few months ago, 2 EFT players were found to have 'abnormally high' levels of TB4. TB4 is a naturally occurring substance in humans. 'Abnormally high' levels suggest external taking/injection. This is new evidence since the AFL Tribunal finding. It will be interesting to see how CAS views this new evidence (very important as it appears to be the only difference in ASADA/WADA case): - Dismiss it: The players will argue samples were available and ASADA/WADA didn't do the tests so evidence not admissible. - Accept it - then find the 2 but not the other 32, guilty - Accept it - then find all 34 guilty, but the 2 with 'abnormally' high levels get different penalties. Depending on which view CAS takes it could result in different verdicts on 'guilt' and different sanctions. For some time I have been saying we shouldn't assume all players will be equally guilty and equally sanctioned. It will all come down to CAS's view on the new TB4 tests and their interpretation of 'comfortably satisfied'.

EQ's list is her opinion of 'quality'...I think of it as her view of 'best available'. Emma watches a great deal of underage football so her opinion on quality is worth noting. Her mock draft in a week, is predicted order of players which is where club/recruiter research comes in...club's view of 'best available'/'needs' It will be interesting to compare the two.

No one else came even close to getting 9 of 10 right! I get that player rankings are different to phantom drafts. Why rankings are relevant is it gives insight into 'Best Available', which every club has to decide for themselves. I would be surprised if there isn't a close correlation between her player rankings and her phantom draft order; just my opinion.

Not a mock-draft: The top 30 kids in this year's AFL Draft The Doyen of drafts, Emma Q draft order (to me it is a defacto 'Best Available' list as she ignores who has what pick): 1 - 6: Academy/Carlton/Brisbane picks 7 - Francis, Utility 8 - Weidman, Foreward 9 - Milera, Foreward 10 - Oliver, Midfielder 11 - Parish, Midfielder 12 - Curnow, Foreward 13 - Mc Kay (Harry), Foreward 14 - Ah Chee, Foreward 15 - Burton, Foreward She has Mathieson at 20. Last year Emma had 9 of the top 10 picks right, almost in exact draft order. So her rankings, really turns the table (for me) on who we take @ #3: 'Best Available' vs 'Need'. In an interview last week Taylor said at the top end we would take 'Best Available'. I also had the impression we would take a Mid and a Utility...Francis @ #3 or do we hope he goes thru to #7? Oh, to be a fly on the wall to know how we rank 'Best Available' order!!

don't think so...looks like Cross's arm creating a 'cradle'. Hadn't noticed JH...his half portrait spoils an otherwise beautiful picture!

Interesting observation 'Chris'. My initial reaction was a 'natural' fit would be with the Melbourne Uni team, given the name, the location and the direction of our marketing focus......but they would need to change their colours...unlikely I would think! Does anyone know which clubs the players from the Demons Womens Team come from? BTW Taylor Harris is, like Daisy, a great role model and ambassador for the women's game. Building the new womens league image around these two would give the AFL very best chance of getting their new academy and league up and going.

Browsing on the Dee shop and saw this: Looks like Daniel Cross's son. If it is what a great idea...using 'in house' models. And, he is such a cute kid. Who can forget that delightful snap of Gus Brayshaw carrying the little guy on his shoulder's at Cross's last game.

Richmond had 70,000 members last year vs our 36,000 yet made the same $500k profit!!! Go figure! http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/richmond-tigers-record-500000-profit-20151112-gkxopx.html That is at least $6mill more membership revenue than mfc. So, $500k profit from a so called 'power' club is very paltry indeed. Just shows how great our $500k profit achievement really is.

What really surprises me is that there were no leaks! Given the number of people involved in design, printing, manufacture, putting up signs, giving out coffee cups, drink bottles, etc etc keeping it quiet is nothing short of a miracle! How the club kept control of all that I will never know. But it is excellent that they did.

There has been a shift in the narrative. A month ago indications were strong from Jesse and the club of an extension happening over summer. Now it seems that won't happen. The words 'contract on hold', or 'wait and see' are like a stick of dynamite to supporters and the press. Jesse has every right to wait. We just need to enjoy him and be patient. Nonetheless, the shift in the narrative is the worrying bit.

Thanks Dees2014. I had this (seemingly futile) hope that once the CAS case was over we would never hear of this saga again! Seeing Hird eventually fall from grace was important and if there is more of the same to come for him so be it. But he is probably out there writing his book with 'the truth'!! Probably as truthful as the rag that once went by that name! For mine once the CAS case is decided my interest in the saga will end.

T Mac might/should be elevated but = or <21yo players could do with another year's playing experience and development. My question is where is the on field leadership going to come from in 2016? So many times a game's momentum changed and our leaders showed they: 1. hadn't picked up the change 2. didn't have/couldn't implement ideas to stop it and get momentum back. 3. didn't made sure players follow team rules and are in the right positions...also to ensure they follow coaches instructions. 4. didn't put teamwork first...too many times I saw our leaders take the 'hero' option or energetically celebrate a personal piece of play while the team is being thrashed. As a result of our leaders inability to do these we lost games or had blowout losses. This is not a knock on any leader just noting what I think is a deficiency. Jones will improve, Lumumba's leadership will be better for a year with the Dees and Dunn should also step up. But I don't think there is enough on-field leadership skill nor 'footy IQ' in the leadership group.

Thanks Dees2014. I get the serious repercussions for all and sundry coming out of CAS findings. My interest atmo is your thoughts on repercussions for the players. Happy to wait...enjoy Hong Kong!

You could be right 'ignition' I'm thinking it might be a 'drip feed' promo campaign with more bits to come that will paint a bigger (mfc football & demons) picture.

Great to see Daisy with Jonsey on the promo. Our two captains! Daisy is a great role model and someone to aspire to for the little 'aussie kick' girls ...might make them little Demons (and convert parents and siblings)

Thank you bb. I have seen you make these points in earlier posts and appreciate you reiterating them. I haven't seen a summary (I may have missed it) of what Dees2014 thinks will happen to the 34 players (the sole focus of the CAS hearing) re sanctions/penalties/allowances/backdating. So am hoping he will post on that (not the fallout to other parties from a guilty CAS finding on which I have seen his posts).

Daisy Pearce ‏@DaisyPearce6 10h10 hours ago .@jackviney7 @jesseBhogan Count me in...It'll be good to get some of the preseason rust out! 3 of Melbourne fan faves having a kick! How good is that!

So Dees2014, what sanctions do you think will be applied: 1 yr, 2 yrs? Any backdating, or allowance for previous provisional suspensions? I am clear on the options for sanctions but not on where you stand on the suspensions you believe will be meted out. You've dismissed the 'guilty but no new sanctions' outcome as put by Masters. For the record my view is: - Not all 34 players will be found guilty. - The 2-3 players found to have tested positive to TB4 will probably get new suspensions ie 6 months (from date of decision ie Jan 2016) - The other players found guilty will get the benefit of backdating and allowances and will not miss games. Clearly you believe all 34 will be found guilty. So for the record, what is your prediction of the sanctions (months? years? start date?) and any allowances/backdating?

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/melbourne-demons-set-to-record-stronger-profit-this-year-20151111-gkwpke.html Highlights: - $500K profit, up from $300K in 2014 (incl ‘equalisation funding) - Debt to AFL to be reduced from $4.1 mil to $3.0m this year...doesn't say what Total Debt is. Good Progress! Guess we will hear more I the coming days. Caroline’s commentary is genuinely positive about the club. Little steps but our club is winning back some respect.

An update from Roy Masters. : http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/russian-doping-scandal-wont-help-essendon-in-wada-appeal-20151111-gkw4u3.html#ixzz3rAnGo4U5 Basically says that WADA will push for a guilty verdict. But, tellingly also says: “While a guilty verdict will satisfy WADA and ASADA, there is widespread support for a punishment that allows the Essendon players to start the 2016 season free of any sanctions”. Masters implies WADA will support backdated sanctions. I suppose it happens every day where a guilty verdict in a court results in light or suspend sentences. Not surprised at all. Its been on the cards for a long, long time. Looks like we will know in mid Jan. 34 pieces of wet lettuce needed, 'old dee’!

Tally today is: 19,467 approx 350 ahead of same time last year. Progress from last posting is rather slow. Hopefully, Hogan extends his contract during the preseason which might kick the tally along a bit!