Lucifers Hero

For those planning to go to the game: Extract from club email: Premium members have a bay set aside, M36 on Level 1 of the Ponsford stand, where you can simply show your membership card to access a seat within this bay. The easiest way to access this bay is via Gate 1. We have also arranged a bar for you to attend throughout the game, with a similar set up to the Hassett and Ryder Rooms hosted by Mike and Ralph. ‘The Outer’ is located on Level 1 inside gate 1 and will be open from 5.30pm. Members who present their MFC membership card at the bar will receive a 20% discount for all purchases before 7pm. Players and a coach will attend pre-match, there will be a raffle and food & beverage specials for all members. Extract from Club Website: Pre-Match Ceremony A special pre-match ceremony will be held prior to the game in honour of Anzac Day. This will commence approximately half an hour before the start of the game (please note that times may be subject to change). I'm obviously hoping for a Dees win. If that can't be then hope it is a close, desperate game so that it makes easier for both clubs to put the case to the AFL to make it an annual event. Of course, a big crowd will help the cause! As an aside Jonesy has also put the heat on Jackie Watts for this week: "He said he was looking forward to Jack Watts' responding positively to the criticism he received for errors at a critical time of the game against Adelaide last week" Hope Jack takes this and similar comments from Roos on board and that he has a blinder... for his own benefit and to quieten the armchair critics in the media and here on DL.

Here is the Clubs article on the event: http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/38266-round-4-anzac-eve-game-vs-tigers/#entry1077911 There is background of the two clubs' connection to war and history of MFC honouring its players lost to war. The most interesting to me was: "All of Melbourne’s key best and fairest trophies are named after players lost due to war. The most famous is Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott, a dual Melbourne premiership player in 1939-40. He was also one of Australia’s best-known flying aces during World War II. The VFL awarded premiership medals posthumously to Truscott, Ron Barassi Snr and Harold Ball, as it was considered that they would have certainly played in the 1941 Grand Final." We on DL had enough of the club history as served up to us by prior administrations but every now and then a real gem is unearthed and that quote is one of them.

Roos on ANZAC Eve Game: http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-04-22/we-need-to-stand-up-on-big-stage-roos “Being Anzac Day [eve], everyone wants to respect what’s happened before, but I’m certainly not one who draws analogies between football and war because they’re so far apart – they’re ridiculous,” he said.“You want to show in your own way [the respect to] the people who gave their lives and served in the wars and what that meant for Australia. “I think that’s a big part of the weekend for us.” Would love to be a fly on the wall when Roos gives his pre-game address to the players, to know how he motivates them.

For now just want Jessie to have some fun and get used to AFL footy. For all we know Roos et al may be happy with Hogan's kicking technique. If needed, YES, Dunstall would be ideal: similar build, similar style.

Have we Dee supporters been downtrodden for that long that we are questioning the technique of a 3 game player! Sheesh!! The following key forwards are getting specialised coaching: Lloyd - Daniher Rocca - Casboult A psychologist - Cloke ??? - Kennedy (WC) Carey - Carlisle (2014) Some seasoned campaigners there, including a premiership FF. Clearly goal kicking is an evolving technique/skill! Roos said this week how underestimated goal kicking is. He will get the right support for Hogan when he thinks it is the right time. In the meantime, just let the kid play, stay injury free and enjoy himself for a while.

Murphy's predicament reminds me a lot of Trengove High draft picks Great footy (for age) until cruelled by injury Divided club management Poor coaches Poor developement Non-performing team Club culture ruined by 'tanking'. On top of that they get the captaincy when not ready for it. Set-up to fail situation, really. Feel sorry for the kid, he has to play and captain another 20 games with the speculation that he is trade bait.

Little steps OD, little steps Its a slow road from 'easy beats' to the winners circle. Would like every game to be about pride and respect; win, lose or draw.

Don't mind if we don't smash the tiges. Would like a win and if we kick more goals than points, we probably will win. Will settle for another 4 qtr, fierce, respect gaining performance.

Game starts at 7.50. Anzac ceremony starts at 7.15

Just heard Brendan Gale interviewed on SEN and he suggested people arrive before 7.15 as that is when the ceremony starts. RFC link http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2015-04-21/richmond-and-melbourne-to-honour-wartime-history

Not sure which thread to put this so mods please merge somewhere if you wish. Thought it was worth highlighting the significance of this game for us. Story in todays's HS http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/ron-barassi-to-light-flame-at-mcg-before-richmond-melbourne-anzac-day-eve-clash/story-fni5f22o-1227312458012?from=herald%20sun_rss Just reading this was spine tingling: "The eternal flame at the Shrine of Remembrance will be used to light a torch which will be ridden to the stadium by the Creswick Light Horse Troop. After a lap of the ground, the torch will be handed to Barassi who will light a cauldron on an MCG stage to burn for the duration of the match...The Friday night crowd will become a part of the pre-match ceremony with 50,000 finger lights to be distributed and held aloft in silence, in memory of those who served Australia in armed conflict. Players from both sides will line up near the flame alongside returned service men and women for the playing of the Last Post and National Anthem." It seems such a dignified way to honour the occasion without the commercialism that often accompanies the ANZAC Day game. MFC/RFC hope the ANZAC Eve game will become an annual tradition for both teams. It has the support of the RSL and the Shrine of Remembrance. All it needs is for the fans to turn up! Hope to drag a few extra Dee fans there this week. Oh, and our membership card shows entry is free for all members. Footnote: a few months ago there had been talk of a Checker Hughes cup/medallion because of his history at both clubs. Didn't see anything about that so idea may have been shelved. Like that. Keeps the event purely about honouring the ANZAC's without shining glory on a player or team. And what a great photo in the article. Notice how quickly that photo found its way into my profile

Roos on Watts: Roos revealed that Watts had fronted up to his teammates following his display, but said he believes the former No.1 draft pick will learn from his errors. “Anyone who has played footy has done this,” Roos said of Watts’ mistakes. “Now you’re looking for a response. I’m looking forward to how he responds to it this week. “Jack put his hand up today and said ‘look it wasn’t great and I’m not happy with it’, but absolutely, he will play this week.” It takes courage, maybe not the 'macho' type, to front your teammates and fess up. Its the type of courage that earns respect and may well be the making of the man. Roos' leadership is exceptional. He stood by his team after the GWS collapse. Says he is proud of his team after the crows game. Doesn't excuse Jack but is unequivocal in his belief of him. This is the stuff that builds belief in the players heads. Roos must have realised last year that the mental demons were very deep. No knee-jerk reactions from Roos and he seems ready to risk a few losses if the reward is players having confidence and belief in themselves and each other, What we are seeing is Roos' rebuilding their mental psyche. Its awesome to witness. When their belief finally clicks in each of their minds we will have an awesome team. Expect Jack Watts to be part of it fully equipped with the addition of a bit more 'macho' courage.

Fines for Melee all round. It seems, no suspension for Bernie vs Sloane/Danger

It seems, I didn't put enough irony in my question Yes, I have been watching, I just have a different assessment.

Assume you are talking about Jack Watts

You could be right there naa..would be interesting to know...might ask the club one of these days. Not intentional misleading. My main point was that the QB game isn't so special any more...more like a Sunday twilight game.

Grace and ASC Chairman John Wylie "...both said the report had unfairly concentrated responsibility for problems in the sport on the current board". Yes, this is the same John Wylie (mate of AFL Comm Chairman Fitzpatrick) who was asked to (quietly) negotiate with Ess and James Hird in Aug 2013. Is Wylie, head of the highest sporting body in Australia, now criticising his own staff's report, to support a mate (Grace who acted for Ess players)? I now fear that even if we had a National Tribunal for hearing ASADA charges whether that would be independent, as it would probably come under the auspices of the ASC... Wylie, Grace, Fitzpatrick, EFC, AFL, ASC all inextricably networked. Its all too incestuous for my liking...just hope WADA win at CAS.

I had a look at WADA website and 2015 budget is $US27.m so about $AU35. Not much really so I think Daisycutter' point as to whether WADA will pursue a 'local' game is really valid. We can only hope that WADA see this as such a big test case, to avoid precedence being set on a 'no records' defence, that they will pursue it on principle.

I agree La Dee - time to make our own blockbuster with a its own heritage. I think our club and Tigers are working to make the Anzac Eve fixture permanent (despite Eddie's protestations). Both Rich and Melb have a strong connection of players who were ANZAC's or lost during the campaign I recall the 'Checker Hughes' cup getting a mention This years' game (this Fri night) is a bit of a test to see how successful it is. Altho this year is a Rich home game it would rotate. Really hope the club starts promoting it this week so all Dees supporters know about it and get there.

The other 'old chestnut': The QB game. - Years ago it was 'special'. A lot has changed. Now with a 3.30 (I think) start, the day before a school day, at the end of a long-weekend when many people have gone away, it is little more than a bog-standard, stand-alone Sunday twilight game. There are so many games now the neutral supporter has suffered 'footy fatigue' so unlikely to go. - The Pies now sell 'away' game memberships (monies they keep) so the game day takings are not/won't be the money spinner we would like it to be. So, lets not treat it (and Eddie's so called gift) with reverence it does not deserve. Throw it back into the mix...we would get a home game against Coll at least every 2 years anyway.

Just announced that ASADA will NOT appeal! Futile to do so really. More of the same. Only plausible path is for WADA to do its thing with CAS. Let's hope they pick up the ball and run with it now. Edit: Just saw this in the Age: "ASADA chief executive Ben McDevitt hinted at a lack of trust in the AFL system by saying any appeal by ASADA would "ultimately serve only to delay consideration of these matters" and deny WADA an immediate chance to take the case to the international Court of Arbitration for Sport." Game On!

This could be right. I would just like to see Dunn be a bit more vocal, aggressive and help Tommy and H out more, especially if his own op isn't doing much (who is not the best fwd anyway).

Is Dunn going under the radar? I know that stats aren't everything but consider: (possessions, contested possession, tackles vs Crows). Dunn 10, 2, 2 Lumumba 25,14, 7 Salem 16, 9, 5 Tommy Mc 16, 7, 2 Jetta 10, 5, 4 As Vice Cap I don't think he is working hard enough or showing enough leadership on the field (especially not in the GWS game). Is he leaving too much work to Lumumba and Tommy? Is he helping the younger backs enough? Watts and Dawes are getting a rough ride here on DL (probably because people look for their mistakes which stand out so easily). Yet no-one is talking about Dunn. He would be close to our worst performer so far this year. He looks to be cruising. He is supposed to be the backline 'general'...I reckon its time to show his best form and be a leader in action not just in name.

Don't be... He only kicked 1 goal when he should have got heaps with Hawkins out. The rookie fwd kicked 4 with 89% disposal effy! Clark had a 53% disposal effy... ...karma works in strange ways...

Maybe Walsh has said '...until you sign up Paddy you are on your own out there...you support us we will support you etc etc'