Lucifers Hero

Like you I would love to see Jack play AFL footy again (preferably as a Demon) but this line from Jack is the most worrying: "I saw the surgeon a few weeks ago now and I think it's the end of this season for me," It can't be progressing at all well to have the season written off before it started. Should he recover to play and we were to let him go to another club then I hope he makes it, lord knows the young man deserves a bit of luck. If this happened I would cheer him every time he went near the ball as unlike others that have been seduced by the siren song of money or 'success' and left, he stuck by this club thru thick and thin. Will always be a JT fan wherever he goes.

He is already off his game...was subbed out last week.

Outstanding reports and responses 'deespicable me'. I could visualise it all really well. Real insight into how the players are developing skills besides the obvious ones of kick, handball and mark. Thanks!

Roos has thrown a few more names into the mix for Saturday: "Although much of the selection talk has been about the likely inclusion of key forward Chris Dawes ... and Bernie Vince...Roos said there were others in the mix...he said midfielder Viv Michie had a “really good game” in the VFL last week and ruckman Jake Spencer was “starting to push up” for selection. He added that several others were staking their claims. “Maxy Gawn has been solid through the pre-season as well and Jordie McKenzie hasn’t done a lot wrong either..." They could just be the Master's musings and to keep all the players on their toes but its good to know that their are quite a few players ready to step up. Would have liked to see Jack Grimes get a mention in the Master's Musings. Looks like he has more work to do and has slipped down the line a bit. Edit:Tyson said he expected Chris Dawes (suspension) and Bernie Vince (hamstring) to be named this week after missing round one.

Tommy gets 5 out of 5 from both coaches on Saturday. All coach votes from the game: Melbourne vs Gold Coast 10 Tom McDonald (Melb) 6 Jack Watts (Melb) 4 Jeff Garlett (Melb) 4 Jeremy Howe (Melb) 2 Nathan Jones (Melb) 2 Jack Viney (Melb) 1 Dion Prestia (GC) 1 Michael Rischitelli (GC) Great endorsement for Tommy. Great example for the team especially little bro!

According to Patrick Smith the AFL has identified 3 areas of the WADA code for review: confidentiality, delays and appeals with which ASADA generally agrees and the AFL is seeking NRL to get on board. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/opinion/afl-lays-out-areas-of-drug-code-in-need-of-review/story-e6frg7uo-1227294833341 Lets hope sanity prevails and that Smith's suggestion (like that of many on DL) eventuates. "While it is yet to be considered by the AFL, there is increasing support for Australia to have just one independent national tribunal that would hear all doping cases brought against players or support staff...It would immediately streamline the processes that so bogged down the Essendon case. And its independence would be unchallenged. While the integrity of the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal is not in question, the panel falls under the authority of the league. As does the Appeals tribunal. Perception is everything". Its the only option that makes sense not only for 'justice being seen to be done' but also to have consistency across sports in Australia. I would go one step further and change it from a Tribunal to a proper court of law; our version of CAS. The AAS, which would overcome all the issues of evidence, oath, proof, (lack of) precedence, subpoena's etc etc. of Tribunals ala the EFC farce. While they are at it change the ASADA rules so it can get and use (in a courtroom) info from other bodies eg AFP.

Misson came in at end of 2011 and said it would take 3 preseasons to get the team to AFL fitness. Hard to count 2011 as one of those, so fair to say he has delivered. The team ran both ways for 4 qtrs on Sat, without signs of fatigue. Can't remember the last time that happened. Misson deserves a lot of credit. Hope Misson stays beyond Roos tenure.

I assume 'rat face' is the HWSNBN $6m man? If so, Viney would have no greater pleasure than tackling him (legally) into the turf for crapping on his beloved Demons. However, 'rat face' isn't good enough to have Viney on him, mores the pity as that match-up would be one to relish.

I read it the same way Macca...if ain't broken don't change it type of thinking.

Having browsed thru this thread I've seen many reasons for Dawes to come back. One reason I haven't seen is: that he can kick goals! That is his primary job isn't it? Our team will be a lot better when he learns to use his body better, holds marks and kicks goals ie he does his job. Very happy to see him back in but as I said in an earlier post there needs to be a role for him...he needs to add value to the team. If he comes in it will be interesting to see the role he plays. He also has a bit of competition for his spot, leader or not.

Rnd 1 teams that looked good for the whole game were Port, Hawks and Freemantle. No other winners were totally convincing. On that basis we can win a few games previously marked down as losses. Top 4 at seasons end, No. Knocking on the door of the 8, Yes!! Go Dees.

I don't think we were lucky to win at all! We curtailed their momentum in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th qtrs. That wasn't luck, that was good on field leadership!! In an interview yesterday Jones talked about picking up the momentum swings during a game without the coaches telling them and taking action straight away on the field. That's leadership. Jones gets it! Before long Jones will be a Hodge type on-field general.

You could be right HH about not being allowed to...just read in the Casey vs Coll thread that Dawes didn't get the required permission- whether that wasn't from VFL/AFL or our coaching panel, not sure.

Apparently, VFL practice games are like NAB practice games so don't count. Happy to be corrected.

Anyone else notice that Dawes, having said he would play the VFL practice game yesterday, didn't play. Wonder if that is the coaching panel saying: 'you are suspended, so you are so suspended' to drive home the message about behaviours and leadership... As for him playing next week...the question isn't whether he should/shouldn't. It is whether there is a role for him? Yes, he plays. No, he doesn't.

Gald you got that off your chest!! As the season goes on Roos may use him as a 'super sub' in the same way the Bulldogs used Giansiracusa or keep Cross just for Vic games, to preserve his energy. But a hack, Hell no!

Did they forget the siren or was it really a 40 min quarter! A good way to wear Ess down!!

With hindsight it looks like Roos used NAB to give some established players the chance to play themselves into the team. Looks like Grimes, McKenzie, Bail and M Jones failed that test. Won't be easy for any of them to get back into the team.

HAHAHA!!! EFC lost! Held scoreless in last qtr with syd having 10 scoring shots to ZIP!! Poetic Justice!!

This is what unbridled joy looks like!!

Right there in that pic folks, is our future!!

Mainly because the usual suspects had been dropped to play at Casey.

If not gone the 'mental demons' and 'loser' mindset have faded. Largely due to only 7 players on the field today were there in our darkest hour of the 186 game. Today we learnt how to win again!

Yes! We may be in the 8...maybe top 4. I don't care that it is only rnd 1 and it may not last! But it will be great as long as it lasts!!!!!!

...And, sing it PROUD!!!!!!