spirit of norm smith

Lever and May have brought tremendous value both on and off the field. I thought we might have paid overs for Lever in the trade but he is repaying us big time this year and hopefully beyond as well.

Agree my friend. I am already getting tense and nervous. My stomach churns. And it’s 3 days before the preliminary final, let alone the Grand Final. This is our year. I have to believe it. The opportunity is there for us. For so long we have watched other sides enjoy the glory and their supporters mock us. (How many premierships have you won in colour!!). We have the team. We are as good if not better than anyone else. We can win it. We have to win it.

Just read James Cousins delisted by the Hawks. I thought he was a very good midfielder for the Hawks against us in the “drawn” game. In the absence of some of the Hawks better mids, Cousins competed strongly in the centre and had outside run. I thought he certainly looked AFL quality. One to watch over the summer pre season as I think he might get a spot at another club most likely.

Definitely a father-son pick for the Dees. Late draft pick likely. Taj’s teammates Corey Warner (probably draft 30-35) and Finn Gorringe (probably draft range 50-55) also looked possible draftees from the recent SA - WA underage. Warner hunted the footy and looked very capable as inside-out mid. Mop of blonde hair made him standout in the contest. Gorringe is the composed half back-back pocket with courage and skills. Small defender.

Definitely a true leader. Has matured into an excellent player plus an excellent teammate and leader. Love his drive and he is obviously enjoying his footy at the Demons. Maybe one or two other success starved Suns players may decide to follow Steven to the red and blue.

Preliminary finals. Dees v Cats &umps Power v Dogs&umps

Umps crucifying the game. 19-28. Dogs got favoured to win the game.

Dogs. Cats. Masters of the THROW

Two wins. Two weeks.

Who hates Geelong? We do. And so does every other club.

Demons tackling v Cats THROWS!! If we stick the tackling and stop their run, we will win.

Gaff!?!?!!!

No Greene. No Hogan. Soft himmelberg.

Dom Tyson was a great young bloke and was very good with my kids at any event. Injury killed his career and he couldn’t get that extra pace needed at AFL level. He had a few very good years and yes he was critical in turning around the club with some wins in 2016-18 especially the sealers v the Hawks. Good luck young man.

Isaac Birt looked like a good prospect in the SA team. I saw some parts of the game and he looked highly skilled and good run. Had AFL quality imo and one player who could be a 30-45 draft pick option.

Where’s there is smoke, there’s fire !!!

Watched it again tonight. Amazing last quarter. Gawn outsmarted the Cats to take the mark and goal. He played a huge last quarter. Deserved the All Australian and captaincy.

Anything and EVERYTHING!!

Ok now it’s off to see a dentist and orthodontist to get a mouth guard fitted. Get one to save the rest of your pearly whites. But seriously … Luke “Dogga” Jackson is still just teasing us Dees supporters. I’m waiting for him to just grab the game and kick multiple goals or just elevate his 2nd efforts to new levels. His speccy v lions was again just a teaser. We have seen what he can do. In bursts and patches and quarters and some games. LJ will be so crucial going forward. Potentially he gets the 2nd ruck matchup against Ladhams from Port or the Allir Allir contest across our forward line. He’d have to bring it all across both such contests. I’d backing him in as he’s still got huge upside ahead.

Come the moment. Cometh the man. We all shed a tear for Adam Tomlinson. Footy is a cruel master. But thankfully Petty has stepped up and into the key position void. After 11 games in 3 years (nil through injury in 2020), Petty has played 17 games in 2021 and not disappointed. He seems to be more assured as the year progresses. It’s a key role too alongside Lever and May. Petty is becoming the player that he was drafted as. A young key position back with good marking and size to play the key position forwards. Keep on going young man.

Love the man. After 10 years and 168 games and he finally plays his first finals game. And he keeps Joe Daniher to nil. Nudda. Zilch. May has the great qualities of a team man. He has respect. He know what it takes and how to cherish the moment. He shakes his opponents hand before and after the game. He has the maturity to help lift others around him. The May- Lever combo was a master stroke of strategy by Goodwin and Mahoney. It cost us high draft picks but these guys still have years ahead and complete our team. May richly deserved to be ALL AUSTRALIAN. He is a gun and absolutely love him in the mighty red and blue.

I know. I was trying to be optimistic. We get a quality NGA Prospect and the wise idiots at AFL Land change the rule.

Bailey Fritsch. 51 goals. Great year. Kicked some good bags v Kangas 6 and Crows 7. Yes he can be frustrating. His effort sometimes looks lazy amongst others like ANB and Spargo hunting the tackle. But his tackling is not poor and he can add a lot to our forward pressure. He needs to His kicking for goal prior to this year was at times strangely poor given he’s a beautiful kick and practices more than anyone in the warm ups. 51.21 is good conversion and is now really one of most reliable kicks for goal probably only behind Melksham. Fritsch has kicked accurately when others have been lacking accuracy. His two goals at the start of the last quarter were so important. Fritsch is another key player in the run to our chance at a premiership.

Greene is looking and talking to the ump and makes no attempt to avoid him. In fact seems to INITIATE THE CONTACT THE UMPIRE STEVIC. It’s totally unacceptable. Two weeks minimum. [censored]. [censored]. [censored].

I have to commend the kid. I thought he might be the vulnerable one leading into the game given it’s finals footy. Usually tougher and quicker and more pressure. Yes he made two mistakes and the Lions seemed to target him for physical pressure. Only 4 possessions to half time and nil in the second quarter (probably because we dominated). But he collected 10 possessions after half time and was composed. He won the hardball when it was his turn. Given he played limited footy in 2020 and with all the Casey fixtures disruptions, I thought we would have him a development player this year. And a year in the gym would be needed. But I think he has generally looked relatively comfortable at the senior level and his kicking and decision making is good. Adds to our “connection going forward”. The turnovers from the weekend may have been nerves and he seems to be a quick learner. Not sure why he has recorded zero tackles in the last 3 weeks. Hope he gets the chance again in two more games. 5 wins from your first 5 games. 7 from 7 would be even greater. It would be quite a story.