spirit of norm smith

Whilst there’s been the list of Regrettable Trades OUT, in a recent post, I was thinking of what players traded out have actually yielded a positive return. I can only recall the trade out of Troy Longmuir some 20 years ago. Longmuir played for a few years and got about another 40 games across Freo and also Carlton. We got pick 19 which was an early round 2 pick in 1999. We picked Brad Green who went in to play for 13 years, 254 games, one B&F and captained the club.

Andy Lovell for Craig Turley. Turley played 13 very good games before injury ended his career. Lovell should have stayed and been a one club man. Disappointed that he left

Stephen Powell. Yes I forgot this mess. Played great years in 2000 and 2002 and vital part of the team. Missed 2001 through injury. We let him walk for nil due to a pay dispute. Major stuff up. He played another 4 years for the Saints , another 80 games and was a very good player.

Lots of good points here. It does show the issue of the time about freedom for the club and the football department above administration or committees. We are well beyond that now thankfully.... hopefully

No.28 1987 Round 10 v Bombers at Windy Hill We all remember Brett Bailey as the bloke who kicked the winning goal to win the 1987 Night Grand Final, to deliver the first silverware that many of us remember. It was the catalyst in our 87 rebirth. But we should also remember a game in 87 out at Windy Hill that I attended about a month later and one in which Brett Bailey was the star. After 9 rounds, the Dees were 4 wins 5 losses and struggling to again rise up the ladder beyond 8th. The Bombers were very strong having the core of the 84 & 85 premiership teams still on board and in the five. A loss here would make finals very hard to achieve and at Windy Hill, this assignment was very difficult. Daniher, Merrett, Madden, Salmon, Hawker, Foulds, Duckworth. Many red and black stars. We’d beaten them in the night GF (perhaps catching them off guard and through sheer grit) but to win at Windy Hill would be a massive hurdle. I hadn’t seen us win there so it was unfathomable to see a win. Plus we had most of our top 5-6 top players out again. So how did we win it? Simply I remember two things. The first was the wind. It was a distinct advantage to the end. Yes we had to be smart but I actually thought the windy day would suit the Dons. The second was the tenacious fight from all the blokes in red and blue. They were seriously outgunned for talent but not heart. We used the breeze first to setup the game with a 3-goal advantage. We were down by a goal about at half time so it was game on. But the umps were crucifying the Demons with the home crowd getting the noise to create frees. But in the third with the wind, we kicked 9 goals to 2 goals. We kicked the last 6 goals of the 3rd quarter and now led by 6 goals. Northey leapt our at 3/4 quarter time. Sheedy ripped into his troops. This 3rd quarter avalanche was brought about by the skill of a young 20 year old Gary Lyon (I remember he was a lean, smart and agile young forward) and a pure footballer in Brett Bailey. Bailey was not quick or highly skilled, but used his engine, his smarts and his desire to win the footy. Two different styles of players. Lyon kicked 3 goals in the 3rd. I also remember a great goal to Russell ‘Rhino’ Richards. The Rhino was such an energetic footballer with a burst of pace. In the last, our desparation and fight held out the Bombers. Spalding, Wight and Giles holding out the talls. Koop, White, Yeats kept the smalls shutout. Our contested footy held firm and they only scored 3 goals in the last. The siren gave us a 22 point win. Brett Bailey kicked 5 goals and Lyon 4 goals. Bailey was clearly BOG with over 30 possessions and probably 20 contested. The Bombers were despondent. The arrogant Sheedy was beaten. A team of mostly battlers and youngsters had caused a huge boilover (again). We had a sense that with some stars returning from injury, we could make a run for the finals. This upset win would ultimately prove pivotal to our run to 1987 September action. Melbourne 15.12.102 defeated Essendon 11.14.80.

Yes Scott Thompson was another that unfortunately we could not keep. The go home factor was strong and we got Brent Moloney who had 8 good years, 130 odd games and battled through in some really tough years.

Sorry HFF. Jakovich was drafted in via the 1990 draft. Pick 6. I do agree with your wrap on Clark and Jakovich. Such talent. But having watched Robbie through the mid-late 70s and early 80s, he was a champion that no opponent could beat. They might have rarely negated him but never beaten.

No.29 1994 Round 17 v Hawthorn at Princes Park 1994 what a year. It was a roller coaster ride. We’d won the first 5 games and were on top. The team was flying. Then a slump and by round 17, had 7 wins and 8 losses. We were outside the 8 (finals eligibility had extended from the final 6) and staring down some tough matches. Geelong has beaten us the prior round and confidence was down. As it happened, we had to play Hawthorn at their home ground as a Melbourne home game. Ouch! The Hawks were in 4th place and had started to dismantle teams. We got the tram up Royal parade and arrived as the “home ground” members. It was bizarre to be seated in the shade at Princes Park. !!! Allen Jakovich has returned for the clash and we were desperate. But Sean Charles was a late withdrawal. The game started well with accurate kicking getting us in front. It was a willing start and do recall enjoying the game from about row 5 or 6 from the fence. 8 goals to 4 goals gave us a 23 point half time lead. A young Neitz at CHB got reported early but had showed our intention. Jako had 3 goals to half time whilst Wight was beating Dunstall and getting the applause from the MFC members. This was a handy start. The Hawks had a very good midfield in Ratten, Pritchard, Allan and Shane Crawford. But on this day, Todd Viney, Kevin Dyson, Tingay and Glenn Lovett got on top and fed the forwards. The 3rd quarter starting with Jakovich adding 3 goals and we’d marched out to a 8 goal lead. But the umpiring was disgraceful and finally Jakovich let them know. The crowd roared in approval as the fired up Demon gave the ump his opinion. Schwarz was proving a handful for the Hawks as they shifted defenders between him and Jako. Maginness, Graham and Taylor all tried and failed. Finally Jakovich added goal 7 and then goal 8 (8.1) as the sealer and saluted to the crowd and gave his opinions to the Hawks defenders. Game over. We had taken a fabulous “away - home” victory and kept our season alive. I didn’t know it at the time, but this was the last time we would see Jakovich for the Demons as a back injury ended his year and ultimately his career (his rehabilitation didn’t go well). Jakovich was a sensation and brought many a smile and excitement to all Demons fans. My late father always jumped and cheered when Jakovich excited the crowd. We certainly did on this day. Good times and memories. We especially always enjoyed beating the Hawks after the pain they’d inflicted in 87 and 88. And in 1994 this game propelled us back into the finals race and kept our slim premiership dreams alive. Melbourne 17. 10.112 defeated Hawthorn 11.8.74.

Wells trade out was not an overnight thing. He tried to leave in 1980 for a few suitors if I recall. The Blues were the chosen path but the clubs couldn’t agree on the players or the $$$. Rod Ashman and Alby Mangels didn’t want to go to Melbourne. That reflects how poorly such players regarded us at the time. Eventually we got Vin Cataggio and Michael Young and got dudded. Still Wells (like Alves) had many many great years of service and finally got to experience finals and a premiership. Wells could have come back to us for a few years later when he was 30-31 but I think his body was worn out by then.

It’s been a curse. Injuries have hurt us more than anyone. Moore’s back. Lyon’s back. Schwarz’s knee. Jakovich’s back. Tingay’s nerve damage. Many many others had careers cut short when they could have years ahead. Bad attitude and arrogance. The tanking was ridiculous. It led to a losing attitude which took 10 years to work through. It still haunts us. Chris Connolly and Danny Corcoran and Cam Schwab. Hang your heads. You create a winning culture then sustain excellence. Talk is cheap. It’s what you do that defines you. Action. I have to mention White Board Wednesday. Footy is a simple game and not a scientific experiment. Ffs. When you reach the summit. Work harder again. Too many years of accepting finals were good enough. 2019 another example of expecting it to happen. A footy club should wrap itself around good people and a good personality. Mateship and comradery. Hope sustains us all!!

Good post.

Agree. Hope they see the hard work and psychology of winning.

Trade outs that failed Luke Beveridge to Dogs for pick 122. He played for another 8-9 years. Martin Pike to Lions (we got Seecamp who played some good years so trade was probably ok) Stefan Martin to Lions (we had oversupply of Ruck) Jeremy Howe to Pies (we got Ben Kennedy for a few games) Troy Simmonds to Freo (we got Craig Ellis for a few games ) But this hurt the most : Earl Spalding to the Blues - a sad day. He had five very good years from 87-91 and despite his kicking being a “work in progress”, his marking and agility and work ethic was fantastic. He could play CHF/CHB equally as good. The Duke was a fan favourite. The Duke was still a top performer when he left. He was going to go back home to WA to the Eagles then the Tigers made an offer before Carlton came with big $$$ and their 1st round pick 5 to trade. It was a big loss albeit Schwarz and Neitz were coming on board so could understand why we took the deal. He played six very good years at the Blues (92-97) including a premiership. We got Jason Norrish with pick 5 who played for 2 years and 20 games before joining Freo when they started. He played about 150 games and I think became vice captain. A very handy fast wingman. We got Donald Cockatoo-Collins with the compensation pick (pick 10) which unfortunately didn’t work out.

Surely AFL will schedule the first 7 rounds split between Suns, Lions, Crows, Power, Eagles, Dockers, Swans, Giants - play each other in Qld, NSW HUB Remaining 10 Victorian teams stay in Vic. Nil travel outside the state. That gets the draw to round 8 after end of July with 9 rounds to play. Review fixtures in 1st week of July for remainder of the year.

30 man squad Fowler Steven Smith Wight Brett Lovett Hardeman Yze Flower Wells Alves Lyon Schwarz Wilson Farmer Neitz Jakovich Stynes Gerard Healy T.Viney int. Johnson Gawn N.Jones Davey Squad - Tingay, White, Robertson, J.Mcdonald, Moore, Green, Parke, Oliver Steve Febey (standby ?)

No. 30 1984 Round 9 v Bulldogs at VFL Park Melbourne was 2 wins 6 losses and were facing the Dogs who had just beaten the top of the table Bombers at Windy Hill. All the tipsters picked the Dogs but did note it was played at VFL Park and not the Western Oval. The Dees were nearly at full strength. My dad and I ventured out to see the game with some optimism as we’d see the team run then top teams Hawthorn and North Melbourne to within a goal and easily beat Geelong. The game started well as early goals to Templeton saw his confidence grow. In the first half the Dees got out to a 5 goal lead over to see that reduce to 9 points nearing half time. Late goals to Thorne and Templeton steadied the team. Templeton’s injuries were restricting his mobility but he was a strong build and good mark. His kicking was a shadow of his former glory but able to kick goals up to 40-45 metres out. After half time, the Dees completely took over. Peter Moore dominated in the ruck. The Healy brothers (Gerard and Greg), together with Flower, Johnson and Connolly formed a wonderful midfield. Templeton kicked two more to have 6 goals by 3/4 time and Thorne added a late goal to have 5. The Dees were up by 52 points. It had been a long time since we were completely dominating. Thorne’s ability to play between the middle and the forward line was causing the Bulldogs nightmares. He seemed everywhere. The last quarter yielded 5 more goals as Templeton ended with 8 goals and Thorne 7 goals. I remember some Dogs supporters abusing Templeton in the game but had shut up by the final siren. I think they’d snuck out sometime in the last quarter. We won by 78 points. Amazing. We sung Its a Grand Old Flag with pride. Steven Smith has beaten Simon Beasley. Veterans Icke,Jarrott and Zantuck all played great games across half back. Flower had easily beaten Doug Hawkins. Peter Moore was probably equal BOG with Flower. Thorne has about 35 possessions and dominated. 7 goals. Whilst clearly limited, Templeton showed he’d still be a danger to any defence. 18 yo John Fidge showed his strength, footy smarts and good marking and skills. 18yo Greg Healy has fitted straight in alongside his brother. Gerard Healy was now a star, amassing 30 possessions with ease. We were looking forward with optimism. Melbourne 23.21.159 defeated Footscray 11.15.81

SA tourism should be trying it on. SA has nil cases. Adelaide Oval. 50,000 people. Pre game temp checks. Covid tests at least 48 hours prior for all media, dignitaries, spectators and team staff, players etc. Create a SA Bubble. If it’s not spectacular and spectators at the G, then Adelaide Oval might do. and btw I hate the Crows and Power.

Laurie Fowler has to be in the team. Three time Bluey Truscott B&F ahead of Robbie. Fowler did the job every week. He was tough. Determined. 140 games in 7 years. Victorian rep when only him and Robbie were considered the only decent Demon players. Played for Victoria in 1981 and then got cut by the Dees. It was Ridiculous. I saw Grinter and Fowler. Both were great blokes to have in the trenches. But I’d choose Fowler.

Fantastic idea. Can you imagine it. A Great “Australian “ atmosphere. The big corporate high flyers and politicians mixing it with the barefoot and blue singlet brigade.

Yes agree. 2013 and 2014 were bottom of the barrel years. We had some close wins in 2014 due to others sides inaccuracies and our accuracy. 2015 was the year when we started to get more respect back and really WIN games.

No.31 1994 Round 24 v Sydney at SCG As we sat down to watch this last regular season game on TV. It was a hot Sunday afternoon in September in Sydney. The Dees had to win to make the finals. We were playing the bottom placed Swans away. The Swans were coached by Ron Barassi, brought in to be the saviour of the derailed Swans. Whilst they were on the bottom, sometimes the Dees had trouble with such games so I remember being a little anxious. The Demons started on fire with early goals from Lyon, Hilton and Schwarz but the Swans were also attacking and scoring. Paul Kelly always played well against us and was again today. Cresswell kicked two goals to keep the scores close. We were up 8 goals to 6 goals at quarter time. The score bonanza continued with Martin Pike kicking 3 in a row to give us a handy 5 goal advantage before late goals to the Swans had us up by only 14 points at half time. Lovell and Kowal were injured and we were down to 19 fit players. Dees had 14.2 thanks to Pike,Schwarz, Charles and Lyon as multiple goalkickers. Our accuracy continued right up until 19.2 when Lyon missed one. Schwarz was showing his ability. Great marks. Kicking goals from the boundary about 55 metres out. Wow. He had just turned 22 yo but a star. The Swans could do nothing to stop him. Tingay and Viney were driving the footy forward to our dangerous forwards. We were 36 points up by 3/4 time with an amazing 21.4.130. Sean Charles added his 4th and 5th, and Schwarz his 9th goal as we kicked 27.5. Schwarz 9, Pike5, Charles 5, Lyon 4. A dangerous forward combo. The day had 3 stories. Firstly the amazing accuracy. Secondly, finals here we come ! Relief but excitement. Thirdly, confirmation of a new star, the equal of any star forward in the league, David Schwarz. Nine goals from CHF. He had 54 goals and over 150 marks for the year from CHF. His leap and agility were unrivalled. He’d kicked a goal in every game. Melbourne 27.5.167 defeated Sydney 18.13.121

A classic? Poor game which the Dees held in to win. Both sides had a shocker really. The tight tense finish kept it interesting. The Viney -Lynch incident was the main story from the game.

Thanks Demonstone. Some great memories of why we love the Red & Blue.

Great viewing once again. I’d challenge any other team to match some of our special talents from the last 30 years. They may not have been around for a long time, but their skills and talents were worth every $$$ and brought us to the game each week. Jakovich. Farmer. Schwarz. Charles. Jurrah. Davey. That’s why we are waiting to see what Kozzzy can deliver.

No.32 1991 round 4 v Carlton at VFL Park In 1991, we saw the arrival of a young wild bloke from St.Kilda called Rod Owen. He was picked up in a trade for Stephen Newport. ‘Newy’ had played 100 games over 6 years and was a very handy midfielder and tagger. He’d been part of the young brigade that had seen us rise to finals over the prior 4 years. So what was Northey doing in this trade. Owen had talent but injuries. Aggressive but skilled and had a few behaviour misdemeanours. We were to find out? As I went out to VFL Park,Waverley, on a windy Saturday afternoon in April. We had built up a rivalry against the Blues. After that had beaten us up so many times, we had exacted revenge through the late 80s. Still they were talented. Bradley, Kernahan, Hanna, Dean, Dorovich, Alvin, Ratten, Madden, Silvagni. They were unbeaten with 3 wins. I got there to see the last quarter of the Reserves and see a bloke called Jakovich kick a few goals. He looked like he had some talent (more on him in subsequent countdown matches). It was obvious that the large scoreboard or Jackson Rd end was the scoring end. The Blues kicked with the wind to start and had a handy 6 goal lead at quarter time. Lyon (after kicking the opening goal) had a heavy clash and went off injured, O’Dwyer was knocked out and Stretch had to go off injured with a facial injury. Ouch. There were no easy kicks. I recall Simon Eishold playing across half forward with his hand bandaged. We started slowly in the second as the team roles adjusted but got a late run on and got back to a goal down by halftime. Stynes was getting on top in the ruck. Our forwards were worrying the Blues defence. We looked faster. Beveridge and Jackson and Bennett kicked the last 3 goals of the half. The team played out the third strongly to restrict the Blues. Brett Lovett, Cuthbertson, Spalding, Wight and Stynes repelled the Blues attacks. We were matching them and a great goal to Jackson had us only 2 goals down. The Blues only went in to the last quarter being 14 points up. But what makes this a great victory was the last quarter. Dorovich and Hanna kicked goals to keep the Blues up by 3 goals at about the 10 minute mark. But then an avalanche. The Dees kicked the last 10 goals of the match. Wow. We were on our feet. 11 goals for the quarter. 11.7 to 2.2. With the wind, I remember a goal to Kevin Dyson who was near the centre square. It must have gone 80 metres easily. This was only his 2nd game! Owen kicked 3 of the best goals ever. On the run bomb from 60. A running burst through the half forward line. Twisting. Turning. Breaking tackles. He was smoking! We’d found a star (although the star burned out with a knee injury about 6 weeks later). Stynes and Viney were driving the footy forward, supported by Dyson, the returning Steven Clark and Glenn Lovett. Glenn Lovett added a beautiful to top it off. With 4 injured players and only 16 fit players, we’d won an amazing game. Courage. Character. Spirit. Stynes, Viney and Spalding (who the Blues then poached at the end of 91) were probably our best, but it was Rod Owen’s 5 goals, as well as this new bloke Kevin Dyson, that had us all talking. The Blues were demoralised. A 45 point thrashing. It was bliss. Melbourne 23.17.155 defeated Carlton 17.8.110