spirit of norm smith

Amazing footballer. 36 games. 81 goals. So exciting. Jakovich Schwarz Farmer Davey Jurrah Blessed to have seen these blokes play. True excitement. Maybe we’ll add Kozzzzzy Pickett to the list one day.

Yes agree. It’s definitely a good summary of where the club is at. It’s all the usual topics that us Demons fanatics talk about. Spoiler alert - forward conversions are poor (need to convert from inside 50s dominance) - defence suffers on transition from mid/forward line turnovers - injury free run needed, especially for Lever and May (they forgot to mention Jetta only played a handful of games in 2019) - Supporters hope and faith needs to be rewarded - Goodwin has a long term contract but if 2020 is poor like 2019, he’d be under pressure - youth to propel themselves up to A graders (Oliver, Petracca, Brayshaw) - Jack Viney could be placed for a year to showcase his awesome ability - recruitment of Langdon and Tomlinson is a big plus - Tom McDonald could rebound and be critical to kicking enough goals - big question marks over Sam Weideman (very important year) - Jackson and Pickett are super exciting young talent - Bailey Fritsch is developed into a very handy midsized forward and Dees need to get him signed up to prevent other clubs - Jones future as he is now not an automatic selection (could this be his last year?) I think they should have covered off the reliance on New Captain Max Gawn.

No.38 1983 Round 15 v Carlton at Princes Park I certainly remember this day, even though I was only 16 at the time. At Dees had recruited Moore and Templeton at the start of 1983. We had a promising 1982 (8th place) and we were hoping to climb further up the ladder and further test the top teams. We couldn’t seem to match them for four quarters. On this day, we headed to Carlton to play the reigning premiers (in fact Blues had won 3 premierships in 4 years 79,81&82). They were a powerhouse. After a tough close win over the bulldogs in round 14, we were without Robbie Flower and Peter Moore both injured. Our season was 6 wins 8 losses and we needed to beat a top 5 side. The Blues were in 6th place and we had only just lost to them earlier in the year. The first half was even but we were a goal up. Then we surged and despite some questionable Blues tactics, we shot clear by a few goals at 3/4 time. We continued in the last to win by 39 points. I was proud to be a Demons supporter. We had coped sh&$)t for years and now had a team that had some respect. The coaching return of Barassi was starting to show some dividends. We won after strong games from Alan Johnson (a fantastic recruit) Gerard Healy (an absolute star), Stephen Icke (who could play CHF or CHB) and Brian Wilson (an absolute engine in the centre). A young Glen McLean (a ruckman who was also agile around the ground) was having a great year and huge upside. Rodney Wright and Alan Jarrott has come from North as well and were steady and tough. Giles and Stephen Smith controlled the defence. Gilesy was one of my favourites. He was like Sean Wight. Always gave 100% to every contest. Kelvin Templeton at full forward was proving to be a very good addition if he could stay healthy. I do recall when he kicked a goal halfway through the last quarter to give us a 5 goal lead. I was thinking that’s truly money well spent. I think I might have screamed “Go Demons!!” loudly as well Melbourne 15.16.106 defeated Carlton 9.13.67

This is tough. Really tough.

Neeld killed us. Sacked Green and installed Grimes and Trengove as a massive mistake. Youth went backwards. Morton gone. Scully jumped. Saw senior players leave including Rivers, Sylvia, Moloney and James McDonald. Brought in Clark and Dawes in massive $$$$ deals

A huge thank you to Mrs Brayshaw from all Dees supporters.

No.39 2010 round 17 v Swans at MCG The Demons were still in a coma after two wooden spoons in 2008 and 2009. There was signs of improvement and a youth based recovery through loading up on top 20 draft picks and the momentum from senior players like James McDonald, Brad Green and Cameron Bruce. The year had started poorly then a few good wins led to hope including a win over the previously unbeaten Lions. But the highlight of the year was a round 17 clash with the Swans. They were in 4th place and firing but on this day, all the Demons fired. The Dees opened well and were attacking at all costs. An 8 goal opening quarter (to 2 goals) had the Swans panicked and by half time we were 50 points up (12.6 to 4.4) . As we were smiling and hoping, the third quarter saw another avalanche and we were up by 14 goals at 3/4 quarter time. We were pressing for the 100 point win but settled for 73 point victory as the heat subsided. The amazing indigenous skills of Jurrah, Davey, Wonaeamirri and Bennell were on show. Jamar controlled the ruck and showed his All Australian form. Brad Green kicked 5 goals and Sylvia, Bruce and Jones controlled the midfield. Watts, Morton and Scully showed us the bright future of the youth. Frawley and Rivers showed huge ability. All the signs were good. We celebrated and I remember thinking this side had the makings of finals potential. I think the Swans coach Paul Roos also actually saw the positives for the Dees. It was a shame that Neeld tore it apart. Melbourne 22.10.142 defeated Sydney 10.9.69

I was at this game and every Demon supporter was in exhilaration. Jakovich is the most exciting player that I have seen in the red and blue. He brought fans to the game. He excited young and old. My late father thought he was incredible. He’d jump up every time Jakovich got the ball. It was such a shame that his body (and perhaps his attitude) didn’t allow him to play more. He was a sensation.

Yes Windy Hill 1990 will be on the list. Vic park 1993??

Still Woewodin!!! I love it

No. 40 2017 Round 8 v Crows at Adelaide Oval I went across to see this game with a degree of hope but could not have expected the result. We’d just lost to the Hawks by 3 points to go 3-4 and so desperately wanted to make finals. Goodwin was coaching against his former team for the first time. Unfortunately a burst from the Crows put them up by about 5 goals about 15 minutes into the 2nd quarter. We looked benign. Suddenly a few goals awoke the contest and we went in 10 points down at the half. In the third quarter the Dees run exposed the Crows and we went on to win by 41 points. Bernie Vince celebrated his 200th game in another win over his former side. Jack Viney and Clayton Oliver were sensational. Mr.SpareParts Cameron Pedersen kicked 3 goals including the sealer in the last. Jonesy also kicked a beauty and celebrated. Amazing victory and it’s nice to get out of Adelaide alive. Admittedly most of the Crows fans left about halfway through the last. I picked up some nice bottles of red from Mclarenvale (D’arenberg) and returned to Vic with a smile. Melbourne 17.5.117 defeated Adelaide 9.12.66

Agree

He was a sensation before his 3 knee reconstructions. One of the saddest curses to hit MFC. His eventual return and win in the 1999 B&F plus 2000 grand final was a testament to his determination and talent.

Lyon gets my vote as at today. The vote may change circa 2025. Maxy may end up one of our greats if he can sustain his performance over the next 4-5 years and get a few more B&F and All-Australia selections... and a premiership.

Wow. That’s fine by me. Except Eagles (away) and Giants would be a tough start.

Yes absolutely but agreed that given its with a nil crowd, Dees get the next Home fixture when the crowds back at the G is ALLOWED (2021? 2022?).

No.41 Round 22 v Carlton at MCG The home and away season in ‘88 had two memorable victories. We defeated the Hawks to avenge the 87 prelim and we were full of excitement for the elusive premiership glory. The team recorded a 5 straight winning sequence to start the year and were 12-4 by round 16 and holding the double chance behind the Hawks on top. Then we lost to the Hawks (smashed) and then the next 4 games. The 5 straight losses left us 12-9 with the Blues in 2nd place in round 22. The Bombers were keen to take our spot in the finals. At least our destiny was in our own hands, “ if we win, we are in ! “ The big game at the MCG suddenly saw the Dees awake with a big first quarter. We were on fire. I remember a very anxious crowd suddenly remembering that we were a good team. Northey had a way of lifting his players above themselves. Whilst we didn’t have a key full forward which was the real gap in the team, Lyon, Spalding, Wight & Williams stood up through the year to kick vital goals supported by Wilson and Jackson as small forwards. An 8 goal first quarter burst had us up by 5 goals. Lyon was the key. The lead extended to 7 goals by 3/4 time and could and should have been more. Stynes and O’Dwyer were in charge in the ruck. The Blues were being held but then kicked 5 goals to start the final quarter to get within 2 goals. Three goals to the Dees answered the challenge in the last 10 minutes gave us a 30-point victory. I remember the excitement of young Andy Lovell when he kicked the final goal. We had defeated the Blues (reigning premiers) twice in the year and deserved our spot. It was excitement and relief as we qualified for the finals to back up 87. We did it tough and Demon supporters needed heart medication once again. Ultimately the 88 finals were memorable (both good and bad!) Melbourne 14.12.96 defeated Carlton 10.6.66

Yes in 1980 the Dees thought they’d got Barassi as coach and Leigh Matthews as new skipper. The Dees were ready to a full in assault to get back to the glory days. Matthews was ready to sign but Hawks matched the $$$s and appointed him skipper. Probably deserved it.

Interesting rule. Possible strategy. You could draft an older brother as a late draft pick to get a younger talented sibling.

No. 42. 2015 Round 12 v Geelong at Kardinia Park The Dees hadn’t won at Kardinia Park for 10 years. The Cats were arrogant and had considered the Dees easybeats. But not on this day. The Dees were ready to go from the start and the Cats had a fight ahead this time. The Dees kicked 5 goals to lead by 11 points at qtr time and then held on to be 5 points ahead at 1/2 time. The third quarter was an arm wrestle as the cats tried to get ahead. A great goal to Jeremy Howe from a mark and kick from the boundary about 40 metres out was a beauty and setup a 2 goal 3/4 qtr time advantage. The Dees kicked 5 goals in the last to the Cats two goals to seal the upset victory. Nathan Jones was outstanding as a leader. Gawn controlled the ruck and was showing his potential. Brayshaw showed why he was a top draft pick. Recycled group of Vince, Lamumba, Cross and Garlett (4 goals) were fantastic. A young Neal-Bullen kicked 3 goals in his third game as a half forward. A rare win at the Cattery was celebrated with hope for the rest of 2015. Melbourne 18.5.117 defeated Geelong 13.11.89

Absolutely. Peter Matera was ready to sign and come across. Dees would have grabbed him with PSD#1. WA media went nuts and camped out the front of his house. The Eagles players and coaches put pressure on him to stay and I recall the club offered him leadership credentials. Matera played for 5 more years across 1998 to 2002. He would have been a star in the MCG and might have helped us in the 1998, 2000 & 2002 finals runs. Certainly would have been the Biggest get since Templeton and Moore moves across.

Yes my family and I ventured out to Waverley to see if the Demon revival would continue. In a fairly even first half, the Dees had chances but went in one goal down. The 2nd half rain suited the Bombers who won by about 6-7 goals. We were disappointed but knew the bombers were a very good team (eventually being premiers in 1984).

No. 43 1984 Round 13 v Hawks at Princes Park I remember this day clearly. A gusty Melbourne afternoon but good conditions for footy. My dad and I, met my uncle at Flinders Street station. We got the tram up Elizabeth Street and up Royal Parade. We were anxious. The Hawks were the reigning premiers. A mighty side. Stars on every line. Playing at home. A tough assignment. The Dees were the mix of youngsters and veterans. We had lost the first 5 games of 1984 but bounced back to win 5 straight from round 8 to 12. We had smashed good teams like the Cats, Lions and Dogs. This team was bonding. Kelvin Templeton was having a good year and we had some wildcards like Rhino Richards and David Williams complimenting half forward. Healy, Johnson and Flower in the midfield. Peter Moore was in outstanding form, controlling the ruck. Stephen Smith was the leader of the backline and today was on Leigh Matthews. Senior players Icke, Giles and Jarrott across half back. The Dees matched the Hawks in the first quarter. and took advantage of the breeze in the 2nd quarter kicking 8 goals to 3. Could the impossible happen? Matthews was getting frustrated and whilst he was a champion, he was not the fairest and lost his cool. The Demon faithful could smell an upset as we held onto the lead at 3/4 time by 3 goals. Templeton kicked his 4th and we felt home. The Hawks tried to claw back but the Dees held on to a famous 17 point win. The song was sung with heart. A massive upset. The Dees were in the five by percentage and we celebrated. Melbourne 15.17.107 defeated Hawthorn 13.12.90

No.44 1986 Round 21 v Kangas at MCG 1986 was John Northeys first year. The team had promise but lacked ability to win at crucial times. The year was over for us but the Kangas were desperate to win as they were on the edge of the final five. A big win over us would see them into the Five. But this day Dees had other ideas. Lead magnificently by Robbie Flower and Peter Moore dominating, the Dees lifted to a great 85 point win. 17 goals to 6 after half time. It was a mix of the retiring veterans Zantuck, and Jarrott plus Flower and Moore, skill of Wilson and Connolly plus with the youth of Healy, Newport, and Lyon. David Williams kicked 9 goals. Amazing. He was a talent. I’d like to think that this game laid the foundation for the confidence starting in 1987 and Robbie decision to go around again. Melbourne 28.14.282 defeated Kangas 14.13.97

A good win but as it was a crappy game, I really wouldn’t rate it. There is a few more glorious victories over the Essenscum Fc. Imo we should go back to round 12 1993. Jakovich kicks 8 and we win by 5 goals. A young David Neitz showcased his future as well. Bombers were premiers in 1993 but we gave it to them and their supporters that day.