spirit of norm smith

Delete. Bad memories especially that loss v cats.

No. 36 1994 Round 1 v Geelong at MCG To understand the importance of this win, it’s important to reflect what it meant. The Dees had made finals in 5 years across 1987 to 1991. But had fallen short each time of the elusive premiership. In 1992 and 1993 the team had fallen away and questions had to be answered. Balme had been brought in in 1993 but failed to achieve, with the team finishing 9th on 10 wins 10 losses. But there was talent. Stynes, Lyon, Viney, Obst, Lovett, Tingay, Lovell, Wight were now the experience. A young 21yo David Schwarz has shown ability as a CHF. A young 19yo key forward/back David Neitz had emerged in 1993. Sean Charles was back and was so fast and skilled. And of course Alan Jakovich was back after a frenzy of goals to end 1993. Could he stay fit to drive the Demons back to the finals. It was a hot March day for footy as we marched to the G for round 1. The Cats were a super talented team (eventually runners up in 94). They had Ablett, Bairstow, Couch, Hocking, Barnes, Riccardi. But What transpired excited all Demon fans. The Dees were fast and exciting. We built up a 4 goal lead by half time. But the Cats were very good so we remained anxious. But the lead grew and the goals flowed. A 9 goal last quarter saw us record a 65 point win. Simply we smashed the Cats through the sheer talent and ability of Jakovich, Schwarz and Lyon. Tingay, Viney and Obst controlled their middle. Sean Wight negated Gary Ablett. Stynes managed the ruck. But our forwards were amazing. Jakovich kicked 8 goals 8 behinds. He could have kicked 13-14 goals. 21 kicks. Schwarz was giving us a glimpse of his aerial ability and talent. He kicked 4 goals. Mcgrath, Handley, Oreilly, Mensch. The Cats backs had no answer. Lyon 5 goals from the HFF. Small forwards Andy Lovell 4 goals and new boy Jeff Hilton kicked 3 goals. It was a goal frenzy. The fans were dancing. Suddenly we had the firepower. We were back. Melbourne 26.18.174 defeated Geelong 16.13.109

No. 37. Round 18 1979 v Essendon at MCG Perhaps one of the greatest turnaround in form in VFL/AFL history. In round 17, the Dees were obliterated by Fitzroy. A record 190 point loss (238-48). I was there at VFL Park and it was dark times. I remember leaving the ground (as a 12 year old) in stunned silence. I didn’t dare speak to my dad. It was ugly. It started to rain as we got in the car to drive home and I felt sick in the stomach. My team the mighty Demons had had a record VFL loss and were empty. 1979 had started with Ditterich back and recruited fabulous Phil Carmen. But Carmen left in controversy mid year and it was falling apart. I went the next week to the G but was not expecting much to be honest. We were playing Essendon who were in the 5 and about the same quality as the Lions. Ditterich was coach and I remember him saying it would be different with him back in the team. How right he was? By half time, it was game on. We were a few goals up and the forward line of young Robert Walters and Steven Smith were on fire. The Dees were unstoppable as Walters kicked 9 goals. Three more goals than the whole team kicked the prior week. Smith was a typical tall agile CHF and was a beautiful kick. The team had been suddenly reborn as Greg Wells ( definitely one of the best Demon players I’ve seen) , Robbie Flower and Ditterich lifted the rest of the group. Laurie Fowler and Ray Biffin (brought out of retirement) held the backline together. Glenn Elliott, who moved from the Saints together with his brother Robert, starred. They carried the Dees to a stirring victory. Some red and blue spirit was restored. As we did, my late father and I ventured back to the Malvern Vale Hotel post game. I enjoyed my raspberry-soft-drink and I think Dad enjoyed a more few amber refreshments than usual. Melbourne 21.8.134 defeated Essendon 16.9.105 by 29 points.

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).