All week my brain has been like a swirling red and blue hurricane, but not in a batten down the hatches kind of way, more like a serene bombardment of thoughts and images, that reflect and ‘flag’ the enormity and significance of where we find ourselves as a club, right now in time.

Nigel Dawe

Of all the things that came flooding in, at the forefront was the memory of my two most revered players – Robbie Flower and big Jim Stynes. Should our team take us all the way to the promised land of a premiership in a few weeks: my first emotion will be recalling the wonderful players and people those two legends were, and what a premiership would have meant to these two icons, who don’t worry – will certainly be on their respective wing and centre circle positions in spirit, with hearts ablaze, come that final siren.

Relatedly, not getting ahead of myself (well, maybe just a little) the highlight of a Grand Final win in 2021 would be seeing the great Ron Barassi, up in the stands saluting and savouring his Demons being on top of the football world once again. It would be eerily reminiscent of our team’s 1926 Grand Final victory, which had the club’s ultimate spiritual figure, and the then 90-year-old ‘father of football’ H.C.A Harrison applauding his side’s ‘drought-breaking’ efforts, being Melbourne’s first premiership in 26-years.

In a similar vein, two monumental developments occurred on planet Earth in May 1953. The first was Ronald Dale Barassi’s playing debut for the Melbourne Demons at the MCG on Saturday the 16th; and the second, took place 13 days later on the 29th of May, when Edmund Hillary scaled Mt Everest, the first human being to ever do so. And it’s the imagery and thought-quest of scaling the highest mountain around, that our current-day players need to harness, prepare for and revel in.

Talking mountains scaled, a wonderful outcome of beating the Cats this weekend to claim our first minor premiership in 57 years, would also be the acquisition of the little spoken of – McClelland Trophy (which was first awarded back in 1951). Originally it was given to the club for having achieved the most points/ wins in the top three grades (back when there was a true club reserves and U/19s competition). Interestingly, Melbourne won the ‘last’ McClelland Trophy (along those original combined triple grade lines) back in 1990; since 1991 it has been awarded to the team who finishes the season as minor premier.

Whilst the achievement of a fifth McClelland trophy this year for the Demons (1955, 1956, 1958 and 1990 – being seasons we also previously won) the Melbourne connection to the award does not end there. The award itself was of course named after Dr William McClelland, the former Melbourne captain (1901-1904), 1900 premiership player, club president, and then head of the VFL (for a record setting 30-years) who passed away in the Demons premiership year of 1957.

Not that I’ve ever bought into things like horoscopes, tea readings or tarot cards, but there is something about season 2021 that has an element of ‘stars aligning’ for the Melbourne Football Club, in a very discernible way. As such, if I were to get a precious five minutes with the playing group over the next week or so, I’d flag two points in particular.

The first would be an old American football adage: “We have just four weeks to play, and the REST OF OUR LIVES to think back on it.”

And the second, instructional ‘takeaway’ would be a line by the fire-breathing Frenchman, La Rochefoucauld: “We promise according to our hopes; and perform according to our fears.”

So, just go out there boys and be as fearless, committed, and ferocious as you’ve been for this entire year. The time and the season have arrived… and it is now, right now.

As we head full speed into the approaching month of September, there’s only one more thing left to say, and that’s: “Good luck Melbourne Demons – come what may… it’s been a wonderful season!”

Round 21 – West Coast Eagles V Melbourne

Liam Chambers

With storm clouds gathering, the Dees got ready to face their old enemy from the West. It had been a roller coast fortnight for Melbourne. First, the shenanigans of Round 20, then the trek to Perth encompassing a 7 day stay in quarantine. The Eagles were always going to rise to the occasion at home, after racking up some disappointing away results recently.

However, the first goal was a gift to Ben Brown; awarded a 50m penalty and kicking from point blank range. West Coast hit back though when Jamie Cripps showed what he could do by accurately placing his set shot from outside the 50m line. Almost immediately, Christian Petracca took advantage of the space offer after a stoppage to launch a massive kick from 45m. Both sides were making mistakes but both sides were also applying enormous pressure.

Alex Neal-Bullen was able to collect an easy ball from ground level and tap it in for the Dees’ third. As the rains came down, it was going to be a lot more difficult to be accurate with the ball. Ben Brown made it look easy though as he gathered a thumping effort from Max Gawn and snapped his second. Josh Kennedy showed he’s still a force to be reckoned with when his mark and curling set shot helped his side stay competitive.

At the start of the second quarter, Jack Darling got a free kick when he fell over. I reckon it was a dubious call, but it gave West Coast their third goal. The Eagles looked like a different side from the first term, imposing themselves more and limiting Melbourne’s scoring opportunities. Jamie Cripps made it a 1 point game when his set shot from 40m in front of goal continued West Coast’s comeback.

It looked like the home side would go into the main break with a 2 point lead. Finally though, after having been outplayed for a lot of the quarter, Kysaiah Pickett slotted one through right on the siren and Melbourne finished with a slim lead themselves.

The rain returned with a vengeance in the third term but it didn’t prevent Alex Neal-Bullen from kicking around the corner after picking up the ball from a stoppage in front of goal. Jack Redden responded with a perfectly placed set shot kick from the pocket to keep things interesting. West Coast kept piling on the pressure but were unable to kick any more majors before James Harmes found some space on the 50m line to hit the bullseye.

With a two goal buffer, the Dees looked more in control and started to play their preferred game. Jake Melksham extended the lead when he bent a banana, showing how good he can be on those difficult set shots. Max Gawn kicked high towards the goal square and Melksham was able to get hold of the bouncing sherrin to tap in his second.

The Dees were on a roll and won the centre bounce clearance with Max again getting a kick in towards goal. Ben Brown marked and converted to push the advantage out to 32 points. West Coast were in all sorts of trouble, but nothing was working for them. They needed an intervention or some kind circuit breaker but that looked highly unlikely.

With the final term underway, everything was going well for the visitors until play was halted with sixteen minutes still left on the clock. There was a lightning scare, and all players were ordered off the field until the threat had passed. When play resumed after half an hour, another dubious free was awarded; this time to Josh Kennedy and he didn’t waste the opportunity in giving the Eagles a glimmer of hope.

When Nic Naitanui marked and scored from 30m in front, he typified how much West Coast had turned the game to their advantage. Suddenly the lead was down to 24 points and the Eagles sensed a chance to consolidate their spot for a finals berth. It only got worse for Melbourne as Connor West kick another from advantage in front of goal. The Dees valiantly held on to their 15 point lead until the last 90 seconds when Jack Darling took a mark just outside the goal square and reduced the margin to single figures.

In the end it was a 9 point win for Melbourne but a win nonetheless and we resumed our place at the head of the table. Max Gawn’s post game interviewed showed a relieved Captain who conceded that his team relaxed a little too much after the enforced break. He believes that Melbourne will learn from the experience though hopefully lightning won’t strike twice.

With only two games to go, the Dees are looking like the real deal. Next, we take on the Crows and hopefully a big win to wipe out the memory of that one point loss.

Go the Mighty Dees!!!

Sally Trevena

Our recent story of Melbourne VFL premiership footballer Corrie Gardner, who was one of only two athletic representatives at the St Louis Olympic Games in 1904, prompted his grandson William Streeton, to share more of Corrie’s story and his passion for the Demons.

William remembers him as a passionate Demons supporter to his death. William has very fond memories of him, despite being very young and remembers going with him to the MCG and watching Ron Barassi, John Lord etc playing. He died watching a televised match of Melbourne playing and winning against Collingwood.

Corrie’s brothers, Mark & Eric also played for Melbourne. Corrie and Eric played together from 1900, 1901, 1902 & 1903, Mark played in1904 and Corrie and Mark in 1905.

I was delighted to hear from William and never cease to be amazed by the ongoing connections between our footy club’s history and members of the NSW Demons audience.

Thank you William

Go Dees.

Round 20 – Gold Coast Suns V Melbourne

Liam Chambers

Approaching the pointy end of the season, Melbourne needed to rediscover their winning ways or risk falling out of the top four. The run up to Round 20 was far from ideal. Having travelled to Queensland, the Dees were advised, mere hours before the kick-off, that their fixture against the Suns was to be rescheduled to the following day; forcing them to return to Victoria. Even though Melbourne had less than 24 hours to adjust and refocus, the disruption seemed to reinvigorate the team and they put on a classic performance.

Playing to the virtually empty Marvel Stadium, the Dees got off the mark when Tom McDonald curled one in from the pocket. Bailey Fritsch continued his recent good form when he put the perfect finish on his set shot from 45m to the right of goal. Despite Gold Coast being competitive in the quarter, it was Melbourne racking up the early points as Ben Brown took his first mark in front of goal.

The Suns finally kicked a major when Chris Burgess took a mark inside 50 and converted. The goal proved inspirational with Alex Sexton then getting boot to ball as it was heading behind, scoring GCS’ second. Melbourne responded quickly when Fritsch was in the right place to pick up the loose ball near the goal square and walk it in.
The Suns showed they weren’t done yet as Josh Corbett took an uncontested mark 40m in front to bring the margin back to a single kick.

Gold Coast’s joy was short lived though, as Melbourne pulled away again with Luke Jackson finding an empty space in the Suns’ defence. Then it was just a matter of strolling through to the goal. Jackson was able to double his tally by marking just inside the 50m line before placing the ball nicely between the sticks.

The first quarter showed Dees had certainly recaptured their kicking efficiency. When Clayton Oliver was tripped and awarded a free kick early in the second term, his set shot was typical of Melbourne’s accuracy in front of goal. Their confidence was infectious and Ben Brown’s aim was true as he kicked his second from a 40m set shot. Luke Jackson was on a hat trick when he was awarded a free after being pushed in the back inside the goal square.

In addition, Melbourne’s pressure was keeping their opponents scoreless while they continued to add to own goal tally. Charlie Spargo got in on the act when a fumbling hand pass from Christian Petracca saw the small forward score from directly in front. Even Max Gawn succeeded with his set shot attempt on goal. By now the Dees had added 33 to the Suns’ 1 point in the quarter and it wasn’t over yet. Luke Jackson must have spent the previous week practicing set shots. His fourth goal from the 50m line was a pitch perfect performance.

Having clocked up one of their highest first half scores in recent times, Melbourne could have been forgiven if they took their foot off the accelerator and relaxed a bit. However, Kysaiah Pickett doesn’t have an off switch and his running 50m kick to the open goal square was a thing of beauty. Immediately after the centre bounce clearance, Ben Brown was pushed inside 50, allowing him to score his third goal form the ensuing set shot.

Not satisfied with his previous effort on goal, Max Gawn launched a banana kick from the boundary line to bring up 100 points for the Demons. Melbourne had their fair share of luck too as Kysaiah Pickett discovered when Angus Brayshaw’s kick towards goal bounced favourably into his hands. Pickett didn’t waste any time and ran around to snap his second of the afternoon.

Jake Bowie almost capped off a dream debut with the perfect mark from the shoulders of Darcy MacPherson. Unfortunately, Bowie couldn’t hold on to the ball long enough but great effort! For his fourth goal, Ben Brown showed unusual dexterity by scooping up the sherrin and tapping it in from just outside the square.

The last term was a low scoring affair for Melbourne, but Christian Petracca added his name to the scoreboard with a perfect set shot on goal. The lads almost made it a 100 plus victory, but Sam Flanders denied us that pleasure when marked and scored from inside 50. I’m sure Simon Goodwin will be happy with the result anyway. The win gave a nice boost to our percentage which could be crucial when the final siren sounds at the end of the regular season.

We fly to Perth for Round 21. The Eagles lost badly to Collingwood but they’re a different beast at home. The Stadium will be full of partisan fans baying for Demon blood and the pressure will be a big test of Melbourne’s character. There’ll be an enormous amount of energy whooshing around Optus Stadium and if the Dees can harness that and channel it towards their goal, then I don’t doubt we’ll come away with the win.

Go the Mighty Dees!!!

Round 19 – Melbourne V Western Bulldogs

Liam Chambers

It was a case of slip sliding away, as the rains came down in the opening quarter of what promised to be an epic battle between the two top sides in the competition.

Clayton Oliver had the Dees first real chance when he received a hand pass from Tom McDonald but his shot from 45m veered wide. When Ben Brown took a great mark, it looked like he would add to his goal tally but was unable to convert from his 30m set shot. Marcus Bontempelli was gifted a shot at goal from a stoppage and scored with his 30m kick directly in front.

Jack Viney had a good pickup but the ball was touched before it crossed the line. Finally, Christian Petracca got the first major for Melbourne with a mighty kick off his left leg, round the corner, through traffic and in atrociously wet conditions. Brilliant! As the rain eased, the Dogs were piling on the pressure but not getting the results until Josh Bruce squeeze one in from a set shot.

After that, the Bulldogs basically set up camp in their forward half until the end of the quarter, culminating in Tim English’s high and long kick from 50m. What initially looked like a fairly pedestrian shot, just kept going and seemingly defying the laws of gravity, finally crossing the finish line untouched.

At the start of term two, the Dogs’ back line were doing their job in keeping the Dees at bay. May & Lever were steady at the other end but the visitors were winning the one on ones. Aaron Naughton gave his side the best start when his steady set shot extended their lead. Up the other end Bailey Fritsch was able to get one back for Melbourne. Up until that point, the Bulldogs looked like running away with the game.

Petracca had an opportunity a few minutes later but put his set shot wide. Frustratingly, Fritsch almost had another goal but the review showed that the ball came off his knee. Almost immediately there was another review at the Dogs’ goal end when Josh Bruce’s shot was deemed touched by Steven May. It clearly wasn’t happening for the Dees on the night, as more chances went begging with both Fritsch and Brown missing the target.

Then to add to our woes, one time Demon, Mitch Hannan had an opportunity from 25m out and kicked it cleanly. Then of course he had a go at his former team mates and it was on. James Harmes, never one to shrink from a fight, ended up on the turf looking at the sky. All good fun. With 40 seconds to go, Bailey Smith (already on report for his offensive haircut) got hold of the ball and kicked it home to give the Dogs a 21 point lead at half time.

Melbourne needed a good start to the second half and they got it when Oliver was able to pick up the ball cleanly after the centre bounce and thump it to the pack in front of goal. There Tom McDonald marked it strongly and calmly converted, energising his team in the process. It was two goals in a minute when a surging Melbourne got the ball to inside 50 again and Fritsch took control to score his second.

Josh Bruce spoiled the party somewhat when the Dogs got the ball to ground level in front of goal. Aaron Naughton’s hand pass to the key forward was quickly snapped through. Caleb Daniel was given plenty of space and he took full advantage, kicking a goal from 45m and returning the margin to 21 points.

Fortunately, Ben Brown finally got his eye in when his set shot from 35m sailed through the uprights. Relief for the big guy and his legions of fans in the red and blue.

Melbourne then a had a few more chances but it was the Bulldogs who scored next when Cody Weightman was able to get behind the defence and soccer one through to keep the Dees at a three goal distance. Incidentally, I’m sure Max Gawn was too appreciative of Weightman’s amazing marking effort just a minute prior to the goal. Despite this and attempts at turning the screws on their opponents, the Dogs were unable to put the game beyond Melbourne’s reach.

Then the Dees had a particularly good run of play, starting when Fritsch who spotted Brown wide and was able to place the kick directly into the forward’s hands. Brown in turn targeted Ed Langdon who gathered and hand passed to Kysaiah Pickett. The small forward didn’t hesitate and hammered it home to score his first of the night.

Then when it looked like Melbourne would score again, the Bulldogs got the ball back and ran it down the field quickly where Bruce was able to mark it on the 50m line. He quickly passed it onto to Naughton who ran it straight in. Margin back to 20 points.

The Dees kept coming back though and had the last goal of the quarter when they won the centre bounce clearance. Alex Neal-Bullen then kicked towards the goal square where Max Gawn was able to collect and get the ball to Jack Viney from ground level. Viney didn’t hesitate and knocked it straight through the posts.

With the Bulldogs hanging onto their lead, it took Melbourne over ten minutes to get the first goal of the final term. With nothing much on offer, Viney was able to square the ball from the pocket after he spotted Pickett in front of goal. Pickett took the mark and converted from 25m out. Things really tightened up when Ben Brown had a difficult set shot from 40m. He didn’t disappoint and suddenly the Dees were only behind by 4 points.

Having trailed by 20 points for a good part of the match, could the Demons pull off a famous come from behind victory? Sadly, Bontempelli was able to take advantage after being given some space and he snapped a goal to pull his side back from the abyss. He was also involved in the next goal when his kick to Jamarra Ugle-Hagen was marked and converted.

Even though the game was already slipping away from Melbourne’s grasp, the Dogs saved their cruelest blow till last when the villain of the hour Mitch Hannan took a mark in the goal square. He couldn’t miss from that distance and he didn’t. Basically it was Goodnight Vienna.

The Dees played brilliantly at times but the Dogs were more consistent and responded well each time Melbourne got close. We also gave them a bit too much space on occasion but if we learn from the experience, then it won’t have been a wasted exercise.

No doubt about it now, we need to bring our best game to the Gold Coast Suns. Nothing can be taken for granted and a top four spot is not guaranteed. We really need to win against the Eagles and the Crows as well, setting ourselves up for the clash against the in form side Geelong.

Go the Mighty Dees!!!