It's been a big week in art ... with Jim Pavlidis
St Kilda fans may beg to differ, but the unluckiest VFL/AFL team during the past three decades is clearly Melbourne.
Their two grand final appearances during that time were in years they had no realistic chance of winning given their opposition juggernauts, Essendon in 2000 and Hawthorn in 1988.
In 1987 the Demons lost the preliminary final, cruelled by Jim Stynes’ infamous last minute transgression and Gary Buckenara’s subsequent straight kick.
Back then, life felt simpler, like the work of famous French poster artist Michel Quarez. Great results were achieved simply with a vivid palette and direct, uncomplicated gestures.
Back then, teams who’d made it to the second last Saturday in September could expect to be there or thereabouts the following season.
That’s no longer the case. Eight months ago Demons fans were pinching themselves at the prospect of finals action. We’re only six weeks into season 2019, but those same fans are now kicking themselves.