Firstly, a great get by the Tigers to have one of their local products, ex-AFL ruckman Darren Jolly, coming back to play a few games this year for his home club.

And secondly, with Jolly coming on board at Lexton, the Tigers have also picked up a brand new supporter in your good self.

Your man Jolly is certainly going to be good for business for both the Tigers and the MCDFL this year in the games he plays.

During his time at Collingwood, where did Jolly rank among your list of favourite Magpie players?

KA: Lexton has pulled off a great coup this season. 

Dazzlington, as I used to call him, is a great player. 

He was Collingwood's best ruckman for the past three years and gave me something to smile about in 2010. 

Do you remember what happened in 2010 Westy? 

But last season his body wasn't what it used to be. He only managed a handful of games, while youngster Brodie Grundy managed to hold his own at the pointy end of the season. 

But it's exciting to see AFL players come back to play for their junior clubs. 

LW: It's full circle for Dazzlington, as you like to call him. He started his playing career with Lexton and it looks like that is where he will finish it, too.

I'm sure he'll dazzle the Lexton faithful this year, and his experience, particularly come finals time, will be invaluable.

Can you believe that footy is almost here. Only a few more sleeps until the NAB Challenge kicks off on Wednesday night between Geelong and Collingwood.

How are your Magpies looking going into the pre-season competition?

KA: I am very excited about the footy being back. I have been counting down since last year's grand final. 

My Pies are looking pretty good. We have a new captain in Scott Pendlebury and my old mate Bucks is ready for another season. 

The team looks fresh and ready for a big 2014. 

How about the Bombers. How will they fair under a new coach?

LW: If Hirdy can't be at the helm, Bomber Thompson is a more-than-adequate stand-in at the Dons.

I'm just happy February 5 has passed without any major dramas unfolding for the Bombers.

Remember, it was this time last year when all hell broke loose around not only Essendon and the supplements scandal - I still cringe every time I see those two words - but the infamous "Blackest Day in Australian Sport" press conference.

A year on, the Blackest Day in Australian Sport doesn't seem to have amounted to much more than two clubs - Essendon and the NRL's Cronulla Sharks - being sanctioned by their code for their supplement programs.

Not to dismiss Essendon and Cronulla's indiscretions, but perhaps the Blackest Day in Australian Sport wasn't so black after all.

KA: No, it wasn't Australian sport's darkest day, but you have to admit it was a year the Bombers would rather forget. 

The supplements saga took over the entire season. 

Penalties were handed out to all those involved, including your golden boy James Hird.  It was headline after headline. 

LW: But this year it will be headlines for all the right reasons... like beating Collingwood on Anzac Day - AGAIN.