Demons Discussion http://demonland.com/forums Fri, 18 May 2012 00:53:23 +0000 60 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30231-are-we-allowed-a-little-laugh/
Top Dees draftees sue club for failing to reach potential

Just please don't laugh too loud at this. Someone from AFL360 might notice.]]> Fri, 18 May 2012 00:53:23 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30231-are-we-allowed-a-little-laugh/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30230-cross-training-success/ Demons officials explained his "fitness level" as being the result of radical cross training with obscure new technologies at altitude on Uluru whilst on leave earlier this year from the southern states, where apparently "Sea Level" training is passe.
They expect Liam to "Rip 'em a new one"]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 22:40:14 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30230-cross-training-success/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30229-twilight-zone/ TWILIGHT ZONE by Whispering Jack

Last night an intrepid group of people associated with the legal profession met for the annual Devil’s Advocates dinner mc’d by former MFC board member Bev O’Connor and hosted by prominent Melbourne family lawyer, Ralph Glezer.

You have to be intrepid if you’re a Melbourne fan because, as Chris Connolly told the audience, there is a great deal being thrown at us from the cheap seats in these early days of the club’s new coaching regime.

It was a theme of the night that rather than being in the deep trouble as painted by some of the pundits, the Demons are indeed building for a better future. Connolly noted that in recent years the club had repaid its debt, reshaped its deal with the MCC, acquired a valuable asset in the Bentleigh Club, grown its membership. The necessary ingredients for long term success are being put together so that despite the short term pain of the current 0-7 win/loss ratio as the team learns a new style of play, the vision that will see a strong Melbourne in the years to come remains on track.

Glezer congratulated the gathering and all club supporters who stand firm at this time. It was fitting that he was able to pay a special tribute to the late Jim Stynes who was responsible for much of the club’s financial resurgence on the day on which the AFL, the MFC and the Reach Foundation proudly announced the launch of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.

Three players in attendance, Matthew Bate, Cale Morton and Stef Martin all impressed with their approach to the difficult season so far. It’s difficult for the supporters who measure things by way only of reference to the premiership table. The football department has other indicators that also need to be looked at in terms of the process of change sweeping through the club.

Neil Craig and Josh Mahoney also confirmed that the club has this vision that is certainly being embraced internally. Craig spoke of the particular difficulties faced by new coach Mark Neeld and asked what new coach would have such a controversial start with distractions such as the incident involving Liam Jurrah (couple with his injury), the death of Jim Stynes, the false claims of racism against him and the sponsorship fiasco with Energy Watch?

Craig made it clear that the club and Neeld had handled every obstacle put in their way with great dignity while those at other clubs and in the media who have been overcritical have a lot to answer for by comparison with the way in which they have conducted themselves at this time.

The wheel will turn.

Despite this, the feeling among the lawyers was not particularly optimistic but their mood was improved with estate agent Phil Kingston's wit and incise humour when auctioning items at the end of the function. It suddenly dawned on me that if a group's collective mood can be changed so swiftly then why can't the same stand for a group of footballers whose confidence has been down for several weeks?

I'm therefore looking forward to this week’s twilight game at the SCG and I’m going out on a limb by saying that the Demons are ready to take off and make the critics eat humble pie.

I think they will win this game and thereafter continue to show improvement for the remainder of the season.

Laugh, if you wish but I’m very bullish on Melbourne when it comes to taking on the Swans even in the confined spaces of the SCG. In recent years, Sydney has struggled against Melbourne which sent vocal critic Paul Roos off with an almighty thumping in 2010. Roos is obviously smarting from the embarrassment because he never misses an opportunity to sink the boots into the Demons. I will get great pleasure in seeing Melbourne do likewise to his old side this Saturday.

The last time the teams met was at the MCG in round 1 last year when they drew. For the purpose of the exercise, these were the teams as selected that day.

MELBOURNE (Round 1, 2011)

Backs Clint Bartram Jared Rivers Joel Macdonald
Half backs Jack Grimes Colin Garland Jamie Bennell
Centreline Nathan Jones Brent Moloney Luke Tapscott
Half forwards Rohan Bail Colin Sylvia Liam Jurrah
Forwards Jack Watts Brad Green Addam Maric
Followers Mark Jamar Lynden Dunn Aaron Davey
Interchange Neville Jetta Stefan Martin Ricky Petterd Jack Trengove
Emergencies Jake Spencer James Strauss Matthew Warnock

SYDNEY (Round 1, 2011)

Backs Paul Bevan Ted Richards Martin Mattner
Half backs Rhys Shaw Heath Grundy Andrejs Everitt
Centreline Daniel Hannebery Kieren Jack Nick Smith
Half forwards Lewis Jetta Adam Goodes Ben McGlynn
Forwards Ryan O'Keefe Sam Reid Jesse White
Followers Shane Mumford Josh Kennedy Jarrod McVeigh
Interchange Jude Bolton Gary Rohan Mark Seaby Byron Sumner
Emergencies Craig Bird Jed Lamb Brett Meredith

I look at the two teams and note only two players from the Melbourne side of that day are not available to play - Neville Jetta (ankle injury) and Addam Maric (now with Richmond). You could include Mitch Clark and James Magner and you have what is notionally a far superior list than that which drew with the Swans in round 1 last year.

Then I look at Sydney's team from that day and there's no Adam Goodes, Shane Mumford or Gary Rohan and many of its payers have been well below par in form over the past couple of weeks. They can't replace that lot for quality, their confidence is down and yet the Swans are red hot favourites to win. I know it's not much to go on but it's enough for me to come up with one of my famous inspired hunches.

My conclusion from this is that it’s only a matter of time before Melbourne realises that it’s all in the head and that they quite capable of beating an out of form Sydney that is missing key players. If the Demons grab the opportunity and a confident mood starts spreading through the team a win is possible.

I’m tipping the Demons by 12 points.

THE GAME

Melbourne v Sydney at the SCG Saturday 19 May at 4.40pm

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall Sydney 106 wins Melbourne 92 wins 2 draws

At SCG   Sydney 13 wins Melbourne 8 wins

Since 2000 Sydney 12 wins Melbourne 7 wins 1 draw

The Coaches Longmire 0 Neeld 0

MEDIA

Fox Footy Channel live at 4.30pm.

RADIO SEN ABC774

THE BETTING

Sydney to win $1.09 Melbourne to win $7.50

LAST TIME THEY MET

Melbourne 11.18.74 drew with Sydney Swans 11.18.74 in Round 1, 2011

The teams sparred against each other all day and first one and then the other held the ascendency. The Demons, with Ricky Petterd on fire as the sub who came on in the final term, grabbed the lead late but a Ryan O’Keefe behind tied things up.

THE TEAMS

MELBOURNE

Backs James Frawley Jared Rivers Clint Bartram
Half backs Jack Grimes Colin Garland, Tom McDonald
Centreline Cale Morton Brent Moloney Nathan Jones
Half forwards Jack Trengove Jack Watts Liam Jurrah
Forwards Jeremy Howe Mitch Clark Aaron Davey
Followers Mark Jamar Jordie McKenzie Colin Sylvia
Interchange Jamie Bennell Sam Blease Brad Green James Magner
Emergencies Rohan Bail Lynden Dunn James Sellar
  
In Sam Blease Brad Green Liam Jurrah Jack Watts

Out Rohan Bail Matthew Bate Jack Fitzpatrick Ricky Petterd

SYDNEY SWANS

Backs Martin Mattner Ted Richards Rhyce Shaw
Half backs Nicholas Smith Heath Grundy Jarrad McVeigh
Centreline Lewis Jetta Josh P Kennedy Nick Malceski
Half forwards  Ryan O'Keefe Tommy Walsh Daniel Hannebery
Forwards Ben McGlynn Sam Reid Trent Dennis-Lane
Followers Mike Pyke Kieren Jack Jude Bolton
Interchange Craig Bird Alex Johnson Luke Parker Lewis Roberts-Thomson 
Emergencies Andrejs Everitt Jesse White

In Mike Pyke Lewis Roberts-Thomson Tommy Walsh

Out Andrejs Everitt Mark Seaby Jesse White

New Tommy Walsh (St Kilda)

THE YEAR SO FAR by Sam the Stats Man

Who would ever have believed that almost a third of the way through the season, two of Melbourne’s true playmakers Liam Jurrah and Colin Sylvia would not have scored a goal between them for the Demons? Injuries and poor form are again dogging the club as we look at the players statistically over the first seven rounds:-

BAIL, Rohan MFC 7 games, 3 goals, CFC Sen 1 game, 0 goals – yet to really fire.

BARTRAM, Clint MFC 7 games, 1 goal - moved to the leadership group at the start of the year, Bartram has rejuvenated his career with some steady if not spectacular performances.

BATE, Matthew MFC 7 games, 5 goals - attempting to resurrect his career but three games as opening sub haven't helped greatly.

BENNELL, Jamie MFC 2 games, 0 goals, CFC Sen 4 games, 1 goal - great at Casey but unimpressive so far in the big league.

BLEASE, Sam MFC 1 game, 0 goals, CFC Sen 5 games, 5 goals - disappointed at his only start in the AFL but has worked hard at Casey.

CLARK, Mitch MFC 6 games, 17 goals - Melbourne's recruit of the year.

COOK, Lucas CFC Sen 2 games, 3 goals, CFC DL 1 game, 5 goals - has been in the background at Casey after recovering from injury and is still some way from making an AFL debut.

COUCH, Tom ® CFC Sen 6 games, 2 goals - showing excellent form at Casey but missed a big opportunity last week when he missed with illness.

DAVEY, Aaron MFC 6 games, 5 goals - well down on form and confidence. Needs to improve his fitness.

DAVIS, Troy CFC Sen 6 games, 2 Goals - continues to show good form and promise with the Scorpions.

DUNN, Lynden MFC 5 games, 6 goals, CFC Sen 2 games, 3 goals - career at the crossroads. Does well at Casey and not too bad when with the Demons.

EVANS, Michael ® - out indefinitely with a back injury.

FITZPATRICK, Jack MFC 1 game, 0 goals, CFC Sen 6 games, 9 goals – clawed his way back into the senior side last week but needs time and senior experience in his legs.

FRAWLEY, James MFC 6 games, 0 goals - working hard in defence against the odds.

GARLAND, Colin MFC 7 games, 0 goals – steady and workmanlike but needs to produce more.

GAWN, Max - the handy young ruckman is out for the year following  his second ACL injury.

GREEN, Brad MFC 2 games, 1 goal, CFC Sen 2 games, 2 goals – disappointing drop off in form and then a broken thumb at Casey have cruelled his season to date.

GRIMES, Jack MFC 6 games, 0 goals, CFC Sen 1 game, 0 goals - co-captain has not had a great impact this season and missed a week through suspension.

GYSBERTS, Jordan CFC Sen 3 games, 0 goals - we've seen very little of Gysberts who suffered a broken jaw at Geelong after shrugging off an ankle injury. Will miss another three to five weeks.

HOWE, Jeremy MFC 7 games, 6 goals - solid this season having added endurance and strength to his repertoire to go will his high marking skills.

JAMAR, Mark MFC 7 games, 0 goals - dominant in the ruck at times although not as in tune with the onballers at his feet as he was two years ago.

JETTA, Neville - came back from a shoulder injury (that wasn't successfully dealt with in the first place) only to incur torn ankle ligaments and recently had a setback with an infection.

JONES, Nathan MFC 7 games, 7 goals - hard work on the track is starting to pay off.

JURRAH, Liam CFC Sen 2 games, 2 goals - the wrist injury and legal issues have soured his season so far.

LAWRENCE, Kelvin ® CFC Sen 5 games, 3 goals, CFC DL 2 games, 3 goals - battling rookie starting to show some consistency in the VFL.

MACDONALD, Joel MFC 4 games, 0 goals, CFC Sen 2 games, 0 goals - spare parts man in defence recently despatched to Casey.

MAGNER, James MFC 7 games, 3 goals - one of the club's few success stories of 2012 so far, midfielder Magner would be in the top three in the club's best and fairest at this stage.

MARTIN, Stefan MFC 2 games, 1 goals, CFC Sen 1 games, 1 goals - a hip injury has marred his progress.

McDONALD, Tom MFC 6 games, 0 goals, CFC Sen 2 games, 4 goals - making solid progress with the Demons after breaking into the side.

MCKENZIE, Jordie MFC 7 games, 1 goal - a hard worker often given some tough assignments in the midfield.

MOLONEY, Brent MFC 5 games, 2 goals - well below the form that made him club champion in 2011.

MORTON, Cale MFC 5 games, 1 goal, CFC Sen 3 games, 1 goals - has worked hard to restore his status at the club after a couple of disappointing seasons.

NICHOLSON, Daniel ® CFC Sen 3 games, 1 goal, CFC DL 1 game, 0 goals - slowly coming back at Casey from injury and a week's suspension for disciplinary reasons.

PETTERD, Ricky MFC 2 games, 0 goals, CFC Sen 3 games, 3 goals - form well below expectations to date.

RIVERS, Jared MFC 7 games, 0 goals - is having a reasonably good season in a defence under fire.

SELLAR, James MFC 5 games, 1 goals, CFC Sen 1 games, 0 goals - filled roles in defence and on the ball without being outstanding.

SHEAHAN, Jai ® MFC CFC Sen 7 games, 0 goals - rookie who has barely put a foot wrong in defence at AFL level.

SPENCER, Jake CFC Sen 4 games, 1 goal, CFC DL 1 game, 1 goal - slowly progressing on return from almost 12 months absence after an ACL injury.

STRAUSS, James CFC Sen 1 game, 0 goals - suffered concussion in the opening round of the VFL season, missed a couple of weeks and is due to come back after incurring ongoing leg problems related to  last year's broken leg.

SYLVIA, Colin MFC 3 games, 0 goals - suffered a fracture in his back on the eve of the season and has struggled since his return.

TAGGERT, Rory CFC Sen 3 games, 2 goals - injured his back in the preseason but has been very  impressive on return at Casey.

TAPSCOTT, Luke MFC 4 games, 0 goals, CFC Sen 4 games, 3 goals - missed most of the pre season and has not struck the form of early last year.

TRENGOVE, Jack MFC 7 games, 3 goals - co-skipper has struggled in the role and doesn't look 100%.

TYNAN, Josh MFC 1 games 0 goals, CFC Sen 2 games, 1 goal - impressed when given an early opportunity but was dropped back to Casey. Currently out for a couple more weeks with a foot injury.

VINEY, Jack * CFC Sen 1 game, 0 goals - suffered a broken jaw late in his only game with Casey. Showed great promise before being injured.

WATTS, Jack MFC 5 games, 4 goals, CFC Sen 3 games, 7 goals - had a reasonable start after being dropped to Casey after the NAB Cup games but lapsed again and returned to the VFL for a couple of weeks.

WILLIAMS, Leigh ® CFC Sen 2 games, 2 goals, CFC DL 1 game, 3 goals - injury and illness have restricted him to bit pieces in a few games with the Scorpions.]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 16:44:59 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30229-twilight-zone/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30228-frankston-v-casey-scorpions-development-league-ressies/ Frankston v Casey Scorpions
AFL Victoria Development League
Sunday 20th May
Frankston Oval at 11:00 AM
 
Frankston
 
Backs Ongarello Boland Jennings
Half backs Davenport Crozier Bateman
Centreline S Marusic Matheson J Miller
Half forwards Wells L Clark Thoolen
Forwards Clements Waite Fox
Followers Ndongo M Clark Greeley
Interchange (from)  Capiron Gardiner Pearce Sienkiewicz Smrdel Sutton M Viney
 
Casey Scorpions
 
Backs J Roberts Smith Corrigan
Half backs Clay Patti Pollard
Centreline Bull Gent Weekes
Half forwards Hill Martin
Followers Troutman Johnson Allen
Followers Cleven Collins Lang
Interchange (from) Chin Deaurago Eddy Galvin McFarlane McInnes Page K Roberts Rosier

No cameras for Stef to wave to at Kars Street, Frankston
]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 12:16:15 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30228-frankston-v-casey-scorpions-development-league-ressies/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30227-pre-match-discussion-and-team-selection/ TWILIGHT ZONE by Whispering Jack

Last night an intrepid group of people associated with the legal profession met for the annual Devil’s Advocates dinner mc’d by former MFC board member Bev O’Connor and hosted by prominent Melbourne family lawyer, Ralph Glezer.

You have to be intrepid if you’re a Melbourne fan because, as Chris Connolly told the audience, there is a great deal being thrown at us from the cheap seats in these early days of the club’s new coaching regime.

It was a theme of the night that rather than being in the deep trouble as painted by some of the pundits, the Demons are indeed building for a better future. Connolly noted that in recent years the club had repaid its debt, reshaped its deal with the MCC, acquired a valuable asset in the Bentleigh Club, grown its membership. The necessary ingredients for long term success are being put together so that despite the short term pain of the current 0-7 win/loss ratio as the team learns a new style of play, the vision that will see a strong Melbourne in the years to come remains on track.

Glezer congratulated the gathering and all club supporters who stand firm at this time. It was fitting that he was able to pay a special tribute to the late Jim Stynes who was responsible for much of the club’s financial resurgence on the day on which the AFL, the MFC and the Reach Foundation proudly announced the launch of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.

Three players in attendance, Matthew Bate, Cale Morton and Stef Martin all impressed with their approach to the difficult season so far. It’s difficult for the supporters who measure things by way only of reference to the premiership table. The football department has other indicators that also need to be looked at in terms of the process of change sweeping through the club.

Neil Craig and Josh Mahoney also confirmed that the club has this vision that is certainly being embraced internally. Craig spoke of the particular difficulties faced by new coach Mark Neeld and asked what new coach would have such a controversial start with distractions such as the incident involving Liam Jurrah (couple with his injury), the death of Jim Stynes, the false claims of racism against him and the sponsorship fiasco with Energy Watch?

Craig made it clear that the club and Neeld had handled every obstacle put in their way with great dignity while those at other clubs and in the media who have been overcritical have a lot to answer for by comparison with the way in which they have conducted themselves at this time.

The wheel will turn.

Despite this, the feeling among the lawyers was not particularly optimistic but their mood was improved with estate agent Phil Kingston's wit and incise humour when auctioning items at the end of the function. It suddenly dawned on me that if a group's collective mood can be changed so swiftly then why can't the same stand for a group of footballers whose confidence has been down for several weeks?

I'm therefore looking forward to this week’s twilight game at the SCG and I’m going out on a limb by saying that the Demons are ready to take off and make the critics eat humble pie.

I think they will win this game and thereafter continue to show improvement for the remainder of the season.

Laugh, if you wish but I’m very bullish on Melbourne when it comes to taking on the Swans even in the confined spaces of the SCG. In recent years, Sydney has struggled against Melbourne which sent vocal critic Paul Roos off with an almighty thumping in 2010. Roos is obviously smarting from the embarrassment because he never misses an opportunity to sink the boots into the Demons. I will get great pleasure in seeing Melbourne do likewise to his old side this Saturday.

The last time the teams met was at the MCG in round 1 last year when they drew. For the purpose of the exercise, these were the teams as selected that day.

MELBOURNE (Round 1, 2011)

Backs Clint Bartram Jared Rivers Joel Macdonald
Half backs Jack Grimes Colin Garland Jamie Bennell
Centreline Nathan Jones Brent Moloney Luke Tapscott
Half forwards Rohan Bail Colin Sylvia Liam Jurrah
Forwards Jack Watts Brad Green Addam Maric
Followers Mark Jamar Lynden Dunn Aaron Davey
Interchange Neville Jetta Stefan Martin Ricky Petterd Jack Trengove
Emergencies Jake Spencer James Strauss Matthew Warnock

SYDNEY (Round 1, 2011)

Backs Paul Bevan Ted Richards Martin Mattner
Half backs Rhys Shaw Heath Grundy Andrejs Everitt
Centreline Daniel Hannebery Kieren Jack Nick Smith
Half forwards Lewis Jetta Adam Goodes Ben McGlynn
Forwards Ryan O'Keefe Sam Reid Jesse White
Followers Shane Mumford Josh Kennedy Jarrod McVeigh
Interchange Jude Bolton Gary Rohan Mark Seaby Byron Sumner
Emergencies Craig Bird Jed Lamb Brett Meredith

I look at the two teams and note only two players from the Melbourne side of that day are not available to play - Neville Jetta (ankle injury) and Addam Maric (now with Richmond). You could include Mitch Clark and James Magner and you have what is notionally a far superior list than that which drew with the Swans in round 1 last year.

Then I look at Sydney's team from that day and there's no Adam Goodes, Shane Mumford or Gary Rohan and many of its payers have been well below par in form over the past couple of weeks. They can't replace that lot for quality, their confidence is down and yet the Swans are red hot favourites to win. I know it's not much to go on but it's enough for me to come up with one of my famous inspired hunches.

My conclusion from this is that it’s only a matter of time before Melbourne realises that it’s all in the head and that they quite capable of beating an out of form Sydney that is missing key players. If the Demons grab the opportunity and a confident mood starts spreading through the team a win is possible.

I’m tipping the Demons by 12 points.

THE GAME

Melbourne v Sydney at the SCG Saturday 19 May at 4.40pm

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall Sydney 106 wins Melbourne 92 wins 2 draws

At SCG   Sydney 13 wins Melbourne 8 wins

Since 2000 Sydney 12 wins Melbourne 7 wins 1 draw

The Coaches Longmire 0 Neeld 0

MEDIA

Fox Footy Channel live at 4.30pm.

RADIO SEN ABC774

THE BETTING

Sydney to win $1.09 Melbourne to win $7.50

LAST TIME THEY MET

Melbourne 11.18.74 drew with Sydney Swans 11.18.74 in Round 1, 2011

The teams sparred against each other all day and first one and then the other held the ascendency. The Demons, with Ricky Petterd on fire as the sub who came on in the final term, grabbed the lead late but a Ryan O’Keefe behind tied things up.

THE TEAMS

MELBOURNE

Backs James Frawley Jared Rivers Clint Bartram
Half backs Jack Grimes Colin Garland, Tom McDonald
Centreline Cale Morton Brent Moloney Nathan Jones
Half forwards Jack Trengove Jack Watts Liam Jurrah
Forwards Jeremy Howe Mitch Clark Aaron Davey
Followers Mark Jamar Jordie McKenzie Colin Sylvia
Interchange Jamie Bennell Sam Blease Brad Green James Magner
Emergencies Rohan Bail Lynden Dunn James Sellar
  
In Sam Blease Brad Green Liam Jurrah Jack Watts

Out Rohan Bail Matthew Bate Jack Fitzpatrick Ricky Petterd

SYDNEY SWANS

Backs Martin Mattner Ted Richards Rhyce Shaw
Half backs Nicholas Smith Heath Grundy Jarrad McVeigh
Centreline Lewis Jetta Josh P Kennedy Nick Malceski
Half forwards  Ryan O'Keefe Tommy Walsh Daniel Hannebery
Forwards Ben McGlynn Sam Reid Trent Dennis-Lane
Followers Mike Pyke Kieren Jack Jude Bolton
Interchange Craig Bird Alex Johnson Luke Parker Lewis Roberts-Thomson 
Emergencies Andrejs Everitt Jesse White

In Mike Pyke Lewis Roberts-Thomson Tommy Walsh

Out Andrejs Everitt Mark Seaby Jesse White

New Tommy Walsh (St Kilda)

THE YEAR SO FAR by Sam the Stats Man

Who would ever have believed that almost a third of the way through the season, two of Melbourne’s true playmakers Liam Jurrah and Colin Sylvia would not have scored a goal between them for the Demons? Injuries and poor form are again dogging the club as we look at the players statistically over the first seven rounds:-

BAIL, Rohan MFC 7 games, 3 goals, CFC Sen 1 game, 0 goals – yet to really fire.

BARTRAM, Clint MFC 7 games, 1 goal - moved to the leadership group at the start of the year, Bartram has rejuvenated his career with some steady if not spectacular performances.

BATE, Matthew MFC 7 games, 5 goals - attempting to resurrect his career but three games as opening sub haven't helped greatly.

BENNELL, Jamie MFC 2 games, 0 goals, CFC Sen 4 games, 1 goal - great at Casey but unimpressive so far in the big league.

BLEASE, Sam MFC 1 game, 0 goals, CFC Sen 5 games, 5 goals - disappointed at his only start in the AFL but has worked hard at Casey.

CLARK, Mitch MFC 6 games, 17 goals - Melbourne's recruit of the year.

COOK, Lucas CFC Sen 2 games, 3 goals, CFC DL 1 game, 5 goals - has been in the background at Casey after recovering from injury and is still some way from making an AFL debut.

COUCH, Tom ® CFC Sen 6 games, 2 goals - showing excellent form at Casey but missed a big opportunity last week when he missed with illness.

DAVEY, Aaron MFC 6 games, 5 goals - well down on form and confidence. Needs to improve his fitness.

DAVIS, Troy CFC Sen 6 games, 2 Goals - continues to show good form and promise with the Scorpions.

DUNN, Lynden MFC 5 games, 6 goals, CFC Sen 2 games, 3 goals - career at the crossroads. Does well at Casey and not too bad when with the Demons.

EVANS, Michael ® - out indefinitely with a back injury.

FITZPATRICK, Jack MFC 1 game, 0 goals, CFC Sen 6 games, 9 goals – clawed his way back into the senior side last week but needs time and senior experience in his legs.

FRAWLEY, James MFC 6 games, 0 goals - working hard in defence against the odds.

GARLAND, Colin MFC 7 games, 0 goals – steady and workmanlike but needs to produce more.

GAWN, Max - the handy young ruckman is out for the year following  his second ACL injury.

GREEN, Brad MFC 2 games, 1 goal, CFC Sen 2 games, 2 goals – disappointing drop off in form and then a broken thumb at Casey have cruelled his season to date.

GRIMES, Jack MFC 6 games, 0 goals, CFC Sen 1 game, 0 goals - co-captain has not had a great impact this season and missed a week through suspension.

GYSBERTS, Jordan CFC Sen 3 games, 0 goals - we've seen very little of Gysberts who suffered a broken jaw at Geelong after shrugging off an ankle injury. Will miss another three to five weeks.

HOWE, Jeremy MFC 7 games, 6 goals - solid this season having added endurance and strength to his repertoire to go will his high marking skills.

JAMAR, Mark MFC 7 games, 0 goals - dominant in the ruck at times although not as in tune with the onballers at his feet as he was two years ago.

JETTA, Neville - came back from a shoulder injury (that wasn't successfully dealt with in the first place) only to incur torn ankle ligaments and recently had a setback with an infection.

JONES, Nathan MFC 7 games, 7 goals - hard work on the track is starting to pay off.

JURRAH, Liam CFC Sen 2 games, 2 goals - the wrist injury and legal issues have soured his season so far.

LAWRENCE, Kelvin ® CFC Sen 5 games, 3 goals, CFC DL 2 games, 3 goals - battling rookie starting to show some consistency in the VFL.

MACDONALD, Joel MFC 4 games, 0 goals, CFC Sen 2 games, 0 goals - spare parts man in defence recently despatched to Casey.

MAGNER, James MFC 7 games, 3 goals - one of the club's few success stories of 2012 so far, midfielder Magner would be in the top three in the club's best and fairest at this stage.

MARTIN, Stefan MFC 2 games, 1 goals, CFC Sen 1 games, 1 goals - a hip injury has marred his progress.

McDONALD, Tom MFC 6 games, 0 goals, CFC Sen 2 games, 4 goals - making solid progress with the Demons after breaking into the side.

MCKENZIE, Jordie MFC 7 games, 1 goal - a hard worker often given some tough assignments in the midfield.

MOLONEY, Brent MFC 5 games, 2 goals - well below the form that made him club champion in 2011.

MORTON, Cale MFC 5 games, 1 goal, CFC Sen 3 games, 1 goals - has worked hard to restore his status at the club after a couple of disappointing seasons.

NICHOLSON, Daniel ® CFC Sen 3 games, 1 goal, CFC DL 1 game, 0 goals - slowly coming back at Casey from injury and a week's suspension for disciplinary reasons.

PETTERD, Ricky MFC 2 games, 0 goals, CFC Sen 3 games, 3 goals - form well below expectations to date.

RIVERS, Jared MFC 7 games, 0 goals - is having a reasonably good season in a defence under fire.

SELLAR, James MFC 5 games, 1 goals, CFC Sen 1 games, 0 goals - filled roles in defence and on the ball without being outstanding.

SHEAHAN, Jai ® MFC CFC Sen 7 games, 0 goals - rookie who has barely put a foot wrong in defence at AFL level.

SPENCER, Jake CFC Sen 4 games, 1 goal, CFC DL 1 game, 1 goal - slowly progressing on return from almost 12 months absence after an ACL injury.

STRAUSS, James CFC Sen 1 game, 0 goals - suffered concussion in the opening round of the VFL season, missed a couple of weeks and is due to come back after incurring ongoing leg problems related to  last year's broken leg.

SYLVIA, Colin MFC 3 games, 0 goals - suffered a fracture in his back on the eve of the season and has struggled since his return.

TAGGERT, Rory CFC Sen 3 games, 2 goals - injured his back in the preseason but has been very  impressive on return at Casey.

TAPSCOTT, Luke MFC 4 games, 0 goals, CFC Sen 4 games, 3 goals - missed most of the pre season and has not struck the form of early last year.

TRENGOVE, Jack MFC 7 games, 3 goals - co-skipper has struggled in the role and doesn't look 100%.

TYNAN, Josh MFC 1 games 0 goals, CFC Sen 2 games, 1 goal - impressed when given an early opportunity but was dropped back to Casey. Currently out for a couple more weeks with a foot injury.

VINEY, Jack * CFC Sen 1 game, 0 goals - suffered a broken jaw late in his only game with Casey. Showed great promise before being injured.

WATTS, Jack MFC 5 games, 4 goals, CFC Sen 3 games, 7 goals - had a reasonable start after being dropped to Casey after the NAB Cup games but lapsed again and returned to the VFL for a couple of weeks.

WILLIAMS, Leigh ® CFC Sen 2 games, 2 goals, CFC DL 1 game, 3 goals - injury and illness have restricted him to bit pieces in a few games with the Scorpions.]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 03:34:02 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30227-pre-match-discussion-and-team-selection/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30226-kaspersky-jumps-to-the-magpies/ Thu, 17 May 2012 03:25:36 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30226-kaspersky-jumps-to-the-magpies/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30225-banner-comp-on-mfccomau/
Round 9 is against Carlton...so what about something like?

LOOK OUT BLUES
THE DEES ARE HERE TO PLAY
BRUISE FREE FOOTBALL
WAS NOT A SMART THING TO SAY]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 02:40:06 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30225-banner-comp-on-mfccomau/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30224-potential-shopping-list/
(Apologies if it has been posted elsewhere)
http://www.heraldsun...f-1226278832964

I have bolded my potential shopping list


The Herald Sun has posted a list of free agents at every club

ADELAIDE
Chris Knights: 8 years, out of contract
Michael Doughty: 12, out of contract
Ben Rutten: 10, out of contract
Nathan Van Berlo: 8, signed to 2013
Graham John****: 12, signed to 2013
Brent Reilly: 11, signed to 2013
Scott Thompson: 8, signed to 2013
VERDICT: The Crows will be almost untouched by free agency. Ben Rutten has clocked up 10 years, but you don’t get the feeling he would be tempted. There may be some interest from Victorian clubs in Chris Knights, who is classified a restricted free agent.

BRISBANE LIONS
Josh Drummond: 8, out of contract
Jed Ad****: 9, out of contract
Daniel Merrett: 10, out of contract
Ashley McGrath: 12, out of contract
Jonathan Brown: 13, has option for 2013
Simon Black: 15, has clause for 2013

VERDICT: Brown and Black are stalwarts who, depending on the club’s development this year, may seek a move to a club in the premiership mode. Drummond, Ad**** and Merrett are injury-prone, but the Lions would be loathe to lose.

CARLTON
Jordan Russell: 8, out of contract
Heath Scotland: 9, out of contract
Bret Thornton: 10, out of contract
Andrew Carrazzo: 8, signed to 2013
Andrew Walker: 9, signed to 2014
Kade Simpson: 10, signed to 2014
Jarrad Waite: 11, signed to 2014

VERDICT: Carlton’s list management team has ensured most of its veterans are locked away, but they may have to work hard to retain Russell, who is only 25 and is unlikely to be in the club’s top 10 paid players, therefore is available to any other club.

COLLINGWOOD
Travis Cloke: 8, out of contract
Nick Maxwell: 8, out of contract
Heath Shaw: 9, out of contract
Ben Johnson: 13, out of contract
Dane Swan: 11, signed to 2014

VERDICT: The Pies have three stars out of contract on a restricted basis, but it may be costly to keep them. Rivals such as GWS would be stupid not to throw heaven and earth at Cloke, still just 24. Then the salary cap may come into play.

ESSENDON
Angus Monfries: 8, out of contract
Henry Slattery: 8, out of contract
Nathan Lovett-Murray: 8, out of contract
Brent Stanton: 9, out of contract
Ricky Dyson: 9, out of contract
David Hille: 12, out of contract
Mark McVeigh: 14, out of contract
Jason Winderlich: 10, signed to 2013
Jobe Watson: 10, signed to 2013

VERDICT: Stanton would attract serious interest if he was still out of contract at year’s end, but it’s hard to see him moving. The rest need big seasons to improve their currency.

FREMANTLE
Ryan Crowley: 8, out of contract
Luke McPharlin: 11, out of contract
Antoni Grover: 14, out of contract
Michael Johnson: 8, signed to 2013
Matthew Pavlich: 13, signed to 2014
David Mundy: 9, signed to 2014
Aaron Sandilands: 10, signed to 2014

VERDICT: The Dockers have already paid the king’s ransom on Pavlich, Mundy and Sandilands, their three highest-paid players, so are almost immune. McPharlin is a veteran playing out his career with the Dockers.

GEELONG
Shannon Byrnes: 9, out of contract
Steve Johnson: 11, out of contract
Josh Hunt: 12, out of contract
Paul Chapman: 13, out of contract
Corey Enright: 13, out of contract
Tom Lonergan: 10, signed to 2013
James Kelly: 11, signed to 2014
Andrew Mackie: 11, signed to 2014
Jimmy Bartel: 11, signed to 2015
Joel Corey: 13, signed to 2013

VERDICT: Seven players as free agents is cause for alarm, but Matthew Scarlett and David Wojcinski will most likely retire and free up salary-cap room. Johnson signed a three-year deal after seven seasons, and is now out again.

HAWTHORN
Tom Murphy: 8, out of contract
Clinton Young: 8, out of contract
Brad Sewell: 10, out of contract
Michael Osborne: 11, out of contract
Chance Bateman: 12, out of contract
Lance Franklin: 8, signed to 2013
Jarryd Roughead: 8, signed to 2014
Luke Hodge: 11, signed to 2013
Sam Mitchell: 12, option for 2013

VERDICT: Sewell is the worry. If a side in need of a hard midfi elder wanted the 28-year-old and could pay overs, how could he say no? And tellingly, how could Hawthorn ever hope to match any figure above $400,000?

MELBOURNE
Brent Moloney: 8, out of contract
Matthew Bate: 8, out of contract
Lynden Dunn: 8, out of contract
Mark Jamar: 10, out of contract
Jared Rivers: 10, out of contract
Brad Green: 13, out of contract
Colin Sylvia: 9, signed to 2013
Aaron Davey: 9, signed to 2013

VERDICT: A club like Melbourne with huge salary-cap room should actually benefi t from free agency. But having Jamar and Moloney out of contract is far from ideal. Bate and Dunn could be ideal pick-ups as unrestricted free agents.

NORTH MELBOURNE
Brent Harvey: 17, out of contract
Michael Firrito: 9, out of contract
Drew Petrie: 12, signed to 2013
Daniel Wells: 10, signed to 2013
Hamish McIntosh: 10, signed to 2013

VERDICT: North has its key players tucked away nicely, given it has a young list with only a handful of quality veterans. Petrie signed again recently to take away any potential suitors.

PORT ADELAIDE
Jacob Surjan: 8, out of contract
Troy Chaplin: 9, out of contract
Brett Ebert: 10, out of contract
Steven Salopek: 10, out of contract
Domenic Cassisi: 12, out of contract
Kane Cornes: 12, signed to 2013

VERDICT: Port does not disclose contract lengths, which makes predictions difficult. But after just three wins in 2011, few clubs would hold too much interest in their list. Chaplin, at 26, might be the exception who needs offer-matching.

RICHMOND
Brett Deledio: 8, out of contract
Nathan Foley: 8, out of contract
Luke McGuane: 8 out of contract
Kelvin Moore: 9, out of contract
Shane Tuck: 9, out of contract
Daniel Jackson: 9, signed to 2013
Chris Newman: 12, signed to 2013

VERDICT: Deledio, still only 24, is the worry. If an opposition club came with an $800,000-a-season offer, the Tigers could still match it under the rules, but they don’t want to get into a bidding war. Same applies to Nathan Foley.

ST KILDA
Raphael Clarke: 9, out of contract
Sam Fisher: 9, out of contract
Brendon Goddard: 10, out of contract
Leigh Montagna: 11, out of contract
Justin Koschitzke: 11, out of contract
Lenny Hayes: 14, out of contract
Stephen Milne: 12, signed to 2013
Jason Gram: 9, signed to 2013
Nick Dal Santo: 11, signed to 2013
Nick Riewoldt: 11, signed to 2013

VERDICT: The problem is not just that GWS is reputedly considering Goddard. It is that Fisher and Montagna are both out of contract as well. Can the Saints keep all three?

SYDNEY
Jarred Moore: 8, out of contract
Nick Malceski: 10, out of contract
Jarrad McVeigh: 10, out of contract
Jude Bolton: 14, out of contract
Ryan O’Keefe: 12, out of contract
Lewis Roberts-Thomson: 11, signed to 2013
Adam Goodes: 15, signed to 2013

VERDICT: Sydney will be fine under free agency, because it never loses players it wants, and it has extra salary-cap space to keep them if rivals do come. The more pertinent issue is who the Swans can lure.

WEST COAST
Matt Rosa: 8, out of contract
Mark Nicoski: 10, out of contract
Quinten Lynch: 10, out of contract
Daniel Kerr: 12, out of contract
Darren Glass: 13, out of contract
Sam Butler: 9, signed to 2013
Mark LeCras: 8, signed to 2014
Beau Waters: 9, signed to 2013
Adam Selwood: 10, signed to 2013
Dean Cox: 12, signed to 2013
Andrew Embley: 14, signed to 2013

VERDICT: Surely West Coast’s resurgence means those players who could leave for big cash or potential premierships will stay put. Hard to see the skipper Glass leaving, and if Kerr’s body holds up, he will be a top priority for the Eagles.

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Will Minson: 10, out of contract
Lindsay Gilbee: 13, out of contract
Ryan Hargrave: 13, out of contract
Dale Morris: 8, signed to 2013
Tom Williams: 8, signed to 2014
Ryan Griffen: 8, signed to 2015
Matthew Boyd: 9, signed to 2013
Adam Cooney: 9, signed to 2013
Brian Lake: 11, signed to 2013
Daniel Cross: 11, signed to 2013
Daniel Giansiracusa: 12, signed to 2013
Robert Murphy: 13, signed to 2013

VERDICT: The Dogs’ have already struck a blow against free agency, signing up Griffen. Most of their veterans are locked away until 2013. Only Minson could interest suitors if he has a big season.

Top-10 paid player who has played at one club for eight or nine seasons and is out of contract:
* Can field offers from rival clubs
* Current club can match best offer
* If the club matches offer, player must stay, seek a trade or enter the draft
* If the club does not match offer, player can move to new club
* Original club receives compensation pick for the loss of the player, based on AFL formula

Player who has served 10 or more seasons at one club
* Can field offers from rival clubs
* Original club does not have right to match offer
* Player can move automatically to new club
* Original club receives compensation pick for the loss of the player, based on AFL formula

Bottom-30 paid player who has played at one club for eight or nine seasons and is out of contract
* Can field offers from rival clubs
* Current club does not have right to match best offer
* Player can move automatically to new club
* Original club receives compensation pick for the loss of the player, based on AFL formula]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 02:21:00 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30224-potential-shopping-list/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30223-friends-in-once-high-places/ (Remember how he fought to keep the Grand Final at the MCG? Obviously takes his footy seriously)
I think it's fantastic that he buys a membership to support us. Sad that he feels he has to.]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 01:21:14 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30223-friends-in-once-high-places/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30222-bruise-free-karma/ Tuesday night I was watching the fallout from Carlton loss to St Kilda and was thinking aint Karma a B!tC#. Last season in July we all remember the Bruise Free Football comment by Mitch Robinson. Now the commentators are all suggesting that Carlton are susceptible to being bullied out of a game. Words like soft were being used to describe them.Its almost ironic that they find themselves defending their toughness and mental fortitude even ex-Blue McClure was sticking the boot in on Grandstand. Swings and Roundabouts aint life grand weeeeeee.... Wed, 16 May 2012 15:31:18 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30222-bruise-free-karma/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30221-jim-stynes-community-leadership-award/ To be awarded on Brownlow Night who shows commitment to his community.

Full story at MFC
http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7415/newsid/135967/default.aspx

Great idea and a suitable way to honour the Great Man.]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 09:35:34 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30221-jim-stynes-community-leadership-award/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30219-sellar-5050-for-this-week/ You have got to be kidding me..... Wed, 16 May 2012 05:06:51 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30219-sellar-5050-for-this-week/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30218-the-modern-game/
It will help in forum discussions if we know what posters are referring to when they refer to 'the modern game'.

Reason for edit: added last sentence]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 02:25:44 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30218-the-modern-game/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30216-a-tiny-bright-spot/ AFL - Mark of the Year gismo and thought we've had a few entries this year. Counted them up and we have 6 of the 21 contenders this year, with then next best tally being 3 (Carlton)...

Whooo Hooo

Go Demons.]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 00:30:25 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30216-a-tiny-bright-spot/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30215-sixth-sense-starrring-bruce-willis/ Tue, 15 May 2012 23:24:07 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30215-sixth-sense-starrring-bruce-willis/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30214-any-of-our-young-players-potential-star-material-and-who/
Any players you think you've seen some real quality from? Or potential? Any players you just have an unsupported hunch about?]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 08:10:19 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30214-any-of-our-young-players-potential-star-material-and-who/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30213-thursday-may-17th-jurrah-dgment-day/
Im sure we are all hoping everything will be fine, as he is a vital cog and could be the missing piece to the melbourne football club

good luck liam]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 07:53:00 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30213-thursday-may-17th-jurrah-dgment-day/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30212-injury-list/ Max Gawn (knee) - season
Jordan Gysberts (jaw) - 3-5 weeks
Neville Jetta (ankle) - indefinite
James Sellar (calf) - test
James Strauss (leg) - test
Josh Tynan (foot) - 2 weeks
Leigh Williams (virus) - 3 weeks
]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 07:33:32 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30212-injury-list/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30211-goddard-staging/
the umpires hate us.]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 07:07:42 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30211-goddard-staging/ http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30210-last-time-they-met/
MELBOURNE

Backs Clint Bartram Jared Rivers Joel Macdonald
Half backs Jack Grimes Colin Garland Jamie Bennell
Centreline Nathan Jones Brent Moloney Luke Tapscott
Half forwards Rohan Bail Colin Sylvia Liam Jurrah
Forwards Jack Watts Brad Green Addam Maric
Followers Mark Jamar Lynden Dunn Aaron Davey
Interchange Neville Jetta Stefan Martin Ricky Petterd Jack Trengove
Emergencies Jake Spencer James Strauss Matthew Warnock

New Luke Tapscott (North Adelaide SA)

SYDNEY

Backs Paul Bevan Ted Richards Martin Mattner
Half backs Rhys Shaw Heath Grundy Andrejs Everitt
Centreline Daniel Hannebery Kieren Jack Nick Smith
Half forwards Lewis Jetta Adam Goodes Ben McGlynn
Forwards Ryan O'Keefe Sam Reid Jesse White
Followers Shane Mumford Josh Kennedy Jarrod McVeigh
Interchange Jude Bolton Gary Rohan Mark Seaby Byron Sumner
Emergencies Craig Bird Jed Lamb Brett Meredith

New Andrejs Everitt (Western Bulldogs) Byron Sumner (Woodville-West Torrens)]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 07:06:41 +0000 http://demonland.com/forums/index.php?/topic/30210-last-time-they-met/