Jump to content

Discussion on recent allegations about the use of illicit drugs in football is forbidden
  • IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

    Posting unsubstantiated rumours on this website is strictly forbidden.

    Demonland has made the difficult decision to not permit this platform to be used to discuss & debate the off-field issues relating to the Melbourne Football Club including matters currently being litigated between the Club & former Board members, board elections, the issue of illicit drugs in footy, the culture at the club & the personal issues & allegations against some of our players & officials ...

    We do not take these issues & this decision lightly & of course we believe that these serious matters affecting the club we love & are so passionate about are worthy of discussion & debate & I wish we could provide a place where these matters can be discussed in a civil & respectful manner.

    However these discussions unfortunately invariably devolve into areas that may be defamatory, libelous, spread unsubstantiated rumours & can effect the mental health of those involved. Even discussion & debate of known facts or media reports can lead to finger pointing, blame & personal attacks.

    The repercussion is that these discussions can open this website, it’s owners & it’s users to legal action & may result in this website being forced to shutdown.

    Our moderating team are all volunteers & cannot moderate the forum 24/7 & as a consequence problematic content that contravenes our rules & standards may go unnoticed for some time before it can be removed.

    We reserve the right to delete posts that offend against our above policy & indeed, to ban posters who are repeat offenders or who breach our code of conduct.

    WE HAVE BUILT A FANTASTIC ONLINE COMMUNITY AT DEMONLAND OVER THE PAST 23 YEARS & WE WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO DISCUSS THE CLUB WE LOVE & ARE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT.

    Thank you for your continued support & understanding. Go Dees.


Neil Craig


Guest Jack Donaghy

Recommended Posts

Guest Jack Donaghy

I haven't heard an indication either way really.

Mike Sheahan seemed to think it was likely in the Herald Sun, but it was hardly definite.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/demons-raid-magpies-nest/story-e6frf9jf-1226139306807

And it's set to be a double act at the Demons with former Adelaide coach Neil Craig likely to be Neeld's senior assistant.

In comparison, Caroline Wilson didn't seem to think it would happen.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/neeld-to-coach-demons-20110916-1ke3i.html

It's understood Neil Craig and Rodney Eade have been ruled out of being a senior assistant to Neeld, should the Demons opt to fill that role.

Although hardly gospel, as that article also included this little gem...

It's understood the Magpies are keen for Neeld to remain with the side through the rest of their finals campaign.

That clearly wasn't the case according to Malthouse just now on SEN, who said he made it clear to Neeld on Monday that if he were to take a job he would move on immediately.

As soon as he takes another job as coach, he becomes that coach, and it's not appropriate for the coach of MFC to be sitting in the Collingwood box on gameday.

Fair attitude, I think.

So... anyone know what's happening?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

HS went one way, so the AGE decided to hedge their bets and go the other, just in case they were right and the HS was wrong.

Neither one of MS or CW would know what is happening in terms of our footy department. That became glaringly obvious when MS stated that Ross Lyon was more likely than not to head to the Dees, and when Caro produced the gem that the filth wanted to keep Neeld on until after their campaign, which has turned out to be so far from the truth a blind man could see a likelier outcome.

What this past week has shown, is that you should not trust a word said, unless it has officially come from the club

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wouldn't Neeld be the bloke who has the final say who senior assistant will be?

Is the role assistant or director of coaching that Craig is in the frame for?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wouldn't Neeld be the bloke who has the final say who senior assistant will be?

Is the role assistant or director of coaching that Craig is in the frame for?

Perhaps Football Manager, a la Balme, Daniher et al (presumably replacing Connolly?).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And from today's Age:

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/neeld-talks-tough-on-demons-plans-20110917-1kf7g.html

"The Demons have yet to make a decision on Neeld's support staff, although Viney, formerly the club's development coach, could continue to have a senior role alongside Neeld after impressing in five matches as a caretaker. However, Viney's son, Jack, will join the club in the 2012 draft, meaning there could be a conflict.

The role of fellow assistants, including Scott West, Brian Royal, Mark Williams and Josh Mahoney, remains unclear.

Schwab said Melbourne had yet to determine whether they would look to secure a senior assistant for Neeld in the mould of a Mark Thompson.

The Demons have spoken with former Adelaide coach Neil Craig. It's understood Craig would have joined Melbourne had West Coast assistant Scott Burns won the Demons role."

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Why would Craig have joined for Burns but not Neeld? Does he have a relationship with Burns or a negative one with Neeld. If it means Neeld was more inclined to pick his own staff where as Burns was happy to have Craig appointed for him then I think thats a good thing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was at the Mcg yesterday doing a tour when schwab, neeld,lyon and a few others walked in with craig and headed to one of the board rooms for a meeting.

If this is true i am stoked. And this is why i get on demonland , to get slithers of info like that . Hope its not BS!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was at the Mcg yesterday doing a tour when schwab, neeld,lyon and a few others walked in with craig and headed to one of the board rooms for a meeting.

Lets hope he gets on board from a sports science perspective he is rated one of the best in the business.

Structure is his cornerstone something we often lack especially under pressure.

What we are witnessing is a concerted and deliberate investment in our footy department

which has been long overdue.

Investing money into the footy department is the best thing to happen all year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think Neeld needs a senior assistant like Bomber Thompson. He's only at the Dons because Hird hasn't coached s**t before this year. Neeld has had training wheels on for a while now.

If Craig comes it will be doing what he's best at - Sports Science.

I agree completely mrtwister. And I would kind of imagine that Neeld himself probably is of the opinion that he doesn't need a senior assistant too. I have no issue however with the idea of him as just a sports science guy. From what every one says this is his forte.

I was at the Mcg yesterday doing a tour when schwab, neeld,lyon and a few others walked in with craig and headed to one of the board rooms for a meeting.

Love to hear that WUJ

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think that the idea of a first-time coach having an assistant with years of AFL senior experience is an exceptional one.

The issue is not a matter of confidence, it's giving the new coach all the tools they need to succeed. And having someone with Neil Craig's background and reputation - as a sounding board if nothing else - can't do anything but assist. The availability of advice, even if it isn't in the end taken, is invaluable.

I would be much more confident of the Neeld appointment if Craig joins him.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


What makes you say this ?

It's been reported that Craig would sign on with Burns as soon as Burns joined, where as that was out the door when Neeld started.

This whole thing is just going off rumours and if we interview Craig and then Neeld wants to hire him then thats a great result.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's been reported that Craig would sign on with Burns as soon as Burns joined, where as that was out the door when Neeld started.

This whole thing is just going off rumours and if we interview Craig and then Neeld wants to hire him then thats a great result.

I think you'll find they will get along well. ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's up to Mark Neeld IMO at this point....maybe he wants Craig maybe he doesn't.

Just looking at Craig's coaching record, there are some things that don't add up for me.

That said if he joins the club i will back the decision.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I heard Schwab state on SEN on the weekend that they would be providing the right tools and surrounding diverse expertise to allow the coach to simply coach. CS indicated this is something they've probably recognised that they haven't done well and look to address. ie. They may have been concerned with other aspects that could have been delegated better.

I also heard Dermott ask CS if appointing Neeld was a "safe appointment", of which CS responded, "no, I wouldn't say that, I think it's a considered appointment.."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think Neeld needs a senior assistant like Bomber Thompson. He's only at the Dons because Hird hasn't coached s**t before this year. Neeld has had training wheels on for a while now.

If Craig comes it will be doing what he's best at - Sports Science.

I don't think Neeldy needs him either. However, as to whether he would like him as part of the team and see him as a big asset and a key part of whatever team he eventually puts together, who knows.

I think that the idea of a first-time coach having an assistant with years of AFL senior experience is an exceptional one.

The issue is not a matter of confidence, it's giving the new coach all the tools they need to succeed. And having someone with Neil Craig's background and reputation - as a sounding board if nothing else - can't do anything but assist. The availability of advice, even if it isn't in the end taken, is invaluable.

I would be much more confident of the Neeld appointment if Craig joins him.

Wise words.

I'm becoming more confident in the Neeld appointment day by day. But the extra grunt, if we can fund it, would be invaluable in the sense that it may take some of the load off of Neeldy and allow him to fast track certain aspects of his training/development programs etc....and just might fast track the on field success a little earlier than if we didn't appoint a valuable senior assistant, such as Craig. A big emphasis on 'might' however. You would never really know if one option was better than the other, unless you ran the same coaching teams (1 with, and 1 without a senior assistant/mentor) together in a parrarell time continuum lol. :blink:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest bonjohn

We MUST sign this man. He would be an invaluable asset to the Melbourne Football Club!

just as he was to Adelaide? this guy sells snake oil better than Wallace.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    DEPTH CHARGE by Whispering Jack

    The jubilation on the coach’s face as he danced a celebratory jig by the playing bench after the final siren sounded to record his team’s four-point victory over the Demons when the teams last met, said it all.    On that rainy Friday night at the Adelaide Oval, Ken Hinkley’s young midfield secured much more than four points on offer. The victory over one of the big dogs of the competition after a succession of wins over some of its lesser lights gave his team respect and validation fo

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    TRAINING: Monday 25th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Demon Dynasty & Kev Martin were trackside at Gosch's Paddock today to bring you their observations from training. DEMON DYNASTY'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Kade Chandler's left knee heavily strapped. BBB, Spargs & Jake Lever also in rehab group. Jake Bowey solo running separate kicking/sprint/agility drills. Super fine morning / early arvo at Gosch's for the boys to blow out some cobwebs. Choco initially had the light duties / rehab group

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    HIBERNATING by KC from Casey

    When they locked up the rooms for summer at the end of last year’s football season, the rooms gathered cobwebs, the atmosphere became dense and the place developed a sleepy feel. They opened up the rooms to let Casey out to play on Sunday but the team was still hibernating and they missed the bulk of the opening quarter. By the time they worked out it was game on, their opponents from Box Hill had accumulated five goals and, if the game wasn’t over, it might as well have been. For a se

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Casey Articles

    A FORK IN THE HAWK by George on the Outer

    For too long in the past, Demon fans became habitually sick and tired of watching the Hawks hand out thrashings to their side. But Melbourne’s empahtic 55-point win at the MCG on Saturday has truly put a fork in the Hawk and turned that history well and truly on its head. The Demons have now won nine of their last ten encounters with the other result, a draw.     And like a fork, it was the multi-pronged options that Melbourne had all across the ground.  It certainly helped that Hawthorn

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Reports 8

    PREGAME: Rd 03 vs Port Adelaide

    The Demons head on the road for the next 2 weeks as they travel to Adelaide to play Port on Saturday and then have a 5 Day break before facing the Crows in the Gather Round. With injuries to May and Lever who comes in and who goes out?

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 262

    PODCAST: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 25th March @ 8:30pm. Join George, Binman & I as we analyse the Demons victory at the MCG against the Hawks in the Round 02. You questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show. If you would like to leave us a voicemail please call 03 9016 3666 and don't worry no body answers so you don't have to talk to a human. Listen & Chat

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 46

    VOTES: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    Last week Steven May took the lead in the Demonland Player of the Year Award from Jack Viney. Clayton Oliver & Max Gawn round out the Top 4. Your votes for the win/loss against/to the Hawks. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 50

    POSTGAME: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demons cruised to an easy 55 point win over the Hawks at the MCG but but paid a heavy toll on the injury front with Steven May & Jake Lever possibly sidelined for a number of weeks.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 357

    GAMEDAY: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    It's Game Day and after mixed results in the first two weeks of the season the Demons have the opportunity to capitalise on their good form last week when they take on the Hawks at the MCG today.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 437
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

  • Podcast 

  • Podcast 

  • Podcast Stream 


    Open Stream in
    New Window
        TuneIn    Opens in New Tab
  • Support Demonland  



  • 2021 Premiership  

  • Social Media 

  • Non MFC Games  

    NON-MFC: Round 03

    Discussion of all the other games that don't involve the Demons in Round 03 ... READ MORE

    Demonland | Round 03

  • Match Preview      

    DEPTH CHARGE by Whispering Jack

    The jubilation on the coach’s face as he danced a celebratory jig by the playing bench after the final siren sounded to record his team’s four-point victory over the Demons when the teams last met, said it all ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 27

  • Latest Podcast      

    PODCAST: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The boys dissected the clinical thrashing of Hawks praising the immense performance of Christian Petracca whilst lamenting the injury toll to our defensive unit ... LISTEN

    Demonland | March 26

  • Training  

    Monday, 25th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Demon Dynasty & Kev Martin were trackside at Gosch's Paddock today to bring you their observations from training ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 25

  • Casey Report      

    HIBERNATING by KC from Casey

    When they locked up the rooms for summer at the end of last year’s football season, the rooms gathered cobwebs, the atmosphere became dense and the place developed a sleepy feel. They opened up the rooms to let Casey out to play on Sunday but the team was still hibernating and they missed the bulk of the opening quarter ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 25

  • PreGame      

    PREGAME: Rd 03 vs Port Adelaide

    The Demons head out on the road for the next 2 weeks as they travel to Adelaide to play Port on Saturday and then have a 5 Day break before facing the Crows in Gather Round. With injuries to May and Lever who comes in and who goes out? ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 28

  • Match Report      

    A FORK IN THE HAWK by George on the Outer

    For too long in the past, Demon fans became habitually sick and tired of watching the Hawks hand out thrashings to their side. But Melbourne’s empahtic 55-point win at the MCG on Saturday has truly put a fork in the Hawk and turned that history well and truly on its head ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Post Game      

    POSTGAME: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demons cruised to an easy 55 point win over the Hawks at the MCG but but paid a heavy toll on the injury front with Steven May & Jake Lever possibly sidelined for a number of weeks ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Votes      

    VOTES: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    Last week Steven May took the lead in the Demonland Player of the Year Award from Jack Viney. Clayton Oliver & Max Gawn round out the Top 4. Your votes for the win/loss against/to the Hawks. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Game Day      

    GAMEDAY: Round 02 vs Hawthorn

    It's Game Day and after mixed results in the first two weeks of the season the Demons have the opportunity to capitalise on their good form last week when they take on the Hawks at the MCG today ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Training  

    Friday, 22nd March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatcher Kev Martin and I attended the Captain's Run at Gosch's Paddock on this lovely sunny morning to bring you the following observations from the training session ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 22

  • Training  

    Tuesday, 19th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin & Walking Civil War attended Tuesday morning's training session at Gosch's Paddock to bring you the following observations ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 19

  • Training  

    Saturday, 16th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin and Dee Zephyr wandered down to Gosch's Paddock on Saturday morning to bring you their observations from the Captain's Run in the lead up to Sunday's Round One match against the Bulldogs ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 16

  • Farewell  

    Angus Brayshaw Retires

    After 167 games including the drought breaking Premiership Angus Brayshaw has made the heart breaking decision to medically retire from football as a result of a series of serious head knocks over his nearly decade of footy. We wish Gus all the best and he'll always be a hero at Demonland ... READ MORE

    Demonland | February 22

  • Latest Podcast  

    PODCAST: Koltyn Tholstrup Interview

    I interview the Melbourne Football Club’s newest recruit Koltyn Tholstrup to have a chat about his journey from the farm to the Demons, his first few weeks of preseason training, which Dees have impressed him on the track and his aspirations of playing Round 1 ... LISTEN

    Demonland | December 14

  • Latest Podcast  

    PODCAST: Jason Taylor Interview

    I interview the Melbourne Football Club's National Recruitment Manager Jason Taylor to have a chat about our Trade and Draft period, our newest recruits, our recent recruits who have yet to debut as well as those father son prospects on the horizon ... LISTEN

    Demonland | November 27

  • Next Match 

    .

    Round 03

       vs   

    Saturday 30th March 2024
    @ 07:30pm (AO)

  • MFC Forum  

  • Match Previews & Reports  

  • Training Forum  

  • AFLW Forum  

  • 2024 Player Sponsorship

  • Topics

  • Injury List  


      PLAYER INJURY LENGTH
    Jake Lever Knee Test
    Clayton Oliver Hand Test
    Oliver Sestan Concussion Test
    Steven May Ribs 1 Week
    Lachie Hunter Calf 1 Week
    Daniel Turner Hip 2-3 Weeks
    Charlie Spargo Achilles 2-4 Weeks
    Shane McAdam Hamstring 3-5 Weeks
    Jake Bowey Shoulder 7 Weeks
    Jake Melksham ACL 12-14 Weeks
    Joel Smith Suspension TBA

  • Player of the Year  


        PLAYER VOTES
    1 Christian Petracca 27
    2 Steven May 25
    3 Max Gawn 21
    4 Jack Viney 20
    5 Bayley Fritsch 19
    6 Clayton Oliver 18
    7 Christian Salem 12
    8 Blake Howes 11
    9 Jack Billings 10
    9 Alex Neal-Bullen 10

        FULL TABLE
  • Demonland Interviews 



  • Upcoming Events 

×
×
  • Create New...