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.


When will the "rebuilding" end?


Straight Sets Simon

Recommended Posts

The quote, which caught my eye, in particular was: "This is a long-term project"

I think you're taking what Neale is saying far too literally. My interpretation of "this is a long term project" was "this is a long term project that kicked off in the early 00s and is now really starting to bear fruit, and while we think we're thereabouts for a tilt at the flag, we're continuing to put our longevity plan in to place so that when our old guys retire, our younger generation are ready to come through".

It's just a matter of interpretation.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think you're taking what Neale is saying far too literally. My interpretation of "this is a long term project" was "this is a long term project that kicked off in the early 00s and is now really starting to bear fruit, and while we think we're thereabouts for a tilt at the flag, we're continuing to put our longevity plan in to place so that when our old guys retire, our younger generation are ready to come through".

It's just a matter of interpretation.

Fair point.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't have any problem with the recruitment and rebuilding that has occurred over the last few years and as a result we can all see the potential in the current group of players. As others have said we need a key backman now to support Rivers and Carroll and give us a decent shot at the flag. In my view we already have him, it ain't going to happen but why not get the best out of Neita's last few years by putting him back at CHB. It also solves the what to do with Miller and Dunn debate, they both get a gig at CHF and FF, probably Dunn at FF given that he is a better kick for goal. As I said it ain't going to happen but it would if I was the coach!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

quote name='Toad33' date='Mar 8 2007, 09:44 PM' post='60491']

I believe the club, like all others, is chasing a premiership.......

There is more to the football club than the team. Gaining the ultimate team success by giving up draft picks may not be in the clubs best interest for future financial success.

Put another way. Sacrificing the mid term future for short term gain could end up in longer term pain.

I think you both make excellent points which make my question pertinent.

Would you trade 3 years at the top including one premiership for 5-8 in the bottom 6? Because that is the goal and side effect of topping up with experienced players in a tilt for the premiership.

To quote myself.......

...... I don't believe that the club is prepared to do everything it takes to get one. At the moment at least.

I believe that at some point in the future (maybe 3-4 years) during this period of stability, if the current approach doesn't work, the top up and trade approach will be adopted.

Let me pose another question.

How many years of finishing 5-8, without the ultimate success, is OK before a 'ground swell' of members demands a change to deliver premiership ?

I can cope with a couple more years of what's going on now, but after that I will be screaming for change.

Go Dees

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In my view we already have him, it ain't going to happen but why not get the best out of Neita's last few years by putting him back at CHB. It also solves the what to do with Miller and Dunn debate, they both get a gig at CHF and FF, probably Dunn at FF given that he is a better kick for goal. As I said it ain't going to happen but it would if I was the coach!!!

Thank God you are not.

Neitz is in the twilight of his career and playing him at CHB would hasten a speedy retirement and not provide us with a CHB that could handle the pace of the game for 100 minutes.

And that leaves us with no presence at FF. And Dunn is not a KPF and neither is Miller.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank God you are not.

Neitz is in the twilight of his career and playing him at CHB would hasten a speedy retirement and not provide us with a CHB that could handle the pace of the game for 100 minutes.

And that leaves us with no presence at FF. And Dunn is not a KPF and neither is Miller.

Allow me to disagree - Neitz is still strong, still quick and was, of course, in case you have forgotten, once the best CHB in the competition. If he can't handle the pace for 100 minutes you could always put him back to FF for 5-10 minutes a quarter. The fact is that the man is a champion and I would back him still to do a better job at CHB than anyone else we have at present.

If neither of Dunn or Miller are KPF's, we are obviously in serious trouble right now - who are you suggesting for CHF this year?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agree rhino.

The thought of poor Neita being ripped a new one by J Brown or B Hall doesn't sound like a nice way to serenade one of our greatest ever players into retirement.

I hope you are kidding - Neita is precisely the sort of player that would take Brown and Hall to the cleaners! Riewoldt on the other hand would be a problem.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Also agree, what a great thread.

There would appear to be 2 schools of thought about Premiership success. 1. the top up theory 2. the progressive theory.

1. The top up theory.

Based on the infamous clock it would seem to suggest that when you "feel" that you are close to a premiership, then you recruit older more experienced players to get you over the line. Does it work? I can't find any evidence in the past 6 years.

Swans:

Craig Bolton 2003 PSD Pick 3

Nic Davis 2002 ND Pick 19, Sydney's first round pick

Peter Everitt. 2006 ND pick 33, Second rounder

Barry Hall, 2001 ND 13,17 and 4

Darren Jolly, 2004 ND P15

Ted Richards 2005 P19 and 51.

Since 2001 Sydney have traded their first round pick in the ND on 4 occasions for established players. They've played in the 2005 and 2006 GF. Want to bet against 2007?

West Coast:

Daniel Chick 2002 P8

Tyson Stenglein 2004 P12 and 28.

Played in the last 2 GF.

I not sure you looked very far!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Swans:

I not sure you looked very far!!

Exactly

Port Adelaide: Byron Pickett and Damien Hardwick ...

Brisbane: Martin Pike and Mal Michael ...

It'a amatter of getting the balance right.

ND's approach has assured us of a long period in the top half of the ladder but will we have the edge to win a flag. This is the more conservative approach.

Roos has delivered one at Sydney but has said he'll quit when his current veterans retire and IMO the bottom will drop out for Sydney. This is the high risk approach, but great if it delivers a flag - not if it fails - ask Peter Schwab and Dean Laidley.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Neitz is in the twilight of his career and playing him at CHB would hasten a speedy retirement and not provide us with a CHB that could handle the pace of the game for 100 minutes.

And that leaves us with no presence at FF. And Dunn is not a KPF and neither is Miller.

Ouch-- defnitely no good scanerio to have :blink::unsure:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Backline is pretty steady IMO. Holland will go round again next year as the Gorilla minder and Riv and Carrol will be in the first 12 selected for several years to come. Wheels is the best small defender going around and Daniel Bell and Clint Bartram will improve again. No reason why Wardy can't have another good year in 2007.

The forward line is also ok for 2007 and will improve heaps with a fitter Robbo and a permanent Yze. Not to mention potentially Lynden Dunn.

Midfield is definitely the key, either we bank on Bate, Jones, Sylvia and Moloney to take the next step or inject some ready made players. it seems we are ok in the toughness department but some more pace could make a difference. 2 more players capable of breaking the lines with running bounces and long accurate kicking ala Heath Black would be the way to go for mine.

2007 is a real chance and 2008 might be the last chance before a complete rebuild.

[You font=Arial Black][Y/quote]

You must be the eternal optimist.

This will be Holland's last year. Carroll is corageous but very clumsy. Bartram will be stuffed with his ankle this year & I'm no clearer about whether Daniel Bell is up to it as I was 3 years ago.

And Whelan has barely played after round 20 since he came to the club.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Allow me to disagree - Neitz is still strong, still quick and was, of course, in case you have forgotten, once the best CHB in the competition. If he can't handle the pace for 100 minutes you could always put him back to FF for 5-10 minutes a quarter. The fact is that the man is a champion and I would back him still to do a better job at CHB than anyone else we have at present.

If neither of Dunn or Miller are KPF's, we are obviously in serious trouble right now - who are you suggesting for CHF this year?

Neitz is quick on the burst not sustained pace.Its unrealistic to expect a 32 yo to lug 100kg in a position demanding moblity for 100 minutes.

He was never the best CHB in the competition. He was rated highly by a couple of opponents when he played there in the mid to late 90s. Jakovich was a better CHB. So dont grease the point.

And I dont see the purpose in tossing the structure like a salad to facilitate a player who cant play a certain position for 100 minutes.

Our backline is not the issue. Its steady enough. Why fracture the forward line?

Neitz is critical to our forward 50. I would suggest the playing of a CHF/FF structure may be replaced by one power forward (Neitz) and five other forwards (including Dunn). We did not play a formal CHF for much of last year and I dont think we will this year. As I have said elsewhere Miller aint it. Dunn is a HFF type player not a KPF.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Exactly

Port Adelaide: Byron Pickett and Damien Hardwick ...

Brisbane: Martin Pike and Mal Michael ...

It'a amatter of getting the balance right.

ND's approach has assured us of a long period in the top half of the ladder but will we have the edge to win a flag. This is the more conservative approach.

Roos has delivered one at Sydney but has said he'll quit when his current veterans retire and IMO the bottom will drop out for Sydney. This is the high risk approach, but great if it delivers a flag - not if it fails - ask Peter Schwab and Dean Laidley.

Well put Old!

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 265

    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...