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.


NAB Challenge 2 - Melbourne v Geelong


Whispering_Jack

Recommended Posts

I'd think in the final game against Hawthorn you'd want as close to your best 22 to see how they play together. Given we have an intraclub as well, that's 4 pre season games and there is no way our best blokes are going to go in with 4 games under their belt. I think for this game you'll see a lot of the older guys rested, Jones, Frawley, Grimes, Vince and Cross may all miss and use the trip to Alice as a bonding for the younger group and a really good opportunity to see what young players step up against a good team. I think we'll get spanked, but I think it'll be with a really average team that's primarily there to get some experience.

You may be right. There is a balance of last friday, this thursday, friday week and then the hawks game, for rotating players that needs to be achieved, with match fitness and general health being major factors.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Why are people so quick to drop Barry? If Viney/Watts are good to play I would drop Jordie. We've seen for years what he has to offer and for mine it's not enough. He's not picked for elite disposal and two tackles in a game isn't enough. Whilst I also understand the need for cohesion with the core group I personally don't see him as part of it.

Edited by Al's Demons
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would drop Jordie. We've seen for years what he has to offer and for mine it's not enough. He's not picked for elite disposal and two tackles in a game isn't enough. Whilst I also understand the need for cohesion with the core group I personally don't see him as part of it.

He was great vs RIchmond and will be one of the first picked every week, and rightfully so

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

He was great vs RIchmond and will be one of the first picked every week, and rightfully so

Yes he looked more at ease and not as rushed but so did Dunn and the rest of the team. Come round one I think we've have recruited enough mids for him to be an emergency. What does he bring that makes him great?
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

He was great vs RIchmond and will be one of the first picked every week, and rightfully so

I'm not so certain he will be one of the first picked each week but he will definitely be in the squad until someone demands a call up for his place. I love him and the way he goes about it but with a lot more around him he may find it harder for a spot this season. A wonderful position for us to be in.

Add to that he can't go forward or back so it limits his appeal.

He doesn't need to, he will be a full time midfield stopper, nothing more, nothing less.

Why are people so quick to drop Barry? If Viney/Watts are good to play I would drop Jordie. We've seen for years what he has to offer and for mine it's not enough. He's not picked for elite disposal and two tackles in a game isn't enough. Whilst I also understand the need for cohesion with the core group I personally don't see him as part of it.

Although Jordie doesn't bring much he brings more than Barry who from what I saw added little to no value. Not saying one day he won't be a solid senior player, but at the moment he clearly isn't worthy of a spot and there is no way going forward players will be picked on 'potential.'

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes he looked more at ease and not as rushed but so did Dunn and the rest of the team. Come round one I think we've have recruited enough mids for him to be an emergency. What does he bring that makes him great?

Ask Ablett, he will tell you.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Barry has had one game, give him time. As for asking Ablett, I remember Miller towelling up Hall.

Centre line - Watts jones Trengove

Foll -Cross Viney

Bench -Tyson, Michie, Toumpas, M jones , Strauss(Vince HFF)

For mine Jordie doesn't make it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pedersen would be extremely unlucky to miss out, depending on how Fitzy/Dawes/Hogan pull up after the intraclub and Melbourne see them all fit to play. Barry didn't really make a mark on Friday night, did use his pace a little bit but his kicking which is considered a strength was a bit off. Him and Nicho I'd take out for Watts and Viney. King had a good run but I think he'll get a rest and Gawn comes in. Not sure on Spencer's position, sure he made some very silly mistakes but he made up for that with his goal and chase down of Grigg which I liked. I think he will probably get a spell.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Barry has had one game, give him time. As for asking Ablett, I remember Miller towelling up Hall.

Centre line - Watts jones Trengove

Foll -Cross Viney

Bench -Tyson, Michie, Toumpas, M jones , Strauss(Vince HFF)

For mine Jordie doesn't make it.

Barry will get time, but it should and will be at Casey.

Strauss over Jordie??? They get the same amount of the pill yet Jordie shuts someone else down at the same time. Also, from what I have seen there skills under pressure are similar.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Barry will get time, but it should and will be at Casey.

Strauss over Jordie??? They get the same amount of the pill yet Jordie shuts someone else down at the same time. Also, from what I have seen there skills under pressure are similar.

Jordie is probably our best tackler imo, maybe Trengove gives him a shake, but he makes tackles stick which is important, certainly ahead of Strauss imo

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think Strauss is over-rated, particularly his kicking skills. He comes under the category IMHO as a "dumb footballer". Too many silly errors and he gets caught far too often. He will be a handy backup, no more, particularly now we have Georgiou, who I have no doubt will be elevated off the rookie list before the season starts.

Edited by Dees2014
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think Strauss is over-rated, particularly his kicking skills. He comes under the category IMHO as a "dumb footballer". Too many silly errors and he gets caught far too often. He will be a handy backup, no more.

Did not see the Friday game but I tend to agree with you.

I have seen little to suggest he is more than back up to cover injuries

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I struggle why people continually want to back Spencer in, wow he was bad. He may show some great efforts chasing and tackling but his ruck work and general skills are disgusting. Get Gawn or Jamar back asap!

.

Agree 100%.

I've come to the conclusion Spencer is the Anti-Jamar.

Jamar offers nothing around the ground but will win hitouts.

Spencer will chase everything on the ground and then lose every hitout. He was effectively beaten by a Shaun Hampson/Orren Stephenson combo. Against a talented ruckman he'd be little more than a step ladder with wavy arms.

Much as we may like Spencer's gutsy endeavour, there's no point in a ruckman who's no good in the ruck.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agree 100%.

I've come to the conclusion Spencer is the Anti-Jamar.

Jamar offers nothing around the ground but will win hitouts.

Spencer will chase everything on the ground and then lose every hitout. He was effectively beaten by a Shaun Hampson/Orren Stephenson combo. Against a talented ruckman he'd be little more than a step ladder with wavy arms.

Much as we may like Spencer's gutsy endeavour, there's no point in a ruckman who's no good in the ruck.

There is also no point in a ruckman who is seldom on the park.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

FB: Dunn Frawley Georgiou

HB: Grimes McDonald Terlich

C: Watts Jones Vince

HF: Howe Hogan Viney

FF: JKH Fitzpatrick Dawes

Foll: Gawn Trengove Tyson

Int: Michie, Toumpas, McKenzie, Cross

S: M.jones, Barry

I don't mind this line-up D26 but I would like to see Salem in for Barry and play at least one pre-season game so that Roos can evaluate him before the season proper.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


I watched the game and the one I was most disappointed in was Strauss - for a person who supposedly has elite kicking - it was very good sometimes and terrible at times, he fumbled when under little pressure and what was most disappointing was that he was beaten everytime (I think) in one on one contests. Was always well behind his man when they took a mark. I was impressed by all the new guys who showed much more than James I'm afraid!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agree 100%.

I've come to the conclusion Spencer is the Anti-Jamar.

Jamar offers nothing around the ground but will win hitouts.

Spencer will chase everything on the ground and then lose every hitout. He was effectively beaten by a Shaun Hampson/Orren Stephenson combo. Against a talented ruckman he'd be little more than a step ladder with wavy arms.

Much as we may like Spencer's gutsy endeavour, there's no point in a ruckman who's no good in the ruck.

I don't understand how bad Spencer is in the ruck. He's tall, strong, got a decent leap yet gets out bodied so easily. I thought that would change this year and he'd be a better tap ruck than the Richmond guys. He didn't get slaughtered by them but he didn't win the battle either.

I can put up with some Spencer uncoordination around the ground if it comes with his great work rate and speed but he has to win the ruck. Stafford needs to get in to him now.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I watched the game and the one I was most disappointed in was Strauss - for a person who supposedly has elite kicking - it was very good sometimes and terrible at times, he fumbled when under little pressure and what was most disappointing was that he was beaten everytime (I think) in one on one contests. Was always well behind his man when they took a mark. I was impressed by all the new guys who showed much more than James I'm afraid!

Did you watch the entire game or just the first quarter. In the first quarter he had 2 horrendous moments. 1 when he turned the ball over flat out to a Richmond player and another when running through the centre he panicked and dropped the ball leading to a turnover. From there he bounced back and hit targets perfectly for the rest of the night. I'm willing to excuse the kicking mistakes because they happened in the first quarter of the first game of the year.

I'm more worried about his lack of defensive impact. He seems really good at trailing opponents and then trying to get a punch in and not getting it done. Mainly he has a lack of desperation. I don't think he's soft because he doesn't back away from contact but he's a bit bruise free in that he needs to dish out some bruises by going harder. Has to play like his career is on the line in defence and that every possession an opponent gets is an insult to him.

Terlich isn't much better as a small defender. He often even is further behind trailing his man than Strauss. But when the ball is on the deck or when he is in the correct spot for a spoil he'll hit it at 110%.

Clisby is the one I want to see because he has good attacking instincts and reasonable skills but I think is a slightly better defender than both Strauss and Terlich but then again he's also quite short which is a pain.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Spencer will chase everything on the ground and then lose every hitout. He was effectively beaten by a Shaun Hampson/Orren Stephenson combo.

Spencer had more hitouts than any other ruck on the ground on Friday. You can add up the combination of the Richmond crew but he was basically working on his own with some help by King & Pedersen neither of whom you would call ruck men at this stage.

I think Spencer has been harshly marked for that bad kick. Being at the ground I thought he did a lot of good work around the ground and held his own in the ruck.

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Did you watch the entire game or just the first quarter. In the first quarter he had 2 horrendous moments. 1 when he turned the ball over flat out to a Richmond player and another when running through the centre he panicked and dropped the ball leading to a turnover. From there he bounced back and hit targets perfectly for the rest of the night. I'm willing to excuse the kicking mistakes because they happened in the first quarter of the first game of the year.

I'm more worried about his lack of defensive impact. He seems really good at trailing opponents and then trying to get a punch in and not getting it done. Mainly he has a lack of desperation. I don't think he's soft because he doesn't back away from contact but he's a bit bruise free in that he needs to dish out some bruises by going harder. Has to play like his career is on the line in defence and that every possession an opponent gets is an insult to him.

Terlich isn't much better as a small defender. He often even is further behind trailing his man than Strauss. But when the ball is on the deck or when he is in the correct spot for a spoil he'll hit it at 110%.

Clisby is the one I want to see because he has good attacking instincts and reasonable skills but I think is a slightly better defender than both Strauss and Terlich but then again he's also quite short which is a pain.

I agree, I thought he kicked pretty well most of the night. The one where he dropped the ball in the centre wasn't a panic, he was looking at a target and noticed he was covered and tried to change his decision and direction part way into the ball drop. The ball slipped out and it did look bad but it was a humid and slippery night.

He did trail his opponent too much and really needs to either body and block more to not let them get a clear run at it and if they do work harder to get a fist in.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I thought his worst moment was when Edwards made a long lead back to the goal square of 40+ metres,getting a metre or twos break initially and Strauss could not close that down over a long distance. His closing speed is just not good enough to guard any forward willing to make long leads and he is not strong enough in body on body stuff.I'm not willing to totally write him off but definitely needs to improve his closing down speed or reading the play a little better.

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...