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.


ON THE ROAD AGAIN by Whispering Jack


Demonland

Recommended Posts

I like the fact that Melbourne is still standing four months into a season that has been so badly interrupted by injuries, illness, suspensions and some of the disappointing early losses that occurred at least partly as a result of the disruption that these things brought with them. The Demons are still standing particularly because in recent weeks they have found ways to win close games that tested their nerve and their depth which is one of the ingredients needed for them to become a great side.

I'm not suggesting the club is anywhere near such lofty heights right now but if it wants to aspire to the level of greatness in this sport at any time soon then what happens over the next four weeks will be a guide as to how far this team can possibly go.

This Saturday night the Demons face the Crows in Darwin, then it's Port Adelaide at the MCG, North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena, Hobart and the GWS Giants in the national capital. Three road trips is an enormous task in light of the fact that the co-captains Nathan Jones and Jack Viney might miss all of those games and other key midfielders like Christian Salem, Angus Brayshaw and possibly even Dom Tyson are likely to miss some, if not all of them. And that's not to mention Jack Watts whose lingering hamstring strain continues to place a question mark on the timing of his return.

But let's go back and do what all good football people do and that is take things one game at a time, starting with the last one - that very lucky victory over Carlton. A narrow win over a 16th placed side, albeit by an undermanned team, is not particularly inspiring even allowing for the Blues' wins this year against the two Sydney teams and their recent close encounter with the Crows. Surprisingly, the Blues had the edge in both age and experience (games played +259) and with three of last year's top four best and fairest winners out (and the other underdone after coming back from a long injury break), the Demons belied their favoritism going into the game.

Most good sides would have beaten Melbourne last Sunday. This week's opponent Adelaide is a very, very good one and a hard one to beat when you're without most of your best midfielders. Jones, Viney and Salem all starred when the Dees beat the Crows in Adelaide two months ago so it's going to be a tough ask expecting them to repeat the dose with another six day break and a trip to the hellishly hot and humid Top End. The forecast for Saturday is a maximum of 33 degrees. By nightfall, it will only be a few degrees cooler.

The circumstances of the game will no doubt weigh heavily on the minds of the selectors who know that the team will also need to be refreshed for the week following when they take on Port Adelaide in another vital match up. But now I'm getting ahead of myself and ignoring my message about taking things a week at a time.

On that score, the club has to take great credit for quickly defusing the matter between Clayton Oliver and that goading Blues fan by getting the Demon youngster to apologise for his behaviour. I like to call it the "Clayton's Apology". Oliver has been in great form despite the ribbing he and others have been getting from the media and opposition supporters which demonstrates that the club has finally shaken off the "loser" tag. 

I will be back after team selection to look at whether the Demons can take it one step further to upset the ladder leaders on the road in Darwin.

THE GAME

Melbourne v Adelaide at TIO Stadium, Darwin Saturday 15 July, 2017 at 7.40 pm

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall  - Melbourne 13 wins Adelaide 23 wins

At TIO Stadium - Melbourne 0 wins Adelaide 0 wins

Past five meetings - Melbourne 2 wins Adelaide 3 wins

The Coaches - Simon Goodwin 1 win Don Pyke 0 wins

MEDIA

TV -  Channel 7, Fox Sports 3 Live at 7.30pm

RADIO -  SEN

THE BETTING

Melbourne to win - $3.00, Adelaide to win - $1.39

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

Melbourne 17.5.107 defeated Adelaide 9.12.66 Round 15, 2017 at the Adelaide Oval

The Demons stunned the Crows and the football world when they turned a 28 point deficit at the 18 minute mark of the second term into a 41 point victory. The turnaround came about thanks to the dominance of midfielders and co-captains Nathan Jones (25 disposals) and Jack Viney (30 touches) and emerging star Christian Salem (31 disposals), none of who will be out on the field on Saturday night. Michael Hibberd (34 possessions) was superb in defence while Bernie Vince, playing against his old club, celebrated his 200th AFL game by closing down the dangerous Rory Sloane.

THE TEAMS

MELBOURNE

B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta 
HB: Josh Wagner, Sam Frost, Bernie Vince 
C: Alex Neal-Bullen, Jordan Lewis, Mitch Hannan 
HF: Christian Petracca, Tom McDonald, Jayden Hunt 
F: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Cameron Pedersen 
FOLL: Max Gawn, Jake Melksham, Clayton Oliver
I/C: James Harmes, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Dean Kent, Joel Smith 
EMG: Billy Stretch, Jack Trengove, Sam Weideman 

IN: Jay Kennedy-Harris

OUT: Billy Stretch (omitted)

ADELAIDE CROWS

B: Rory Laird, Jake Lever, Andy Otten 
HB: Luke Brown, Daniel Talia, Jake Kelly 
C: Rory Sloane, Richard Douglas, Brodie Smith 
HF: Riley Knight, Taylor Walker, Charlie Cameron 
F: Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins, Mitch McGovern 
FOLL: Sam Jacobs, Matt Crouch, Brad Crouch 
I/C: Rory Atkins, Hugh Greenwood, Tom Lynch, David Mackay    
EMG: Jonathon Beech, Jordan Gallucci, Paul Seedsman 

IN: Hugh Greenwood, Tom Lynch 

OUT: Wayne Milera (calf), Scott Thompson (omitted)

Once it was clear that they were not ready and that Dom Tyson and Jack Watts were therefore not going to make the trip to Darwin, the team selection for the Adelaide Crows game was fairly predictable. Jay Kennedy-Harris received  another chance to revive his career at the expense of Billy Stretch who has been disappointing of late. Kennedy-Harris' form at VFL level has been outstanding since he was dropped earlier in the season and he might well have been welcomed back a fortnight ago but for that well-documented drinking incident with a few of the boys after a recent Casey victory. His selection makes sense for a game in muggy heat and under lights that calls for smaller players with pace rather than the bigger types.

However, the story is not all about the diminutive Demon youngster who showed promise in his debut season but has been severely curtailed by injuries ever since. 

The selectors would have dearly loved the option of bringing in more fit players for the team's fourth six-day break (and second interstate) game in five weeks but the cupboard was decidedly bare as a result of having those midfielders in the infirmary recovering from the ailments of recent rounds. Compounding matters is the fact that the Casey Demons had only three players in their last game who have played at AFL level this year and none of them fits the requirements in terms of their size.

Simon Goodwin is however, extremely confident that the next tier of mids can step up to the plate:

"We train all our players up to play a certain way, so it really isn't personnel based. Clearly we've got some really good midfielders out of the team. 

"But that's provided a great opportunity for guys like (Christian) Petracca, Mitch Hannan and James Harmes to come into the midfield and … last week (they) were very good in that area."

Much the same could be said of the team when they met the Crows at Adelaide Oval in round eight and recorded their best win of the season. They did so without Max Gawn and Jesse Hogan but others stood up in their absence. This is exactly what Goodwin is asking for on Saturday night.

The two teams are first and second for contested possessions so that battle will be crucial. If the Demons can contain the likes of dangerous forwards, Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins and Tex Walker who are the Crows' heaviest goalkickers, then half the job will be done.

I can't be entirely convinced that this will happen and that Melbourne will kick enough goals on the night so I'm going to sit on the fence and tip a draw.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 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 264

    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...