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.


Why we will be better in 2018



Recommended Posts

16 minutes ago, Jibroni said:

Of this list we need one of these to become a big star of the league (ie Danger/Martin type of player).

We also need a big body ruckman to support Maxi (Like Nankervis from Richmond) that wont cost the earth. I want to keep our 1st round pick and find a mid who can KICK THE BALL with some mongrel.

I also think Jack Watts should be moved on for his and the club sake's. He has been through hell at times and his mentally is starting to show this. Port or Adelaide would be a great fit for him.

Swap for ac chee and a second round pick

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We will be better in 2018 if:

We do not lose Gawn, Spencer and Hogan, or their equivalents in 2019, for several weeks at the same time;

We develop cohesion and system in our backline. This year we have had individual stars such as Jetta, Hibberd and OMac who have played consistently in the backline but I cannot recall any repetitive, cohesive defensive play that used to be a characteristic of recent power teams. Invariably we depended on the individual players to win contests rather than a team approach.

We do not mess with TMac's mind. Given that he is a structural pin of our back line, mixing up back line, ruck and forward line play in each match has a deleterious effect on the team. Can y6ou imagine Grundy, Rance, Lonergan or Thompson being played as "swingmen" and not losing effectiveness and adversely affecting the team structure. If we need a swing man, develop someone else and let the back line settle. The great Dean Bailey used to say 70 games together as a unit.

We let Hogan roam the forward line and not become a static target. He is much too valuable to be competing against three opponents for every mark and he has an incredible football brain (watch him when he has the ball up the ground) so that he can be effective not only as a goal scorer but also as a leader, ball winner and distributor in the forward line.

The coaching staff work out how to use Oliver's unmatched ball winning ability and sublime distribution skills by hand to create opportunities. At the moment, Oliver's work is being wasted by player's getting too close to allow him to deliver to advantage. When his handballs travel 5-10 m longer than now he will be a sensation. As for his kicking, he is a monster kick but is undisciplined. Deft, 30-40m passes will be more beneficial than 50-60m bombs. But as always, his team mates must present. Over to the coaching staff.

Jack Viney stops trying too hard. His aggression and effort are welcomed but his skills and judgement need to catch up quickly.

Gawn remembers that, for his height, he is also athletic and should spend less effort wrestling and more effort at ball ups and boundary throw ins approaching the contest alone and jumping over/into his opponent. Ryder has shown the way this year with his taps to Gray what a free jumping ruckman can bring.

The selection panel work to stabilise and settle the best 22 and eschew the constant chopping and changing. The fringe players from 2017 like Kent, Hannan, Smith, Maynard, Stretch, Pedersen and others should be picked to fill a role,  not just because they have shown good form at VFL, and given time to develop those roles. 35 possessions as a midfielder in the VFL mean little if the role at AFL is different.

We develop a plan for the forward line when we start 2 down at the centre bounces. Too many times we win the ball, kick long and watch it come straght back. The name of the game with two extras at the back is the both win the ball in the centre and retain it in the forward line. So far, no good.

We learn to hold the ball in the forward line. Some times the ball comes out quicker than it goes in. Has to stop.

I will conclude because it is becoming too depressing. Even with all the deficiencies that I believe we had this year, we missed the finals by only 2 goals so something must be working. I believe that we have as good a group of players as any other team but we are behind in their development as a structurally cohesive team playing a consistent style of footy.

It's all up to you Goody. Only 50 more games as a group to go. Use them wisely.

 

 

 

.

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Here's a few reasons

Hogan surely would be blessed with a clear year. 

Brayshaw back on a permanent basis.

Gawn fit and firing. 

Oliver will learn to kick and not handball back into trouble. 

Trac into midfield mix more and impose himself.

Weideman will be in the gym all summer.

No retirements planned.

The hurt from 2017 will remain.

 

F$#K hope not, hope Vince goes. He's cooked

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

43 minutes ago, KingDingAling said:

Petracca - Should improve immensely with another pre-season under his best. Should be an elite midfielder next year. Needs to drop weight and should come back with an improved tank.

Oliver - Given his rate of improvement since we drafted him. I think Oliver becomes a top 5 midfielder in the game. Currently he is a top 15 midfielder in the game (and is underrated).

Gawn - Providing Gawn can stay on the park. He should be the leagues best ruck man. Another pre-season working with our midfield should hopefully see us use Gawn to our advantage.

Hogan - Clearly had a bad year, and much of it not his fault. At the very least he will be better next year. Hopefully Weideman comes on and can make Hogan's job a little easier.

Viney - Should be ready. It is Jack's time now. He is at that age where he should be dominating. He should pass Jones and become the benchmark as what players have to pass in order to become elite. If any midfielder passes Viney they will be a top 5 mid. Petracca and Oliver will surpass Viney. And that will be no disgrace to Viney.

Hunt - Needs to continue to improve. He had another fantastic year. So impressed with this kid. If he can improve further, then he can take our game to another level.

All in all, I think we have the makings of a very good football side. I believe we have a dynasty side, and we will rule the league for years to come. It will all start in 2018. As supporters we are very blessed to support such a talented list. The key for the football department now is to ensure that talent is developed and utilized. If so we should see many flags ahead. We should finish top 4 next year.

 

 

I'm not sure if my expectations are unreasonable, but I felt that Hunt dropped off massively after he was knocked out in the Adelaide game. Didn't seem to want to take the game on as much when he had the ball. But as I said, I might be harsh on him. I was so impressed with his year last year.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

With the possible exception of Jetta, all of the top 10 from last year's B&F went backwards this year. Hogan is excused for obvious reasons. I would argue that both Viney & Jones were down before they got injured, and never recovered when they came back. Vince & Kent are both lost causes. Gawn is the big concern - is he a one year wonder who wants to be a personality rather than a footballer, or will he work his butt off to get back to his best?

If we can get most of these guys back to their best football, plus continued improvement from the likes of Oliver, Petracca & Hunt, we can move up the ladder. Of course, other teams will improve around us and we will lose players to injury at various stages, so there are no guarantees. That is why this year was such a missed opportunity.

We need a couple more quality midfielders. Draft one at pick 10, trade for another, and we'll give ourselves a good chance of fixing this problem. I genuinely hope we clear 7-8 players off the list this year, and give ourselves a chance to find a few hidden gems late in the draft.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I expect Melbourne to be in the top 4 next yeaar. If this year doesn't hurt like hell and give them the burning desire to be the best then what is this all about.

We will have to trade carefully and wisely.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Next year is not a given based on the second half of this season. 

We still have players with poor skill, players who are not quite tall enough or fast enough. We still overuse the ball and turn it over. We are still too slow and indirect going forward. Hogan and other forwards are swamped by the time the ball goes forward. We have not established a settled forward line, settled defence or dominant midfield. We have a major problem relying on Gawn all season. 

We need to make some tough decisions on existing players and draft in some top-line players.  We need to go after the best. You can see the difference that stars make to a team. Franklin, Dangerfield, Selwood, Martin. You can understand why North are going so hard on Martin.  

We need to be desperate in going after the best otherwise success is going to be difficult to achieve.  

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


I'm not sure why people are so gutted. Sure we missed out by a fraction of % but the disappointment accumulates throughout the year, when we lost to freo, roos, pies etc. It was in all of those losses that I realised we werent any threat to the premiership and probably not deserving of finals. 

all in all, we didnt deserve finals and we wouldn't have done anything in them should we made it anyway. 

 

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, dl4e said:

I expect Melbourne to be in the top 4 next yeaar. If this year doesn't hurt like hell and give them the burning desire to be the best then what is this all about.

We will have to trade carefully and wisely.

Hope the embarrassment and failure stings right to the bone 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If our game plan is built around contested ball (which it is) I would scour Australia for the top ranked contested ball players and add 3-4 to our mix. This gives the depth to take us into the back half of the year. The problem with the game plan is it works, but it is taxing as f&ck. 

We then remove our 3 worst contested/tackling players like J Watts, Salem & Garlett. This shores us up with consistent hard players across the ground. 

Our weakness is also contested marking, so I'd go for 1-2 Levi Casboult types to be a link-up Tom Lynch type player so we can get the ball out of defense & into the forward line.

Goody is a smart bloke. He'll analyse the top teams style of play (Sydney/Adelaide) and look to bring some elements of both into our game plan. 

Edited by billyblanks29
Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 hours ago, poita said:

With the possible exception of Jetta, all of the top 10 from last year's B&F went backwards this year. Hogan is excused for obvious reasons. I would argue that both Viney & Jones were down before they got injured, and never recovered when they came back. Vince & Kent are both lost causes. Gawn is the big concern - is he a one year wonder who wants to be a personality rather than a footballer, or will he work his butt off to get back to his best?

 

I think you have hit the proverbial nail on the head.

Too easy to say it was injuries because as you say it was almost all of them.

Could not agree more about Gawn but perhaps last season was the anomaly as you say. I hope not.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

22 hours ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Here's a few reasons

Hogan surely would be blessed with a clear year. 

Brayshaw back on a permanent basis.

Gawn fit and firing. 

Oliver will learn to kick and not handball back into trouble. 

Trac into midfield mix more and impose himself.

Weideman will be in the gym all summer.

No retirements planned.

The hurt from 2017 will remain.

 

Yes so many positives to look forward to, none more then Hogan signing a contract extension before the season starts. If not he and the club will be back under that media pressure of "is he isn't he" staying or going back to Perth? If he is committed and wants to have a clear run in 2018 then he needs to get rid of this distraction/pressure asap.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

23 hours ago, Deestar9 said:

So many reasons why....another preseason into our younger players especially Trac

hogan..Viney fit & also tmac ..Gawn &

others getting over injuries they carried a lot of the year

seeing more of the two smiths ..Joel & tim ...vanders & garlo back...adds more depth & flexibility 

declan keilty...weideman...jkh etc

who we bring in from the draft

even though it may not seem like it at the moment...there is so much too look forward to in 2018

this team played with enormous adversity all year and has learnt many valuable lessons. I'm just praying the footy gods treat us a bit more kindly next year 

 

Absolutely having a fit and healthy full list from which to choose would have made a huge difference.  And in several games early game ending injuries to key players probably cost wins. And as it turns out any one of those wins would see us still in the contest. 

22 hours ago, KingDingAling said:

Petracca - Should improve immensely with another pre-season under his best. Should be an elite midfielder next year. Needs to drop weight and should come back with an improved tank.

Oliver - Given his rate of improvement since we drafted him. I think Oliver becomes a top 5 midfielder in the game. Currently he is a top 15 midfielder in the game (and is underrated).

Gawn - Providing Gawn can stay on the park. He should be the leagues best ruck man. Another pre-season working with our midfield should hopefully see us use Gawn to our advantage.

Hogan - Clearly had a bad year, and much of it not his fault. At the very least he will be better next year. Hopefully Weideman comes on and can make Hogan's job a little easier.

Viney - Should be ready. It is Jack's time now. He is at that age where he should be dominating. He should pass Jones and become the benchmark as what players have to pass in order to become elite. If any midfielder passes Viney they will be a top 5 mid. Petracca and Oliver will surpass Viney. And that will be no disgrace to Viney.

Hunt - Needs to continue to improve. He had another fantastic year. So impressed with this kid. If he can improve further, then he can take our game to another level.

All in all, I think we have the makings of a very good football side. I believe we have a dynasty side, and we will rule the league for years to come. It will all start in 2018. As supporters we are very blessed to support such a talented list. The key for the football department now is to ensure that talent is developed and utilized. If so we should see many flags ahead. We should finish top 4 next year.

 

 

These are our core, and what they need to do us perform at their peaks consistently 

22 hours ago, america de cali said:

KIller instict and hunger in. Arrogance and hubris out. Non negotiable.

Good points - but big question, can killer instinct  be instilled or taught, or is it innate as in Viney? 

And can (inappropriate*) arrogance and hubris be taken out without lessening performance  

On this, does the team need a psychologist to help get the very best from every player?  I believe we did have one a long time ago but ND thought the idea was crap - "I am the psychologist and motivator" - and sacked them.  Not sure of the details or if there is one now. 

 

* inappropriate arrogance can harm....not referring to players like Frankenstein (and Carey the football player not the civilian) who can get away with it because they are just so good, and curbing their arrogance would be detrimental. 

Edited by monoccular
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 278

    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 363

    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...