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.


Kent and vandenBerg


Vipercrunch

Recommended Posts

After reading the injury report today which says the above two players are getting close to playing again, I've been wondering if they make our side better once fit and in form.  Both have had such a poor run with injuries for such a long time, it's actually hard to recall what they were like at their best, but I have a sneaky suspicion they would indeed make us better.   Tough for the player/s who miss out, but another good "problem" to have.  They first have to regain full fitness and form of course.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, S_T said:

After reading the injury report today which says the above two players are getting close to playing again, I've been wondering if they make our side better once fit and in form.  Both have had such a poor run with injuries for such a long time, it's actually hard to recall what they were like at their best, but I have a sneaky suspicion they would indeed make us better.   Tough for the player/s who miss out, but another good "problem" to have.  They first have to regain full fitness and form of course.

I was a big fan of vandenBerg when he was fit. He always bobbed up for a couple of goals. It's going to be tough to sneak back into the team but if he can keep fit and find his way in through form at Casey then I think he will offer something.

Having said that another injury would probably spell the end of his career. I hope he can stay fit.

  • Like 6
  • Love 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Kent played well in his two appearances before doing his hammy.  He can break back in and I reckon he will. 

GarlettI I would have third in line for the small forward role behind Kent and Spargo.

Edited by Petraccattack
  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nothing better than having a close to full squad to chose from, meaning those at Casey have to perform to get in. Not only does it pressure the guys in the ones to play to their best level, but means when others get a go they are in top form, not trying to find it. Brayshaw being the classic example this year. 

I can wait until there's an active discussion on Vanders or Kent coming into the team, and hopefully its not due to injury, more them being in such fantastic form their too hard to ignore - even if they then have to wait until a spot opens up. 

  • Like 4
  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 minutes ago, Petraccattack said:

Kent played well in his two appearances before doing his hammy.  He can break back in and I reckon he will. 

GarlettI I would have third in line for the small forward role behind Kent and Spargo.

 At the moment I reckon Spaego & Kent will offer more but if Garlett starts applying himself they r all valuable.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll be interested to see how Vanders does once he is fit.  If he has a good second half of the season, is he worth another 1 year deal as a depth player?  He's shown that he can contribute well at AFL level, so he's not exactly an unknown.  

Hopefully he can still be a half decent player after all the injuries he's had.  

As for Kent, you could argue easily that he is surplus to requirements, but when he went down with injury he was in the AFL side.  Clearly the FD rate him, but have too many gone past him in the last 6 weeks for him to make it back in?  I reckon a WA side might have a look at him, although his injury history isn't great either.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I suspect the issue for VdB and similar mature age recruits is the lack of body conditioning when they physically mature.  A part time footballer, and part time worker, will be behind an age group peer with a full time commitment to fitness and football.  And that's exacerbated with a larger body.  I spoke with him at the Hall of Fame dinner last year and with a degree of sadness he said that he thought he was "cooked" back then. 

Kudos for the character in trying to get himself fit and live the dream but he looks on borrowed time.

  • Like 4
  • Sad 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


As some have said, it is an unusual problem for us to have.

I would expect Kent to need at least 2 or 3 weeks of great form at Casey to come into the discussions, and VDB even longer.

IF Aaron does regain fitness I still suspect, barring a spate of injuries to 'like for like' players, he would probably be asked to see out most of the season at Casey:  if this happened and he looked like remaining fit then perhaps a one year extension and a real bid to break into the side next year.   But, sadly there are a lot of ifs.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Miles from Nowhere said:

I suspect the issue for VdB and similar mature age recruits is the lack of body conditioning when they physically mature.  A part time footballer, and part time worker, will be behind an age group peer with a full time commitment to fitness and football.  And that's exacerbated with a larger body.  I spoke with him at the Hall of Fame dinner last year and with a degree of sadness he said that he thought he was "cooked" back then. 

Kudos for the character in trying to get himself fit and live the dream but he looks on borrowed time.

I hope this is not suggesting that the likes of Tim Smith and Fritz are more likely than others to break down irreparably. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, monoccular said:

I hope this is not suggesting that the likes of Tim Smith and Fritz are more likely than others to break down irreparably. 

Fritsch is a couple of years younger than VdB was when he was drafted and a completely different body shape and playing style.  Smith is a risk.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, monoccular said:

As some have said, it is an unusual problem for us to have.

I would expect Kent to need at least 2 or 3 weeks of great form at Casey to come into the discussions, and VDB even longer.

IF Aaron does regain fitness I still suspect, barring a spate of injuries to 'like for like' players, he would probably be asked to see out most of the season at Casey:  if this happened and he looked like remaining fit then perhaps a one year extension and a real bid to break into the side next year.   But, sadly there are a lot of ifs.

It will be interesting. I think players like garlett and bugg will be lucky to get back in.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

17 minutes ago, emblem for me said:

It will be interesting. I think players like garlett and bugg will be lucky to get back in.

 

11 minutes ago, Rod Grinter Riot Squad said:

While I like them both, with the state of the team, they are depth players. Unfortunately for them, I reckon that they are both only one injury away from being delisted or traded at the end of the year.

So we've got two differing opinions here. Very interesting times ahead on the small forward front and what we do in trade week too. Who is selected this week may be a sign of who's out the door. Bugg or Garlett? Who has currency to get a pick for a package deal? Age vs potential. Or will we be hesitant on them with Kent & VDB sustaining persistent injuries? Will Kent & Garlett be given games to prove their worth for next year?

If Kent comes back, does he overtake Garlett and Bugg for selection? 

Edited by John Demonic
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I had always hoped that AVB would develop into a bullocking inside mid, in the mould of Jobe Watson or Josh Kennedy.  It's hard to see his body allowing him to do this as it breaks down so regularly and hopefully the game, team and gameplan haven't moved on without him.

If he is able to get back to AFL fitness and remain injury free, it'd be a huge credit to our fitness crew.

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, Rod Grinter Riot Squad said:

While I like them both, with the state of the team, they are depth players. Unfortunately for them, I reckon that they are both only one injury away from being delisted or traded at the end of the year.

shame realy when men try as they can

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

28 minutes ago, TeamPlayedFine39 said:

I had always hoped that AVB would develop into a bullocking inside mid, in the mould of Jobe Watson or Josh Kennedy. 

Yes, I'm hoping the same. Fingers crossed he gets a good run without injury, because if - big if - he can stay fit he'll be an asset. Plus, he's faster than Jobe and Josh. Inside grunt, with size and outside speed is a rare quality. Reading between Goody's lines this morning - actually, extrapolating with extreme prejudice - I suspect he rates Aaron.

Edited by Tony Tea
Second thought.
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Kent has shown good for as recently as this earlier this season, but injuries are stalling his momentum and development. He now has competition for his position and isn’t entrenched in the best 22. I’d expect his next contract will be a short one, or he’ll be traded to a WA club for a late pick so he can return home. 

VdB will likely be delisted at the end of the season. He hasn’t made a meaningful contribution on field for over two years now and will be 27 next season, so hardly a spring chicken. Even when he was fit, he wasn’t entrenched in our best 22 and we’ve only gotten stronger since then. If he’s lucky he’ll get a one year contract as a depth player, but unfortunately injuries seem to have ended his career.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Kent showed a lot of improvement at the start of this year. Wasn't falling over, was holding his marks and kicking his set shots. I don't think he's the pure pressure forward we need - Garlett's the best chance of that on the list - but he's good enough to be an option. If he gets back fit I think he can push out Hannan - who has to kick his goals and hold a few more marks and tackles to really cement a spot.

Vanders I rate really highly and I think the footy department do to. Yeah his kicking is scratchy but his size/speed/hardness combination is suited to our game plan and to finals. At this stage he's not much more than a prospect to come back, play some VFL, stay healthy and get ready for next year but things can change quickly.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Spargo and Hannan`s 2nd efforts and pressure acts already surpass Kent, he`ll have his work cut out to get back in the team.

AVB was a solid citizen 2 or 3 seasons ago when we had a pretty ordinary midfield. I`m not sure if any of Clarrie, ANB, Harmes or even Trac would have played in the same midfield as him I`d have thought and all are a long way ahead of him now. I`d love to see him get back in but IMO I reckon he`ll only get back in if injury requires it.

Great problem to have and hope they both have an injury free season from here on in.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, emblem for me said:

I recall both as excellent players. Kent a livewire in the fwd line as least as good as Hannan.

Agree with this, Kent can be very impressive. Let us hope that now were a delivering a lower ball with eyes up, Kenty gets fit enough to resume his fine game with these patterns. He would blend in well with Melksham in such delivery and goal sense.

 

Edited by Deemania since 56
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think both these blokes have the types of attributes required to be an important part of the list make up - particularly where we’re at right now and moving forward.

Delist these two and start from scratch again?

No.

 

  • Like 2
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 269

    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...