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.


Harley Balic Retires



Recommended Posts

17 minutes ago, Win4theAges said:

Maybe he should have cut ties earlier then. 

If he quit after round 2 you’d be whinging about him giving up too soon.

Must have been a tough decision for the young fella, I have nothing but respect for him. 

Edited by Ethan Tremblay
  • Like 6
  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I thought he was gone once JKH started to get games. Good luck for the future. Looks like the delistings will be minimal Pedo, Bugg and Balic.

  • Sad 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Win4theAges said:

Obviously didnt give a toss, you've got 6 weeks of a season left to play with a team that is top of the table.

[censored] poor effort in my book.

 

 

[censored] poor post in my book. 

  • Like 7
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Was told by a family member of Balic's that he never had the mental health issues implied by the speculators.

Constantly on the injury list at Freo and never bonded with the players because he was in rehab during the week at training and outside football the others liked to bond over a drink and Balic does not drink.

Wish him well but never trust anyone who doesn't drink. 

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

As a young boy with footy talent it's all about how you're going to be an AFL star. The further you go the greater the expectation. It becomes all about SHOULD. What you really are and want becomes submerged beneath the expectation of others. Family pride in your achievements, the admiration of mates, representing the school. Who you really are becomes secondary to the expectation of living up to the responsibility of delivering to an ever increasing number of people who have no understanding or interest in who you really are. You are a vehicle for the self gratification that others gain from their association to you.

You are a brave man Harley both for persisting despite it not being what you want and then having the courage to say enough. I hope ditching this burden leads to a happy and productive life. Best wishes. 

  • Like 9
  • Love 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

27 minutes ago, Win4theAges said:

Maybe he should have cut ties earlier then. 

The timing of this announcement is a bit bizarre for me. I thought I saw him at training today?  I remember watching him at training preseason and he was often gasping for air, obviously physically underdone early but then of recent times he has looked very comfortable at training, moves well and executes well. Is playing well with Casey and has a finals campaign ahead, why pull the pin this early? Where is the grind in VFL/AFL once you have worked up your fitness to acceptable levels as he has done? Us mere mortals will never understand. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


3 minutes ago, obbafan said:

 What you really are and want becomes submerged beneath the expectation of others. Family pride in your achievements, the admiration of mates, representing the school. Who you really are becomes secondary to the expectation of living up to the responsibility of delivering to an ever increasing number of people who have no understanding or interest in who you really are. You are a vehicle for the self gratification that others gain from their association to you.

 

I think you will find that is not the case with Balic who was more of a loner rather than someone with people hanging off him.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

May be true. Just reckon that many talented kids find themselves living out the expectations of others. There is this guilt thing of wasted talent. Not a good life if it doesn't suit and these are people with many different interests and abilities. Never a problem for me I must say. Mental health issues are being mentioned more often and perhaps persisting due to this now being seen as a lucrative career choice despite being incompatible with the associated life style is a significant factor. The feeling of being inadequate.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

54 minutes ago, Wrecker45 said:

Was told by a family member of Balic's that he never had the mental health issues implied by the speculators.

Constantly on the injury list at Freo and never bonded with the players because he was in rehab during the week at training and outside football the others liked to bond over a drink and Balic does not drink.

Wish him well but never trust anyone who doesn't drink. 

KB did all right on the footy field. But never drank! 

Edited by Earl Hood
Link to comment
Share on other sites

37 minutes ago, Earl Hood said:

The timing of this announcement is a bit bizarre for me. I thought I saw him at training today?  I remember watching him at training preseason and he was often gasping for air, obviously physically underdone early but then of recent times he has looked very comfortable at training, moves well and executes well. Is playing well with Casey and has a finals campaign ahead, why pull the pin this early? Where is the grind in VFL/AFL once you have worked up your fitness to acceptable levels as he has done? Us mere mortals will never understand. 

Exactly, thank you Earl. Why now?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don’t get the angst. He is a kid. Jesus what the hell was I even doing at 21? Not committing to a career, a boyfriend or an outfit, that’s what! 

Footy is not something you can do unless you are in it 100% all the time. I don’t want someone being miserable at our club just as I don’t want someone taking up a spot on the list instead of a kid who really really has the drive and the passion required to succeed. It’s a win win. 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 minutes ago, Win4theAges said:

Exactly, thank you Earl. Why now?

Ahem, who are we to ask?

It's his decision, or maybe it was the MFC's decision. Let's just wish him well. People who feel 'outside' not only need our acceptance, they need our support as well. We'll never know, perhaps, but I wish the man all the very best.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, Win4theAges said:

Exactly, thank you Earl. Why now?

Maybe it was a far as he could go?  If he was finding it a challenge to get up and about for training and playing it is a long season.  He has been contributing at Casey, and perhaps he his his limit?  If he has no future (as either he or the club saw it) in football, then why keep hitting up when it doesn't count for anything?  Good luck with whatever lies ahead, HB

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Hell Bent said:

He`s a young man dealing with mental health issues which have probably had a fair bit to do with his decision. There is far more to life than footy.

I`d say your post is a poor effort in my book.

I posted a comment when he was first drafted & was shot down in flames.....absolutely same scenario is why he is retiring......so I’d say your post is quite ill informed 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

56 minutes ago, Earl Hood said:

KB did all right on the footy field. But never drank! 

Trevor Barker did well playing drunk. I'm not talking about isolated incidents just as a general rule don't trust non drinkers.

It's worked out pretty well for us with max gawn and Scully.

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gotta feel for the bloke. Football is a tough life that a lot of people don't seem to appreciate just how hard it can be. From all reports he is a ripper of a bloke and well liked, and he definitely had shown glimpses of some great talent, but unfortunately it hasn't worked out.

Hoping he has good luck going into the future and it all works out for him.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Wow AFL a grind the kid does not know what a grind is, a grind is working for $18.55 an hour and the boss complaining he is over paying you. I hope the kid is smart  and can get a good job, otherwise he might give up on life. Wish him well.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Football isn't for everyone, and neither is high level sport. It is cut throat competitive and the demands are rigorous. It is not the type of thing one does if their heart isn't fully invested, or that they do not have the desire. There are many footy players on club lists who are going through the motions and just doing what is required. There has to be a 'will' to want to do it, and 'want' to succeed at doing it. In the end Balic neither had the 'will' to play on or the 'want' to succeed. Perhaps his heart was not in it. There is no disgrace in that. High level sport isn't for everyone. If it were easy we'd all be doing it. Good luck to Balic.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, don't make me angry said:

Wow AFL a grind the kid does not know what a grind is, a grind is working for $18.55 an hour and the boss complaining he is over paying you. I hope the kid is smart  and can get a good job, otherwise he might give up on life. Wish him well.

I get where you're coming from, but I reckon there are some unique pressures involved with working - yes, it's a job - as an elite athlete and that not everyone can hack it. It's a job, and one you're doing 24/7 until you're thrown on the scrapheap or retire - pretty different to working a low-responsibility 9-5 gig. I understand there are obviously still pressures that come with 'typical' jobs, and especially if you're struggling to make ends meet, but as Jaded pointed out he's just 21. Easy to forget how young a lot of footballers are.

A shame for Balic that it didn't work out, but he gave it a second crack and can now move on with his life. If he's been struggling with the decision for a while - and I imagine he has - then hopefully this is a weight off his shoulders. I'm sure a few of the armchair supporters who reckon they'd sell a kidney to play AFL would be surprised to find it's not as enjoyable as they expected.

As for the Club, we took a punt with pick 65 and I'm comfortable with that. It doesn't always work out, so now we move on to the next prospect. Might help one of the guys who are on our list and borderline; otherwise a new recruit will get his chance.

Edited by Rogue
  • 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 265

    PODCAST: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 25th March @ 8:30pm. Join George, Binman & I as we analyse the Demons victory at the MCG against the Hawks in the Round 02. You questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show. If you would like to leave us a voicemail please call 03 9016 3666 and don't worry no body answers so you don't have to talk to a human. Listen & Chat

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 46

    VOTES: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    Last week Steven May took the lead in the Demonland Player of the Year Award from Jack Viney. Clayton Oliver & Max Gawn round out the Top 4. Your votes for the win/loss against/to the Hawks. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 50

    POSTGAME: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demons cruised to an easy 55 point win over the Hawks at the MCG but but paid a heavy toll on the injury front with Steven May & Jake Lever possibly sidelined for a number of weeks.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 357

    GAMEDAY: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    It's Game Day and after mixed results in the first two weeks of the season the Demons have the opportunity to capitalise on their good form last week when they take on the Hawks at the MCG today.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 437
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

  • Podcast 

  • Podcast 

  • Podcast Stream 


    Open Stream in
    New Window
        TuneIn    Opens in New Tab
  • Support Demonland  



  • 2021 Premiership  

  • Social Media 

  • Non MFC Games  

    NON-MFC: Round 03

    Discussion of all the other games that don't involve the Demons in Round 03 ... READ MORE

    Demonland | Round 03

  • Match Preview      

    DEPTH CHARGE by Whispering Jack

    The jubilation on the coach’s face as he danced a celebratory jig by the playing bench after the final siren sounded to record his team’s four-point victory over the Demons when the teams last met, said it all ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 27

  • Latest Podcast      

    PODCAST: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The boys dissected the clinical thrashing of Hawks praising the immense performance of Christian Petracca whilst lamenting the injury toll to our defensive unit ... LISTEN

    Demonland | March 26

  • Training  

    Monday, 25th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Demon Dynasty & Kev Martin were trackside at Gosch's Paddock today to bring you their observations from training ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 25

  • Casey Report      

    HIBERNATING by KC from Casey

    When they locked up the rooms for summer at the end of last year’s football season, the rooms gathered cobwebs, the atmosphere became dense and the place developed a sleepy feel. They opened up the rooms to let Casey out to play on Sunday but the team was still hibernating and they missed the bulk of the opening quarter ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 25

  • PreGame      

    PREGAME: Rd 03 vs Port Adelaide

    The Demons head out on the road for the next 2 weeks as they travel to Adelaide to play Port on Saturday and then have a 5 Day break before facing the Crows in Gather Round. With injuries to May and Lever who comes in and who goes out? ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 28

  • Match Report      

    A FORK IN THE HAWK by George on the Outer

    For too long in the past, Demon fans became habitually sick and tired of watching the Hawks hand out thrashings to their side. But Melbourne’s empahtic 55-point win at the MCG on Saturday has truly put a fork in the Hawk and turned that history well and truly on its head ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Post Game      

    POSTGAME: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demons cruised to an easy 55 point win over the Hawks at the MCG but but paid a heavy toll on the injury front with Steven May & Jake Lever possibly sidelined for a number of weeks ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Votes      

    VOTES: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    Last week Steven May took the lead in the Demonland Player of the Year Award from Jack Viney. Clayton Oliver & Max Gawn round out the Top 4. Your votes for the win/loss against/to the Hawks. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Game Day      

    GAMEDAY: Round 02 vs Hawthorn

    It's Game Day and after mixed results in the first two weeks of the season the Demons have the opportunity to capitalise on their good form last week when they take on the Hawks at the MCG today ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Training  

    Friday, 22nd March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatcher Kev Martin and I attended the Captain's Run at Gosch's Paddock on this lovely sunny morning to bring you the following observations from the training session ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 22

  • Training  

    Tuesday, 19th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin & Walking Civil War attended Tuesday morning's training session at Gosch's Paddock to bring you the following observations ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 19

  • Training  

    Saturday, 16th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin and Dee Zephyr wandered down to Gosch's Paddock on Saturday morning to bring you their observations from the Captain's Run in the lead up to Sunday's Round One match against the Bulldogs ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 16

  • Farewell  

    Angus Brayshaw Retires

    After 167 games including the drought breaking Premiership Angus Brayshaw has made the heart breaking decision to medically retire from football as a result of a series of serious head knocks over his nearly decade of footy. We wish Gus all the best and he'll always be a hero at Demonland ... READ MORE

    Demonland | February 22

  • Latest Podcast  

    PODCAST: Koltyn Tholstrup Interview

    I interview the Melbourne Football Club’s newest recruit Koltyn Tholstrup to have a chat about his journey from the farm to the Demons, his first few weeks of preseason training, which Dees have impressed him on the track and his aspirations of playing Round 1 ... LISTEN

    Demonland | December 14

  • Latest Podcast  

    PODCAST: Jason Taylor Interview

    I interview the Melbourne Football Club's National Recruitment Manager Jason Taylor to have a chat about our Trade and Draft period, our newest recruits, our recent recruits who have yet to debut as well as those father son prospects on the horizon ... LISTEN

    Demonland | November 27

  • Next Match 

    .

    Round 03

       vs   

    Saturday 30th March 2024
    @ 07:30pm (AO)

  • MFC Forum  

  • Match Previews & Reports  

  • Training Forum  

  • AFLW Forum  

  • 2024 Player Sponsorship

  • Topics

  • Injury List  


      PLAYER INJURY LENGTH
    Jake Lever Knee Test
    Clayton Oliver Hand Test
    Oliver Sestan Concussion Test
    Steven May Ribs 1 Week
    Lachie Hunter Calf 1 Week
    Daniel Turner Hip 2-3 Weeks
    Charlie Spargo Achilles 2-4 Weeks
    Shane McAdam Hamstring 3-5 Weeks
    Jake Bowey Shoulder 7 Weeks
    Jake Melksham ACL 12-14 Weeks
    Joel Smith Suspension TBA

  • Player of the Year  


        PLAYER VOTES
    1 Christian Petracca 27
    2 Steven May 25
    3 Max Gawn 21
    4 Jack Viney 20
    5 Bayley Fritsch 19
    6 Clayton Oliver 18
    7 Christian Salem 12
    8 Blake Howes 11
    9 Jack Billings 10
    9 Alex Neal-Bullen 10

        FULL TABLE
  • Demonland Interviews 



  • Upcoming Events 

×
×
  • Create New...