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.


Lyon's Plea to Petracca: Be Like Max


Demonland

Recommended Posts

1 hour ago, Demonland said:

Speaking about his goal kicking I think Trac seemed to lose confidence in front of goal. He seemed to always look to give it off when in range.

It's interesting this. I think his set shot kickin suffered after the blow torch was put on him that selfish piece of play in the middle part of the 2018 season. His game (in many ways) got better as the season went on, but his kicking for goal certainly never really seemed to recover after that period.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, durango said:

I watch Garry Lyon train in the old days and he never pushed himself either so he knows what a waste of talent is when you think you can just turn up and perform

One of the great athletes of all time Carl Lewis used to have a saying 'when you are number 1 you have to train like number 2' also Jesse Owens had a saying 'that people say I am lucky but the harder I train the luckier I get' the saying's are basically true but lazy sportsmen blame other things for their failure to get to the top of the heap.

Carl Lewis got busted for banned stimulants and his country hid it so he could compete in the Olympics,  Lewis was a fraud

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, A F said:

I agree with the view that Petracca's 2018 is underrated by some Demonland posters. The comparisons with De Goey are always going to be there, but what people don't realise is due to Petracca's injury, he's played a season less than De Goey. I expect and hope year 4 (of game time) will see a step up, because we really do need him to fire in the forward half and in stints through the midfield.

He is a pick 2 so the pressure to perform is rightly placed, given our investment in him. Some of his goal assists in the 2018 finals series were absolute gold though.

Exactly.  And if Garry wants to be true to the 'be like Gawn' comparison - he had two knee reco's and took a good half a dozen seasons to reach his full potential.

...don't really wish that on Trac.

4 hours ago, Demonland said:

Speaking about his goal kicking I think Trac seemed to lose confidence in front of goal. He seemed to always look to give it off when in range.

I'm not so sure that this was as much about loosing confidence as it was about playing to team rules/system.  Whilst he certainly didn't kick many/any big bags, I think Trac certainly used the ball well inside 50 to give it off to team mates in better positions.  This is typical of the play of many of our other top forwards like ANB, Melksham and even guys like Tommy regularly give off to the higher percentage option than go for the  kickable but lower percentage goal themselves.

 

 

A lot of perceptions around this call Garry has made and others hint at, so I'll add some of my own.  He's certainly an extraverted, confident character Trac, but I also sence a ultra compeditiveness that wouldn't be satisfied with being an average player in a good side, so I don't have too many concerns that he wouldn't be seeking advice from all his relevant peers, coaches and fitness staff and pushing himself to become the champion he believes he can be in his own mind.

The other thought that comes into my mind is a quote from Paul Roos or someone that after players are drafted, the number they are picked at becomes irrelevant.  Whilst we all want Trac to become an absolute champion of the game that would somehow justify that pick 2 selection, I'd be quite happy for the rookie Harms to become the champion player like Sam Mitchell was for the Hawks, whilst Trac is just plays a solid team role in the next MFC premiership team.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The amount of work Trac put in leading up to and during his draft year was huge. It wasn't a case of I'll get by on my natural talent. He reinvented himself, but now just finding out there are some who are just endurance freaks playing at the highest level 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Everybody should be replicating Gawn's fitness regime he's close to the best player in the AFL.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Petracca is a natural ball-sport player: basketball, footy etc... come easy to him because his instincts and reactions are amazing. He has all the skills, great vision, incredible eye-hand co-ordination. His goal kicking is probably a mental thing and when he gets it right, look out. I also think he has trained very hard since being at the Dees. I remember the photos from his first training sessions when he realised how far he had to go to work alongside Nathan Jones and Bernie Vince. 

Like Max, I don't reckon he has to work harder, he has to work smarter, and change the way he trains. Less gym, more longer distance running, rowing, boxing. 

I have to admit to being a fan, and his 2018 season was very, very good. His influence and goal assists were breathtaking at times. Even if he doesn't improve any further he is a wonderful footballer and I love what he brings. However, with his skills and smarts he could become anything. If he can train smarter, change his body shape slightly, run more, then the sky is the limit.

  • Like 3
  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


14 hours ago, DavidNeitz9 said:

Carl Lewis got busted for banned stimulants and his country hid it so he could compete in the Olympics,  Lewis was a fraud

Lewis defended himself in 2003, claiming that he had accidentally consumed the banned substances for the 1988 Olympics. After the supplements that he had taken were analyzed to prove his claims, the USOC accepted his claim of inadvertent use, since a dietary supplement he ingested was found to contain "Ma huang", the Chinese name for ephedrine is known to help weight loss.

The highest level of the stimulants Lewis recorded was 6 ppm, which was regarded as a positive test in 1988 but is now regarded as negative test.

His sayings are always true even if you believe he took drugs to enhance 1988 performances at the the US Olympic trials not at the Olympics. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 hours ago, Rodney (Balls) Grinter said:

...

I'm not so sure that this was as much about loosing confidence as it was about playing to team rules/system.  Whilst he certainly didn't kick many/any big bags, I think Trac certainly used the ball well inside 50 to give it off to team mates in better positions.  This is typical of the play of many of our other top forwards like ANB, Melksham and even guys like Tommy regularly give off to the higher percentage option than go for the  kickable but lower percentage goal themselves.

...

Don't paint it any other way, his poor goal kicking was clearly a confidence thing.  He got to the stage where he didn't want to take a shot because he felt he would miss.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 hours ago, Baghdad Bob said:

Maybe it's just me but I think Petracca's  2018 season was very underrated by DL posters.  I'd rate his season as good as he averaged 20 possessions a game playing predominately half forward.  He had over 40 shots at goal but was inaccurate compared to his previous year but all his major stats were up.

He came with a lot of expectation and I understand some are disappointed he isn't yet a superstar but it's only his fourth season in the AFL with his first ruined by injury.  What I find more disappointing is people questioning his attitude when the reality is I doubt many know and are just guessing.  Questioning someone's attitude by guessing is poor form.

As for Lyon's view - I couldn't care less. 

 

 

Totally agree. I think when talent isn’t fulfilled many just trot out the ‘not training hard enough’ despite little evidence from training he isn’t going 100%

 

Watching every game closely I see a talent who gets elite numbers for a half forward (you can back him in for 20 possies), a player with little confidence when shooting for goal and a player without the tank to play as an on baller.

 

He doesn’t quite have that acceleration I heard about as a junior either.

 

I think like Ablett he will have that breakout year when he simply gets more of the ball, not being more exciting.

 

Even if he just gets his kicking confidence up (e.g Hawks finals was sublime at times) he will be better than Robbie Gray. But will he ever become an on baller? Hmmm there are comparisons to Martin but he was doing major midfield minutes at the same stage. Perhaps he just wont have the tank.I’d like to see him play wing more and have more ability to run and carry.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, The Chazz said:

Don't paint it any other way, his poor goal kicking was clearly a confidence thing.  He got to the stage where he didn't want to take a shot because he felt he would miss.

I know that he can kick a good goal on his day, but Trac has never given me the impression of being a confident or reliable goal kicker since he arrived at the club.  He might have gone through a period here or there (2017 I recall he was fairly decient in patches), but that's about it.  Based on that, I think it's entirely appropriate that he plays more within his capability and the teams game plan of finding players in better positions to kick goals inside 50.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 minutes ago, Rodney (Balls) Grinter said:

I know that he can kick a good goal on his day, but Trac has never given me the impression of being a confident or reliable goal kicker since he arrived at the club.  He might have gone through a period here or there (2017 I recall he was fairly decient in patches), but that's about it.  Based on that, I think it's entirely appropriate that he plays more within his capability and the teams game plan of finding players in better positions to kick goals inside 50.

Take a look at his 2017 goals...

Compare them to many of his goals from this year, where he was often looking to dish off, or played on to kick around his body.

Also, in 2017 he kicked 26 goals, 6 behinds.  In 2018 he kicked 19 goals, 23 behinds.

It's confidence.

  • Like 3
  • Thanks 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Trac doesn't seem to have an attitude problem.

He clearly loves the club and is hungry for success.

He does go missing too often though - I suspect it's absolutely confidence-related/mental etc.

Anyone know what his GPS stats are (on average) per game? He could probably work on his aerobic capacity a bit.

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Maxie is Maxie, Tracca is Tracca and Garry is just an opinion these days. I am unaware of any real evidence that Tracca is not trying 100%. Just because he looks less urgent doesn't mean he is.

Apart from 42 shots at goals in 2018 does anyone know how many he dished off eg. Jones goal early in the last quarter against cats, pass to TMac near goal square in one of the finals? Quick possessions, good decision making and makes a great contribution.

Let him play his game, not ours.

2020 (magic in numbers - 1+9+6+4 = 20)

Go dees

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


On 11/8/2018 at 2:58 PM, Baghdad Bob said:

Maybe it's just me but I think Petracca's  2018 season was very underrated by DL posters.  I'd rate his season as good as he averaged 20 possessions a game playing predominately half forward.  He had over 40 shots at goal but was inaccurate compared to his previous year but all his major stats were up.

He came with a lot of expectation and I understand some are disappointed he isn't yet a superstar but it's only his fourth season in the AFL with his first ruined by injury.  What I find more disappointing is people questioning his attitude when the reality is I doubt many know and are just guessing.  Questioning someone's attitude by guessing is poor form.

As for Lyon's view - I couldn't care less. 

 

Petracca butchers the ball far too often for a talented young player. Also putting teammates under the pump with poorly executed disposals.

Wasted opportunities, that can be improved on, from a much better fitness base, and better focus and application.

He still plays and thinks like a boy, instead of a young man going places...  boys just like to have fun,,, don't they ?

 

.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 hours ago, Smokey said:

Great idea. Come back early after knee surgery, what could go wrong? 

Nice one Gary ... 

Swimming, Gym work, upper body work, boxing and rowing.

All he apparently had, was a clean-out of his knee... which knee I'm not so sure.  There is plenty he can do early, before he hits the running track.  Alter g treadmill. etc.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, Ron Burgundy said:

Trac doesn't seem to have an attitude problem.

He clearly loves the club and is hungry for success.

He does go missing too often though - I suspect it's absolutely confidence-related/mental etc.

Anyone know what his GPS stats are (on average) per game? He could probably work on his aerobic capacity a bit.

 

Elite fitness absolutely helps these areas.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, DV8 said:

Swimming, Gym work, upper body work, boxing and rowing.

All he apparently had, was a clean-out of his knee... which knee I'm not so sure.  There is plenty he can do early, before he hits the running track.  Alter g treadmill. etc.

For sure, I understand what Gary’s getting at. I’d like to see trac lose some weight for sure. Rather he train with stretch than many tho 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i'm probably one of the most critical posters on demonland (just go to the hogan and watts threads) but even though petracca had a down season i'm not too worried about him. He shouldn't be compared to degoey (probably the best young player forward of centre in the game) but instead to mccartin who went at pick 1. So i'm fine with petracca when i see where petracca is at.

He has 2 choices. He either improves his endurance so he can play midfield or he improves his goal kicking and plays forward. At this stage i like him half forward 1.5 kicks away from goal as at this stage he is too much of a liability kicking for goal.  Ive noticed when he is snapping for goal that he kicks the ball higher than he needs to and allows for it to work back far too much. if he just aimed for the middle and kicked it lower he'd fix that problem entirely. i hope the forwards coach reads this message!

Edited by Dr.D
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Smokey said:

For sure, I understand what Gary’s getting at. I’d like to see trac lose some weight for sure. Rather he train with stretch than many tho 

IMV... he's still playing like an amateur... with amateur style thinking.  Because, I think, of his huge natural gifts, which he was born with.

I want to see what it is he has built onto his body, and his game, by his own mental efforts...  onto his base, of his natural conception gifts.

 

He still carries too much puppy fat...condition, on his frame.    He is nowhere near, 'cut' enough.

.

Edited by DV8
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    DEPTH CHARGE by Whispering Jack

    The jubilation on the coach’s face as he danced a celebratory jig by the playing bench after the final siren sounded to record his team’s four-point victory over the Demons when the teams last met, said it all.    On that rainy Friday night at the Adelaide Oval, Ken Hinkley’s young midfield secured much more than four points on offer. The victory over one of the big dogs of the competition after a succession of wins over some of its lesser lights gave his team respect and validation fo

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    TRAINING: Monday 25th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Demon Dynasty & Kev Martin were trackside at Gosch's Paddock today to bring you their observations from training. DEMON DYNASTY'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Kade Chandler's left knee heavily strapped. BBB, Spargs & Jake Lever also in rehab group. Jake Bowey solo running separate kicking/sprint/agility drills. Super fine morning / early arvo at Gosch's for the boys to blow out some cobwebs. Choco initially had the light duties / rehab group

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    HIBERNATING by KC from Casey

    When they locked up the rooms for summer at the end of last year’s football season, the rooms gathered cobwebs, the atmosphere became dense and the place developed a sleepy feel. They opened up the rooms to let Casey out to play on Sunday but the team was still hibernating and they missed the bulk of the opening quarter. By the time they worked out it was game on, their opponents from Box Hill had accumulated five goals and, if the game wasn’t over, it might as well have been. For a se

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Casey Articles

    A FORK IN THE HAWK by George on the Outer

    For too long in the past, Demon fans became habitually sick and tired of watching the Hawks hand out thrashings to their side. But Melbourne’s empahtic 55-point win at the MCG on Saturday has truly put a fork in the Hawk and turned that history well and truly on its head. The Demons have now won nine of their last ten encounters with the other result, a draw.     And like a fork, it was the multi-pronged options that Melbourne had all across the ground.  It certainly helped that Hawthorn

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Reports 8

    PREGAME: Rd 03 vs Port Adelaide

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

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 262

    PODCAST: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

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

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 46

    VOTES: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

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

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 50

    POSTGAME: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

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

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 357

    GAMEDAY: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

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

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 437
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

  • Podcast 

  • Podcast 

  • Podcast Stream 


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



  • 2021 Premiership  

  • Social Media 

  • Non MFC Games  

    NON-MFC: Round 03

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

    Demonland | Round 03

  • Match Preview      

    DEPTH CHARGE by Whispering Jack

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

    Demonland | March 27

  • Latest Podcast      

    PODCAST: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

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

    Demonland | March 26

  • Training  

    Monday, 25th March 2024

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

    Demonland | March 25

  • Casey Report      

    HIBERNATING by KC from Casey

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

    Demonland | March 25

  • PreGame      

    PREGAME: Rd 03 vs Port Adelaide

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

    Demonland | March 28

  • Match Report      

    A FORK IN THE HAWK by George on the Outer

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

    Demonland | March 23

  • Post Game      

    POSTGAME: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

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

    Demonland | March 23

  • Votes      

    VOTES: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

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

    Demonland | March 23

  • Game Day      

    GAMEDAY: Round 02 vs Hawthorn

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

    Demonland | March 23

  • Training  

    Friday, 22nd March 2024

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

    Demonland | March 22

  • Training  

    Tuesday, 19th March 2024

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

    Demonland | March 19

  • Training  

    Saturday, 16th March 2024

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

    Demonland | March 16

  • Farewell  

    Angus Brayshaw Retires

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

    Demonland | February 22

  • Latest Podcast  

    PODCAST: Koltyn Tholstrup Interview

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

    Demonland | December 14

  • Latest Podcast  

    PODCAST: Jason Taylor Interview

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

    Demonland | November 27

  • Next Match 

    .

    Round 03

       vs   

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

  • MFC Forum  

  • Match Previews & Reports  

  • Training Forum  

  • AFLW Forum  

  • 2024 Player Sponsorship

  • Topics

  • Injury List  


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

  • Player of the Year  


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

        FULL TABLE
  • Demonland Interviews 



  • Upcoming Events 

×
×
  • Create New...