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.


Anyone for cricket?


Whispering_Jack

Recommended Posts

Brisbane 11:

Warner

Rogers

????

Smith

????

????

Haddin

Johnson

Harris (hopefully)

Starc

Lyon

I guess we will go with Mitch Marsh and Watson. Neither inspire me with confidence. Anyone got a good idea for a top order batsman?

Watto/Rogers to open, Warner at first drop, Smith at 4,

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I haven't posted on this thread for awhile for some unknown reason:

But for the first test, assuming Haddin & Harris are fit to play and Clarke is unfit I'd be going with:

C. Rogers

D. Warner

S. Watson

S. Smith

P. Handscomb

M. Marsh

+B. Haddin*

M. Johnson

R. Harris

N. Lyon

J. Hazlewood

12th Man: P. Siddle

Firstly I'd certainly keep Rogers in place of Hughes. Rogers had a shocking 2nd test v Pakistan but was solid in the first. I'd expect the plan with Rogers is for him to play until the end of the Ashes series next year given his knowledge of English conditions. There for I'd expect he'd be given the first two tests v India to score some runs.

Watson to bat at three, as he's the best option we have for that spot at the moment, and I'd also move Smith up to 4 and make him vice captain. Give him some good responsibility without throwing him to the wolves as captain just yet.

Haddin to be given the captaincy gig as he's the obvious choice, especially as it's only going to be on a short term basis and Lyon for mine holds his spot just from a quiet challenge from Fawad Ahmed who's taken 14 wickets @ 27 in 3 Shield Matches so far. Lyon bowls at his best in our conditions, but please lets not take him on a tour of an asian nation again!

But as for my two biggest inclusions. I'd favour Josh Hazlewood over Peter Siddle who unfortunatly I think is cooked. He seems to have become ineffective in test cricket, and with Hazlewood's extra pace and bounce, I think he'll compliment Johnson & Harris nicely. Given we also have the medium pace of Watson & Marsh to call on, I think the stock bowler of Siddle is less necessary then what it once was.

And finally, the man to replace Michael Clarke, I've gone with a left field choice of young Victorian Peter Handscomb. Reasons being that after 3 Shield rounds he's the leading run scorer with 348 runs @ 116.00, 24 more runs then equal second place Joe Burns & Callum Ferguson, despite the fact Handscomb has batted two less innings then both. With two centuries and a 50 in 4 innings, Handscomb is well and truly in form and at only 23 years of age he's a true batting talent that we haven't seen a lot of recently. He's capable of openning the batting and batting in the middle order, as you'll see from his first class matches over the years. He's a good fieldsman who can also keep wicket, and despite the fact that his career average so far is only 35.73, Michael Clarke made his test debut with a similar average due to his huge potential, and we've seen how his star rose. Otherwise our other options suck as Ferguson, Doolan, S. Marsh & Khawaja with all similar first class averages, hwoever all in the mid 20's to 30 and scope for improvement not as great.

I don't think Handscomb will be picked, they'll likely go with Ferguson, but I think this is a real opportunity for the selectors to be bold and pick a young player on the way up at just the right time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Like your thinking there TD

If Clarke is out I'd find room for Watson as we'll need his experience ... anyway, Lehmann has indicated that Watson and Mitch Marsh could both play and the selectors might decide to persevere with Doolan or give Hughes another shot at it.

I tend to think they'll bring in a new player ... Handscomb, Burns, Maddinson and Ferguson all have claims but it might even be someone else. Khawaja & S Marsh could be in the mix as you indicated.

Smith could bat at no.4 and I believe he could even bat at no.3 in the future - he's improving as each year goes by. Watson would be better suited down the order so he could take Smith's spot at no.5.

Which leads us back to the no.3 spot - it's Doolan or Hughes or a new player in my opinion. Burns made 183 at the Gabba last weekend so he'd be my 'smoky'

As for the bowling, only Johnson & Harris (if fit) are assured of spots although I reckon Lyon will probably play ... the 3rd seamer could come from Siddle, Starc or Hazlewood.

Apparently the team is going to be announced on Monday.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I haven't posted on this thread for awhile for some unknown reason:

But for the first test, assuming Haddin & Harris are fit to play and Clarke is unfit I'd be going with:

C. Rogers

D. Warner

S. Watson

S. Smith

P. Handscomb

M. Marsh

+B. Haddin*

M. Johnson

R. Harris

N. Lyon

J. Hazlewood

12th Man: P. Siddle

Firstly I'd certainly keep Rogers in place of Hughes. Rogers had a shocking 2nd test v Pakistan but was solid in the first. I'd expect the plan with Rogers is for him to play until the end of the Ashes series next year given his knowledge of English conditions. There for I'd expect he'd be given the first two tests v India to score some runs.

Watson to bat at three, as he's the best option we have for that spot at the moment, and I'd also move Smith up to 4 and make him vice captain. Give him some good responsibility without throwing him to the wolves as captain just yet.

Haddin to be given the captaincy gig as he's the obvious choice, especially as it's only going to be on a short term basis and Lyon for mine holds his spot just from a quiet challenge from Fawad Ahmed who's taken 14 wickets @ 27 in 3 Shield Matches so far. Lyon bowls at his best in our conditions, but please lets not take him on a tour of an asian nation again!

But as for my two biggest inclusions. I'd favour Josh Hazlewood over Peter Siddle who unfortunatly I think is cooked. He seems to have become ineffective in test cricket, and with Hazlewood's extra pace and bounce, I think he'll compliment Johnson & Harris nicely. Given we also have the medium pace of Watson & Marsh to call on, I think the stock bowler of Siddle is less necessary then what it once was.

And finally, the man to replace Michael Clarke, I've gone with a left field choice of young Victorian Peter Handscomb. Reasons being that after 3 Shield rounds he's the leading run scorer with 348 runs @ 116.00, 24 more runs then equal second place Joe Burns & Callum Ferguson, despite the fact Handscomb has batted two less innings then both. With two centuries and a 50 in 4 innings, Handscomb is well and truly in form and at only 23 years of age he's a true batting talent that we haven't seen a lot of recently. He's capable of openning the batting and batting in the middle order, as you'll see from his first class matches over the years. He's a good fieldsman who can also keep wicket, and despite the fact that his career average so far is only 35.73, Michael Clarke made his test debut with a similar average due to his huge potential, and we've seen how his star rose. Otherwise our other options suck as Ferguson, Doolan, S. Marsh & Khawaja with all similar first class averages, hwoever all in the mid 20's to 30 and scope for improvement not as great.

I don't think Handscomb will be picked, they'll likely go with Ferguson, but I think this is a real opportunity for the selectors to be bold and pick a young player on the way up at just the right time.

Really sad when we say Watson the best option at 3.{but its heading that way]

Cant believe Hughes name keeps getting mentioned when Doolan has at least shown more grit and fighting quality over his wicket than Hughes.

Like the way you throw in a bogdy like Handscomb.{at least your thinking laterally something the selectors dont}

Lyon{whom i think bowls nude nuts}has fought his way into the team for his performance against the odds in india and the failed AAAO affair.And earnt his stripes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Really sad when we say Watson the best option at 3.{but its heading that way]

Cant believe Hughes name keeps getting mentioned when Doolan has at least shown more grit and fighting quality over his wicket than Hughes.

Like the way you throw in a bogdy like Handscomb.{at least your thinking laterally something the selectors dont}

Lyon{whom i think bowls nude nuts}has fought his way into the team for his performance against the odds in india and the failed AAAO affair.And earnt his stripes.

Like it or not Watson is the best option at three and is likely to be for some time if you care to consider technique and stroke making.

Biggest obstacle is fitness and has been for some years.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Test squad

Michael Clarke* ©

Brad Haddin (vc)

Ryan Harris

Josh Hazlewood

Mitchell Johnson

Nathan Lyon

Mitchell Marsh

Chris Rogers

Peter Siddle

Steve Smith

David Warner

Shane Watson

*A replacement batsman hasn't been named as yet (if Clarke is unavailable) Apparently the selectors want to look at the next round of Shield games (starting tomorrow)

Two days until Clarke fitness decision

Rod Marsh, the chairman of selectors, said the uncapped Hazlewood had been in excellent form in the recent ODI series against South Africa and had earned his call-up.

"Josh is a young player of great talent and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity," Marsh said. "He has impressed in the recent one-day series and we are excited to see what he can produce if given the opportunity in Brisbane.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Test squad

Michael Clarke* ©

Brad Haddin (vc)

Ryan Harris

Josh Hazlewood

Mitchell Johnson

Nathan Lyon

Mitchell Marsh

Chris Rogers

Peter Siddle

Steve Smith

David Warner

Shane Watson

*A replacement batsman hasn't been named as yet (if Clarke is unavailable) Apparently the selectors want to look at the next round of Shield games (starting tomorrow)

Two days until Clarke fitness decision

I'd say Hazlewood is as good as home to make his debut. I'd say the only chance Siddle has of making the XI is if Rhino doesn't quite get up if he's sore after his comeback Shield games.

I'm suprised they haven't named a replacement for Clarke already, I'd be amazed if he's fit to play the 1st Test.

I just pray if not Shaun Marsh or Phil Hughes. Hughes should only come back in once Rogers time has gone and Marsh just isn't good enough. His first class average (for someone who's 30) suggests as much. I'd rather as I said early, see Peter Handscomb given a go, or failing that Joe Burns or worst case scenario one of Callum Ferguson or Adam Voges given the chance to see how they go at the next level.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I'd say Hazlewood is as good as home to make his debut. I'd say the only chance Siddle has of making the XI is if Rhino doesn't quite get up if he's sore after his comeback Shield games.

I'm suprised they haven't named a replacement for Clarke already, I'd be amazed if he's fit to play the 1st Test.

I just pray if not Shaun Marsh or Phil Hughes. Hughes should only come back in once Rogers time has gone and Marsh just isn't good enough. His first class average (for someone who's 30) suggests as much. I'd rather as I said early, see Peter Handscomb given a go, or failing that Joe Burns or worst case scenario one of Callum Ferguson or Adam Voges given the chance to see how they go at the next level.

The conclusion I've come to is that either there are a number of players in the running or they need someone to put their hand up big time ... wouldn't hurt for any of the batsmen to make a big hundred in any of the 3 shield matches (starting tomorrow)

At least they all know where they stand ... get the job done and you might just get picked for your country. I've warmed to the idea on this occasion.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The conclusion I've come to is that either there are a number of players in the running or they need someone to put their hand up big time ... wouldn't hurt for any of the batsmen to make a big hundred in any of the 3 shield matches (starting tomorrow)

At least they all know where they stand ... get the job done and you might just get picked for your country. I've warmed to the idea on this occasion.

Hughes and Ferguson both have a real chance to press for a place with a big innings against a very good NSW attack.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hughes and Ferguson both have a real chance to press for a place with a big innings against a very good NSW attack.

Well that's a bit awkward.

All thoughts are with Hughesy. Really hope he can pull through. Clarke's fitness battle with the selectors and who will be in our top 6 batsmen is much less important now

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well that's a bit awkward.

All thoughts are with Hughesy. Really hope he can pull through. Clarke's fitness battle with the selectors and who will be in our top 6 batsmen is much less important now

Shame as he was on the way to a very good ton.

Cricket is the least of Phil's worries at present, all we can do is wish him well.

I was following the game on cricinfo.com and to be honest felt sick in the guts as the drama unfolded.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wishing Phillip a full and speedy recovery ... my thoughts and prayers are for him and his family.

Just like you Smithy, I felt quite ill when hearing the news.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not looking good.

Still find it hard to believe it's happening - who would have thought you could leave to play cricket one day and not come home ?

His poor family and friends must be beside themselves.

:(

Alan Jones reports this afternoon that Phil has damaged an artery and is breathing only with assistance.

More serious than most of us thought.

Not good.

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...