Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted
It's easy to overlook a ruckman when considering midfielders but Jimmy was a brilliant ruck rover with massive endurance. He rucked unassisted for almost 10 years and picked up heaps of possession and kicked quite a few goals.

He's my number one followed by Viney at 2 and Stinga at 3 (what a shame we didn't see more of him).

Thats a good call , big Jimma was as mobile as many smaller players

  • Replies 52
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Posted

None.

Stinga could have got to a elite level.

Viney had the desire and heart (like Kirk of Sydney)

Woey was good but once tagged was very average

the rest were decent or workmanlike.

Posted

1. Viney - underated, but a genuine star!

2. Yze - May have been an outside mid, but in his prime, was an elite kick, and very dangerous player

3. McDonald - true warrior of the club, and has given his all for the MFC

All terrific players, but is it any wonder supporters are screaming for a Scully at the club!

Posted

3. Woewodin - 138 games, 00 brownlow, very good in 98, 99 & 02 also. We wont mention 01.

2. Tingay - crippled by injuries otherwise would have been even better.

1. Viney - great tough player whom we still miss today.

Posted
2. Tingay - crippled by injuries otherwise would have been even better.

3. Tingay - agree with TDs comment if he and the OX had not had injuries I may have seen a premiership cup by now.

2. Viney

1. Grimes (just pre-empting greatness)

Posted

This is a great topic! Before Flower retired, Gerard Healy played a couple of great seasons as ruck-rover (1984 beat Peter Moore for the B&F in the year he won the Brownlow, and then had another great year in 1985 when he probably should have won the B& F but then went to the Swans). Prior to that he had been a forward. Brian Wilson was a top player, although injury prone and individualistic. Sharp around goals, he was quality. Our Northey coached teams had really workmanlike midfields - guys like Bret Bailey, Dean Chiron,Greg Healy, Graeme Yeats on a wing, Stretch (who was a classy player but much maligned for jumping out of Dipper's way in the 88 GF). Alan Johnson originally played midfield (wing/on-ball) and won a B&F in that position before later in his career moving to defence and winning another B&F. After Flower, I thought Andrew Obst was a whole hearted player and I really rated Leoncelli and Powell but for me, the best three on ballers since Flower have been Tingay, Viney and Glenn Lovett. Tingay had a brilliant 1994 - the reason why he was so heavily courted by Fremantle. His 98 season was also exceptional. No coincidence we made prelim finals in both of those years. Viney was a great workhorse and became a very good AFL player and Glenn Lovett had a really sharp footy brain and was cruelled by injury.


Posted

Reading this topic makes me want to jump into a bathtub with a toaster :(

Mind you, it could be worse, we could be talking about our best defenders!

Posted

This is the main problem at the MFC. Midfield is where games are won and lost, and we havent had a star midfielder in decades. We are probably the only team not to have had one! It highlights that we NEED to get Scully.

My top 3:

1. Tingay - Could've been a star, but injuries robbed us of that. I was young, but I still remember the long blond hair and my dad raving about him and how hard he worked.

2. Travis Johnstone - I'm a TJ fan. I know this site mostly just criticize him, but in my adult life watching footy, he has probably been the most talented Melb player I've seen. If his head was right, he'd have won a Brownlow and been considered one of the players of the decade. Unfortunately he was inconsistent, and it is telling that a player who amounted to what is widely regarded as a disappointing career at Melbourne can still comfortably be seen as one of our best.

3. Viney - tough as [censored]. He gave his all and was a great leader. I remember people just bouncing off him and those chunky arms firing off handballs out of packs. Hope his son is just as good in a few years ;)

Honourable mentions to:

Yze - great outside mid for us for a long period of time. Most just knock him due to his later years, but he was an AA wingman and deservedly so. His rebounding and kicking skills were fantastic, and he was also a goal kicking mid.

Woewodin - Our only Brownlow winning midfielder of the last 20 years cant be left off the list. He played a few really good years for us, and then just faded away really quickly. He probably holds the record on here for most threads also :P

Posted (edited)
Todd Viney was no slouch, once he got over his hammy problems..GET HIM BACK AS A COACH. Look how much the Froot Loops have improved this year & Hawthorn have Fallen. Get Viney Back....

I agree! Viney was extremely popular with the playing group at Melbourne and IMHO was our best midfielder in recent decades (then Tingay and Obst).

I well remember during one of those Sunday football shows, Sam Kekovich saying that pound for pound Tod Viney was the best player in the AFL.

And I remember no one disagreeing with him.

The combination of Viney and Jeff White in 1998 was magic.

Viney and Stynes were (I think) good mates - Get him back Jimmy, get him back!!!!!

Edited by discworld demon
Posted
The combination of Viney and Geoff White in 1998 was magic.

Great ruckman was our Geoff!

1) Tingay

2) Viney

3) G Lovett (sadly played 2 games from 1998 - 1999)

Special mention to Stephen Powell. Was sensational for us in 2000 and 2002. Was a high possession getter, tough, generally used the pill well and most importantly was a goal kicking midfielder. Who could forget his 2000 finals series - 4 goals V's North and then 3 goals V's Essendon in the Gf.

Posted
Brief discussion from H in the Scully stats thread got me thinking about who has been our best midfielders over the last twenty years (plus I reckon I need to stop yapping on about priority picksl). Robbie has been our most recent champion so the guidelines are pick your three best midfielders you've seen since he graced the members wing. Doesn't matter what method you use to judge them, be it stats, skill or heart, just give a reason for your decision.

Third, in my opinion, is Glenn Lovett. Only played 127 games, his career decimated by lower back/hamstring problems. 1992 & 93 were his standout seasons. Great link player, could win his own ball, run all day and good disposal. He's the sort of player that we're currently desperately needing. Touch of calm class about him.

In second I've got Stephen Tingay. 162 games. Stinger in top flight was elite, he was an impact player, loved the physical side of his game and had a great long kick. Sadly he never recovered after his girlfriend at the time accidently pushed him through a glass sliding door. If he and Glenn Lovett had of managed to stay injury free then who knows what we could have achieved in the last 90's.

My standout midfielder is Todd Viney. 233 games. Not the best kick (far from it), nor the best handball or mark, but what he lacked in class he made up in spades with pure heart and determination. Our last genuine onfield leader. Phillipousos (or however you spell the gooses name) you blew it big time.

Apologies to Brian Wilson, A.Obst, S.Woewodin & Sugar Healy.

If your memory is a bit hazy try this link

http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/alltime/melbourne.html

I think Tingay actually went through that plate glass window early in his career.

Posted

Viney

Tingay

Yze

Posted
Viney

Tingay

Lovett.

TJ was better than all - When he wanted. Unfortunately.

However, to be rated you have to be consistent and TJ was anything but!

Viney's other quality was - natural leadership, he had loads of it.

The few times TJ put it together he was sublime. But unfortunately such times were rare. A pity!

Posted

1 Stinga. Even moreso had he not been tragically injured. 2 sided skills were superb.

2 Toddy. Less skilled but an absolute bullish champion of the Dees.

3 AJ (Not Jarrott or Jakovich) but a wonderful centreman/wingman who also starred at 1/2 back later in his time.

I would loved to have seen a centreline of Flower, Viney & Tingay play together for a number of years!


Posted

Flower finished in '87. Those picking Alan Johnson and Brian Wilson aren't taking into consideration the OP's timeline.

Posted

It's a pretty depressing thread. I reckon we may be the only team of the last 20 years to not have an elite midfielder! Let's hope Scully or whoever we pick up turns out to be that player, because lord knows we need one if we're going to win a flag down the track.

Posted
It's a pretty depressing thread. I reckon we may be the only team of the last 20 years to not have an elite midfielder!

Steady on. Its not all doom and gloom.

Whilst he played mostly off half back, Yze had a 4-5 year period where he was constantly in the running for AA honors. It amazes me how people forget just how good he was in his prime. Should have made it AA 2-3 times IMHO.

Also, Tingay was an elite wingman. The standout at the time was Matera who had everyone covered (once in a generation player) but Tingay was as good as anyone else after that. If not for some luck with injuries could have been a great of the club.

After that the cupboard is a bit bare so we do struggle for numbers compared to other clubs (so u do have a point!).

Viney had 1 elite season where he secured AA but he didn't have a sustained run though he was a fine player and captain. Even in his brownlow year Woewodin was towelled up by Hird and Kouta when he played on them and you wouldn't call him elite anyway (albeit he was a quality player). G Lovett was good but probably never going to be elite (we'll never know though sadly) and I can still dream that Trapper will turn into the gun he should be some day.

Posted

I agree we have had quality players Sentra, and I listed all the players you mentioned in my initial post in this thread.

BUT, none of them were elite IMO. You wouldnt say any of them were amongst the top echelon of players in the league would you? Not meaning to discredit them, as they were all great players and club champions who we all love, but what it does highlight is our lack of quality midfielders over the last 20 years and currently. We may already have one on our list in Grimes, Morton, Sylvia etc. Football is a game won and lost in the midfield, and we havent had the quality to get us there in my lifetime. I'm hoping we do in the future though! Good god I want to see a red n blue flag!!!

Posted
Viney

Tingay

Lovett.

TJ was better than all - When he wanted. Unfortunately.

im with most.Tingay was the package,courage,brilliant by hand and foot,could carry the ball and kick it 50 and magnificent overhead.viney was a bull,a Sammy Mitchell clearance king.

ifs suck but Shwartz was closing on carey when his knee went.neitz was a gun centre half back ,better than jakovich.with lyon,schwartz and Tingay able to garner a little more luck we would have a flag.im glad people remember the absolute package Tingay was.

Posted
Brief discussion from H in the Scully stats thread got me thinking about who has been our best midfielders over the last twenty years (plus I reckon I need to stop yapping on about priority picksl). Robbie has been our most recent champion so the guidelines are pick your three best midfielders you've seen since he graced the members wing. Doesn't matter what method you use to judge them, be it stats, skill or heart, just give a reason for your decision.

Third, in my opinion, is Glenn Lovett. Only played 127 games, his career decimated by lower back/hamstring problems. 1992 & 93 were his standout seasons. Great link player, could win his own ball, run all day and good disposal. He's the sort of player that we're currently desperately needing. Touch of calm class about him.

In second I've got Stephen Tingay. 162 games. Stinger in top flight was elite, he was an impact player, loved the physical side of his game and had a great long kick. Sadly he never recovered after his girlfriend at the time accidently pushed him through a glass sliding door. If he and Glenn Lovett had of managed to stay injury free then who knows what we could have achieved in the last 90's.

My standout midfielder is Todd Viney. 233 games. Not the best kick (far from it), nor the best handball or mark, but what he lacked in class he made up in spades with pure heart and determination. Our last genuine onfield leader. Phillipousos (or however you spell the gooses name) you blew it big time.

Apologies to Brian Wilson, A.Obst, S.Woewodin & Sugar Healy.

If your memory is a bit hazy try this link

http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/alltime/melbourne.html

i have tried to read all the replies to this and thus far have not seen one jimmy stynes.a revolutionary tall ruck rover who was the bolster we needed in an other wise generic mid field.he may have jumped at the centre bounces but he was as much a mid fielder as glenn lovett and todd viney.

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  

    TRAINING: Friday 22nd November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers were out in force on a scorching morning out at Gosch's Paddock for the final session before the whole squad reunites for the Preseason Training Camp. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS It’s going to be a scorcher today but I’m in the shade at Gosch’s Paddock ready to bring you some observations from the final session before the Preseason Training Camp next week.  Salem, Fritsch & Campbell are already on the track. Still no number on Campbell’s

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 3

    UP IN LIGHTS by Whispering Jack

    Those who watched the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships closely this year would not be particularly surprised that Melbourne selected Victoria Country pair Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay on the first night of the AFL National Draft. The two left-footed midfielders are as different as chalk and cheese but they had similar impacts in their Coates Talent League teams and in the National Championships in 2024. Their interstate side was edged out at the very end of the tournament for tea

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Special Features

    TRAINING: Wednesday 20th November 2024

    It’s a beautiful cool morning down at Gosch’s Paddock and I’ve arrived early to bring you my observations from today’s session. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Reigning Keith Bluey Truscott champion Jack Viney is the first one out on the track.  Jack’s wearing the red version of the new training guernsey which is the only version available for sale at the Demon Shop. TRAINING: Viney, Clarry, Lever, TMac, Rivers, Petty, McVee, Bowey, JVR, Hore, Tom Campbell (in tr

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Monday 18th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers ventured down to Gosch's Paddock for the final week of training for the 1st to 4th Years until they are joined by the rest of the senior squad for Preseason Training Camp in Mansfield next week. WAYNE RUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS No Ollie, Chin, Riv today, but Rick & Spargs turned up and McDonald was there in casual attire. Seston, and Howes did a lot of boundary running, and Tom Campbell continued his work with individual trainer in non-MFC

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #11 Max Gawn

    Champion ruckman and brilliant leader, Max Gawn earned his seventh All-Australian team blazer and constantly held the team up on his shoulders in what was truly a difficult season for the Demons. Date of Birth: 30 December 1991 Height: 209cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 224 Goals MFC 2024: 11 Career Total: 109 Brownlow Medal Votes: 13 Melbourne Football Club: 2nd Best & Fairest: 405 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 12

    2024 Player Reviews: #36 Kysaiah Pickett

    The Demons’ aggressive small forward who kicks goals and defends the Demons’ ball in the forward arc. When he’s on song, he’s unstoppable but he did blot his copybook with a three week suspension in the final round. Date of Birth: 2 June 2001 Height: 171cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 106 Goals MFC 2024: 36 Career Total: 161 Brownlow Medal Votes: 3 Melbourne Football Club: 4th Best & Fairest: 369 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    TRAINING: Friday 15th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers took advantage of the beautiful sunshine to head down to Gosch's Paddock and witness the return of Clayton Oliver to club for his first session in the lead up to the 2025 season. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Clarry in the house!! Training: JVR, McVee, Windsor, Tholstrup, Woey, Brown, Petty, Adams, Chandler, Turner, Bowey, Seston, Kentfield, Laurie, Sparrow, Viney, Rivers, Jefferson, Hore, Howes, Verrall, AMW, Clarry Tom Campbell is here

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #7 Jack Viney

    The tough on baller won his second Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy in a narrow battle with skipper Max Gawn and Alex Neal-Bullen and battled on manfully in the face of a number of injury niggles. Date of Birth: 13 April 1994 Height: 178cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 219 Goals MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 66 Brownlow Medal Votes: 8

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 3

    TRAINING: Wednesday 13th November 2024

    A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers braved the rain and headed down to Gosch's paddock to bring you their observations from the second day of Preseason training for the 1st to 4th Year players. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training today. Richo spoke to me and said not to believe what is in the media, as we will good this year. Jefferson and Kentfield looked big and strong.  Petty was doing all the training. Adams looked like he was in rehab.  KE

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...