Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

After the draft and sifting through our current list and new recruits I started to think what do we need to cover of the next few years. I made a team based on 40 or less games- a development team.

Best Developing Team (40 or under)

B: CHENEY WARNOCK MARTIN

HB: BENNELL FRAWLEY STRAUSS

C: McNAMARA GRIMES BLEASE

HF: TAPSCOTT MORTON MARIC

F: WONAEAMIRRI WATTS JURRAH

R: GAWN TRENGOVE SCULLY

I: PETTERD JETTA GARLAND SPENCER

EMERG: MEESON FITZPATRICK NEWTON McKENZIE HEALEY HUGHES

What I concluded is we need to recruit a top class tall back, tall forward, a top class winger and maybe a small/ medium back. This can happen over the next couple of years ,also upgrading our rookies. What do you think? Before you criticise- made Garland an interchanger as can play many postions.

Posted
After the draft and sifting through our current list and new recruits I started to think what do we need to cover of the next few years. I made a team based on 40 or less games- a development team.

Best Developing Team (40 or under)

B: CHENEY WARNOCK MARTIN

HB: BENNELL FRAWLEY STRAUSS

C: McNAMARA GRIMES BLEASE

HF: TAPSCOTT MORTON MARIC

F: WONAEAMIRRI WATTS JURRAH

R: GAWN TRENGOVE SCULLY

I: PETTERD JETTA GARLAND SPENCER

EMERG: MEESON FITZPATRICK NEWTON McKENZIE HEALEY HUGHES

What I concluded is we need to recruit a top class tall back, tall forward, a top class winger and maybe a small/ medium back. This can happen over the next couple of years ,also upgrading our rookies. What do you think? Before you criticise- made Garland an interchanger as can play many postions.

Do you think there is enough pace in this side? I was surprised we overlooked Jetta in the draft, although i heard he was 'off the radar'.

Also, who is your tagger or 'run with' player in this group? Maybe McKenzie can step up and fill this role.

Posted

Thats a hell of a lot of kids who need game time.

This probably should be on the drafting board.

I think we will need another tall forward. Probably a crumbing forward (not a flanker)

I really cannot see that many gaping holes in our list anymore. We just need to develop the player we have drafted.

Posted (edited)
Do you think there is enough pace in this side? I was surprised we overlooked Jetta in the draft, although i heard he was 'off the radar'.

Also, who is your tagger or 'run with' player in this group? Maybe McKenzie can step up and fill this role.

Blease & Strauss are quick-good point re tagger- maybe it is that good of a side we do not need a tagger- however got your point- McKenzie in -out whom ?

Edited by jayceebee31
Posted
Thats a hell of a lot of kids who need game time.

This probably should be on the drafting board.

I think we will need another tall forward. Probably a crumbing forward (not a flanker)

Fitzpatrick / Maric

I really cannot see that many gaping holes in our list anymore. We just need to develop the player we have drafted.

Exactly right

The amount of competition for spots is going to go along way in shaping a competitive team

We have options like never before and thats good news

Posted
Exactly right

The amount of competition for spots is going to go along way in shaping a competitive team

We have options like never before and thats good news

Agree totally, however a young Nathan Bock, A tall young Roughhead, a young Robbie Flower ,a Jack Viney and Gee look out because the DEES ARE COMING.

GO DEES

Posted

The major issues are that we're slow and we lack talls, so it'd be nice to remedy that.

Virtually every [non-ruck] tall on our primary list is in our best 22, and the only tall on the rookie list will be Newton (assuming we pick up him and Meesen, as suggested on melbournefc.com.au when they were delisted).

The ruck cupboard is also pretty bare, which is a bit of a concern considering how long young ruck prospects take to make the grade. However, they do seem to be a 'type' you can trade for.

IMO we also need to find a small crumbing forward (as Davis333 has said) and a quick 'lock-down' defender. The options for the former seem to be Wona and Maric, while options for the latter seem to be Cheney and Bennell.

Our midfield's not quick, so it's important Blease comes on.

Posted
Blease & Strauss are quick-good point re tagger- maybe it is that good of a side we do not need a tagger- however got your point- McKenzie in -out whom ?

Possibly cheney or McNamara. Theres a lot of competition.

Good story from CC on draft night about McKenzie. He was going to be promoted to the senior list, but he volunteered to stay on the rookie list next year so melbourne could draft another young player.


Posted
Possibly cheney or McNamara. Theres a lot of competition.

If McNamara makes it as a tagger I'll be amazed. Cheney isn't so outlandish a prospect, but I still think it unlikely.

Posted
The major issues are that we're slow and we lack talls, so it'd be nice to remedy that.

Virtually every [non-ruck] tall on our primary list is in our best 22, and the only tall on the rookie list will be Newton (assuming we pick up him and Meesen, as suggested on melbournefc.com.au when they were delisted).

The ruck cupboard is also pretty bare, which is a bit of a concern considering how long young ruck prospects take to make the grade. However, they do seem to be a 'type' you can trade for.

IMO we also need to find a small crumbing forward (as Davis333 has said) and a quick 'lock-down' defender. The options for the former seem to be Wona and Maric, while options for the latter seem to be Cheney and Bennell.

Our midfield's not quick, so it's important Blease comes on.

Interestingly, the article on the weekend by Mark Robinson (who would have thought !) on Melbourne and Cameron Schwab at the AA function back in September writing on a serviette "RUN" - indicating we need a side full of run in today's game.

I think Scully, Trengove & Gysberts will provide some of this. With Scully providing the lightning pace. I agree that Blease must come on in this regard (pace department). I was hoping to secure someone like a Colyer (pace;skill), but that wasn't going to happen given in most opinions he was to fall mainly between 20 and 30 in alot of mock drafts. I think we secured the best available at pick 18 in Luke....Tapscott.

If you look at Essendon's recruiting of late, pace is a big indicator. Despite them saying goodbye to Lovett.

Our ruck stocks are Jamar, Spencer, Martin, PJ and now Gawn (208cm) and Fitzpatrick (201cm) with Fitzpatrick reportedly recruited as a Forward/Ruck.

Despite Meesen being delisted, with the promise of being picked as a rookie, I wouldn't refer to the ruck stocks are "pretty bare" unless you are referring to the sheer quality in making the grade - which is what I think you may be alluding to in hindsight. Nevertheless, it's a little healthier IMO than the 2009 ruck list options.

Posted (edited)
Interestingly, the article on the weekend by Mark Robinson (who would have thought !) on Melbourne and Cameron Schwab at the AA function back in September writing on a serviette "RUN" - indicating we need a side full of run in today's game.

I think Scully, Trengove & Gysberts will provide some of this. With Scully providing the lightning pace. I agree that Blease must come on in this regard (pace department). I was hoping to secure someone like a Colyer (pace;skill), but that wasn't going to happen given in most opinions he was to fall mainly between 20 and 30 in alot of mock drafts. I think we secured the best available at pick 18 in Luke....Tapscott.

If you look at Essendon's recruiting of late, pace is a big indicator. Despite them saying goodbye to Lovett.

Our ruck stocks are Jamar, Spencer, Martin, PJ and now Gawn (208cm) and Fitzpatrick (201cm) with Fitzpatrick reportedly recruited as a Forward/Ruck.

Despite Meesen being delisted, with the promise of being picked as a rookie, I wouldn't refer to the ruck stocks are "pretty bare" unless you are referring to the sheer quality in making the grade - which is what I think you may be alluding to in hindsight. Nevertheless, it's a little healthier IMO than the 2009 ruck list options.

Very good summary- actually we have only- Jamar, Gawn, Meeson, Spencer as true ruckman with what I call makeshift ruckman in Martin,PJ-Johnson and Fitzpatrick. Plenty of scope to pick up experienced ruckman over the next couple of years, if necessary.However, we seem to have ticked the boxes very well with this latest draft.

Edited by jayceebee31
Posted
Our ruck stocks are Jamar, Spencer, Martin, PJ and now Gawn (208cm) and Fitzpatrick (201cm) with Fitzpatrick reportedly recruited as a Forward/Ruck.

Despite Meesen being delisted, with the promise of being picked as a rookie, I wouldn't refer to the ruck stocks are "pretty bare" unless you are referring to the sheer quality in making the grade - which is what I think you may be alluding to in hindsight. Nevertheless, it's a little healthier IMO than the 2009 ruck list options.

I dont how you can assess ruck stocks any other way than on quality. Number of talls and how tall they are, only blindside the true picture.

Currently our true ruck options are the same as they were in 2009. Jamar if fit is the only player who offers us any real competitive. PJ is not good enough and Meesen is finished. If MFC are serious, they will be focussing on VFL game time on GAWN, Fitz or Spencer to the detriment of Meesen.

Neither GAWN or FItz are likely to play AFL in their first season. They are project players like Spencer. They may or may not work out as AFL footballers in the LT. They are unlikely to be plausible solutions this year.

MFC were right to draft them given our predicament. But they are a LT solution and not a quick fix.

Posted (edited)
I dont how you can assess ruck stocks any other way than on quality. Number of talls and how tall they are, only blindside the true picture.

Currently our true ruck options are the same as they were in 2009. Jamar if fit is the only player who offers us any real competitive. PJ is not good enough and Meesen is finished. If MFC are serious, they will be focussing on VFL game time on GAWN, Fitz or Spencer to the detriment of Meesen.

Neither GAWN or FItz are likely to play AFL in their first season. They are project players like Spencer. They may or may not work out as AFL footballers in the LT. They are unlikely to be plausible solutions this year.

MFC were right to draft them given our predicament. But they are a LT solution and not a quick fix.

I believe the club is not looking for a quick fix. They are trying to build a club. PJ was recruited as a forward/ part time ruckman,similar to Fitzpatrick. The only true ruckman recruited have been Jamar, Meeson. Gawn & Spencer.You seem to forget how Meeson played earlier in the season before he got injured.Also, others seem to think he has ability. Adelaide drafted him at eight and did not want to let him go. As human beings we are all different. We mature differently, injure differently,heal differently, think differently. Furthermore, talls seem to develop at a slower rate- seem to reah their prime from 25 on.To say he is finished is just plain ridiculous. At least give him a chance whilst he is on the list.Actually I hope he sticks it right up you.You are so,so negative at times,jump to conclusions.Go Dees- Go Meeson & Newton. Hope you both succeed.

Edited by jayceebee31
Posted
The major issues are that we're slow and we lack talls, so it'd be nice to remedy that.

So if a few of our key talls (not necessarily ruckmen) either back or forward got injured, we would be in a bit of "Barney rubble", one would think ?

I agree we've been far too slow. I think we'll improve in this area in 2010.

Posted
I dont how you can assess ruck stocks any other way than on quality. Number of talls and how tall they are, only blindside the true picture.

Currently our true ruck options are the same as they were in 2009. Jamar if fit is the only player who offers us any real competitive. PJ is not good enough and Meesen is finished. If MFC are serious, they will be focussing on VFL game time on GAWN, Fitz or Spencer to the detriment of Meesen.

Neither GAWN or FItz are likely to play AFL in their first season. They are project players like Spencer. They may or may not work out as AFL footballers in the LT. They are unlikely to be plausible solutions this year.

MFC were right to draft them given our predicament. But they are a LT solution and not a quick fix.

I don't agree that Jamar is the only competitive ruckman we have. Martin is coming along in leaps and bounds in that department and with his leap and mobility he is very competitive in the ruck. He may not be a 200cm plus giant but he showed us last year how far he has come in this role and he will continue to improve and be more than competitive in 2010.

Posted
I don't agree that Jamar is the only competitive ruckman we have. Martin is coming along in leaps and bounds in that department and with his leap and mobility he is very competitive in the ruck. He may not be a 200cm plus giant but he showed us last year how far he has come in this role and he will continue to improve and be more than competitive in 2010.

Martin may become a mobile ruckman- however feel the club may be grooming him for a tall forward position.

Posted
I don't agree that Jamar is the only competitive ruckman we have. Martin is coming along in leaps and bounds in that department and with his leap and mobility he is very competitive in the ruck. He may not be a 200cm plus giant but he showed us last year how far he has come in this role and he will continue to improve and be more than competitive in 2010.

Martin may become a mobile ruckman- however feel the club may be grooming him for a tall forward position.

Posted
I dont how you can assess ruck stocks any other way than on quality. Number of talls and how tall they are, only blindside the true picture.

Currently our true ruck options are the same as they were in 2009. Jamar if fit is the only player who offers us any real competitive. PJ is not good enough and Meesen is finished. If MFC are serious, they will be focussing on VFL game time on GAWN, Fitz or Spencer to the detriment of Meesen.

Neither GAWN or FItz are likely to play AFL in their first season. They are project players like Spencer. They may or may not work out as AFL footballers in the LT. They are unlikely to be plausible solutions this year.

MFC were right to draft them given our predicament. But they are a LT solution and not a quick fix.

Gawn isn't a project player like Spencer at all.


Posted

It was interesting to read in the Herald Sun today that Geelong may look at a mature age rookie re this current draft-He confirmed the Cats were considering the possibility of adding VFL captain and best and fairest winner James Podsiadly to their list as a mature-age rookie at this month's draft.Maybe we should look at experienced quality footballers whom can balance our star youngsters in following drafts- especially when we have the money to spend- don't forget we were thinking about spending 500K A YEAR ON Ball .Your thoughts?

Posted (edited)
It was interesting to read in the Herald Sun today that Geelong may look at a mature age rookie re this current draft-He confirmed the Cats were considering the possibility of adding VFL captain and best and fairest winner James Podsiadly to their list as a mature-age rookie at this month's draft.Maybe we should look at experienced quality footballers whom can balance our star youngsters in following drafts- especially when we have the money to spend- don't forget we were thinking about spending 500K A YEAR ON Ball .Your thoughts?

Impossible, unless we renege on our public commitment to redraft both Newton and Meesen as rookies. If you're talking about the pre-season draft, we've already committed to Joel Macdonald from the Lions - who fits the bill as an experienced, reasonable quality footballer.

I can't see us doing a number on Meesen and Newton - Cameron Schwab has publicly declared that we will redraft them if available - so your suggestion is a moot point, regardless of how much money we've got to spend.

Edited by MikeyJ

Posted
Gawn isn't a project player like Spencer at all.

Injuries aside. GAWN is still a kid whose body is still developing and growing and he needs a couple of years development before he should be playing AFL.

Spencer is three years older and while still developing is going to be physically ready for AFL it at all around the same time.

GAWN might well be a better player than Spencer but time will tell.

Impossible, unless we renege on our public commitment to redraft both Newton and Meesen as rookies. If you're talking about the pre-season draft, we've already committed to Joel Macdonald from the Lions - who fits the bill as an experienced, reasonable quality footballer.

I can't see us doing a number on Meesen and Newton - Cameron Schwab has publicly declared that we will redraft them if available - so your suggestion is a moot point, regardless of how much money we've got to spend.

Agree with that.

Posted
So if a few of our key talls (not necessarily ruckmen) either back or forward got injured, we would be in a bit of "Barney rubble", one would think ?

That's my contention, absolutely.

I think we need almost all of them to come on as we hope, stay fit and stick with the Dees.

I agree we've been far too slow. I think we'll improve in this area in 2010.

I hope so.

The good thing is that just a few personnel changes can make a significant difference.

PS. Yes, I was talking about ruck quality (I gave a rundown on our talls in 'CHF's thread on Demonology).

Posted (edited)

Over the last 3 drafts MFC have gone for quality players that thankfully cover most of our needs- in particular weaknesses in kicking, Talls and mids. In discussing it further and from your responses- it seems we need to gain extra speed-Blease & Strauss have good speed whilst Watts & Fitzpatrick are the 2 quickest in the last 2 drafts, I believe.I think to cover the list & knowing we have Viney to come in & compliment the mids - I see we require a fast wing type, a covering versatile tall, maybe an existing player like Martin may be able to handle that, however, the most important is a quality maturing experienced tall- around the 23/25 age group-a Cameron Cloke, Chris Dawes,type whilst not over endowed with ability can come in throw their weight around ,look after the younger talls and crumbers and do a job similar to Leigh Brown has done for Collingwood this year. He has played back, forward, ruck and been very servicable- I think we could do with what Isuggested until our list matures further through development.A job that Miller or Newton should be able to do- however have failed us over the last 2 years. It is up to them - this is how I see it.

Edited by jayceebee31
Posted
however, the most important is a quality maturing experienced tall- around the 23/25 age group-a Cameron Cloke, Chris Dawes,type whilst not over endowed with ability can come in throw their weight around ,look after the younger talls and crumbers

"Quality Cameron Cloke type" is an oxymoron.

I think if anyone was a "quality maturing experienced tall around the 23-25 age group who whilst not over endowed with ability can come in, throw their weight around, and look after the younger talls" it would be Jamar.

Posted
"Quality Cameron Cloke type" is an oxymoron.

I think if anyone was a "quality maturing experienced tall around the 23-25 age group who whilst not over endowed with ability can come in, throw their weight around, and look after the younger talls" it would be Jamar.

Agree Maurie.

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 4

    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...