Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

For much of the year several threads and comments (including one of my own) have highlighted the problem of pace notably the midfield. Leigh Matthews commented on 693 the other night when reflecting on the Melbourne team that a problem he saw with the backline was that it lacked pace. It lacks those who can break the lines. From my persepctive hard bodies are not the only means of creating pressure. Speed also kills and a Chip Frawley in form is the best we have. Joel Mac tries but skills let him down. Grimes is just learning and may develop this ability. Who knows about Tom Mac yet, just a bit early and he may end up on forward line. James Strauss was picked for such a role but such a broken journey makes it hard to know of his potential. Rivers, Garland and Bartram are all experienced campaingers have hit their peak and game style and won't change now. Others we await in the wings are Tynan, Davis and Taggert and perhaps Bennell and Nickolson. We await their development. But I agree with leigh. We need to improve in this area of our game.

Posted

They have been trying to get Bennell to do that but he hasn't fired up yet.

Posted

Leg speed is one thing, but moving the ball is another, if we can start hitting players with our kicks and handballs, it will be amazing how much quicker we seem!

  • Like 3
Posted

May I pose a serious question for anyone who reallly understands (as opposed to just thinks they have an opinion they would like to share) sports development etc:

How much can another preseason under Missen be expected to improve our overall leg speed as opposed to endurance?

Can top grade conditioning turn a plodder into a racehorse, to any extent?

Posted

Leg speed is one thing, but moving the ball is another, if we can start hitting players with our kicks and handballs, it will be amazing how much quicker we seem!

And I agree - how "slow" was Greg Williams, yet how quick was he in decision making and precision delivery especially by hand?

  • Like 1

Posted

Agree age, very well put.

Ball speed is crucial to outletting the ball successfully from defence, in the cause of AFL, ball speed is primarily achieved by quick decisions.

Watch a few players gain a yard of pace, when successfully 'release' players into space

Posted

They have been trying to get Bennell to do that but he hasn't fired up yet.

Apparently may be getting the message and the confidence to do just this, if KC's most recent report is anything to go by

Posted

This has been evident for a long time I reckon HR. We desperately need a couple of classy rebounding defenders. One of the reasons why it is important to get someone like Strauss firing.


Posted (edited)

May I pose a serious question for anyone who reallly understands (as opposed to just thinks they have an opinion they would like to share) sports development etc:

How much can another preseason under Missen be expected to improve our overall leg speed as opposed to endurance?

Can top grade conditioning turn a plodder into a racehorse, to any extent?

Conditioning will probably help the amount of time players can run full bull, but wouldn't have any effect on actual speed and acceleration. Things that can improve this upon natural characteristics are technique, muscle and flexibility.

Edited by DeeDay
Guest gidon
Posted

Other than Rivers, I dont see anyone if the back half with speed issues. Frawley can play tall or small due to goood speed. Batram is not slow (in fact had speed in his younger yrs). Garland is similar to Frawley. Not sure if Grimes is considered slow, etc. In fact except for Garland i dont see great kickers in the backline. Especially ones that can break the lines.

Posted (edited)

Leigh Matthews again?

He lost me with his pathetic comments about Clark and Hudson.

What a [censored].

Agreed, Leigh really covered himself in glory with those well thought out comments. What a geriatric [censored].

Edited by Steamin Demon
Posted (edited)

As far as I'm concerned, leg speed is irrelevant unless you don't have the ball; then it becomes really important. Tackling, spreading from contests, leading, and so forth all require great speed, but all the legspeed in the world is useless if your ball movement is slow.

Edited by Chook
  • Like 1
Posted

Rivers, Garland and Bartram are all experienced campaingers have hit their peak and game style and won't change now.

I think Garland is still developing and a long way from his peak.

Rivers I will concede is pretty much what you see is what you will get from now on and Bartram I'm not sure of, if they could address his disposal then he has a lot more in him.

Posted

As far as I'm concerned, leg speed is irrelevant unless you don't have the ball; then it becomes really important. Tackling, spreading from contests, leading, and so forth all require great speed, but all the legspeed in the world is useless if your ball movement is slow.

Points taken

Sure you have to be able, and willing by the way, to give chase and run for the loose ball.

But quickness of mind - decision making, summing up the situation and options - is vital especially coming out of defence.

And I am sure a big improvement in general fitness and endurance levels makes it all the easier to keep your cool. If you are physically buggered when you eventually get the ball the thought processes aren't going to be flash.

Guest Jackie
Posted

Agreed, Leigh really covered himself in glory with those well thought out comments. What a geriatric [censored].

Leigh Mathews career achievements 10/10. MFC in the the same time frame 0/10.

Posted

Leigh Mathews career achievements 10/10. MFC in the the same time frame 0/10.

I agree. 3peat. When Leigh talks i listen. Mitch Clark not withstanding.
Posted

agility is something that can compensate for speed. Peter Walsh was a great example, his great evasive skills used to buy him time and space and compensate greatly for lack leg speed


Posted

Leigh Mathews career achievements 10/10. MFC in the the same time frame 0/10.

Leigh is in the media now so to remain relevant you have to create some level of controversy. Take 5 points off for media duties and a couple off for being out of the game for more than a couple of years.

Great player/coach but being kind maybe a 3/10 now.

Posted

May I pose a serious question for anyone who reallly understands (as opposed to just thinks they have an opinion they would like to share) sports development etc:

How much can another preseason under Missen be expected to improve our overall leg speed as opposed to endurance?

Can top grade conditioning turn a plodder into a racehorse, to any extent?

Is Missen our running coach now?

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: Wednesday 18th December 2024

    It was the final session of 2024 before the Christmas/New Years break and the Demonland Trackwatchers were out in force to bring you the following preseason training observations from Wednesday's session at Gosch's Paddock. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS TRAINING: Petracca, Oliver, Melksham, Woewodin, Langdon, Rivers, Billings, Sestan, Viney, Fullarton, Adams, Langford, Lever, Petty, Spargo, Fritsch, Bowey, Laurie, Kozzy, Mentha, George, May, Gawn, Turner Tholstrup, Kentfi

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Monday 16th December 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers braved the sweltering heat to bring you their Preseason Training observations from Gosch's Paddock on Monday morning. SCOOP JUNIOR'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I went down today in what were pretty ordinary conditions - hot and windy. When I got there, they were doing repeat simulations of a stoppage on the wing and then moving the ball inside 50. There seemed to be an emphasis on handballing out of the stoppage, usually there were 3 or 4 handballs to

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 1

    TRAINING: Friday 13th December 2024

    With only a few sessions left before the Christmas break a number of Demonlander Trackwatchers headed down to Gosch's Paddock to bring you their observations from this morning's preseason training session. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS PLAYERS IN ATTENDANCE: JVR, Salem, McVee, Petracca, Windsor, Viney, Lever, Spargo, Turner, Gawn, Tholstrup, Oliver, Billings, Langdon, Laurie, Bowey, Melksham, Langford, Lindsay, Jefferson, Howes, McAdam, Rivers, TMac, Adams, Hore, Verrall,

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Wednesday 11th December 2024

    A few new faces joined our veteran Demonland Trackwatchers on a beautiful morning out at Gosch's Paddock for another Preseason Training Session. BLWNBA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I arrived at around 1015 and the squad was already out on the track. The rehab group consisted of XL, McAdam, Melksham, Spargo and Sestan. Lever was also on restricted duties and appeared to be in runners.  The main group was doing end-to-end transition work in a simulated match situation. Ball mov

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Monday 9th December 2024

    Once again Demonland Trackwatchers were in attendance at the first preseason training session for the week at Gosch's Paddock to bring you their observations. WAYNE WUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Looks like very close to 100% attendance. Kelani is back. Same group in rehab. REHAB: Spargo, Lever, Lindsay, Brown & McAdam. Haven’t laid eyes on Fritsch or AMW yet. Fritsch sighted. One unknown mature standing with Goody. Noticing Nathan Bassett much m

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Friday 6th December 2024

    Some veteran Demonland Trackwatchers ventured down to Gosch's Paddock to bring you the following observations from another Preseason Training Session. WAYNE WUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Rehab: Lever, Spargo, McAdam, Lindsay, Brown Sinnema is excellent by foot and has a decent vertical leap. Windsor is training with the Defenders. Windsor's run won't be lost playing off half back. In 19 games in 2024 he kicked 8 goals as a winger. I see him getting shots at g

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Wednesday 4th December 2024

    A couple of intrepid Demonland Trackwatchers headed down to Gosch's Paddock for the midweek Preseason Training Session to bring you the following observations. Demonland's own Whispering Jack was not in attendance but he kicked off proceedings with the following summary of all the Preseason Training action to date. We’re already a month into the MFC preseason (if you started counting when the younger players in the group began the campaign along with some of the more keen older heads)

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 2

    BEST OF THE REST by Meggs

    Meggs' Review of Melbourne's AFLW Season 9 ... Congratulations first off to the North Melbourne Kangaroos on winning the 2024 AFLW Premiership. Roos Coach Darren Crocker has assembled a team chock-full of competitive and highly skilful players who outclassed the Brisbane Lions in the Grand Final to remain undefeated throughout Season 9. A huge achievement in what was a dominant season by North. For Melbourne fans, the season was unfortunately one of frustration and disappointment

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 3

    TRAINING: Monday 2nd December 2024

    There were many Demonland Trackwatchers braving the morning heat at Gosch's Paddock today to witness the players go through the annual 2km time trials. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Max, TMac & Melksham the first ones out on the track.  Runners are on. Guess they will be doing a lot of running.  TRAINING: Max, TMac, Melksham, Woey, Rivers, AMW, May, Sharp, Kolt, Adams, Sparrow, Jefferson, Billings, Petty, chandler, Howes, Lever, Kozzy, Mentha, Fullarton, Sal

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 1
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!
×
×
  • Create New...