A TALE OF TWO GAMES

[Pennant St Dee 6,889]

Although better than last year, last weeks desperation was not there, a step backwards in my opinion.

They missed plenty of shots, had no Selwood, subbed off Bartel, and it could have easily been a 15 goal loss.

really, we never gave up unlike recent seasons, they could have blown us away several times but we continued to fight, last season we would have rolled over. Not a step back in my opinion unlike last season when we belted sides only to believe our own press and play four bad games the following weeks.

Missed some very gettable goals into a howling breeze in the last quarter which could have seen us get to within 4 goal defeat. Did not see anything from our side today that can not be rectified

[frankie_d 1,127]

"Fortunately, Davey seems to be making some strides away from this." Davey's lifted because he's dropped the strides too often...from an economic rationalist perspective.

are you referring to the twins?

[A F 15,055]

We ran around today like headless chooks and seemed to be off our opponents by 5 to 10 metres when we were supposed to be playing one on one football. I understand what Malthouse was saying, but we were beaten for the ball and we were too slow and if you don't have the ball you can't get it to a team mate and if you're too slow you can't catch your opponent.

We need some players in the side with a bit of leg speed so teams like Geelong can't just take their time disposing of the ball, we need to put doubt in their mind so Blease, Bennell and Nicholson may be options. I'm not saying that they are the answer but they do have some speed and we desperately need that.

Two or three pacey players are near worthless, if 16 others out there lack the endurance to play their roles. Leaves holes all over the ground.

Edited May 5, 2012 by AdamFarr

[A F 15,055]

"Fortunately, Davey seems to be making some strides away from this."

Davey's lifted because he's dropped the strides too often...from an economic rationalist perspective.

I'd say it might have something to do with his mentor. Although, it's tough to tell from the sidelines.

Edited May 5, 2012 by AdamFarr

[stuie 7,374]

For mine, the biggest problems today:

-We crowded the ball SO much. 4-5 Demons around the ball or chasing the ball carrier, Geelong player would simply handball over the top, goal. IMO this is poor coaching as it has been happening for 3-4 years and all this year so far. Should have been one of the first things Neeld fixed.

-Handballs: this is a 2 parter: 1) We have gotten into the habit of mistaking bold play for handballing to someone 3 inches away after every mark or free, only for the reciver to be immediately tackled and it turn into a waste of a possession. 2) We handball behind our target rather than leading the ball to where they are going, so the receiver either has to go backwards for the ball or turn around, stop running, and face the wrong way to accept the ball.

-Absolutely no team spirit, enthusiasm, or energy. This game was over before the bounce, what happened to us being the hardest team to play against? This comes down to coaching and leadership and I have serious questions about both at the moment.

Edited May 5, 2012 by stuie

[Ned 121]

And when Moloney turns it around, I suppose you critics are going to just say nothing.

People have VERY short memories.

No, we all expect him to tear it up against the Suns and GWS.

[stuie 7,374]

really, we never gave up unlike recent seasons, they could have blown us away several times but we continued to fight, last season we would have rolled over.

Calling BS on this I'm afraid. There was zero spirit, energy, or enthusiasm, from beginning to end. There was NO fight whatsoever, just a Geelong in cruise control that missed alot of easy shots.

[A F 15,055]

really, we never gave up unlike recent seasons, they could have blown us away several times but we continued to fight, last season we would have rolled over. Not a step back in my opinion unlike last season when we belted sides only to believe our own press and play four bad games the following weeks.

Missed some very gettable goals into a howling breeze in the last quarter which could have seen us get to within 4 goal defeat. Did not see anything from our side today that can not be rectified

Not that the decisions impacted the end result, but Geelong had three clear free kicks in front of goal that were howlers. The free kick count today surprised me. I guess it really counts where you get them.

[H_T 2,862]

I don't post very much but what I saw today that killed us was Geelong players running off into open spaces and Melbourne players still standing where they were and not chasing their man ergo the Geelong players had plenty of men in open positions to pass the ball to. It amazed me that the coaches didn't do something about this as it allowed Geelong to run and run with nobody chasing them. Until the players learn to follow there men no matter where they go we will continue to lose.

This gets back to the point on trusting your teammates from a Geelong perspective. Backing them to win the ball and be able to spread hard and create the loose man.

Our players don't have the nous to see or read what is happening. And the coaches don't seem to have imparted or instill the knowledge into the players to identify their own weaknesses to date.

Once this clicks, there will be notable improvement and make things much easier or less traumatic down back.

[Pennant St Dee 6,889]

Calling BS on this I'm afraid. There was zero spirit, energy, or enthusiasm, from beginning to end. There was NO fight whatsoever, just a Geelong in cruise control that missed alot of easy shots.

Beyond maybe D grade Stuie you never played did you

[A F 15,055]

This gets back to the point on trusting your teammates from a Geelong perspective. Backing them to win the ball and be able to spread hard and create the loose man.

Our players don't have the nous to see or read what is happening. And the coaches don't seem to have imparted or instill the knowledge into the players to identify their own weaknesses to date.

Once this clicks, there will be notable improvement and make things much easier or less traumatic down back.

Just on this idea of imparting/instilling knowledge to rectifying weaknesses; there's a danger that as a coach you can overload knowledge and then it all becomes ineffective. Perhaps I'm letting the coaching team off here, but I proffer that they've looked at addressing some of the broader issues with the original game plan, rather than looking to address them all at once. There's a lot to be learnt. Pity someone like Neeld didn't take the reigns four years ago.

[stuie 7,374]

Beyond maybe D grade Stuie you never played did you

Haha take it easy mate, not having a go at you, but I really can't agree that we fought it out today. Did you see the game? There was no congratulating of any note after a good goal/tackle/chase, just a sense of resignation right from the start of the game.

Now tell me PSD, how many brownlows did you win? Cos obviously your opinion only matters if it's at least 3...

[Bad Demon Pun 15]

Martin would be preferred to Sellar any day of the week. Sellar gave nothing today. Martin would at least have made something of some sort happend and then followed up in the ruck contest. Trust me Martin>Sellar and everyone knows it. Im sorry but Neeld musta been drunk when Craig recommended this flop!

I can't agree more. Martin is faster, stronger and has proven he can hold down a key back position if required. I'm sure I've read somewhere Martin holds the record at Melbourne for Bench presses, plus he was one of the competitions most improved last year. He's been injured this year and is more than deserving of a little faith from the Melbourne unfaithful.

Edited May 5, 2012 by Bad Demon Pun

[Norm Smith's Curse 1,848]

While I agree that Sellar has done nothing this season i still notice that he manages to draw to players every time - something Martin can rarely accomplish. martin has had a shocker of a season though.

And those saying that we showed nothing today are exaggerating. Morton nearly took the game on and broke out of the midfield and nearly kicked a goal from 55; Mitch Clark gave us a reliable option up forward when really our delivery was pretty ordinary. i was at the game last year and I can tell you it was FAR worse.

But it was like the cats were just mucking around at times and cutting us apart.

[deejammin' 647]

Well here we are, 2012. I've held off posting so far this year, partly due to dissappointment and having nothing to say but also as I thought I should wait and see what Neeld seemed to be doing to change a dissappointing Bailey rebuild.

Here's my assessment thus far, until this week we had done just as Neeld said we would, we had improved from the week before, while Brisbane and Richmond were incredibly bad performances (far below an acceptable standard for an afl club) the performances have improved every week in terms of structure and effort.

Today was the first time we took a step backwards, while I am aware Geelong is a quality unit there was very little spark in the team today, we never really looked in the contest as we had in the weeks before and never looked like winning. Ultimately we are a very bad side (no suprises there)

Every time we looked like getting back into the game we would make critical errors going forward and our ability to cover Geelong's run, spread and marks inside the forward line (shameful) and realistically, had Selwood, Lonergan, Bartel all played full matches, and Geelong not looked like it was doing a training run 100 points would not have been out of the question. Very dissapointing. Also Howe needs to learn to kick from a set shot, he has now missed relatively simple set shots in every game the last 3 weeks. And while Cale has shown alot the last two weeks he did create two bad turnovers at pivotal moments, also Tom Mcdonald, while showing improvement has moments where he is a liability in traffic. Obviously Neeld will need far more than 6 weeks and I am patient, but to this point of the season I preferred the rollercoaster, at least there were ups!

[Rusty Nails 7,114]

Probably all we can ask for at the moment. Will be interesting to see what/if any changes for next week. Sellar/Fitzpatrick, Bail/Couch? Wouldn't mind Bennel given another chance, has had a couple of good games at Casey it seems, and we could use some leg speed. Sylvia? Has been ordinary for his first two games, but he's exactly the kind of player we need doing well.

Same for me. Sellar has no idea how to play forward and had no impact at any stage of the game other than some occasional half decent ruck work (compared to Jamar anyway) in the centre bounces and a one off contest on the ground at HF at one point in the last.

Jurrah into the middle to provide some evasive skills, a little run and some clean ball handling. Although i fear he'd be a week or 2 away from coping with a full game at AFL level. I would replace Davey with a small classy crumbing forward...if we had one. At this point i'd take Bennell for Davey until we can find a replacement for Bennell. And hopefully that'd be within a few weeks as i don't rate Bennell at all at this level. Davey is a shadow of his former self and it's too sad to watch him play at this level any further. Time to hang up the boots IMO.

And if i see Jamar give off another handball to the advantage of our opponents, to a player standing still, to the feet of our players, or to no one in panic, or to someone who's well covered...i'll spew up. The opposition must be gathering around Jamar like vultures, waiting for the scraps he gives off. His disposal by hand and choices once he gets the ball are not AFL standard at this point other than an occasional quick kick around his body out of the middle into the forward line or out wide, and who can't get that part right. Pitty we don't have a decent replacement pushing up.

I also hope Neeld doesn't persist with Howe, Morton, Bate and Trengove rotating through the middle. We'd be lucky to win against GC or GWS with that set up. Although i guess he doesn't have too many alternatives at this point. Must be tearing his hair out on this one.

Edited May 5, 2012 by Rusty Nails

[Lifelong Demon 75]

I'm happy with result. But, Im sick of honorable loses. I want a team that has the ability to win every match they play. How many more yrs before I can hope for finals football? Well done boys, but c'mon!!! Supporters need more

Supporters should support the team - would you chuck out your parents/spouse/children once you got sick of their performances?

If you are a true supporter, then you stick with the team regardless of where they stand, and give encouragement when they need it.

If I were a Demon player and read some of the comments on here I certainly wouldn't feel like I had any support from the fans.

[Deeoldfart 4,635]

Geelong toyed with us today ..... the scoreboard belied their superiority. At the end of the day we were outclassed by a much better team, but we did have a few bright spots which gives us some hope for the future. Clark, Frawley, Jones, McDonald, Morton and Howe can probably hold their heads up tonight.

[Rusty Nails 7,114]

While I agree that Sellar has done nothing this season i still notice that he manages to draw to players every time - something Martin can rarely accomplish. martin has had a shocker of a season though.

And those saying that we showed nothing today are exaggerating. Morton nearly took the game on and broke out of the midfield and nearly kicked a goal from 55; Mitch Clark gave us a reliable option up forward when really our delivery was pretty ordinary. i was at the game last year and I can tell you it was FAR worse.

But it was like the cats were just mucking around at times and cutting us apart.

He wasn't our worst and tried hard, but he needed to kick this (or find a target who could) in order to make up for the blunder he had just made (which resulted in the centre bounce which resulted in him getting the receive and run out of the middle for the shot at goal) on the wing, giving one of the worst cough ups of the day straight to a Cat when we were running the ball, cleanly till that point for a change, out of defense and were within 3 goals of the cats. His turnover directly resulting in a Cat rebound goal to give them the extra breathing space and power on from there. I agree his contested ball and tackling efforts were an improvement on what he's dished up earlier in his career so he is improving his game slowly and surprisingly.

This, and Grime's poor decision to play ring around the rosey out on the HFF earlier in the game (eventually losing the ball to his opponent), instead of a quick kick to the danger spot.....cost us 2 rebound goals and any chance of getting within striking distance of the Cats. 2 huge team deflators.

2 of the softest umpiring decisions in front of goal to Bartel and Pods didn't help our cause either. Standard fair at the Cattery though.

Edited May 5, 2012 by Rusty Nails

[bing181 6,375]

You are obviously easily satisfied.

As usual with your posts ... where did anyone say they were satisfied?

Just because people aren't bitching and moaning and laying into the players every chance they get doesn't mean they're "easily satisfied".

[Guest gidon]

Supporters should support the team - would you chuck out your parents/spouse/children once you got sick of their performances?

If you are a true supporter, then you stick with the team regardless of where they stand, and give encouragement when they need it.

If I were a Demon player and read some of the comments on here I certainly wouldn't feel like I had any support from the fans.

Settle down Lifelong. I wasnt attacking the boys or club. Just wishing for better times. I would think most supporters would want a team that performs better. Do you?

[jimcor 212]

I don't post very much but what I saw today that killed us was Geelong players running off into open spaces and Melbourne players still standing where they were and not chasing their man ergo the Geelong players had plenty of men in open positions to pass the ball to. It amazed me that the coaches didn't do something about this as it allowed Geelong to run and run with nobody chasing them. Until the players learn to follow there men no matter where they go we will continue to lose.

Agreed. What struck me about Geelong's obvious superiority was that their players kick and handball to where their teammates are going to be rather than where they start from. So our receiving players are still learning where to run to and the delivering players don't currently seem to know where to pass the ball to. On top of that, we are still not consistently able to deliver the ball to the receiving players - even when they are stationery! Sometimes we handball four or five times within a 5 meter radius to little effect.

Definitely no general improvement today, Geelong looked like it was a training exercise at times today and that might have impacted on our mindset. No excuses. Morton & Clark were stand outs I thought.

[Dee Fan 3,246]

As usual with your posts ... where did anyone say they were satisfied?

Just because people aren't bitching and moaning and laying into the players every chance they get doesn't mean they're "easily satisfied".

This is a supporter board everyone has an opinion even you, so what did you think of the performance we put in today; you happy that were humbled by a second string Geelong side?

[Guest Jackie]

Agreed. What struck me about Geelong's obvious superiority was that their players kick and handball to where their teammates are going to be rather than where they start from. So our receiving players are still learning where to run to and the delivering players don't currently seem to know where to pass the ball to. On top of that, we are still not consistently able to deliver the ball to the receiving players - even when they are stationery! Sometimes we handball four or five times within a 5 meter radius to little effect.

Definitely no general improvement today, Geelong looked like it was a training exercise at times today and that might have impacted on our mindset. No excuses. Morton & Clark were stand outs I thought.

My thoughts too, just a low intensity training exercise for them. I don't recall our guys chasing down one Geelong player. They even started to showboat in the last quarter.

[Goodvibes 3,590]

I like Tom McDonald. Rivers should be worried.