RUDE AWAKENING

[Demonland 65,976]

RUDE AWAKENING by the Demonland Crew and hosted by JVM

The Round 14 fixture between Melbourne and Richmond has assumed a greater measure of significance in the scheme of things as a result of the week's happenings at Tigerland. Our correspondents have looked at the game from different perspectives, starting with Demon Head who looks at the recent history of games between these clubs:-

Melbourne and Richmond have an interesting recent history. Who could ever forget the "Jordan McMahon" game which was decided when that player goaled after the siren to secure victory for the Tigers and a priority draft pick for the Demons? 

In recent seasons Melbourne had the ascendency but all that has changed as Richmond continued their upward surge of improvement late last season to atone for the result when the teams met earlier in the season. This year, it was Richmond easily after an even first half and I can't see the result being overturned this week.

It's a little unfortunate for the fans that injuries have hit Melbourne where it hurt the most at this stage of the season. You just can't afford to lose the likes of Mitch Clark, Aaron Davey, Mark Jamar and Nathan Jones in one week as happened against the Lions. Then to lose the most recent NAB Rising Star nominee in Tom McDonald five minutes into the next game is nothing short of frustrating. Some of those players might be back this week but the task of winning will be tough, such has been the disruption to the team's structure.

Richmond has all the incentive to win. A loss to a team placed 16th would just about destroy their finals hopes. They can't afford to lose and they won't!

premiers13 disagrees. Even before the news broke about the events at football's new "Sleepy Hollow", this correspondent believed in the Dees:-

While Melbourne has been injury depleted, there awaits a massive opportunity this week against Richmond.

Let's face it. No King, no Vickery, no Jackson, Morris doubtful - this must upset the Tiger balance. Hopefully back for Melbourne will be Jones, Jamar and Davey. Possible debuts from Couch or Cook or both and we have an interesting contest. While Sellar is 50/50, Richmond will be nervous of the improving Dees.

Melbourne have absolutely nothing to lose. Rivers will probably venture back , while Garland will remain in the a key forward post. One gets the feeling that Garland is a 6 goal game, waiting to happen. 

Shutting down Deledio, Martin and Crotchin will determine the outcome. Jamar or Martin will have to give Maric a bath. Sylvia is getting better each week and I think Howe is about to take mark of the century.

The game might be won at the selection table.

If the Dees win, it will be wonderful, if they lose, then picks 3+4 seem assured.

Melbourne may well surprise, as some of their middle of the road players will be starting to second guess their futures. They all need good performances from hereon in.

Melbourne supporters will sleep well at either outcome.

My pick Dees by 17

mrtwister missed the gaffe about the misspelling of Richmond's Trent Cotchin's name (a Freudian slip?) but he did note some problems with the way the afl.com preview expressed the scenario in the event that Cotchin "goes forward" then ... "Daniel Nicholson can sit on him and rotate Trengove through the back half as a spare."

Yep. Go figure?

THE GAME

Melbourne v Richmond at the MCG Saturday 7 July 2012 at 2.10pm.

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall Melbourne 79 wins Richmond 101 wins 2 draws

At MCG Melbourne 60 wins Richmond 66 wins 1 draw

Since 2000 Melbourne 9 wins Richmond 12 wins

The Coaches Neeld 0 wins Hardwick 1 win

MEDIA

TV – Fox Footy Channel Live at 2.00pm

RADIO -3AW Triple M   

THE BETTING

Melbourne $5.00 to win Richmond $1.17 to win 

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

Richmond 20.13.133 defeated Melbourne 11.8.74 at the MCG, Round 3, 2012

The Tigers were on top from the beginning but the Demons worked hard and had their moments in the first half. After the main break, the wheels fell off for Melbourne which simply couldn't muster up any run in the midfield. Richmond scored 9.3.57 to a solitary goal and finished with an emphatic 59 point win.

THE TEAMS

MELBOURNE

Backs Daniel Nicholson James Frawley Jared Rivers

Half backs Joel Macdonald Jack Watts Jack Grimes

Centreline Jack Trengove Jordie McKenzie Jeremy Howe

Half forwards Colin Sylvia, Stef Martin, Sam Blease 

Forwards James Magner Colin Garland Luke Tapscott

Followers Jake Spencer Brent Moloney Nathan Jones

Interchange Rohan Bail Matthew Bate Jamie Bennell Lynden Dunn 

Emergencies Lucas Cook Ricky Petterd James Strauss

In Jamie Bennell Nathan Jones

Out  Tom McDonald (lung) James Sellar (thigh)

RICHMOND

Backs Chris Newman Alex Rance Steven Morris

Half backs Matt Dea Ben Griffiths Bachar Houli

Centreline Brandon Ellis Trent Cotchin Shaun Grigg

Half forwards Shane Edwards Brett Deledio Matthew White

Forwards Robin Nahas Jack Riewoldt Addam Maric

Followers Ivan Maric Reece Conca Shane Tuck

Interchange Jake Batchelor Tom Derickx Luke McGuane Brett O'Hanlon

Emergencies Matthew Arnot Todd Elton Brad Miller

In Jake Batchelor Reece Conca Tom Derickx Luke McGuane Addam Maric Brett O’Hanlon Matthew White

Out Dan  Connors (Khyber Pass) Todd Elton (omitted) Dylan Grimes (hamstring) Daniel Jackson (hamstring) Jake King (knee) Dustin Martin (club suspension) Brad Miller (omitted) 

New Tom Derickx (Claremont)

Then the news came on Wednesday that Richmond had given the sack to one player and banned another for two weeks after both had dozed off and missed a training session the day before. It was certainly a rude awakening for the fighting fury from Tigerland.

Legal Eagle Rumpole offered the lads some free advice:-

I believe the time has come to offer the Richmond Football Club and its players some wisdom and legal counsel in preparation for the coming game and the rest of the season.

1. Never plead guilty;

2. Deny everything and

3. Play the game in good spirit.

It is my considered opinion that the events of the week, the injuries and the disruption to your focus (and I can understand there might be problems with focussing when players undertake the activities that are alleged against them) will make it difficult for you to perform at your best when you face your Demons.

Verdict: Melbourne Magistrates Court by 25 Penalty Points.

SidViscious (no relation to another individual who might have had problems in the past with the use of certain substances) took a different approach but came down on the side of the Demons:-

The events of July 4, 2012 have swung the momentum of the game dramatically. The Tigers would have been strong favourites before the sanctions against Dustin Martin (who averages 20 possessions and a goal a game against the Dees) and Daniel Connors who learned everything he knew about etiquette and behaviour on interstate trips from former teammate Ben Cousins but now it's not such a sure thing. As it is, Richmond reserves some of its best football for the elite teams whilst it hasn't really been that flash when taking on some of the others. It lost to Fremantle in Melbourne recently after beating Sydney and Hawthorn and it was rubbish against GWS a couple of weeks ago before losing to Adelaide after an eight goal first quarter. This suggests that Damien Hardwick's boys have some weaknesses that can be exploited. Their midfield is decidedly weaker although it still has the likes of Cotchin and Delidio but the Tigers are iffy in other positions so if James Frawley can do a number on Jack Riewoldt, it will definitely be game on.

I'm tipping Melbourne by 12 points.

Thanks to the Demonland crew for your input. I hope the foregoing hasn't put anyone to sleep!

[45HG 1,539]

Two keys to Saturday IMO.

1. 4 Quarters of consistent pressure. Richmond haven't been fantastic with the contested ball and we have been steadily improving - hopefully with Jones and Jamar back we can get back to the sort of form we showed for a month (minus two poor quarters). Last time we played we matched the Tiges for most of the game, save for a 10 minute period where they outscored us by 51 points (we lost by 59). We need to ensure we are switched on.

2. Using the footy well entering 50. We cannot afford to bomb it long and hope and we certainly need to ensure we make Richmond players accountable. Shaun Grigg (!) was left to roam on his own for most of the round 3 clash - gathering 37 (!) disposals. If guys like Magner and Moloney are going to play through the forward line, it is imperative that they fight like anything to keep the ball inside 50 once it hits the ground and ensure Richmond's runners are shut down. I wouldn't be surprised if we bring Jamar in to play in the Mitch Clark role.

[wisedog 329]

I think we're playing Richmond at close to the perfect time - they've lost to Freo at home, staggered over the line against GWS and been overrun by Adelaide. It's just a shame we have to face them without Clark.

Richmond are the modern day rivals and we've been trading blows ever since McHamon kicked that goal after the siren. I really hope we can win this.

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

Quote ...ahb bugger it , dont ever bet on footy after that day in 89 , but might just plonk a $50 on us whats the line ?

The line is Melbourne +33 $1.90.

Edited July 4, 2012 by Wadda We Sing

[Cards13 9,117]

Jones and Bennell back in.

Sellar and McDonald only outs due to injury.

Here's hoping for a late change and Cook playes.

[Roger Mellie 3,571]

Emergencies are interesting:

Petterd, Strauss & Cook

[Cards13 9,117]

Happy to see Spencil still in even if only as we have no other options, chin up kid go and do some damage to the Tigs!

[deeflog 679]

lets hope this calf injury of Jamars is not one of those that lingers for 5 weeks

i hope there is a late change that has Cook getting his first game, keen to see this kid in a red and blue jumper

[old dee 22,952]

How the hell does Bennell get a game

Poor the previous two games he played at Casey

And back in, my god we must be desperate.

So we will go into the tigers game with two players who will struggle to get a dozen possessions between them

Tigers with half a team will take us apart

The FD must have a very poor opinion on Couch

why did we recruit this guy and up grade him before the season started?

[daisycutter 28,640]

How the hell does Bennell get a game

Poor the previous two games he played at Casey

And back in, my god we must be desperate.

So we will go into the tigers game with two players who will struggle to get a dozen possessions between them

Tigers with half a team will take us apart

The FD must have a very poor opinion on Couch

why did we recruit this guy and up grade him before the season started?

very impressive od. in the foetal position and still banging away on the keyboard. that's forum dedication

[Philthy 284]

OUT Spencer

IN Cook

Please god!!!

[RalphiusMaximus 5,993]

How the hell does Bennell get a game

Poor the previous two games he played at Casey

And back in, my god we must be desperate.

So we will go into the tigers game with two players who will struggle to get a dozen possessions between them

Tigers with half a team will take us apart

The FD must have a very poor opinion on Couch

why did we recruit this guy and up grade him before the season started?

The FD look at Richmond and say "they still have bugger all in the way of decent talls, but their midfield is cutting teams apart. Perhaps we should bring in a couple of smaller running players to give us more of a chance to match their run. Who have we got who can come in with pace?"

Couch is a lot of things, but I don't know that he's quick.

[thaipantsman 180]

How the hell does Bennell get a game

Poor the previous two games he played at Casey

And back in, my god we must be desperate.

So we will go into the tigers game with two players who will struggle to get a dozen possessions between them

Tigers with half a team will take us apart

The FD must have a very poor opinion on Couch

why did we recruit this guy and up grade him before the season started?

Absolutely buggered if I know!! Could it be a mistake. Bennell was OK last year but this year he's not strong, slow, loses contestant possessions. Shocker!!...and can't mark..Melbourne the team "hardest to play against" thrashed by Lions by more than the round one margin, can't bring themselves to drop ONE solitary player after such putting in such a shocker.

Angry and well over it is an understatement and the faith we share is starting to appear blind as ever.

Every player now knows mediocrity is ok and WILL be accepted.

Couch, Petterd give any one a go. Leigh William, Cook...You could put a step ladder in the middle of the ground with a Melbourne Jumper on and it would fair better than Spencer.

[Cards13 9,117]

Couch is no longer on the senior list has been "down graded" I believe. Jetta came back from LTI.

[old dee 22,952]

The FD look at Richmond and say "they still have bugger all in the way of decent talls, but their midfield is cutting teams apart. Perhaps we should bring in a couple of smaller running players to give us more of a chance to match their run. Who have we got who can come in with pace?"

Couch is a lot of things, but I don't know that he's quick.

Bennell is quick but he never gets the ball.

Does not matter how fast you are if you do not get the ball.

If Bennell was any good he should be tearing them up at Casey

But he looks like an average VFL player

He breaks Jack Dyers golden rule

"don't get where the ball aint"

[Nasher 33,133]

Couch is no longer on the senior list has been "down graded" I believe. Jetta came back from LTI.

Good guess, but no. Only one of our three nominated rookies was to cover an LTI, the others are for the other rules under which rookies can be elevated. Jetta coming back has nothing to do with it.

That said, I don't know why he was downgraded. Someone said in another thread that from now on all rookies are eligible to play - I can't find any information about that though. So it could be that, or it could just be that they've got no intention of playing him. Dunno.

[hardtack 10,127]

OUT Spencer

IN Cook

Please god!!!

Cook can handle ruck duties can he? Or do we let Martin do a Jamar and do it all by himself? I'm glad Spencer hasn't been dropped... he is nowhere near as bad as some here would like us to believe.

[thaipantsman 180]

Cook can handle ruck duties can he? Or do we let Martin do a Jamar and do it all by himself? I'm glad Spencer hasn't been dropped... he is nowhere near as bad as some here would like us to believe.

Ok I'll go with that Hardrack. Deserves another week

[Chook 14,602]

Of course Moloney remains for another week. God knows why.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

With no Green or Mitch how the hell are we going to kick goals? Our midfield doesn't so Ricky P or Cook HAS TO come in. No mucking around with Ricky P either if he comes in. Play him forward Mr.Neeld not off a back flank no tricks this week against a dusty tigers. I know they have speed on their side and when they are playing well it sends the tigers fans into a state of ecstasy. Lets just hope all our players hear their alarm clocks and they come to play.

Edited July 5, 2012 by cowboy_from_hell

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Of course Moloney remains for another week. God knows why.

Gotta keep his trade value up.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

we are going to get murdered again because we have way too many unpolished, low-class players in - Nicho, Joel Mac, Martin, Magner, SPENCER FFS, Bail and Bate. Shocking group that is.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

we are going to get murdered again because we have way too many unpolished, low-class players in - Nicho, Joel Mac, Martin, Magner, SPENCER FFS, Bail and Bate. Shocking group that is.

I agree but there is no polish to pick from. I like Joel Mac though, magner in the guts is better then magner as a defensive forward. Spencer has to play as their is no one else same with Stef.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

I agree but there is no polish to pick from. I like Joel Mac though, magner in the guts is better then magner as a defensive forward. Spencer has to play as their is no one else same with Stef.

agreed, will also find it impossible to score, somehow we are fielding a side that has NONE of Green, Davey, Clark, Petterd or Jurrah, and has Watts in the backline. FMD.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

he gets a game on the strength of??!

the fact our list is pretty awful to begin with and it has 13 injured blokes taken out of it

not really sure what they can do on selection night

ps the only club with a longer injury list is GC who have 14 on theirs.

Edited July 5, 2012 by Curry & Beer