Jump to content


Recommended Posts

We are the worst performing Victorian club by a mile this year, considering last year we were in finals range.

Does this raise any questions in you mind?

We were the worst vic team last year too. We won all our games against easy beats and had no defensive structure or game plan. We were nowhere near finals contention. So the only real questions it raises in my mind is - do you know what your talking about?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do I know what I am talking about.

To all you excuse makers that are using every excuse in the book, I will focus on just 1 excuse being used with such authority, FITNESS!

What would you people say to a fella like big Jim, who played games at about 50% fitness, but kept battling and fighting and pushing and bleeding. What would you say to him? Sorry, our blokes are losing because in the last few years we were probably 5% off elite afl fitness. That is the reason we are not winning. That's just bullship.

Do I know what I am talking about?

I know enough to know an excuse when I hear it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As for you nasher, I am trying to expose the hypocrisy of posters who say we can't replace a coach after one year. We replaced the captain didn't we. Whether it is wrong or right, the precedence has been set.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To all you excuse makers that are using every excuse in the book, I will focus on just 1 excuse being used with such authority, FITNESS!

Fitness?

What fitness is applicable to AFL footballers?

This is the question I am still waiting for Hardnut to answer. It's the same question he asked of Ron Burgundy, and he answered it very well. Hardnut said that RB didn't answer it, but now he refuses to answer the question himself.

His refusal to answer the question has left his credibility as a poster at zero. This is only slightly above, based on your illogical ramblings, where both you and he were before.

Edited by Axis of Bob
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do I know what I am talking about.

To all you excuse makers that are using every excuse in the book, I will focus on just 1 excuse being used with such authority, FITNESS!

What would you people say to a fella like big Jim, who played games at about 50% fitness, but kept battling and fighting and pushing and bleeding. What would you say to him? Sorry, our blokes are losing because in the last few years we were probably 5% off elite afl fitness. That is the reason we are not winning. That's just bullship.

Do I know what I am talking about?

I know enough to know an excuse when I hear it.

You said we were close to playing finals last year. I pull you up on your stupid statement, and you don't even try to defend it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


We dumped a loyal captain after 1 year at the helm because there was a better candidate/s available.

This is an interesting comment.

It's not often someone has a whinge and yet provides the reasoning for the occurence all in the same sentence.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do I know what I am talking about.

To all you excuse makers that are using every excuse in the book, I will focus on just 1 excuse being used with such authority, FITNESS!

What would you people say to a fella like big Jim, who played games at about 50% fitness, but kept battling and fighting and pushing and bleeding. What would you say to him? Sorry, our blokes are losing because in the last few years we were probably 5% off elite afl fitness. That is the reason we are not winning. That's just bullship.

Do I know what I am talking about?

I know enough to know an excuse when I hear it.

I would probably say something along the lines of: "You must have been very glad to have been surrounded by a group of extremely fit team mates." - seriously, as much as we all love and remember the guy fondly, I am finding this "Jimmy" defence very tiresome when it comes to arguing points on this board.

The fact of the matter is that without something approaching elite fitness, you will NOT succeed in the modern game of Australian Rules Football... plain and simple. When Jim was playing, the sport was far less professional and there was a lot more latitude when it came to carrying players that were carrying injuries.

So, in answer to your question, I would respond with an emphatic "NO"!!... you do not know what you are talking about.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

rpfc, I see Mark Neeld's quote under your posts,

"I will get you fitter, tougher and give you a gameplan' - Mark Neeld.

Well, they don't look any fitter, they are not playing any tougher and the gameplan has produced 2 victories and 13 losses.

How long must I wait to see if he has fulfilled his mission statement?

Well if you are not being rhetorical I can answer...

Fitness - takes ages for the kids, and the senior players can't be helped. The immediate returns are in the 23-27 year olds of which we don't have many at all. When it comes to body development (which is what I am really looking at), Misson will get our player bigger in the arse and thighs while keeping that ability to run. Look at Hawthorn and their players are fit but big and wide and that's where we need to be.

Toughness - this would be an intangible that would be difficult to define. As a young list we have been pushed aside easily at times, but we were against Bailey aswell. The Essendon win was the best, 'toughest' win since 2006 so that is a good sign. Essendon are a good team. We put together 4 quarters of good hard footy and beat them.

Gameplan - I have my view and I have given it ad nauseum I am sure: we played a frontrunning style of footy under Bailey and never got near good teams in 2011 unless they were interstate teams at the G. Neeld has shown a great desire to teach the boys to run both ways so that when we are a good team we can match it with other good teams - frankly I get tired of winning 8 games against crap and then get belted against relevant teams. Anyway, the spread (desire to get uncontested footy that fuels your attack) has diminished astonishingly since 2011 (down from 214 a game to 179, and that is after it was about 150 prior to the Sydney game) and while this has been because of the focus on defensive running and discipline to structures it is the players overcorrecting - not the coach's instruction. Trengove has already mentioned a few times now this very issue and he is battling through it. BTW - I am glad he is battling through it now rather than 5 years from now when our star player is a frontrunner - this stuff is good to learn.

I'm not happy with where we are at and mistakes have been made but we are not a very good team right now so if we can spend these crap years teaching the kids how to play football properly then that is great. I don't see the greatness of having a more offensive minded coach gettting another 3 wins out of this list. It's not worth delaying their education.

  • Like 7
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Rpfc.. Good post.You see the forrest when many only see trees and some not even those bdfore they smack their heads on the sturdy branches of the truth.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think I saw the making of a star today - No 38 Michael Walters for Freo.

Pacy, magnificent left footer....reminded me of a young Aaron Davey.

except the Aaron Davey never gave Ricky Bobby a shot jab in the guts when passing each other coming off the ground. Did anyone else see that ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Rpfc, Your reference to toughness - it seems to read to me as being 'hard at the footy'. If that is the case. I would like to add in another tangable point of;

Mental toughness - this is a hard one to teach, some of the players will have it to burn, while some unfortunatly will just not possess the mental toughness required of them in the modern game. Its difficult to assess where a players head space is at times especially younger players who are yet to learn to control the thought process. It will develop as their game times and numbers progress in addittion to individual fitness levels as they learn to push themselves harder and further physically and mentally. One of the problems I see right now is that the continual losses, injuries and constant microscoping of the club will start to take its toll on the players mentally.

How do they get over this? Good question. I would hazard a thought that the 'leaders' have started to define themselves within the playing group, some players in the group may only now be identified as having the 'mental toughness' and leadership to get the group through the rest of the season. Its a hard task to have younger men as part of the leadership group, as they lack life skills/knowledge of what it takes to show the others the 'I am not losing anymore to anyone! mindset'. Its how they respond in the next couple of years that will be the true test of where they are at.

Edited by Scotty
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Team is totally unfit, can not run out a game, those that are not unfit are injured.

The high performance team is anything but that.

Misson and Craig were meant to resolve fitness and injury issues, money not well spent thus far.

Were the Swans or the Saints ever unfit under Misson?

I'll answer for you.

No. They were conditioned to play tough hard footy from the first bounce till the final siren, week in week out, season after season

Face it. We were miles off the elite fitness levels of Saints, Pies, Cats and bridging that gap is a work in progress. Misson even revealed in an article on melbournefc.com.au that he was making the players do more running at training in season than he did at the Saints because the Saints were maintaining an elite fitness level whereas Melbourne players were still building to an elite fitness level.

Misson will turn out to be one of the more important recruits in the history of the MFC. Everything in his record suggests that after another pre season our players will be as fit as the best teams.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When are you going to answer my (and your) question?

Stop being a weasel. Your lack of character and intelligence has been shown to all.

Absolutely. Stand up to the plate Hardnut and be accountable. For one who wants to debate you sure like to hide.

Obviously I don't need to answer my own questions - if I did, then why would I ask them?

I'll give both of you a hint and something to think about - I hope you are watching tonight's game between Essendon and Geelong (or will watch a replay) - if you watch carefully you might just see the answer to my point, but it will take a football brain!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Let's see how we go in Darwin. I truly hope most of you 'patience people' are correct and 2012 is just a pre-season for 2013. However, I can assure you that the brief that neeld was given by the power brokers was to win more games than 2011.

Behind closed doors, neeld is under enormous pressure, as he should be. It is not only his position on the line, but the pairings of schwab, mclardy and the board. All of whom have overseen this 5 year rebuild.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Let's see how we go in Darwin. I truly hope most of you 'patience people' are correct and 2012 is just a pre-season for 2013. However, I can assure you that the brief that neeld was given by the power brokers was to win more games than 2011.

Behind closed doors, neeld is under enormous pressure, as he should be. It is not only his position on the line, but the pairings of schwab, mclardy and the board. All of whom have overseen this 5 year rebuild.

Now you've confirmed what shite you talk, before a ball was kicked we were told the new game plan would take time to adapt. It's clear the amount of training and the focus on gameplan over results has been done with approval and a view to the future.

The talk you disregard from Neeld about having to peel everything back would not have been allowed had he not been given the stamp of approval from the board. Or do you think the board rang Neeld up and said look we are going to give you the position but that stuff you said at the interview about us only having four quality players and needing to change the way we play, well we want you to forget that.

I'm not blindly defending Neeld just find it astounding how some want him out because their expectations for 2011 are unrealistic

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you reckon we've only got 4 quality players, you've lost before you have even started.

Grimes, jamar, garland, Howe, trengove, jones, mckenzie, rivers, frawley, blease, Jurrah, watts, tapscott, moloney just to name a few.

Sounds like excuses to me, even before he started.

Remember moloney dominated last year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you reckon we've only got 4 quality players, you've lost before you have even started.

Grimes, jamar, garland, Howe, trengove, jones, mckenzie, rivers, frawley, blease, Jurrah, watts, tapscott, moloney just to name a few.

Sounds like excuses to me, even before he started.

Remember moloney dominated last year.

Just to confirm 4 "top quality" players who picked themselves were all that were left on the board of our 22.

I'll just give Neeld more time and the opportunity to build his own list

Edited by Pennant St Dee
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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  

    2024 Player Reviews: #8 Jake Lever

    The Demon’s key defender and backline leader had his share of injuries and niggles throughout the season which prevented him from performing at his peak.  Date of Birth: 5 March 1996 Height: 195cm Games MFC 2024: 18 Career Total: 178 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 5

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons

    2024 Player Reviews: #13 Clayton Oliver

    Lack of preparation after a problematic preseason prevented Oliver from reaching the high standards set before last year’s hamstring woes. He carried injury right through the back half of the season and was controversially involved in a potential move during the trade period that was ultimately shut down by the club. Date of Birth:  22 July 1997 Height:  189cm Games MFC 2024:  21 Career Total: 183 Goals MFC 2024: 3 Career Total: 54 Brownlow Medal Votes: 5

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    BLOODY BLUES by Meggs

    The conclusion to Narrm’s home and away season was the inevitable let down by the bloody Blues  who meekly capitulated to the Bombers.   The 2024 season fixture handicapped the Demons chances from the get-go with Port Adelaide, Brisbane and Essendon advantaged with enough gimme games to ensure a tough road to the finals, especially after a slew of early season injuries to star players cost wins and percentage.     As we strode confidently through the gates of Prin

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 3

    2024 Player Reviews: #5 Christian Petracca

    Melbourne’s most important player who dominated the first half of the season until his untimely injury in the Kings Birthday clash put an end to his season. At the time, he was on his way to many personal honours and the club in strong finals contention. When the season did end for Melbourne and Petracca was slowly recovering, he was engulfed in controversy about a possible move of clubs amid claims about his treatment by the club in the immediate aftermath of his injury. Date of Birth: 4 J

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 21

    2024 Player Reviews: #2 Jacob van Rooyen

    Strong marking youngster who plays forward and relief ruck, continued to make significant strides forward in his career path. The Demons have high hopes for van Rooyen as he stakes his claim to become an elite attacking forward. Date of Birth: 16 April 2003 Height: 193cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 41 Goals MFC 2024: 30 Career Total: 58 Brownlow Medal Votes: 1

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 26

    LIVE AND LET DIE by Meggs

    The Demons’ impressive late season charge to finals will most likely come unstuck this Saturday evening when the Bombers blow up the also-ran Blues in the Ikon Park double-header.   To mangle McCartney, what does it matter to ya? To have any chance to play next week Narrm has got a job to do and needs to do it well.  We’ve got to give the Pie sheilas hell, say live and let die! It’s Indigenous Round for this game and the chance to celebrate and engage with Aboriginal and Torres

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons

    2024 Player Reviews: #32 Tom Sparrow

    Had to shoulder more responsibility as the club’s injury concerns deepened but needs to step up more as he closes in on 100 games. Date of Birth: 31 May 2000 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 95 Goals MFC 2024: 6 Career Total: 34 Games CDFC: 1 Goals CDFL: 0

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 24

    2024 Player Reviews: #35 Harry Petty

    Date of Birth: 12 November 1999 Height: 197cm Games MFC 2024: 20 Career Total: 82 Goals MFC 2024: 9 Career Total: 28 Brownlow Medal Votes 3 Failed to fulfill the promise of his breakout six goal effort against the Tigers in 2023 and was generally disappointing as a key forward. It remains to be seen whether Simon Goodwin will persevere with him in attack or return him to the backline where he was an important cog in the club’s 2021 premiership success.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 18

    2024 Player Reviews: #22 Blake Howes

    After a bright start to the season, playing mostly in defence, Howes seemed to lose his way in midseason but fought back with some good performances at Casey and finished the year back at AFL level. One to watch in 2024. Date of Birth: 7 March 2003 Height: 191cm Games MFC 2024: 15 Career Total:  15 Goals MFC 2024: 0 Career Total:  0 Games CDFC 2024: 6 Goals CDFC 2024: 0

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...