Jump to content

Nine Days in the Top End


Barney Rubble

Recommended Posts

I hope that's not the "Exclusive Brethren" ?

Of course-

if they catch me on the internet they will

steal my savings and banish me from my family .

But they only do it because they LOVE us.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

OK at least you're reconciled to your fate.

I make a fricken mint in Tax incentive schemes so it all works out .

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So you're not just a shallow poster with a pretty face?

I can get deeper than Jacques Cousteau.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Tassie was s3wn up by Hawthorn...............and New Zealand?.....bad enough playing a Mickey Mouse game in London or Los Angeles....Kiwi interest would be non existent.......do you go to Darwin, I do, the crowd is not the biggest but the actual interest is.....

I think the "Market in NZ" is a whole lot bigger than you makeo ut, it is 4 Million infact especially if it isa game or 2 a year i bet the average sporting nut will turn out plus those with an ex pat or genuine interest.

I am a student at present but will aim to go to as many away games as i can over the journey, done perth, but would be dead keen on Tassie or NZ before Darwin,

And think the market is much bigger, hence North going to Tassie now

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think a lot of you miss the conditioning aspect of this trip. Heavy exercise in climates like Darwin take a bit of getting used to.

Not all our football is played at the MCG and several games are played in tropical or semi tropical cities (Darwin, Brisbane, Gold Coast).

So when we play in those cities the team will have a better idea of how to deal with it.

But, I know that as I train/run daily here in Bangkok (tropical/humid) and come back to Melbourne (miserable cold winter) and run, I have benefited from exercising in the tropics. It might sound silly, but no more silly than the rather expensive trips to be trendy and train on the top of an American mountain (could gain the same benefits at Falls Creek - just about as high). And they are not silly...just cost a lot more than going to Darwin.

The point is that radical climate change brings a lot of long term benefits when you come back "down to earth" (or in this case, the MCG).

I am not a doctor or a sports scientist, I just know from my own experiences, that it works.

And, if also helps bring about wins in Darwin, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, because the team is more able to cope with the heat, you might find more Melbourne teams might be doing what we are doing in a couple of year's time.

Melbourne being at the cutting edge of training is not something we are used to.

  • Like 8
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think a lot of you miss the conditioning aspect of this trip. Heavy exercise in climates like Darwin take a bit of getting used to.

Not all our football is played at the MCG and several games are played in tropical or semi tropical cities (Darwin, Brisbane, Gold Coast).

So when we play in those cities the team will have a better idea of how to deal with it.

But, I know that as I train/run daily here in Bangkok (tropical/humid) and come back to Melbourne (miserable cold winter) and run, I have benefited from exercising in the tropics. It might sound silly, but no more silly than the rather expensive trips to be trendy and train on the top of an American mountain (could gain the same benefits at Falls Creek - just about as high). And they are not silly...just cost a lot more than going to Darwin.

The point is that radical climate change brings a lot of long term benefits when you come back "down to earth" (or in this case, the MCG).

I am not a doctor or a sports scientist, I just know from my own experiences, that it works.

And, if also helps bring about wins in Darwin, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, because the team is more able to cope with the heat, you might find more Melbourne teams might be doing what we are doing in a couple of year's time.

Melbourne being at the cutting edge of training is not something we are used to.

Dont forget Perth. It can get really hot over there in early season games. On NZ the game will never succeed over there. They are only interested in Rugby because they are so good at it and they can at least beat Australia at something. There are some minor AFL leagues over there but they are usually ex-pats playing. There may be a little interest in the initial game but that interest will not be sustained. Rugby is just such a well organised sport over there and the All Black players are held up as gods. If you think the AFL have thrown the big bucks at GWS to make it succeed they will have to throw even bigger ones at a team in NZ. This idea that AFL to be successful has to go international seems ludicrous to me. Sorry to all for being off topic.
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think a lot of you miss the conditioning aspect of this trip. Heavy exercise in climates like Darwin take a bit of getting used to.

Not all our football is played at the MCG and several games are played in tropical or semi tropical cities (Darwin, Brisbane, Gold Coast).

So when we play in those cities the team will have a better idea of how to deal with it.

But, I know that as I train/run daily here in Bangkok (tropical/humid) and come back to Melbourne (miserable cold winter) and run, I have benefited from exercising in the tropics. It might sound silly, but no more silly than the rather expensive trips to be trendy and train on the top of an American mountain (could gain the same benefits at Falls Creek - just about as high). And they are not silly...just cost a lot more than going to Darwin.

The point is that radical climate change brings a lot of long term benefits when you come back "down to earth" (or in this case, the MCG).

I am not a doctor or a sports scientist, I just know from my own experiences, that it works.

And, if also helps bring about wins in Darwin, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, because the team is more able to cope with the heat, you might find more Melbourne teams might be doing what we are doing in a couple of year's time.

Melbourne being at the cutting edge of training is not something we are used to.

BK indeed, seeing the article on MFC.com.au and Neeld's comments about the trip they have invested a bucket load if research time into this. They also said it might not show immediate benefits, outside of the mental side of things and team building but will in the long run physically and yes who knows maybe we will be leading the way on this for other teams for once. Teams were all doing Kokoda a few years a go with everyone from commentators to players to clubs flagellating themselves on the benefits of it, don't recall any teams going for a few years now. Didn't Byrnes do Kokoda on his own in his holiday; oh my god is he going to keel over with 2 trips to humid conditions??

Overall I think the Dee's are sure it will not be anything other than a plank in the overall long term program to get these players to improve. It is not going to be a panacea it is part of a number of different strategies of doing things to get this group over the top, while laying the foundations for long term success.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This isn't designed as some Mission impossible its a Misson Possible !!

This guy surely knows what hes on about. He thinks its a good idea with lasting benefits' well ill believe him.

Ftr falls is a long way short of colorado "hills"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gday Fellow Dee's.

As some of you might be aware I'm based in Darwin for work and have been for 8 years now.

I went out for dinner with the boys up here last night and it was great to see Col as I wont get home for Xmas. All the boys seemed pretty happy & nervous from what I could gather. Everyone was joking around, especially about their 5 star (1star) accommodation!!

Robertson Barracks is situated about 20kms from Darwin out the road in the middle of kinda nowhere I guess. They do have quite a full range of facilities there from what i could see.

Now....the weather.... What I can tell you is the last 5-6 days are the hottest for humidity I have ever experienced. Yesterday was Darwins hottest December day in 36 years. The mercury peaked at 36'c, while that may not seem too hot it is very hard to explain the hidden heat of the humidity, the bureau up here says add 8'c generally to get a feel for what it feels like, for eg: 36'c actually feels like 44'c.

This time of year is called "the build-up", it is a build of heat,pressure and humidity where it will be stinking hot all day, threaten to rain but never does until one day it will finally let go and officially kick start the wet season, this is called the knock em' down rains. We have had a little bit of rain which has only made it more humid. It is by far the hottest "build-up" Ive experienced since 2004 & all locals would agree.

Sorry I havent got much footy news but it was just good to see everyone and not talk footy, if that makes sense?! Everyone is gutted about Trenners also. They are catching up with Aussie while they are here also.

Now I'm not au fait with the benefits of training in humidity so if theres any doctors or sports science gurus who would like to inform us??? I just find it odd that Misson says it takes 3 years to reap the rewards of training up here but we only train once a year for 3 years up here...how does that work!!!? He's the expert though so I'm sure hes correct. They will certainly lose some weight!

Anyway guys, thats all I have, sorry its not much but thought you might find the weather interesting at least. Hope you all have a great Xmas & New Year.

The jungle drums are a beating & the Dee's are a comin!

Cheers,

Hells Gates.

  • Like 17
Link to comment
Share on other sites


I don't know the benefits from a sports science perspective, but the bonding that will happen over the next 10 days will make us a better team. To stay together, as a team for this period of time plus face the challenges together should bring our team closer.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

dont step on the Taipans !!!!! wtf !!! lol ( I HATE snakes !! )

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have been to Darwin for the game and a holiday for the three years now, my lovely lady could not understand why I was so paranoid about her not walking off the marked tracks when we went bush, after hearing the briefing from the guy at Robertson Barracks she now understands......the look on some of the players faces was priceless!!!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tassie was s3wn up by Hawthorn...............and New Zealand?.....bad enough playing a Mickey Mouse game in London or Los Angeles....Kiwi interest would be non existent.......do you go to Darwin, I do, the crowd is not the biggest but the actual interest is.....

Yes, but Hobart was an option...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agreed, you can get altitude sickness in Colorado, not at Falls Creek.

I understand that. I am also not sure at what height the training camps are at. But Falls Creek has been used for many years by marathon runners as an altitude training venue during the summer months.

Anyway, my point is that what we are doing is new and we are not following the leader, as we have done in the past.

It might not work, but we won't die without knowing...

Go Dees !!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

But MFC picked Darwin, which we have to ourselves, we get paid to play up there, we are building a good community base, the players actually like going there....what is not to like?

Spot on, I too am struggling to see a negative.

With all the things that have been wrong with the MFC over that last 6 -7 years

surely this is one for the positive side of the ledger!

  • Like 1
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  

    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

    2024 Player Reviews: #33 Tom Fullarton

    Originally an NBL basketballer with the Brisbane Bullets, he moved across town in 2019 to the AFL Lions where he played 19 games before crossing to Melbourne where he was expected to fill a role as a back up ruckman/key forward. Unfortunately, didn’t quite get there although he did finish equal sixth in Casey’s best and fairest award. Date of Birth: 23 February 1999 Height: 198cm Games CDFC: 14 Goals CDFL: 13

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 8

    2024 Player Reviews: #10 Angus Brayshaw

    Sadly, had to wrap up a great career in midstream on the back of multiple concussions which culminated in the Maynard hit in the 2023 Qualifying Final. His loss to the club was inestimable over and above his on field talent given his character and leadership qualities, all of which have been sorely missed. Date of Birth: 9 January 1996 Height: 188cm Games MFC 2024: 0 Career Total: 167 Goals MFC 2024: 0 Career Total: 49

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 8
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...