Jump to content

Discussion on recent allegations about the use of illicit drugs in football is forbidden
  • IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

    Posting unsubstantiated rumours on this website is strictly forbidden.

    Demonland has made the difficult decision to not permit this platform to be used to discuss & debate the off-field issues relating to the Melbourne Football Club including matters currently being litigated between the Club & former Board members, board elections, the issue of illicit drugs in footy, the culture at the club & the personal issues & allegations against some of our players & officials ...

    We do not take these issues & this decision lightly & of course we believe that these serious matters affecting the club we love & are so passionate about are worthy of discussion & debate & I wish we could provide a place where these matters can be discussed in a civil & respectful manner.

    However these discussions unfortunately invariably devolve into areas that may be defamatory, libelous, spread unsubstantiated rumours & can effect the mental health of those involved. Even discussion & debate of known facts or media reports can lead to finger pointing, blame & personal attacks.

    The repercussion is that these discussions can open this website, it’s owners & it’s users to legal action & may result in this website being forced to shutdown.

    Our moderating team are all volunteers & cannot moderate the forum 24/7 & as a consequence problematic content that contravenes our rules & standards may go unnoticed for some time before it can be removed.

    We reserve the right to delete posts that offend against our above policy & indeed, to ban posters who are repeat offenders or who breach our code of conduct.

    WE HAVE BUILT A FANTASTIC ONLINE COMMUNITY AT DEMONLAND OVER THE PAST 23 YEARS & WE WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO DISCUSS THE CLUB WE LOVE & ARE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT.

    Thank you for your continued support & understanding. Go Dees.


Did anyone think the loss of Byrnes hurt us last weeekend?



Recommended Posts

I didn't.

To be brutally honest, he's played 2 good games (V GWS and Brisbane) and 5 poor to ordinary games.

He's influence has been very minimal as he fades in and out of games pretty badly. Probably averaging about 10 touches a game.

A very underwhelming start.

Thoughts?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here we go again.

As has been discussed on several different threads, Byrnes has come to the club for just as much if not more his off field influence and leadership as much as his on-field due to our severe lack of senior players.

Any games that Byrnes (or Rodan) play should be seen purely as a bonus. Byrnes has played a role as far as forward pressure goes and we do lack small forwards. I expect Kent to push for Byrnes spot in the team as early as next season. But Byrnes influence can't be measured on stats alone. I would be suprised if he didn't come into the 22 next week.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I didn't.

To be brutally honest, he's played 2 good games (V GWS and Brisbane) and 5 poor to ordinary games.

He's influence has been very minimal as he fades in and out of games pretty badly. Probably averaging about 10 touches a game.

A very underwhelming start.

Thoughts?

FCS what a ridiculous thread. No, we didn't miss Michael Newton, Brent Grgic or Darren Kowal either. Can we have a thread for these as well?

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I reckon he's played four good games, 1 average game and 2 poor games. As others have said, he's been brought to the club for more than just his onfield performances anyway, so as long as he is helping us reform our "culture" (whatever that is) then he's doing his job.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

He is our only small forward on the list. Many want Davey forward while others talk wistfully about him being behind the ball...

Byrnes is a small forward in a team that struggles to get the ball forward.

I have been impressed with what he has done and he will slot straight back in when he is right.

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

He is our only small forward on the list. .

Davey and Jetta had a growth spurt apparently.

Given situation of the game I don't believe Byrnes was missed. Has only been prominent against 16th and 18th teams on the list. Has been invisible against other sides.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here we go again.

As has been discussed on several different threads, Byrnes has come to the club for just as much if not more his off field influence and leadership as much as his on-field due to our severe lack of senior players.

Any games that Byrnes (or Rodan) play should be seen purely as a bonus. Byrnes has played a role as far as forward pressure goes and we do lack small forwards. I expect Kent to push for Byrnes spot in the team as early as next season. But Byrnes influence can't be measured on stats alone. I would be suprised if he didn't come into the 22 next week.

Byrnes was brought to the club in the expectation that he would be best 22. His leadership was certainly a huge drawcard, but it's not *the* reason. It's patently false to claim that games played are just a "bonus" - FCS he's a player, his primary role is to play.

As for how he has actually played - I agree with rpfc. He's our best (only) small forward and I'm not too unhappy thus far given that he plays in starvation corner.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Byrnes might not be one of the AFL's best players, but unfortunately he's one of ours.

Didn't play well the first two/three weeks, but then again, neither did anyone else.

Thought he lifted for the GWS and Brisbane games, and I felt he was slowly settling into his role as a FP/HFF. His foot skills were noticeably better than most.

With Bail, McKenzie, Nicholson and Strauss in the side, Byrnes has places available to come back in.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think Davey stood up and played the high half forward/ forward pocket role that Brynes has been playing all season tremendously well on the weekend. For me he was our best player for the day and relished finally being given some freedom and responsibility from Neeld.

That is not to say I think Davey has taken Brynes spot, I see no reason why they can't play in the same side. Having those two kicking inside 50 / for goal is a good thing for the side. Ro Bails HFF role could be in jeopardy if Brynes returns.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have no idea about Shannon's leadership abilities and I am fairly ambivalent towards him as a player, but I do feel confident that when he has the footy that the next bloke to have the footy will also be wearing red and blue. This is more than I can say about a lot of our team

His stats are better than I expected; Ave 15 disp, 4 marks and just under 3 tackles a game

So to answer the OP, yes we probably did miss him

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

With Bail, McKenzie, Nicholson and Strauss in the side, Byrnes has places available to come back in.

I don't see him competing with any of these players for a spot in the side. But it's noted that the players you mentioned all have perform each week otherwise they will be replaced by better candidates who can actually fill those roles.

The small forward role is a list weakness at MFC. My concern is that Davey appears to be our best option but is not a good option. I don't believe Byrnes is that player no matter how well he apparently does on the training track. In a few years Dom Barry might develop into an option but we are starved of capable realistic options.

Rather unbelievable when we are planning a forward line of Clark, Dawes, Hogan and we have no one of any real calibre to play at their feet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Still think his most dominant display was 5 goals in the intraclub.

Seriously though, I wasn't excited by his signing last year and he's done nothing to really change my mind. He might add some polish once the team starts to click a little more in the future but for now he's struggling just like the rest of the boys under Neeld.

Hope he turns out to be a handy contributor but not holding my breath.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Byrnes was brought to the club in the expectation that he would be best 22. His leadership was certainly a huge drawcard, but it's not *the* reason. It's patently false to claim that games played are just a "bonus" - FCS he's a player, his primary role is to play.

.

Agree. I am sure this type of reasoning where we recruit a player and any game they is bonus is a definite symptom of the MFCSS.

I disagree that he is our only small forward option. He is one of a number NQRs who could play that position but can't nail it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Davey and Jetta had a growth spurt apparently.

Given situation of the game I don't believe Byrnes was missed. Has only been prominent against 16th and 18th teams on the list. Has been invisible against other sides.

Again, Davey remains one of the few who can kick straight and in form he is more use behind the ball and Jetta...

Jetta is not a small forward.

I think I have typed that about 100 times on here.

Byrnes is our best option at small forward and he is value when we can get it down there - oddly enough when we play against the poorer sides.

I refuse to let him be a scapegoat on here for our issues.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What exactly did Tapscott, Toumpas, Bail and Jetta produce up forward in his absence? Davey obviously was good but the other 4 provided nothing. Of course none of them nor Byrnes are stars but you'd think in at least an average side that has some idea how to retain the footy you'd see much higher disposal counts and more goals.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What exactly did Tapscott, Toumpas, Bail and Jetta produce up forward in his absence? Davey obviously was good but the other 4 provided nothing. Of course none of them nor Byrnes are stars but you'd think in at least an average side that has some idea how to retain the footy you'd see much higher disposal counts and more goals.

I think Tapscott provides a perceived pressure which is good, he hits bodies very hard which is fantastic to see, i thought Toumpas didn't get the ball much but looked composed and classy when he had it which is a welcome change, and Jetta adds abit of zip, certainly better than Nicholson but output isn't quite as high as i would have hoped, granted it was his first game for a while

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Again, Davey remains one of the few who can kick straight and in form he is more use behind the ball and Jetta...

Jetta is not a small forward.

I think I have typed that about 100 times on here.

Byrnes is our best option at small forward and he is value when we can get it down there - oddly enough when we play against the poorer sides.

I refuse to let him be a scapegoat on here for our issues.

Against superior opposition, Davey kicked 3 from the FP and if not a brain fade should have 4. He can't play up the ground regularly because he does not have the tank.

And its a self serving misnomer in the modern game where players cover both ends of the ground that because you play predominantly the small forward role that you have a cheap excuse for poor performance.

And when you find Byrnes scapegoated for our issues, tell us all because that definitely happened in this thread.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pointless thread, produced with the sole intent of simply bagging one of our own again!

After listening to Patrick Smith and Kevin Bartlett this morning, don't we have enough people (term loosely used) media and other club supporters bagging us on the outside without MFC supporters doing the same. All the players are struggling in that we know that they are better than what they are now. The players know what is going outside of their office. They know what is being said and don't be fooled by "I don't read the newspapers" quotes.

I don't mind a relevant discussion regarding a players game but with regard to Shannon Byrne he has come into a team that is floundering. Even with any good team it takes time to gel with the style of play. We need his type whilst we develop other players. We need back up players and you can see by the Casey result we do not have the luxury of back up players that the other better teams have.

I've got a sore head this morning listening to other team supporters ringing in to tell the world what is wrong with the Club from the FD to the total administration. What would they know only for what is being fed to them on a daily basis. And for CW to say that Peter Jackson more or less told her that the whole Administration of the Club was a shambles well, just typical CW. Even if Peter Jackson thought this why on earth would he give CW a tell all. Peter Jackson is right we need clear air - less media interference. Rodney Eade's comment to Robbo is also telling me that within the other Clubs there is a bit of sympathy for the MFC and the constant targeting and negative reporting. I need to lie down now.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Davey and Jetta had a growth spurt apparently.

Given situation of the game I don't believe Byrnes was missed. Has only been prominent against 16th and 18th teams on the list. Has been invisible against other sides.

Agree. I think if anything he was missed by Casey, where he should finish off this year.
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  

    DISCO INFERNO by Whispering Jack

    Two weeks ago, when the curtain came down on Melbourne’s game against the Brisbane Lions, the team trudged off the MCG looking tired and despondent at the end of a tough run of games played in quick succession. In the days that followed, the fans wanted answers about their team’s lamentable performance that night and foremost among their concerns was whether the loss was a one off result of fatigue or was it due to other factor(s) of far greater consequence.  As it turns out, the answer to

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 7

    TIGERS PUNT CASEY by KC from Casey

    The afternoon atmosphere at the Swinburne Centre was somewhat surreal as the game between Richmond VFL and the Casey Demons unfolded on what was really a normal work day for most Melburnians. The Yarra Park precinct marched to the rhythm of city life, the trains rolled by, pedestrians walked by with their dogs and the traffic on Punt Road and Brunton Avenue swirled past while inside the arena, a football battle ensued. And what a battle it was? The Tigers came in with a record of two wins f

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Casey Articles

    PREGAME: Rd 08 vs Geelong

    After returning to the winners list the Demons have a 10 day break until they face the unbeaten Cats at the MCG on Saturday Night. Who comes in and who goes out for this crucial match?

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 145

    PODCAST: Rd 07 vs Richmond

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 29th April @ 8:30pm. Join George, Binman & I as we analyse the Demons victory at the MCG against the Tigers in the Round 07. You questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show. If you would like to leave us a voicemail please call 03 9016 3666 and don't worry no body answers so you don't have to talk to a human. Listen & Chat

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 11

    VOTES: Rd 07 vs Richmond

    Last week Captain Max Gawn overtook reigning champion Christian Petracca in the Demonland Player of the Year Award. Steven May, Jack Viney & Alex Neal-Bullen make up the Top 5. Your votes for the win against the Tigers. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 54

    POSTGAME: Rd 07 vs Richmond

    The Demons put their foot down after half time to notch up a clinical win by 43 points over the Tigers at the MCG on ANZAC Eve keeping touch with the Top 4.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 351

    GAMEDAY: Rd 07 vs Richmond

    It's Game Day and the Demons once again open the round of football with their annual clash against Richmond on ANZAC Eve. The Tigers, coached by former Dees champion and Premiership assistant coach Adem Yze have a plethora of stars missing due to injury but beware the wounded Tiger. The Dees will have to be switched on tonight. A win will keep them in the hunt for the Top 4 whilst a loss could see them fall out of the 8 for the first time since 2020.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 683

    TRAINING: Tuesday 23rd April 2024

    Demonland Trackwatcher Kev Martin ventured down to Gosch's Paddock to bring you his observations from this morning's Captain's Run including some hints at the changes for our ANZAC Eve clash against the Tigers. Sunny, though a touch windy, this morning, 23 of them no emergencies.  Forwards out first. Harrison Petty, JvR, Jack Billings, Kade Chandler, Kozzy, Bayley Fritsch, and coach Stafford.  The backs join them, Steven May, Jake Lever, Woey, Judd McVee, Blake Howes, Tom McDonald

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    OOZEE by The Oracle

    There’s a touch of irony in the fact that Adem Yze played his first game for Melbourne in Round 13, 1995 against the club he now coaches. For that game, he wore the number 44 guernsey and got six touches in a game the team won by 11 points.  The man whose first name was often misspelled, soon changed to the number 13 and it turned out lucky for him. He became a highly revered Demon with a record of 271 games during which his presence was acknowledged by the fans with the chant of “Oozee” wh

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Previews 3
  • Tell a friend

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