Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

Don't care if this bites me on the back Jetta or Pedersen style. I'm putting it out there.

It's not the kicking. With time that could improve.

It's not even the defending errors that happen occasionally, they'll get better and he does a lot right.

It's the lack of pace for a guy who's meant to have speed.

It's the incredibly bad decision making with ball in hand regardless of kicking.

It's the lack of help he provides team mates by running to help, at one time today Grimes got the ball under pressure and turned towards the boundary with Ziebell on his hammer. McDonald had run back behind Grimes to where he couldn't help at all instead of towards where Grimes would need help, and Grimes (less said about him the better) is nothing but consistent.

I'm over Tom McDonald and I'm now at the stage where I'd love to be proven wrong. Personally I'd rather start again with someone who's a footballer first not an athlete.

  • Like 1

Posted

He's had a very good year as a defender, his kicking needs work though

  • Like 2

Posted (edited)

The play with Grimes was pathetic. He didn't sum the play up at all, and went to shepherd when he should have been giving Grimes an option.

His main issue, and it has been like this his whole career, is his kicking. He just cannot kick. His style is ungainly, I'm not sure if it's the ball drop or the follow through or whatever, but most of his kicks don't come off the boot well. They're often too low and are rarely on target. It's an enormous problem.

Not sure what you're on about with his pace; most key defenders would kill to move like he does. I like his aggression, I think it's good and important for KPDs to be willing to get involved in the play (think Scarlett and Fletcher, two of the best of the last 15 years, they both love(d) to get up the ground and get involved). But he needs to learn when to attack and when to stay home, as he sometimes gets too excited when he shouldn't.

The kicking is the problem though. It's very hard to carry someone in the side who simply cannot hit a target ever.

Edit: forgot to say, in summary - he's a good player, still young, and definitely not one to write off to any extent. But definitely needs to work on that kicking.

Edited by titan_uranus

Posted

Not one of his best efforts, but one I'm prepared to forgive on back of age and previous record.

Posted

100% not fully fit.

Also 100% one of best young defenders in the league.

I hope he's restricted in his fitness because 1 goal 5 and 11 marks for Petrie including Petrie getting him on the lead multiple times is not up to scratch. I know North had good delivery but it's the lack of desperation to stop kicks up to the wing/flanks which is McDonald's main strength which is lacking.

It's why I'm thinking he's just not smart enough to zone and read the play.

Posted (edited)

Can't backman be taught to kick accurately over 20 or 30 metres, I don't get it. Some have it naturally but surely you can practice this. But yes there were some howlers today but often not under any pressure, that is what I find inexplicable at times.

Edited by Earl Hood

Posted

He will learn, I hate it when he overestimates himself and gets caught trying to break through but I guess as he gets older and stronger it will happen.

He's got some faults but they can be ironed out.

  • Like 3

Posted

Really?!?

A young key defender was beaten (?) by a mature and talented key forward at times on the lead when they were isolated inside 50. And the lockdown key defender isn't a great kick.

This is enough for you to be 'officially over' him? Your opinion is not worth the paper this thread isn't written on.

  • Like 16
Posted

Don't care if this bites me on the back Jetta or Pedersen style. I'm putting it out there.

It's not the kicking. With time that could improve.

It's not even the defending errors that happen occasionally, they'll get better and he does a lot right.

It's the lack of pace for a guy who's meant to have speed.

It's the incredibly bad decision making with ball in hand regardless of kicking.

It's the lack of help he provides team mates by running to help, at one time today Grimes got the ball under pressure and turned towards the boundary with Ziebell on his hammer. McDonald had run back behind Grimes to where he couldn't help at all instead of towards where Grimes would need help, and Grimes (less said about him the better) is nothing but consistent.

I'm over Tom McDonald and I'm now at the stage where I'd love to be proven wrong. Personally I'd rather start again with someone who's a footballer first not an athlete.

Mewnt to have pace??

First I have heard of this..

Mcdonald has never been quick mate.

Posted

Petrie's a good player in a good patch of form who did most of his best work on the lead today thanks to North's midfielders hitting him up under little pressure. As a defender, Tom did alright, and hopefully he does learn to kick at some stage. Him, Bail, Grimes and McKenzie could all do with a trip to Auskick. Tom wasn't the only player to have a bad game today and he's been solid for most of the last two seasons.

I'm still frustrated seeing McKenzie looking for the handball every single time he takes a mark... not for the quick play on, but because he obviously to all and sundry has zero confidence in his disposal.

Posted

Mewnt to have pace??

First I have heard of this..

Mcdonald has never been quick mate.

Are you kidding? He mightn't be Blease/Nicholson but relative to other KPDs he's definitely pacey. And mobile.

Really?!?

A young key defender was beaten (?) by a mature and talented key forward at times on the lead when they were isolated inside 50. And the lockdown key defender isn't a great kick.

This is enough for you to be 'officially over' him? Your opinion is not worth the paper this thread isn't written on.

He was definitely beaten today, but it wasn't disastrous by any means.

He's not just a 'lockdown defender' though, he plays a pretty important role linking up in attack. Rather than curb that out of him, I'd rather see his kicking improve and/or him learn when to attack and when not to.

Posted

Bit of Scarlett about how he creates from defence, he's young and I'm backing him in

  • Like 1
Posted

Demonland never ceases to amaze me, his strengths outweigh the weaknesses. Amplified today by the poor performance all round. GWS, Hawks, Crows, Blues, Dogs, Freo, Meth Coast, Saints, Tigers & Lions would all take him in a heart beat

  • Like 2

Posted

He's not just a 'lockdown defender' though, he plays a pretty important role linking up in attack. Rather than curb that out of him, I'd rather see his kicking improve and/or him learn when to attack and when not to.

His primary role is as a lockdown defender. The fact that he provides such good run is a really nice bonus.

He's a very good young key defender, and this thread is awful.

  • Like 11
Posted

Demonland never ceases to amaze me, his strengths outweigh the weaknesses. Amplified today by the poor performance all round. GWS, Hawks, Crows, Blues, Dogs, Freo, Meth Coast, Saints, Tigers & Lions would all take him in a heart beat

Let them. Hawthorn wouldn't touch a key defender who can't kick. Or they wouldn't put him in the team until he learns how. And they always defend and run with perfect intelligence. When their defenders get beat (Cheney and Schoenmakers, even Gibson) it's because one on one they get beat, it happens.

Posted

Let them. Hawthorn wouldn't touch a key defender who can't kick. Or they wouldn't put him in the team until he learns how. And they always defend and run with perfect intelligence. When their defenders get beat (Cheney and Schoenmakers, even Gibson) it's because one on one they get beat, it happens.

Hawthorn run harder than any side and are that well drilled they know where to kick the ball because they know exactly which space their player will run to. Good sides back their team mates and actually cheat somewhat peeling off their opponent in the belief their team mate will win the ball, generally they do. Once they have the ball they kick to the team mate who has peeled off and is in space.

Have you heard the saying it's easier to play with good players, well its a fact.

Posted

His kicking and decison making is diabolical and is showing signs of getting worse. It's a conversation worth having. Criticism of players like McDonald and Grimes can be shouted down, but they are both huge liabilities at present.

  • Like 1
Posted

When there is very little pressure on the player delivering the ball to the big forwards there's not much you can do. And they ran the ball into their forward 50 a lot. Tom needed a run up to spoil Petrie and rarely got that chance because of good delivery.

Posted

Tom's in my team every week. Lowering his colours against one of the best forwards in the game tonight is a learning curve.

Drew Petrie. Really?

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  

    TRAINING: Friday 22nd November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers were out in force on a scorching morning out at Gosch's Paddock for the final session before the whole squad reunites for the Preseason Training Camp. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS It’s going to be a scorcher today but I’m in the shade at Gosch’s Paddock ready to bring you some observations from the final session before the Preseason Training Camp next week.  Salem, Fritsch & Campbell are already on the track. Still no number on Campbell’s

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 3

    UP IN LIGHTS by Whispering Jack

    Those who watched the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships closely this year would not be particularly surprised that Melbourne selected Victoria Country pair Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay on the first night of the AFL National Draft. The two left-footed midfielders are as different as chalk and cheese but they had similar impacts in their Coates Talent League teams and in the National Championships in 2024. Their interstate side was edged out at the very end of the tournament for tea

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Special Features

    TRAINING: Wednesday 20th November 2024

    It’s a beautiful cool morning down at Gosch’s Paddock and I’ve arrived early to bring you my observations from today’s session. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Reigning Keith Bluey Truscott champion Jack Viney is the first one out on the track.  Jack’s wearing the red version of the new training guernsey which is the only version available for sale at the Demon Shop. TRAINING: Viney, Clarry, Lever, TMac, Rivers, Petty, McVee, Bowey, JVR, Hore, Tom Campbell (in tr

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Monday 18th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers ventured down to Gosch's Paddock for the final week of training for the 1st to 4th Years until they are joined by the rest of the senior squad for Preseason Training Camp in Mansfield next week. WAYNE RUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS No Ollie, Chin, Riv today, but Rick & Spargs turned up and McDonald was there in casual attire. Seston, and Howes did a lot of boundary running, and Tom Campbell continued his work with individual trainer in non-MFC

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #11 Max Gawn

    Champion ruckman and brilliant leader, Max Gawn earned his seventh All-Australian team blazer and constantly held the team up on his shoulders in what was truly a difficult season for the Demons. Date of Birth: 30 December 1991 Height: 209cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 224 Goals MFC 2024: 11 Career Total: 109 Brownlow Medal Votes: 13 Melbourne Football Club: 2nd Best & Fairest: 405 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 12

    2024 Player Reviews: #36 Kysaiah Pickett

    The Demons’ aggressive small forward who kicks goals and defends the Demons’ ball in the forward arc. When he’s on song, he’s unstoppable but he did blot his copybook with a three week suspension in the final round. Date of Birth: 2 June 2001 Height: 171cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 106 Goals MFC 2024: 36 Career Total: 161 Brownlow Medal Votes: 3 Melbourne Football Club: 4th Best & Fairest: 369 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    TRAINING: Friday 15th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers took advantage of the beautiful sunshine to head down to Gosch's Paddock and witness the return of Clayton Oliver to club for his first session in the lead up to the 2025 season. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Clarry in the house!! Training: JVR, McVee, Windsor, Tholstrup, Woey, Brown, Petty, Adams, Chandler, Turner, Bowey, Seston, Kentfield, Laurie, Sparrow, Viney, Rivers, Jefferson, Hore, Howes, Verrall, AMW, Clarry Tom Campbell is here

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #7 Jack Viney

    The tough on baller won his second Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy in a narrow battle with skipper Max Gawn and Alex Neal-Bullen and battled on manfully in the face of a number of injury niggles. Date of Birth: 13 April 1994 Height: 178cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 219 Goals MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 66 Brownlow Medal Votes: 8

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 3

    TRAINING: Wednesday 13th November 2024

    A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers braved the rain and headed down to Gosch's paddock to bring you their observations from the second day of Preseason training for the 1st to 4th Year players. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training today. Richo spoke to me and said not to believe what is in the media, as we will good this year. Jefferson and Kentfield looked big and strong.  Petty was doing all the training. Adams looked like he was in rehab.  KE

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...