Jump to content

WELCOME TO THE MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB - JOEL SMITH

DeeSpencer
DeeSpencer
in Melbourne Demons

Featured Replies

1 hour ago, binman said:

Agree. having not really seen much of him this year i was surprised how effictive he was, particulalry in the first. 

Great pick up i reckon, particualry given it is essentially a free throw at ths tsumps. Played a lot of junior football so not a footy novice like the import B rookies, comes accross from basketball -  and increasingly those skills are highly transferabl - and not only that has been playing in elite basketball systems since late teens so was pretty fit and fully up to speed on the dedication and discilpine required to be a professional athlete. 

On this point, do the payments to Category B rookies, or whatever it's called, get included in the salary cap? I expect in the overall scheme of things the amount these rookies get paid wouldn't be much, but I'm curious nevertheless. 

  • Quote
    • Like 1
     
    Just now, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

    On this point, do the payments to Category B rookies, or whatever it's called, get included in the salary cap? I expect in the overall scheme of things the amount these rookies get paid wouldn't be much, but I'm curious nevertheless. 

    i think they are out of the cap

  • Quote

    I don't know enough about Smith, other than his impressive game yesterday, but I'd love him to develop into an Isaac Smith type wingman.  Isaac Smith has incredible endurance and I have no idea how Joel goes in the endurance stakes, but Smith and Hunt running the lines is an exciting prospect.

    I actually want to leave Hunt in his current role, as I suspect he finds it easier playing behind the ball, so would be interested to know if a tall wing role would suit Joel.

  • Quote
    • Like 4
     
    4 hours ago, monoccular said:

    So Casey watchers.....where do you see him fitting in?

    HBF / mid?

    Listed at 190cm, 85kgm - is this how he looks and plays?

    From what i've seen of him, he seems to mainly shift between half back with short stints on a wing.

    Would love to see what he's capable of forward, but suspect he'll either be groomed for the Garland role or as a tall wingman. Or maybe both?

  • Quote

    4 hours ago, ProDee said:

    I don't know enough about Smith, other than his impressive game yesterday, but I'd love him to develop into an Isaac Smith type wingman.  Isaac Smith has incredible endurance and I have no idea how Joel goes in the endurance stakes, but Smith and Hunt running the lines is an exciting prospect.

    I actually want to leave Hunt in his current role, as I suspect he finds it easier playing behind the ball, so would be interested to know if a tall wing role would suit Joel.

    But is he a good set shot at goal under pressure?

    1 hour ago, AngryAtCasey said:

    From what i've seen of him, he seems to mainly shift between half back with short stints on a wing.

    Would love to see what he's capable of forward, but suspect he'll either be groomed for the Garland role or as a tall wingman. Or maybe both?

    Thanks Angry

  • Quote

    I don't think we're going to have the answers on Joel Smith or Corey Maynard for a while yet. They need at least a full pre season if not more to get themselves into shape for the rigors of the AFL. Smith has shown that he has the basic skills and he's probably still not as advanced as say, Jayden Hunt was at this time last year. That said, Hunt had a very good pre season.

  • Quote
    50 minutes ago, Whispering_Jack said:

    I don't think we're going to have the answers on Joel Smith or Corey Maynard for a while yet. They need at least a full pre season if not more to get themselves into shape for the rigors of the AFL. Smith has shown that he has the basic skills and he's probably still not as advanced as say, Jayden Hunt was at this time last year. That said, Hunt had a very good pre season.

    There was a lot to like about Joel Smith yesterday but...

    He kicks like Cameron Bruce used to. Lots of helicopters and leg breaks. No drop punts.

  • Quote
    •  
    • Author
    1 minute ago, Wrecker45 said:

    There was a lot to like about Joel Smith yesterday but...

    He kicks like Cameron Bruce used to. Lots of helicopters and leg breaks. No drop punts.

    Kicking would have to be a big focus for him over preseason. I thought his action was fine if a little stiff, but given he's played all of about 10 games this year I didn't think it was too bad. His one kick to Dunn was perfect, others not so great.

     

  • Quote
    • Author

    I'm not sure he's as quick as someone like Hunt and I don't think he'll be a wingman, but his first few steps and agility impressed me plus his leap. And his willingness to tackle was great. 

    I could see him becoming a rebounding half back, a lock down defender, a defensive forward or maybe even an inside midfielder with the ability to go 3rd man up in the ruck and to provide some burst to the contest. Half back is the best spot to train him up in and I think next year he could become a consistent VFL player and push to debut and play a few games, then it's a matter of where to from there. 

    The big unknown with any mature age recruit and with any athlete from a non footy background is you can't tell how much they will improve. If he improves the same way Hunt did then we'll have a great player on our hands.

  • Quote
    • Like 2

    1 hour ago, spirit of norm smith said:

    I hope we upgrade Joel to the regular rookie list next year.

    His potential is huge.  I see him as a rebounding half back.

    What would be the point of that Norm?

  • Quote
    • Like 3

    I have high hopes for Joel after watching a lot of Casey this year, if all goes right in the preseason I can see him getting an opportunity early next year .   He has struggled with injury and was load managed early on but I have been extremely impressed by his development.  He has so many AFL qualities to his game, clean hands, quick, strong over the ball and has some real X factor as well.

     Thinking about him and Hunt on the same half back line would be a sight to see with them both up and going.

     

     

  • Quote
    • Like 2

    This weekend was the first I've seen of him, but he certainly looked like a good prospect.  His first quarter in particular, I think he had 10 disposals.  Moved really well and laid some really nice tackles.  It's a good sign for a basketballer to take to the physical side of the game so readily I think.  Some of his disposals were a bit ordinary, but others were fine.  I don't see any point in upgrading him next year, but he certainly looks like he'll be a player in the future.  No rush for now. 

  • Quote
    • 9 months later...

    Joel is mfc's 'nominated rookie' for the rest of the season.  http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-07-06/smith-named-nominated-rookie

    "It means that Smith, although a rookie, is eligible for selection in the AFL for the rest of the season."

    I'm guessing he will be in the team sooner rather than later.  :rolleyes:

    Edit:  that story looks a bit weird as Joel Smith signed a 2 year deal a few months ago http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-05/fifteen-minutes-of-fame-enough-to-earn-dee-joel-smith-new-deal

    ...I wonder if it means Tim Smith...

    Edit 2:  It is Joel, see 'Nascent's post below.

    Edited by Lucifer's Hero

  • Quote
    • Like 1

    30 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

    Joel is mfc's 'nominated rookie' for the rest of the season.  http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2017-07-06/smith-named-nominated-rookie

    "It means that Smith, although a rookie, is eligible for selection in the AFL for the rest of the season."

    I'm guessing he will be in the team sooner rather than later.  :rolleyes:

    Edit:  that story looks a bit weird as Joel Smith signed a 2 year deal a few months ago http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-05/fifteen-minutes-of-fame-enough-to-earn-dee-joel-smith-new-deal

    ...I wonder if it means Tim Smith...

    Nah it's definitely Joel. He won't be on the official primary list until the end of the year/draft period. From memory he was elevated for king who has since come of the LTI list but we can promote a rookie mid season.

  • Quote
    • Like 1
    • 1 year later...

    This kid could be ready to explode.  

    Weid and T Mac will be his personal stepladders.

  • Quote

    There is something to work with here.. i like him up forward as he has an incredible leap and is surprisingly accuratekick for goal. Reminds of the way Jurrah would just glide across packs with his leap.

    The only issue is Smith, Weideman and McDonald need to work out a system together. To many times yesterday they just all jumped for the same ball and crashed into each others backs.

    Smith is someone that couple prove to be difficult to match up on. Speed on the lead with a huge leap to also go with.

     

  • Quote

    it's always rated him. even in defence I'd have him well ahead of oscar mcdonld and hore but in the forward line his straight kicking has been a great surprise.

  • Quote
    2 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

    There is something to work with here.. i like him up forward as he has an incredible leap and is surprisingly accuratekick for goal. Reminds of the way Jurrah would just glide across packs with his leap.

    The only issue is Smith, Weideman and McDonald need to work out a system together. Too many times yesterday they just all jumped for the same ball and crashed into each others backs.

    Smith is someone that couple prove to be difficult to match up on. Speed on the lead with a huge leap to also go with.

     

    Yes, I noticed they got in each others way a lot. One example had Weid set for a simple overhead mark, only to have Smith leap from behind to attempt the impossible. I know Weid and Smirh are still young, but surely these guys get taught leading patterns to keep clear of each other???

  • Quote

    2 hours ago, Moonshadow said:

    Yes, I noticed they got in each others way a lot. One example had Weid set for a simple overhead mark, only to have Smith leap from behind to attempt the impossible. I know Weid and Smirh are still young, but surely these guys get taught leading patterns to keep clear of each other???

    I noticed this last week with Smith as well, a couple of times he jumped with TMac and completely spoiled him.  

    I’m not sold on him, I think he’s a bit of a one trick pony. But time will tell though, hope I’m wrong. 

    Edited by Ethan Tremblay

  • Quote
    22 minutes ago, Ethan Tremblay said:

    I noticed this last week with Smith as well, a couple of times he jumped with TMac and completely spoiled him.  

    I’m not sold on him, I think he’s a bit of a one trick pony. But will tell though, hope I’m wrong. 

    That second quarter I thought he showed a lot and stood out for mine, the goal he kicked on the run, his leading, his willingness to put his body on the line and also his tackling shows me he has plenty of tricks, he needs to do it more often though and he did go up when he should of stayed down on few occasions, but he is still learning and has heaps of room for improvement, my tip for the most improved player this year

     

  • Quote
    • Like 2
    5 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

    There is something to work with here

     

    I think that's they key part, dazzle.  There is something to work with.  Do we have him play some VFL early in the season to hone his craft a bit, especially in terms of getting in the way of others, or do they unleash him Round 1 and back in a bit of his x-factor to make the difference?  I'm not sure yet, but I think he's shown some promising signs thus far.

  • Quote
    •  

    He looks much better forward than back. He definitely takes after his Dad in that sense.

    Shaun was always hampered by defensive mindsets but when he went forward, he gave us an unpredictable edge.

    Joel seems to be more reluctant up back but seems released from a burden when sent forward.

  • Quote

    Handy to have a player like Smith who can play forward and back. Given our depth down back, Smith should be played as a permanent forward.

    Still a few kinks to be ironed out in his game which have already been mentioned, but you can work with him and he can make an impact for us forward.

    He might end up being a poster boy for category b rookies. He has certainly proven that there is some real value in the category b rookie list.

  • Quote

    • 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...
    Go to topic listing

    Featured Content

    • FEATURE: 1925

      A hundred years ago today, on 2 May 1925, Melbourne kicked off the new season with a 47 point victory over St Kilda to take top place on the VFL ladder after the opening round of the new season.  Top place was a relatively unknown position for the team then known as the “Fuchsias.” They had finished last in 1923 and rose by only one place in the following year although the final home and away round heralded a promise of things to come when they surprised the eventual premiers Essendon. That victory set the stage for more improvement and it came rapidly. In this series, I will tell the story of how the 1925 season unfolded for the Melbourne Football Club and how it made the VFL finals for the first time in a decade on the way to the ultimate triumph a year later.

      • 0 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • PREVIEW: West Coast

      Saturday’s election night game in Perth between the West Coast Eagles and Melbourne represents 18th vs 15th which makes it a tough decision as to which party to favour. The Eagles have yet to break the ice under their new coach in Andrew McQualter who is the second understudy in a row to confront Demon Coach Simon Goodwin who was also winless until a fortnight ago. On that basis, many punters might be considering to go with the donkey vote but I’ve been assigned with the task of helping readers to come to a considered opinion on this matter of vital importance across the nation. It was almost a year ago that I wrote a preview here of the Demons’ away game against the Eagles (under the name William from Waalitj because it was Indigenous Round).  I issued a warning that it was a danger game, based on my local knowledge that the home team were no longer easybeats and that they possessed a wunderkind generational player in Harley Reid who was capable of producing stellar performances playing among men a decade and more older than he.  At the time, the Eagles already had two wins off the back of a couple of the young man’s masterclasses and they had recently given the Bombers a scare straight after their Anzac Day blockbuster draw against the then reigning premiers.

      • 1 reply
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • NON-MFC: Round 08

      Round 08 of the 2025 AFL Season kicks off on Thursday with a must-win game for the Bombers to stay in touch with the top eight, while the struggling Roos seek a morale-boosting upset. Friday sees the Saints desperate for a win as well if they are to stay in finals contention and their opponents the Dockers will be eager to crack in to the Top 8 with a win on the road. Saturday kicks off with a pivotal clash for both sides asthe Bulldogs look to solidify their top-eight spot, while Port seeks to shake their pretender tag. Then the Crows will be looking to steady their topsy turvy season against a resurgent Blues looking to make it 4 wins on the trot. On Election Night a Blockbuster will see the ladder-leading Pies take on the Cats, who are keen to bounce back after a narrow loss. On Sunday the Sydney Derby promises fireworks as the Giants aim to cement their top-eight status, while the Swans fight to keep their season alive. The Hawks, celebrating their centenary, will be looking to easily account for the Tigers who are desperate to halt their slide. The Round concludes on Sunday Night with a top end of the table QClash with significant ladder implications; both Queensland teams are in scintillating form. Who are you tipping this week and what are the best results for the Demons?

      • 147 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • PREGAME: West Coast

      The Demons hit the road in Round 8, heading to Perth to face the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium. With momentum building, the Dees will be aiming for a third straight victory to keep their season revival on course. Who comes in and who goes out?

      • 563 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • REPORT: Richmond

      The fans who turned up to the MCG for Melbourne’s Anzac Day Eve clash against Richmond would have been disappointed if they turned up to see a great spectacle. As much as this was a night for the 71,635 in attendance to commemorate heroes of the nation’s past wars, it was also a time for the Melbourne Football Club to consolidate upon its first win after a horrific start to the 2025 season. On this basis, despite the fact that it was an uninspiring and dour struggle for most of its 100 minutes, the night will be one for the fans to remember. They certainly got value out of the pre match activity honouring those who fought for their country. The MCG and the lights of the city as backdrop was made for nights such as these and, in my view, we received a more inspirational ceremony of Anzac culture than others both here and elsewhere around the country. 

      • 0 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • CASEY: Richmond

      The match up of teams competing in our great Aussie game at its second highest level is a rarity for a work day Thursday morning but the blustery conditions that met the players at a windswept Casey Fields was something far more commonplace.They turned the opening stanza between the Casey Demons and a somewhat depleted Richmond VFL into a mess of fumbling unforced errors, spilt marks and wasted opportunities for both sides but they did set up a significant win for the home team which is exactly what transpired on this Anzac Day round opener. Casey opened up strong against the breeze with the first goal to Aidan Johnson, the Tigers quickly responded and the game degenerated into a defensive slog and the teams were level when the first siren sounded.

      • 0 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland
    View All