Jump to content

URGENT ATTENTION: Major Site Update Will Require Email Address for Login and NOT Username. Please Ensure Your Email Address is Current.

Recommended Posts

Posted

It would have been boring to watch if we won it easily. 

We would have rolled over in the third and lost that game last year so good on the boys to keep at it and come away with a win. 

  • Like 1

Posted

Shocking and frustrating game, redeemed only by the fact that we won. We would have (and did) lose that game last year, so it is encouraging that we are now a side that can play badly and still win. It is incredible that the team could play a certain brand of football so well one week, and then completely go away from that the next week. And there was no reason for it, we controlled the game in the first quarter but absolutely refused to move the ball quickly and efficiently and give our forwards a chance to compete one out.

Gawn was huge when the game was in the balance, both McDonalds were excellent, Jones was fantastic. I'm not particularly a Jetta fan but he was very good today. Salem was great, Garlett's touches were huge. Oliver's effort is massive, but he needs to kick the ball more rather than just drawing the tackle and handpassing under pressure.

Viney was horrible, both with his disposal and decision making. Lewis was poor with the ball, but most damning was his complete refusal to be accountable for his opponent for most of the game - it was almost as though he thought it was below him to follow Curnow inside defensive 50. Petracca needs to be more selfish and take the game on some times, rather than doing the team thing. Harmes should never play in defence, his disposal is too ordinary, but his forward work was okay. Melksham is a VFL player. Hannan looked out of his depth today, hopefully it was an aberration. The inconsistent efforts of Weideman and Watts are frustrating, I don't think we have the right forward line setup at present. Brayshaw looks lost. Stretch is another who needs to kick more. Neal-Bullen just looks a level below an AFL player.

Posted (edited)
34 minutes ago, Deelirium said:

Surely there has to be a happy median between "dees are back and ready to play finals" last week, and "this is the worst game I've seen in a long time" can't please many on here, even when you start 2 - 0 

Yup.

I think we were outcoached today.  

Couldn't break from the contest forward with any speed and over possessed the footy. Carlton got numbers back and we did not enter the 50 consistently with any conviction.

Still we found a way.

Edited by Guest
Posted

I guess we are past the point of potting the umpires. But goodness me some of the decisions to both teams were dreadful. If the AFL is happy with what they do week in week out, it's not satisfactory for the bulk of fans. They should focus on applying the rules evenhandedly and not arbitrarily change rules on the go because of a" vibe " No one knows what is going on which is why the perception that they have lost the plot is so strong.  

 

And, no I couldn't do a better job of it but I'm damn sure they should be better. 

Ps Since when is a mark allowed to a player after an opponent has clearly touched it ????? 

Posted

Goodwin said at half time that we were over-possessing the ball and we should be tapping the ball forward more (and not try to take possession). 

We had reverted to 'slow play' - tried to pick up the ball, take on the opposition, go back to take a mark, go backwards etc.  I hate to say it but the worst offender at taking on players was Viney' - its a habit he is finding hard to break. 

Last week we ran and tapped and pushed the ball forward and reaped the rewards.  That is our brand.  When we take slow play options we are vulnerable.  I'm sure Goodwin will be working on that this week, especially going on to the fast deck at Etihad.

  • Like 3
Posted
2 hours ago, Demon Disciple said:

I found that many of his handballs today got us into more trouble than what he was under.

Quick handballs is one thing, but not to put the next bloke under more pressure. I prefer Clarry taking the game on and wanting to kick it more.

Thought he was as bad as Tyson today for causing turnovers early on. Both players played better as the game went on. Both will definitely be there next week barring injury. As will O Mac who I thought was solid today. 

Posted

What happened to Nathan Jones? I don't recall a Demons player improving their kicking so much in one off-season as to turn it into a genuine weapon. I don't think it's the extra protection around the ball - he just seems to be really backing himself in. Meanwhile, Jordan Lewis . . .

  • Like 5

Posted
50 minutes ago, picket fence said:

Well never let it be said I don't acknowledge a good performance. I THOUGHT OSCAR AND ESPECIALLY TMAC WERE VERY GOOD TODAY!!

PF The discerning man's critic!

Picket Fence.......................Drinks his own bathwater, must be a demon player!

  • Like 1
Posted

There is a perverse sort of growth evident in today's game. When Carlton took the lead and had it at the start of the fourth, the same inevitable feeling started to creep up, just like last year's games against Essendon and Carlton.

To turn it around showed, I think, increased maturity and improvement to pull it out when we needed to despite being way off our best.

Carlton went ultra-defensive though, a tactic that I think only the weaker clubs are going to employ (e.g. Fremantle, GC and Brisbane). Other clubs will play a more attacking style and won't focus on just getting numbers back to clog up our movement - such as St Kilda, and we saw how that went last week.

Contrary to some, I thought Hogan was great today. His work rate was fine, his ground level pick-ups were incredible, and he was really a team player. His two easy misses hurt, though. Tyson started awfully but worked his way into it and his fourth quarter helped us win. Watts' first and fourth quarters were great, the middle two were terrible - he's better than that sort of inconsistency.

It's also good to know we can win with a bunch of passengers - Viney the leader of that pack (but add Lewis, Melksham, Hannan and Petracca).

7 minutes ago, poita said:

Shocking and frustrating game, redeemed only by the fact that we won. We would have (and did) lose that game last year, so it is encouraging that we are now a side that can play badly and still win. It is incredible that the team could play a certain brand of football so well one week, and then completely go away from that the next week. And there was no reason for it, we controlled the game in the first quarter but absolutely refused to move the ball quickly and efficiently and give our forwards a chance to compete one out.

Yes, there is a reason - Carlton's number one focus today was stopping us from scoring, with their own scoring being secondary to that task. St Kilda last week was the opposite.

I expect Geelong to play us more like St Kilda did and that will suit us.

6 minutes ago, Stretch Johnson said:

Yup.

I think we were outcoached today.  

Couldn't break from the contest forward with any speed and over possessed the footy. Carlton got numbers back and we did not enter the 50 consistently with any conviction.

Still we found a way.

We weren't outcoached - indeed, Goodwin worked out a way to get us back in front without having to concede the game first.

Bolton came into it focusing on stopping us. We could have blown them out in the first but we were far too cute, that gave them some confidence and they stuck to their task for three quarters, shutting down our movement. Bolton did well to do that, but Goodwin did well to work out how to fix it to ensure we didn't lose.

  • Like 8

Posted
1 minute ago, Skuit said:

What happened to Nathan Jones? I don't recall a Demons player improving their kicking so much in one off-season as to turn it into a genuine weapon. I don't think it's the extra protection around the ball - he just seems to be really backing himself in. Meanwhile, Jordan Lewis . . .

I think the new game plan and personnel line up has released Nat to be able fulfil his potential. He is not spending 90% of his time under the packs taking possession just to keep us competitive; he is now moving on the outside and looking great. 

  • Like 5
Posted

That dropped mark by Brayshaw in the last quarter right in front of the sticks from Garletts kick was nothing short of amateur. [censored] like that needs to be stamped out of the game. 

Posted
1 minute ago, Clint Bizkit said:

That's like saying "I don't like eating restaurant quality food, I prefer to eat leftovers from the bin."

 

Enough with the innuendo, it's like saying "i don't think Jetta is good, but Jetta is good"

Posted (edited)
5 minutes ago, juzzk1d said:

That dropped mark by Brayshaw in the last quarter right in front of the sticks from Garletts kick was nothing short of amateur. [censored] like that needs to be stamped out of the game. 

I don't normally rely on stats, but I have made note on here of just how few possessions Brayshaw gets (even if playing as a forward) and then I decided to compare his figures with another Melbourne high draft pick.  It's not pretty.

Brayshaw v Toumpas

Edited by Clint Bizkit

Posted
2 hours ago, Clint Bizkit said:

At the start of the game we had them on the ropes but overused the ball and played too cute.

This allowed them to get back into the game and get their confidence up.

Allowing opposition teams to play spare defenders in our forward line is unacceptable.

They got on top in the middle and co trolled the game from there. We couldn't win a clearance in 2nd and 3rd quarters. I said last week I'd be interested to see how our gameplan stacked up if we were beaten in the centre. Well today we saw it, fortunately not to many ruckmen will be able to nullify Gawn.

So happy with the last quarter though, we just found a way to win when we had to. The Mac's were solid down back all day and Hogan kept running up forward. Salem was phenomenal all day and Garlett was the difference with 3 which was sweet too.

Not a game you'll go back and watch down the track but for now very happy with the 4 points and 2-0.

  • Like 4
Posted (edited)
4 minutes ago, Clint Bizkit said:

I don't normally rely on stats, but I have made note on here of just how few possessions Brayshaw gets (even if playing as a forward) and then I decided to compare his figures with another Melbourne high draft pick, it's not pretty.

Brayshaw v Toumpas

Clint, waaay of mate, Two totally different types of players for a start Gus Grunt plus, Toumpas ............ There is nothing there at all! Sorry poor comparison!

Edited by picket fence
  • Like 7
Posted
19 minutes ago, Demon Jack said:

Righto, I've had a couple hours to fully digest the game. 

- The McDonald bros were both good today. No major glaring errors today. For what it's worth, OMac is currently ranked seventh in the league for 1 percenters 

- Jack Watts had an ok game today. Maybe not great, but I think many posters are overreacting by saying he should be dropped. He kicked two and set up a least another couple. 

- Yes, Dom Tyson had some incredibly iffy moments with his disposal. But 32 touches, 11 marks, seven tackles and a goal is as elite as you get. He really stood up in the final quarter as well.

- For everyone concerned about Brayshaw, not all of our young guns are immediately going to find consistencey with their game. Give him time, he'll be alright.

-  Salem and Oliver are absolute guns. 

- Weideman had some great moments today, especially that mark and goal in the first. He just needs to learn when to not play on following taking a mark as he gets caught a bit too often.

Don't waste your time typing Demon Jack. Some of the posters on here have got no idea.

People saying Jack Watts had a poor game are delusional. Had 19 disposals, kicked 2 goals, 8 marks, 7 scoring involvements and got one massive punch in the head by Rowe. I can't recall many games pre-2016 that JW had that much of an impact on a win. 

Tyson was also a bit rusty but still racked up possessions and started to use the ball better in the last qtr.

Both teams played really well defensively which is why it was so low scoring. Carlton actually held us up a lot better than the Saints did. The Saints were basically witches hats after qtr time last week.

Anyone listening to MMM today with Paul Roos doing special comments will have a much better appreciation of today's win.

Still unsure on Melksham though. Really doesn't use the ball well. Brayshaw just had a bad game - not much went his way. Nothing to worry about though. 

  • Like 3

Posted
5 minutes ago, Clint Bizkit said:

I don't normally rely on stats, but I have made note on here of just how few possessions Brayshaw gets (even if playing as a forward) and then I decided to compare his figures with another Melbourne high draft pick, it's not pretty.

Brayshaw v Toumpas

I remember last year i said that his disposal was quite poor and got howled down for it. He was simply poor by foot today. Do we continue to back him in and gift him games??

Sometimes he reminds me of Jack Trengove the way he plods around too. 

Those stats are not pretty.

  • Like 2
Posted
Just now, picket fence said:

Clint waaay of mate, Two totally different types of players for a start Gus Grunt plus, Toumpas ............ There is nothing there at all! Sorry poor comparison!

Different players no doubt and for the most part a far better talent than Toumpas, but it all came about because I noted how few possessions Brayshaw was getting. 

Statistically, he is at Toumpas levels.

Posted (edited)

Good teams win ugly games

We win

We are learning how to win

Ill take that

Jetta is very underated

Watts the same 

Edited by Bigred
Spelling
  • Like 2
Posted (edited)
34 minutes ago, ILLDieADemon said:

It would have been boring to watch if we won it easily. 

We would have rolled over in the third and lost that game last year so good on the boys to keep at it and come away with a win. 

Yes mate Melb fans would fk ing hate a run of 2 games in a row where we just rolled over sides who have had the wood over us... ;) 

Edited by Cards13
  • Like 4
Posted
2 hours ago, Clint Bizkit said:

Our decision making was worse than our skills.

We were too cocky and played too cute at the start, we should have been ten goals up by half time if we played smart direct football because we were clearly a class above.

We have to learn to snuff teams like this out by half time, foot to the throat kind of stuff. You give them a sniff and they'll lift a cog. But you know, baby steps. Last year we would've lost this 

  • Like 6
Posted
1 minute ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

We have to learn to snuff teams like this out by half time, foot to the throat kind of stuff. You give them a sniff and they'll lift a cog. But you know, baby steps. Last year we would've lost this 

This !!! Yep and yep again!! Gonz right o the money!

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  

    THE ACCIDENTAL DEMONS by The Oracle

    In the space of eight days, the Melbourne Football Club’s plans for the coming year were turned upside down by two season-ending injuries to players who were contending strongly for places in its opening round match against the GWS Giants. Shane McAdam was first player to go down with injury when he ruptured an Achilles tendon at Friday afternoon training, a week before the cut-off date for the AFL’s pre-season supplemental selection period (“SSP”). McAdam was beginning to get some real mom

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Special Features

    PREGAME: Practice Match vs Fremantle

    The Demons hit the road for what will be their first of 8 interstate trips this year when they play their final practice match before the 2025 AFL Premiership Season against the Fremantle Dockers in Perth on Sunday, 2nd March @ 6:10pm (AEDT). 2025 AAMI Community Series Sun Mar 2 Fremantle v Melbourne, Rushton Oval, Mandurah, 3.10pm AWST (6.10pm AEDT)

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 49

    RETURN TO NORMAL by Whispering Jack

    One of my prized possessions is a framed, autographed guernsey bearing the number 31 worn by my childhood hero, Melbourne’s champion six time premiership player Ronald Dale Barassi who passed away on 16 September 2023, aged 87. The former captain who went on to a successful coaching career, mainly with other clubs, came back to the fold in his later years as a staunch Demon supporter who often sat across the way from me in the Northern Stand of the MCG cheering on the team. Barassi died the

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Reports

    PODCAST: Match SIM vs North Melbourne

    Join us LIVE on Monday night at 8:30pm—note that this special time is just for this week due to prior commitments. We'll break down the Match SIM against North Melbourne and wrap up the preseason with insights into training and our latest recruits. I apologize for skipping our annual season review show at the end of last season. After a disapponting season filled with off-field antics and a heated trade week, I needed a break. Thankfully, the offseason has recharged me, and I’m back—ready t

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 38

    GAMEDAY: Match SIM vs North Melbourne

    After an agonizingly long off-season the 2025 AFL Premiership Season is almost upon us and the Demons have their first practice hit out against the Kangaroos in a match simulation out at Arden Street. The Demons will take on the Kangaroos in match simulation play, starting from 10am AEDT and broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo. The play start time was brought forward from the initial 11am bounce, due to the high temperatures forecast.  The match sim will consist of four 25-minute qu

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 465

    TRAINING: Friday 21st February 2025

    Demonland Trackwatchers beat the Friday heat to bring you their observations from this morning's Captain's Run out at Gosch's Paddock in the lead up to their first hit out in a Practice Match tomorrow against the Kangaroos. TRAVY14'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS On the park: Trac Spargo Gawn Viney Langdon May Fritsch Salem Henderson Rehab: McVee (updated to include Melk, Kolt, AMW and Kentfield) Spoke to "Gus" the trainer, he said these are the guys no

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Wednesday 19th February 2025

    Demonlander The Analyser was the sole Trackwatcher out at Casey Fields today to bring you the following observations from this mornings preseason training session. Training  was at Casey today. It consisted of a match simulation for one half  and then a free choice activity time. Activities included kicking for goal,  aerial , contest work etc. I noticed the following players not in match simulation Jack Viney  running laps and looks fine for round one . I think Kolt looks like he’s im

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 1

    TRAINING: Monday 17th February 2025

    Demonland Trackwatchers were on hand at Monday morning's preseason training at Gosch's Paddock to bring you their brief observations of the session. HARVEY WALLBANGER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Gentle flush session at Gosch's this morning. Absent: May, Pickett (All Stars) McVee, McAdam. Rehabbing: Great to see Kentfield back (much slimmer), walking with Tholstrup, TMac (suspect just a management thing), Viney (still being cautious with that rib cartilage?), Melksham (

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    MATCH SIM: Friday 14th February 2025

    A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers made their way out to Casey Field's for the Melbourne Football Club's Family Series day to bring you their observations on the Match Simulation. HARVEY WALLBANGER'S MATCH SIMULATION OBSERVATIONS Absent: May, Pickett (All Stars), McVee, Windor, Kentfield, Mentha Present but not playing: Petracca, Viney, Spargo, Tholstrup, Melksham Starting Blue 18 (+ just 2 interchange): B: Petty, TMac, Lever, Howes, Bowey Salem M: Gawn, Oliver, La

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...