POST MATCH DISCUSSION - Round 8

[deelete my account 1,194]

17 minutes ago, Dees_In_October said:

That's the Clayton Oliver way.

I think I'll just stay up all night watching this!

Im glad he didnt handball it.

[Cards13 9,117]

That was fun!! Standing on the hill under the scoreboard with thousands of arrogant crow fans enjoying our goals and them saying ridiculous [censored] like "wait til next qtr". It never came, was amazing to watch, sing the song and high 5 the boys and every Dees fan in arms reach (in the ground, leaving the ground walking to the bars back in town and in bars).

cant wait to enjoy the replay

[Adam The God 30,484]

I called it all week that we were a chance to win this. In fact, I said we would win it. And what do you know? That tackling pressure shows us what is possible from this team. What a magnificent effort.

I was out at a 30th birthday tonight. Avoided my phone, the TV and any conversation about the game. Taped it on FOXTEL IQ and came home and watched it without knowing anything. My oh my! This team is going to be bloody special.

The midfield just willed us to win. No. That’s not fair. It was more than that. That doesn’t do it justice. Our midfield crushed the opposition. Absolutely mauled them. Staggering and extremely exciting given Jacobs’ hit out dominance. 

Aside from the tackling, the ball use, the dare, the run and carry, it was our leadership that was so pleasing tonight. When the margin was out to 4 goals in the second term, it was Lewis who came crashing in off the back of the centre square, took possession and was tackled. But, we got a reset and it said everything about our desire to turn things our way. Lewis started the game poorly (ball use wise), but grew into the game. He is so dangerous across half forward. Meanwhile, Viney and Jones played real captain’s games. One or two strange errors from Jones (what was he thinking with that torp that landed in the centre square in a Crows’ lap?), but otherwise he really lead the way. Gut running, tackling and organisation. Fantastic. Even Tom McDonald, after really struggling early in defence, his move forward was genius and he looked bizarrely comfortable. He doesn't make those same errors up forward. In fact, he actually showed how clever he can be with his ball use. Staggering! Get him out of the defence and keep him forward!

How about our young mids though? Oliver, Viney, Salem, Petracca and Tyson all lifted in that second half. Salem’s ball use is a delight, as is Oliver’s. Petracca’s bullocking through packs and penetrating kick from midfield is something I haven’t seen at Melbourne in my lifetime (30 years). And how was Oliver’s goal? What a freak and what a [censored] clutch goal! At the time, we were only a goal up and it was an arm wrestle. He kicks that and all of a sudden, there’s scoreboard pressure on the opposition. We didn't look back after that. The kid has already surpassed Cripps. He is an absolute star and has the ability to be a 250 game leader.

Frost and Jetta were brilliant down back and Hibberd’s ball use has become vital in the past month. What a brilliant acquisition he’s been. Really interesting too as I don’t think he’s laid a tackle all month and didn’t again tonight. Staggering, given Goodwin’s emphasis on tackling. I guess, he knows his role as that outside outlet. Oscar did a couple of nice things, as did Wagner, but both have to use the ball better. Wagner in particular. His ball use has been close to terrible since he’s come back. He is getting to really good spots to provide outside run and carry, but I can’t recall him hitting a target tonight. Felt we carried Kent at times too. He can play some really dumb footy and doesn’t lay bloody tackles! Will need to play a lot better next week. Was really pleased with Weideman's game though. He wasn't perfect (that run down near the end was horrible), but his tackling and his ability to bring the ball to ground was brilliant for a second year, skinny KPF.

Anyway, other than a few things here and there (Watts’ marking was ordinary, but competed well in the ruck), that is one of the best wins I can recall. The media might write that Adelaide were off their game, but that was all our pressure and as the game wore on, there was implied pressure and they started to lose confidence. 

Some really interesting moves by our coaches too. We clearly identified Atkins as a weaker ball user (in that he doesn't hurt you with his possessions like Smith or Crouch or Laird do) and let him sit out the back of a lot of packs, instead his opponent would outnumber the Crows at the stoppages. It was the sort of move we've had done to us for years, but quite brilliant. It backed our mids to win the clearance and it paid off handsomely. As did the Petracca move into the midfield and Tom McDonald's move forward. There were positives everywhere.

And finally, I hope this will shut up a few wingers and hand wringers on Demonland this week. Yeah, we have to back it up next week, but this shows those people that this is how Melbourne can play. And since some of you need wins before there can be any discernible improvement, well, here's a bloody win!

Goodwin has said since he started that we are building from the contest out. Tonight, we started by winning the contest, spreading hard, playing bold, attacking footy and we smashed the top side on their own patch; one of the hardest places to play in the entire league. Get up and about. This could be season defining! Go you mighty [censored] redlegs!!!

EDIT. Forgot Bernie's great game on Sloane. We got the tagging match up that we wanted and he didn't disappoint.

Edited May 13, 2017 by A F

[Dee Zephyr 19,269]

10 minutes ago, A F said:

I called it all week that we were a chance to win this. In fact, I said we would win it. And what do you know? That tackling pressure shows us what is possible from this team. What a magnificent effort.

I was out at a 30th birthday tonight. Avoided my phone, the TV and any conversation about the game. Taped it on FOXTEL IQ and came home and watched it without knowing anything. My oh my! This team is going to be bloody special.

The midfield just willed us to win. No. That’s not fair. It was more than that. That doesn’t do it justice. Our midfield crushed the opposition. Absolutely mauled them. Staggering and extremely exciting given Jacobs’ hit out dominance. 

Aside from the tackling, the ball use, the dare, the run and carry, it was our leadership that was so pleasing tonight. When the margin was out to 4 goals in the second term, it was Lewis who came crashing in off the back of the centre square, took possession and was tackled. But, we got a reset and it said everything about our desire to turn things our way. Lewis started the game poorly (ball use wise), but grew into the game. He is so dangerous across half forward. Meanwhile, Viney and Jones played real captain’s games. One or two strange errors from Jones (what was he thinking with that torp that landed in the centre square in a Crows’ lap?), but otherwise he really lead the way. Gut running, tackling and organisation. Fantastic. Even Tom McDonald, after really struggling early in defence, his move forward was genius and he looked bizarrely comfortable. He doesn't make those same errors up forward. In fact, he actually showed how clever he can be with his ball use. Staggering! Get him out of the defence and keep him forward!

How about our young mids though? Oliver, Viney, Salem, Petracca and Tyson all lifted in that second half. Salem’s ball use is a delight, as is Oliver’s. Petracca’s bullocking through packs and penetrating kick from midfield is something I haven’t seen at Melbourne in my lifetime (30 years). And how was Oliver’s goal? What a freak and what a [censored] clutch goal! At the time, we were only a goal up and it was an arm wrestle. He kicks that and all of a sudden, there’s scoreboard pressure on the opposition. We didn't look back after that. The kid has already surpassed Cripps. He is an absolute star and has the ability to be a 250 game leader.

Frost and Jetta were brilliant down back and Hibberd’s ball use has become vital in the past month. What a brilliant acquisition he’s been. Really interesting too as I don’t think he’s laid a tackle all month and didn’t again tonight. Staggering, given Goodwin’s emphasis on tackling. I guess, he knows his role as that outside outlet. Oscar did a couple of nice things, as did Wagner, but both have to use the ball better. Wagner in particular. His ball use has been close to terrible since he’s come back. He is getting to really good spots to provide outside run and carry, but I can’t recall him hitting a target tonight. Felt we carried Kent at times too. He can play some really dumb footy and doesn’t lay bloody tackles! Will need to play a lot better next week. Was really pleased with Weideman's game though. He wasn't perfect (that run down near the end was horrible), but his tackling and his ability to bring the ball to ground was brilliant for a second year, skinny KPF.

Anyway, other than a few things here and there (Watts’ marking was ordinary, but competed well in the ruck), that is one of the best wins I can recall. The media might write that Adelaide were off their game, but that was all our pressure and as the game wore on, there was implied pressure and they started to lose confidence. 

Some really interesting moves by our coaches too. We clearly identified Atkins as a weaker ball user (in that he doesn't hurt you with his possessions like Smith or Crouch or Laird do) and let him sit out the back of a lot of packs, instead his opponent would outnumber the Crows at the stoppages. It was the sort of move we've had done to us for years, but quite brilliant. It backed our mids to win the clearance and it paid off handsomely. As did the Petracca move into the midfield and Tom McDonald's move forward. There were positives everywhere.

And finally, I hope this will shut up a few wingers and hand wringers on Demonland this week. Yeah, we have to back it up next week, but this shows those people that this is how Melbourne can play. And since some of you need wins before there can be any discernible improvement, well, here's a bloody win!

Goodwin has said since he started that we are building from the contest out. Tonight, we started by winning the contest, spreading hard, playing bold, attacking footy and we smashed the top side on their own patch; one of the hardest places to play in the entire league. Get up and about. This could be season defining! Go you mighty [censored] redlegs!!!

Great summary, wish you wrote some more as I am not ready to sleep yet. In reference to Kent I thought he got more involved as the game went on but in regards to his tackling after watching the replay I'm not sure he actually knows how to tackle. 

[Adam The God 30,484]

3 hours ago, Abe said:

I'd keep tom McDonald at centre half forward from now on! His work rate and contested marking was fantastic! He and hogan would be a serious handful with watts the third tall 

Love that necessity is the mother of invention and with Hogan out we've actually added a new string to our bow. Love it. Completely agree. I reckon, Tommy stays forward from now on. He can play swing man if we're struggling, but as a forward he could be a good version of Harry Taylor.

On another matter, I only hope I have enough "likes" to keep liking all the clearly shocked and stoked Demonlanders. Great stuff!

[Adam The God 30,484]

3 hours ago, Clint Bizkit said:

Hogan needs to change the way he plays (less calling for ball on his head) and Melbourne need to stop always looking for him as the first option.

It was interesting hearing Roos talk about Jeremy Cameron's improvement in 2017 today. He said he'd started to lead up at the ball carrier and he is a much better player for it. I suspect Hogan will do the same. It's a bit of a mentality thing I think. He was doing it earlier in his career. That game against Richmond in the wet was a really good example of it. 

I think this will come with a little more experience and a bit more of a clearer head. I hope Jesse has some good support around him. 

It's great that we continue to show we can win without him, as I'm sure that takes some pressure off him. Particularly, in his time of need.

3 hours ago, Demon Disciple said:

Maybe a run at CHB?

And no. Terrible idea. He is a forward and will work his way through this issue with the help of his coaches and team mates.

3 hours ago, don't make me angry said:

Mixed feelings on this win,  will mean nothing if we lose next week, we are still playing one bad qtr every game, also we were down by 26 points in 2nd quarter before we got our game going, this has to change if we are to make finals. Second week in a row we lost hit outs badly but still won the clearances, we would be top 4 if max was playing 

[censored]. This win shows what it takes. We'll still have our ups and downs this season though, but now we have a benchmark. And mixed feelings? Really? Maybe football's not for you then?

[Adam The God 30,484]

I wonder what Jake Lever thought of that performance.

Probably, "how do I get a game in that backline?" 

Edited May 13, 2017 by A F

[Forest Demon 4,681]

I thought we were no chance, just because of the missing players. Best tasting humble pie I've ever tasted.

That was an immense performance. The pressure in the second half was unrelenting. I was jumping around the lounge room like a madman.

[beelzebub 23,383]

Speechless.

Gobsmacked

Impressed... Relieved

What strange parralel universe have I awoken to ?

Happy to be 100% wrong about prediction. Thought there might be 6 goals or thereabouts...but to us ? I admit no.

Clarry ....words fail

Team ... Belief and Application = Brilliance

Coach .. Goodwin .... Fn magnificent win !!

Still processing .. need more coffee

Have only seen 'that' goal. 

Wow

Wow

DEMONS MURDER CROWS

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,982]

Our record at the G:

1-3

Our record away from the G:

3-1.

It's been a bizzare start to the season.

[What 18,810]

We might have the best midfield in the entire comp. Struggling to think of a better one?  Maybe GWS, on paper anyway.

Anyway our midfield is so exciting, versatile and deep that we will be in every game from now on and can beat anyone, anywhere.

Gawn coming back in to give our rising dominant midfield an armchair ride will be awesome.

 

Edited May 13, 2017 by Petraccattack

[Forest Demon 4,681]

6 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Our record at the G:

1-3

Our record away from the G:

3-1.

It's been a bizzare start to the season.

I was actually thinking about this last week. And our win at the G was a very unconvincing win against Carlton.

Compare that to Etihad where we have won twice, but lost to Geelong in what was a pretty good performance considering Gawn went down early on.

[Gorgoroth 13,061]

Replay is starting ?

[Deestroy All 14,266]

I've never seen tackling like that from us. Apparently it's the 6th time we've had 90+ tackles. Well I don't remember those games, I'll never forget this one. 

I gave us no chance (I'm pessimistic at the best of times) watching Adelaide waltz through defences all year and watching average teams waltz through ours, I just thought they'd outscore us easily on a bad day. 

The defence was my highlight. The team defence and the defenders themselves. Starting with Bernie playing where he should be and shutting out Sloan - what a job in your 200th.

The defenders beat the best, most dynamic forward line in the league. Hunt and Hibberd are the perfect HBF combo. Hibberd is a sensational pick up, I knew he could play but he's stepped up a gear. Hunt is just an awe inspiring player, with out without the ball. My heart [censored] sank seeing him out cold, at the same time I was just so proud of how hard he is. 

Frost is having a ripper. His dare and pace, he's like a giant Hunt, not a typo. 

It's the 2nd week in a row Goodwin's moves have changed a game. Tmac forward and Petracca in the guts. He knows what stings to pull on game day. 

Petracca is just a beast, I know him going into the middle was huge, but his work up forward shouldn't be overlooked either, such a competitor. 

Oliver is [censored] amazing. Nothing I can say hasn't been said (maybe his tackling doesn't get mentioned enough, Vice like machine, and that run down!). What a [censored] goal. One of the best I've seen. In real time I thought he just smashed it on the boot and it fluke went through. In slow mo it's a work of art. 

Leaders stood up. Jones kicking goals we really needed at the time. Viney is back to brute mode, 2 outstanding games in a row. Nearly fell off my chair when he kicked one on his right! Tmac really competed and gave us just what we needed up forward. 

Not sure if Weideman or Byron Pickett, huge tackles from the kid! Loved that. 

Finally Pedo. This guy is giving his all and then some. 3 great goals, just bashing in (but please take it down a notch in junk time, I nearly died 3 times thinking he hurt himself) and giving us a chance. He's going to be remembered fondly at this club after this stint. 

Go you [censored] Demons!

[on the outer 19]

The MFC just invented a new way to play:

No ruck, no KPF, but heaps of courage and determination with a touch of magic thrown in...

[DemonOX 8,802]

6 hours ago, small but forward said:

I was sitting right behind that one Ethan

Worth the $1500 for airfares, hotel and the scotch to celebrate afterwards. I love that boy.

Great result for u small.

U couldn't have planned it better if u tried.

Would have been great walking out after the game around all those two headed cow supporters!

[Waltham33 475]

Pin this thread, never seen such positivity on Demonland. It's all been said, outstanding effort and a night where talent met application. Such poise out there, not panic. Reserving special praise for Jetta, Hibberd and Salem.

[beelzebub 23,383]

2 minutes ago, DemonOX said:

Great result for u small.

U couldn't have planned it better if u tried.

Would have been great walking out after the game around all those two headed cow supporters!

Would have been a very surreal place.

[Gorgoroth 13,061]

Last nighs enjoyment.

Edited May 13, 2017 by Gorgoroth

[Dockett 32 1,239]

One of our better wins of the past 20 years. Leaders really stood up and was a  team effort. So many pluses, they all chipped in. Oliver and  Petracca  exciting A graders when they play like that. Viney back to his best. 

Replay on now

 

[Vogon Poetry 2,095]

AF, "even Tom McDonald"??

Really, even after that great win?

[beelzebub 23,383]

1 minute ago, Vogon Poetry said:

AF, "even Tom McDonald"??

Really, even after that great win?

Has come full circle in a fashion. Maybe he stops now

[Nasher 33,617]

Looking forward to @stevethemanjordan's McDonald and Frost report.

[Maldonboy38 6,406]

Hannan is difficult to place. He looks so lost at times, but when you watch the replays, he is very physical in the air and at ground level. 

TMac played his hunior footy as a CHF - is my memory correct here? Looked a natural forward and should stay there. 

Who could believe that of all people, OMac would play a blinder on a gorilla? A great game from him tonight, when I thought he would get monstered. 

Petracca is so strong through the hips and legs, he is almost impossible to bring down. And then his skill and decision making!!! 

Some selection and position headaches coming up for coaches and selectors. 

(Beeep), I  am a happy old bugger this morning. The missus isn't safe! 

[John Crow Batty 8,879]

I reckon we're are primed for a 2001 bounce in the Brisbane style.