Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted
56 minutes ago, PaulRB said:

Totally disagree.

Finals, and the game tomorrow "will be high intensity tomorrow" . Agree.

You then say "Why do we all look to him to provide fierce contests? Not his primary job." . This is total rubbish. Maybe we could ask the AFL to bring in the Jack Watts rule where if he finds himself in a fierce contest we can stop the game and substitute in a player with some ticker? 

No one disputes Jacks class as an outside reciever, deliverer or shot on goal. But the modern game requires that ALL players win contested ball when required, because the nature of Footy is that you're going to have situations when thats required, and in finals these contests will determine the winner.

If Jack Watts doesn't provide fierce contests at every opportunity, he won't play finals for MFC, and nor should he.

I hear you. I'd love him to be tougher. But we can't all be Chris Judd. He had skills and was hard. But Watts goes in when he needs to? Hence his 5 contested possessions Queen's birthday. Why didnt they drop him after Queen's birthday? His attack on the ball was the same that day as it was against gws. He's only ever been as good as his midfield supply. 

 

We're blinded by our need to be tough. These so called 'non-negotiables'. Why can't kicking be a non-negotiable? 

Watts' 'non-negotiable' should be his skills and going in when he has to. 

If we're lamenting lack of intensity,  put the heat on the 'intense' players. Not the silky one playing deep forward! 

  • Like 1

Posted
1 hour ago, Stretchyourself said:

I agree. Such a big call dropping watts. The game will be high intensity tomorrow. We'll need Watts' excellent decision making and perfect ball use. 

And besides, Watts is an outside player. Why do we all look to him to provide fierce contests? Not his primary job. We should turn the heat on Viney and the midfielders. That's their job. Watts' job is to finish. He'll only ever play as well as the midfield supply. 

Queen's birthday he was one of our best players? Watts had 5 contested possessions that day. One of the lowest count on the ground. He doesn't crack into a contest. They just gave the ball to him heaps. 

The winning goal he kicked was him receiving the ball. He didn't crack into the contest and win the ball. He ran into space and received an easy uncontested ball all by himself. Then he used his sublime finishing skills and won us the match. 

Our coaches need to bloody smarten up. Yes we all love being tough. Coaches want our players tough. But Viney is our tough guy, Watts is our finisher. Big mistake dropping Watts! 

 

1 hour ago, dl4e said:

Exactly. The other point is Salem is one of our best disposers of the ball as well as Watts. He is not a hard nut either. Watch out for some  ridiculous ball skill errors.

This is all well and good, but it's pretty clear that both players have not been working hard enough to get themselves in a position to be the 'finisher'.  I don't expect either to rack up by contested possession numbers, and I don't think Goody does either - he just expects them to work their backsides off and play their role.  Both Salem and Watts have failed to do that and have been dropped.  It's that simple.  We can't be seen to be rewarding blokes who aren't playing their role properly within our team.

  • Like 4

Posted

Watts creates a lot of angst @ Demonland. He is one of our most skilled players, doesn't contest hard enough, but if he brought his efforts rounds 3-12 he would still be in the team. 

Can't see how Pedo or Weed get picked ahead of him, Jeff G will certainly miss Watts, as he regularly feeds the ball to Jeffy!

Agree with a number of contributors who can't understand how we are favourites vs Saints looking at our recent form, Riewoldt & Montagna have both often hurt us in the past. The Dees have surprised in a few games this season, where odds have been against us, so here's hoping for a win!

Posted

Interesting ( to me ) both  Salem and Watts have struggled since "recovering" from injuries.. Neither quite their former selves.

Chunk is nowhere near his self either.  Would Goody drop him as well ?

I'm not making excuses for anyone but Id like to know the reason that is causing this.

  • Like 1

Posted
4 hours ago, jnrmac said:

Its our fwd line that has been disfunctional, hence the changes. All the stoppages, i50s, CPs, pressure stats and tackles etc have been good.

Jones has butchered the ball lately.

  • Like 4
Posted
3 hours ago, leave it to deever said:

Jones has butchered the ball lately.

No, I can't have this.

Jones often gets this "butchered the ball" criticism.

However, two factors need be considered.

One he has usually ohas the ball in pressured circumstances.

Two he is always prepared to take the game on. His turnovers ( yes he is guilty on occasion) come as a result of either trying to create an opportunity or being too quick thinking for his teammates.

  • Like 3
Posted
Just now, Bitter but optimistic said:

No, I can't have this.

Jones often gets this "butchered the ball" criticism.

However, two factors need be considered.

One he has usually ohas the ball in pressured circumstances.

Two he is always prepared to take the game on. His turnovers ( yes he is guilty on occasion) come as a result of either trying to create an opportunity or being too quick thinking for his teammates.

I dont think he has been guilty of this in the past. I did say lately

( coming back in from a long absence.)

 


Posted
Just now, leave it to deever said:

I dont think he has been guilty of this in the past. I did say lately

( coming back in from a long absence.)

 

Jones is one of our best ball users. Really interested to see how him and Viney go tomorrow. Apart from Viney's first game, he's been poor the last two weeks. If both continue to struggle to regain form I'd put down this injury to form issue a systemic issue across the club. 

Posted
2 minutes ago, leave it to deever said:

I dont think he has been guilty of this in the past. I did say lately

( coming back in from a long absence.)

 

Fair enough deever. It's just that I'm a bit sensitive of any criticism of Jones.

As far as I'm concerned he's carried this club for years and is beyond reproach.

  • Like 5
  • Love 1

Posted (edited)
28 minutes ago, Bitter but optimistic said:

No, I can't have this.

Jones often gets this "butchered the ball" criticism.

However, two factors need be considered.

One he has usually ohas the ball in pressured circumstances.

Two he is always prepared to take the game on. His turnovers ( yes he is guilty on occasion) come as a result of either trying to create an opportunity or being too quick thinking for his teammates.

He is also guilty of lots of cheap handballs out the back of packs too, doesn't take the game on like he used to IMO. Not to mention and ordinary leader when the chips are down. Shows bad body language when we are getting pumped too. IMO the worst captain in the AFL but a Demonland favourite as he stuck fat when we were a rabble.

Edited by SFebey
  • Like 1
Posted (edited)
5 minutes ago, Bitter but optimistic said:

Disagree!

I'm with you on this one, BBO - Jones is still averaging 9 contested possessions a game, and that includes the Dogs game where he got injured, so it may well be closer to 10 without that one.  He is only averaging around 3 clearances a game which is a little down but also reflective on a far stronger midfield.  

To suggest he get lots of cheapies out the back is quite disrespectful to the great man.

Edit - Jones averaged on half a contested possie more last season compared to this one, but he is down from averaging 5 clearances a game last season.  Again, I'd put that down to a stronger midfield, not that he isn't looking for the harder ball.

Edited by Wiseblood
  • Like 1
Posted
8 minutes ago, SFebey said:

He is also guilty of lots of cheap handballs out the back of packs too, doesn't take the game on like he used to IMO. Not to mention and ordinary leader when the chips are down. Shows bad body language when we are getting pumped too. IMO the worst captain in the AFL but a Demonland favourite as he stuck fat when we were a rabble.

[censored] me!!!!!!

  • Like 1

Posted
37 minutes ago, SFebey said:

Name a worse one when their side is getting pumped?

You miss the point Febes! The notion of rating Captains is ridiculous. I'm sure we could find an image of any captain appearing , down, elated, depressed exulted etc. Captains suffer or excel with their teams.

Jones has had more reasons than most to be despondent yet week after week he continues to bust a gut. He is a bloke who you'd reckon deserved a "rest" occasionally yet he put together a string of 120 plus games before succumbing to an injury. He may not be a great verbal communicator but when it comes to leading by example, I'll back him against anyone.

In leadership, actions count

 

  • Like 1
Posted
5 hours ago, beelzebub said:

Interesting ( to me ) both  Salem and Watts have struggled since "recovering" from injuries.. Neither quite their former selves.

Chunk is nowhere near his self either.  Would Goody drop him as well ?

I'm not making excuses for anyone but Id like to know the reason that is causing this.

Jones has been back for one game FFS


Posted
14 minutes ago, Bitter but optimistic said:

You miss the point Febes! The notion of rating Captains is ridiculous. I'm sure we could find an image of any captain appearing , down, elated, depressed exulted etc. Captains suffer or excel with their teams.

Jones has had more reasons than most to be despondent yet week after week he continues to bust a gut. He is a bloke who you'd reckon deserved a "rest" occasionally yet he put together a string of 120 plus games before succumbing to an injury. He may not be a great verbal communicator but when it comes to leading by example, I'll back him against anyone.

In leadership, actions count

 

That's the thing, I think his actions are poor. Even Goodwin and peers thought he needed a joint partner in crime! :lol::laugh:

Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, SFebey said:

Name a worse one when their side is getting pumped?

Pi$$ off... Your basing this on what, his body language when we are getting pumped ? I've sat through pretty much every game hes captained and never noticed it, I can cop that maybe he could do a better job at steeming the flow when the sides under the pump but he is one man, he can't do it alone... Put all that aside.. No'one absolutely no'one in the general public can question a captains leadership.. We see a couple of hours on a weekend, none of us have any idea how a captain leads during the week and behind the scenes so no he's not the "worst" captain in the leauge

Edited by JV7
Posted (edited)
8 minutes ago, JV7 said:

Pi$$ off... Your basing this on what, his body language when we are getting pumped ? I've sat through pretty much every game hes captained and never noticed it, I can cop that maybe he could do a better job at steeming the flow when the sides under the pump but he is one man, he can't do it alone... Put all that aside.. No'one absolutely no'one in the general public can question a captains leadership.. We see a couple of hours on a weekend, none of us have any idea how a captain leads during the week and behind the scenes so no he's not the "worst" captain in the leauge

Well sorry, I'm going to question continually. The St Kilda game earlier in the season and from memory the Crows game in Adelaide were standouts. I'm not knocking his endeavour, but he isn't a leader, chips down I'd back Viney, but not Jones to get us over the line. He's a B grader IMO 

Edited by SFebey
Posted

Jobe... His legacy remains.

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 2

    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...