Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted
13 hours ago, Satyriconhome said:

If everything goes right on rehab front, only one missing when season starts is AVB

From training sessions, like the midfield pick a starting 6 from this

Hogan, Tommy Mc, Garlett, Hannan, Pedo, ANB, Kent, Bugg, Melksham, Tim Smith, JKH, DJ, Spargo, Fritsch  they all bring something different and at the moment are all fit

 

i'll have a crack at this too, but first i'll add the caveat that we only really play a five-man forward line most of the time, if not a four-man group

hogan - primary key forward
t mac - primary key forward
garlett - primary small forward
hannan - mid-sized / small forward rotation
pedersen - secondary key forward
anb - rotation forward / mid
kent - secondary small forward
bugg - secondary defensive forward
melksham - primary defensive forward
tim smith - depth.,..mid-sized forward
jkh - depth...rotation forward / mid
dj - depth...small forward
spargo - depth...small forward / mid rotation
fritsch - depth...mid-sized forward

Posted (edited)
52 minutes ago, DemonAndrew said:

i'll have a crack at this too, but first i'll add the caveat that we only really play a five-man forward line most of the time, if not a four-man group

hogan - primary key forward
t mac - primary key forward
garlett - primary small forward
hannan - mid-sized / small forward rotation
pedersen - secondary key forward
anb - rotation forward / mid
kent - secondary small forward
bugg - secondary defensive forward
melksham - primary defensive forward
tim smith - depth.,..mid-sized forward
jkh - depth...rotation forward / mid
dj - depth...small forward
spargo - depth...small forward / mid rotation
fritsch - depth...mid-sized forward

I think you can put Petracca in that mix also 'Andrew'...Goodwin has already flagged that he will spend a fair bit of time forward, even though training with the mids.

I would be looking for him becoming a more damaging forward with 30+ goals this season.

Edited by rjay

Posted
8 hours ago, Satyriconhome said:

Please, Joel Smith was/is highly rated by the FD, he looked ready to go at training

Speaking to the players (which I do), Goodwin means it, it's not hot air, you will be fit, in form and playing your role to a high standard

That's why training is impressing the non regular watchers, every player knows they have to be in team Rd 1 or it is going to be a long season

Goodwin now has the depth of talent to do this

If you want to go the other way Frost's form slipped alarmingly, he was dropped

No coach in the league picks purely on fitness and form.  That's simple fact.  Goodwin did it numerous times himself last season when he brought back players who weren't fit enough yet (ie. Joel Smith) or ignored those at VFL level who were in terrific form (ie. Kennedy).

Every team have players who are treated a little differently to others - the stars are rushed back, while those who have a line through their name are constantly overlooked, regardless of how well they are playing or training.

Goodwin will select the side he wants each week.  Mostly it will be on fitness and form but to suggest that will be the only thing is a little silly.

  • Like 3
Posted
3 hours ago, Wiseblood said:

No coach in the league picks purely on fitness and form.  That's simple fact.  Goodwin did it numerous times himself last season when he brought back players who weren't fit enough yet (ie. Joel Smith) or ignored those at VFL level who were in terrific form (ie. Kennedy).

Every team have players who are treated a little differently to others - the stars are rushed back, while those who have a line through their name are constantly overlooked, regardless of how well they are playing or training.

Goodwin will select the side he wants each week.  Mostly it will be on fitness and form but to suggest that will be the only thing is a little silly.

I think Gawn mentioned something along the lines of coming back underdone after his hammy.

  • Like 2

Posted

Get this in the right thread:

Petracca left knee soreness, looked like he jarred it. Given a good look over by the physios then limped back to AAMI (by himself). Hopefully not major but I think he’d be on light duties for the training camp. 

Nice early victim of the media buzz after the training the house down article was written yesterday 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
  • Sad 1
Posted (edited)

As for the rest of the session. Turned up around 10:40 with the players soon to start some pretty decent going match simulation. White v Blue.

Rehab boxing: Weideman, J Smith, T Smith
Walking back to AAMI: Vanders
Walking laps, possibly with a issue or unwell?: Dion Johnstone
Running: Viney

Match sim was fast paced and aggressive. Loud cheers as Lever timed his back pedal and spoil going with the flight to knock the ball away from Hannan who was loose inside 50. Equally loud cheers from the other side when Kent and Spargo amongst others forced a ball up inside forward 50. Spargo found the ball in space a few times but wasn't as clean with it as I'd have liked. Balic is similar and also has a real art at smothering the ball.

After this it was some simple kicking and handballing cone to cone stuff that then resulted in a kick inside 50 to a 1 on 1 contest inside a box that was maybe 15 wide by 10 deep in the hot spot area.

Keilty gave Hogan a good test. Hogan was encouraged by Macca to coach the guys who made poor decisions on where to kick, which was a lot of them. The forwards were starting behind (or I guess the defenders were starting in front) and so it takes the forwards and the kickers to be on the same page. 

Hannan and Jetta had a good battle, with Hannan using his body to keep his ground then mark over the back. Petracca had Frost turned around a lot, which concerns me with Frosty. Frost only takes a few steps to recover but sometimes you don't have it. Clarry at Oscar were similar but Oscar probably kept closer. Bugg, Fristch, Harmes and Tommy Mc then rotated in as did Wagner and Perry on the defensive side. Perry has good instincts and nice closing speed.

After some tackling work the forwards and backs did a drill where it was 6 on 6 deep inside 50 and they were working on their zoning. I didn't really like this drill because it involved some big contests in the air with players backing back and other attacking the ball. ANB got a Hannan knee in the glute that had both players sore but able to continue. Wagner had a big spoil with some heavy contact. That said, the defenders worked well with each other and the forwards did a nice job too. 

The mids were doing boundary throw in work on the wing. Gawn beat King a little too easily for my liking. The drill often resulted in repeat ball ups but I guess that's not uncommon when it was one on one. I would've liked to have seen some cleaner chains of handballs but the counter to that might've been the other side was defending well. It was certainly willing stuff. Baker easily sidestepped Gawn and then did the same thing to Petracca in one series of play. Of the midfield group he's was behind Gawn and towards the middle at best in the running and he's not quite a pure kick of the ball but he looks a natural running with the ball. If we're looking for pace in the midfield group then keep an eye out for him.

Edited by DeeSpencer
  • Like 24
  • Thanks 1
Posted
34 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

As for the rest of the session. Turned up around 10:40 with the players soon to start some pretty decent going match simulation. White v Blue.

Rehab boxing: Weideman, J Smith, T Smith
Walking back to AAMI: Vanders
Walking laps, possibly with a issue or unwell?: Dion Johnstone
Running: Viney

Match sim was fast paced and aggressive. Loud cheers as Lever timed his back pedal and spoil going with the flight to knock the ball away from Hannan who was lose inside 50. Equally loud cheers from the other side when Kent and Spargo amongst others forced a ball up inside forward 50.

Thanks DeeSpencer,

Did you notice any particulars about the game style in the match sim? Were the backs pressing up? Zone defence? Any nous in the ball movement to the fwd's or bombing it in long?

 


Posted
2 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

 

The mids were doing boundary throw in work on the wing. Gawn beat King a little too easily for my liking. The drill often resulted in repeat ball ups but I guess that's not uncommon when it was one on one. I would've liked to have seen some cleaner chains of handballs but the counter to that might've been the other side was defending well. It was certainly willing stuff. Baker easily sidestepped Gawn and then did the same thing to Petracca in one series of play. Of the midfield group he's was behind Gawn and towards the middle at best in the running and he's not quite a pure kick of the ball but he looks a natural running with the ball. If we're looking for pace in the midfield group then keep an eye out for him.

Many thanks for the great report!

I wouldn't worry too much about the bolded - a fit and hungry Gawn can monster most rucks in the league.  It also wasn't that long ago that Jamar and Spencer were routinely humiliating Gawn in ruck drills.

Really hope Maxy's priming for a huge year!

 

  • Like 1
Posted

To those fortunate enough to be there is there any evidence of the team trialling a bit of AFLX?  I hear that other clubs have been and wondered if it has had a formal hit out so to speak.

 

Posted
2 hours ago, Salems Lot said:

To those fortunate enough to be there is there any evidence of the team trialling a bit of AFLX?  I hear that other clubs have been and wondered if it has had a formal hit out so to speak.

 

Not that I saw, but commonly they split the main group in to 2 or 3 teams and perform match simulation using only the width of the square and often shorten the field as well. Cutting back to 7 a side on a soccer sized field really won't be too different to how they often train.

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Posted
9 hours ago, Wiseblood said:

No coach in the league picks purely on fitness and form.  That's simple fact.  Goodwin did it numerous times himself last season when he brought back players who weren't fit enough yet (ie. Joel Smith) or ignored those at VFL level who were in terrific form (ie. Kennedy).

Every team have players who are treated a little differently to others - the stars are rushed back, while those who have a line through their name are constantly overlooked, regardless of how well they are playing or training.

Goodwin will select the side he wants each week.  Mostly it will be on fitness and form but to suggest that will be the only thing is a little silly.

 

6 hours ago, Satyriconhome said:

Your opinion

 

Well, Wisebloods opinion is correct.

How else do you explain Sam Weideman being in the team at the start of last season ahead of Pedersen?

  • Like 2
  • Shocked 1
Posted

Of course fitness and form are important but there are also, among other criteria,  match ups, team balance, plugging holes, filling roles, experimenting and forward/future planning. Add to this the coaches assessment of what form at lower grades really means.

It is not right or fair to imply that coaches seemingly play favourites without a good underlining reason. Perhaps we are not capable of knowing.

  • Like 5

Posted

I can just see it! Season ending injury to .......... In this bulltish hybrid Carp!

Posted
1 hour ago, DeeSpencer said:

Not that I saw, but commonly they split the main group in to 2 or 3 teams and perform match simulation using only the width of the square and often shorten the field as well. Cutting back to 7 a side on a soccer sized field really won't be too different to how they often train.

Watched channel 7 news tonight and they reported on the Bombers training specifically for AFLX and the footage they showed looked identical to some of our drills today I thought. As you say Dee we did a number competitive drills with 7 a side of players working in a confined space, with a lot of handball exchanges to get a man free for the kick forward to a target or goal.

Some very willing tackling in the drills I saw making it difficult to clear the ball. Oliver’s clean hands at ground level in traffic in these drills were an amazing thing to behold. And in another drill where they were kicking into a competitive and congested forward set up, Oliver took a couple of very nice contested marks. I hope he spends some time forward this year, he would be a handful for any defence. 

 

 

 

 

  • Like 2
Posted

 

Re the AFLX question: 

looking at the rules, the kick ins from all scores tallies with some of our drills today  where we started the ball in the full back line and had to move the ball out of congestion and move it forward. These drills were very contested, the tackling was for real. 

 

AFLX_infographic_v5.jpg

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1

Posted
1 hour ago, Petraccattack said:

 

 

Well, Wisebloods opinion is correct.

How else do you explain Sam Weideman being in the team at the start of last season ahead of Pedersen?

If you want to believe the 'favourites angle that's your right, it doesn't mean it's the correct opinion

Posted
4 minutes ago, Satyriconhome said:

If you want to believe the 'favourites angle that's your right, it doesn't mean it's the correct opinion

I dont believe the favourites angle.

I believe Weid was in the team as he is talented and was a high draft pick, and the coaches were testing the waters to see if they could get an early return on investment. He wasn't ready.

He certainly wasn't in the team on form or merit.

Posted

Melksham........and will be very competitive in the middle, second season up.

  • Like 2

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!

  • Podcast 

  • Podcast 

  • Podcast Stream 


    Open Stream in
    New Window
        TuneIn    Opens in New Tab
  • Support Demonland  



  • 2021 Premiership  

  • Social Media 

  • Trade & Draft Forum  

  • Preseason 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 ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 22

  • 2024 AFL Draft  

    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 ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 21

  • 2024 AFL Draft  

    Welcome to Demonland: Harvey Langford

    With the Demons first selection in the 2024 AFL Draft they took ready made midfielder Harvey Langdord from the Dandenong Stingrays at Pick 6 ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 21

  • 2024 AFL Draft  

    Welcome to Demonland: Xavier Lindsay

    With their second selection in the 2024 AFL Draft the Demons selected Gippsland Power midfielder Xavier Lindsay at Pick 11 ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 21

  • Preseason Training  

    Wednesday, 20th November 2024

    A plethora of Demonland Trackwatchers arrived on a beautiful cool morning down at Gosch’s Paddock to bring you their observations from today’s session ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 20

  • Preseason 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 ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 18

  • Player Reviews  

    2024 PLAYER REVIEW: 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 ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 18

  • Preseason 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 ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 15

  • Player Reviews  

    2024 PLAYER REVIEW: Kysaiah Pickett

    The Demons’ aggressive small forward who kicks goals and defends the Demons’ ball in the forward arc ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 15

  • Player Reviews  

    2024 PLAYER REVIEW: 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 ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 14

  • Player Reviews  

    2024 PLAYER REVIEW: Ed Langdon

    The Demon running machine came back with a vengeance after a leaner than usual year in 2023... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 13

  • Player Reviews  

    2024 PLAYER REVIEW: Trent Rivers

    The premiership defender had his best year yet as he was given the opportunity to move into the midfield and made a good fist of it ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 13

  • Trade Week  

    THE TRADING CHRONICLES Part 03 by Whispering Jack

    It would be fair to say that when the Melbourne Football Club entered the free agency and trade period earlier this month, its reputation was flagging, if not in tatters ... READ MORE

    Demonland | October 19

  • Trade Week  

    THE TRADING CHRONICLES Part 02 by Whispering Jack

    Some critics find Test cricket boring, but the first week of the AFL trade period is even more tedious, often putting football fans to sleep. The past week has been no exception ... READ MORE

    Demonland | October 12

  • Trade Week  

    THE TRADING CHRONICLES Part One by Whispering Jack

    The festival of player movement kicked off yesterday with the opening day of the Free Agency Period which resulted in six players changing clubs including journeyman ruckman Tom Campbell who landed at Melbourne, his fourth club after playing only 58 AFL games in 14 seasons ... READ MORE

    Demonland | October 05

  • MFC Forum  

  • Match Previews & Reports  

  • Training Forum  

  • AFLW Forum  

  • 2024 Player Sponsorship

  • Player of the Year  


        PLAYER VOTES
    1 Max Gawn 220
    2 Jack Viney 123
    3 Trent Rivers 112
    4 Steven May 104
    5 Christian Petracca 97
    6 Alex Neal-Bullen 93
    7 Kysaiah Pickett 81
    8 Ed Langdon 79
    9 Clayton Oliver 65
    10 Christian Salem 60

        FULL TABLE
  • Demonland Interviews 



  • Upcoming Events 

×
×
  • Create New...