NEVER FALTER, NEVER STALL

[Demonland 73,140]

by The Demonland Team

A Demonland newcomer Jonathan Seagull praises Sheeds ...

I think it's high time we recognised the magnificent contribution to football of Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy. The guy had a long career as a player with Richmond after being recruited from VFA club Prahran in 1967 and he recorded 251 games of hardness and quality until his retirement at the end of 1979. He was a best and fairest winner, a State representative, club captain in 1978 and a member of three Tiger premiership sides in 1969, 1973 and 1974.

After a year in the media, Sheedy took over as coach of Essendon where he has served continuously since 1981. During that time the Bombers have won four premierships (1984,1985, 1993 and 2000), as well as finishing runner-up three more times. They were also stiff to miss out on a couple of grand finals when they lost by the narrowest of margins on the penultimate day of the football year.

On Saturday, he coaches his team in its 602nd VFL/AFL game, behind only the great Collingwood coach Jock McHale, who apparently coached forever a long, long time ago. Sheedy also successfully coached the Australian International rules team to victory over the Irish at the end of last year.

His public persona has been marked by his quirky antics, his outspoken nature and that wry sense of humour. His jacket waving when his team beat the Eagles in a close game, the infamous "windsock incident" and his obtuse references to "Martians" and "marshmallows" have endeared him to the football public. He has been honoured with an Order of Australia and is also a part owner of a successful racehorse. His promotion of our indigenous footballers and opposition to racial vilification has earned him praise throughout the community.

I also remember him for the Seagull incident when he snapped one day after one of his players was felled unnecessarily. That’s Sheeds, a character to the end.

And unfortunately for the great man, the end is nearing as far as his coaching career is concerned. I do not speak of the end as in next week or even at the end of the year but the end is coming inevitably nearer. The football team that he coaches isn't travelling all that well at the moment and he's been showing signs of strain. His attack on the "basketball" style of play that won the Tigers a game against Adelaide was a classic in terms of deflecting pressure when your team is down and almost out.

There is a distinct possibility that Sunday's game between Melbourne and Essendon might be the last time we see Sheedy leading his side out to battle against the Demons. A possibility only and not by any means a certainty because the great man has managed to extricate himself and his team from many a tight situation in the past and he has the full support and loyalty of everyone at Bomberland - and so it should be with this coaching legend who also happens to be the mentor of Melbourne coach Neale Daniher.

The influence of Sheedy and the fact that he publicly gone on record to say that his charges would beat the Demons this week has caused me to view this week's game with some trepidation. On form, there is no way known that Sheeds will be waving that decrepit brown jacket of his come 4.45pm on Sunday. But he sounded so confident when he made his announcement of Essendon's impending victory, the fact that James Hird is supposed to be back and the extra three day's break is making me nervous.

I’ve had nightmares all week about alien beings arriving at the Telstra Dome on Sunday, about a teeming horde of sniping seagulls infiltrating the closed roof of the Telstra Dome and raining their stuff on Melbourne's parade just when we thought the Demons would triumph against our old tormentor in Sheedy. I have even had visions of the man making a slashing motion with his fingers at his throat. It's that damned scary!

Will somebody please tell me I'm wrong and assure me that the great master has psyched me out and that the real Essendon is the team that was walloped to the tune of 23 goals by the Crows and that Melbourne will not falter against that side this Sunday?

Sam the Stats Man assures Jonathan that there's absolutely nothing to worry about …

Poor Jonathan is so paranoid about Sunday's game against the Bombers that he can't see the forest for the trees. The statistics never lie and what they're telling us is that this Demon side is building momentum and has developed much greater depth than the one that failed badly in the second half of 2005 - a year in which they beat the Bombers on two occasions, once at the start of the home and away matches and once at the end.

There's no better time than now - the halfway mark of he season - to take another look at the Melbourne list to see where each individual stands. The following list of players is in alphabetical order and it sets out where they were during VFL Round 11/VFL Round 10 (9 senior and 8 reserve grade games played) and it clearly highlights the club's improved depth (note there is a split round in the VFL and there are no Sandringham games this weekend): -

MFC - BARTRAM, Clint - AFL 11 games, 3 goals - a young tagger who has played every game of the season at AFL level. Keeps on collecting some impressive scalps and improving week by week. Our # 60 pick at the 2005 National Draft even has a Rising Star Award nomination.

MFC - BATE, Matthew - AFL 6 games, 4 goals, VFL 3 games, 3 goals – performing every week and it makes you wonder why it took the selectors so long to pick him at AFL level after he dominated early with Sandringham.

MFC - BELL, Daniel - AFL 6 games, 0 goals, VFL 1 game, 0 goals, VFL Reserves 1 game, 0 goals – troubled by a groin injury early in the season but worked into the team and given some tough assignments. However, you couldn't say that he's settled into the team just yet.

INJURED - BIZZELL, Clint VFL Reserves 2 games, 0 goals – his comeback from injury seems to have stalled.

VFL BYE - BODE, Jace ® - VFL Reserves 6 games, 0 goals – injury and suspension have not helped his cause although he was named on the extended interchange for Sandringham seniors last week.

INJURED - BROWN, Nathan - AFL 5 games, 2 goals, VFL 1 game 2 goals – has missed a few games with a bad hamstring injury and will have to come back through the VFL after this week's bye.

MFC - BRUCE, Cameron - AFL 11 games, 15 goals – if the club best and fairest was held right now he would win hands down. Consistently brilliant and excelled as stand in skipper earlier in the season.

VFL BYE - BUCKLEY, Simon - VFL 7 games, 1 goal, VFL Reserves 2 games, 1 goal - another youngster who missed most of the pre season and has gone back to the reserves at Sandy after a couple of promising displays.

MFC - CARROLL, Nathan - AFL 11 games, 1 goal – has overcome a slow start to the season with some brilliant performances in the key defensive position. Such is his improvement that some are talking him up as a possible All Australian full back.

MFC - DAVEY, Aaron - AFL 11 games, 19 goals – has stepped up another level since the arrival of Byron Pickett. Another brilliant game against the Magpies on Queens Birthday.

MFC - DUNN, Lynden - AFL 6 games, 8 goals, VFL 4 games, 9 goals - is being eased into AFL and is fitting in well. Has kicked at least one goal in every game so far and has impressed all and sundry with his skills.

VFL BYE - FERGUSON, Ryan - AFL 2 games, 0 goals, VFL 3 games, 0 goals - biding his time at Sandringham where he has played three solid games after returning from a broken ribs and a punctured lung incurred in round 2 at the Telstra Dome.

VFL BYE - GIANFAGNA, Andre ® - VFL 1 game, 0 goals, VFL Reserves 7 games, 5 goals – pacy footballer who did well in his debut for the Zebra seniors last Sunday.

MFC - GODFREY, Simon - AFL 8 games, 1 goal - VFL 2 games, 2 goals – eyebrows were raised when he was selected to play against the Swans but has held his place in the side with some encouraging performances. His place might however, be under pressure this week.

MFC - GREEN, Brad - AFL 11 games, 6 goals – now a regular midfielder who is often given run with roles. Green is having a consistent year and has been a good leader and a valuable contributor every week.

MFC - HOLLAND, Ben - AFL 4 games, 0 goals - VFL 3 games 2 goals, VFL Reserves 2 games 3 goals – a revelation as the bigger bodied key defender in the past fortnight when he subdued Fraser Gehrig and Anthony Rocca in successive matches.

VFL BYE - HUGHES, Daniel ® - VFL 8 games 10 goals, VFL Reserves 1 game 3 goals – a high marking flanker whose best efforts were his six goals against Tassie and a strong performance last week against Casey.

MFC - JAMAR, Mark - AFL 10 games 6 goals – a more than capable back up for Jeff White, Jamar is developing his ruck skills and can take a strong mark around the ground and up forward.

MFC - JOHNSON, Chris - AFL 4 games 0 goals, VFL 4 games 1 goals – had a slow start but some brilliant performances at VFL level paved the way for his return to the AFL and his last three matches have all been promising.

INJURED - JOHNSON, Paul - AFL 2 games 2 goals, VFL 2 games 0 goals – recovering from that shoulder injury sustained in round 4 against the Swans. Should be back in the VFL after the break.

MFC - JOHNSTONE, Travis - AFL 11 games, 7 goals – simply magnificent ball skills and well and truly living up to the promise he had when he went #1 at the 1997 National Draft.

MFC - JONES, Nathan - VFL 9 games, 4 goals – this hard at the ball inside midfielder is close to breaking into the Melbourne side. Impressed with a best on ground effort against Casey Scorpions last weekend.

MFC - MCDONALD, James - AFL 11 games, 1 goal – the unsung hero of the Demon midfield, he leads the competition in tackles and rarely lets the team down.

INJURED - MCLEAN, Brock - AFL 8 games, 5 goals - was starring in the Demon midfield before incurring a hamstring injury at training before the Collingwood game. Expect him back after the bye.

SUSPENSION SERVED - MILLER, Brad - AFL 8 games, 1 goal – that jumper punch against the Eagles cost him a two week suspension and he misses this week because of the good form of others who replaced him.

INJURED - MOLONEY, Brent - AFL 7 games, 1 goal – was just starting to come good after an injury plagued pre season when he succumbed again, this time to a groin. Like a good few others, should be back after the bye.

VFL BYE - MOTLOP, Shannon - AFL 1 game, 0 goals, VFL 9 games, 11 goals – hot and cold in the VFL and will struggle to gain promotion on current form.

VFL BYE - NEAVES, Shane ® - VFL 7 games, 2 goals, VFL Reserves 2 games, 0 goals – a player who is showing steady improvement in ruck at this level and promises more for the future.

MFC - NEITZ, David - AFL 9 games, 27 goals – has all the club records and continues to shine with some big hauls in front of goal.

VFL BYE - NEVILLE, Heath - VFL Reserves 7 games, 0 goals – another who missed the bulk of the pre season and is being eased in slowly in defence at VFL reserves level.

VFL BYE - NEWTON, Michael - VFL 5 games, 5 goals, VFL Reserves 5 games, 14 goals - starting to get some game time with the Sandringham seniors. Showed a bit at his last start.

INJURED - NICHOLSON, Alistair - VFL 1 game, 0 goals – has been out for ten weeks with a foot injury. Some are beginning to ask, "Alistair who?"

MFC - PICKETT, Byron - AFL 11 games, 7 goals – continues to be a major factor with his strength and aggression instilling fear into the hearts of the opposition. Has shown great skill and goal kicking flair at important times in matches.

MFC - READ, Phil - AFL 1 game 0 goals, VFL 8 games, 5 goals – some good form at Sandringham saw him finally break into the Melbourne line up for his first game of the season against the Magpies.

MFC - RIVERS, Jared - AFL 9 games, 2 goals, VFL 1 game, 0 goals – continues to stand up at centre half back after coming back from that elbow injury.

MFC - ROBERTSON, Russell - AFL 11 games, 19 goals - a nagging knee injury hampered him throughout the season. He was almost back to his best against the Eagles and will surely appreciate a week's rest after the weekend's game.

VFL BYE - SMITH, Nicholas - VFL 9 games, 14 goals - has been a consistent performer in a number of positions at VFL level and would be considered unlucky not to have gained promotion to the VFL.

MFC - SYLVIA Colin - AFL 6 games, 2 goals, VFL 2 games, 4 goals – his 2006 campaign stalled after a bright start when he suffered a rib injury. Working his way back after a couple of games with the Zebras.

MFC - WARD, Daniel - AFL 4 games, 0 goals, VFL 6 games, 4 goals – broke back into the team with a strong performance in defence against the Pies and held his place this week.

VFL BYE - WARNOCK, Matthew ® - AFL 2 games, 0 goals, VFL 5 games, 0 goals – managed a couple of games with the Demons on return from a broken thumb. Back at Sandy but pushing for AFL selection.

VFL BYE - WHEATLEY, Paul - AFL 4 games, 1 goal, VFL 3 games, 0 goals, VFL Reserves 1 game, 0 goals - missed a few weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained against the Kangaroos. Form with the Zebras has been indifferent.

MFC - WHELAN, Matthew - AFL 9 games, 1 goal – missed through injury last week but will be welcomed back into the Demon defence if he passes the final fitness test before Sunday's game.

MFC - WHITE, Jeff - AFL 11 games, 6 goals – second in the competition in total hit outs behind Big Cox. Sharing the workload with Mark Jamar and is reaping the benefits of the partnership.

MFC - YZE, Adem - AFL 11 games, 15 goals – this versatile Demon has been damaging up forward in a few games but seems to bob up just about everywhere during a game.

Whispering Jack praises Seagulls …

Melbourne has gone too far to falter or stall at this stage of the season. As the great writer, Richard Bach once wrote,

"Seagulls, as you know, never falter, never stall. To stall in the air is for them disgrace and it is dishonor."

The fact is that to beat Melbourne on its current form, you need a very good side, one that’s fit and strong and without too many weaknesses. That's not what the Demons are coming up against this week.

Kevin Sheedy must really be struggling if he brings in James Hird after several weeks on the injured list at this point in time given that there’s a bye next week. If he was concerned about his player's longevity in the game, he would be resting his former captain. The same probably goes for Camporeale. It seems to me a sign of desperation that he’s bringing those two oldies into the side when, a few weeks back, he was trumpting on about giving his young players a go. There was even talk of delaying Laycock's operation so that he could play this week. Bad body language in my opinion.

On the other side of the ledger, Neale Daniher has selection problems of a different nature. He just can't fit in enough good players into his 22. One of his team leaders in Brad Miller has done his penance for that jumper punch against the Eagles and can't fight his way into the team.

Colin Sylvia and Matthew Whelan are named on the extended interchange bench but who do they replace? The likely players to go would be Phil Read and Simon Godfrey but both have been going along nicely. Tough decisions will have to be made at selection level and that certainly makes for good team performance. No player will falter or stall because to do so, will almost certainly mean the loss of a place in a very good side.

Scoop Junior on giving the Bombers back some of their medicine …

I have mixed feelings - one part of me just wants to get the four points and go home, while the other wants to give the Dons a bit back for the last 20 years of dominance over us by handing out a bit of a pasting.

I don't know about Read and Godders both playing again this week. The coach has been fantastic so it's hard to criticise anything, but I don't think it's the right decision playing both of them together. Read was very hungry last week and played about as well as he possible could but I don't know if he can repeat the performance and even if he does against the bottom side, I'm not sure he will be able to do it against better teams on a regular basis or when the chips are down.

Phil Read might stay in until Brock comes back - he will provide some hardness and run. Godders isn't in the same class as some of the better midfielders. Daniel Ward is a real goer and I like his attitude, but Whelan should replace him if he is fully fit and ready to go.

The Oracle sums up …

Like Jonathan Seagull, I would never underestimate the power of Sheedy or the Essendon Football Club – even when they're stone motherless last. However, the Demons will have too much class this week, even at Telstra Dome where they struggled earlier on in the season. I suppose the Dees will also be wearing their away strip for this game and I reckon that's a good omen because I don't think they've lost a game while wearing the red guernseys. Which reminds me of another Essendon distraction in their annus horribilus - the alternative jumper controversy. What a furphy that one is?

So for this Sunday, I’m tipping Melbourne to make things even more annus and more horribilus for the poor old Bombers.

Demons by 52 points.

ESSENDON v MELBOURNE

Where & When: Telstra Dome, Sunday 18 June 2006

TV & Radio: Fox Footy Channel, Triple M, 3AW, ABC

Head to Head: Played - Played 201 Essendon 123 Melbourne 76 Drawn 2

Last time they met: Melbourne 13.17 (95) d Essendon 12.13 (85), Round 22, 2005 at the MCG

The betting: Melbourne $1.12 Essendon $5.25

ESSENDON

B: Welsh Fletcher Solomon

HB: M.Johnson McPhee Lovett-Murray

C: Stanton J.Johnson Bolton

HF: Hird Hille Lucas

F: Reynolds Johns Monfries

FOLL: Ryder McVeigh Heffernan

I/C (from): Bradley Camporeale Dempsey Lovett Peverill Slattery Watson

IN: Bradley Camporeale Hird Lovett Ryder Slattery Watson

OUT: Winderlich (leg) Laycock (knee) Dyson Nash

MELBOURNE

B: Whelan Carroll Holland

HB: Ward Rivers C.Johnson

C: Bruce Johnstone Green

HF: Davey Dunn Pickett

F: Robertson Neitz Yze

FOLL: White Read McDonald

I/C (from): Bartram Bate Bell Godfrey Jamar Jones Sylvia

IN: Jones Sylvia Whelan