Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted
15 minutes ago, Sorry kids said:

Some are saying rule changes have meant our list is unbalanced. I do not agree, an unbalanced list is an unbalanced list regardless of rules. How do you expect to play the MCG without speedy wingman. Come on, that much has not changed.

The point was the imbalance was foreseeable when we recruited Wagner and Lockhart and we didn't act on it.  The rule changes simply exacerbated the imbalance, in particular lack of wingmen and forward depth. 

Posted

Not Nathan Freeman as first option?

Jason Taylor tossed up between him and Salem at the time for pick 9, and he’s had a rotten run of injury at two afl clubs, but has the background to know what is required to make it at afl level

When is the actual ladder order determined - is it immediately prior to the draft or slightly before?

If current positions hold, only North will be picking ahead of us, and it would be reasonable to expect that they’ll go for a tall forward who can impact immediately, whereas we are probably looking for someone with leg speed

Posted
4 minutes ago, whatwhatsaywhat said:

Not Nathan Freeman as first option?

Jason Taylor tossed up between him and Salem at the time for pick 9, and he’s had a rotten run of injury at two afl clubs, but has the background to know what is required to make it at afl level

When is the actual ladder order determined - is it immediately prior to the draft or slightly before?

If current positions hold, only North will be picking ahead of us, and it would be reasonable to expect that they’ll go for a tall forward who can impact immediately, whereas we are probably looking for someone with leg speed

Incorrect. If Salem had been taken earlier in the draft we would have drafted Lewis Taylor.

  • Like 3
Posted
4 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Incorrect. If Salem had been taken earlier in the draft we would have drafted Lewis Taylor.

i thought lewie taylor was third option behind salem and freeman?

i'm happy to acquiesce to yr thoughts, but i thought he was third cab off the rank

 

Posted
9 minutes ago, whatwhatsaywhat said:

i thought lewie taylor was third option behind salem and freeman?

i'm happy to acquiesce to yr thoughts, but i thought he was third cab off the rank

 

The club went cold on Freeman. They were fans of Taylor as he had spent some time with us during the AIS program. Roos was very big on the left footed Salem as he thought he he was versatile enough to play back, forward, or mid. I think he made early comparisons to Jarred McVeigh from Sydney as someone who could really set up across half back.

Posted (edited)

Whatever the talent that might be available at the mid-season draft, we certainly have to use it to fill our list.  Not just for this year, but we will have too many holes which will need to be filled at year end.

Lewis and Jones probably not around again. 

Garlett, JKH, Maynard, Baker, ANB, Stretch, Keilty (R), T.Smith (R), J Wagner, all out of contract, most of whom cannot get a game. And I'm assuming Frost, Weidemann, Salem are renewed.

11 players. 

Edited by george_on_the_outer
  • Like 1
Posted
On 4/22/2019 at 9:01 AM, Lucifer's Hero said:

Fristly, thanks for the info - good to have such insight.

It can't be new news to the club that our list is unbalanced and largely one-dimensional.  Wondering, why would we not have gone for one of those with our last pick instead of taking Lockhart a month ago.  Not a knock on Lockhart but we need someone like O'Reilly, Pickett, Saad, Lowson more than we need another small contested ball midfielder type.

FWD depth and a speedy type would be great to have right now.  We could have also taken one of those with the pick we used for Wagner in the special preseason draft.

Don’t underestimate what a few weeks of additional form and a preseason can de for players reputations!!! It adds a stack of bankable data - AFL is a league where question marks become contagious and players get overlooked universally! 

  • Thanks 1

Posted
On 4/22/2019 at 3:26 AM, whatwhatsaywhat said:

ah, righto

well, look, no matter what happens, we're gonna have an 'early' pick in this mid-season fiasco...no wonder the sanfl / wafl / vfl clubs are huffing and puffing about it

Here is an AFL Midseason-draft article.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-02-07/midseason-draft-when-is-it-and-how-will-it-work

And here is the current AFL Injury List.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/injury-list

  • Thanks 1

Posted (edited)

The season is shot, can we please just find the most exciting player possible from anywhere in the country.

If we arent playing finals id like to watch an A.Jakovich/Jurrah/Farmer type excitement machine running around for is the 2nd half of the season.

Our team is so bloody boring.

 

Edited by Petraccattack
  • Like 1
  • Love 1
Posted (edited)
On 4/22/2019 at 9:01 AM, Lucifer's Hero said:

Fristly, thanks for the info - good to have such insight.

It can't be new news to the club that our list is unbalanced and largely one-dimensional.  Wondering, why would we not have gone for one of those with our last pick instead of taking Lockhart a month ago.  Not a knock on Lockhart but we need someone like O'Reilly, Pickett, Saad, Lowson more than we need another small contested ball midfielder type.

FWD depth and a speedy type would be great to have right now.  We could have also taken one of those with the pick we used for Wagner in the special preseason draft.

LH what if that isn't the case and the FD (or some/many/the few most important!??) aren't seeing it that way?

Surely the proof of the pudding here is in the eating as they say.  Shouldn't we be judging their cred more on their picks so far vs what 'we/some think' they should be doing?

Edited by Rusty Nails

Posted

So we have one spot open? Best case scenario, we plug one of our many many holes.

Guess it's better than nothing but I'm not looking for this to change our fortunes.

Posted (edited)

Gutsy leadership from Lewis at this point is not playing on but flagging his retirement game against the Hawks so we can free up a list space to take a punt on a kid. Pace Pace Pace is what we need, some frenetic youthful energy to spark up the joint. Bring in a freakish indigenous lad from the top end and just give him a crack. Got nothing to lose and much to gain.

Edited by Matsuo Basho
  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Posted (edited)
38 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

LH what if that isn't the case and the FD (or some/many/the few most important!??) aren't seeing it that way?

Surely the proof of the pudding here is in the eating as they say.  Shouldn't we be judging their cred more on their picks so far vs what 'we/some think' they should be doing?

Quite right -the FD didn't think it was unbalanced during the off season otherwise they wouldn't have chosen Wagner and Lockhart who were duplicates of other like players.  They could have taken one of the players on Nudge's list of players of interest to mfc:  mainly speedy players (of which we have few) and a tall fwd or two (which we need even if only for depth).  Nudge's list suggested a rethink of the type of player our list needs.

I'm not sure what to say about your last sentence.  There are many threads on this board that judge picks so far (its a favourite sport on DL) and hypothesise on what should/could have been.  I rarely comment on specific picks (what do I know about drafting).  But to my mind we have too many of one type (contested beast)  player, a dearth of skills and more mid-sized players than most teams ie unbalanced.  But my view means zilch to anyone else.

Edited by Lucifer's Hero

Posted

I'm finding the whole process really exciting.  There's been some good players taken from the state leagues for this season and some absolute rippers over the past decade.  This should be a good opportunity to add some unrecognised talent, form and hunger to our list.

  • Like 1
Posted
On 4/17/2019 at 11:59 AM, Cards13 said:

Mick Warner the old Essendon 0/300 analogy during the doping hearing. What a toss a

If only he'd added 'but after an incredible collapse ended up all out for 365' it would've made sense.

Posted
1 hour ago, Matsuo Basho said:

Gutsy leadership from Lewis at this point is not playing on but flagging his retirement game against the Hawks so we can free up a list space to take a punt on a kid. Pace Pace Pace is what we need, some frenetic youthful energy to spark up the joint. Bring in a freakish indigenous lad from the top end and just give him a crack. Got nothing to lose and much to gain.

Range Rover:

"Lewis must retire vs Hawks!"

"Recruit Patton at all costs!"

images (9).jpeg

  • Like 3
  • Thanks 1
  • Haha 1
Posted
10 minutes ago, Moonshadow said:

Range Rover:

"Lewis must retire vs Hawks!"

"Recruit Patton at all costs!"

images (9).jpeg

??

  • Thanks 1
Posted (edited)
3 hours ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Quite right -the FD didn't think it was unbalanced during the off season otherwise they wouldn't have chosen Wagner and Lockhart who were duplicates of other like players.  They could have taken one of the players on Nudge's list of players of interest to mfc:  mainly speedy players (of which we have few) and a tall fwd or two (which we need even if only for depth).  Nudge's list suggested a rethink of the type of player our list needs.

I'm not sure what to say about your last sentence.  There are many threads on this board that have been judging the picks so far - a favourite sport on DL and hypothesise on what should/could have been.  I rarely comment on specific picks (what do I know about drafting).  But to my mind we have too many of one type (contested beast)  player, a dearth of skills and more mid-sized players than most teams ie unbalanced.  But my view means zilch to anyone else.

That may be the case but that doesn't mean you aren't close to the mark LH.

If i may also add my amature view to the over abundance of mid size player view/comment.

IMHO that over balance is also bereft of 'off the line burst speed and agility/evasive skills'.  All very one paced and straight ahead often leading to over use of handball instead of a balance, using more burst/evade into space with legs / run > resulting in a little more efficient disposal/finish skills, especially the ability to escape opponent and steady to hit up inside 50.  Instead we are in tight congested space and finding ourselves using the shallow bail out far too often under pressure or 'perceived' pressure.

Also does that imbalance then pressure us into overuse of handball which then lends itself to a self fulfilling game style that invokes more panicy handballs in close as players are generally closer to the contest, unable to work their way into space on opponent, especially space forward offering a forward release handball to gain yardage quickly vs mostly lateral or behind?  Forward handballs more likely to start the overlap and run vs alternatives?  At the mo we just dont link up / overlap / run often enough using this method.  Result...too easy to defend > increased turnovers.  Scored off more often as a result & less scoring from stoppages for us?

The Cats seem very adept at doing this when they have their balance right and are in good form.  Many teams unable to counter it effectively or for long enough during a match to win the tug of war.

This wouldn't be so bad if we had a top liner CHF who could monster contested grabs or get ball to small crumbed.  Having none of the either also doesn't help our inbalance/game style from mid field.

Is this making us easier to cover and defend on the stoppage outlets?  Most other teams, starting with the prelim Eagles (and a few lessor lights during last season who weren't quite as adept) have now worked us out?

The data shows we are still up there with contested and clearances, only dropping off a little in clearance post the Tigers.

However it might also be the improved pressure from the opp / their ability to easily close off and disrupt our outlets at stoppage due to our inbalance, causing the quality of those clearances to fall away vs last season.

More turnovers as a result back to the opp.  That weight of numbers sees them win their fair/equal share.  Sees us chasing more often v last season.  They are then able to clear/finish even more as they are fresher than us as the game wears on.  Our guys still doing similar 'work' on the inside to last season but the finish more muddy and cruddy in quality?

Having some real quality wingers to me is a 'partial' short term fix and at least 1 insanely evasive / burst speed insider (think Shiels / Ablett type...wishful thinking!).

As a result of our inbalance the Opp in most cases (not all, at least those that have a quick / cleanish outside crew mopping up) win the inside / outside tug of war battle.

In most cases we dont.

Couple this with two key forwards who have had zero impact and aren't taking marks i50, especially contested, plus zero small speedy crumbers to mop and chase down/pressure.

Our woes potentially fixable but also not,  if ignored and allowed to fester.

Are they only fixable via future clever draft/trades?  On the surface it would appear that way for mine.

If so the next question for me is how many drafts etc and what time line are we looking at till we balance out?

Edited by Rusty Nails
  • Like 2
Posted
41 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

bereft of 'off the line burst speed and agility/evasive skills'.  All very one paced and straight ahead often leading to over use of handball instead of a balance, using more burst/evade into space using legs / run > resulting in a little more efficient disposal/finish skills, especially the ability to escape opponent and steady to hit up inside 50.  Instead we are in tight  congested space and finding ourselves using the shallow bail out far too often under pressure or 'perceived' pressure.

Also does that inbalance then pressure us into overuse of handball which then lends itself to a self fulfilling game style that invokes more panicy handballs in close as players are generally closer to the contest, unable to work their way into space on opponent, especially space forward offering a forward release handball to gain yardage quickly vs mostly lateral or behind? 

^^^

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  

    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

    2024 Player Reviews: #15 Ed Langdon

    The Demon running machine came back with a vengeance after a leaner than usual year in 2023.  Date of Birth: 1 February 1996 Height: 182cm Games MFC 2024: 22 Career Total: 179 Goals MFC 2024: 9 Career Total: 76 Brownlow Medal Votes: 5 Melbourne Football Club: 5th Best & Fairest: 352 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 8

    2024 Player Reviews: #24 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. Date of Birth: 30 July 2001 Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 100 Goals MFC 2024: 2 Career Total:  9 Brownlow Medal Votes: 7 Melbourne Football Club: 6th Best & Fairest: 350 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 2

    TRAINING: Monday 11th November 2024

    Veteran Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin, Slartibartfast & Demon Wheels were on hand at Gosch's Paddock to kick off the official first training session for the 1st to 4th year players with a few elder statesmen in attendance as well. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Beautiful morning. Joy all round, they look like they want to be there.  21 in the squad. Looks like the leadership group is TMac, Viney Chandler and Petty. They look like they have sli

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 2

    2024 Player Reviews: #1 Steven May

    The years are rolling by but May continued to be rock solid in a key defensive position despite some injury concerns. He showed great resilience in coming back from a nasty rib injury and is expected to continue in that role for another couple of seasons. Date of Birth: 10 January 1992 Height: 193cm Games MFC 2024: 19 Career Total: 235 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 24 Melbourne Football Club: 9th Best & Fairest: 316 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 2

    2024 Player Reviews: #4 Judd McVee

    It was another strong season from McVee who spent most of his time mainly at half back but he also looked at home on a few occasions when he was moved into the midfield. There could be more of that in 2025. Date of Birth: 7 August 2003 Height: 185cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 48 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 1 Brownlow Medal Votes: 1 Melbourne Football Club: 7th Best & Fairest: 347 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    2024 Player Reviews: #31 Bayley Fritsch

    Once again the club’s top goal scorer but he had a few uncharacteristic flat spots during the season and the club will be looking for much better from him in 2025. Date of Birth: 6 December 1996 Height: 188cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 149 Goals MFC 2024: 41 Career Total: 252 Brownlow Medal Votes: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 9

    2024 Player Reviews: #18 Jake Melksham

    After sustaining a torn ACL in the final match of the 2023 season Jake added a bit to the attack late in the 2024 season upon his return. He has re-signed on to the Demons for 1 more season in 2025. Date of Birth: 12 August 1991 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 229 Goals MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 188

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 7
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...