DOGS OF WAR

by the Demonland Team

Once again, we present a preview compilation from Demonland writers and bloggers in advance of this weekend's game. The Oracle kicks things off -

BLOGS OF WAR by the Oracle

The news has been gloomy all week what with the fracas in the Middle East, bombs going off everywhere, earthquakes in Indonesia, inflation rising (when does inflation ever fall?), excitement in the Big Brother household reaching fever pitch and the Demons losing badly last weekend. That last one was a real bummer considering that we could have grabbed a top two spot on the ladder had we only kept our form, our discipline and had we kicked straight.

I don't want to seem to be belittling war and all of the tragic consequences that such violent conflict brings and I won't do that here. Indeed, I hope and I pray for a speedy resolution of all the world's conflicts and an end to all wars but just below that on the emotional scale I'm also hoping the Demons can revive their tilt for the all important home final by beating the Bulldogs and beating them well on Sunday.

In order to achieve that, Melbourne needs to overturn its humiliating 47 point loss from Round 2 when the Demons were not prepared for their encounter at the Telstra Dome. Since then, the Doggies have been hit bit injury and several of their better players from that game, notably Robert Murphy who starred with four goals and was the difference between the two sides. On the other hand, Melbourne is close to having a full team, aside from the surprisingly undisciplined Brad Green who is sitting it out thanks to an uncharacteristic head butt on Ryan Crowley.

Last week, Melbourne's rucks were thrashed by a seven foot giant in Sandilands. The Bulldogs might have Street and Minson but you don't often beat the Demon ruck combo two weeks running. With the game taking place at the MCG and Brock McLean back in the Melbourne team, the scales appear to be tipped in the Demons' favour.

I desperately sought confirmation of this conclusion inside my crystal ball but the darn thing wasn't providing any assistance whatsoever because all that I could see was the fog of war. I'm still tipping Melbourne by 18 points.

An interesting sideline to this week is the fact that the game is between the two AFL clubs were graced by the presence of the great Allen Jakovich. Here is our Demonland Blogger Slander's take on the Allen Jakovich Cup MarkII for 2006 -

THE ALLEN JAKOVICH CUP by Slander

So we face the Bulldogs at the MCG to try and wrest back the title of Allen Jakovich Cup holders for this season. On an unimportant side issue a win will probably see us get a top two spot or at the very least further entrench us in the four.

A loss and well take out your opera glasses ladies as I'll be the one swinging from the rafters of the newPonsford Stand Jakovich End strung up by my 2006 privilege scarf.

It's not without a touch of irony that the man received as a draft pick from the Dishlickers for Lord Jakovich's services and wears the # 13 He made famous plays his 250th game on the weekend. In 12 seasons of heartbreak, attempted mergers, financial mismanagement, botched finals campaigns as well as home and away season failures Adem Yze has been a star for the MFC.

From being the skinny 17 year old back pocket punching above his weight division, getting Andy Collins suspended ensuring the MFC's grip on consecutive games records from individuals, becoming a class midfielder at the turn of the century to today being one of the few forward/utilities in comp capable of destroying teams from anywhere on the ground. The Ooze deserves a win this weekend I think I'll cry if we don't deliver.

The History of The Jakovich Cup

With thanks to allthestats.com

Head to Head

Bulldogs lead 10 - 9 in the AJE (*After Jakovich Era) Although Melbourne have won 8 of the last 10 battles.

Last time

Bulldogs 20-17-137 d Melbourne 12-18-90

After an even first half the kings of sexy football turned it on in the second half kicking 14.9 to 4.9

THE GAME

In the spirit of The Great One's 11.8 against North Melbourne in 92 these games are generally see sawing, brilliant and farcical. As mentioned Yze plays his 250th, for the opposition Chris Grant equals the Dogs club games record of 329.

Both teams have contrasting game plans; the Bulldogs' relies on quick movement, hard running, attacking and precision delivery to small leading forwards whereas the Dees is more workmanlike relying on clogging the oppositions forward line, slowing the tempo of the game when in possession, hard tacking on opposition ball carriers and thoughtful switches in play that create space in setting up attacks.

The venue will also be a factor Melbourne are undefeated (despite some early shitting bricks close calls) at the MCG this year whereas the Dogs have been unsuccessful in their two outings there in 06.

Slander's Prediction:-

The stakes are higher than the infamous R21 2005 'Elimination Final' both teams have a pretty hard run home and a loss will put a dent in either side's top 4 aspirations. The Bulldogs are fast, slick, exciting and young however I believe the combination of Melbourne's physical pressure, defence and experience on the MCG will win out in a tight encounter. Melbourne by 10 points and the Allen Jakovich cup to come home.

A Demonland team effort wouldn't be complete without a contribution from Sam the Stats Man who takes yet 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 the 44 Demons are at with six rounds to go before the AFL finals and who knows how many before the VFL season ends. The Sandringham seniors have a bye this weekend and the Zebras have loaded their reserves team with Demons. Here' Sam's statistical update:-

STASTIS... STATIS ... STUTST... ER FACTS AND FIGURES - DEMONS IN 2006 by Sam the Stuttering Stats Man

BARTRAM, Clint - AFL 16 games 4 goals - the # 60 pick at the 2005 National Draft and the only Demon to gain a Rising Star Award nomination this year, Bartram has tagged the best and done well on most of them.

BATE, Matthew - AFL 7 games 4 goals, VFL 4 games 3 goals, VFL Reserves 1 game 0 goals – one of the revelations of the year, Bate has pace, size and excitement on his side. A hamstring strain has kept him out for the past four weeks.

BELL, Daniel - AFL 6 games 0 goals, VFL 6 games 1 goal, VFL Reserves 1 game 1 goal - a lapse in concentration against Collingwood saw him consigned to several weeks at Sandringham where he has gradually returned to top form.

BIZZELL, Clint - VFL Reserves 4 games 0 goals - restricted to Sandy reserves as he desperately tries to resurrect his season after a leg injury.

BODE, Jace ® - VFL 1 game 1 goal, VFL Reserves 10 games 0 goals - injury and suspension have held him back but he did impress a fortnight ago with his only senior VFL game for the season.

BROWN, Nathan - AFL 5 games 2 goals, VFL 4 games 3 goals, VFL Reserves 1 game 0 goals - a hamstring injury has kept him out of the Melbourne team for some time and like some others he has gradually worked his way back with some good VFL form.

BRUCE, Cameron - AFL 16 games 17 goals - consistently brilliant until the last two matches but would still win the "Bluey" if votes were counted now.

BUCKLEY, Simon - VFL 7 games 1 goal, VFL Reserves 5 games 1 goal - dropped to the Zebra reserves after showing some early promise and has been out for the past few weeks with injury.

CARROLL, Nathan - AFL 16 games 1 goal - his recent form, with the exception of a pasting at the hands of Brisbane's Darren Bradshaw, has been sensational and, although he's not quite in the All Australian full back class, Carroll is the Demons’ big improver of 2006.

DAVEY, Aaron - AFL 16 games 27 goals - has had some great goal kicking moments and continues to improve since the arrival of Byron Pickett.

DUNN, Lynden - AFL 10 games 13 goals, VFL 5 games 11 goals - is fitting in well in the AFL scene although, as with many young players, his form is still a bit hot and cold.

FERGUSON, Ryan - AFL 2 games 0 goals, VFL 8 games 0 goals - incurred broken ribs and a punctured lung in round 2 at the Telstra Dome but has been unable to fight his way back into the side despite some typical courageous performances at Sandringham.

GIANFAGNA, Andre® - VFL 1 game 0 goals, 11 games 8 - the quicksilver rookie has spent most of the year with the Zebra reserves but is now out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

GODFREY, Simon - AFL 10 games 1 goal, 5 games 5 goals - not everybody's favourite because his disposal skills sometimes let him down but he's all heart and endeavour and his last fortnight has seen him in top form.

GREEN, Brad - AFL 16 games 10 goals - has had a stellar season until last weekend's indiscretion and will have time to think about this weekend as he watches from the stands.

HOLLAND, Ben - AFL 9 games 0, VFL 3 games 2 goals, VFL Reserves 2 games 3 goals - has collected a few big scalps this year including Fraser Gehrig and Anthony Rocca and some might include the beleaguered Brad Miller in with that lot as well.

HUGHES, Daniel® - VFL 12 games 11 2 games 5 goals - the high marking flanker whose best efforts were his six goals against Tassie has gone off the boil a little and is back in the Zebra reserves.

JAMAR, Mark - AFL 15 games 7 goals - the Demons are trying to develop the Russian as a back up for Jeff White and while Jamar is coming along with his ruck skills, he needs top do more around the ground. Rarely gets more than a handful of possessions each week and this is a bit of a worry.

JOHNSON, Chris - AFL 8 goals 0, VFL 4 games 1 goals - has shown some promise but recently dropped from the side and probably will benefit from some extra game time in the VFL.

JOHNSON, Paul - AFL 2 games 2 goals, VFL 2 games 0 goals, VFL Reserves 1 game 1 goal - out for the year with a shoulder injury after showing some good signs early.

JOHNSTONE, Travis - AFL 16 games 9 goals - magnificent ball handling and disposal skills and great awareness. Well and truly living up to the promise he had when he went #1 at the 1997 National Draft.

JONES, Nathan - VFL 14 games 5 goals - the hard running Jones has been improving at a rapid rate with the Zebras and is due for an AFL debut.

MCDONALD, James - AFL 16 games 1 goal - the competition's leading tackler and most underrated performer. He has stepped up this year and is one of the reasons for the team's rapid improvement since the early part of the season.

MCLEAN, Brock - AFL 10 games 8 goals - one of the new emerging stars of the Demon midfield has been limited by some nagging injuries and will be welcomed back with open arms this week.

MILLER, Brad - AFL 9 games 1 goal, VFL 3 games 4 goals - has paid a heavy price for an indiscretion which led to a two week suspension and has been languishing in the Sandringham team where his form was very good last week but apparently not good enough for promotion.

MOLONEY, Brent - AFL 7 games 1 goal, VFL Reserves 1 game 0 goals - has had a limited impact due to injury and is just starting on the comeback trail.

MOTLOP, Shannon - AFL 1 game 0 goals, VFL 14 games 14 goals - has not produced enough consistently good form with Sandy to fight his way back into the AFL.

NEAVES, Shane® - VFL 10 games 2 goals, VFL Reserves 2 games 0 goals - a promising ruckman who is coming on in leaps and bounds in the Sandringham team.

NEITZ, David - AFL 14 games 39 goals - is struggling at full forward after a bright patch netted him some good goal hauls in mid season. Needs to lift this week against one of the competition's best full backs.

NEVILLE, Heath - VFL Reserves 12 games 0 goals - missed most of the pre season and is biding his time in defence with the Zebra reserves.

NEWTON, Michael - VFL 9 games 5 goals, VFL Reserves 6 games 18 goals - a bit of an enigma who has shown some outstanding form in brief bursts with Sandringham. Looks a player.

NICHOLSON, Alistair - VFL 2 games 0 goals, VFL Reserves 2 games 0 goals - has been out for most of the season with a foot injury and some were even asking, "Alistair who?" Had a reasonable game last week at Sandringham.

PICKETT, Byron - AFL 16 games 7 goals - one of the catalysts for Melbourne's good form, he has been quiet in recent weeks and his poor form last week might sting him into action on Sunday.

READ, Phillip - AFL 5 games 1 goals, VFL 9 games 5 goals - is in the twilight zone between being a good VFL player and a borderline performer at AFL level. Out of the side this week.

RIVERS, Jared - AFL 14 games 3 goals, VFL 1 game 0 goals - generally a shining light at centre half back but was uncharacteristically quiet last week.

ROBERTSON, Russell - AFL 16 games 33 goals - that nagging knee injury that hampered him throughout the season is possibly the reason for an inconsistent season from Robbo. When he's hot (as he was against the Tigers), he's hot!

SMITH, Nick - VFL 14 games 20 goals - a real consistent performer and improver at VFL level but can't crack it into the Demon line up.

SYLVIA, Colin - AFL 11 games 7 goals, VFL 2 games 4 goals - some injury woes have affected his season but is showing signs that he is ready to emerge at AFL level.

WARD, Daniel - AFL 9 games 1 goal, VFL 6 games 4 goals - has surprised some with his resilience on return to the Demon team. Has shown some good run in recent weeks but would like to forget that kick backwards against Richmond.

WARNOCK, Matthew® - AFL 2 games 0 goals, VFL 9 games 0 goals - managed a couple of games with the Demons early but has spent most of the season cooling his heels with the Zebras and going about his work in their back line quietly but effectively.

WHEATLEY, Paul - AFL 6 games 1 goal, VFL 6 games 2 goals, VFL Reserves 1 game 0 goals- returned to the Demons after missing with a hamstring injury but is yet to come back to his best.

WHELAN, Matthew - AFL 14 games 2 goals - an important cog in the Demon defence, Wheels was another of the quiet brigade last weekend and will be determined to set things right this weekend.

WHITE, Jeff - AFL 16 games 18 goals - one of the league's leading ruckmen, he is relishing his new partnership with Mark Jamar.

YZE, Adem - AFL 16 games 18 goals - has returned to his best form as he continues to rack up consecutive games of high quality."

MELBOURNE V WESTERN BULLDOGS

Where & When Sunday, MCG, 2:10pm (AEST)

TV & Radio

Head to Head Melbourne 81, Western Bulldogs 63, 1 Draw.

The Betting Melbourne $1.51, Western Bulldogs $2.45

The last time they met Western Bulldogs 20.17.137 defeated Melbourne 12.18.90

The Teams

MELBOURNE

B Whelan Carroll Holland

HB Ward Rivers Bartram

C Davey Johnstone Bruce

HF Sylvia Robertson Pickett

F Jamar Neitz Yze

FOLL White McLean McDonald

I/C (from) Bate Bell Brown Dunn Godfrey Jones Wheatley

IN Bate Bell Brown Jones McLean

OUT Green (suspension) Read

NEW Nathan Jones (Dandenong Stingrays)

WESTERN BULLDOGS

B McMahon Harris Morris

HB Griffen Hargrave Gilbee

C Eagleton S West Ray

HF Boyd Johnson Smith

F Robbins Grant Minson

FOLL Street Cross Cooney

I/C (from) Addison Baird Faulkner McCormack McGuinness Power Wight

IN Addison Faulkner McGuinness

OUT -

NEW Dylan Addison (NSW/ACT Rams)

Field umpires James Head Ellis