Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

I've just updated the Contracts thread and posted my thoughts on possible list changes. 

It may be a bit early but given our season is done it is relevant to look at possible changes.

The Contracts thread:

 

My thoughts on list changes that I posted in that thread:

I'm guessing we will lose quite a few Rookies. 

Its hard to see a lot of the primary list players who are OOC this year getting an extension.  My thoughts:

  • Baker, Frost, Weideman will get new contracts.
  • J. Wagner, Garlett, J. Smith are 'maybe' depending on assessment of depth.
  • Stretch, Neal Bullen, Kennedy Harris at real risk of going.  They have been on our list for 4-5 years and not able to cement a regular 22 spot.  Can only keep them for so long.
  • Lewis, Maynard gone.
  • Jones - not sure.  Will challenge the list management team:  Nostalgia vs value add vs keeping a younger player out of the team/out of position.

We will get some good draft picks this year: a top 10 and a high second round pick so a chance to get some high end talent and skills.  Time to refresh.

  • Like 1

Posted

yeah, it's an interesting time, particularly as you say for those mid-age players like stretch, anb and jkh - only possibly the middle one may be trade bait

i personally think that with lewis a near-certainty to go that jones gets a reprieve, unless he a) chooses to go elsewhere or b) retires

i would guess, from the senior list:

  • baker - new deal (two years)
  • garlett - gone
  • frost - new deal (two years)
  • jones - new deal (one year) / retire
  • jkh - new deal (one year) / gone
  • lewis - retire
  • maynard - gone
  • anb - new deal (two years) / trade bait
  • j smith - new deal (one year) / retire
  • stretch - gone
  • weideman - new deal (two or three years)
  • j wagner - gone / downgraded to rookie list

and the rookies:

  • chandler - new deal (one year)
  • dunkley - new deal (one year)
  • keilty - gone
  • lockhart - new deal (two years, upgraded to senior list)
  • t smith - gone
  • c wagner - new deal (one year)
  • bradtke - new deal (one year)
  • walker - gone

that'd leave minimum of four senior list spots and four rookie list spots, i think, before any trading even begins?

  • Like 1

Posted (edited)

I'd be surprised if any of Garlett, Lewis and Maynard got extentions. Lewis I suspect would retire anyway. JKH I'd like to see play in the second half of this year but ff he doesn't impress then it's time to pull the pin on him too. Stretch is right on the borderline but I think when we are up and about he is good outside depth. 

Everyone else I'd keep on 1/2 year deals, the exception being Frost who I'd he happy to see sign for 3 or 4 years cementing a Frost - Lever - May key backline for the next 4 years would be a good outcome in a disappointing year

This year we saw what happens when you lose too many depth players at once, all of Tyson, Vince, Pederson, Bugg and Kent would have played so far this year if they were still on the list. Change is necessary but we don't want to throw everyone out at once.

Edited by ArtificialWisdom
  • Like 4
Posted
13 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Wouldnt be suprised if Joel Smith asks for a trade

unfortunately i don't think he has any value whatsoever and any club who was 'in his ear' would be telling him that they'll pick him up as a delisted player

  • Like 1

Posted
21 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Wouldnt be suprised if Joel Smith asks for a trade

 

7 minutes ago, whatwhatsaywhat said:

unfortunately i don't think he has any value whatsoever and any club who was 'in his ear' would be telling him that they'll pick him up as a delisted player

That's correct, unless he gets a good run in the second half of the year, other teams will have no reason to pursue him. Doubt he'd even get a go as a delisted free agent because he's only played the 11 games but been injured in a couple of those as well. plus he didn't come through the junior pathways so hasn't got that to fall back on. I think he'll stay and they'll patch things up with his old man, just hoping he can get a decent run at it because I think there's a fair bit he can add to the team.

  • Like 3
Posted

It's probably a play off between Stretch and JKH. Assuming Maynard goes we need at least one back up mid.

Stretch should get say another 2 games and then JKH can have a run of 5 or 6 games.

I'd love to see them both make it but alas .......

  • Like 1
Posted

I could see Frost being trade bait. If May and Lever come back and play the way we know they can, we'd then have Frost, Hore, OMac & Petty fighting for what could be only 1 or 2 spots a week. Given the other 3 are contracted for next year and all younger it might be that we look at what we could get for him? 

The only certainties I see of the out of contracted players are - Frost (if not traded) Weid, Lockhart, Baker, Bradtke & ANB. Jones, Stretch, JSmith, Dunkley & Chandler are more than likely to get another go, while Garlett, Lewis, Maynard, TSmith are likely to be gone and the other might have to wait right until the last list date to see if we still have spots. 

  • Like 1

Posted
4 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

It's probably a play off between Stretch and JKH. Assuming Maynard goes we need at least one back up mid.

Stretch should get say another 2 games and then JKH can have a run of 5 or 6 games.

I'd love to see them both make it but alas .......

Yes, it is always sad to lose players but as you say that is the reality of AFL life.

We have a long line of back up midfielders/on-ballers amongst recent recruits:  KK, Jordon, Nietschke, Sparrow, Baker, Lockhart and Dunkley.  We need to develop these guys over the next year or two and see who will make it. I feel ANB, Stretch and JKH have had their chances (and each has significant weaknesses) so its time to give the new guys their chances. 

Posted

Assuming Dunkley shows some promise I'd keep him and one of C.Wagner & Lockhart, probably Lockhart. Bradtke aside, the rest of our rookies are gone.

Of the listed players:

Keep: Frost, Neal-Bullen, Baker, Jones, Weideman (although he'd want to pull his finger out to get a decent contract)

Undecided: Stretch, Kennedy-Harris, J.Smith (possibly only keep one of Stretch and JKH, depending on draft picks)

Gone: Lewis, Garlett, Maynard, J.Wagner (although I expect he will get a new deal)

PS. How did Vandenberg get a three year deal with his injury history, and why did Spargo get a third year?

Posted
16 minutes ago, Red and Blue realist said:

I could see Frost being trade bait. If May and Lever come back and play the way we know they can, we'd then have Frost, Hore, OMac & Petty fighting for what could be only 1 or 2 spots a week. Given the other 3 are contracted for next year and all younger it might be that we look at what we could get for him? 

The only certainties I see of the out of contracted players are - Frost (if not traded) Weid, Lockhart, Baker, Bradtke & ANB. Jones, Stretch, JSmith, Dunkley & Chandler are more than likely to get another go, while Garlett, Lewis, Maynard, TSmith are likely to be gone and the other might have to wait right until the last list date to see if we still have spots. 

Why Frost? He has exceptional this year. Yeah has the occasional brain fade, but makrs up for it with his dash and ability to want to tak risks.

Oscar should be the one gone. Got towelled up by Himmelberg to the point where they actually had to move a first year player in Marty Hore onto him. Adds absolutely nothing to this teams whatsoever. 

Frost, May and Lever are my chosen tall backs. May to get the number 1 forward, Frost the 2nd and Lever for the 3rd. Hore to play that roaming intercept defender which then frees up Hibberd to play as a run and carry defender.

  • Like 4
  • Thanks 1
Posted
9 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Why Frost? He has exceptional this year. Yeah has the occasional brain fade, but makrs up for it with his dash and ability to want to tak risks.

Oscar should be the one gone. Got towelled up by Himmelberg to the point where they actually had to move a first year player in Marty Hore onto him. Adds absolutely nothing to this teams whatsoever. 

Frost, May and Lever are my chosen tall backs. May to get the number 1 forward, Frost the 2nd and Lever for the 3rd. Hore to play that roaming intercept defender which then frees up Hibberd to play as a run and carry defender.

because he has more perceived value

worth remembering we gave up pick 23 for him

god our trading of picks for players has been.......what's another word for atrocious?

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)

I would expect we will free up 7-10 primary list spots.  In part to keep the list refreshed but also because the game rules have changed. 

To refresh the list: we have not drafted a top 25, 18 year old for at least 3 years.  We will probably have 2 top 25 picks this year, more if we trade out a very good player or trade up later picks.  Time to bring in some talented youth.

Regarding rule changes.  List management decisions are a function of the game plan.  We have recruited for a competitive, see ball, get ball, get rid of ball as fast as possible game plan.  So we have many similar style players:  mid sized, ball getters.  This year the new rules have shown that game plan is not sustainable; it needs to change and we need to inject some skill and mobility.  So hopefully, in the second half of this year our game plan is redefined.  

I would not be surprised to see some of the 2020 OOC players traded out to accommodate a more flexible game plan and young talent.

Edited by Lucifer's Hero
Posted
27 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Why Frost? He has exceptional this year. Yeah has the occasional brain fade, but makrs up for it with his dash and ability to want to tak risks.

Oscar should be the one gone. Got towelled up by Himmelberg to the point where they actually had to move a first year player in Marty Hore onto him. Adds absolutely nothing to this teams whatsoever. 

Frost, May and Lever are my chosen tall backs. May to get the number 1 forward, Frost the 2nd and Lever for the 3rd. Hore to play that roaming intercept defender which then frees up Hibberd to play as a run and carry defender.

As WWSW said, it's all about value. Frost is currently worth something and isn't contracted. OMac, Hore and Petty are contracted, they are all younger that Frost as well so should have some development in them. We've played much of the year with 2 talls and Hore, so it might be seen that when May and Lever come back there's 4 guys looking at 1 spot, so they could move on 1 of them. 

Posted
22 minutes ago, whatwhatsaywhat said:

because he has more perceived value

worth remembering we gave up pick 23 for him

god our trading of picks for players has been.......what's another word for atrocious?

Ironically the guy who GWS picked with 23 ended up on our list (Pat McKenna).  

  • Sad 1

Posted

This is going to be a very subjective thread by Demonlanders. I really cant see why someone would choose Stretch who has been given plenty of opportunities to Joel Smith who has been badly injured by Nick Riewoldt and then hampered by groin trouble. 

  • Like 1
Posted
3 hours ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

I've just updated the Contracts thread and posted my thoughts on possible list changes. 

It may be a bit early but given our season is done it is relevant to look at possible changes.

The Contracts thread:

 

My thoughts on list changes that I posted in that thread:

I'm guessing we will lose quite a few Rookies. 

Its hard to see a lot of the primary list players who are OOC this year getting an extension.  My thoughts:

  • Baker, Frost, Weideman will get new contracts.
  • J. Wagner, Garlett, J. Smith are 'maybe' depending on assessment of depth.
  • Stretch, Neal Bullen, Kennedy Harris at real risk of going.  They have been on our list for 4-5 years and not able to cement a regular 22 spot.  Can only keep them for so long.
  • Lewis, Maynard gone.
  • Jones - not sure.  Will challenge the list management team:  Nostalgia vs value add vs keeping a younger player out of the team/out of position.

We will get some good draft picks this year: a top 10 and a high second round pick so a chance to get some high end talent and skills.  Time to refresh.

Jake Lever has only just turned 23 - he’s not 26. 

  • Angry 1
Posted
2 minutes ago, At the break of Gawn said:

Jake Lever has only just turned 23 - he’s not 26. 

The age is at the end of respective player's contract.

  • Haha 1

Posted (edited)

Surely Jones can't go around next year.  The only position he can play is inside mid, and that's locked out.  We've been trying to hide him all year.

Edited by one_demon
  • Like 2

Posted
3 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Wouldnt be suprised if Joel Smith asks for a trade

Misson is leaving,   so hopefully Smith stays.

  • Like 1
  • Haha 1
Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, bobby1554 said:

Chunk definitely gets another year. Anyone going to begrudge him a chance to get to 300 games?

I don't begrudge him another year if his selection is based on form but no guarantee of games.  If he earns selection for 14 games (at least) to get him to 300 great, if not so be it.

His 2020 selection should not put at risk a top 4 finish and a chance at the premiership or someone like Brayshaw played out of position or someone like Baker or Lockhart denied games.  

To me he retires this year or gives up the co-captaincy, gets one more year and if his form warrants he is selected.  If not he plays in the VFL as Clarkson did with Roughy also a much loved champion, ex captain and loyal servant of his club. 

It may sound ruthless but it is what professional clubs do. 

Edited by Lucifer's Hero
  • Like 2
Posted
1 hour ago, bobby1554 said:

Chunk definitely gets another year. Anyone going to begrudge him a chance to get to 300 games?

The Jones that we saw on Sunday against GWS doesn't get another year. The level of injuries means we don't have to debate the "Drop" word at present but it's time to begin thinking about the question.

How it is handled will be a measure of our maturity as a club.

  • Like 1
Posted
1 hour ago, bobby1554 said:

Chunk definitely gets another year. Anyone going to begrudge him a chance to get to 300 games?

Club bigger than the individual.

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...