Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted
4 minutes ago, Superunknown said:

Some very good discussion here

Soooo

Out Brayshaw

In Langdon, Amon, Young? (or trade for King)

Am I reading that right?

Some at the edges trades, not to say they're not important, but this seems to address some apparent glaring issues.

I reckon we could get those players without losing Brayshaw as it stands. Definitely seems like there's a decent chance we'll split our pick though, there's at least 3 clubs who could come to that party IMO.

Posted
5 hours ago, Lord Nev said:

We also have Sparrow, Jones, Petracca & vB as players who can play that role proficiently.

Way to underline my point. Jones is on last legs, Sparrow has played all of 2 games, Vandenberg can barely get through a training session without breaking down. Petracca has potential to play more midfield minutes but can’t seem to improve on his tank five years into his career. 

Brayshaw would leave a huge hole in our midfield. Robbing Peter to pay Paul is not the answer.

  • Like 1
Posted
9 minutes ago, GetJonnoPatton said:

Way to underline my point. Jones is on last legs, Sparrow has played all of 2 games, Vandenberg can barely get through a training session without breaking down. Petracca has potential to play more midfield minutes but can’t seem to improve on his tank five years into his career. 

Brayshaw would leave a huge hole in our midfield. Robbing Peter to pay Paul is not the answer.

I'm glad you listed all our wing depth in your above post too...

But you're right, doesn't seem like outside players are very important in the AFL now hey?  ?‍♂️

We're ranked 4th in contested possessions. 14th for uncontested possessions.

It's not hard to work out what our weakness is.

  • Like 2
Posted
10 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

I'm glad you listed all our wing depth in your above post too...

But you're right, doesn't seem like outside players are very important in the AFL now hey?  ?‍♂️

We're ranked 4th in contested possessions. 14th for uncontested possessions.

It's not hard to work out what our weakness is.

So improve the weakness. Why does it have to come at the cost of Brayshaw? Doesn’t make sense.

Posted
1 hour ago, GetJonnoPatton said:

So improve the weakness. Why does it have to come at the cost of Brayshaw? Doesn’t make sense.

I'm not saying it HAS to be Brayshaw. To me he just seems the most likely out of Viney, Harmes, Oliver and he to be traded, and one that holds a reasonably high value even after a poor year.

As much as many people try to put forward the scenarios, we won't be able to trade any combination of our depth players to get a high quality outside player back.

Even once we lock in Langdon, we still have the issue of trying to fit 4 players into 3 spots. I'm not sure how we solve that given we didn't see any improvement in the disposal or running work of Viney, Oliver and Gus, and I don't think Harmes to the backline is something we're going to roll with next year.

Posted
9 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

I'm not saying it HAS to be Brayshaw. To me he just seems the most likely out of Viney, Harmes, Oliver and he to be traded, and one that holds a reasonably high value even after a poor year.

As much as many people try to put forward the scenarios, we won't be able to trade any combination of our depth players to get a high quality outside player back.

Even once we lock in Langdon, we still have the issue of trying to fit 4 players into 3 spots. I'm not sure how we solve that given we didn't see any improvement in the disposal or running work of Viney, Oliver and Gus, and I don't think Harmes to the backline is something we're going to roll with next year.

There’s more than one way to swim a lap.

Trade pick 3 to GWS for picks 12, 14 and a decent player. Along with pick 20 (likely Langdon) there’s more than enough cachet to go a long way to addressing the outside midfield problem. 

Four inside midfielders is not an excessive number. Ideally you want a balance of four inside and four outside in your rotation. 

Posted
1 hour ago, GetJonnoPatton said:

There’s more than one way to swim a lap.

Trade pick 3 to GWS for picks 12, 14 and a decent player. Along with pick 20 (likely Langdon) there’s more than enough cachet to go a long way to addressing the outside midfield problem. 

Four inside midfielders is not an excessive number. Ideally you want a balance of four inside and four outside in your rotation. 

The problem is that none of them are capable as outside players. It's not just the number of them, it's that they're just not versatile. Maybe it's something that can change, but it hasn't even looked close to doing that so far, and playing Gus on the outside this year was a horrible failure. Personally I'd trade Viney before Gus if we had to trade one, but I just can't see it happening and trying to be somewhat realistic.

I'm not sure 18 year olds are the answer to our speed, endurance and skill issues. The latter two especially generally take a time to develop at AFL level. I'm all for splitting the pick this year and GWS seem to be the front runner, though don't discount North or Port who potentially may look to maximise their separate picks.

Not that they're trades I'm keen on, but hypothetically we could also look at:

Picks 3 and 39 for Picks 8, 26 and Higgins (North).

Pick 3 for 10, 27 and Amon (Port).

Judging by the industry commentary around it's not considered a great draft at this stage, especially after the first 2 picks, so need to consider that with our thought process as well. And in saying that, there's also the potential we look to split our picks between drafts, trading pick 3 for a first rounder from this year and next.

Posted (edited)

Completely agree that our supposed midfield depth is highly overrated and said so only a few days ago.

Viney is the only one I'd ever considering trading at this stage, but last year's final series should remind us just how good Jack can be.

We need to strengthen our midfield with a couple of good outsider runners and users, and hope that we can pick up a gun free agent mid in the next 2-3 years.

Sparrow might be okay, but talking about him as decent midfield depth (at this stage) is plainly ridiculous. 

You need 10 or so good players that can go through the middle. Collingwood's midfield is a perfect example.

Edited by A F
  • Like 1
Posted
42 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

Picks 3 and 39 for Picks 8, 26 and Higgins (North).

Pick 3 for 10, 27 and Amon (Port).

The first scenario I’d consider, no way the second.

Keep in mind we don’t only have to take 18yo’s with draft picks. We can trade them for players. That’s why I like ...

- Pick 3 to GWS for picks 12, 14 and Patton.

- Pick 21 to Freo for Ed Langdon

- Pick 14 to Freo for Brad Hill

- Pick  12 draft best available 18yo

Out: Picks 3, 20

In: Patton, Langdon, Hill, pick 12

Posted
9 hours ago, GetJonnoPatton said:

The first scenario I’d consider, no way the second.

Keep in mind we don’t only have to take 18yo’s with draft picks. We can trade them for players. That’s why I like ...

- Pick 3 to GWS for picks 12, 14 and Patton.

- Pick 21 to Freo for Ed Langdon

- Pick 14 to Freo for Brad Hill

- Pick  12 draft best available 18yo

Out: Picks 3, 20

In: Patton, Langdon, Hill, pick 12

Neither of the scenarios I listed are ones I would want to do, but I'm putting forward some realistic options that aren't just about what I think, if that makes sense?

I like the ambition, but realistically we won't get that much done in the trade period. It's generally one 'big' trade and a few little pick swaps etc. Hill has already ruled out the Dees too.

Posted
9 hours ago, A F said:

Sparrow might be okay, but talking about him as decent midfield depth (at this stage) is plainly ridiculous.

Don't think it's "plainly ridiculous" to suggest a player who broke through for a couple of games before injury in his first year can be considered depth.

Posted
1 minute ago, Lord Nev said:

Hill has already ruled out the Dees too.

Direct quote?

Clubs, managers, journos, fans throwing out a lot of spin at the moment. 

Remember that Hill is under contract. If we throw pick 12 on the table and other clubs can’t get close to it, watch Peter Bell dig his heels in. 

There’ll be plenty of scope to make moves if we split our first pick with GWS. Hell don’t even be surprised if we chuck a decent player on the table to get things moving.

Posted
2 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

Don't think it's "plainly ridiculous" to suggest a player who broke through for a couple of games before injury in his first year can be considered depth.

You didn’t throw his name up as depth but as a bonafide first 22 player on the inside midfield rotation. He’s played TWO games. 

Posted
1 hour ago, GetJonnoPatton said:

Direct quote?

Clubs, managers, journos, fans throwing out a lot of spin at the moment. 

Remember that Hill is under contract. If we throw pick 12 on the table and other clubs can’t get close to it, watch Peter Bell dig his heels in. 

There’ll be plenty of scope to make moves if we split our first pick with GWS. Hell don’t even be surprised if we chuck a decent player on the table to get things moving.

 

Posted
1 hour ago, GetJonnoPatton said:

You didn’t throw his name up as depth but as a bonafide first 22 player on the inside midfield rotation. He’s played TWO games. 

No, I didn't.

Read it again, and this time read it properly, especially noting the "we also have..."

 

 

Posted
17 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

No, I didn't.

Read it again, and this time read it properly, especially noting the "we also have..."

 

 

You would have to take Sparrow and VB out of that list.

Sparrow hasn't even bedded himself down as a VFL level mid yet and VB can't get on the park...

Posted
1 minute ago, rjay said:

You would have to take Sparrow and VB out of that list.

Sparrow hasn't even bedded himself down as a VFL level mid yet and VB can't get on the park...

Sparrow debuted in his first year, then missed the second half of the year with injury.

 

Posted
12 minutes ago, GetJonnoPatton said:

Tom Brown is Brad Hill’s spokesman? Who knew ?

You're welcome to post a media report that says he's chosen Melbourne.

Trying to have a grown up conversation with you Matsuo, would appreciate if you did the same.

Posted
5 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

You're welcome to post a media report that says he's chosen Melbourne.

Trying to have a grown up conversation with you Matsuo, would appreciate if you did the same.

I asked for a direct quote. You quoted Tim Brown. And you’re talking about maturity. Please. 

Who is Matsuo?

Posted
9 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

Sparrow debuted in his first year, then missed the second half of the year with injury.

 

As a defensive forward, not a mid.

He's not proven at any senior level as a mid so shouldn't be brought into the conversation yet...

  • Like 1

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  

    HIGHLIGHTS/LOWLIGHTS by Whispering Jack

    Melbourne traveled across the continent to take on the Fremantle Dockers in sweltering conditions at Mandurah south of Perth in a game that delivered the club both its highlight and its lowlight in the first minute.  But first, let’s start by doing away with the usual cliches used in connection with the game. It was just a practice match and the result didn’t matter. Bad kicking is bad football. The game was played in severe heat, the swirly breeze played havoc with both teams resulting in

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Reports 1

    PODCAST: Practice Match vs Fremantle

    Join us LIVE on Monday night at 7:30pm as we break down the Practice Match against the Dockers. As always, your questions are a vital part of the show. If you would like to leave us a voicemail please call 03 9016 3666 and don't worry no body answers so you don't have to talk to a human. Listen & Chat LIVE: https://demonland.com/podcast Call: 03 9016 3666 Skype: Demonland31

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 28

    PREGAME: Rd 01 vs GWS

    After 6 agonizingly long months the 2025 AFL Premiership Season is almost upon us. The Demons return to the MCG to take on the GWS Giants and will be hoping to get their year off to a flying start.  

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 121

    POSTGAME: Practice Match vs Fremantle

    The Dees were blown out of the water early by the Fremantle Dockers before fighting back and going down by 19 points in their final practice match of the preseason before Round 1. Remember it's only a practice match if you lose.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 262

    GAMEDAY: Practice Match vs Fremantle

    It's Game Day and the Demons have hit the road for their first of 8 interstate trips this season when they take on the Fremantle Dockers in their final practice match before the start of their 2025 Premiership Campaign. GAME: Melbourne Demons vs Fremantle Dockers TIME: 6:10pm AEDT VENUE: Mandurah’s Rushton Park. TEAMS: MELBOURNE B Steven May Jake Lever Blake Howes HB Jake Bowey Trent Rivers Christian Salem C Ed Langdon Christian Petracca Jack Billings  HF Harr

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 470

    TRAINING: Friday 28th February 2025

    A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers headed down to Gosch's Paddock to bring you their observations from today's training session before the Demons head off to Perth for their final Practice Match. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Beautiful morning, not much wind, more than a couple of dozen spectators.  The players were up and about, boisterous and having fun. One of their last drills were three teams competing in a hard at it, handball game in a small area. Goody

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    THE ACCIDENTAL DEMONS by The Oracle

    In the space of eight days, the Melbourne Football Club’s plans for the coming year were turned upside down by two season-ending injuries to players who were contending strongly for places in its opening round match against the GWS Giants. Shane McAdam was first player to go down with injury when he ruptured an Achilles tendon at Friday afternoon training, a week before the cut-off date for the AFL’s pre-season supplemental selection period (“SSP”). McAdam was beginning to get some real mom

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Special Features

    PREGAME: Practice Match vs Fremantle

    The Demons hit the road for what will be their first of 8 interstate trips this year when they play their final practice match before the 2025 AFL Premiership Season against the Fremantle Dockers in Perth on Sunday, 2nd March @ 6:10pm (AEDT). 2025 AAMI Community Series Sun Mar 2 Fremantle v Melbourne, Rushton Oval, Mandurah, 3.10pm AWST (6.10pm AEDT)

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 186

    RETURN TO NORMAL by Whispering Jack

    One of my prized possessions is a framed, autographed guernsey bearing the number 31 worn by my childhood hero, Melbourne’s champion six time premiership player Ronald Dale Barassi who passed away on 16 September 2023, aged 87. The former captain who went on to a successful coaching career, mainly with other clubs, came back to the fold in his later years as a staunch Demon supporter who often sat across the way from me in the Northern Stand of the MCG cheering on the team. Barassi died the

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Reports
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...