Jump to content

Discussion on recent allegations about the use of illicit drugs in football is forbidden
  • IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

    Posting unsubstantiated rumours on this website is strictly forbidden.

    Demonland has made the difficult decision to not permit this platform to be used to discuss & debate the off-field issues relating to the Melbourne Football Club including matters currently being litigated between the Club & former Board members, board elections, the issue of illicit drugs in footy, the culture at the club & the personal issues & allegations against some of our players & officials ...

    We do not take these issues & this decision lightly & of course we believe that these serious matters affecting the club we love & are so passionate about are worthy of discussion & debate & I wish we could provide a place where these matters can be discussed in a civil & respectful manner.

    However these discussions unfortunately invariably devolve into areas that may be defamatory, libelous, spread unsubstantiated rumours & can effect the mental health of those involved. Even discussion & debate of known facts or media reports can lead to finger pointing, blame & personal attacks.

    The repercussion is that these discussions can open this website, it’s owners & it’s users to legal action & may result in this website being forced to shutdown.

    Our moderating team are all volunteers & cannot moderate the forum 24/7 & as a consequence problematic content that contravenes our rules & standards may go unnoticed for some time before it can be removed.

    We reserve the right to delete posts that offend against our above policy & indeed, to ban posters who are repeat offenders or who breach our code of conduct.

    WE HAVE BUILT A FANTASTIC ONLINE COMMUNITY AT DEMONLAND OVER THE PAST 23 YEARS & WE WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO DISCUSS THE CLUB WE LOVE & ARE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT.

    Thank you for your continued support & understanding. Go Dees.


Play May Forward


Fat Tony

Recommended Posts

With the season shot I feel we need to continue experimenting with our list a little with an eye to next season. The last two weeks we have gone with two ruckmen in the same side and I think it is already clear that neither are good enough as forwards to go with in our best 22 over the long term. Harrison Petty has been pretty good as a target in both games as a forward, but he looks more natural to me in defence given his lack of pace.

As such, I hope we play Steven May as a forward for the rest of the season. We already know May is a gun defender but let's see if he can be the solution in our forward line alongside TMac for 2020. This is our biggest weakness and, while we all want Sam Weideman to take the next step, we need to see if May can actually give us a better return as a forward.

Personally, I think our backline already has good depth with Frost, Lever, Jetta, Hibberd, Salem, Hore, Jones, OMac and Petty. While May obviously makes the defence better, he is potentially more value at the other end.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not adverse to throwing him forward in patches but we recruited him as a defender, he possibly has the best skill of our defenders (Salem in front) he needs to find his place in the team, he needs the next 5 weeks to gel with Lever and co. We need to use this time wisely to settle our defence. He is the cornerstone of that now, he compliments Frost beautifully. 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Demon3 said:

 he compliments Frost beautifully. 

And Frost needs all the compliments he can get!  LOL  (Although, May wasn't too complimentary to poor ole Frosty a coupla weeks back when Frosty pulled one of his brain fades!)

  • Like 1
  • Haha 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The continuity and time of May and Lever together down back for the rest of the year is huge for us in our push for a stronger 2020. they need to play down there together as much as they possibly can for the rest of this year. 

i don't mind the idea of trialing Oscar McDonald down there. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites


3 minutes ago, Patches O’houlihan said:

The continuity and time of May and Lever together down back for the rest of the year is huge for us in our push for a stronger 2020. they need to play down there together as much as they possibly can for the rest of this year. 

i don't mind the idea of trialing Oscar McDonald down there. 

Yes, worth a try as I think he will not get back into defence unless we have plenty of injuries there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A quality back six unit can only be formed when the individuals comprised play a significant amount of game-time together. 

May and Lever have played what, three games together?

We need them to play every game possible together and that goes for Jetta, Hibberd and Frost too (if he's going to play that third tall).

IMO it would be absolutely ludicrous to play May forward with a handful of games to go when we're sitting 17th on the ladder.

Edited by stevethemanjordan
  • Like 8
Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 minutes ago, Moonshadow said:

Why the [censored] would any club not tanking put their best key defended in the forward line???

Madness, I say.

Not agreeing with the idea of May forward, but were we tanking last year when TMac was put forward?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, sue said:

Not agreeing with the idea of May forward, but were we tanking last year when TMac was put forward?

Was Tmac put forward at the end of the 2018 season when we were vying for pick 1, 2 or 3? 

Most weeks atm our backline is the only thing stopping us from getting belted beyond Mars 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lever, May, Hibberd, Frost, Jetta, Lockhart, Salem and co need some continuity and game time together.  The remaining rounds are invaluable in ensuring that we hit Round 1 2020 with all guns firing.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Fat Tony said:

With the season shot I feel we need to continue experimenting with our list a little with an eye to next season. The last two weeks we have gone with two ruckmen in the same side and I think it is already clear that neither are good enough as forwards to go with in our best 22 over the long term. Harrison Petty has been pretty good as a target in both games as a forward, but he looks more natural to me in defence given his lack of pace.

As such, I hope we play Steven May as a forward for the rest of the season. We already know May is a gun defender but let's see if he can be the solution in our forward line alongside TMac for 2020. This is our biggest weakness and, while we all want Sam Weideman to take the next step, we need to see if May can actually give us a better return as a forward.

Personally, I think our backline already has good depth with Frost, Lever, Jetta, Hibberd, Salem, Hore, Jones, OMac and Petty. While May obviously makes the defence better, he is potentially more value at the other end.

The elephant in the room for 2020... will the combo of T-Mac & Weids be potent enough to make a difference in 2020 on their own?

Personally i don't believe either are talented / mobile / effective enough (accuracy/class/poise) in front of the big sticks to handle/take the No.1 & No.2 roles.  At best they are serviceable in the No.2 & 3 spots.

So who are we getting in, if anyone, to take the No.1 role?  In an ideal Disney  World thats GWS's Cameron but ain't gonna happen.

So...who else is a 'realistic' genuine KPF contender we might snag guys and gals? 

Assuming we can't get anyone decent FT's option may not be so far fetched.  This bloke can play.  Has a decent roost on him and hits.a pack hard.  Leads by example, plays with agro / venom and can take an overhead.  Exactly what is missing for us inside 50 right now.  Would make others stand tall also.  Can he get fit / mobile enough to play this role out effectively week to week though in 2020?  Accuracy?  All things that could be trialed in the remaining games.

We also need at least one genuine small speedy crumber with class and an outsider in the mid field with break away pace and fimish.

I'm fine with experimenting but personally i don't think we can afford to until Hore returns.  He is going to be that good in the next few years i reckon he will easily take over the main 'rock' role in defense with Frostmeister and Lever alongside

IF we aren't chasing a serious KPF for 2020 to fill the main role (which would be madness IMO) or can't snag one, i don't mind it at all.  Worth a trial, but only after Hore returns.

Edited by Rusty Nails
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nope for mine.  We want as many games with him commanding the back half, building the killer combo with Lever and the other defenders.  When the heat is on, every moment together playing and working together will pay off.  Swing him forward for 10 mins here and there to switch things up, but not as a full time positional shift.

Our forward line problems will not be solved by throwing May forward.  We are seeing that we have options (Frittata, and even Petty) and can even think about Smith, Smith and even Kielty if they shape up.  Agree we need to bolster our stocks - maybe Preuss will learn to mark and build a tank over the summer ans surprise as that elusive forward pocket option????

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 minutes ago, Vineytime said:

We were reportedly interested in luring Keath from Adelaide across as a key defender, play May forward alongside TMAC, would be a great outcome IMO. 

When we have every defender in the league on our list, no one will be able to stop our potent forward line!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can you win a premiership with:

Option A: May, Lever and Frost down back. Tom McDonald, Weid, Melksham forward

Option B: Frost, Lever, Petty? down back. Tom McDonald, May, Melksham forward

I'd say it's yes to A and no to B.

Goals are created by intercepts and turnovers. When you pressure a side in to a mistake and create a mismatch or open man. 

Good key defenders who don't allow mistakes or clean them up and the allow for or create intercepts up the ground save more goals than good forwards who struggle to get one on ones or mismatches create.

If the Weid doesn't make it then we need a replacement (and we absolutely need depth) and we need to upgrade the outside run and skill, but at least in the short term we don't need to be making desperate changes to the key forward stocks.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


12 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

Can you win a premiership with:

Option A: May, Lever and Frost down back. Tom McDonald, Weid, Melksham forward

Option B: Frost, Lever, Petty? down back. Tom McDonald, May, Melksham forward

I'd say it's yes to A and no to B.

Goals are created by intercepts and turnovers. When you pressure a side in to a mistake and create a mismatch or open man. 

Good key defenders who don't allow mistakes or clean them up and the allow for or create intercepts up the ground save more goals than good forwards who struggle to get one on ones or mismatches create.

If the Weid doesn't make it then we need a replacement (and we absolutely need depth) and we need to upgrade the outside run and skill, but at least in the short term we don't need to be making desperate changes to the key forward stocks.

You left Hore out DS.  He is going to be a rock / fabulous defender down back, potentially better than Frost/Lever and certainly better than Petty in a defensive role IMV.

Have him ranked No.8 to Rnd 18 ahead of Frost (12th) & May (14th) as a rookie in his first season in a near perfect [censored] storm.  Imagine if we actually start performing/winning!!

A May, T-Mac, Melk forward line with some other decent smalls bottom feeding and Hore included down back makes B look more than a viable proposition for a decent trial IMO.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

You left Hore out DS.  He is going to be a rock / fabulous defender down back, potentially better than Frost/Lever and certainly better than Petty in a defensive role IMV.

Have him ranked No.8 to Rnd 18 ahead of Frost (12th) & May (14th) as a rookie in his first season in a near perfect [censored] storm.  Imagine if we actually start performing/winning!!

A May, T-Mac, Melk forward line with some other decent smalls bottom feeding and Hore included down back makes B look more than a viable proposition for a decent trial IMO.

I see him as an important part of the backline and particularly good cover for Lever in an intercepting role but unless Lever comes back stronger and more aggressive in one on ones I don't think Frost/Lever is enough as the key talls. Maybe that smaller combination works, or maybe it's Petty or even Oscar, there's lots of ways to get a decent enough backline, but May's the only guy who has speed, strength, size and smarts to really build a backline around. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

I see him as an important part of the backline and particularly good cover for Lever in an intercepting role but unless Lever comes back stronger and more aggressive in one on ones I don't think Frost/Lever is enough as the key talls. Maybe that smaller combination works, or maybe it's Petty or even Oscar, there's lots of ways to get a decent enough backline, but May's the only guy who has speed, strength, size and smarts to really build a backline around. 

I still think Frost / Hore / Lever as the core to allow for a short trial of May up forward is fine for the remainder of the year IF/when Marty makes it back DS.

All outcomes in terms of who plays where for 2020 and onwards (short-/medium term) based on who does what during any trial period for the remainder of this season.  Might be a complete flop and May ends up as a key defender as planned or we might not need him up forward if we can recruit a genuine KPF to take over the No.1 mantle and take the heat off T-Mac and/or the Weid for 2020 and beyond.

P.S. If nothing else, surely as a coach you would want to at least 'see' if May shows something up forward this season so you know what options you 'might' have up forward in 2020 and with the big fella?  Can we swing him there if required?  Is he more than just a bit part role player/pinch hitter if needed?  Could he be a surprise packet that takes the forward line by the scruff of the neck and turns our fortunes around in 2020 (onwards)?  The latter is probably far fetched but still, worth a look IMO.

Edited by Rusty Nails
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Personally I thinke very player who is performing in their current position and needs time to build a relationship with their teammates in a complex and team-oriented part of the ground where they excel, and which was a significant vulnerability right up until, oh, pretty much when they became available there after a bout of injury, should be moved to a different position.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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  

    DEPTH CHARGE by Whispering Jack

    The jubilation on the coach’s face as he danced a celebratory jig by the playing bench after the final siren sounded to record his team’s four-point victory over the Demons when the teams last met, said it all.    On that rainy Friday night at the Adelaide Oval, Ken Hinkley’s young midfield secured much more than four points on offer. The victory over one of the big dogs of the competition after a succession of wins over some of its lesser lights gave his team respect and validation fo

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    TRAINING: Monday 25th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Demon Dynasty & Kev Martin were trackside at Gosch's Paddock today to bring you their observations from training. DEMON DYNASTY'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Kade Chandler's left knee heavily strapped. BBB, Spargs & Jake Lever also in rehab group. Jake Bowey solo running separate kicking/sprint/agility drills. Super fine morning / early arvo at Gosch's for the boys to blow out some cobwebs. Choco initially had the light duties / rehab group

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    HIBERNATING by KC from Casey

    When they locked up the rooms for summer at the end of last year’s football season, the rooms gathered cobwebs, the atmosphere became dense and the place developed a sleepy feel. They opened up the rooms to let Casey out to play on Sunday but the team was still hibernating and they missed the bulk of the opening quarter. By the time they worked out it was game on, their opponents from Box Hill had accumulated five goals and, if the game wasn’t over, it might as well have been. For a se

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Casey Articles

    A FORK IN THE HAWK by George on the Outer

    For too long in the past, Demon fans became habitually sick and tired of watching the Hawks hand out thrashings to their side. But Melbourne’s empahtic 55-point win at the MCG on Saturday has truly put a fork in the Hawk and turned that history well and truly on its head. The Demons have now won nine of their last ten encounters with the other result, a draw.     And like a fork, it was the multi-pronged options that Melbourne had all across the ground.  It certainly helped that Hawthorn

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Reports 8

    PREGAME: Rd 03 vs Port Adelaide

    The Demons head on the road for the next 2 weeks as they travel to Adelaide to play Port on Saturday and then have a 5 Day break before facing the Crows in the Gather Round. With injuries to May and Lever who comes in and who goes out?

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 262

    PODCAST: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 25th March @ 8:30pm. Join George, Binman & I as we analyse the Demons victory at the MCG against the Hawks in the Round 02. You questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on 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

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 46

    VOTES: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    Last week Steven May took the lead in the Demonland Player of the Year Award from Jack Viney. Clayton Oliver & Max Gawn round out the Top 4. Your votes for the win/loss against/to the Hawks. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 50

    POSTGAME: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demons cruised to an easy 55 point win over the Hawks at the MCG but but paid a heavy toll on the injury front with Steven May & Jake Lever possibly sidelined for a number of weeks.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 357

    GAMEDAY: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    It's Game Day and after mixed results in the first two weeks of the season the Demons have the opportunity to capitalise on their good form last week when they take on the Hawks at the MCG today.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 437
  • 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 

  • Non MFC Games  

    NON-MFC: Round 03

    Discussion of all the other games that don't involve the Demons in Round 03 ... READ MORE

    Demonland | Round 03

  • Match Preview      

    DEPTH CHARGE by Whispering Jack

    The jubilation on the coach’s face as he danced a celebratory jig by the playing bench after the final siren sounded to record his team’s four-point victory over the Demons when the teams last met, said it all ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 27

  • Latest Podcast      

    PODCAST: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The boys dissected the clinical thrashing of Hawks praising the immense performance of Christian Petracca whilst lamenting the injury toll to our defensive unit ... LISTEN

    Demonland | March 26

  • Training  

    Monday, 25th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Demon Dynasty & Kev Martin were trackside at Gosch's Paddock today to bring you their observations from training ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 25

  • Casey Report      

    HIBERNATING by KC from Casey

    When they locked up the rooms for summer at the end of last year’s football season, the rooms gathered cobwebs, the atmosphere became dense and the place developed a sleepy feel. They opened up the rooms to let Casey out to play on Sunday but the team was still hibernating and they missed the bulk of the opening quarter ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 25

  • PreGame      

    PREGAME: Rd 03 vs Port Adelaide

    The Demons head out on the road for the next 2 weeks as they travel to Adelaide to play Port on Saturday and then have a 5 Day break before facing the Crows in Gather Round. With injuries to May and Lever who comes in and who goes out? ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 28

  • Match Report      

    A FORK IN THE HAWK by George on the Outer

    For too long in the past, Demon fans became habitually sick and tired of watching the Hawks hand out thrashings to their side. But Melbourne’s empahtic 55-point win at the MCG on Saturday has truly put a fork in the Hawk and turned that history well and truly on its head ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Post Game      

    POSTGAME: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demons cruised to an easy 55 point win over the Hawks at the MCG but but paid a heavy toll on the injury front with Steven May & Jake Lever possibly sidelined for a number of weeks ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Votes      

    VOTES: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    Last week Steven May took the lead in the Demonland Player of the Year Award from Jack Viney. Clayton Oliver & Max Gawn round out the Top 4. Your votes for the win/loss against/to the Hawks. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Game Day      

    GAMEDAY: Round 02 vs Hawthorn

    It's Game Day and after mixed results in the first two weeks of the season the Demons have the opportunity to capitalise on their good form last week when they take on the Hawks at the MCG today ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Training  

    Friday, 22nd March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatcher Kev Martin and I attended the Captain's Run at Gosch's Paddock on this lovely sunny morning to bring you the following observations from the training session ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 22

  • Training  

    Tuesday, 19th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin & Walking Civil War attended Tuesday morning's training session at Gosch's Paddock to bring you the following observations ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 19

  • Training  

    Saturday, 16th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin and Dee Zephyr wandered down to Gosch's Paddock on Saturday morning to bring you their observations from the Captain's Run in the lead up to Sunday's Round One match against the Bulldogs ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 16

  • Farewell  

    Angus Brayshaw Retires

    After 167 games including the drought breaking Premiership Angus Brayshaw has made the heart breaking decision to medically retire from football as a result of a series of serious head knocks over his nearly decade of footy. We wish Gus all the best and he'll always be a hero at Demonland ... READ MORE

    Demonland | February 22

  • Latest Podcast  

    PODCAST: Koltyn Tholstrup Interview

    I interview the Melbourne Football Club’s newest recruit Koltyn Tholstrup to have a chat about his journey from the farm to the Demons, his first few weeks of preseason training, which Dees have impressed him on the track and his aspirations of playing Round 1 ... LISTEN

    Demonland | December 14

  • Latest Podcast  

    PODCAST: Jason Taylor Interview

    I interview the Melbourne Football Club's National Recruitment Manager Jason Taylor to have a chat about our Trade and Draft period, our newest recruits, our recent recruits who have yet to debut as well as those father son prospects on the horizon ... LISTEN

    Demonland | November 27

  • Next Match 

    .

    Round 03

       vs   

    Saturday 30th March 2024
    @ 07:30pm (AO)

  • MFC Forum  

  • Match Previews & Reports  

  • Training Forum  

  • AFLW Forum  

  • 2024 Player Sponsorship

  • Topics

  • Injury List  


      PLAYER INJURY LENGTH
    Jake Lever Knee Test
    Clayton Oliver Hand Test
    Oliver Sestan Concussion Test
    Steven May Ribs 1 Week
    Lachie Hunter Calf 1 Week
    Daniel Turner Hip 2-3 Weeks
    Charlie Spargo Achilles 2-4 Weeks
    Shane McAdam Hamstring 3-5 Weeks
    Jake Bowey Shoulder 7 Weeks
    Jake Melksham ACL 12-14 Weeks
    Joel Smith Suspension TBA

  • Player of the Year  


        PLAYER VOTES
    1 Christian Petracca 27
    2 Steven May 25
    3 Max Gawn 21
    4 Jack Viney 20
    5 Bayley Fritsch 19
    6 Clayton Oliver 18
    7 Christian Salem 12
    8 Blake Howes 11
    9 Jack Billings 10
    9 Alex Neal-Bullen 10

        FULL TABLE
  • Demonland Interviews 



  • Upcoming Events 

×
×
  • Create New...