Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted
2 minutes ago, Damo said:

In defence of OMac critics we had to wait a year to hear from the club about the amount and seriousness of surgeries last year.

 

Respectfully, thats not true Damo. They advised he had hip surgery before the season and again when he had a mid season break to build his strength.

On the surgery he was often left of lists on here and in the media of players who had surgery - perhaps reflecting his standing. And I certainly reminded dl posters of those surgeries often enough.

  • Like 3

Posted

I’d be amazed if someone didn’t ask “why don’t we just kick it more?” Like the majority of peanuts say every week in the MCC.

  • Like 6
  • Haha 4

Posted
9 minutes ago, Beetle said:

I’d be amazed if someone didn’t ask “why don’t we just kick it more?” Like the majority of peanuts say every week in the MCC.

One question asked why we have only 5 good kicks on the list and included Hibberd in the set!

  • Like 2
  • Haha 1
  • Shocked 1
Posted

Despite the on-line videos lacking the slides, kudos to the club for getting them up and distibuted so quickly, not that that is so hard.  But it  looks like the PR department is getting better so hopefully we'll have less groaning abotu them in future.

Re the criticism of Goodwin for playing players out of their natural postiion, it seems to me that is what you do when you are heavily hit with injuries.  If as is likely it doesn't work, then blame the coach.  If it unearths a new superstar, the coach is a genius.   (BTW I have no opinion of Goodwin's ability one way or the other.)

Posted
15 minutes ago, binman said:

Respectfully, thats not true Damo. They advised he had hip surgery before the season and again when he had a mid season break to build his strength.

On the surgery he was often left of lists on here and in the media of players who had surgery - perhaps reflecting his standing. And I certainly reminded dl posters of those surgeries often enough.

Fair enough Ian :)

I do wonder if what was said "Live" may have been worse than what was ranted on DL during this year, in what would have been a larger audience.

Posted
17 minutes ago, Fifty-5 said:

One question asked why we have only 5 good kicks on the list and included Hibberd in the set!

That is a very good question.

Posted
2 hours ago, Rusty Nails said:

Thanks minion.

So Clarry, who only completed approx 23% of his programmed pre-season vs Gus for example at 43% , still managed to win the Bluey.

Another great example, Viney, who only managed 11% but still managed a reasonable contribution throughout the season.

Proving that set backs can be overcome and a fair portion of recovering from them is above the shoulders as Lewis alluded to in his exit interview.

I also notice the emphasis on "Roles in which player's STRENGTHS can thrive".

In other words don't play guys in positions they aren't so good at (or have very little experience with) or just not suited to, wherever possible.  Way too much experimenting here by Goody this season which, along with the lack of cohesion and consistency on the training track and alot of man power out through injury, also added to the mayhem and the overall mega fall from 2018.

Sometimes it can depend on the type of injury though and the players role. Gus has a back injury which while he still managed to play 22 might have meant he was much more restricted than Oliver with his shoulders. An injury set back can effect you're whole body sometimes and others it only impacts 1 area, so running/strength work might still be possible. Hopefully with no set backs this year Gus returns to his 2018 best, but backs are hard to manage. 

  • Like 2
Posted

On Greg Stafford being the goal kicking coach:

  1. As a player, he had a conversion rate in the ballpark of those of Lockett and Lloyd, and a superior conversion rate to Richardson, Dunstall and Franklin. And we're talking about a guy who played 204 AFL games for 141 goals, including 5 hauls of 4 goals (4.1, 4.0, 4.0, 4.1 and 4.2) playing as a ruckman - we're not talking about a 5 game wonder. 
  2. He is a professional coach that has been kicking around for years, who has had Max Gawn under his wing forever. He obviously knows how to coach.

If anyone still wants to challenge his credentials as a goal kicking coach, I'm interested to know why.

  • Like 30

Posted
1 hour ago, binman said:

I am sure we will see plenty of omac this year. And barring injury to him expect him to play most games. He is important to our structure. Will take an opposition big freeing up may and lever to be more aggressive and play ood their men. And his reliable kicking will be important. Would not be surprised to see him take a fair share of kick outs.

Had to laugh when I read who made the omac comments - an 'Ian' apparently. Funny because my name is Ian. I promise it wasn't me. Unless I've gone rogue.

On a serious note it is great that people at the forum and on here rightfully derided Ian's borish comments made in a public forum. Id love it if posters on dl considered this site a public forum and applied the same standard of respectful criticism and comment.

On the number of games omac plays happy to take bets, with choice of avatar the stake. Which if I win will be a picture of omac. I'm 2 for 2 on such bets (Hi prodee and Dr d) so betting with the bank's money. So to speak.

Maybe Ian can put his money where his mouth is.

 

I sometimes find myself shaking my head at posts and scroll back up to see who wrote them. Sometimes it’s Dr D and I always think how perfectly fitting the Neely avartar was?

  • Haha 1

Posted (edited)
19 minutes ago, Nasher said:

On Greg Stafford being the goal kicking coach:

  1. As a player, he had a conversion rate in the ballpark of those of Lockett and Lloyd, and a superior conversion rate to Richardson, Dunstall and Franklin. And we're talking about a guy who played 204 AFL games for 141 goals, including 5 hauls of 4 goals (4.1, 4.0, 4.0, 4.1 and 4.2) playing as a ruckman - we're not talking about a 5 game wonder. 
  2. He is a professional coach that has been kicking around for years, who has had Max Gawn under his wing forever. He obviously knows how to coach.

If anyone still wants to challenge his credentials as a goal kicking coach, I'm interested to know why.

Thanks Nasher.

I'll put my hand up and say I wasn't aware of his goal kicking prowess so no problems now with him in that role.

With Lewis also as a kicking coach the club has clearly identified our kicking skills as a much needed area to invest in. 

Those two appointments should go a long way to improve significant problems that bring our game plan undone:  1) turnovers around the ground and i50; and 2) goal kicking accuracy

Edited by Lucifer's Hero
  • Like 2
Posted
1 hour ago, Fifty-5 said:

I'm a renowned happy clapper so the informative midfield pre season graph is preaching to the converted.

It was interesting when Lamb was addressing the Frost trade he reeled off backline players but didn't mention Petty. Later on Goodwin said one experiments from the 2nd half of the season that worked and we'll  persist with is Petty forward.

Ironically for the first questioner that means we'll see plenty of OMac back in 2020.  @binman fortify your defences and sharpen your spears.

Also interesting was Jones small forward and Smith back.

 

Posted
23 minutes ago, Clint Bizkit said:

 

I like it, Jones is either midfield depth or defensive forward IMO.  He can't play other roles e.g. wing or defence.

According to Goodwin he has come back in best shape this year.  I'd prefer Jones to ANB.

  • Like 5
  • Love 1
Posted

While it’s been 55 years since we tasted ultimate success, at least the club has a plan and isn’t taking knee jerk reactions to this years poor results!

The number of AFL players when asked why they had such good seasons often attribute it to having a complete pre-season. Little wonder our year was poor, with many last quarter fade outs, when you look at limited pre season of our midfield, then injuries we kept getting during the year, add lost confidence and it all led to a poor year, only 5 wins was due to throwing away a few games, Crows loss immediately comes to mind.
As with a few others comments, being caught by the 666 impact, doesn’t look so good, but KK and VDB not making it due to injury didn’t help! It highlighted needs for specialist wingers and the game became more about running both ways than ever, lack of preseasons for many of our midfield players just accentuated the problem.

Going into 2020, hopefully with good pre seasons behind the majority of the team, some good positional drafting and a better draw, should lead to a huge improvement in 2020!

It will be really interesting to see how Viney goes after a full pre season, boy did a lot of supporters unfairly tip a bucket on him last year! I think back to a few games he dragged us to wins in 2017/2018 games, finals in 18, that away game against WC, off one leg against Port, At his best a beast!

2019 was crap, but the club is holding the course, and let’s hope it pays off with a flag or two in the next 4-5 years! Panicking and throwing all the toys out of the pram doesn’t work, Richmond - Hardwick and Collingwood - Buckley just highlight the point.

 

 

 

  • Like 11

Posted
12 hours ago, pitmaster said:

I also liked Goodwin's response to the Plan B question which might raise a few eyebrows here: "There are not too many clubs with a Plan B: you get Plan A right you are a successful club" (Not an absolutely direct quote. I missed a few words there but that's the gist.)

 

I find this really intriguing. In 2018 I thought the team had really come of age as a future contender when particularly in the round 22 Eagles game they started slowing up the ball movement and hitting shorter targets in order to break opposition team's momentum rather than the Plan A which was to play on at all costs. I was at a lunch with McCartney at the end of the 2018 season and he explained that they learnt from that terrible Cats loss that sometimes they had to change from playing on at all costs to being more patient with the ball if the momentum of the game required it. 

To me that's a Plan B and you see the really good teams like Hawks at their best a few years ago doing this. So baffled why Goodwin would say that about Plan B's. I guess it's semantics. He doesn't call it Plan B he calls it something else. 

  • Like 1
Posted

Thanks for the slide pics dom

The highest number of games missed in AFL history. Combine that  fact with the pre season from hell  and you get one woeful season.

And still some compare our situation to the pies and tigers.

  • Like 3
Posted
9 minutes ago, It's Time said:

I find this really intriguing. In 2018 I thought the team had really come of age as a future contender when particularly in the round 22 Eagles game they started slowing up the ball movement and hitting shorter targets in order to break opposition team's momentum rather than the Plan A which was to play on at all costs. I was at a lunch with McCartney at the end of the 2018 season and he explained that they learnt from that terrible Cats loss that sometimes they had to change from playing on at all costs to being more patient with the ball if the momentum of the game required it. 

To me that's a Plan B and you see the really good teams like Hawks at their best a few years ago doing this. So baffled why Goodwin would say that about Plan B's. I guess it's semantics. He doesn't call it Plan B he calls it something else. 

Possibly because slowing things down for a few minutes is not really much of a Plan.   I assume Plan A is the club's basic game plan.  A real Plan B would be an entirely different game plan which I doubt any team could implement on the fly.  So it seems to me that Plan B's can't amount to much more than slow things down, move player X into defence or onto opponent Y etc.  Doubtless every team has a list of the latter sort of moves ready to implement during a game, either on paper or in the coaches' heads.

  If anyone believes there can be 2 substantive plans, I would be interesting to see a list of such A & B plans for every club. I'd be surprised if it could be produced.

  • Like 6

Posted
1 minute ago, sue said:

Possibly because slowing things down for a few minutes is not really much of a Plan.   

I agree. What Macca was describing sounds to me like tempo footy, which is super important when you want to arrest the momentum an opposition team might have. Slow things down, deny the opposition the ball and stop going all out attack.

Funnily enough i think we will need to do that more often during the regular season as doing so takes the heat from the game and would help us get to the finals still fresh.

Posted
11 minutes ago, binman said:

Thanks for the slide pics dom

The highest number of games missed in AFL history. Combine that  fact with the pre season from hell  and you get one woeful season.

And still some compare our situation to the pies and tigers.

You have to wonder how many blokes were injured going into the WC game...

  • Like 2

Posted

One of the best statements was made by an old guy who has seen MFC during the glory days.  He said he was in awe of supporters who had not seen MFC win a flag.  I am one of those and in awe of myself. ???

  • Like 1
Posted
6 minutes ago, The Stigga said:

You have to wonder how many blokes were injured going into the WC game...

Who knows, but no doubt we were totally cooked.

  • Like 2
Posted
11 minutes ago, binman said:

Who knows, but no doubt we were totally cooked.

I don't buy it.

You don't win two finals and then just become totally cooked. 

There were multiple factors as to why we lost that game in the manner we did.

Being cooked was one of many.

  • Like 4
Posted
31 minutes ago, Fifty-5 said:

I like it, Jones is either midfield depth or defensive forward IMO.  He can't play other roles e.g. wing or defence.

According to Goodwin he has come back in best shape this year.  I'd prefer Jones to ANB.

Plus he's a natural goal kicker.

  • Like 1
Posted
2 hours ago, Red and Blue realist said:

Sometimes it can depend on the type of injury though and the players role. Gus has a back injury which while he still managed to play 22 might have meant he was much more restricted than Oliver with his shoulders. An injury set back can effect you're whole body sometimes and others it only impacts 1 area, so running/strength work might still be possible. Hopefully with no set backs this year Gus returns to his 2018 best, but backs are hard to manage. 

Very true R&B.  There is much detail we miss in the outer.  What's the old saying ..."little knowledge is a dangerous thing".

I forget that one myself sometimes.

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 4

    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!

×
×
  • Create New...