Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

Why Melbourne will improve in 2020:

-Maysie is one of the top 5 key defenders in the comp. Fully fit, watch him prove it next year.

-Trac is training with a rare intensity and will take his game to a new level.

-Viney is doing his first full preseason in 3 years. The bull is hungry.

-Gus will play as an inside mid and show an improved desire to run both ways.

-Hibbo is as fit as he has ever been. He realizes his spot is on the line and is desperate to keep it.

-Langdon and Tomlinson are the two gut running wingmen we’ve been crying out for and will run both ways all day on those MCG wings.

-Jackson is a rare talent. Expect him to play early and have an impact with his athleticism and desire. Watch the big fella hunt the footy when it hits the ground.

-Rivers will add class to the half back line. Hard, and a beautiful kick. He’ll play early too.

-vanders doing his first full preseason in 3 years will add that toughness that we lack. He’s our barometer in many ways when he’s up and going.

-Expect a fully fit T-Mac to work his way up and back and become the player that he was in 2018. Watch Weideman or Brown play the stay at home forward role and allow Tom to thrive as the second banana.

-Fritsch is the player I’m most excited about. I expect him to kick 40 plus and finish top ten in the Coleman. He is a star.

-I think Harry Petty has the ability to become one of the gun young key forwards in the comp. Competition for spots in the forward line will be at a premium with T-Mac, Weid, Brown, Jackson, Petty and Preuss all looking to cement roles in there.

-Joel Smith adds versatility and athleticism to our backline. He is hungry.

-Lockhart and Dunkley are doing their first AFL preseasons. I can’t wait to see how good they can become.

-Kossi won’t get many touches and I don’t expect him to hit the scoreboard in a huge way in 2020. But watch the manic pressure he will bring to a forward line that allowed teams to waltz the ball out of its forward 50 in 2019.

-The team will be hungry.

-They will be super fit.

-They will have a slightly softer draw.

-They will have more than a one dimensional game plan that relies on them winning contested ball.

How far up the ladder these improvements take us?

  • Like 8
  • Love 2

Posted
2 minutes ago, Deebacle said:

Just outside the top 8 for me, would love to make it but still happy if we get near there.

Do you think we still lack the top shelf class of the top 4 - 6 teams???

  • Tough Kent changed the title to How much will Melbourne improve in 2020??

Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, Tough Kent said:

Why Melbourne will improve in 2020:

-Maysie is one of the top 5 key defenders in the comp. Fully fit, watch him prove it next year.

-Trac is training with a rare intensity and will take his game to a new level.

-Viney is doing his first full preseason in 3 years. The bull is hungry.

-Gus will play as an inside mid and show an improved desire to run both ways.

-Hibbo is as fit as he has ever been. He realizes his spot is on the line and is desperate to keep it.

-Langdon and Tomlinson are the two gut running wingmen we’ve been crying out for and will run both ways all day on those MCG wings.

-Jackson is a rare talent. Expect him to play early and have an impact with his athleticism and desire. Watch the big fella hunt the footy when it hits the ground.

-Rivers will add class to the half back line. Hard, and a beautiful kick. He’ll play early too.

-vanders doing his first full preseason in 3 years will add that toughness that we lack. He’s our barometer in many ways when he’s up and going.

-Expect a fully fit T-Mac to work his way up and back and become the player that he was in 2018. Watch Weideman or Brown play the stay at home forward role and allow Tom to thrive as the second banana.

-Fritsch is the player I’m most excited about. I expect him to kick 40 plus and finish top ten in the Coleman. He is a star.

-I think Harry Petty has the ability to become one of the gun young key forwards in the comp. Competition for spots in the forward line will be at a premium with T-Mac, Weid, Brown, Jackson, Petty and Preuss all looking to cement roles in there.

-Joel Smith adds versatility and athleticism to our backline. He is hungry.

-Lockhart and Dunkley are doing their first AFL preseasons. I can’t wait to see how good they can become.

-Kossi won’t get many touches and I don’t expect him to hit the scoreboard in a huge way in 2020. But watch the manic pressure he will bring to a forward line that allowed teams to waltz the ball out of its forward 50 in 2019.

-The team will be hungry.

-They will be super fit.

-They will have a slightly softer draw.

-They will have more than a one dimensional game plan that relies on them winning contested ball.

How far up the ladder these improvements take us?

If Brisbane can be close enough to finishing 1st by round 23 after where they were in 2018, then a list of everything going perfectly right for us would just as easily do the same.

Furthermore Edit: Unless teams like Geelong, RIchmond or WCE really nail their away games as much as their home games and get seperation, then i reckon there will be a glut of teams within the top 10 and 2 wins or losses in the final two rounds could easily see you either in the top 2/4 or missing the 8 all together. We should improve enough to be a part of that glut if all goes to plan.

Edited by John Demonic
  • Like 2
Posted

For me it’s all about fitness and Burgo.  We were terrible last year.  In fact, unlike 2018 where our 3rd quarters were our best, in 2019 our best qtrs were our 1st, and every quarter after got worse with our 4th the worst in the league.  Get 22 fit players on the ground with the training loads done, and the difference will be massive.

There will likely be 1 or 2 teams that create a gap on the rest.  I don’t expect us to be one of them as I think we may take a month or so to click after our 2019. But I also think there will be 10 teams from 3 to 13 that are close and with a bit of luck we could be up there, but a few injuries to key players and we could be struggling.  We really can’t afford TMac, Clarry, Max, or May to have injuries.

  • Like 2
Posted
3 hours ago, Tough Kent said:

Why Melbourne will improve in 2020:

-Maysie is one of the top 5 key defenders in the comp. Fully fit, watch him prove it next year.

-Trac is training with a rare intensity and will take his game to a new level.

-Viney is doing his first full preseason in 3 years. The bull is hungry.

-Gus will play as an inside mid and show an improved desire to run both ways.

-Hibbo is as fit as he has ever been. He realizes his spot is on the line and is desperate to keep it.

-Langdon and Tomlinson are the two gut running wingmen we’ve been crying out for and will run both ways all day on those MCG wings.

-Jackson is a rare talent. Expect him to play early and have an impact with his athleticism and desire. Watch the big fella hunt the footy when it hits the ground.

-Rivers will add class to the half back line. Hard, and a beautiful kick. He’ll play early too.

-vanders doing his first full preseason in 3 years will add that toughness that we lack. He’s our barometer in many ways when he’s up and going.

-Expect a fully fit T-Mac to work his way up and back and become the player that he was in 2018. Watch Weideman or Brown play the stay at home forward role and allow Tom to thrive as the second banana.

-Fritsch is the player I’m most excited about. I expect him to kick 40 plus and finish top ten in the Coleman. He is a star.

-I think Harry Petty has the ability to become one of the gun young key forwards in the comp. Competition for spots in the forward line will be at a premium with T-Mac, Weid, Brown, Jackson, Petty and Preuss all looking to cement roles in there.

-Joel Smith adds versatility and athleticism to our backline. He is hungry.

-Lockhart and Dunkley are doing their first AFL preseasons. I can’t wait to see how good they can become.

-Kossi won’t get many touches and I don’t expect him to hit the scoreboard in a huge way in 2020. But watch the manic pressure he will bring to a forward line that allowed teams to waltz the ball out of its forward 50 in 2019.

-The team will be hungry.

-They will be super fit.

-They will have a slightly softer draw.

-They will have more than a one dimensional game plan that relies on them winning contested ball.

How far up the ladder these improvements take us?

Love the optimism if all this goes to plan we’re Top 4 - Remember  this time last year were flag favs same or worse list so hopefully it all goes to plan !


Posted
3 hours ago, Tough Kent said:

Why Melbourne will improve in 2020:

-Maysie is one of the top 5 key defenders in the comp. Fully fit, watch him prove it next year.

-Trac is training with a rare intensity and will take his game to a new level.

-Viney is doing his first full preseason in 3 years. The bull is hungry.

-Gus will play as an inside mid and show an improved desire to run both ways.

-Hibbo is as fit as he has ever been. He realizes his spot is on the line and is desperate to keep it.

-Langdon and Tomlinson are the two gut running wingmen we’ve been crying out for and will run both ways all day on those MCG wings.

-Jackson is a rare talent. Expect him to play early and have an impact with his athleticism and desire. Watch the big fella hunt the footy when it hits the ground.

-Rivers will add class to the half back line. Hard, and a beautiful kick. He’ll play early too.

-vanders doing his first full preseason in 3 years will add that toughness that we lack. He’s our barometer in many ways when he’s up and going.

-Expect a fully fit T-Mac to work his way up and back and become the player that he was in 2018. Watch Weideman or Brown play the stay at home forward role and allow Tom to thrive as the second banana.

-Fritsch is the player I’m most excited about. I expect him to kick 40 plus and finish top ten in the Coleman. He is a star.

-I think Harry Petty has the ability to become one of the gun young key forwards in the comp. Competition for spots in the forward line will be at a premium with T-Mac, Weid, Brown, Jackson, Petty and Preuss all looking to cement roles in there.

-Joel Smith adds versatility and athleticism to our backline. He is hungry.

-Lockhart and Dunkley are doing their first AFL preseasons. I can’t wait to see how good they can become.

-Kossi won’t get many touches and I don’t expect him to hit the scoreboard in a huge way in 2020. But watch the manic pressure he will bring to a forward line that allowed teams to waltz the ball out of its forward 50 in 2019.

-The team will be hungry.

-They will be super fit.

-They will have a slightly softer draw.

-They will have more than a one dimensional game plan that relies on them winning contested ball.

How far up the ladder these improvements take us?

Great post but i would expect Petty to play more than Browny.

The inclusion of Burgo can't be underestimated either.

  • Like 1

Posted (edited)
2 hours ago, Dingo said:

Another way looking at it-which team(s) would drop out of the bottom half of this year’s 8 for Dees to sneak in?

Bombers are having a pre season like ours last year, can’t see them making it, Collingwood are starting to get a pretty old list so could also drop out, and Brisbane is interesting they had barely any injuries, plus a tougher draw can they stay up there, with our list if it stays injury free will be a massive fail if we miss the 8 

Edited by brendan
  • Like 2
Posted (edited)

Its great that 2019 is almost over and we'll go into next year knowing that whatever happens, there won't be any lofty hopes and expectations to be severely crushed again, at least not for me. It's a kind of detached nonchalance with a bit of freedom in it. A free hit next year in terms of being resigned to landing anywhere between 1st and 18th and not being totally surprised by it. Well that's the current theory anyway...

Edited by John Demonic
  • Haha 1
  • Shocked 1
Posted
3 hours ago, Dingo said:

Another way looking at it-which team(s) would drop out of the bottom half of this year’s 8 for Dees to sneak in?

The ones who don't win enough games.

Every year it's a new ball game and if we win enough games to get in, does it bother you who drops out?

I'm bullish this year and expect to make the top eight, if not top six.

  • Like 2
Posted
5 hours ago, Tough Kent said:

Gus will play as an inside mid and show an improved desire to run both ways.

Based on what? I might have missed some training reports, but the bits and pieces I've seen haven't talked him up much and a few have been critical of his intensity and attitude.

Missed the start of 2018 due to a poor attitude.

Failed to run both ways this year.

I want it to happen, but this is pure hopeful speculation based on the available evidence.

  • Like 1
  • Haha 1
  • Sad 1

Posted
17 minutes ago, Dante said:

The ones who don't win enough games.

Every year it's a new ball game and if we win enough games to get in, does it bother you who drops out?

I'm bullish this year and expect to make the top eight, if not top six.

I agree with you Dante but I am not quite as bullish as you. I think we are a 7-8th placed talent at present. We cannot expect miracles from our draftees in 2020 and I still worry about our ability to kick winning scores against the better sides. Imo it all still hangs too much on TMac. However I think we will make the eight in 2020 probably in that spot.

  • Like 1
Posted
4 hours ago, Dingo said:

Another way looking at it-which team(s) would drop out of the bottom half of this year’s 8 for Dees to sneak in?

I never understand this line of thinking, if we win enough games we will make the 8. 

The other 7 teams that win enough games will also make the 8.

Picking which team(s) will drop out of the 8 has no bearing on us making it.

  • Like 2
Posted
5 hours ago, Tough Kent said:

Why Melbourne will improve in 2020:

-Kossi won’t get many touches and I don’t expect him to hit the scoreboard in a huge way in 2020. But watch the manic pressure he will bring to a forward line that allowed teams to waltz the ball out of its forward 50 in 2019.

 

I’m as excited about Kozzi as anyone but don’t be surprised if it is Chandler or Bedford that are providing the manic pressure in our forward line.

Don’t forget Chandler had 5 tackles on debut before getting injured.

Jordan will be pushing for midfield selection too so competition for spots will be greater than it was in 2018 when we finished 4th.

  • Like 2

Posted
27 minutes ago, Wrecker45 said:

I’m as excited about Kozzi as anyone but don’t be surprised if it is Chandler or Bedford that are providing the manic pressure in our forward line.

Don’t forget Chandler had 5 tackles on debut before getting injured.

Jordan will be pushing for midfield selection too so competition for spots will be greater than it was in 2018 when we finished 4th.

Also Tough Kent didn’t mention  Clarry or Gawn, our ultimate weapons! 

  • Like 1

Posted
3 minutes ago, JakovichScissorKick said:

Its a huge fail if we don't play finals.  

How about we win the flag?  Is that too much to ask?

yes, it's too much to ask for

but i'm still going to ask anyway :)

  • Like 2
Posted

Don't underestimate Marty Hore. Can't afford T Mac to get injured.

  • Like 2
Posted
6 hours ago, Watson11 said:

For me it’s all about fitness and Burgo.  We were terrible last year.  In fact, unlike 2018 where our 3rd quarters were our best, in 2019 our best qtrs were our 1st, and every quarter after got worse with our 4th the worst in the league.  Get 22 fit players on the ground with the training loads done, and the difference will be massive.

There will likely be 1 or 2 teams that create a gap on the rest.  I don’t expect us to be one of them as I think we may take a month or so to click after our 2019. But I also think there will be 10 teams from 3 to 13 that are close and with a bit of luck we could be up there, but a few injuries to key players and we could be struggling.  We really can’t afford TMac, Clarry, Max, or May to have injuries.

SSssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh................................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?

  • Like 1
Posted
10 hours ago, Dingo said:

Another way looking at it-which team(s) would drop out of the bottom half of this year’s 8 for Dees to sneak in?

Brisbane, Collingwood & Essendon. I feel like people predict Geelong's demise every year too with the bulk of their good players getting on in age. 

Posted

i would hope, at a minimum, we're in the conversation for a spot in the 8 as the season comes to a close

i seriously think the competition is so even from likely positions 5 to 14 (like most i have tigers, meth coke, gw$ and geelong as a top four) that it all comes down to luck, form, injury, and confidence as to who makes it and who doesn't

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  

    2024 Player Reviews: #15 Ed Langdon

    The Demon running machine came back with a vengeance after a leaner than usual year in 2023.  Date of Birth: 1 February 1996 Height: 182cm Games MFC 2024: 22 Career Total: 179 Goals MFC 2024: 9 Career Total: 76 Brownlow Medal Votes: 5 Melbourne Football Club: 5th Best & Fairest: 352 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 6

    2024 Player Reviews: #24 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. Date of Birth: 30 July 2001 Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 100 Goals MFC 2024: 2 Career Total:  9 Brownlow Medal Votes: 7 Melbourne Football Club: 6th Best & Fairest: 350 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 2

    TRAINING: Monday 11th November 2024

    Veteran Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin, Slartibartfast & Demon Wheels were on hand at Gosch's Paddock to kick off the official first training session for the 1st to 4th year players with a few elder statesmen in attendance as well. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Beautiful morning. Joy all round, they look like they want to be there.  21 in the squad. Looks like the leadership group is TMac, Viney Chandler and Petty. They look like they have sli

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 2

    2024 Player Reviews: #1 Steven May

    The years are rolling by but May continued to be rock solid in a key defensive position despite some injury concerns. He showed great resilience in coming back from a nasty rib injury and is expected to continue in that role for another couple of seasons. Date of Birth: 10 January 1992 Height: 193cm Games MFC 2024: 19 Career Total: 235 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 24 Melbourne Football Club: 9th Best & Fairest: 316 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons

    2024 Player Reviews: #4 Judd McVee

    It was another strong season from McVee who spent most of his time mainly at half back but he also looked at home on a few occasions when he was moved into the midfield. There could be more of that in 2025. Date of Birth: 7 August 2003 Height: 185cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 48 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 1 Brownlow Medal Votes: 1 Melbourne Football Club: 7th Best & Fairest: 347 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    2024 Player Reviews: #31 Bayley Fritsch

    Once again the club’s top goal scorer but he had a few uncharacteristic flat spots during the season and the club will be looking for much better from him in 2025. Date of Birth: 6 December 1996 Height: 188cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 149 Goals MFC 2024: 41 Career Total: 252 Brownlow Medal Votes: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 9

    2024 Player Reviews: #18 Jake Melksham

    After sustaining a torn ACL in the final match of the 2023 season Jake added a bit to the attack late in the 2024 season upon his return. He has re-signed on to the Demons for 1 more season in 2025. Date of Birth: 12 August 1991 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 229 Goals MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 188

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 7

    2024 Player Reviews: #3 Christian Salem

    The luckless Salem suffered a hamstring injury against the Lions early in the season and, after missing a number of games, he was never at his best. He was also inconvenienced by minor niggles later in the season. This was a blow for the club that sorely needed him to fill gaps in the midfield at times as well as to do his best work in defence. Date of Birth: 15 July 1995 Height: 184cm Games MFC 2024: 17 Career Total: 176 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 26 Brownlow Meda

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 8

    2024 Player Reviews: #39 Koltyn Tholstrop

    The first round draft pick at #13 from twelve months ago the strongly built medium forward has had an impressive introduction to AFL football and is expected to spend more midfield moments as his career progresses. Date of Birth: 25 July 2005 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 10 Goals MFC 2024: 5 Career Total: 5 Games CDFC 2024: 7 Goals CDFC 2024: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 9
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...