Jump to content

Featured Replies

In this article Goodwin is quoted as saying  noise-is-noise-demons-stare-down-heavy-criticism

"...Nathan Jones needed another week of training before being in the frame for selection."  so won't be called up tomorrow even tho listed an emergency.

This means he cannot get to 300 games this season unless we make finals.  He is on 287 so needs 13 games.  There are 12 left (incl the Ess game) after this week.

So we must win tomorrow to give Jonesy a fighting chance to get to the 300 games as it is hard to see him continuing into next year.

 

 
1 hour ago, John Demonic said:

Social media gives you the dopamine hit. Our dopey players on the other hand give us very little reward each week!

They are destroying my enjoyment of the game in total JD.

On balance the changes look good to me. I'm 100% in favour of Weideman and Bennell coming in, I see the logic behind replacing Smith with OMac (OMac plays that role better than Smith and I don't think Smith is a long-term defender), and I can appreciate Jetta replacing Rivers.

Hunt wasn't playing well enough to resist being dropped but I'd have gone with Melksham.

 
9 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

In this article Goodwin is quoted as saying  noise-is-noise-demons-stare-down-heavy-criticism

"...Nathan Jones needed another week of training before being in the frame for selection."  so won't be called up tomorrow even tho listed an emergency.

This means he cannot get to 300 games this season unless we make finals.  He is on 287 so needs 13 games.  There are 12 left (incl the Ess game) after this week.

So we must win tomorrow to give Jonesy a fighting chance to get to the 300 games as it is hard to see him continuing into next year.

 

Jeez that would be gutting if he ended up stranded on 299.

OMac - glad he is back in. He looks clumsy and makes howlers at times, but he adds s fair bit to the system and structure of the backline.

Weid - we need a forward line built around 2 talls. I love the way he goes for it in the air, even if he is under it or has concrete hands. I can't wait to see Kozzie hanging around his feet.

Jetta - Good decision, but the Gold Coast youngs will test his nouse and maturity. 

Bennell - still feels like trying to hit a 220 metre approach shot with a 2 iron, onto a green above my eye line surrounded by water. Huge risk, but it will be amazing if it works. I want to see it work but my expectations are low. 


20 hours ago, Rusty Nails said:

Viney was worse imo.  Vanders at least improved a smidgen.  Bit of a coin flip though.  Would have considered ANB for Viney.  Push Harmes into the starting 3 mids with Tracc & Clarry.

Viney's crash bash effort can't be faulted but what he does (or doesn't do as the case may be) afterwards is a blight on our great game and a massive coach / team / confidence killer.

149 posts I read waiting to see this.  How Viney escaped everyones attention had me stuffed.  He is absolutely phugging shidhouse?  Useless

 

I don't often comment in the selections thread - what's the point - you mostly end up looking like a goose at the conclusion of game-day. The clamour and applaud for Omac and Weids' inclusion is likely to be next amusing chapter come the next 'changes' thread. 

The only thing I hold on to though, in terms of Melksham's ongoing selection, is that he's historically been a slow starter after a break, going back to his very first season with us. The stats bare this out - except 2019, but I recall being furious with him in the early rounds. 

Otherwise, there is simply no justification for his selection. And if he plays again the way he has been playing - completely selfish and lazy with next to no impact - and is selected again the following week, I will be officially off Goodwin and the selection committee.  

12 minutes ago, pinkshark said:

149 posts I read waiting to see this.  How Viney escaped everyones attention had me stuffed.  He is absolutely phugging shidhouse?  Useless

 

Have been a massive Viney fan and patient for many seasons PS.

Effort is never in question but....

Barring a massive turnaround in form and method of disposal / execution / agility away from congestion (instead of running all ahead full steam most of the time), his value and time may well be nigh at season's end imho.

Might be time to trade for value while there's still value.

 
3 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

Have been a massive Viney fan and patient for many seasons PS.

Effort is never in question but....

Barring a massive turnaround in form and method of disposal / execution / agility away from congestion (instead of running all ahead full steam most of the time), his value and time may well be nigh at season's end imho.

Might be time to trade for value while there's still value.

Unfortunately I reckon he has very little trade value given his kicking way below AFL standard.

Perhaps the suns might be keen given they have plenty of skill to offset his lack of it and they might like another seasoned mid to complement their youngish.

It's actually bizarre he is such a poor kick given by all accounts he is old school in that he was a total footy head from a toddler on. And always had a ball in his hands. He's not like say a frost who is athlete first, footballer second.

It's such a pity because he gets the hard ball as well as any player in the league. 

bit rich of the club to drop tomlinson after making him ruck, the exact reason he wanted out of GWS and was the main selling point he noted when he signed "goody wants me as a specialist wingman" ha also went on to [censored] about playing all over the ground and not getting any continuity in his game having to be Mr Fix it utility.

Edited by DurriePirate


Also my guess is Rivers managed/protected this week, give the young bloke a week or two off to give the small frame a recovery

13 minutes ago, binman said:

Unfortunately I reckon he has very little trade value given his kicking way below AFL standard.

Perhaps the suns might be keen given they have plenty of skill to offset his lack of it and they might like another seasoned mid to complement their youngish.

It's actually bizarre he is such a poor kick given by all accounts he is old school in that he was a total footy head from a toddler on. And always had a ball in his hands. He's not like say a frost who is athlete first, footballer second.

It's such a pity because he gets the hard ball as well as any player in the league. 

There's just no vision / composure / finish with ball in hand too often Bin.  As you say a real shame as you won't find too many better tackling / contested beasts in the AFL.

I thought we would have seen layers added to his initial crash / bash style by now but alas, sadly not.

19 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

There's just no vision / composure / finish with ball in hand too often Bin.  As you say a real shame as you won't find too many better tackling / contested beasts in the AFL.

I thought we would have seen layers added to his initial crash / bash style by now but alas, sadly not.

Development still a massive issue at the club. How many players significantly improve compared to how they are when they arrive at the club?

1 hour ago, Skuit said:

I don't often comment in the selections thread - what's the point - you mostly end up looking like a goose at the conclusion of game-day. The clamour and applaud for Omac and Weids' inclusion is likely to be next amusing chapter come the next 'changes' thread. 

The only thing I hold on to though, in terms of Melksham's ongoing selection, is that he's historically been a slow starter after a break, going back to his very first season with us. The stats bare this out - except 2019, but I recall being furious with him in the early rounds. 

Otherwise, there is simply no justification for his selection. And if he plays again the way he has been playing - completely selfish and lazy with next to no impact - and is selected again the following week, I will be officially off Goodwin and the selection committee.  

I agree with this.  I've wondered if one of the reasons they are persisting is because he is one of our best kicks inside 50. So despite the wretched form, his upside is critical to fixing our main problem.


5 minutes ago, deanox said:

I agree with this.  I've wondered if one of the reasons they are persisting is because he is one of our best kicks inside 50. So despite the wretched form, his upside is critical to fixing our main problem.

Hoping he gets some of Tomlinson's load up the wings delivering inside and is made accountable.

Bennel's role is a mystery. The back-line ins and outs sort of explain themselves. Omac and Jetta for Smith and Rivers. 

The forward line seems a structural reshuffle. Weid at the expense of Hunt, but then does Bennell replace Tomlinson or . . . ? 

5 minutes ago, Skuit said:

Hoping he gets some of Tomlinson's load up the wings delivering inside and is made accountable.

Bennel's role is a mystery. The back-line ins and outs sort of explain themselves. Omac and Jetta for Smith and Rivers. 

The forward line seems a structural reshuffle. Weid at the expense of Hunt, but then does Bennell replace Tomlinson or . . . ? 

I think the're might be a little sharing of the load on dropping on Tomlinson. Hannan, Fritta, and Melksham may be asked to play a little further up the ground, which I don't mind as all of them (at least in previous seasons) have had pretty decent disposal.

Melksham getting more involved in our entries for me is key as he put so many balls into great positions in 2018. It appears he's been playing a little deeper lately.

For Bennell I would think they are wanting a bit of creativity inside and on the edge of 50, a bit of spark and hopefully a cool head. I'm just looking forward to seeing him and Kozzie play together.

Edited by Pates

Honestly, it’s a decent looking team. On paper.

i suppose that’s the key difference between today and the dark days, I look at that team and wonder why we aren’t playing better. As opposed to looking at the team and knowing exactly why we aren’t playing better.

1 hour ago, Rusty Nails said:

There's just no vision / composure / finish with ball in hand too often Bin.  As you say a real shame as you won't find too many better tackling / contested beasts in the AFL.

I thought we would have seen layers added to his initial crash / bash style by now but alas, sadly not.

With regard to Viney, something Ross Lyon said in the past week or so resonates.

"Play what's in front of you"

It's simple advice but it would make Viney more effective. If he emerges from a contest and has his back to goal he should be looking to dish of to a runner heading towards goal. No point trying to swing around - he's hopelessly one sided (like a lot of left footers) so everyone knows where he's gonna go if he keeps possession. Give off the ball. Attack the chaser if there is one. Shepherd. This approach would capitalise on his strengths and mitigate some of his weaknesses.

It's also been noted that he's been slipping over - a lot. Something else I hate. But I'm wondering if whether Viney has a limited choice of footwear due to his history of foot injuries. Either way, Jack - play what's in front of you

15 minutes ago, Pates said:

For Bennell I would think they are wanting a bit of creativity inside and on the edge of 50, a bit of spark and hopefully a cool head. I'm just looking forward to seeing him and Kozzie play together.

I dunno. They made a point that Bennell picked up 35 possessions in the last scratch. I was always excited by the notion of Bennell and Pickett in opposing pockets - but it seems like they're grooming Bennell for an on-ball running role. We need that. It could be our missing link. But it's a big ask. 


On 7/9/2020 at 6:30 PM, Deemented Are Go! said:

Didn’t see last game, but thought Tomlinson has been serviceable last few weeks, bit stiff?

 

On 7/9/2020 at 6:36 PM, Watts the matter said:

Nope, has been exactly as expected and why I was disappointed we chased him. Lacks urgency/intesity in contested situations, takes to long to move the ball when marking it and then does nothing with his kicks. The only time he did something noteworthy was the accidental pass to Hunt against Carlton. The amount of times he has made good position and then dropped marks against undersized opponents is infuriating. 

 

Played quite well v Geelong but lacked determination v Tigers

22 hours ago, drdrake said:

Would like to see Salem on the Wing.  Funny we made the statement last year that we tried 20 odd players on the wing and had no one this is why we drafted Langdon and Tomlinson.  They won't have the courage to move Salem off half back so the Wings will be AVB/Brayshaw/Harmes

 

Salem does not work hard enough to play wing. If anything he should be tried in the middle in spurts where less unheeded running is required. Plays much better from behind the ball. 

11 hours ago, Maldonboy38 said:

OMac - glad he is back in. He looks clumsy and makes howlers at times, but he adds s fair bit to the system and structure of the backline.

Weid - we need a forward line built around 2 talls. I love the way he goes for it in the air, even if he is under it or has concrete hands. I can't wait to see Kozzie hanging around his feet.

Jetta - Good decision, but the Gold Coast youngs will test his nouse and maturity. 

Bennell - still feels like trying to hit a 220 metre approach shot with a 2 iron, onto a green above my eye line surrounded by water. Huge risk, but it will be amazing if it works. I want to see it work but my expectations are low. 

If he plays half the game he will contribute more than a large number of others Mb38.

 
8 hours ago, big_red_fire_engine said:

Salem does not work hard enough to play wing. If anything he should be tried in the middle in spurts where less unheeded running is required. Plays much better from behind the ball. 

Agrree. His kicks aren't penetrating enough either.

Edited by binman

On 7/10/2020 at 10:58 AM, Lucifer's Hero said:

Are you @samcantstandya's alter ego ??

we r one and the same.


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...

Featured Content

  • CASEY: Collingwood

    It was freezing cold at Mission Whitten Stadium where only the brave came out in the rain to watch a game that turned out to be as miserable as the weather.
    The Casey Demons secured their third consecutive victory, earning the four premiership points and credit for defeating a highly regarded Collingwood side, but achieved little else. Apart perhaps from setting the scene for Monday’s big game at the MCG and the Ice Challenge that precedes it.
    Neither team showcased significant skill in the bleak and greasy conditions, at a location that was far from either’s home territory. Even the field umpires forgot where they were and experienced a challenging evening, but no further comment is necessary.

    • 4 replies
  • NON-MFC: Round 13

    Follow all the action from every Round 13 clash excluding the Dees as the 2025 AFL Premiership Season rolls on. With Melbourne playing in the final match of the round on King's Birthday, all eyes turn to the rest of the competition. Who are you tipping to win? And more importantly, which results best serve the Demons’ finals aspirations? Join the discussion and keep track of the matches that could shape the ladder and impact our run to September.

      • Haha
      • Like
    • 216 replies
  • PREVIEW: Collingwood

    Having convincingly defeated last year’s premier and decisively outplayed the runner-up with 8.2 in the final quarter, nothing epitomized the Melbourne Football Club’s performance more than its 1.12 final half, particularly the eight consecutive behinds in the last term, against a struggling St Kilda team in the midst of a dismal losing streak. Just when stability and consistency were anticipated within the Demon ranks, they delivered a quintessential performance marked by instability and ill-conceived decisions, with the most striking aspect being their inaccuracy in kicking for goal, which suggested a lack of preparation (instead of sleeping in their hotel in Alice, were they having a night on the turps) rather than a well-rested team. Let’s face it - this kicking disease that makes them look like raw amateurs is becoming a millstone around the team’s neck.

    • 1 reply
  • CASEY: Sydney

    The Casey Demons were always expected to emerge victorious in their matchup against the lowly-ranked Sydney Swans at picturesque Tramway Oval, situated in the shadows of the SCG in Moore Park. They dominated the proceedings in the opening two and a half quarters of the game but had little to show for it. This was primarily due to their own sloppy errors in a low-standard game that produced a number of crowded mauls reminiscent of the rugby game popular in old Sydney Town. However, when the Swans tired, as teams often do when they turn games into ugly defensive contests, Casey lifted the standard of its own play and … it was off to the races. Not to nearby Randwick but to a different race with an objective of piling on goal after goal on the way to a mammoth victory. At the 25-minute mark of the third quarter, the Demons held a slender 14-point lead over the Swans, who are ahead on the ladder of only the previous week's opposition, the ailing Bullants. Forty minutes later, they had more than fully compensated for the sloppiness of their earlier play with a decisive 94-point victory, that culminated in a rousing finish which yielded thirteen unanswered goals. Kicks hit their targets, the ball found itself going through the middle and every player made a contribution.

    • 1 reply
  • REPORT: St. Kilda

    Hands up if you thought, like me, at half-time in yesterday’s game at TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs that Melbourne’s disposal around the ground and, in particular, its kicking inaccuracy in front of the goals couldn’t get any worse. Well, it did. And what’s even more damning for the Melbourne Football Club is that the game against St Kilda and its resurgence from the bottomless pit of its miserable start to the season wasn’t just lost through poor conversion for goal but rather in the 15 minutes when the entire team went into a slumber and was mugged by the out-of-form Saints. Their six goals two behinds (one goal less than the Demons managed for the whole game) weaved a path of destruction from which they were unable to recover. Ross Lyon’s astute use of pressure to contain the situation once they had asserted their grip on the game, and Melbourne’s self-destructive wastefulness, assured that outcome. The old adage about the insanity of repeatedly doing something and expecting a different result, was out there. Two years ago, the score line in Melbourne’s loss to the Giants at this same ground was 5 goals 15 behinds - a ratio of one goal per four scoring shots - was perfectly replicated with yesterday’s 7 goals 21 behinds. 
    This has been going on for a while and opens up a number of questions. I’ll put forward a few that come to mind from this performance. The obvious first question is whether the club can find a suitable coach to instruct players on proper kicking techniques or is this a skill that can no longer be developed at this stage of the development of our playing group? Another concern is the team's ability to counter an opponent's dominance during a run on as exemplified by the Saints in the first quarter. Did the Demons underestimate their opponents, considering St Kilda's goals during this period were scored by relatively unknown forwards? Furthermore, given the modest attendance of 6,721 at TIO Traeger Park and the team's poor past performances at this venue, is it prudent to prioritize financial gain over potentially sacrificing valuable premiership points by relinquishing home ground advantage, notwithstanding the cultural significance of the team's connection to the Red Centre? 

    • 4 replies
  • PREGAME: Collingwood

    After a disappointing loss in Alice Springs the Demons return to the MCG to take on the Magpies in the annual King's Birthday Big Freeze for MND game. Who comes in and who goes out?

      • Like
    • 528 replies