POSTGAME: Rd 18 vs Essendon

[Adam The God 30,019]

33 minutes ago, Turner said:

ive actually been paying alot of attention to other coaches this week and simpson (WC), cameron (GWS), shaw (NM) were all blunt bullish when need be and informative and honest and open when need be too. goody is possibly the only coach in the comp with no media presence and emotion. we know what clarko, longmire, dimma do as well and goody is just regurgitated crap and non comments with no weight to them and leave fans knowing less than they did before he sat down

Again, I care less about what Goodwin says in media conferences and more about how we play.

He could dance naked in front of the mic for 7 minutes for all I care, as long as our team is getting the job done on field with Goodwin's adequate guidance. 

[layzie 33,720]

Good result, bon voyage season 2020. Was nice to go out with a win, can already hear the freedom fighters about to lash out and scream "it's not over yet!", yeah an early xmas present from Freo would be fantastic but we've done all we can for now. 

I love these games where Gawn just makes the other ruckman look like they shouldn't have even turned up. Jayden Hunt take a bow, I think we can all agree that's exactly how we'd love to see him play just running the lines and getting into good positions to be on the end of thrusts forward. Christian Salem, what a sterling performance to cap off a great season, some of his kicks out of tight spaces were just sublime. Ed Langdon another good stint, I just want him to take off every time he gets it now! 

The real difference this year is undoubtedly the back line. We all had out hearts in a mouths as we are so accustomed to now late in that last quarter when the Bombers were winning every contested ball for some reason but they really held firm despite all those entries. How good is it to feel safe in the knowledge that they can throw a bit at us but we've usually got it covered down there!

A lot of talk about Joel Smith, honestly I can't see enough on TV to know if he's doing his role well. I just think he lacks the smarts to be that defender, 1 on 1 he's not bad but it be great if he could be a rebounder as well which it doesn't look like he is. 

Liked Mitch Brown's game and was unlucky not to convert early on, you can easily see his routine is miles ahead of Fritsch's when kicking for goal. Speaking of which this is just too big of a problem now for Bayley. He is a very cleaver player and he gets in all the right positions but my word he needs to convert better, the guy could be anything.

Oskar Baker has shown me enough over 2 games to suggest he's worth working with. He runs and runs and with a bit more smart running he could easily be that other wing. 

Undecided on whether I'll watch tomorrow, not that keen for another Sunday to be torched but knowing me I probably will. Well done to everyone for sticking with us this year it's been like no other and at least it's been nice to have the trusty faithful here to discuss with each week. 

Carn the Dees and Freo, give em the old heave ho will you? Cheers. 

[Deeoldfart 8,005]

2 hours ago, Dee Zephyr said:

Melksham’s tackle attempts were more infuriating than the Ess comeback. The tackle attempt late in the game on the outer wing was pathetic. 

On the other hand ..... Rivers.  This kid is a rippa!

[Adam The God 30,019]

26 minutes ago, buck_nekkid said:

I was a bit unhappy that out midfield waltz was countered, and we had no follow up response.  We seem to have a few outstanding players regardless of the situation, then a whole raft of middle tier players that look great when things are going well, and look poor when we don’t.  These middle tier players need to have greater resilience and not compound momentum shifts away from us with poor play.  We have too many of these in the squad.

Weids kicked no goals, but he worked well up the ground and presented well.  I think he gets a pass .

If Petty and Nietchke can put pressure on for spots and some of the second level passengers can lift up tot he next level, we could have the basis of a good squad

I think the problem with our C graders is that without consistent 4 quarter efforts, they can all fluctuate from C grade to E grade.

This to me is mostly a mixture of inexperience/maturity and poor coaching. I just haven't worked out which is greater to the equation yet. The coaching or the experience levels.

I still believe we have 15-16 players that could form the basis of a top 4 side such is our top talent and where it falls on the ground. We just need to find/demand more consistent performance out of our bottom 4-6 players.

Our defence is starting to look really solid. May and Lever have had that full consistent season together and will be only better again next year. Rivers and Salem slot in there nicely. Hibberd may need to be replaced soon, but had a good year. I think Lockhart could still make it here. I think Tomlinson is handy back there. Add another KPD or move Petty back (Hore isn't good enough IMO) and our backline is a-okay. 

The midfield certainly has the pieces to form a genuine powerhouse Brisbane-like midfield, but we can't seem to get enough consistency or cohesion from the group. Harmes and Brayshaw have to play in there. I think we have to play a stopper and two attacking mids at every stoppage. It sounds like Viney has re-signed, so we need to use him in the defensive spot if everyone is fit and rotated forward. Max needs to have a big pre season and I think needs to put on 5 kilos. A new midfield coach is a must. We need fresh eyes here.

We need pace and goal-kicking ability up forward. Melksham shouldn't be a walk up start for mine next year. Weideman, Jackson and Petty can all compete for two KPF spots and I'd keep Brown on the list for an extra year too. I think he's done enough. Another pre season into Kozzie and Bennell, and there's some nice outside dash. Hunt may well make it as a small forward. Fritsch won't be traded and will play third tall. A new forward coach is a must too.

Between 6th and 4th should be our aim next year. If we can add some pace off half back and potentially another tall target up forward who knows where the goals are, provided everyone has an uninterrupted season, nothing short of deep finals is acceptable. 

[kallangurdemon 551]

the 2nd quarter was just about a good a quarter as we have played all year and Oliver was the key factor .He is aa much a match winner as Petracca and when he began to fade we dropped off as a team .the TV coverage does not give recognition of both the enormous work rate and smart positioning of Langdon .much of his good work goes unseen on TV.

[Gawndy the Great 9,011]

51 minutes ago, Kent said:

Smith did  F" all 

Wiederman is looking like a dud

Need to trade for a forward like Stewart

Take a mark for gods sake

Agreed. He is not going to make it I’m afraid. Need to bring in a ready made. 

[Adam The God 30,019]

2 hours ago, Dee Zephyr said:

Melksham’s tackle attempts were more infuriating than the Ess comeback. The tackle attempt late in the game on the outer wing was pathetic. 

Absolutely.

I hear about how other players are getting bakes the whole time. Does Melksham? Fair dinks, his tackling efforts this year have been pathetic.

I don't think he's going to work in midfield either. His time might almost be up unless he can reinvent himself.

[chook fowler 19,430]

32 minutes ago, Deeoldfart said:

On the other hand ..... Rivers.  This kid is a rippa!

Melksham should have a good look at this kids pressure acts and hang his head in shame.

[Devil In Disguise 2,278]

1 hour ago, Kent said:

Smith did  F" all 

Wiederman is looking like a dud

Need to trade for a forward like Stewart

Take a mark for gods sake

Yep Stewart is such a good footballer, he averages 1.1 goals per game.?

[chook fowler 19,430]

27 minutes ago, A F said:

Absolutely.

I hear about how other players are getting bakes the whole time. Does Melksham? Fair dinks, his tackling efforts this year have been pathetic.

I don't think he's going to work in midfield either. His time might almost be up unless he can reinvent himself.

If that’s the effort he gives in such an important game it means he needs to go. 

[Dee Zephyr 19,267]

38 minutes ago, A F said:

Absolutely.

I hear about how other players are getting bakes the whole time. Does Melksham? Fair dinks, his tackling efforts this year have been pathetic.

I don't think he's going to work in midfield either. His time might almost be up unless he can reinvent himself.

We did what we had to do AF and whilst most of us were panicky in the last, that attempt at a tackle by Melksham with game in the balance was unacceptable imo. That had me off the couch. Just thought a leader should be throwing his body in at such a crucial stage. 

Edited September 19, 2020 by Dee Zephyr

[Skuit 10,027]

I just found out that I had Justin Plapp's wife's muesli in my cupboard. Small world. But I threw it out only a couple of days ago because it had ants in it. Omen?  

[Jack7 528]

Just back from the game (and Star Casino) and it was great to see 3,000 fellow Demons Supporters,a few more than the Bulldogs game here,we're all from Melbourne

 

Just good to get the win in the end but not a great way to go into a finals series if we make it,especially playing the Eagles over there.Bombers have lost 9 straight and the last 2 by 50+ and we just get over the line.Fritta's kicking is killing us,he missed so many set shots and couldn't hit Spargo on his own in the goalsquare from 30 out,Weid is also a huge problem,the ball continually bounces of his hands.Great to see Hunt play a blinder,i love his speed inside 50,real X factor in a very vanilla forward line.Ed Langdon is a gun,watching him gut run all day giving us so much drive and overlap is what we've needed for years and it would have to be one of Salem's best games for the club,his kicking on both sides was brilliant.

 

Should Freo win and they're a good chance in the slippery conditions,slowing down the Bulldogs,we'll need a huge improvement to get close to the Eagles on today's performance.

 

Freo by 11

 

 

 

 

[Adam The God 30,019]

13 minutes ago, Dee Zephyr said:

We did what we had to do AF and whilst most of us were panicky in the last, that attempt at a tackle by Melksham with game in the balance was unacceptable imo. That had me off the couch. Just thought a leader should be throwing his body in at such a crucial stage. 

Melksham may show leadership off the field, but he showed very little on it this year. I've been a fan, but he struggled this year and it looks like the game has passed him, which is worrying since he still has two years running on his contract.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

Smith forward and Melksham out of the team.

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

3 minutes ago, A F said:

Melksham may show leadership off the field, but he showed very little on it this year. I've been a fan, but he struggled this year and it looks like the game has passed him, which is worrying since he still has two years running on his contract.

Terribly over rated AF.  Depth at best.

[Uncle Fester 2,848]

2 hours ago, chook fowler said:

You know what will be the last thing to go through his mind when he hits the windscreen, don’t you

It’s his bumhole yeah?

[kev martin 9,549]

Thought the word this week was, "ruthless".

Ruthless to me, means "putting them to the sword". We had the chance and stopped. We really are softies. 

I heard Lever talking about ruthless, he kinda indicated, it was in the preparation, the process.

I'd like to see us show no mercy in the game.

Petracca can swing the momentum, as can Oliver, Viney used to be able to.

I thought we played keeping off well. Though, when it came to going, we couldn't transition to fast again. Need to work on their tempo and rhythm. They aren't on the same page!

Good backline again.

Midfielders found their straps at times. Gawn working well.

Salem, linking, getting space and zoning, doing team first.

River, an old head on young shoulders.

Baker getting involved and looks like he will get better.

Kossi is nearly, will get better.

Still a few passengers. 

[Earl Hood 6,078]

11 minutes ago, A F said:

Melksham may show leadership off the field, but he showed very little on it this year. I've been a fan, but he struggled this year and it looks like the game has passed him, which is worrying since he still has two years running on his contract.

Yes but hard to work out what is going on. This guy has serious footy ability but it goes missing for long periods that wouldn’t earn him a game in most sides but maybe it does in ours because we lack real footy smarts and skills? 

[Adam The God 30,019]

17 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

Terribly over rated AF.  Depth at best.

His kicking throughout 2017-2018 was vital to our ball movement. He even showed this at times this year, but Fritsch plays a very similar role and it's a non combative one that draws the footy and then connects play. 

I think you're underrated his previous output, but I'd agree he's been ordinary this year.

[Earl Hood 6,078]

4 minutes ago, kev martin said:

Thought the word this week was, "ruthless".

Ruthless to me, means "putting them to the sword". We had the chance and stopped. We really are softies. 

I heard Lever talking about ruthless, he kinda indicated, it was in the preparation, the process.

I'd like to see us show no mercy in the game.

Petracca can swing the momentum, as can Oliver, Viney used to be able to.

I thought we played keeping off well. Though, when it came to going, we couldn't transition to fast again. Need to work on their tempo and rhythm. They aren't on the same page!

Good backline again.

Midfielders found their straps at times. Gawn working well.

Salem, linking, getting space and zoning, doing team first.

River, an old head on young shoulders.

Baker getting involved and looks like he will get better.

Kossi is nearly, will get better.

Still a few passengers. 

Played ok but we were the exact opposite of ruthless, let’s face it. We managed to keep them in it all game to the point where we lost control and could have lost it. What’s the opposite of ruthless? Not sure but that is us. 

[DeeSpencer 25,356]

1 hour ago, A F said:

Our defence is starting to look really solid. May and Lever have had that full consistent season together and will be only better again next year. Rivers and Salem slot in there nicely. Hibberd may need to be replaced soon, but had a good year. I think Lockhart could still make it here. I think Tomlinson is handy back there. Add another KPD or move Petty back (Hore isn't good enough IMO) and our backline is a-okay. 

 

The difference between our best 4 defenders and the next guys on the list is massive. And we probably have to move one of Salem or Rivers to the midfield if we want to fix the class issues there.

Tomlinson is just plain ordinary. Can't mark. Can't pressure at ground level. Has huge mental lapses where he trails his opponent in to easy possessions. Smith does one great thing for 5 bad things. Hibberd needs to be replaced immediately, or at least sent deeper, he couldn't get near AMT when up the ground. Lockhart's gone missing and Hore and Petty have missed a year. Josh Wagner came in, did little wrong and then was never seen again which is weird because we've kept him around for years and never given him an extended run to prove himself one way or another.

North just delisted half their backline and they're probably better players than we role out down back. St Kilda have a couple in Webster and Savage who don't get games who we surely have to think about. At the moment if it's not May, Lever or Gawn marking it or a clear 2 on 1 we're under intense pressure down back. As soon as the midfield dropped away the backline was screwed.

[DeeSpencer 25,356]

26 minutes ago, A F said:

Melksham may show leadership off the field, but he showed very little on it this year. I've been a fan, but he struggled this year and it looks like the game has passed him, which is worrying since he still has two years running on his contract.

His best footy often came on the back of tagging or defensive forward jobs. Give the man an assignment and he'd do it. Tackling and defensive work were never a strength but when set a task he had the competitive ability and physical capabilities to do it.

Now he seems to be down a yard of pace and even less interest in competing. He never liked putting his head over the ball but he would at least be brave in the air. 

Moving him on to the ball has gotten him involved in games but hardly been a success. I still think the wing would be a strong spot for him. Decent on the outer ring at stoppages, good one on one, strong mark, thumping kick. But he'd have to really buy in to make a transition back to a role he played a lot at Essendon but never really nailed.

[Adam The God 30,019]

13 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

The difference between our best 4 defenders and the next guys on the list is massive. And we probably have to move one of Salem or Rivers to the midfield if we want to fix the class issues there.

Tomlinson is just plain ordinary. Can't mark. Can't pressure at ground level. Has huge mental lapses where he trails his opponent in to easy possessions. Smith does one great thing for 5 bad things. Hibberd needs to be replaced immediately, or at least sent deeper, he couldn't get near AMT when up the ground. Lockhart's gone missing and Hore and Petty have missed a year. Josh Wagner came in, did little wrong and then was never seen again which is weird because we've kept him around for years and never given him an extended run to prove himself one way or another.

North just delisted half their backline and they're probably better players than we role out down back. St Kilda have a couple in Webster and Savage who don't get games who we surely have to think about. At the moment if it's not May, Lever or Gawn marking it or a clear 2 on 1 we're under intense pressure down back. As soon as the midfield dropped away the backline was screwed.

This is pretty much the go for a lot of teams though.

I disagree on Tomlinson. He's no world beater, but he's solid enough for mine.

Lockhart hasn't had an extended chance and I'd be playing Petty back and Tomlinson beside him. Meaning May, Lever, Petty, Tomlinson, Rivers and Salem. I've never had the biggest issue with Wagner and would keep him for depth, but it depends who we bring in. 

I'm not of the view that we need to inject Salem or Rivers into the midfield. I'll be perfectly happy if we play Oliver, Petracca, Harmes, Brayshaw, Viney and then throw in Bennell and Kozzie occasionally. 

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

19 minutes ago, A F said:

His kicking throughout 2017-2018 was vital to our ball movement. He even showed this at times this year, but Fritsch plays a very similar role and it's a non combative one that draws the footy and then connects play. 

I think you're underrated his previous output, but I'd agree he's been ordinary this year.

He's had some good games AF no doubting that and what he does offer is kicking on either side inside 50 which makes him a bit slippery if he gets the ball outside 50.  The problem is getting it for Melk, most of the time, means being given it on a platter.  This is fine when eveything's going down hill.  He looks the goods courtesy of other's hard work around him.  It's when the wick's turned up either during a match when the opp get their act together, or, we are playing a damn good team, that he just doesn't get near it aside from the odd loose mark inside 50 and goal.

For a player with his experience he goes missing for far too long, both during games (per above) or sometimes for matches on end.  He isn't alone here.  Look at Weid the last four weeks.  One of the worst blocks of games you could ever wish to see from a supposed KF, barring a few odd decent cameo presentations on the lead or out the back.

That 3rd quarter should have been the one that sent the Drugsters packing.  That is... IF the mids had connected with the forwards, and, had there been any genuine KFs and small forwards to take advantage of all the entries.  If not for a part timer in Hunt and Fritta getting on the end of a few and finally converting (after his horrid first quarter debacle with set shots), we probably would've lost.

While i did see the occasional reasonable delivery from our mids on the odd occasion, forward of center we are STILL (mostly) a dogs breakfast!

Edited September 19, 2020 by Rusty Nails