Jump to content

Featured Replies

What about Weiderman and a pick to Essendon, we bring in Brown to replace Weid? They are going to need a forward to replace Daniher.

 
42 minutes ago, trout said:

What about Weiderman and a pick to Essendon, we bring in Brown to replace Weid? They are going to need a forward to replace Daniher.

I think if you're bringing Merrett in where does Gus play?

You've got Viney, Oliver, Petracca, Harmes and then Merrett. Maybe Merrett plays on a wing and that enales Gus to play midfield, but it's tough fitting in all those mids, particularly when Gus has shown he can probably only play one position to a high level.

2 minutes ago, A F said:

I think if you're bringing Merrett in where does Gus play?

You've got Viney, Oliver, Petracca, Harmes and then Merrett. Maybe Merrett plays on a wing and that enales Gus to play midfield, but it's tough fitting in all those mids, particularly when Gus has shown he can probably only play one position to a high level.

Like others have mentioned I would be trying Viney in the forward line like Wallis for a portion of a game and I would have Merrett on the wing. 

 
27 minutes ago, trout said:

Like others have mentioned I would be trying Viney in the forward line like Wallis for a portion of a game and I would have Merrett on the wing. 

I would too (RE Viney), but will they?

Fritsch Jackson Melksham

Viney Weideman Pickett

That's a reasonably mobile forwardline.

@Patches O’houlihan and I were sharing teams in PM yesterday and I'm sure he won't mind me putting forward his idea of Melksham off half back. I know Melksham played half back at Essendon to inconsistent success, but I reckon this would be a brilliant move. Use his kicking off half back, next to Salem and Rivers. It then opens up that forwardline to:

Fritsch Jackson ?
Viney Weideman Pickett

If we could bring in someone like Brayden Ham or another zippy small like Jack Higgins to play at half forward, that would give us Higgins, Viney, Pickett and Jackson to apply pressure at ground level and bring x factor and unpredictability. Fritsch, Jackson and Weideman as the marking targets. I think moving Melksham out of there, moving Viney and another small into the mix, as well as Petracca rotating through there, provides far more balance to the forwardline than we've had at any point during 2020.

Then one of Merrett/Polec/Smith/Phillips and Langdon on the wings. Oliver, Petracca, Harmes and Brayshaw (?) in the middle. If you got Merrett, he'd replace Gus as a midfield rotation and a wingman. Otherwise, Gus would be another midfield rotation, along with Viney.

We can dream.

Edited by A F

2 hours ago, A F said:

I'd trade Gus and a future first for Merrett. Would Essendon? If we could convince him, I reckon they would.

In what world is Merrett equal Gus and a 1st round pick. Id call them pretty level.


13 minutes ago, Grimes Times said:

In what world is Merrett equal Gus and a 1st round pick. Id call them pretty level.

Merrett's been far more consistently elite than Gus. I love Gus, but he's had one consistent elite season at AFL level - 2018. And even if you remember back to that year, he started the season out of the side and had to work his way in.

Merrett's been elite for 5 years. If we take our Melbourne scarves off, Merrett's body of work is far, far greater and more impressive than Brayshaw's.

Edited by A F

3 minutes ago, A F said:

Merrett's been far more consistently elite than Gus. I love Gus, but he's had one consistent elite season at AFL level - 2018. And even if you remember back to that year, he started the season out of the side and had to work his way in.

Merrett's been elite for 5 years. If we take our Melbourne scarves off, Merrett's body of work is far, far greater and more impressive than Brayshaw's.

I dont disagree with any of that, but im not doing not doing Gus plus a first round pick. If it was just Gus for a draft pick what would you want back for him.

11 minutes ago, Grimes Times said:

I dont disagree with any of that, but im not doing not doing Gus plus a first round pick. If it was just Gus for a draft pick what would you want back for him.

I wouldn't trade Gus if it was for a draft pick. I'd rather we keep Gus, but if we were any chance to land an elite talent like Merrett who would perfectly compliment our midfield (can play inside or outside in our midfield and on a wing), I'd trade Gus every day of the week. Gus has struggled on the wing and up forward. He wasn't bad off half back in his first season, but otherwise he's not flexible enough and he's not as good at winning the ball as Oliver.

 
1 hour ago, A F said:

I think if you're bringing Merrett in where does Gus play?

You've got Viney, Oliver, Petracca, Harmes and then Merrett. Maybe Merrett plays on a wing and that enales Gus to play midfield, but it's tough fitting in all those mids, particularly when Gus has shown he can probably only play one position to a high level.

Ugh, I hate saying this, but I believe from what has been said here and elsewhere, Gus is gone. That's the impression I have. I concur with you about his limited flexibility (Gus's) - which is why, if I was Gus, I would want to go elsewhere to play where I wanted to play. There would be no shortage of suitors.

12 minutes ago, Engorged Onion said:

Ugh, I hate saying this, but I believe from what has been said here and elsewhere, Gus is gone. That's the impression I have. I concur with you about his limited flexibility (Gus's) - which is why, if I was Gus, I would want to go elsewhere to play where I wanted to play. There would be no shortage of suitors.

Yep, and re-signing Sparrow speaks volumes to me. I hope we're making a serious play for Merrett, but I certainly haven't heard that we are. Would make our midfield immediately the best in the league. Oliver, Merrett, Petracca in the one midfield is an embarrassing set of riches if possible.


Just now, A F said:

Yep, and re-signing Sparrow speaks volumes to me. I hope we're making a serious play for Merrett, but I certainly haven't heard that we are. Would make our midfield immediately the best in the league. Oliver, Merrett, Petracca in the one midfield is an embarrassing set of riches if possible.

On paper- and I know you (and everyone here)knows this, but from a midfield perspective there needs to be personnel changes and becoming more dynamic in game.

I was watching the game last night (Geelong, Port) and it just felt such a scrappy game... BUT the scrappyness is the norm these days, its not free flowing... its not how it would have been 17-20 years ago from Voss, Lappin et al, nor even WCE or Hawthorn's much vaunted midfield.

First game of the finals, my thoughts were.

  • The capacity to win the contested ball relentlessly is an imperative... 
  • And to get it to skilled users on the outside.

Now as pundits on here, we all get that... and Goodwin and the FD are moving in that direction. But each year over the last few, theyve had to address at draft time...the question is, which problem do you address first, and whichever one that is... who is best available at that particular year to best address it, knowing full well that not everything will be addressed when you want it.

  • defensive frailties - now resolved
  • one out of two wingers - now resolved
  • elite (ish) ball users - unresolved.
13 minutes ago, Engorged Onion said:

On paper- and I know you (and everyone here)knows this, but from a midfield perspective there needs to be personnel changes and becoming more dynamic in game.

I was watching the game last night (Geelong, Port) and it just felt such a scrappy game... BUT the scrappyness is the norm these days, its not free flowing... its not how it would have been 17-20 years ago from Voss, Lappin et al, nor even WCE or Hawthorn's much vaunted midfield.

First game of the finals, my thoughts were.

  • The capacity to win the contested ball relentlessly is an imperative... 
  • And to get it to skilled users on the outside.

Now as pundits on here, we all get that... and Goodwin and the FD are moving in that direction. But each year over the last few, theyve had to address at draft time...the question is, which problem do you address first, and whichever one that is... who is best available at that particular year to best address it, knowing full well that not everything will be addressed when you want it.

  • defensive frailties - now resolved
  • one out of two wingers - now resolved
  • elite (ish) ball users - unresolved.

Oliver or Petracca giving to Merrett is elite enough for me.

I agree that we need to address functionality and efficiency of our midfield, but Merrett is the sort of player that is a beautiful user on the outside. Petracca is one of those guys like Dusty who will turn it over from time to time, but the rest of the time, he'll create gold and scores. Oliver is similar and will get better the more he accelerates out of stoppages.

I think we'll be able to address that second winger position come the start of 2021 too. It's about getting the forwardline balance right and the the best efficiency from stoppages IMV.

4 minutes ago, A F said:

Oliver or Petracca giving to Merrett is elite enough for me.

I agree that we need to address functionality and efficiency of our midfield, but Merrett is the sort of player that is a beautiful user on the outside. Petracca is one of those guys like Dusty who will turn it over from time to time, but the rest of the time, he'll create gold and scores. Oliver is similar and will get better the more he accelerates out of stoppages.

I think we'll be able to address that second winger position come the start of 2021 too. It's about getting the forwardline balance right and the the best efficiency from stoppages IMV.

Mmmm, I wasn't disputing Merrett and his talent at all. I think he would be a fine addition. It's just a reality that to bring someone in to an already (on paper) stacked midfield... someone needs to leave. Either Gus or Viney (for vastly different reasons) I felt were the  'most' expendable from our midfield at this current time. It appears it will be Gus**from what I have read... no sources, no nuthin'.

Edited by Engorged Onion

6 hours ago, A F said:

I would too (RE Viney), but will they?

Fritsch Jackson Melksham

Viney Weideman Pickett

That's a reasonably mobile forwardline.

@Patches O’houlihan and I were sharing teams in PM yesterday and I'm sure he won't mind me putting forward his idea of Melksham off half back. I know Melksham played half back at Essendon to inconsistent success, but I reckon this would be a brilliant move. Use his kicking off half back, next to Salem and Rivers. It then opens up that forwardline to:

Fritsch Jackson ?
Viney Weideman Pickett

If we could bring in someone like Brayden Ham or another zippy small like Jack Higgins to play at half forward, that would give us Higgins, Viney, Pickett and Jackson to apply pressure at ground level and bring x factor and unpredictability. Fritsch, Jackson and Weideman as the marking targets. I think moving Melksham out of there, moving Viney and another small into the mix, as well as Petracca rotating through there, provides far more balance to the forwardline than we've had at any point during 2020.

Then one of Merrett/Polec/Smith/Phillips and Langdon on the wings. Oliver, Petracca, Harmes and Brayshaw (?) in the middle. If you got Merrett, he'd replace Gus as a midfield rotation and a wingman. Otherwise, Gus would be another midfield rotation, along with Viney.

We can dream.

Maybe with some fresh eyes in the coaching staff someone might suggest trying Viney in the forward line.

Melksham to the half back line could work, he has the skill and reads the play well. My biggest concern with that would be his work rate, this year he was off the chart lazy in my eyes. Maybe it would force him to work hard, certainly worth considering.

 Yeah another good small pressure forward would be very handy. The other wing spot is hard if not Merrett for me. Polec has a lot of what we need but I am just not sold on him, Smith has had a super career but has he got enough left in the tank to help us get past the four teams that have played finals yesterday and tonight, I don’t think so sadly.

We can dream alright, hopefully some new improved coaches some smart trading and recruiting and we can be playing finals and challenging.

Anyone got any news on Zerrett. Obviously his mate Saad is already out the door. Melky Hibbo time to earn your pay checks - get him over


On 10/2/2020 at 4:25 PM, Engorged Onion said:

Mmmm, I wasn't disputing Merrett and his talent at all. I think he would be a fine addition. It's just a reality that to bring someone in to an already (on paper) stacked midfield... someone needs to leave. Either Gus or Viney (for vastly different reasons) I felt were the  'most' expendable from our midfield at this current time. It appears it will be Gus**from what I have read... no sources, no nuthin'.

No one needs to leave We need 6 or 7 good mids not 4 or 5!!

8 minutes ago, jako13 said:

Anyone got any news on Zerrett. Obviously his mate Saad is already out the door. Melky Hibbo time to earn your pay checks - get him over

There is no way they trade him now with how much is going out 

35 minutes ago, Demons11 said:

There is no way they trade him now with how much is going out 

Unless they see it as a chance to rebuild, but they'll want more than we can likely provide them.

3 minutes ago, A F said:

Unless they see it as a chance to rebuild, but they'll want more than we can likely provide them.

Dodoro will lose his job if things keep going the way they are, so he won’t do it I wouldn’t have thought 

32 minutes ago, Demons11 said:

There is no way they trade him now with how much is going out 

Why?

Merrett out has been on the cards just as long as Saad out. Danners is was never staying after last year's trade fiasco.

They have a whole scale rebuild on their hands - for the new coach

 

 


38 minutes ago, jako13 said:

Why?

Merrett out has been on the cards just as long as Saad out. Danners is was never staying after last year's trade fiasco.

They have a whole scale rebuild on their hands - for the new coach

 

 

Merrett is only 24, if he was 27-28 then I’d agree but it won’t happen. Just my opinion 

Edited by Demons11

I think the smoke around Merrett is indication of a pretty large blaze, he's either out of there this year or next. I strongly suspect the club are very interested in getting Zac to become a Demon.  

Daniher provides an interesting precedent  It will be interesting to see what happens and then whether Essendon sideline Dodoro as a result.  Daniher  wanted out last year and given the injury concerns I thought the Swans offer was fair, Essendon didn't and held onto him, that's their right but are  they really going to get better compensation in an extremely compromised draft when he leaves as a RFA now?

They won't and more to the point they've burnt 12 months when they could have been developing the Swans  first pick from last year (Pick 9) and be looking forward to using the Swans first pick this year. Bang up job Adrian!  They're doing their best to deny suitors looking at Joe's medical files because when they do it's far more likely the offer will be substantially less than Tier 1, almost as certain that Essendon's bluff will be called and they won't match a bid.  This has the potential to turn into the mother of all list management nightmares for the new coach.

Given all this they probably still won't trade Merrett but after the Daniher result is known and if Merrett is resolved to leave, hopefully they might take a more pragmatic approach. 

Edited by grazman

3 hours ago, Demons11 said:

Dodoro will lose his job if things keep going the way they are, so he won’t do it I wouldn’t have thought 

The case for it:

1. Essendon haven't won a final in 14 years, the only way a key staffer like Dodoro keeps his job with that record is to keep having reasons why they haven't gone up the ladder. First it was the end of the Sheedy era, then the problem was Matty Knights. Then it was the supplement saga. With a new coach who they want to give some time and space to reset the game plan and list the best way to save everyones job is to have one big clean out. They won't be completely hopeless next year with or without Merrett, the list isn't that bad, so you go backwards for a year but you've got 5 first rounders in 2 years to show for it. For all his trade shenanigans Dodoro has always drafted well enough to hang in there.

2. If Merrett leaves in free agency he'll have to get a bigger contract than say Brad Crouch will get this year. And if Brad Crouch is only getting an end of first round pick then maybe Merrett's in line for similar. You have to assume we'd offer up our future first to start negotiations. 

I like Merrett but I don't love him. There's not enough smoke just yet to make me think we're all that keen and I think Essendon would certainly rather keep him. But it's an interesting one.

 
5 hours ago, jako13 said:

Why?

Merrett out has been on the cards just as long as Saad out. Danners is was never staying after last year's trade fiasco.

They have a whole scale rebuild on their hands - for the new coach

 

 

Contracted lad. Essendon wouldn't even entertain a trade, and if we somehow did get to the negotiation stage they'd want one of Petracca or Oliver for sure. 

much better to just keep talking to him and have a serious crack at the end of next year. 

gotta be in his ear preparing for the free agent offering at the end of 2021

if the peppies did decide to pull the trigger on moving him on this year, i'd want to be in the conversation

can't see it happening at this stage


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: Geelong

    There was a time in the second quarter of the game at the Cattery on Friday afternoon when the Casey Demons threatened to take the game apart against the Cats. The Demons had been well on top early but were struggling to convert their ascendancy over the ground until Tom Fullarton’s burst of three goals in the space of eight minutes on the way to a five goal haul and his best game for the club since arriving from Brisbane at the end of 2023. He was leading, marking and otherwise giving his opponents a merry dance as Casey grabbed a three goal lead in the blink of an eye. Fullarton has now kicked ten goals in Casey’s three matches and, with Melbourne’s forward conversion woes, he is definitely in with a chance to get his first game with the club in next week’s Gather Round in Adelaide. Despite the tall forward’s efforts - he finished with 19 disposals and eight marks and had four hit outs as back up to Will Verrall in the second half - it wasn’t enough as Geelong reigned in the lead through persistent attacks and eventually clawed their way to the lead early in the last and held it till they achieved the end aim of victory.

    • 0 replies
    Demonland
  • REPORT: Geelong

    I was disappointed to hear Goody say at his post match presser after the team’s 39 point defeat against Geelong that "we're getting high quality entry, just poor execution" because Melbourne’s problems extend far beyond that after its 0 - 4 start to the 2025 football season. There are clearly problems with poor execution, some of which were evident well before the current season and were in play when the Demons met the Cats in early May last year and beat them in a near top-of-the-table clash that saw both sides sitting comfortably in the top four after round eight. Since that game, the Demons’ performances have been positively Third World with only five wins in 19 games with a no longer majestic midfield and a dysfunctional forward line that has become too easy for opposing coaches to counter. This is an area of their game that is currently being played out as if they were all completely panic-stricken.

      • Thanks
      • Like
    • 0 replies
    Demonland
  • PREGAME: Essendon

    Facing the very real and daunting prospect of starting the season with five straight losses, the Demons head to South Australia for the annual Gather Round, where they’ll take on the Bombers in search of their first win of the year. Who comes in, and who comes out?

      • Thanks
    • 201 replies
    Demonland
  • NON-MFC: Round 04

    Round 4 kicks off with a blockbuster on Thursday night as traditional rivals Collingwood and Carlton clash at the MCG, with the Magpies looking to assert themselves as early-season contenders and the Blues seeking their first win of the season. Saturday opens with Gold Coast hosting Adelaide, a key test for the Suns as they aim to back up their big win last week, while the Crows will be looking to keep their perfect record intact. Reigning wooden spooners Richmond have the daunting task of facing reigning premiers Brisbane at the ‘G and the Lions will be eager to reaffirm their premiership credentials after a patchy start. Saturday night sees North Melbourne take on Sydney at Marvel Stadium, with the Swans looking to build on their first win of the season last week against a rebuilding Roos outfit. Sunday’s action begins with GWS hosting West Coast at ENGIE Stadium, a game that could get ugly very early for the visitors. Port Adelaide vs St Kilda at Adelaide Oval looms as a interesting clash, with both clubs form being very hard to read. The round wraps up with Fremantle taking on the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium in what could be a fierce contest between two sides with top-eight ambitions. Who are you tipping this week and what are the best results for the Demons besides us winning?

      • Thanks
    • 273 replies
    Demonland
  • PODCAST: Geelong

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 7th April @ the all new time of 8:00pm. Join Binman, George & I as we dissect another Demons loss at Kardinia Park to the Cats in the Round 04. Your 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.

      • Thanks
    • 52 replies
    Demonland
  • VOTES: Geelong

    Captain Max Gawn leads the Demonland Player of the Year in his quest to take out his 3rd trophy. He leads Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver who are in equal 2nd place followed by Kade Chandler and Jake Bowey. You votes please. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 & 1.

      • Thanks
    • 30 replies
    Demonland