Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted
19 minutes ago, rpfc said:

Seen a few comments after his efforts in the ruck yesterday.

Unless we are trying to find a direct unicorn replacement for LJ I think the better option would be Weideman to back up Gawn with a ‘cheap’ or young ruckman at Casey to back both up. Then I would make a play for an established tall forward with the cap space and the draft capital revived for LJ.

With Brown/TMac 2 years away from kaput - this year or next we need to source their replacement. Is it van rooyen? Maybe. Is he big enough? 

Sam as back up takes the pressure off his forward craft and positioning and allows us to play a ruck who is good enough forward while also good enough in the ruck.

Can Sam be an adequate back up ruck in a top 4 team?

IMO he is close, played ok when LJ and Max were out. If LJ goes as expected he could hold down that position. 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1

Posted
21 minutes ago, rpfc said:

Seen a few comments after his efforts in the ruck yesterday.

Unless we are trying to find a direct unicorn replacement for LJ I think the better option would be Weideman to back up Gawn with a ‘cheap’ or young ruckman at Casey to back both up. Then I would make a play for an established tall forward with the cap space and the draft capital revived for LJ.

With Brown/TMac 2 years away from kaput - this year or next we need to source their replacement. Is it van rooyen? Maybe. Is he big enough? 

Sam as back up takes the pressure off his forward craft and positioning and allows us to play a ruck who is good enough forward while also good enough in the ruck.

Can Sam be an adequate back up ruck in a top 4 team?

Futurama Ambivalence GIF

  • Like 3
  • Thanks 1
  • Haha 3
Posted

Weid's game yesterday was as well as I've seen him play in years. Yes, he's previously kicked bags at Casey against ordinary opposition, but he was up against seasoned AFL ruckmen, and competed very well. But I wouldn't be making a decision on the club's ruck stocks based on one game from Weid. Two weeks prior, he was absolutely putrid, and gave no effort. 

Assuming there's no interest from other clubs, I'd have Weid as the starting ruck at Casey next year. I'd be chasing a young ruckman like Meek, plus a rookie ruckman. Meek played in Freo's last game, so it will be interesting to see if he gets a game this week. 

Weid needs to show the same effort he did yesterday on a consistent basis before I'd consider him as a 2nd ruck.

  • Like 2

Posted

Sam has a very long way to go as a ruck not because he can or can't ruck but because he can't impose himself around the ground.

He's ok in the handball and follow up area but he just doesn't show that ability to drop back in defence and take a mark or mark the long kick out etc

  • Like 4
Posted

Sam's developing ruck craft may help him find a team that needs that support and be a hybrid fwd.  Then he is more likely to be a starting 22.. 

Sadly, he will only be considered depth at the Dees.

  • Like 4
Posted

Best contribution I've seen from Weid for quite some time. He was outsized, but his second efforts were good. As the game progressed he made more hit outs to advantage. It seems, we get more from Weid if we aren't relying on him to mark! He is mobile and he played a good four quarters yesterday. If he remains on our list, I look forward to him getting his opportunity next year... just not as a key forward!

  • Like 4
  • Love 1

Posted

A 197cm bloke who can ruck and play fwd is worth keeping. Sure he doesn’t excel at either but he can play a role. He might not play every week but we need help for Maxy. Big keys tend to play their best footy after 25 so I’d keep him on a small contract. Preferable to paying $700 K per year for Grundy imo. Keep some money in the kitty to snag a fwd when t Mac and brown retire

  • Like 7
  • Thanks 1
  • Love 1

Posted

RPFC a well reasoned and rationale post. The game he played this year when our regular ruck options were out was one of  his better outings for the season. Demon victory from memory? So not the liability some claim. Although it’s a fine line with Sam.   After an excellent start against the dogs he did fade out, but he was not home alone. The more guys that buy in to the team ethos the greater the chance of success.

May be this preseason he needs to prioritise some resilience training and ‘toughen up’. Boot camp as an extra in a sword and sandal epic rowing a Roman galley would suffice.

Posted
26 minutes ago, waynewussell said:

aren't relying on him to mark

He took 6 marks yesterday, 3rd only to Dunstan’s 8 and Tommo’s 7. His contested marking as a key forward isn’t great, but he’s proven to be a good mark when mobile as a ruck. Sam Weideman is a very good footballer, definitely AFL standard by my reckoning, just not a key forward. If he leaves and plays as a utility-ruck, he’ll do very well. If LJ goes, he can well do it with us. 

  • Like 4
  • Thanks 1
Posted

I reckon he should look for a new club and try to revive his career. New surrounds and environment might be the catalyst. Too much baggage at the Dees

  • Like 2
Posted

2 massive things in his favour - not carrying 2 primary rucks is a comparative advantage, and his tapwork is actually quite good. Great for a forward.

I don’t want Grundy at the mooted price, Meek is zero fwd craft from what I have seen, other options aren’t worth the move from where I sit… 

It’s a definite need for attention but I hope for Sam still. Last dice roll of course.

  • Like 8
  • Thanks 2

Posted
9 minutes ago, rpfc said:

2 massive things in his favour - not carrying 2 primary rucks is a comparative advantage, and his tapwork is actually quite good. Great for a forward.

I don’t want Grundy at the mooted price, Meek is zero fwd craft from what I have seen, other options aren’t worth the move from where I sit… 

It’s a definite need for attention but I hope for Sam still. Last dice roll of course.

You have my vote!

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Posted
36 minutes ago, drysdale demon said:

That is a very inappropriate comment.

Terrible example but unfortunately correct premise.

  • Vomit 1
Posted
40 minutes ago, drysdale demon said:

That is a very inappropriate comment.

I have to agree. Totally inappropriate,  when family are still around.  That comment should be withdrawn. 
your sentiment might of might not be true, but for me it was worded inappropriately.

  • Like 1
  • Vomit 1

Posted
13 minutes ago, rpfc said:

2 massive things in his favour - not carrying 2 primary rucks is a comparative advantage, and his tapwork is actually quite good. Great for a forward.

I don’t want Grundy at the mooted price, Meek is zero fwd craft from what I have seen, other options aren’t worth the move from where I sit… 

It’s a definite need for attention but I hope for Sam still. Last dice roll of course.

Should Max be out injured for any period of time, I wouldn't want a makeshift ruckman like Weid as no.1 ruckman. You can get away with it for a week here and there, but not long term.

Also a forward line the includes BBB, T Mac and Weid hasn't worked in the past. I'd like to see BBB and Fritsch as leading forwards, with T Mac and possibly Meek as a bash and crash forward. Weid hasn't created contests as a forward.

  • Like 2
Posted (edited)
5 minutes ago, mo64 said:

Should Max be out injured for any period of time, I wouldn't want a makeshift ruckman like Weid as no.1 ruckman. You can get away with it for a week here and there, but not long term.

Also a forward line the includes BBB, T Mac and Weid hasn't worked in the past. I'd like to see BBB and Fritsch as leading forwards, with T Mac and possibly Meek as a bash and crash forward. Weid hasn't created contests as a forward.

I would get a Meek type to play at Casey in addition to having Weed play 2nd ruck at AFL.

And I don’t think we have had a great sample size with Weed as back up ruck with this forward line.

I just think it is a cheaper option to mooted alternatives and may mean we can do our search for a tall fwd in a years time when they may be more options. Also bringing money forward for Oliver, Petracca, and Brayshaw that can gives us flexibility in later years. This is the beauty of these long term deals - they provide long term stability and flexibility.

Edited by rpfc
  • Like 1

Posted
1 hour ago, daisycutter said:

such a quandary......7 years on the list for 59 games, but still only 25

Like Joel Smith on the list 9 years for 26 games?

  • Like 2
  • Shocked 1
Posted

For all that Weed has not been what we hoped in the fwd line, he still represents a huge investment in time and method. He is obviously a good clubman and popular so I don’t see the need for him to find himself somewhere else, if he can fill a role in Ruck and execute that is worth something. Neville Jetta was a small forward failure, he went on to be a brilliant backman, Tmac was becoming a liability with his disposal in back half and looping kicks and became a gun forward. Just because Weed is not Tom Lynch doesn’t mean he is without value. And there are no ‘good’ ruckman hiding out there in plain sight. I mean Preuss is still on a list and he offered less than Weid did in his time in the ruck for us. One of the things that makes us potent at the moment is the team synergy, I am not saying it is the only thing or trumps other factors, just that it should be part of the calculus.

  • Like 2
  • Love 1
  • 5 weeks later...
Posted
6 minutes ago, Demonland said:

 

Interesting.

Seems like many of our fringe players (Tomlinson, Bedford, Hunt, Weed, etc.) are looking around.

Maybe signals a more ruthless approach to list management?

  • Like 1

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: Monday 2nd December 2024

    There were many Demonland Trackwatchers braving the morning heat at Gosch's Paddock today to witness the players go through the annual 2km time trials. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Max, TMac & Melksham the first ones out on the track.  Runners are on. Guess they will be doing a lot of running.  TRAINING: Max, TMac, Melksham, Woey, Rivers, AMW, May, Sharp, Kolt, Adams, Sparrow, Jefferson, Billings, Petty, chandler, Howes, Lever, Kozzy, Mentha, Fullarton, Sal

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 1

    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
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...