Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

The weather has turned so looks like it’ll be a slog. If so, not sure Melks will be able to show his silky skills. Maybe Sparrows grunt is preferable on a day like today?

Anways, this decision won’t be the winning or losing of the game. Melks needs a run so lets see if he has shaken off his putrid 2020 form and can be a contributor this year. 

Posted
9 hours ago, Pates said:

Melksham at his best is pure quality, 2020 was poor from him but so it was for others who have been good over the first few rounds. Here's his chance at redemption.

Sparrow will be back.

Thinking about the Sparrow rest period and the re-ignition of Melksham despite game evidence, it has been a tough call before the game against the Cats by those who oversee what might be possible. Perhaps, just perhaps, training and preparation for the game against Geelong has established some good links between Melksham's accurate - at times, deadly - foot passing into the forwards and the exploitation of Fritta, for example, leading straight through the midline - instead of the wider pockets. This may apply to other forwards, as well, of course. 

There might be something brewing ... there might not be something brewing. At any rate, it will be a distraction for the Cats working against their 'slow' game in the backline, chipping and wide-ranging in defence to give their midfield/forwards time to re-set.

Some neat Demon passing by foot would greatly assist the interruption of Geelong's geriatric progression of the ball from defence.

 

 

Posted
11 hours ago, hardtack said:

Then couldn’t you be chair man of selectors?

Perhaps you could table your suggestions

  • Haha 1
Posted
10 hours ago, Roost it far said:

I could table that at the next meeting

Surely you can dovetail the two careers?

  • Haha 1
Posted
1 hour ago, Better days ahead said:

The weather has turned so looks like it’ll be a slog. If so, not sure Melks will be able to show his silky skills. Maybe Sparrows grunt is preferable on a day like today?

Anways, this decision won’t be the winning or losing of the game. Melks needs a run so lets see if he has shaken off his putrid 2020 form and can be a contributor this year. 

The weather will fine. So to speak.

Rain will have cleared. Ground will have drained.

It will be cold and a touch windy but conditions will be pretty good.

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1

Posted
21 minutes ago, binman said:

The weather will fine. So to speak.

Rain will have cleared. Ground will have drained.

It will be cold and a touch windy but conditions will be pretty good.

My weather app says rain most of the day turning to a mixture of sunshine and showers around game time with the potential for heavy rain again towards the end of the match.

Hope you're right though. I think I’m in an exposed seat and don’t fancy a soaking.

  • Thanks 1
Posted
9 minutes ago, Better days ahead said:

My weather app says rain most of the day turning to a mixture of sunshine and showers around game time with the potential for heavy rain again towards the end of the match.

Hope you're right though. I think I’m in an exposed seat and don’t fancy a soaking.

Ticketek  must have known something my computer selected seat is high and dry at the back of level 1 Thank you!!

 

  • Haha 1
Posted
31 minutes ago, Better days ahead said:

My weather app says rain most of the day turning to a mixture of sunshine and showers around game time with the potential for heavy rain again towards the end of the match.

Hope you're right though. I think I’m in an exposed seat and don’t fancy a soaking.

My left knee is tingling so will be dry all day.

  • Haha 1

Posted

I think I'll hold fire on the Melksham decision until after the game.  Think its harsh on Sparrow but a fit and firing Melksham (2018 version) gives us another weapon that the opposition have to put time into.  He's quick, capable of great ball use that most in our side are not and a goal kicker. 

He hasn't had to fight for his spot the last 2 years but if plays how he has in 2019-2020 then I can't see him staying in the side.  Will be interesting to see how he approaches this.

The fact that its wet today doesn't bother me - often the highly skilled players skills stand out in the wet.

  • Like 1
Posted

The Melksham/Sparrow change was  one of two selections most could see could possibly occur, the other being Jetta out for Hibberd. Most are weighing up their thoughts (as am I) on factors that are hard to judge outside the club. I love the idea of unchanged sides but I dont understand the nuances of below inside the club to have a strong view on this decision.

Firstly, where is the line as a mid between getting the ball and what you do without the ball. Sparrows off ball work has been excellent as shown in his pressure stats but surely a mid/half forward needs to get more than 4 touches. 

Secondly what is the Melksham we are getting in 2021?  The one that lacked any offensive or defensive impact in 2020 or the 2018 jet who whilst weak in defensive run played some top negating roles one half backs and was one of the most offensive weapons in the league I believe leading goal assists across the comp. I have noted that the whole team has an improved defensive mindset and the new man on mark rule lends to a guy who can kick darts on the angle off either foot.  

It really depends what bias you put on any story but as others have mentioned the decision on these two as our 22nd player should not be the difference between a win or loss. I would assume an improved defensive Melksham who with his ability to hit targets forward of centre would be the likely choice.

  • Like 4

Posted
16 hours ago, Demonland said:

Just quietly. A 100 point win puts us on top of the ladder.

very quietly

Posted
2 hours ago, Roost it far said:

I’m not sure I can fix the joint

You might have to go against the grain.They'll probably say you lack polish.

  • Haha 1
Posted
8 hours ago, Biffen said:

Surely you can dovetail the two careers?

That’s a plane crazy notion.

Posted
3 hours ago, Roost it far said:

I’m not sure I can fix the joint

Nailed it!

Posted
22 hours ago, buck_nekkid said:

May also be load managing young sparrow.

Nice try ( actually a pathetic try BN.) 

Havent you seen the word "managed ""next to The player?  If it is managed.
 

Back to the drawing board! 

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: 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 3

    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

    TRAINING: Wednesday 13th November 2024

    A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers braved the rain and headed down to Gosch's paddock to bring you their observations from the second day of Preseason training for the 1st to 4th Year players. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training today. Richo spoke to me and said not to believe what is in the media, as we will good this year. Jefferson and Kentfield looked big and strong.  Petty was doing all the training. Adams looked like he was in rehab.  KE

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...