Jump to content

Featured Replies

8 minutes ago, Ouch! said:

Ins: Weideman, Sparrow and Harmes

Out: Tomlinson, Baker and Jones.

(Petty in if Fritsch is rubbed out)  

Baker and Jones didn't play badly, but I think Baker coming in for Viney affected our midfield, Sparrow & Harmes can play in that role. Jones was being dropped, and again didn't play badly but wasn't great.

ANB on notice.... Chandler and Bedford looking ok in the VFL to put pressure on his place in the team.

Anb wont be on notice. His worse game for sure but Has been very good all year I reckon.

 
11 minutes ago, drysdale demon said:

Brown isn't getting dropped.

I agree. I don't think he is getting dropped. But I would, in a heartbeat. many posters here wanted him dropped immediately after the game too but a nights sleep has eased their frustrations I think. 

2 minutes ago, Dr.D said:

I agree. I don't think he is getting dropped. But I would, in a heartbeat. many posters here wanted him dropped immediately after the game too but a nights sleep has eased their frustrations I think. 

The good thing is the posters on this site don't pick the teams.

 
15 hours ago, Kent said:

Chook your dreaming !T MAc was sacked from the backline for very good reasons

Yeah, and that reason was we had no forwards at the time 

1 hour ago, DeeSpencer said:

If Brown and T Mc was top heavy and didn't function why is anyone signing up for the idea of Brown and Weid together at AFL level? Even if Fritsch is out that's 2 big lumbering forwards which is at least 1, probably 2 too many.

Have you all been living under rocks for the last 4 years and missed Richmond winning flags based on pressure?

I agree with the general premise (more pressure players) but I'm not sure that combo failed. We were beaten at the contest and had a pretty good conversion rate going forward.


3 minutes ago, Smokey said:

Yeah, and that reason was we had no forwards at the time 

True, but going forward was his last chance saloon.

If it didn't work out as a forward i have no doubt he would have been dropped. Possibly for good. 

Turned the ball over way too often, in part because of poor field kicking, and in part because he often went for high risk, high reward kicks beyond his ability that usually rewarded the opposition.

And he was also prone to frost like exploratory runs up the field, albeit at a much slower pace.

In fact Tmac was the prototype Frost. 

15 minutes ago, drysdale demon said:

The good thing is the posters on this site don't pick the teams.

He will be better for the run remembering has not played for a long time. Fact was we were beaten up around the ball early but as is happening this season we found a way to get back into the game then run away with it. Brown also brought the ball to ground which helped Fritta and Kozzy score. Good signs and as minimal changes as possible. Cover for those injured only. No dropping on form for this game

1 hour ago, Dr.D said:

I'm honestly happy to have a discussion about Brown. I thought he was very average and I'm not going to understate his missed mark in the last quarter that would've sealed the game or the sloppy high tackle he gave away in the clutch moment of the last quarter as well. couple this with the fact that we kicked away from North Melbourne as soon as Brown went off the ground with the blood rule. Throw in the fact that Weideman was playing better in the Vfl despite Brown being promoted. And throw in the fact that this was our worst performance of the season. Also throw in the fact that Tom Mcdonald wasn't played forward due to Brown (and Tomlinson going down) which is never going to be a long term solution.  So there's about 5 reasons right off the bat. 

What about throwing in the fact that his contest for the pack mark saw the ball end up out the back for Jackson to kick a goal? Or throw in the fact that his presence allowed McDonald to go into defence to replace Tomlinson? Or throw in the fact that it was his first game for the year and the first game with his new teammates? Or that he kicked 2 goals.

  

 

Feel like Ben Brown had an 'almost' game. Could have easily kicked 4 goals. His 3rd shot was inches away from being over and the last quarter he spilled a contested mark in front of the square. Couple of times as well he just couldn't complete 2nd grabs.  I put this all down to playing his first AFL in a long time and getting use to the speed and intensity. These marks will stick in the next couple of weeks.

The other aspect people need to look out for from a team perspective is that several times yesterday Brown was able to draw 2 defenders with him which then release Fritsch to get on the scoreboard like he did. I can guarantee Fritsch doesn't kick those 6 goals yesterday without the work of Brown. We haven't had someone as big as a presence up forward probably since Hogan in 2018 where he was able to take draw defenders and Tom McDonald being able to hit the scoreboard like he did that year with 52 goals. This honestly could really benefit Fritsch, Jackson and Weideman development up forward.

They had a good match up in Ben McKay who is 201cm tall, so he was able to match him for arm reach and height. He'll have an interesting match up on Sydney's tall defender in Tom McCartin who is much shorter at 193cm. 

I think we'll see a much improved performance from Brown this weekend.

5 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Feel like Ben Brown had an 'almost' game. Could have easily kicked 4 goals. His 3rd shot was inches away from being over and the last quarter he spilled a contested mark in front of the square. Couple of times as well he just couldn't complete 2nd grabs.  I put this all down to playing his first AFL in a long time and getting use to the speed and intensity. These marks will stick in the next couple of weeks.

The other aspect people need to look out for from a team perspective is that several times yesterday Brown was able to draw 2 defenders with him which then release Fritsch to get on the scoreboard like he did. I can guarantee Fritsch doesn't kick those 6 goals yesterday without the work of Brown. We haven't had someone as big as a presence up forward probably since Hogan in 2018 where he was able to take draw defenders and Tom McDonald being able to hit the scoreboard like he did that year with 52 goals. This honestly could really benefit Fritsch, Jackson and Weideman development up forward.

They had a good match up in Ben McKay who is 201cm tall, so he was able to match him for arm reach and height. He'll have an interesting match up on Sydney's tall defender in Tom McCartin who is much shorter at 193cm. 

I think we'll see a much improved performance from Brown this weekend.

Completely agree, and if Brown isn't in the side i don't think Fritsch kicks six. it's the flow on impact that we will really see. Tom McDonald, Jackson, Fritsch and so on getting lesser match ups because teams are worried about Ben Brown. if he manages to kick a couple of goals and allows others to play well, brings it to ground he's had a good day. i don't recall him getting outmarked at all which is a good measure of a key forward in my opinion. 

In terms of the midfield, i think Gus is playing well on the wing, and wouldn't mind seeing James Jordan backed in with some more time in there due to Vineys absence. he's got a beautiful blend of inside and outside and a great work rate. really rate him 


44 minutes ago, leave it to deever said:

Anb wont be on notice. His worse game for sure but Has been very good all year I reckon.

I agree 100% he's played well this season, and I love his pressure up in the forward half,  but competition for spots will and should put him on notice when he has an ordinary game like that. If our listed players in the VFL continue to play and train strongly, you don't get too many chances.

... unless you are Melky ?

16 hours ago, Jaded said:

You play one bad game and win by 5 goals to go top of the ladder and all the crazies are out of their boxes yelling at the sky. 

image.png.1663e22351f8f0beb2f8cb3274575271.png

How can people think BBB is going to get dropped? Laughable 

BBB needs a good 2-3 weeks to adjust to the pace of the game too, not only has he missed a heap of footy since last year but the game is only picking up more and more speed. 

As posters have said he will take the #1 key defender and Tmac can have #2 defender and work them overtime. 

At the G there is far more space than at Tassie and BBB deep will be a threat. 

 

50 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Feel like Ben Brown had an 'almost' game. Could have easily kicked 4 goals. His 3rd shot was inches away from being over and the last quarter he spilled a contested mark in front of the square. 

If he kicked that third goal, the ball would've gone back to the center and the future takes on a different path from that point onwards


1 hour ago, Cheesy D. Pun said:

I agree with the general premise (more pressure players) but I'm not sure that combo failed. We were beaten at the contest and had a pretty good conversion rate going forward.

The midfield just weren’t winning the ball but at the same time a smaller forward line pressuring to lock the ball in and spreading to move the ball provides cover for the mids and backs.

The forward line with one less tall in the second half moved the ball and locked it forward more efficiently.

Obviously North tired pretty badly but we went from giving up 9 goals in the first half to just 2 goals after half time. Keeping that pressure on has to be our first priority. 

1 minute ago, DeeSpencer said:

The midfield just weren’t winning the ball but at the same time a smaller forward line pressuring to lock the ball in and spreading to move the ball provides cover for the mids and backs.

The forward line with one less tall in the second half moved the ball and locked it forward more efficiently.

Obviously North tired pretty badly but we went from giving up 9 goals in the first half to just 2 goals after half time. Keeping that pressure on has to be our first priority. 

On the commentary yesterday, we were given information about each club's "pressure rating" during the game. Anyone know how that's measured? And is it related to individual players' "pressure points" included in the Herald Sun players' stats? 

57 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Feel like Ben Brown had an 'almost' game. Could have easily kicked 4 goals. His 3rd shot was inches away from being over and the last quarter he spilled a contested mark in front of the square. Couple of times as well he just couldn't complete 2nd grabs.  I put this all down to playing his first AFL in a long time and getting use to the speed and intensity. These marks will stick in the next couple of weeks.

The other aspect people need to look out for from a team perspective is that several times yesterday Brown was able to draw 2 defenders with him which then release Fritsch to get on the scoreboard like he did. I can guarantee Fritsch doesn't kick those 6 goals yesterday without the work of Brown. We haven't had someone as big as a presence up forward probably since Hogan in 2018 where he was able to take draw defenders and Tom McDonald being able to hit the scoreboard like he did that year with 52 goals. This honestly could really benefit Fritsch, Jackson and Weideman development up forward.

They had a good match up in Ben McKay who is 201cm tall, so he was able to match him for arm reach and height. He'll have an interesting match up on Sydney's tall defender in Tom McCartin who is much shorter at 193cm. 

I think we'll see a much improved performance from Brown this weekend.

I think this is a fantastic post - thanks for that analysis. 

My other thoughts were that the delivery method into forward 50 was down on previous weeks.  We couldn't kick to space, but seemed to kick floaty balls to aerial contests - which I wouldn't classify as a BBB strength.

Wider open space, more direct kicking, and as you say drawing two defenders, let's see how he goes on the "G".  It's very exciting. 

I think the comment that Bedford and Chandler breathing down ANB's neck is very on point, he can't afford too many quiet games with that talent in the 2s. 

13 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

The midfield just weren’t winning the ball but at the same time a smaller forward line pressuring to lock the ball in and spreading to move the ball provides cover for the mids and backs.

The forward line with one less tall in the second half moved the ball and locked it forward more efficiently.

Obviously North tired pretty badly but we went from giving up 9 goals in the first half to just 2 goals after half time. Keeping that pressure on has to be our first priority. 

Yep, I'm with you.


I wonder if playing with his old teammates made things hard for BBB in that they of all people know exactly how to match up on him - strengths and weaknesses from training and time together....

1 hour ago, Docs Demons said:

He will be better for the run remembering has not played for a long time. Fact was we were beaten up around the ball early but as is happening this season we found a way to get back into the game then run away with it. Brown also brought the ball to ground which helped Fritta and Kozzy score. Good signs and as minimal changes as possible. Cover for those injured only. No dropping on form for this game

'bringing the ball to ground'. Jesus, mother of troy. I could bring the ball the ground if that's what u called spilling marks and having a defender spoil everything away.

 P2J's final call

IN  -     Sam Weideman, Tom Sparrow

Out  -   Oskar Baker, Adam Tomlinson (knee)

 

Tom McDonald to move to CHB with Sam Weideman to come into the team after well and truly earning a spot.

For all the fuss about T Mac's start hes only kicked 9 goals in the 7 games.  The Weid must come in or we risk losing him to another club.

You may now lock the thread.

 

 
31 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

On the commentary yesterday, we were given information about each club's "pressure rating" during the game. Anyone know how that's measured? And is it related to individual players' "pressure points" included in the Herald Sun players' stats? 

I assume the points are based on the above formula. The chasing, closing and physical pressure all are vital in forcing rushed disposal from the opposition. 

34 minutes ago, Altona-demon said:

I think this is a fantastic post - thanks for that analysis. 

My other thoughts were that the delivery method into forward 50 was down on previous weeks.  We couldn't kick to space, but seemed to kick floaty balls to aerial contests - which I wouldn't classify as a BBB strength.

Wider open space, more direct kicking, and as you say drawing two defenders, let's see how he goes on the "G".  It's very exciting. 

I think the comment that Bedford and Chandler breathing down ANB's neck is very on point, he can't afford too many quiet games with that talent in the 2s. 

Cheers AD.

I do agree on the delivery, at times it was poor and they seemed to crowd the forward 50 did North. 

I wonder what's the ground size compared to the MCG. Blunstone Arena seems likes a stock standard suburban level ground size wise on TV. I could be wrong though.


Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.

Featured Content

  • PREVIEW: Essendon

    As the focus of the AFL moves exclusively to South Australia for Gather Round, the question is raised as to what are we going to get from the  Melbourne Football Club this weekend? Will it be a repeat of the slop fest of the last three weeks that have seen the team score a measly 174 points and concede 310 or will a return to the City of Churches and the scene where they performed at their best in 2024 act as a wakeup call and bring them out of their early season reverie?  Or will the sleepy Dees treat their fans to a reenactment of their lazy effort from the first Gather Round of two years ago when they allowed the Bombers to trample all over them on a soggy and wet Adelaide Oval? The two examples from above tell us how fickle form can be in football. Last year, a committed group of players turned up in Adelaide with a businesslike mindset. They had a plan, went in confidently and hard for the football and kicked winning scores against both home teams in a difficult environment for visitors. And they repeated that sort of effort later in the season when they played Essendon at the MCG.

      • 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
    • 489 replies
    Demonland
  • NON-MFC: Round 05

    Gather Round is here, kicking off with a Thursday night blockbuster as Adelaide faces Geelong. The Crows will be out for redemption after a controversial loss last week. Saturday starts with the Magpies taking on the Swans. Collingwood will be eager to cement their spot in the top eight, while Sydney is hot on their heels. In the Barossa Valley, two rising sides go head-to-head in a fascinating battle to prove they're the real deal. Later, Carlton and West Coast face off at Adelaide Oval, both desperate to notch their first win of the season. The action then shifts to Norwood, where the undefeated Lions will aim to keep their streak alive against the Bulldogs. Sunday’s games begin in the Barossa with Richmond up against Fremantle. In Norwood, the Saints will be looking to take a scalp when they come up against the Giants. The round concludes with a fiery rematch of last year's semi-final, as the Hawks seek revenge for their narrow loss to Port Adelaide. Who are you tipping this week and what are the best results for the Demons besides us winning?

      • Thanks
    • 186 replies
    Demonland
  • 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.

      • Like
    • 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
  • 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