Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted
4 hours ago, george_on_the_outer said:

Tmac can't do it all on his own.  Part time rucks aren't forwards.

 

Bring in a forward who can kick straight from 40m. 

Bring in a forward who will take the opposition tallest back

Bring in a forward who can take a mark

Is there anyone you can think might be able to do that?

The ex Norf player, right?

Majak.

  • Haha 2

Posted
22 minutes ago, Mel Bourne said:

 

I think Koz needs to properly understand that he's playing for his spot every week, and that the early excitement he generated amongst fans and pundits does not equate to a guaranteed selection week in, week out. And next week it's a rest, for my liking.

Not sure who comes in - whether it's a small forward or tall - but if it's Melksham we can live in hope that his recent demotion sent a message that has been understood.

 

Gets a pass for mine only because when on what he can contribute goalwise which we so very need.

  • Like 1

Posted

The discussion on Kozzie is a tricky one because there’s no doubt his last 5-6 matches have been largely ineffective but his presence creates danger than I’m not sure we have from anyone else. 

One option is we bring in Vanders for him, he’s high impact and has a presence as well but doesn’t have the same creative flair as Kozzie. For me he stays but gets told to simplify things, up his tackle/pressure count and team oriented acts. 

Brown has to come in if match fit. We can’t be experimenting leading into the finals so now is the time. 

  • Like 1
Posted
1 minute ago, leave it to deever said:

Gets a pass for mine only because when on what he can contribute goalwise which we so very need.

 

We can do without him for a round. He needs to feel a little heat, and letting him play off the leash for this long with little payoff sends the wrong message. 

He also needs to spend a weekend kicking set shots with Choc. He is so off in that department, and it's not fixing itself in situ.

 

 

Posted
1 hour ago, gs77 said:

BBB kicked 5.2 in the VFL today. Weid 1 goal late in the 4th. Not sure how Mitch Brown went.

Mitch Brown got injured early first quarter and didnt appear in 2nd Q

  • Like 2

Posted
5 hours ago, george_on_the_outer said:

Tmac can't do it all on his own.  Part time rucks aren't forwards.

 

Bring in a forward who can kick straight from 40m. 

Bring in a forward who will take the opposition tallest back

Bring in a forward who can take a mark

Is there anyone you can think might be able to do that?

Gee sounds like me?

In all honesty The way BB Presented and played today he MUST PLAY next week

  • Like 2
Posted (edited)
5 hours ago, leave it to deever said:

Yes indeed.

Our fwd line is broken.

We need to make a change.

It is, totally, yet amazingly we are 12/2 on top of the ladder.  
All credit to our full defence team. 

Edited by monoccular
  • Like 4
Posted (edited)

Brown has to come in. We need a reliable goal kicker as TMac will have off nights

I think sparrow is the one to make way. He's done nothing wrong but i don't think we should break-up the spargo nibbler kozzie unit

Edited by Better days ahead
  • Like 6

Posted (edited)

Chunk tore it up today in the first 3 quarters at Casey and was easily BOG.

BB, while not starring, still did well given the delivery and limited opportunities plus a cheapy out the back but he held his Depth and the eyes/kick from Rosman was a beauty that suggests he will be knocking on the door at some stage next season.  All class.

The other reason you bring BB in is for his marking i50 ability.  The more contested/leading marks we take the better it will be for our mids/HBs and forwards to set up for the lock it in / repeat entry attempts and will also give them a chance to recover aerobically while BB is taking his Denis Lillee run up for goal.

Sparrow was solid but Chunk is still either his equal or often a fair way ahead at this point.  And part of this is trust / consistency.  Chunk rarely doesn't put in a serviceable or better game whereas Sparrow is too hit or miss at this stage of his career.

So for mine it's...

IN:  Chunk & BB

OUT:  Fritschkreig & Sparrow

Edited by Rusty Nails
Posted
1 hour ago, Rusty Nails said:

Chunk tore it up today in the first 3 quarters at Casey and was easily BOG.

BB, while not starring, still did well given the delivery and limited opportunities plus a cheapy out the back but he held his Depth and the eyes/kick from Rosman was a beauty that suggests he will be knocking on the door at some stage next season.  All class.

The other reason you bring BB in is for his marking i50 ability.  The more contested/leading marks we take the better it will be for our mids/HBs and forwards to set up for the lock it in / repeat entry attempts and will also give them a chance to recover aerobically while BB is taking his Denis Lillee run up for goal.

Sparrow was solid but Chunk is still either his equal or often a fair way ahead at this point.  And part of this is trust / consistency.  Chunk rarely doesn't put in a serviceable or better game whereas Sparrow is too hit or miss at this stage of his career.

So for mine it's...

IN:  Chunk & BB

OUT:  Fritschkreig & Sparrow

While Fritch was poor against the Bombers, he’d probably benefit more than anyone with the inclusion of Brown. 

  • Like 6

Posted
1 hour ago, Rusty Nails said:

Chunk tore it up today in the first 3 quarters at Casey and was easily BOG.

BB, while not starring, still did well given the delivery and limited opportunities plus a cheapy out the back but he held his Depth and the eyes/kick from Rosman was a beauty that suggests he will be knocking on the door at some stage next season.  All class.

The other reason you bring BB in is for his marking i50 ability.  The more contested/leading marks we take the better it will be for our mids/HBs and forwards to set up for the lock it in / repeat entry attempts and will also give them a chance to recover aerobically while BB is taking his Denis Lillee run up for goal.

Sparrow was solid but Chunk is still either his equal or often a fair way ahead at this point.  And part of this is trust / consistency.  Chunk rarely doesn't put in a serviceable or better game whereas Sparrow is too hit or miss at this stage of his career.

So for mine it's...

IN:  Chunk & BB

OUT:  Fritschkreig & Sparrow

There’s no way we’re dropping our leading goal kicker.

If we’re doing the two changes then I think AnB goes out. He still turns it over too often (had 5 last night and went at 43%). I know he had 5 tackles but I think Kozzy has an X factor that worries the opposition. 

  • Like 1
Posted
4 hours ago, Mel Bourne said:

 

I think Koz needs to properly understand that he's playing for his spot every week, and that the early excitement he generated amongst fans and pundits does not equate to a guaranteed selection week in, week out. And next week it's a rest, for my liking.

Not sure who comes in - whether it's a small forward or tall - but if it's Melksham we can live in hope that his recent demotion sent a message that has been understood.

 

Pickett kicked 3.3 against the form team of the comp in Brisbane just 2 games ago. Teams are putting a lot of effort in to him defensively, he’s going to have quiet games especially if the forward line isn’t functioning.

To replace him with a player like Melksham who has zero defensive intensity would be madness.

Pickett isn’t playing for his spot every week because he earns his spot every week with defensive actions.

  • Like 5
  • Love 1
Posted (edited)
3 hours ago, monoccular said:

It is, totally, yet amazingly we are 12/2 on top of the ladder.  
All credit to our full defence team. 

There have been exceptions when Fritta kicked six and Tmac has played well but we so need a third scorer et al.

In 2018 we had hogan...tmac..garlett...hannan and a few more that really hit the scoreboard and we kicked higher scores.

But yes our defence is so much different to then.

Thank goodness.

Edited by leave it to deever
  • Like 1
Posted

Jones might be a better on baller at Casey than Sparrow but when it comes to someone playing reduced burst minutes at half forward I’d take Sparrow.

Jones just doesn’t have the speed to lay tackles in that role.

If Jones comes in he’d have to get some midfield time on the wing or on ball to add value.

  • Like 4
Posted
3 hours ago, Mel Bourne said:

 

We can do without him for a round. He needs to feel a little heat, and letting him play off the leash for this long with little payoff sends the wrong message. 

He also needs to spend a weekend kicking set shots with Choc. He is so off in that department, and it's not fixing itself in situ.

 

 

True and on that subject a shout out to Trac who has turned around his set shots very well.

  • Like 2

Posted (edited)

These threads would be less convoluted if everyone accepted the very strong likelihood that the following players will not be dropped this season:

- ANB

- fritter 

- kozzie 

- Jackson 

-  spargo 

Edited by binman
  • Like 8
  • Love 2
Posted

After watching GWS today and how much trouble they had with talks and also their lack of run would probably result in it being a good time to bring BB in

  • Like 3
Posted (edited)
6 minutes ago, binman said:

These threads would be less convoluted if everyone accepted the fact that the following players will not be dropped this season:

- ANB

- fritter 

- kozzie 

- Jackson 

-  spargo 

I’m more inclined to accept “likelihood” over “fact”. I sure hope that those players don’t see it as “fact” anyway. Max in his post-game remarks went to great pains to point out the pressure that every player is under to hold their spot in this team, while we currently have genuine quality in our depth. Could be just words, but I’d like to think he meant it. It’s ultimately a very good thing. 

Edited by Mel Bourne
  • Like 2

Posted

I'd be inclined to not change the team but Sparrow isn't getting enough ball and Big Benny did enough to be included in the team that would be the only change if we do have one I'm comfortable with which ever way it goes.

  • Like 2
Posted
3 minutes ago, Mel Bourne said:

I’m more inclined to accept “likelihood” over “fact”. I sure hope that those players don’t see it as “fact” anyway. Max in his post-game remarks went to great pains to point out the pressure that every player is under to hold their spot in this team, while we currently have genuine quality in our depth. Could be just words, but I’d like to think he meant it. It’s ultimately a very good thing. 

Fixed

  • Haha 1

Posted
4 hours ago, Jibroni said:

The why drop him, he was reasonable and has more upside than Jones.

because with a fit list and the team pushing for the premiership, we should play the strongest team we can put on the field. Jones got 36 possessions and a goal this week, and from Goodwin's mouth last night he has indicated that Jones is very close to playing as is evident by him being the sub this week.

Upside is basically saying Sparrow has more potential than Jones, and he probably will in coming years, 

  • Like 1
Posted
16 minutes ago, binman said:

These threads would be less convoluted if everyone accepted the very strong likelihood that the following players will not be dropped this season:

- ANB

- fritter 

- kozzie 

- Jackson 

-  spargo 

I get what you are saying about ANB, Jackson, and Pickett. Two of them are the foundation of our defensive system and the other is now rucking 44% of games now. Spargo and Fritsch do not have the level of Pressure acts and tackles that the other two have.

Around the edges of the cornerstone

Fritsch has seen an uptick in PAs but is still below 12 on average on the season (13.4 the last 5 weeks). Spargo is averaging 12 this year too, but only 9.2 in the last 5. Spargo has also dipped in tackles the last 5. Down to 2 a game. Fritsch is at 1.4 tackles a game. 

ANB and Pickett are above 20 PAs and 3.4 tackles a game. They are the cornerstone for the system.

Fritsch plays tall and needs to be smaller

Fritsch has TMac levels of pressure which is not the trade off we want from a medium forward like Fritsch. His 2 goals a game is welcome but will it stand up in a pressure final? I worry that he relies on excellent delivery when he is the 2nd tall and he won’t have that in September. 

Spargo must deliver

Spargo is handy for his delivery into the forward line but only gets 2.4 I50s a game. Spargo needs to get more of the football or he needs to ramp up his pressure. He sticks to the system and his place in the press but anyone can do that; what is he going to bring to the team in September?

Selection integrity and ‘selection locks’ don’t jive 

So I hope the last two months see us find our best balance in that forward line. And that is not going to mean that there are too many ‘locks’ - selection integrity is important to ensuring teams are harmonious and that effort and actions are rewarded.

We are based around that defence and pressure in the forward half and Fritsch and Spargo don’t bring enough of it to feel comfort. 

  • Like 7
Posted

ANB and Spargo are not getting dropped. Kossi may be rested prior to finals for a week. 
The bigger issue we have right now is working out what is our best forward mix. Finals are 8 weeks away and we need to get it right. To me having a strong target up forward who can take pack marks or at least half aerial contests is going to be very important in finals when the pressure goes way up and you often see “kick it and hope” sort of entries. We can’t have 13 balls dropped on Spargo’s head and expect him to become a marking target. Nor can we rely on Fritsch to kick bags. He is an opportunistic forward and isn’t big enough to take on two defenders. 
I believe Ben Brown has to play in the next few weeks and we need to try and work it out with him in the side. He is a proven big forward and he’s battle ready. 
We know we will play finals. So now the question needs to be what sort of team do we want to field come week one of the finals. 

  • Like 3
  • Love 1
Posted
20 hours ago, leave it to deever said:

Sadly Has dropped of a lot but so have our other forwards.

Worst game from ANB as well for the year Maybe Jonesy or AVB for a week or too

  • Like 1
Posted

You could forgive someone for thinking we lost on the weekend after a having a look at a lot of the comments in this thread. 

Having said that, I reckon Ben Brown needs to come in for someone, not sure who though. 

  • Like 3

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • 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...