Jump to content

Discussion on recent allegations about the use of illicit drugs in football is forbidden
  • IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

    Posting unsubstantiated rumours on this website is strictly forbidden.

    Demonland has made the difficult decision to not permit this platform to be used to discuss & debate the off-field issues relating to the Melbourne Football Club including matters currently being litigated between the Club & former Board members, board elections, the issue of illicit drugs in footy, the culture at the club & the personal issues & allegations against some of our players & officials ...

    We do not take these issues & this decision lightly & of course we believe that these serious matters affecting the club we love & are so passionate about are worthy of discussion & debate & I wish we could provide a place where these matters can be discussed in a civil & respectful manner.

    However these discussions unfortunately invariably devolve into areas that may be defamatory, libelous, spread unsubstantiated rumours & can effect the mental health of those involved. Even discussion & debate of known facts or media reports can lead to finger pointing, blame & personal attacks.

    The repercussion is that these discussions can open this website, it’s owners & it’s users to legal action & may result in this website being forced to shutdown.

    Our moderating team are all volunteers & cannot moderate the forum 24/7 & as a consequence problematic content that contravenes our rules & standards may go unnoticed for some time before it can be removed.

    We reserve the right to delete posts that offend against our above policy & indeed, to ban posters who are repeat offenders or who breach our code of conduct.

    WE HAVE BUILT A FANTASTIC ONLINE COMMUNITY AT DEMONLAND OVER THE PAST 23 YEARS & WE WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO DISCUSS THE CLUB WE LOVE & ARE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT.

    Thank you for your continued support & understanding. Go Dees.



Recommended Posts

Following Viney's 2 game suspension (and arguable drop of form) - it would seem as though we have a hole in our midfield for a third on-baller. Why haven't we given Gus a go back on the ball in the position he dominated in 2018? He has past the worst of his concussion and James Jordon has played very well as that defensive wingman in the past. Is there something I'm missing?

Everyone remembers Gus' game against Adelaide where he racked up 37 possessions and 3 goals - wouldn't be the worst tactical change come finals time. Looking at what his brother is doing over at Freo, we all know Gus can match it and go one better!

It also allows Tracca to spend more time as that dangerous Dusty-type player up forward as Oliver's midfield workload would be shared with Gus.

Edited by trucka
another point
  • Like 4
  • Love 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, BDA said:

If it ain't broken don't fix it

Finals is a different brand of footy. No one wants to be too predictable. I reckon we could do worse than having Gus in the guts as a finals wildcard with Tracca as a goalsquare forward. I can't think of a better on-ball combo than Oliver-Gus-Harmes with CP5 forward (given Jordon plays that wing role so well). Just my opinion of course.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites


He makes us too slow on transition. There’s a lot of footage over 2019-20 with Brayshaw in the midfield where he can’t go with his opponent. It’s one of the reasons he’s playing defensive wing. He’s responsible for 2/3rds of his side of the ground, and doing such a good job. I love what he’s done this year. It’s working really well and doesn’t need to change.

We need more spark, burst and versatility in the middle if anything. More bursts of Kozzie and Jordan.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

52 minutes ago, trucka said:

Following Viney's 2 game suspension (and arguable drop of form) - it would seem as though we have a hole in our midfield for a third on-baller. Why haven't we given Gus a go back on the ball in the position he dominated in 2018? He has past the worst of his concussion and James Jordon has played very well as that defensive wingman in the past. Is there something I'm missing?

Everyone remembers Gus' game against Adelaide where he racked up 37 possessions and 3 goals - wouldn't be the worst tactical change come finals time. Looking at what his brother is doing over at Freo, we all know Gus can match it and go one better!

It also allows Tracca to spend more time as that dangerous Dusty-type player up forward as Oliver's midfield workload would be shared with Gus.

Gus has been really important on the wing this season. It is a hard position to play that involves a lot of defensive spread and and pressure acts that can go unnoticed (although not by the coaches). And he has had to work hard to learn how to play the role so well. 

Defensively has improved out of sight. He gets involved in a lot of contests, and importantly many of them in the the back half. Interestingly he is averaging 7.2 contested possession a game this season, which is only marginally less than his career average of 8. By way of comparison Salem averages 5.5 contested possession a game this season.

And I reckon his marking is increasingly important in stopping teams transition.  

The other thing is that Gus is not not in Tracc's league as a mid. Few are. Apart from his brilliance, tracc is possibly the strongest mid in the AFL and the best and getting a possession off when being tackled and fighting his way through tackles. He is worth two mids.

This is key to our set up of allowing the opposition an extra at the contest  and having our extra behind the ball. We would lose too may clearances if tracc played less time as a mid and more time up forward. And so would struggle to implement our preferred set up. Which in turn would impact on our ability to win intercepts in the back half.

 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, binman said:

Gus has been really important on the wing this season. It is a hard position to play that involves a lot of defensive spread and and pressure acts that can go unnoticed (although not by the coaches). And he has had to work hard to learn how to play the role so well. 

Defensively has improved out of sight. He gets involved in a lot of contests, and importantly many of them in the the back half. Interestingly he is averaging 7.2 contested possession a game this season, which is only marginally less than his career average of 8. By way of comparison Salem averages 5.5 contested possession a game this season.

And I reckon his marking is increasingly important in stopping teams transition.  

The other thing is that Gus is not not in Tracc's league as a mid. Few are. Apart from his brilliance, tracc is possibly the strongest mid in the AFL and the best and getting a possession off when being tackled and fighting his way through tackles. He is worth two mids.

This is key to our set up of allowing the opposition an extra at the contest  and having our extra behind the ball. We would lose too may clearances if tracc played less time as a mid and more time up forward. And so would struggle to implement our preferred set up. Which in turn would impact on our ability to win intercepts in the back half.

 

That is why we need a completely defensive minded contested midfielder in stoppage. JJ has the tank to roam the defensive wing and will work harder then Brayshaw in the spread. 

Brayshaw has the contested and stoppage craft and now with his improved attitude towards role playing, will be an ideal candidate to play that defensive role in the centre and stoppages - he wont do the stupid things like trying to take on 3 tacklers. He is smart and will help the team transition from in-to-out. If there is a tag involved, then Brayshaw probably stays on the wing and JJ or Harmes come in... nevertheless it would be worth experimenting to see if we could do something a little less predictable come finals. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, binman said:

Gus has been really important on the wing this season. It is a hard position to play that involves a lot of defensive spread and and pressure acts that can go unnoticed (although not by the coaches). And he has had to work hard to learn how to play the role so well. 

Defensively has improved out of sight. He gets involved in a lot of contests, and importantly many of them in the the back half. Interestingly he is averaging 7.2 contested possession a game this season, which is only marginally less than his career average of 8. By way of comparison Salem averages 5.5 contested possession a game this season.

And I reckon his marking is increasingly important in stopping teams transition.  

The other thing is that Gus is not not in Tracc's league as a mid. Few are. Apart from his brilliance, tracc is possibly the strongest mid in the AFL and the best and getting a possession off when being tackled and fighting his way through tackles. He is worth two mids.

This is key to our set up of allowing the opposition an extra at the contest  and having our extra behind the ball. We would lose too may clearances if tracc played less time as a mid and more time up forward. And so would struggle to implement our preferred set up. Which in turn would impact on our ability to win intercepts in the back half.

 

Exactly right.  He is averaging 5 + intercepts a game, which by a quick glance is one of the highest by a non defender in the league. 

He's incredibly important in our game plan to slow up the opposition rebounds reading the play so well, cutting off passes and defensive spread. 

Our system really matters to Goodwin and he's been one of the key aspects of success of our system this year. Id be a little surprised if Goodwin suddenly went with this route now when it doesn't appear the system is broken. 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

24 minutes ago, CYB said:

nevertheless it would be worth experimenting to see if we could do something a little less predictable come finals. 

Pre season is the time to experiment.

Three weeks out from a finals campaign is not. 

If we beat West Coast, we will have beaten every team in the top 8. So we know we have a game plan, systems, set up and structure that works against the best teams, and therefore in finals. Why on earth would they want to change any part of tjhat system tat this satge of the season? 

And i don't understand what the issue is with predictability, or why we would want to charge players role to be less predictable.

I suspect we will introduce some minor tactical tweaks and set plays in the finals to create some new looks or disrupt opposition planning.

But given their focus on the importance of each player playing their assigned role, and how hard player must work to make their role second nature, i can't see the logic of changing anyone's role at this stage of the season

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 minutes ago, CYB said:

That is why we need a completely defensive minded contested midfielder in stoppage. JJ has the tank to roam the defensive wing and will work harder then Brayshaw in the spread. 

Brayshaw has the contested and stoppage craft and now with his improved attitude towards role playing, will be an ideal candidate to play that defensive role in the centre and stoppages - he wont do the stupid things like trying to take on 3 tacklers. He is smart and will help the team transition from in-to-out. If there is a tag involved, then Brayshaw probably stays on the wing and JJ or Harmes come in... nevertheless it would be worth experimenting to see if we could do something a little less predictable come finals. 

His stoppage craft is second to none. Has a strong kicking efficiency and a natural ability to win the ball. I don't see any harm in taking a punt for finals and playing Gus in his natural, best position. Particularly with the suspension and drop of form in Viney and Jordon's ability to play strongly as a defensive winger. 

Just as a glance - 2018 3rd in the Brownlow, on-baller Angus Brayshaw was ranked elite for metres gained, inside 50s, score involvements and contested marks. He can still play that critical role of locking the ball in attacking 50 as a defensive on-baller whilst significantly bolstering our stoppages and effective disposals. We need our highly effective and damaging players to lead high our midfield possessions if we are going to have the luxury of resting Trac up forward to shake up the forward line - I say look no further then Gus. 

I am not discrediting the superb wing role he's played this year. I would just love to see him have a larger role in winning possessions closer to the footy. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, binman said:

Pre season is the time to experiment.

Three weeks out from a finals campaign is not. 

If we beat West Coast, we will have beaten every team in the top 8. So we know we have a game plan, systems, set up and structure that works against the best teams, and therefore in finals. Why on earth would they want to change any part of tjhat system tat this satge of the season? 

And i don't understand what the issue is with predictability, or why we would want to charge players role to be less predictable.

I suspect we will introduce some minor tactical tweaks and set plays in the finals to create some new looks or disrupt opposition planning.

But given their focus on the importance of each player playing their assigned role, and how hard player must work to make their role second nature, i can't see the logic of changing anyone's role at this stage of the season

Perhaps you're right. Maybe it's correct to play the brand that's lead us to being so high on the ladder. I just think it's worth a shout just outside of finals - probably safer to experiment with this closer to the pre-season but it's certainly worth experimenting at some stage. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Its a no from me.

Especially after his best game for a while.

Wouldnt mind seing Spargo have a shot.

Hes fearless.

Gets the head high free

His disposal is first class.

Just a thought.

Edited by leave it to deever
  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I thought Kozzie was ok running through the middle earlier in the season as well.
Like Bradshaw on wing, his sweeping work gives us a lot of repeat 50 entries.

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, allanjakovich said:

Does anyone here actually think Viney, JJ or Harmes are satisfactory starting on-ballers in a team that genuinely fancies themselves as a potential premier? You're kidding yourselves - good depth players at best.

#getgusintheguts

 

 

Look at the dogs M3 - bont, libba, MCCRAE 
look at the lions M3 - neale, zorko, LYONS
look at the cats M3-  dangerfield, selwood, GUTHRIE
I just think if we've got the quality, flaunt it. Instead of the dees third midfielder being Harmes or Viney (who is struggling with fitness and form at the moment, not to mention suspension - albiet i still love him at his best) it could be a bloke who came third in the brownlow and has proven quality in the position in BRAYSHAW. I love the sounds of the dees M3 being - oliver, trac and BRAYSHAW

  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, PaulRB said:

I thought Kozzie was ok running through the middle earlier in the season as well.
Like Bradshaw on wing, his sweeping work gives us a lot of repeat 50 entries.

 

Did it on the weekend and it certainly got him involved more.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Clintosaurus said:

Any chance of Declase coming in to play on the wing with Gus in the middle?

That’s what I’d do. Declase kicking looked iffy though would be the only hesitation. But Gus does belong in the middle, so its an opportune time to play him back there.

Edited by KingDingAling
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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  

    DEPTH CHARGE by Whispering Jack

    The jubilation on the coach’s face as he danced a celebratory jig by the playing bench after the final siren sounded to record his team’s four-point victory over the Demons when the teams last met, said it all.    On that rainy Friday night at the Adelaide Oval, Ken Hinkley’s young midfield secured much more than four points on offer. The victory over one of the big dogs of the competition after a succession of wins over some of its lesser lights gave his team respect and validation fo

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    TRAINING: Monday 25th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Demon Dynasty & Kev Martin were trackside at Gosch's Paddock today to bring you their observations from training. DEMON DYNASTY'S TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Kade Chandler's left knee heavily strapped. BBB, Spargs & Jake Lever also in rehab group. Jake Bowey solo running separate kicking/sprint/agility drills. Super fine morning / early arvo at Gosch's for the boys to blow out some cobwebs. Choco initially had the light duties / rehab group

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    HIBERNATING by KC from Casey

    When they locked up the rooms for summer at the end of last year’s football season, the rooms gathered cobwebs, the atmosphere became dense and the place developed a sleepy feel. They opened up the rooms to let Casey out to play on Sunday but the team was still hibernating and they missed the bulk of the opening quarter. By the time they worked out it was game on, their opponents from Box Hill had accumulated five goals and, if the game wasn’t over, it might as well have been. For a se

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Casey Articles

    A FORK IN THE HAWK by George on the Outer

    For too long in the past, Demon fans became habitually sick and tired of watching the Hawks hand out thrashings to their side. But Melbourne’s empahtic 55-point win at the MCG on Saturday has truly put a fork in the Hawk and turned that history well and truly on its head. The Demons have now won nine of their last ten encounters with the other result, a draw.     And like a fork, it was the multi-pronged options that Melbourne had all across the ground.  It certainly helped that Hawthorn

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Reports 8

    PREGAME: Rd 03 vs Port Adelaide

    The Demons head on the road for the next 2 weeks as they travel to Adelaide to play Port on Saturday and then have a 5 Day break before facing the Crows in the Gather Round. With injuries to May and Lever who comes in and who goes out?

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 278

    PODCAST: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 25th March @ 8:30pm. Join George, Binman & I as we analyse the Demons victory at the MCG against the Hawks in the Round 02. You 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. Listen & Chat

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 46

    VOTES: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    Last week Steven May took the lead in the Demonland Player of the Year Award from Jack Viney. Clayton Oliver & Max Gawn round out the Top 4. Your votes for the win/loss against/to the Hawks. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 50

    POSTGAME: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demons cruised to an easy 55 point win over the Hawks at the MCG but but paid a heavy toll on the injury front with Steven May & Jake Lever possibly sidelined for a number of weeks.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 363

    GAMEDAY: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    It's Game Day and after mixed results in the first two weeks of the season the Demons have the opportunity to capitalise on their good form last week when they take on the Hawks at the MCG today.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 437
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!
  • Podcast 

  • Podcast 

  • Podcast Stream 


    Open Stream in
    New Window
        TuneIn    Opens in New Tab
  • Support Demonland  



  • 2021 Premiership  

  • Social Media 

  • Non MFC Games  

    NON-MFC: Round 03

    Discussion of all the other games that don't involve the Demons in Round 03 ... READ MORE

    Demonland | Round 03

  • Match Preview      

    DEPTH CHARGE by Whispering Jack

    The jubilation on the coach’s face as he danced a celebratory jig by the playing bench after the final siren sounded to record his team’s four-point victory over the Demons when the teams last met, said it all ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 27

  • Latest Podcast      

    PODCAST: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The boys dissected the clinical thrashing of Hawks praising the immense performance of Christian Petracca whilst lamenting the injury toll to our defensive unit ... LISTEN

    Demonland | March 26

  • Training  

    Monday, 25th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Demon Dynasty & Kev Martin were trackside at Gosch's Paddock today to bring you their observations from training ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 25

  • Casey Report      

    HIBERNATING by KC from Casey

    When they locked up the rooms for summer at the end of last year’s football season, the rooms gathered cobwebs, the atmosphere became dense and the place developed a sleepy feel. They opened up the rooms to let Casey out to play on Sunday but the team was still hibernating and they missed the bulk of the opening quarter ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 25

  • PreGame      

    PREGAME: Rd 03 vs Port Adelaide

    The Demons head out on the road for the next 2 weeks as they travel to Adelaide to play Port on Saturday and then have a 5 Day break before facing the Crows in Gather Round. With injuries to May and Lever who comes in and who goes out? ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 28

  • Match Report      

    A FORK IN THE HAWK by George on the Outer

    For too long in the past, Demon fans became habitually sick and tired of watching the Hawks hand out thrashings to their side. But Melbourne’s empahtic 55-point win at the MCG on Saturday has truly put a fork in the Hawk and turned that history well and truly on its head ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Post Game      

    POSTGAME: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    The Demons cruised to an easy 55 point win over the Hawks at the MCG but but paid a heavy toll on the injury front with Steven May & Jake Lever possibly sidelined for a number of weeks ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Votes      

    VOTES: Rd 02 vs Hawthorn

    Last week Steven May took the lead in the Demonland Player of the Year Award from Jack Viney. Clayton Oliver & Max Gawn round out the Top 4. Your votes for the win/loss against/to the Hawks. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ...READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Game Day      

    GAMEDAY: Round 02 vs Hawthorn

    It's Game Day and after mixed results in the first two weeks of the season the Demons have the opportunity to capitalise on their good form last week when they take on the Hawks at the MCG today ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 23

  • Training  

    Friday, 22nd March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatcher Kev Martin and I attended the Captain's Run at Gosch's Paddock on this lovely sunny morning to bring you the following observations from the training session ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 22

  • Training  

    Tuesday, 19th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin & Walking Civil War attended Tuesday morning's training session at Gosch's Paddock to bring you the following observations ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 19

  • Training  

    Saturday, 16th March 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin and Dee Zephyr wandered down to Gosch's Paddock on Saturday morning to bring you their observations from the Captain's Run in the lead up to Sunday's Round One match against the Bulldogs ... READ MORE

    Demonland | March 16

  • Farewell  

    Angus Brayshaw Retires

    After 167 games including the drought breaking Premiership Angus Brayshaw has made the heart breaking decision to medically retire from football as a result of a series of serious head knocks over his nearly decade of footy. We wish Gus all the best and he'll always be a hero at Demonland ... READ MORE

    Demonland | February 22

  • Latest Podcast  

    PODCAST: Koltyn Tholstrup Interview

    I interview the Melbourne Football Club’s newest recruit Koltyn Tholstrup to have a chat about his journey from the farm to the Demons, his first few weeks of preseason training, which Dees have impressed him on the track and his aspirations of playing Round 1 ... LISTEN

    Demonland | December 14

  • Latest Podcast  

    PODCAST: Jason Taylor Interview

    I interview the Melbourne Football Club's National Recruitment Manager Jason Taylor to have a chat about our Trade and Draft period, our newest recruits, our recent recruits who have yet to debut as well as those father son prospects on the horizon ... LISTEN

    Demonland | November 27

  • Next Match 

    .

    Round 03

       vs   

    Saturday 30th March 2024
    @ 07:30pm (AO)

  • MFC Forum  

  • Match Previews & Reports  

  • Training Forum  

  • AFLW Forum  

  • 2024 Player Sponsorship

  • Topics

  • Injury List  


      PLAYER INJURY LENGTH
    Jake Lever Knee Test
    Clayton Oliver Hand Test
    Oliver Sestan Concussion Test
    Steven May Ribs 1 Week
    Lachie Hunter Calf 1 Week
    Daniel Turner Hip 2-3 Weeks
    Charlie Spargo Achilles 2-4 Weeks
    Shane McAdam Hamstring 3-5 Weeks
    Jake Bowey Shoulder 7 Weeks
    Jake Melksham ACL 12-14 Weeks
    Joel Smith Suspension TBA

  • Player of the Year  


        PLAYER VOTES
    1 Christian Petracca 27
    2 Steven May 25
    3 Max Gawn 21
    4 Jack Viney 20
    5 Bayley Fritsch 19
    6 Clayton Oliver 18
    7 Christian Salem 12
    8 Blake Howes 11
    9 Jack Billings 10
    9 Alex Neal-Bullen 10

        FULL TABLE
  • Demonland Interviews 



  • Upcoming Events 

×
×
  • Create New...