Jump to content

Finals 2021

Demonland
Demonland
in Melbourne Demons

Featured Replies

6 minutes ago, picket fence said:

We will play vs Moggies at MCG next week

There was a graphic on Fox at half time in the game that showed next week's game at the MCG, but I think this was a typo.

On First Crack just now it showed the game in Geelong. 

 
12 minutes ago, Demonland said:

 

Worth noting that the only teams Port have beaten in those rounds not outside the top 8 are the two Sydney teams. Sydney was at AO. 
They’ve had a soft draw. 

    • Like 4
    • Thanks 1
     

    This could have gone in a few of the threads, but I notice David King has finally relented and pegged us as his flag favourite on FIRST CRACK, jumping off the Dogs.

    He talked about us in the last 6 weeks being #1 in a list of categories vis a vis defending without the ball and a mile better than any other team (ridiculously so), so defending ball movement, forward half intercepts etc.

    He basically said, if it continues, you can't not back us.

    I think the real x factor that I've completely underestimated this season going into finals is Luke Jackson. He's not as damaging or as involved for as long as Jake Stringer (who I'd say is the best player in the comp over the last 3 or 4 weeks), but given where the rest of our game sits, I thought for the first time today, this kid could actually tear the 2021 finals series up.

    The fact he's started marking the ball and adding goals to his game from the contest, to add to his ability to get it on the outside, is a massive, massive development for our forward half. I worry slightly that McDonald coming back will disrupt this, but we'll have to wait and see. It worked okay against the Suns.

    The other tantalising aspect to LJ's game was again on display today from stoppage. He's a freak in that not only can he rove his own tapwork ala NikNat, he's an elite user by foot at 200cm. Wowee.

    So can we win it? We just need a bit more luck and I think barring a horror out of the box performance, it's ours to lose now.

    We're still vulnerable when Oliver or Petracca are slightly off, but fortunately they're rarely off and then we have Viney as a finals wild card as well.

     

    • Like 11

    10 minutes ago, A F said:

    This could have gone in a few of the threads, but I notice David King has finally relented and pegged us as his flag favourite on FIRST CRACK, jumping off the Dogs.

    He talked about us in the last 6 weeks being #1 in a list of categories vis a vis defending without the ball and a mile better than any other team (ridiculously so), so defending ball movement, forward half intercepts etc.

    He basically said, if it continues, you can't not back us.

    I think the real x factor that I've completely underestimated this season going into finals is Luke Jackson. He's not as damaging or as involved for as long as Jake Stringer (who I'd say is the best player in the comp over the last 3 or 4 weeks), but given where the rest of our game sits, I thought for the first time today, this kid could actually tear the 2021 finals series up.

    The fact he's started marking the ball and adding goals to his game from the contest, to add to his ability to get it on the outside, is a massive, massive development for our forward half. I worry slightly that McDonald coming back will disrupt this, but we'll have to wait and see. It worked okay against the Suns.

    The other tantalising aspect to LJ's game was again on display today from stoppage. He's a freak in that not only can he rove his own tapwork ala NikNat, he's an elite user by foot at 200cm. Wowee.

    So can we win it? We just need a bit more luck and I think barring a horror out of the box performance, it's ours to lose now.

    We're still vulnerable when Oliver or Petracca are slightly off, but fortunately they're rarely off and then we have Viney as a finals wild card as well.

     

    On the McDonald bit, think it'll only help. Teams will go to town double teaming Brown if McDonald isn't playing. I know Fritsch kicked 7 today, but think it's a big help for him too.

    • Like 4
    12 minutes ago, A F said:

     

    We're still vulnerable when Oliver or Petracca are slightly off, but fortunately they're rarely off and then we have Viney as a finals wild card as well.

     

    I think Oliver was born to play finals. I just feel that he will rise to the occasion. He was a baby in 2018. He is not anymore. 
    I am probably most excited for May. Baring any disasters next week, he gets to finally play finals. He must be salivating. Watch out forwards. 

    • Like 8
    • Love 2

    What’s happened to mark robinson seems to have disappeared, not on 360 and done nothing in herald sun for weeks 

     
    9 minutes ago, brendan said:

    What’s happened to mark robinson seems to have disappeared, not on 360 and done nothing in herald sun for weeks 

    He has a health issue he's dealing with

    8 minutes ago, BDA said:

    He has a health issue he's dealing with

    No good I don’t mind robbo on 360 


    9 hours ago, Demonland said:

     

    Wouldn't it be just the most Melbourne thing ever to steam into the finals, and finally win a premiership - only for the game to be played interstate, and us (in Vic at least) not being able to see it in person because of lockdown? Is this the curse changing form? Success but we can't feel it? (the inhale, exhale of a packed MCG is unrivalled).

    (Obviously I'll take a premiership no matter what haha).

    • Sad 2
    10 hours ago, A F said:

    This could have gone in a few of the threads, but I notice David King has finally relented and pegged us as his flag favourite on FIRST CRACK, jumping off the Dogs.

    He talked about us in the last 6 weeks being #1 in a list of categories vis a vis defending without the ball and a mile better than any other team (ridiculously so), so defending ball movement, forward half intercepts etc.

    He basically said, if it continues, you can't not back us.

    I think the real x factor that I've completely underestimated this season going into finals is Luke Jackson. He's not as damaging or as involved for as long as Jake Stringer (who I'd say is the best player in the comp over the last 3 or 4 weeks), but given where the rest of our game sits, I thought for the first time today, this kid could actually tear the 2021 finals series up.

    The fact he's started marking the ball and adding goals to his game from the contest, to add to his ability to get it on the outside, is a massive, massive development for our forward half. I worry slightly that McDonald coming back will disrupt this, but we'll have to wait and see. It worked okay against the Suns.

    The other tantalising aspect to LJ's game was again on display today from stoppage. He's a freak in that not only can he rove his own tapwork ala NikNat, he's an elite user by foot at 200cm. Wowee.

    So can we win it? We just need a bit more luck and I think barring a horror out of the box performance, it's ours to lose now.

    We're still vulnerable when Oliver or Petracca are slightly off, but fortunately they're rarely off and then we have Viney as a finals wild card as well.

     

    Whilst I agree with the sentiment and how the stats show we're as well-placed to win it this year as anyone, it's not a simple as the bolded line.

    We don't need a "horror out of the box performance" to miss. There are four other very good sides in it: Geelong, Port, Brisbane and the Bulldogs (albeit the Dogs appear to be trending the wrong way at the wrong time). We know we can beat them but it won't take a "horror" match for us to lose, particularly if we lose to Geelong this week and end up playing Port in Adelaide in the first final (or, almost worse, we avoid them in the first final but lose to, say, Geelong, and then end up in Adelaide in the prelim...).

    • Like 2
    45 minutes ago, Red But Mostly Blue said:

    Wouldn't it be just the most Melbourne thing ever to steam into the finals, and finally win a premiership - only for the game to be played interstate, and us (in Vic at least) not being able to see it in person because of lockdown? Is this the curse changing form? Success but we can't feel it? (the inhale, exhale of a packed MCG is unrivalled).

    (Obviously I'll take a premiership no matter what haha).

    We haven't won the thing yet and I have to keep reminding myself of this.

    But, yeah it's a cruel twist to send the GF to a state where VICs will not be able to attend under any circumstances (unless you can quarantine in TAS or NT and then risk wasting your time and effort if we lost a prelim) . Mind you if cases persist here, we won't be able to travel to any state regardless.

    QLD and SA would typically require 14 days without community transmission and WA a full 28.

    24 minutes ago, Demonland said:

     

    Yep....

    GF in Perth.The real question is the two prelims and perhaps the previous finals.

    I'm seeing a pre grand final bye that allows quarantining and testing for the visiting teams in Perth.


    Can I roll my GF guarantee over until next year? aha

    12 hours ago, Jaded said:

    Worth noting that the only teams Port have beaten in those rounds not outside the top 8 are the two Sydney teams. Sydney was at AO. 
    They’ve had a soft draw. 

    And we still have not beaten anyone above us!!!

    10 minutes ago, roy11 said:

    Can I roll my GF guarantee over until next year? aha

    We both hope you are joking but the odds for a GF at the G with crowds are as long as the highway to Perth. 

    Why is Adelaide not being seriously considered to host all finals?

    I get that the MCG is not going to happen with crowds and I get that the spectacle is just so much better with crowds.

    But I am sorry I don't quite get why Adelaide is not ahead of Perth in likelihood of staging the finals.

    Adelaide, like Perth, has practically no cases

    Adelaide, like Perth, has proud footy traditions which means that all games will be close to capacity even without the local sides playing, although Port are guaranteed to be playing in at least two of the nine finals.

    Adelaide, like Perth, has a relatively new stadium that has won rave reviews. Crowd capacity is 53,500 as opposed to Perth's 60,156 - a slight difference but not massive enough to be a critical factor.

    Then there's the advantages:

    Adelaide is less distance for other teams to travel (ie Brisbane).

    Adelaide is more accessible for us Victorians if we make the granny.

    and while government policy changes, the one state that has been saying 'No' to any foreigners throughout the Covid era is WA.

    I also get that holding the finals in Adelaide would give Port considerable clout, but as with the Lions last year, even though the umps will favour them, if you aren't up to it, you still aren't up to it.

    So why Perth?

    • Like 4

    8 minutes ago, old dee said:

    And we still have not beaten anyone above us!!!

    Only team above us is the Heaven XVIII. 

    Bunch of righteous flogs, love to clip their wings… 

    And did you know their coach is responsible for the pandemic? 

    Love to punch him in the face…

    9 minutes ago, Deespicable said:

    Why is Adelaide not being seriously considered to host all finals?

    I get that the MCG is not going to happen with crowds and I get that the spectacle is just so much better with crowds.

    But I am sorry I don't quite get why Adelaide is not ahead of Perth in likelihood of staging the finals.

    Adelaide, like Perth, has practically no cases

    Adelaide, like Perth, has proud footy traditions which means that all games will be close to capacity even without the local sides playing, although Port are guaranteed to be playing in at least two of the nine finals.

    Adelaide, like Perth, has a relatively new stadium that has won rave reviews. Crowd capacity is 53,500 as opposed to Perth's 60,156 - a slight difference but not massive enough to be a critical factor.

    Then there's the advantages:

    Adelaide is less distance for other teams to travel (ie Brisbane).

    Adelaide is more accessible for us Victorians if we make the granny.

    and while government policy changes, the one state that has been saying 'No' to any foreigners throughout the Covid era is WA.

    I also get that holding the finals in Adelaide would give Port considerable clout, but as with the Lions last year, even though the umps will favour them, if you aren't up to it, you still aren't up to it.

    So why Perth?

    Deespicable what makes you think the GP from Victoria will be allowed into either state by the end of September? Both states require no positive cases for 2 weeks. That is simply not going to happen with Delta. Your only option is watching on TV  wether it be interstate with local crowds or G with no one. 

    Edited by old dee

     
    9 minutes ago, Demonland said:

     

    The further away from Home we go the harder we go...

    33 minutes ago, old dee said:

    We both hope you are joking but the odds for a GF at the G with crowds are as long as the highway to Perth. 

    I meant I have the GF Guarantee, but if its in WA and we make it, highly doubt I'll be able to go for various reasons. 

    • Like 1

    Guest
    This topic is now closed to further replies.
    Go to topic listing

    Featured Content

    • NON-MFC: Round 10

      The Sir Doug Nicholls Round kicks off in Darwin with a Top 4 clash between the Suns and the Hawks. On Friday night the Swans will be seeking to rebound from a challenging start to the season, while the Blues have the Top 8 in their sights after their sluggish start. Saturdays matches kick off with a blockbuster between the Collingwood and Kuwarna with the Magpies looking to maintain their strong form and the Crows aiming to make a statement on the road. The Power face a difficult task to revive their season against a resilient Cats side looking to make amends for their narrow loss last week. The Giants aim to reinforce their top-eight status, while the Dockers will be looking to break the travel hoodoo. The sole Saturday game is a critical matchup for both teams, as the Bulldogs strive to cemet their spot in the top six and the Bombers desperately want break into the 8. Sundays start with a bottom 3 clash between the Tigers and Kangaroos with both teams wanting to avoid the being in wooden spoon contention. The Round concludes with the Eagles still searching for their first win of the season, while the Saints look to keep their finals hopes alive with a crucial away victory. Who are you tipping and what are the best results for the Demons?

      • 1 reply
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • PREVIEW: Brisbane

      And just like that, we’re Narrm again. Even though the annual AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round which commemorates the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture to our game has been a welcome addition to our calendar for ten years, more lately it has been a portent of tough times ahead for we beleaguered Narrm supporters. Ever since the club broke through for its historic 2021 premiership, this has become a troubling time of the year for the club. For example, it all began when Melbourne rebranded itself as Narrm across the two rounds of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round to become the first club to adopt an Indigenous club name especially for the occasion. It won its first outing under the brand against lowly North Melbourne to go to 10 wins and no losses but not without a struggle or a major injury to  star winger Ed Langdon who broke his ribs and missed several weeks. In the following week, still as Narrm, the team’s 17 game winning streak came to an end at the hands of the Dockers. That came along with more injuries, a plague that remained with them for the remainder of the season until, beset by injuries, the Dees were eliminated from the finals in straight sets. It was even worse last year, when Narrm inexplicably lowered its colours in Perth to the Waalit Marawar Eagles. Oh, the shame of it all! At least this year, if there is a corner to turn around, it has to be in the direction of something better. To that end, I produced a special pre-game chant in the local Narrm language - “nam mi:wi winnamun katjil prolin ambi ngamar thamelin amb” which roughly translated is “every heart beats true for the red and the blue.” >y belief is that if all of the Narrm faithful recite it long enough, then it might prove to be the only way to beat the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Sunday. The Lions are coming off a disappointing draw at Marvel Stadium against a North Melbourne team that lacks the ability and know how to win games (except when playing Melbourne). Brisbane are, however, a different kettle of fish at home and have very few positional weaknesses. They are a midfield powerhouse, strong in defence and have plenty of forward options, particularly their small and medium sized players, to kick a winning score this week after the sting of last week’s below par performance.

      • 9 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • REPORT: Hawthorn

      There was a time during the current Melbourne cycle that goes back to before the premiership when the club was the toughest to beat in the fourth quarter. The Demons were not only hard to beat at any time but it was virtually impossible to get the better them when scores were close at three quarter time. It was only three or four years ago but they were fit, strong and resilient in body and mind. Sadly, those days are over. This has been the case since the club fell off its pedestal about 12 months ago after it beat Geelong and then lost to Carlton. In both instances, Melbourne put together strong, stirring final quarters, one that resulted in victory, the other, in defeat. Since then, the drop off has been dramatic to the point where it can neither pull off victory in close matches, nor can it even go down in defeat  gallantly.

      • 0 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • CASEY: Footscray

      At twenty-four minutes into the third term of the game between the Casey Demons and Footscray VFL at Whitten Oval, the visitors were coasting. They were winning all over the ground, had the ascendancy in the ruck battles and held a 26 point lead on a day perfect for football. What could go wrong? Everything. The Bulldogs moved into overdrive in the last five minutes of the term and booted three straight goals to reduce the margin to a highly retrievable eight points at the last break. Bouyed by that effort, their confidence was on a high level during the interval and they ran all over the despondent Demons and kicked another five goals to lead by a comfortable margin of four goals deep into the final term before Paddy Cross kicked a couple of too late goals for a despondent Casey. A testament to their lack of pressure in the latter stages of the game was the fact that Footscray’s last ten scoring shots were nine goals and one rushed behind. Things might have been different for the Demons who went into the game after last week’s bye with 12 AFL listed players. Blake Howes was held over for the AFL game but two others, Jack Billings and Taj Woewodin (not officially listed as injured) were also missing and they could have been handy at the end. Another mystery of the current VFL system.

      • 0 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • PREGAME: Brisbane

      The Demons head back out on the road in Round 10 when they travel to Queensland to take on the reigning Premiers and the top of the table Lions who look very formidable. Can the Dees cause a massive upset? Who comes in and who goes out?

        • Sad
        • Clap
        • Like
      • 140 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • PODCAST: Hawthorn

      The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 12th May @ 8:00pm. Join Binman, George & I as we dissect the Demons loss to the Hawks. Your 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.

        • Love
      • 52 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland
    View All