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.


CHANGES: PF vs Geelong


Demonland

Recommended Posts

On 8/28/2021 at 10:30 PM, dazzledavey36 said:

Smith, Bowey out.

Hunt and Hibberd in.

Sorry Daz Hibbo is cooked and in Bowey he has been a revelation! Hunt in for Smith is about it I think

  • Like 1
  • Angry 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Smith is in for a reason.  His versatility mean that not only can be go with the quickest small forwards like Cameron, but if one of May / Lever / Petty go down,  he can be put onto one of the key forwards.  Love Hibbo but as others have noted, he's out of the team for a reason (clean below his knees?).

I think the coaches love Smith (and to be honest he hasn't been too bad).  

I wonder whether the versatility of Smith opens the door for Jones to be the medical sub on GF day should we make it.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Our game plan is incredibly ridged and each position has set roles.

I think we will go with Smith or Hibberd to play a deep defensive role on the oppositions best fast forward. Who plays that role if our small backs are Hunt, Bowey, Salem and Rivers? We have had at least one of Jetta, Hibberd or Smith in the side in all games except for GCS and WCE.

Bowey is the one at risk if Hunt is fit IMO and Hunt is much more physically equipped for finals. 

Hibberd could replace Smith but it is very even and both have strengths and weaknesses.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wouldn't be surprised if there's no change for not only next week but for the remainder of the finals series.

I can't recall too many premiership sides making involuntary changes throughout a final series, but happy to be proven wrong by posters who can recall examples.

We certainly made an involuntary change in 2018 when we dropped a regular (Fritsch) for an irregular (J Smith)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 minutes ago, deelusions from afar said:

Smith is in for a reason.  His versatility mean that not only can be go with the quickest small forwards like Cameron, but if one of May / Lever / Petty go down,  he can be put onto one of the key forwards.  Love Hibbo but as others have noted, he's out of the team for a reason (clean below his knees?).

I think the coaches love Smith (and to be honest he hasn't been too bad).  

I wonder whether the versatility of Smith opens the door for Jones to be the medical sub on GF day should we make it.

Smiths versatility to my eyes appears that he’s bad at several things opposed to just one or two 

  • Haha 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I wouldn't be surprised if there's no change for not only next week but for the remainder of the finals series.

I can't recall too many premiership sides making involuntary changes throughout a final series, but happy to be proven wrong by posters who can recall examples.

We certainly made an involuntary change in 2018 when we dropped a regular (Fritsch) for an irregular (J Smith)

If Hunt is fit it's not an involuntary change. It is bringing back a regular best 22 player for a fringe player in Smith who has just had 5 goals kicked on him.

Our backline has been settled all year. Hunt got injured late, and I think we have missed his drive off half back. Smith is not only not defending that great, he is not giving us any drive off half. Bowey is giving us some, but he can't be expected to take the game on like Hunt has been doing all year. 

I am backing Hunt to come back if fit. Whether he replaces Smith or Bowey I don't know. Hibbo could very well come in if we play GWS to help with Greene. Time will tell.

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Jaded said:

If Hunt is fit it's not an involuntary change. It is bringing back a regular best 22 player for a fringe player in Smith who has just had 5 goals kicked on him.

Our backline has been settled all year. Hunt got injured late, and I think we have missed his drive off half back. Smith is not only not defending that great, he is not giving us any drive off half. Bowey is giving us some, but he can't be expected to take the game on like Hunt has been doing all year. 

I am backing Hunt to come back if fit. Whether he replaces Smith or Bowey I don't know. Hibbo could very well come in if we play GWS to help with Greene. Time will tell.

Don't think Hunt will come in for Smith.  As @Fat Tony said, its more likely to be Bowey and Smith is fighting with Hibbo for that position.

In my view, the match committee have decided that they would rather Smith over Hibbo- which is quite amazing given the credits Hibbo would have in the bank.  Smith has done enough right (and not enough wrong) to keep Hibbo out.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 minutes ago, Jaded said:

If Hunt is fit it's not an involuntary change. It is bringing back a regular best 22 player for a fringe player in Smith who has just had 5 goals kicked on him.

Our backline has been settled all year. Hunt got injured late, and I think we have missed his drive off half back. Smith is not only not defending that great, he is not giving us any drive off half. Bowey is giving us some, but he can't be expected to take the game on like Hunt has been doing all year. 

I am backing Hunt to come back if fit. Whether he replaces Smith or Bowey I don't know. Hibbo could very well come in if we play GWS to help with Greene. Time will tell.

Agree that Hunt has been clearly best 22 all year and has been a good contributor. I personally think he should be back in the side. 

The question is whether they want to make a change to a recent winning formula. I fear that Hunt has got injured at the wrong time and may have lost his spot for good this year. Who knows?

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I don't really care about individual stats and who had what kicked on them  End result, the top scoring side was held to 60 points.  Our defensive GROUP  won.  I don't care if Cameron kicked 10 straight.  

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I wouldn't be surprised if there's no change for not only next week but for the remainder of the finals series.

I can't recall too many premiership sides making involuntary changes throughout a final series, but happy to be proven wrong by posters who can recall examples.

We certainly made an involuntary change in 2018 when we dropped a regular (Fritsch) for an irregular (J Smith)

from memory, tigers had the same 22 run out for the entirety of the 2017 campaign

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Re Smith I think its important to remember just how few games he has actually played

Sure some of that might be a function of poor form but I suspect the majority is because of injury

He is inexperienced and therefore a risk atm, does he have some really good qualities - yes (height, speed, marking, decent disposal). There have been plenty on here baying for blood when Jacko has a couple of quiet games, Fritta the same 

My sense is the coaching staff believe he is best 22 if he can stay fit and on the park but will take some time to settle just like Harry Petty has - the big question is do we let him settle into a role now given where things are at with finals - some difficult selection decisions await

Bowey is another who I rate very highly but will be under some pressure if Hunt is ready to go

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 8/29/2021 at 10:56 AM, Pollyanna said:

Keen to hear your assessment of "the rugby player"?

Yes he did alright did not try to take everyone one but still that is all he is, look one can debate with everyone about Viney you like him I don't, i think there could be better options for the future but as the old saying goes opinions are like ********* everyone's got one and thats good.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, demon3165 said:

Don't think there will be many changes but if TMac does not play could try Smith there could be a different dynamic with him playing there.  

I realise you're a Smith fan, but Goodwin has shown all year that players will play only in positions they've trained in or played in (either in the Seniors or VFL). As far as I know, Smith hasn't trained or played as a forward all year. He's not going to be going forward now.

Edited by La Dee-vina Comedia
typo
  • Like 1
  • Thanks 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Jaded said:

If Hunt is fit it's not an involuntary change. It is bringing back a regular best 22 player for a fringe player in Smith who has just had 5 goals kicked on him.

Agree with your point, but Smith is a fringe player because of injuries, not necessarily because of ability. He just hasn't been able to play much footy over the last couple of years. The difference with Bowey, who has been able to put together a season's worth of matches (Covid notwithstanding) is fairly marked.

Not a justification for playing Smith in the finals when both Hunt and Hibberd are available, but he's worth persevering with, at least for another season.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Jaded said:

If Hunt is fit it's not an involuntary change. It is bringing back a regular best 22 player for a fringe player in Smith who has just had 5 goals kicked on him.

Our backline has been settled all year. Hunt got injured late, and I think we have missed his drive off half back. Smith is not only not defending that great, he is not giving us any drive off half. Bowey is giving us some, but he can't be expected to take the game on like Hunt has been doing all year. 

I am backing Hunt to come back if fit. Whether he replaces Smith or Bowey I don't know. Hibbo could very well come in if we play GWS to help with Greene. Time will tell.

Excellent call on Hunt and the nature of the change. Hunt is good above his head as well as fast.  I fear not having him on the big slightly longer but narrower Oval if he's fit enough.

Kardinia is slightly longer by 5 (Meteres) but much narrower (by 15 metres). This will suit Hunts speed against the Cats say.

He was key to the initial defensive strategy so should fit right back in.

I fear for Smiths place. Again on Saturday he flew against  May and Petty a few times, but thats not his role. Those

guys have that covered. But he's more versatile than Hibberd. Bowey would be stiff, but like Tomlinson, Jordan and others he will have an excellent career with the Dees from 2022.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


5 hours ago, deelusions from afar said:

Smith is in for a reason.  His versatility mean that not only can be go with the quickest small forwards like Cameron

Yes, keep up with them for speed ... but that's only half of "go with", and for the moment at least, Smith doesn't have the smarts.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, bing181 said:

Yes, keep up with them for speed ... but that's only half of "go with", and for the moment at least, Smith doesn't have the smarts.

Matthew Lloyd had a look at him on the AFL website this morning, suggesting his positioning in some of the one-on-one contests with Cameron was poor.

Athleticism is great but he has to know how, and when, to use it.

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

As per Instagram, Hunt was running today and if you look carefully was doing some one legged jumps in the gym.

Looks like he is a strong chance to return in 2 weeks, which is absolutely wonderful! 

 

Edit: I don't think anyone is picking on Smith. He is very inexperienced due to a mix of injuries and positioning. He wasn't terrible on the weekend, but we have two more wins left to get the premiership. We must pick the best possible team to get there. There is no room for player development or sentiments right now. As it is we are taking a big risk with Bowey, who while he's looked very poised, has only played a handful of games and is physically under developed.  He would be an easy target for the opposition (Daniher tried it and failed), and he could blow up after a hard prelim slog. 

I don't think Smith is better than Hunt or Hibbo, and his body has not held up well in games, and therefore I would replace him with one of those guys. 

Edited by Jaded
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't get the scapegoating of Smith. Some of Cameron's goals came from others mistakes (Rivers nervousness), a bit of luck (handball over the head), and a nearly, with a touch on the ball that wasn't quite enough. There were also other defenders in the areas and with our zoning roles can't expect shoulder to shoulder defense. 

It has been shown throughout the season that a player has to have quite a few "off" days to get omitted. 

He should be getting "match fit" now, especially with the week of Burgess's fitness regime, will be better next time.

His ability to jell with the others is the worry. Has he got more time? The cohesion can only be improving with more games.

Hunty will be lucky to break into the side, only because we seem to value continuity. Though we have missed his run off the backflanks and his energy.

Big decision as to whether to drop Smith for Hunt.

I can see Smith making a good flexible medical sub.

 

Edited by kev martin
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Dwight Schrute said:

Have heard from someone who gets good intel that Hunt is all but certain to be right to go, and we're tossing up Hibberd coming back in as well. 

Fine if that's the case, but Bowey (I presume?) would be stiff.

  • Like 2
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...