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.


Why Jayden Hunt must be the sub


Deespicable

Recommended Posts

Word is it that we are sticking with the same combination, including James Jordon as the sub.

Here's my view on why Jayden Hunt should be named in that role ahead of JJ.

1) The sub role in the GF is different to the role required throughout the season - it requires an impact player.

For 22 weeks plus the finals to date, the sub role was there to cover significant game-ending injuries and the coaches honored the AFL request to use it in that manor.

But the grand final is different. Sure it might be activated early if a club sustains a serious injury, but this time there is a guarantee that the side that is trailing at three-quarter time will try and use it like they did during the short-loved sub era from 2011-15.

And the Dogs will almost certainly name the pacey Anthony Scott or small forward Laitham Vandermeer for the role, allowing them the chance to take off one of their talls (Martin, Scache or English if they are getting beaten) to help provide spark.

Perth Stadium is a big ground and that injection of pace could be crucial if it's a close game.

James Jordon is a hard-working mid who is a great prospect - but he ain't going to provide a lively role up forward and he has had no training down back.

Jayden Hunt is electric, even if his pre-2021 reputation is that he's somewhat erratic, and he is experienced in playing both down back and up forward.

 2) The sub role should help with covering a key injury and ideally should have the potential to help with our two players under injury clouds - May and Spargo.

Clearly the only player on our list (other than Tomlinson) that can try and fill the May void is Joel Smith. But he is also under an injury-cloud so would be a poor choice as sub. If May was to tweak his hammy further, the most likely scenario is that either T-Mac is sent back to play on English or Schache or Hibberd would be moved on to Schache and shifted off minding Roarke Smith and Bontempelli when resting. In both scenarios Hunt can provide value in being able to cover Hibberd's role down back or add forward pressure if sent up there in a quasi T-Mac role.

Hunt also could switch into Spargo's small forward/tackle pressure role if Spargs ankle proves worse than thought. Jordon can do neither - he is best suited in the middle and would be ideal back-up if Angus, Trac, Olly or Viney get injured, although not crucial because Harmes, ANB and Sparrow can play more mid if needed.

3) Is it unfair to drop JJ after he's been in the 23 all season? 

I think JJ has been the sub for the past five weeks and we all should respect the fact that he is developing fast and has shown admirable courage. But he's been the sub - his omission does not alter team balance. All season he has won plaudits - but let's face it, he is a development player and his best years will be ahead.

Will he feel aggrieved? Of course. Every player who narrowly misses will feel disappointed. Jayden Hunt must feel mega frustrated that after finally establishing himself as lockdown defender who links up well and playing every minute of our first 19 games before getting injured that he has been overlooked for a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old, albeit two very talented ones.

Anyway to me it's clear cut - Jayden Hunt should be the sub. Just as the Dogs will try and inject pace late in the game, we need to be ready to do so as well.

Hopefully the sub issue will be a non-issue and we have the game in our keeping anyway, but what's your view?

  • Like 32
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Interesting discussion but there is this rule....

To be eligible for a medical substitution, the club doctor must decide that an injured player will be unable to play a game in the next 12 days.

Yes and do you think Bevo will say, sorry but we have to keep Schache or Martin on the ground if they are playing poorly because they are not technically injured. It is the grand final. The rule will be exploited if required.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The sub rule will be exploited, if not used.

With them and us going in with players under a cloud the exploitation of the sub may not even be an issue.

I suspect the sub will be used legitimately.

So, who is the best choice?

I think Hunt would give us more coverage...but wouldn't be disappointed either way.

JJ would be stiff to miss.

The wildcard could be Melk...

Some have called for Smith but that is too big a risk if May is in.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, Deespicable said:

Yes and do you think Bevo will say, sorry but we have to keep Schache or Martin on the ground if they are playing poorly because they are not technically injured. It is the grand final. The rule will be exploited if required.

the doctor could lose his licence.... GF or not

  • Facepalm 2
  • Shocked 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, Diamond_Jim said:

the doctor could lose his licence.... GF or not

That is a stretch of the highest order.

Preety easy to take someone off with a head knock or a knee twinge  or heart palpitations or whatever

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites


7 minutes ago, jnrmac said:

Hunt has also played 21 games I think and was a staple and much improved player this year. Had he not been injured he'd likely still be in the side.

But Goodwin isn't a fan

So Goody plays Hunt for 20 odd games, but Goody aint a fan. Like really?

  • Like 3
  • Haha 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

30 minutes ago, Deespicable said:

Word is it that we are sticking with the same combination, including James Jordon as the sub.

Here's my view on why Jayden Hunt should be named in that role ahead of JJ.

1) The sub role in the GF is different to the role required throughout the season - it requires an impact player.

For 22 weeks plus the finals to date, the sub role was there to cover significant game-ending injuries and the coaches honored the AFL request to use it in that manor.

But the grand final is different. Sure it might be activated early if a club sustains a serious injury, but this time there is a guarantee that the side that is trailing at three-quarter time will try and use it like they did during the short-loved sub era from 2011-15.

And the Dogs will almost certainly name the pacey Anthony Scott or small forward Laitham Vandermeer for the role, allowing them the chance to take off one of their talls (Martin, Scache or English if they are getting beaten) to help provide spark.

Perth Stadium is a big ground and that injection of pace could be crucial if it's a close game.

James Jordon is a hard-working mid who is a great prospect - but he ain't going to provide a lively role up forward and he has had no training down back.

Jayden Hunt is electric, even if his pre-2021 reputation is that he's somewhat erratic, and he is experienced in playing both down back and up forward.

 2) The sub role should help with covering a key injury and ideally should have the potential to help with our two players under injury clouds - May and Spargo.

Clearly the only player on our list (other than Tomlinson) that can try and fill the May void is Joel Smith. But he is also under an injury-cloud so would be a poor choice as sub. If May was to tweak his hammy further, the most likely scenario is that either T-Mac is sent back to play on English or Schache or Hibberd would be moved on to Schache and shifted off minding Roarke Smith and Bontempelli when resting. In both scenarios Hunt can provide value in being able to cover Hibberd's role down back or add forward pressure if sent up there in a quasi T-Mac role.

Hunt also could switch into Spargo's small forward/tackle pressure role if Spargs ankle proves worse than thought. Jordon can do neither - he is best suited in the middle and would be ideal back-up if Angus, Trac, Olly or Viney get injured, although not crucial because Harmes, ANB and Sparrow can play more mid if needed.

3) Is it unfair to drop JJ after he's been in the 23 all season? 

I think JJ has been the sub for the past five weeks and we all should respect the fact that he is developing fast and has shown admirable courage. But he's been the sub - his omission does not alter team balance. All season he has won plaudits - but let's face it, he is a development player and his best years will be ahead.

Will he feel aggrieved? Of course. Every player who narrowly misses will feel disappointed. Jayden Hunt must feel mega frustrated that after finally establishing himself as lockdown defender who links up well and playing every minute of our first 19 games before getting injured that he has been overlooked for a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old, albeit two very talented ones.

Anyway to me it's clear cut - Jayden Hunt should be the sub. Just as the Dogs will try and inject pace late in the game, we need to be ready to do so as well.

Hopefully the sub issue will be a non-issue and we have the game in our keeping anyway, but what's your view?

Unquestionably sensible with sound reasoning - we really must get Hunt into the fray, by convenience or by necessity, as he provides a unique double-edged sword to the skilset up there or down there. Plus, his pace is a phantastik asset across a game and a midfield, two-way. That is an asset we can ill-afford to do without. In addition, he blends into the team and the game style, so well, from a form improvement and in the true 'team' sense, giving and receiving. He augments Sparrow's role(s) and Sparrow, his (roles). He would anihilate Daniel around the ground.

 

 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

30 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Interesting discussion but there is this rule....

To be eligible for a medical substitution, the club doctor must decide that an injured player will be unable to play a game in the next 12 days.

Well, for starters, there ain't no games for more than twelve days after this one. 

  • Like 3
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I’m with the OP, I think having a role-playing mid as the sub limits flexibility. Hunt has experience in practically all areas of the game and has also been a critical cog at times through the year so he is well versed with our “system”. 

I also agree that the player should be able to have an impact with an injection of something different. Hunt has pace and a spark that could give the team a lift. He’s also a surprisingly good kick for goal. 

  • Like 6
  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree with the conversation.
 

 Hunt being fit allows for a potential to add a lot of impact.  Forward or back. His run versus the dogs in round 19 was actually one of the better performers.  
Hunt could also play wing if we lost a mid and Brayshaw had to go into the rotation.  Dogs pace is a worry. Hunt could help combat it if we lost a man. 
 

JJ is the safe and loyalty option.  Goodwin loves this. It’s the team. JJ has been replaced by Sparrow.  It would break JJs heart to be dropped. JJ is quite vanilla.  

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Decisions like this are where coaches earn their money. The hardest part won't be the choice made, but telling those on the fringe who miss out. Players like Melksham, J Smith, Hunt and Jordon are presumably all in contention for the medi-sub spot (assuming the same 22 as played last week are selected). Three will be disappointed and will need to be told in an empathetic way why they've missed out. 

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hunt is gonna have more of an impact as a FWD/DEF if one was to go down injured.

JJ is going to have more of an impact if a mid went down.

Simply comes down to what Goody values more. Don't think you could argue one is more 'deserving' than the other.

I think given how highly they value continuity it will be JJ.

Edited by DemonLad5
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


50 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

I agree with the conversation.
 

 Hunt being fit allows for a potential to add a lot of impact.  Forward or back. His run versus the dogs in round 19 was actually one of the better performers.  
Hunt could also play wing if we lost a mid and Brayshaw had to go into the rotation.  Dogs pace is a worry. Hunt could help combat it if we lost a man. 
 

JJ is the safe and loyalty option.  Goodwin loves this. It’s the team. JJ has been replaced by Sparrow.  It would break JJs heart to be dropped. JJ is quite vanilla.  

I appreciate what JJ can do, how well he can perform, how his loyalties to the team spirit are exhibited. He is still a developing player and teammate, at the same time - and lacks that kind of 'many games' experience perhaps needed in a GF. It is terrific that a player of his class is there as a medi-sub and in this unusual season, we have been lucky to have him there. Whilst we feel he 'deserves' and sub guernsey on Saturday, he is not quite as beneficial to the Club in such a GF role as Hunt might be, with skills, experience, pace and improving role familiarity in several areas of the field. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Deespicable said:

Word is it that we are sticking with the same combination, including James Jordon as the sub.

Here's my view on why Jayden Hunt should be named in that role ahead of JJ.

 

I'm not sure if I've ever been in greater agreement with a post on Demonland. In an odd roundabout way, we can cover for JJ, but JJ can't cover for a number of contingencies. Experience alone should be a factor. Jordon is 20 and will get his turn. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Diamond_Jim said:

the doctor could lose his licence.... GF or not

yeah, I'm sure the medical licensing  board would rush to look into the case. (sarcasm/end).  Almost every player has some sort of injury all the time, so proving anything would be impossible. Did anyone look into those clubs during the season which had a sub used every other week? Perhaps a Royal Commission? 

I couldn't resist an update:  In fact I reckon most AFL docs are more in danger of being in trouble for not taking off half the players every match.  Can't imagine my GP allowing any of them to stay on the field  - health and safety.....

Edited by sue
  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think you guys are looking at it the wrong way. Yes Hunt can play in more roles, but JJ can come in and play midfield and push other players to cover the roles Hunt can play (probably better than him). If a midfielder goes down, then Hunt would struggle in there and the heart of our engine room would struggle. 

I personally think they might give Smith the sub role, as there is a definite injury risk to May and we would struggle more trying to cover him than another position. 

  • Like 1
  • Thinking 1
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 276

    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 359

    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...