Welcome to Demonland: Luke Dunstan

[DEE fence 5,050]

13 minutes ago, 1964_2 said:

Any thoughts on who be better resting HFF out of Dunstan vs Harmes? 

haven’t watched Dunstan closely enough 

Depends if Good Harmes or Bad Harmes shows up. Harmes' end of season was his best patch ever/equal to a couple of 2018 games. 

But the big preseason story will be Petty vs Tomlinson. Honestly don't know how they will manage.

[rpfc 28,964]

20 minutes ago, 1964_2 said:

Any thoughts on who be better resting HFF out of Dunstan vs Harmes? 

haven’t watched Dunstan closely enough 

Anyone can learn a role of you have the talent to execute. 

Might come down to form at the time. 

This is how we get back into a prelim ready to defend our flag.

[Demon17 5,230]

27 minutes ago, rpfc said:

Dunstan will have to be able to play a HFF role to be able to get games in the midfield rotation. He would back himself to be better than all mids we have outside of the holy trinity.

The desire to ‘play Sparrow over him’ holds no water with me. Why? You want to win? Or are we still gifting games?? Why can’t Tom win his spot against Luke.

He can and he will. Proven premiership standard contributor. 

[Queanbeyan Demon 6,957]

We've done alright with St Kilda players over the years. Big Carl, the Elliots, Shanners . . .

[1964_2 2,357]

5 minutes ago, Queanbeyan Demon said:

We've done alright with St Kilda players over the years. Big Carl, the Elliots, Shanners . . .

Yep, and don’t forget Richo......not easy for ex-senior coaches to accept a demotion. He looks to have been a perfect integrator/coaching administrator- am sure he be doing many of the annoying jobs that ease the load for Goody and others 

 

[titan_uranus 25,209]

6 hours ago, Nasher said:

I’m surprised. He’s good enough to be best 22 elsewhere, hard to see exactly where he fits in the MFC picture. Looking forward to seeing this one play out.

The rationale suggested by some journos was that he's concerned that at sides where's he's a theoretical Round 1 best 22, he'll be at risk of being pushed out in favour of kids if the losses mount.

If you accept that as being true, he's made a decision to put himself into the queue with us in the hope of forcing his way into a premiership contender.

[1964_2 2,357]

5 minutes ago, titan_uranus said:

The rationale suggested by some journos was that he's concerned that at sides where's he's a theoretical Round 1 best 22, he'll be at risk of being pushed out in favour of kids if the losses mount.

If you accept that as being true, he's made a decision to put himself into the queue with us in the hope of forcing his way into a premiership contender.

Good character isn’t it - back himself in for a chance at a flag (or worst case play vfl all year) vs being easily best 22 at multiple other weaker clubs 

 

[Bay Riffin 1,508]

2 hours ago, manny100 said:

Probably been posted earlier but stats for Dunstan this year:

12 Matches Played. 184CM, 85KG 

DISPOSALS

25.3

ABOVE AVG

KICKS

14.1

ELITE

HANDBALL

11.2

ABOVE AVG

MARKS

4.3

ABOVE AVG

TACKLES

4.9

ABOVE AVG

TOTAL CLEARANCES

5.8

Elite

looking at his stats he seems more than a depth player. I can see Jordan, Sparrow improving as well as a rejuvenated Dunstan increasing our midfield strength.

Does anyone know if he can play wing at all?. I'd like to see some back up there as well. We've been incredibly fortunate with our key midfielders. only Viney has really been a major injury worry.

[rpfc 28,964]

41 minutes ago, Demon17 said:

He can and he will. Proven premiership standard contributor. 

Great. Luke is coming for his spot.

[Jaded No More 68,976]

1 hour ago, rpfc said:

Dunstan will have to be able to play a HFF role to be able to get games in the midfield rotation. He would back himself to be better than all mids we have outside of the holy trinity.

The desire to ‘play Sparrow over him’ holds no water with me. Why? You want to win? Or are we still gifting games?? Why can’t Tom win his spot against Luke.

Amen. 
I know it’s very hard to wrap your head around but we aren’t in development mode we are in premiership wining mode. That means you play best available every week, regardless of age. We are done giving players games for the sake of development. Bowey came in and dominated his role hence he stayed in. We picked best available all year and won a flag. Next year will be no different. 
We don’t need to gift games to anyone. We are god damn premiers! 

[DeeSpencer 26,476]

7 minutes ago, Jaded No More said:

Amen. 
I know it’s very hard to wrap your head around but we aren’t in development mode we are in premiership wining mode. That means you play best available every week, regardless of age. We are done giving players games for the sake of development. Bowey came in and dominated his role hence he stayed in. We picked best available all year and won a flag. Next year will be no different. 
We don’t need to gift games to anyone. We are god damn premiers! 

Disagree. It's always development mode. The best coaches like Hardwick, Clarkson, Sheedy have always played kids when they are ready to freshen up their 22, build depth and keep the era rolling. Lesser coaches like Ross Lyon stick with depth players and leave a big dark hole.

A really good local coach said to me once, pick your best side but if you're stuck deciding on the 22nd guy then go with the young player. It's simple but sage advice.

I was worried we waited too long to give Bowey a chance. Turns out we got it just right, but if the Hunt injury/Hibbo loss of form happened any later we'd be chucking him in to final with 2, 1 or no games experience. Once guys start playing like AFL footballers in the VFL then it's time to take opportunities to get them a taste to see how they go.

Sparrow really came on later in the year, but his first half was heavily interrupted by the sub rule and no VFL games. He shouldn't be guaranteed a game and hopefully he won't need to be, but he also deserves a sustained run at it through a few ups and downs to solidify his spot. Same goes for JJ if the opportunity arises. It's not gifting games, it's just a reflection that in 3-4 years time someone like Dunstan is probably retired whilst these guys might be the backbone of our midfield.

It doesn't mean we don't need depth, Dunstan's not my cup of tea but I understand the move, but I reckon Goody's had a real knack of playing kids when they are ready and giving them the right amount of time. That should continue.

[Jaded No More 68,976]

8 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

Disagree. It's always development mode. The best coaches like Hardwick, Clarkson, Sheedy have always played kids when they are ready to freshen up their 22, build depth and keep the era rolling. Lesser coaches like Ross Lyon stick with depth players and leave a big dark hole.

A really good local coach said to me once, pick your best side but if you're stuck deciding on the 22nd guy then go with the young player. It's simple but sage advice.

I was worried we waited too long to give Bowey a chance. Turns out we got it just right, but if the Hunt injury/Hibbo loss of form happened any later we'd be chucking him in to final with 2, 1 or no games experience. Once guys start playing like AFL footballers in the VFL then it's time to take opportunities to get them a taste to see how they go.

Sparrow really came on later in the year, but his first half was heavily interrupted by the sub rule and no VFL games. He shouldn't be guaranteed a game and hopefully he won't need to be, but he also deserves a sustained run at it through a few ups and downs to solidify his spot. Same goes for JJ if the opportunity arises. It's not gifting games, it's just a reflection that in 3-4 years time someone like Dunstan is probably retired whilst these guys might be the backbone of our midfield.

It doesn't mean we don't need depth, Dunstan's not my cup of tea but I understand the move, but I reckon Goody's had a real knack of playing kids when they are ready and giving them the right amount of time. That should continue.

Of course if given the choice between equally good players you’d try to go for the younger option. But that isn’t always possible and especially inside mid roles, are not that easy to replace with kids. You need big bodies who can wear the bumps over and over again, especially in the Viney defensive mid role. You’re there to be a battering ram. I don’t want to put a 19 year old in that role for half a whole season or even half a season, let alone rely on them come finals. 
Sparrow and Bowey excelled because they were surrounded by quality mature players this year. Same with Jackson. If they played without Trac or Oliver or May or Gawn by their side, would they struggle? Undoubtedly. 
We exposed young players too early in the past because we had no other option, we now have options. 
 

[BAMF 4,463]

I wouldn't be surprised to see him line up in the best 22 in the early rounds.

We will be starting preseason much later than the other teams. Viney and Oliver are always carrying niggles. Hopefully this allows them a proper break as well as a proper length preseason before playing. That might mean they came back a few rounds in.

[Deemania since 56 6,772]

On 10/4/2021 at 1:33 PM, Stiff Arm said:

Yes, spot on.

Nick Reivoldt or Jonathan Brown on the GF edition of OTC said players like Hunt, Jordan, Weid, Chandler, Thomo will be a massive part of us pushing for another flag in 2022. They will be hungry and determined to claim a spot in the best 22. Similar to the Tigers and Hawks over the last 10 years. 

Add a couple of young draftees to develop (perhaps Woey jnr and AMW) and maybe Luke Dunstan and suddenly there's considerable competition.

Good position to be in.

It is a great position to be in - prudent selections when these arise add more than depth to the team listings and raise the internal competitiveness of players in the 'just about made it' stakes across the levels of player value. The truly committed additions to our list will have enormous motivations to step up and step into the fray as Mighty Demons; this is a terrific feature of our recruitment of late, in an ever-present ascent and diversifying team profile. In the past twelve months alone we have some brilliant, hard gems awaiting polishing within and just beyond the coming new season of 2022. 

[Deemania since 56 6,772]

8 minutes ago, Jaded No More said:

Sparrow and Bowey excelled because they were surrounded by quality mature players this year. Same with Jackson. If they played without Trac or Oliver or May or Gawn by their side, would they struggle? Undoubtedly. 
We exposed young players too early in the past because we had no other option, we now have options. 

Absolutely the case - and it presented us with a dominating, real chance that the Premiership would be ours.

[DeesFlag2020 90]

10 hours ago, Tough Kent said:

Never underestimate a footballer's ego. He'll be backing himself in to play in our senior 23. Hopefully with our coaches support they can help him to make this happen.

Interesting pick up. I think we are backing our coaching here: elite inside, but lacks kicking skills. Isn’t that where Choco excels ie teaching others to kick and handball? This may be a stroke of genius!

[rpfc 28,964]

7 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

Disagree. It's always development mode. The best coaches like Hardwick, Clarkson, Sheedy have always played kids when they are ready to freshen up their 22, build depth and keep the era rolling. Lesser coaches like Ross Lyon stick with depth players and leave a big dark hole.

A really good local coach said to me once, pick your best side but if you're stuck deciding on the 22nd guy then go with the young player. It's simple but sage advice.

I was worried we waited too long to give Bowey a chance. Turns out we got it just right, but if the Hunt injury/Hibbo loss of form happened any later we'd be chucking him in to final with 2, 1 or no games experience. Once guys start playing like AFL footballers in the VFL then it's time to take opportunities to get them a taste to see how they go.

Sparrow really came on later in the year, but his first half was heavily interrupted by the sub rule and no VFL games. He shouldn't be guaranteed a game and hopefully he won't need to be, but he also deserves a sustained run at it through a few ups and downs to solidify his spot. Same goes for JJ if the opportunity arises. It's not gifting games, it's just a reflection that in 3-4 years time someone like Dunstan is probably retired whilst these guys might be the backbone of our midfield.

It doesn't mean we don't need depth, Dunstan's not my cup of tea but I understand the move, but I reckon Goody's had a real knack of playing kids when they are ready and giving them the right amount of time. That should continue.

Young players get more patience. Yes, we all agree. When I have been a coach I was instructed to play kids but I had a 28 year old who always got a game and ahead of more talented kids because he could execute his role better than any of those younger players. And he was pivotal in getting us into a position to win the flag.

Selection integrity is big with Goodwin and co.; there’s no romance and games are earned. This will be the same for all players outside our stars. Some on this thread have a child like perception of how a team gets picked: “better not play ahead of Sparrow et al”…

Yes he should, if his form warrants it - he definitely should play.

 

[bush demon 2,202]

8 hours ago, Queanbeyan Demon said:

We've done alright with St Kilda players over the years. Big Carl, the Elliots, Shanners . . .

Rod Owen.

[picket fence 18,052]

11 hours ago, Demonland said:

 

My Gawd he is Stephen Powell mrk2

* Penetrating and accurate left footer

* Clearance juggernaut

* Creative playmaker

* Can kick a goal

* He can and has got a right side

* Built like a brick shizzen

WOW and best of all... HE WAS FREE!

[Kent 2,920]

1 hour ago, picket fence said:

My Gawd he is Stephen Powell mrk2

* Penetrating and accurate left footer

* Clearance juggernaut

* Creative playmaker

* Can kick a goal

* He can and has got a right side

* Built like a brick shizzen

WOW and best of all... HE WAS FREE!

Looks good anybody compare him to Harmes?? Harmes averages 5 tackles a game  Important part of our pressure game

[Robbie57 2,041]

12 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

I must admit I'm a big wrap for this pick. Not only now but dating back to his draft year in 2013.

At the time we had just signed up Paul Roos as coach and I remember he made mentioned that he wanted to bring in some strong contested players through the trade period and draft as he believed that ypu build from the contest out.

At our pick 9 my two desired options were Luke Dunstan and Nathan Freeman. I remember watching his under 18's championships for SA and he reminded me so much of Ollie Wines. He was also captain of SA and I thought he was simply the perfect fit for what we desperately needed at the time. Even when he first started at St Kilda there was talk already that he was a future captain in waiting. To see Tim Lamb say, and I quote "cultural fit" into our side excites me even more.

He was a contested midfield beast who was already playing senior footy for his SANFL club at the time and he had the body frame to slot straight into our midfield. 

Come draft night I was deeply disappointed we had overlooked him and Freeman (who I thought was a Luke Shuey clone) and instead chose some kid called Christian Salem. Fast forward 8 years and Christian Salem would now be rated top 5 in that draft and has become one of the games best half backs going around. What amazing humble pie I've eaten over the past few years!!

To be honest I don't think Luke Dunstan is coming over here to fill in numbers for Casey. I genuinely think under our strong culture and leadership he could emulate the same pathway as what Jarryd Lyons has at Brisbane. The same criticism of Lyons was exactly what Dunstan is copping now. Slow, can't kick, and has no outside game. 

Dunstan is a big time accumulator who's had the horrid luck of playing at a club where they've had zero finals success, and a poor losing culture with no leadership. Also taking into account he was playing under a coach who's already been sacked in the AFL system before.

Dunstan wants to feel valued like he said in an interview few weeks back and he's coming to a club where our mantra of "Just be us" has made our players being able to express themselves on the footy field and also off field. Simon Goodwin drives this culture alongside Max Gawn extremely hard I can personally see Dunstan thriving amongst this culture. 

He'll certainly have a chip on his shoulder to prove the doubters wrong.

Often find myself agreeing with Dazzle and I agree this a good pick up. Like Brown he will know he has to win a place in the team and i wouldn't be surprised if that doesn't happen for some time into the season when he has proved he knows our system and expectations. I am not worried that our coaching team wont make the right choices. What is really encouraging is if we go a man down we have it covered. Mid  down, Dunstan/JJ in. Big back down, Tomlinson in. Big forward down, Weid in. Not bad choices to have. Its the first time as a supporter I remember us having real depth. 

[Kent 2,920]

1 hour ago, picket fence said:

My Gawd he is Stephen Powell mrk2

* Penetrating and accurate left footer

* Clearance juggernaut

* Creative playmaker

* Can kick a goal

* He can and has got a right side

* Built like a brick shizzen

WOW and best of all... HE WAS FREE!

 

                                LD         JH             NJ              AVB

Disp                        25.3       19.3          22.3           14.1

Kicks                      14.1       9.1             11.2           7.3

Hand ball               11.2       10.2           11.2          6.8

Marks                     4.3         3.0              3.0            3.6

Tackles                   4.9         4.2              3.6           3.6

Clearances            5.8          2.4              3.6           1.9

 

So Luke is clearly a significant upgrade on Harmes and the other two departures

 

 

 

[1964_2 2,357]

15 minutes ago, Kent said:

 

                                LD         JH             NJ              AVB

Disp                        25.3       19.3          22.3           14.1

Kicks                      14.1       9.1             11.2           7.3

Hand ball               11.2       10.2           11.2          6.8

Marks                     4.3         3.0              3.0            3.6

Tackles                   4.9         4.2              3.6           3.6

Clearances            5.8          2.4              3.6           1.9

 

So Luke is clearly a significant upgrade on Harmes and the other two departures

 

 

 

Gee those numbers look good. I guess in fairness, do need to consider that LD got heaps more midfield time vs the others who were squeezed out by King Clarry and GOAT Norm 

 

[Whispering_Jack 31,265]

Luke Dunstan this morning on SEN Breakfast 

"The chatter will probably be 'you're not going to get a game, you'll be in the twos' but I'm going to back myself in.

"Speaking to Goody, he really focused on my strengths... and I'm excited to be a part of a happy group that are playing good footy and winning games."

[Damo 3,445]

I think he may be Don Tyson Mk 2.