In what we used to term “the normal course” i.e in the past when we didn’t make the finals, I think this week would have seen our youngest group of players back on track for the start of the preseason. The track watchers would have been out and about and the first reports on Demonland would have been coming through about who was there and who wasn’t and who was burning the house down at Gosch’s Paddock (or Casey Fields). And that’s the big question on the AFL site today ~ 

Feeling the heat: Who needs a big pre-season at your club?

I reckon the writer covering Melbourne has it right. There’s going to be some pressure on Sam to produce the goods. 

“Sam Weideman

A big summer on the track will give coach Simon Goodwin food for thought heading into 2022. The 24-year-old, who has played 49 games in six seasons, struggled to break into a settled line-up as the Demons steamrolled their way to their first premiership in 57 years, going goalless in three of his five games and falling behind Ben Brown and Tom McDonald as a tall target inside 50. Having been linked with a move away from the club, Weideman eventually re-signed for two more seasons and will be eager to press his claims to take one of the key forward roles. Speedster Oskar Baker and small forward Toby Bedford, who finished runner-up in VFL affiliate Casey's best and fairest award this season, are others on the fringe who will be keen to make an impression over the pre-season. - Brandon Cohen

Obviously Sam Weideman needs to step up on the past few years so he needs a big season.

 I think Bailey Laurie after missing most of 2021 and not playing much in 2020 due to Covid-19 has to also have a big pre season, get really fit and bull up to put himself in the frame for selection.

Strangely Laurie and Rosman are our only Newbies that haven’t pulled on a guernsy over the last couple of years so looking forward to what they can do.!!

2 minutes ago, DeeZone said:

Strangely Laurie and Rosman are our only Newbies that haven’t pulled on a guernsy over the last couple of years so looking forward to what they can do.!!

Also Deakyn Smith and Daniel Turner.

We also have Dunstan and Daw who haven’t played for us in the AFL.

8 minutes ago, DeeZone said:

Strangely Laurie and Rosman are our only Newbies that haven’t pulled on a guernsy over the last couple of years so looking forward to what they can do.!!

 

3 minutes ago, MO FINE said:

Also Deakyn Smith and Daniel Turner.

Would be good to see what these guys could do, but I think time and possibly tallent are more on their side than some of the others we have, who probably really do need to prove themselves at the MFC or look elsewhere.

Guys like Weid who is more of a prized big man would probably find a second club willing to give them a second chance regardless, but I suspect that Baker and Bedford would need to really shine with whatever opportunities they get at senior level, just to be considered elsewhere, if they can't crack getting a semi regular game for us.

The others not mentioned in this conversation so far are Joel Smith and somewhat ironically Adam Tomlinson.

...of course, the other answer which I also think has some validity is everyone on the MFC list needs to have a big preseason if we are to push to make another grand final / back to back flag.

Michael Hibberd? If it wasnt for a hamstring and an ankle may not have been picked for the GF?

7 minutes ago, Jontee said:

Michael Hibberd? If it wasnt for a hamstring and an ankle may not have been picked for the GF?

Yes - someone else’s hamstring and someone else’s ankle.

However, because of the competition for that position, it’s also important for Jayden Hunt and Joel Smith to have strong pre seasons to win back their places.

Sam Weideman is the most obvious.

Then probably Jayden Hunt and Adam Tomlinson.

I am most excited about seeing what Bailey Laurie can do due to his footballing talent. However, time is on his side.

 

46 minutes ago, Supreme_Demon said:

Sam Weideman is the most obvious.

Then probably Jayden Hunt and Adam Tomlinson.

I am most excited about seeing what Bailey Laurie can do due to his footballing talent. However, time is on his side.

 

JAYDEN HUNT?? He was sensational till he was injured. I thought his season was excellent. Nothing to prove from my perspective!

I'm looking at Christian Petracca. Get those skin folds down. Show us he's serious about taking the next step!!

Everyone.

If Sam W has a big preseason then TMac will need one as well.

@Satyriconhome

18 hours ago, picket fence said:

JAYDEN HUNT?? He was sensational till he was injured. I thought his season was excellent. Nothing to prove from my perspective!

Good point.

I probably said Jayden Hunt because it is those players beyond our Premiership team of 22 players that need to be banging down the door of the selectors for Season 2022.

The more competition for spots in the final 22 senior side next year the more likely we will improve to hopefully win back-to-back Flags.

 

23 hours ago, Whispering_Jack said:

In what we used to term “the normal course” i.e in the past when we didn’t make the finals, I think this week would have seen our youngest group of players back on track for the start of the preseason. The track watchers would have been out and about and the first reports on Demonland would have been coming through about who was there and who wasn’t and who was burning the house down at Gosch’s Paddock (or Casey Fields). And that’s the big question on the AFL site today ~ 

Feeling the heat: Who needs a big pre-season at your club?

I reckon the writer covering Melbourne has it right. There’s going to be some pressure on Sam to produce the goods. 

“Sam Weideman

A big summer on the track will give coach Simon Goodwin food for thought heading into 2022. The 24-year-old, who has played 49 games in six seasons, struggled to break into a settled line-up as the Demons steamrolled their way to their first premiership in 57 years, going goalless in three of his five games and falling behind Ben Brown and Tom McDonald as a tall target inside 50. Having been linked with a move away from the club, Weideman eventually re-signed for two more seasons and will be eager to press his claims to take one of the key forward roles. Speedster Oskar Baker and small forward Toby Bedford, who finished runner-up in VFL affiliate Casey's best and fairest award this season, are others on the fringe who will be keen to make an impression over the pre-season. - Brandon Cohen

Watching the Dees vs Blues Round9 game which Jacko missed so was surprised about how reasonable Sam was in the 2nd Ruck role.

in fact he is far better in the Ruck  and round the ground (than a statue ) on the forward line.

if Sam  is to survive then that is his role or as a defender. He thrives in those situations not on the forward line.

If Tmac drops form then Sam Jacko and Gawny can share the merry go round very well in my opinion. 

Melksham, Chandler, Baker and Weideman for me. Jordon needs to attack this pre season like his last one. 

It’s all about Weid. Without a looming contract on his back anymore and the dwindling form of T-Mac at the back end of the year the opportunity to claim that spot alongside Brown is there. 

Joel Smith, Oskar Baker & Toby Beford

Edited November 15, 20213 yr by Dannyz

Expect a solid pre-season from everyone. They have proof now of what is required to win a GF. The can now build on that, which is a scary proposition for everyone else in the AFL.

Those that want to break into the 22, know they have to put in extra effort in a variety of areas. it is not just about mileage and endurance. The key players not in the top 22 that need to go above and beyond are:

1. Weed. Needs to work on leading patterns, contested marking craft and repeated efforts. He is naturally fit and strong, just doesn't know how to use it to the best of his ability. His kicking technique is excellent, but needs to improve his mental toughness so that his conversion rate is potent - maybe some extra work on mindfulness and training with Fritsch on what he has done differently. On a dry deck having TMac, BBB, Weid and Fritsch working in harmony would be a difficult match up.

2. Tomlinson. Needs to get confidence and strength in his legs. He is much more about rehab. 

3. Hunt. Love the grit and effort of this guy. He was having his best year yet before he got struck out with injury. Will have to fight tooth and nail to get his spot back with Bowey being very successful by foot. Hunt has raw talent and speed that you cannot acquire or learn. HIs weakness has always been his disposal and decision making. Hopefully some extra sessions with Choco and Yze can work on this area. 

 

Edited November 15, 20213 yr by CYB

On 11/13/2021 at 4:26 PM, MO FINE said:

Also Deakyn Smith and Daniel Turner.

We also have Dunstan and Daw who haven’t played for us in the AFL.

It would be good to see Daw have an intrepid fling into promising contention for a couple of slots in the AFL team. 

On 11/13/2021 at 6:22 PM, picket fence said:

JAYDEN HUNT?? He was sensational till he was injured. I thought his season was excellent. Nothing to prove from my perspective!

Nothing to prove but I get the OP’s thoughts. He had his position usurped by a young gun in Bowie (who’s yet to play in a loss!!!), can the team function properly with both them in there? Not so sure. Expecting Jayden to be fired up to get his spot back. 

Weid is the number one player who needs a big pre-season (and maybe a pinch of luck as well). He apparently had a very good pre-season before his injury this year, he was touted to be the forward to partner with Brown and then we all know what happened to the both of them. TMac had a great first half of the year but tapered a lot after his back injury. Hopefully the coaching staff during his exist interview told him that the spot is up for grabs, he needs to step up to take it. 

For Tomlinson, I just hope he has a strong recovery and pre-season to put pressure on Petty. Petty was amazing last year and proved some doubters (me included) wrong. Tomlinson prior to his injury would’ve been in AA conversations so that battle will be interesting to see. 

When we talk about strong preseasons we think about fitness and weight rooms.

Weid needs a strong preseason between the ears. 

Definitely the Weid.   He has been backed in by the club.  Time to “walk through walls” (anecdotally) over the summer and prove he wants it.  

The entire list needs to have a solid preseason, no half hearted efforts on the track.