POSTGAME: Rd 01 vs Western Bulldogs

[Winners at last 4,695]

WCW ... so glad to hear you're ok ...  😍

[John Crow Batty 8,226]

We are still kings for marks inside 50. Last night 17-6 to add to the 48-14 from last seasons finals campaign. That’s an incredible 65-20 in four games. Forwards are spreading well and midfield working hard to get forward. Ben Brown has also made a huge difference. Greg Stafford has done a great job since becoming forward line coach. 

Edited March 17, 2022 by John Crow Batty

[defuture15 837]

7 hours ago, Hellaintabadplacetobe said:

Apologies if this has been mentioned. The MCG car park was closed last night and there was no public announcement by the club or AFL although I believe the MCC may have advised it’s members.

Traffic was awful, how many bums on seats this cost we’ll never know but I’d assume several thousand would not have found anywhere nearby to park!

That’s poor form 

That explains our difficulty. Arrived in the city at 6 and was in gridlock . Car parks closed or full. Punt Rd car park letting people come in and then diverting them back out to punt Rd when they could not prove they were disability patrons.

Of course the traffic turning against the flow into the car park could not see this sign and blocked punt Rd traffic only to be diverted back out like the rest.

Went around to car park 3 and expected to some some signage saying car park full. Nothing there  so I turned left to see that it was full. Trapped again. Considered going to crown and ended up paying in a city car park.

Arrived at the G with 5mins to go in the first  Q.

I thought the crowd was at least 65k.

To make things worse the food stores were putting out individual items which left people standing hunger games style for something to eat. Never did get that box of chips!

 

Whoever organised this event screwed up big time.

Lots of supporters cars on the road that had no chance of taking part.

[Hellaintabadplacetobe 4,089]

2 hours ago, titan_uranus said:

Platforms 9 & 10 at Richmond station (lines to Belgrave, Lilydale, Alamein and Glen Waverley) were so full after the game people couldn't actually get onto the platform. The trains all showed up at once, on one platform, whilst the other platform was empty.

Metro has always struggled with clearing passengers after big football games. It shouldn't be as hard as it seems to be for them.

I was right there with you t_u

[Longsufferingnomore 1,459]

12 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Sharing-time (again) Humour me please 

Yeah so last Friday I had a routine mammogram. Monday I got the call no one ever wants to receive: they think they “saw something” on the imagining. Tuesday back to Melbourne Private for anothery. Was told to expect the results Thursday (today). Didn’t tell anyone, loved ones, friends etc., not a soul. Having to tell them the cancer may have returned is actually worse than telling them it has returned. 😞

So, last night I was effectively Schrodinger’s Cat, if you will, in that I had breast cancer and at the same time, I didn’t have breast cancer. 🙃🙂

SOOOO happy and relieved to have just received the all-clear! 🥳 

(Almost 😉) as happy and relieved as I was to have watched our beloved Dees do us all proud last night. 

 

#NotToday,Cancer.NotToday!

 

Note to self: you may need to take stock of your life. What does it say about you that you tell a motley bunch of randoms on a fan forum the great news before you tell your loved ones??? And “I just happened to be on Demonland when I got the call” ain’t gonna cut it! 😁

WCW good things happen to good people. 

[Pates 9,536]

8 hours ago, John Crow Batty said:

We are still kings for marks inside 50. Last night 17-6 to add to the 48-14 from last seasons finals campaign. That’s an incredible 65-20 in four games. Forwards are spreading well and midfield working hard to get forward. Ben Brown has also made a huge difference. Greg Stafford has done a great job since becoming forward line coach. 

Watching Ben Brown take those marks at the highest point 🥰. A bit more accuracy and he could’ve had an absolute bag. I think we could be seeing the start of him having a ripper season, he’s looking fit and confident. 

[In Harmes Way 7,477]

This just epitomises the high esteem with which Max is held within the club

[Grouse 188]

Interested to get others perspectives on harmes game. Petracca gave him credit for helping him after the game and his mark and goal when we needed it was fantastic, but I found his disposal throughout large parts of the game to be really off. Just seemed not to be able to take the ball cleanly for most of the game and turned it over at least a few times. I'm not knocking him, I'm a fan of harmes, keen to hear others thoughts. Perhaps just first game getting back into it. 

[Jaded No More 57,682]

38 minutes ago, Grouse said:

Interested to get others perspectives on harmes game. Petracca gave him credit for helping him after the game and his mark and goal when we needed it was fantastic, but I found his disposal throughout large parts of the game to be really off. Just seemed not to be able to take the ball cleanly for most of the game and turned it over at least a few times. I'm not knocking him, I'm a fan of harmes, keen to hear others thoughts. Perhaps just first game getting back into it. 

He was a hot mess until the last quarter. Poor defensively and his disposal was putrid. But he got into the swing of things in the last.

Harmes is someone who needs time to settle into the season. He always has a stinker at the start and we all call for him to get dropped, and then he really picks up. I trust he will continue that path in 2022. 

[dazzledavey36 48,655]

52 minutes ago, Grouse said:

Interested to get others perspectives on harmes game. Petracca gave him credit for helping him after the game and his mark and goal when we needed it was fantastic, but I found his disposal throughout large parts of the game to be really off. Just seemed not to be able to take the ball cleanly for most of the game and turned it over at least a few times. I'm not knocking him, I'm a fan of harmes, keen to hear others thoughts. Perhaps just first game getting back into it. 

I thought Harmes was easily worst on ground until 10 mins to go in the last quarter.

He cannot afford to have another game like that if Luke Dunstan is breathing down his neck.

[MrFreeze 1,351]

2 minutes ago, Jaded No More said:

He was a hot mess until the last quarter. Poor defensively and his disposal was putrid. But he got into the swing of things in the last.

Harmes is someone who needs time to settle into the season. He always has a stinker at the start and we all call for him to get dropped, and then he really picks up. I trust he will continue that path in 2022. 

A lot of his work is done off the ball, mongrel punt article highlighted this well

HOW IMPORTANT ARE BLOKES LIKE JAMES HARMES AND ALEX NEAL-BULLEN TO THE DEES?

This kind of gives me a chance to look at team structure, because these two seem content to play the Melbourne way, and if the ball comes their way as a result, then great. If it doesn’t, but the team also wins, then great as well.

And then you look after at the Dogs, it seems like everyone needs their touches. Yeah, they get them – Dunkley had 29, Macrae had 39, Bailey Smith had 33, Treloar had 26… they can get the footy, but their roles are… well, they’re hazy. They tend to step on each other’s toes inasmuch as they’re all after the ball all the time.

In contrast, someone like ANB or Harmes doesn’t need the footy as much. They’re both okay with playing a role, making sure their piece of the Demon puzzle is ready to fit, and then, when it is their turn to go, they do so without hesitation. They’re prepared to play defensive roles if necessary, sacrifice their own games, and work as an individual toward a collective goal. That is what makes champion teams.

 

[Dante 2,562]

14 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Sincerely, thank you. 💕

I’ve been incredibly humbled by the well wishes both public and in PMs from some amazing people on DL. Seriously, I have been so moved by some of the sentiments to the point of being legit lost for words (a rarity for me).

I love the Dees with all my heart and always will and Demonland has shown me that there’s nothing wrong with being borderline obsessed with our club. Discovering DL also signalled a welcome end to barracking for Melbourne on my own. 
So thank you everyone! I love you guys 💖😘 (and by guys of course I mean gals too).

I'd like to add my best wishes to that as well, let's hope it continues and you you remain clear so you can get to see your beloved Dees win many more flags. Surely you must have some friends that support the Dees, you can't be on your own.

[WalkingCivilWar 31,157]

Just now, Dante said:

I'd like to add my best wishes to that as well, let's hope it continues and you you remain clear so you can get to see your beloved Dees win many more flags. Surely you must have some friends that support the Dees, you can't be on your own.

Thank you, Dante 💕 sincerely.

And no, not one single person who barracks for the Dees. I know ppl of every other persuasion (? Denomination? Breed? Species?) except for two teams those being us and the Suns (but then, who DOES know any Suns supporters, amirite?!). I even have friends who barrack for the Giants(!)

Hence my unabashed love for DL. ❤️💙

[Dr. Gonzo 22,399]

11 hours ago, DEE fence said:

I loved that it was a 'Home' game, yes I would have like 80+, and you're probably right on the fixturing/numbers - but flip side is, we got 100% media focus. But still listening to the crowd on the broadcast, it was absolutely our home game, sounded like a WC match on the broadcast. Thought the Dogs supporters were weak for not turning up. I also don't mind the 10 day break between games with our current injuries.

I actually thought the Doggies supporters were pretty loud during their run of goals, if I had to guess probably a 60/40 split our way? Maybe I'm being too generous too them but I was sitting in the Southern, sorry - Shane Warne, Stand so wasn't surrounded by as many Melbourne supporters as in the Northern Stand.

[DemonLad5 1,637]

Loved Joel Smith's game

[Dee Zephyr 17,309]

1 hour ago, Grouse said:

Interested to get others perspectives on harmes game. Petracca gave him credit for helping him after the game and his mark and goal when we needed it was fantastic, but I found his disposal throughout large parts of the game to be really off. Just seemed not to be able to take the ball cleanly for most of the game and turned it over at least a few times. I'm not knocking him, I'm a fan of harmes, keen to hear others thoughts. Perhaps just first game getting back into it. 

From where I sat Grouse I thought Harmes worked tirelessly both ways and that’s our mantra. Once again we had the top 5 on ground for fastest average speed in defence. Can’t say I noticed many muffed possessions by Harmes. Others can disagree but I thought he was good on the night.

[Pates 9,536]

40 minutes ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

I actually thought the Doggies supporters were pretty loud during their run of goals, if I had to guess probably a 60/40 split our way? Maybe I'm being too generous too them but I was sitting in the Southern, sorry - Shane Warne, Stand so wasn't surrounded by as many Melbourne supporters as in the Northern Stand.

I personally would be saying it would be generous to say 65/35 split, save for the city end and the pocket in the punt road end they looked pretty baron. Not sure if that was because they didn’t want to witness the premiership celebrations or less incentive to get there unlike the Dees fans but I was a little disappointed in their turn out. Great to see us completely outnumber a Victorian team for support though. 

Still annoyed the AFL chose it to be a Wednesday night fixture though. Put that Friday night, Saturday day/night and that gets at least another 15-20k. 

[tiers 2,761]

1 hour ago, MrFreeze said:

A lot of his work is done off the ball, mongrel punt article highlighted this well

HOW IMPORTANT ARE BLOKES LIKE JAMES HARMES AND ALEX NEAL-BULLEN TO THE DEES?

This kind of gives me a chance to look at team structure, because these two seem content to play the Melbourne way, and if the ball comes their way as a result, then great. If it doesn’t, but the team also wins, then great as well.

 

 

Harmes and ANB are serious contributors to the team whereas most of the doggies are merely accumulators who play their own games. 

No wonder we have won the past two matches. 

GO GOODY GO DEES

[DeeSpencer 23,061]

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

I thought Harmes was easily worst on ground until 10 mins to go in the last quarter.

He cannot afford to have another game like that if Luke Dunstan is breathing down his neck.

Unless Dunstan suddenly finds a whole lot of pace to be able to play wing and half forward I don't think Harmes should be too worried. As bad as he was the cupboard is very empty in terms of flexible midfield options.

I'm keen to see if the report on Taj playing well in the first VFL praccy game has more merit. Year 1 is likely too soon and he's not a tall mid but he has the pace and determination to be a role player through the flank, wing and on ball in spurts.

[dazzledavey36 48,655]

2 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

Unless Dunstan suddenly finds a whole lot of pace to be able to play wing and half forward I don't think Harmes should be too worried. As bad as he was the cupboard is very empty in terms of flexible midfield options.

I'm keen to see if the report on Taj playing well in the first VFL praccy game has more merit. Year 1 is likely too soon and he's not a tall mid but he has the pace and determination to be a role player through the flank, wing and on ball in spurts.

Riley Beveridge on AFL.com made note last week that Taj was potentially in line for an early season debut. 

I need to go back and find it but obviously seems to think that he's put in some really good pre season form to be in some consideration. 

[picket fence 15,060]

16 hours ago, The Chief said:

Apologies if already mentioned, but if TMac gets a few more games down back and shows he can be an effective part of the backline system, the option to try Petty forward when he recovers would have to be considered. 

Or better still Smith with his Ariel Acrobatics would be worth seeing!!

[titan_uranus 22,220]

14 hours ago, DEE fence said:

I loved that it was a 'Home' game, yes I would have like 80+, and you're probably right on the fixturing/numbers - but flip side is, we got 100% media focus. But still listening to the crowd on the broadcast, it was absolutely our home game, sounded like a WC match on the broadcast. Thought the Dogs supporters were weak for not turning up. I also don't mind the 10 day break between games with our current injuries.

Totally re: the crowd. I was in the MCC which is always a high MFC proportion but the roar for us was enormous, whereas the Dogs' noise really only came from their cheer squad in the Ponsford.

I'm sure the low(er) crowd was due to Dogs supporters not turning up.

The 10 day break is nice but there's not a huge difference between 7 and 10 days, and at any rate it's Round 1 so we could probably deal with a shorter break better now than in Round 22, for example.

[Watson11 1,881]

2 hours ago, Jaded No More said:

He was a hot mess until the last quarter. Poor defensively and his disposal was putrid. But he got into the swing of things in the last.

The bolded statement is harsh. 

Défense - Harmes had the second most tackles for us, and 4th most pressure acts.  He was nowhere near the play when the dogs scored goals.  He was not defensively poor in my view.  

Disposal - His disposal efficiency was 82.4% which was 4th best on the night for us.  Is that really putrid?  

[Jaded No More 57,682]

8 minutes ago, Watson11 said:

The bolded statement is harsh. 

Défense - Harmes had the second most tackles for us, and 4th most pressure acts.  He was nowhere near the play when the dogs scored goals.  He was not defensively poor in my view.  

Disposal - His disposal efficiency was 82.4% which was 4th best on the night for us.  Is that really putrid?  

Statistics don't always tell the truth.

When Harmes was on Bailey Smith he quite often lost him in the contest and Smith had a very good day, although he too can't kick. He also butchered the ball in critical moments going inside 50.

I think he was one of our poorer performers, but he is competing against guys who are just so damn good, that sometimes his skill errors stand out more as a result. Overall for round 1 I thought our skills were quite good, especially given our short pre season.

Like I said, I thought he was poor but he lifted in the last when we needed to seal the game, and he tends to get better and better with a bit more time. He is also playing a little bit of a different role, as Viney is now fit and Sparrow has really grown into himself, so he spends far less time playing inside mid. That takes adjusting.

I still think his best position is half forward, where he can impact the scoreboard. Interestingly I thought ANB was superb playing more inside mid than I've ever seen him play before. 

[DeeSpencer 23,061]

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Riley Beveridge on AFL.com made note last week that Taj was potentially in line for an early season debut. 

I need to go back and find it but obviously seems to think that he's put in some really good pre season form to be in some consideration. 

Yeah that was after the reserves game at Carlton. But it’s hard to know if Riley watched the game carefully and confirmed with coaches or if he just saw a couple of nice passages of play and chucked it in his story. Need some more VFL games to see what our depth guys are up to.