Jump to content

The Run Home


Demonland

Recommended Posts

18 minutes ago, Glorious Day said:

Gotta call it as I see it. We’ve had an absolutely blessed run with injuries. Had a few players out here and there earlier in the season, and a few banged up, but we’ve basically been full strength for over a month now, with only TMac out of our best 22. It’s not exactly like TMac is one of our AA players either, albeit he’s important to the team’s structure.

That being said, missing the top 4 would really be a massive underachievement and questions would need to be raised. Yes, the fixture is flawed (ie Geelong getting two wins for free due to double-ups against North and WCE). Carlton are also getting a bit heckled at the moment, but they’ve got 1/3 of their list out, and were not reigning premiers.

I expect us to win our last two and finish 2nd (getting enough % to finish higher than Sydney). We will then be at the same position as last year really, home finals right through.

My reasoning for this is our form over the last two weeks. We win that Collingwood game 9 times out of 10. Despite looking at issues we need to fix (like anyone does after a loss), if we got over the line, we’d be lorded for such a powerful performance. The ultimate result was a massive abnormality and here’s hoping it proves to be a massive wake up call that wasn’t too late.
 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Good points. Although it would seem we are at "full strength" right now, it is very different from last year. Alot of our players who have been injured: Salem, Lever, Hibberd, Langdon, Gawn, Jackson, JJ, Oliver, Petty have all struggled to be at 100% upon returning, some still not fully fit imo, they are just not performing and haven't regained confidence in their game.

 

Edited by Deenooos_
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have lost our dare. Players are second guessing and there is panic creeping in. Where is that Max Gawn who would float around the ground marking everything. Where is that Christian Petracca who took a Grand Final by the scruff of the neck and shook it till it was his. Where is that wave like explosiveness from the centre. Where is that impenetrable wall of defence. Where is that manic forward pressure. That’s what I want to see on the run home. But I suspect I won’t. We have put too much pressure on ourselves by declaring the back to back in front of us at the G. The other contenders can smell the kill, and I reckon Carlton are a big chance, Cripps or not.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree it was stupid to tout around and let everyone know “we want to go back to back” so publicly, it has not helped. Maybe the club should have remained humble. It is obvious that the goal of every team after a flag is to do it again but that goal should be kept internal imo.

Although things could have been handled differently, there’s no denying we’re still very good. We should take care of Carlton comfortably.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 minutes ago, bobby1554 said:

Where is that Christian Petracca who took a Grand Final by the scruff of the neck and shook it till it was his. Where is that wave like explosiveness from the centre. Where is that impenetrable wall of defence. Where is that manic forward pressure. That’s what I want to see on the run home. But I suspect I won’t. 

Petraccas game on GF day was as good as he has ever played. Also the waves from the centre were a hallmark of the Prelim and GF only imo.  I feel like people over rate our 2021 form due to 2 absolutely stratospheric performances at the pointy end. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

28 minutes ago, DemonWA said:

Petraccas game on GF day was as good as he has ever played. Also the waves from the centre were a hallmark of the Prelim and GF only imo.  I feel like people over rate our 2021 form due to 2 absolutely stratospheric performances at the pointy end. 

Funny, I feel like people underrate our 2021 by arguing it was a fluke or came off the back of 2-4 incredible performances. 

Our entire 2021 season was phenomenal. If anything, people forget how good we were pre-bye because they focus on the finals. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think one of the reasons for our slight drop this year is because last year was so phenomenal and incredibly difficult to reach those heights again. The losses we had were more often than not backed up by bounce back wins. If you were designing an ideal premiership season that one would come mighty close.

 I hate making these kinds of excuses but the fact is if we pinch one or 2 more of these games we really should have won then the narrative is different. 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites


1 hour ago, DemonWA said:

Petraccas game on GF day was as good as he has ever played. Also the waves from the centre were a hallmark of the Prelim and GF only imo.  I feel like people over rate our 2021 form due to 2 absolutely stratospheric performances at the pointy end. 

Agreed.  Malcolm Blight's view was that a team needed to peak at Prelim time, the trick being to get there first.

He used a ' minutes to midnight '  clock as an illustration to the Crows teams under him. 1998 was a good example, did not much in finals till PF day and the rest is history.

The clue was however that even though Crows finished 5th, they had the highest % by a long way of the Eight in 123%, and way ahead of any other finalsist which then showed out in later finals. with big wins.

I agree with Goody that the signs are there of substantial improvement over the past mongth despite the flaws and win /loss record.

I would fear the Dees in a final as an oppo supporter for the reasons above that you note about the capacity of Trac and Oliver and gang knowing what's needed on the day.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, titan_uranus said:

Funny, I feel like people underrate our 2021 by arguing it was a fluke or came off the back of 2-4 incredible performances. 

Our entire 2021 season was phenomenal. If anything, people forget how good we were pre-bye because they focus on the finals. 

Don't disagree that the whole 2021 was phenomenal, but I thought the way we attacked during the prelim and grandfinal was something different altogether 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Did the ladder predictor for this round if the favourites win.  Going to be a massive last round for top 4 and top 8.

Lion v Dees and Blues/Pies are HUGE games needless to say. Top 2 and top 4 on the line in one match

Geelong

17 4 0 137.7

Melbourne

15 6 0 127.7

Sydney

15 6 0 126.6

Brisbane Lions

15 6 0 124.0  

Collingwood

15 6 0 105.6

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, DubDee said:

Did the ladder predictor for this round if the favourites win.  Going to be a massive last round for top 4 and top 8.

Lion v Dees and Blues/Pies are HUGE games needless to say. Top 2 and top 4 on the line in one match

Geelong

17 4 0 137.7

Melbourne

15 6 0 127.7

Sydney

15 6 0 126.6

Brisbane Lions

15 6 0 124.0  

Collingwood

15 6 0 105.6

They need to wallop Carlton to get % clear of Sydney.

2nd is still on,still unlikely

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The two most likely scenarios are:

  • play Sydney either home or away based on % (if we win both games) finish 2nd/3rd
  • Play Tigers finish 6th (if we lose 1 or both games)

Good news is Carlton are a real chance to miss finals on percentage if we beat them

Outlier - praying for a miracle - The Saints have 2 huge games and are playing for a finals spot.  if they win one or both it is massive for us

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, DubDee said:

The two most likely scenarios are:

  • play Sydney either home or away based on % (if we win both games) finish 2nd/3rd
  • Play Tigers finish 6th (if we lose 1 or both games)

Good news is Carlton are a real chance to miss finals on percentage if we beat them

Outlier - praying for a miracle - The Saints have 2 huge games and are playing for a finals spot.  if they win one or both it is massive for us

I don't rule the Saints totally out this week. Unlikely but I'd give them a go.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The optimism in me has us playing Sydney at the MCG in week 1 in a qualifying final, with Collingwood facing the toughest assignment possible first up in the form of Geelong.

The pessimist in me has us playing Richmond at the MCG in a week 1 elimination final. Then a date with Brisbane in a GABBA semi final if we get past RIchmond.

So much revolves around the Sydney/Collingwood result.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Easy to focus on our average form, but the Lions have been similar.  4-4 in the last 8 games including:

  • losing to the Tigers when 40pts up
  • narrowly beating the Suns
  • losing to the bombers
  • getting smashed by us

they are in average form especially in their midfield. play away to saints and then us.  Lions could easily be the ones that finish 6th

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, DubDee said:

The two most likely scenarios are:

  • play Sydney either home or away based on % (if we win both games) finish 2nd/3rd
  • Play Tigers finish 6th (if we lose 1 or both games)

Good news is Carlton are a real chance to miss finals on percentage if we beat them

Outlier - praying for a miracle - The Saints have 2 huge games and are playing for a finals spot.  if they win one or both it is massive for us

6 hours ago, layzie said:

I don't rule the Saints totally out this week. Unlikely but I'd give them a go.

St Kilda stink, but one thing to bear in mind is that Brisbane are on a 5-day break going into tomorrow night's game after playing in 20+ degree conditions in Brisbane. St Kilda have the extra day off.

It shouldn't matter, as Brisbane have no business losing to St Kilda at this point of the season, but if you want an upset, there's at least something to work with here.

4 hours ago, DubDee said:

Easy to focus on our average form, but the Lions have been similar.  4-4 in the last 8 games including:

  • losing to the Tigers when 40pts up
  • narrowly beating the Suns
  • losing to the bombers
  • getting smashed by us

they are in average form especially in their midfield. play away to saints and then us.  Lions could easily be the ones that finish 6th

Not only this, but Carlton this week was the first top 8 side they'd beaten since Round 7, and only the third top 8 side they've beaten all year (Collingwood in Round 5 and Sydney Round 7 the other two).

Lost to Geelong, Fremantle, us and Richmond.

Their double up games this season are us, St Kilda, GC, GWS and Essendon. That has to be up there with the softest set of double up games for any side this year.

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


5 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

The optimism in me has us playing Sydney at the MCG in week 1 in a qualifying final, with Collingwood facing the toughest assignment possible first up in the form of Geelong.

The pessimist in me has us playing Richmond at the MCG in a week 1 elimination final. Then a date with Brisbane in a GABBA semi final if we get past RIchmond.

So much revolves around the Sydney/Collingwood result.

I'd rather play Pies in the QF over the PF if it comes to that. Last week still fresh in the players minds and they know they have the double chance so won't be as nervous about losing to them (if that makes sense).

Sydney worry me because they are smartly coached and always play us tight, I don't think we've had a comfortable win against them since we shellacked them under Bailey.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

I'd rather play Pies in the QF over the PF if it comes to that. Last week still fresh in the players minds and they know they have the double chance so won't be as nervous about losing to them (if that makes sense).

Sydney worry me because they are smartly coached and always play us tight, I don't think we've had a comfortable win against them since we shellacked them under Bailey.

Totally agree regarding Sydney, really don't want to play them in the finals. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

Sydney worry me because they are smartly coached and always play us tight, I don't think we've had a comfortable win against them since we shellacked them under Bailey.

We have a 2-10-1 record over Sydney since that brilliant day under Bailey.

Needless to say we struggle big time against Sydney as you’ve pointed out above.

We often go in as favourites and lose to them (see 2018, 2020 and 2022)

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

We have a 2-10-1 record over Sydney since that brilliant day under Bailey.

Needless to say we struggle big time against Sydney as you’ve pointed out above.

We often go in as favourites and lose to them (see 2018, 2020 and 2022)

The two wins would be last year when we scraped home and at the scg in 2019 our first win of the season. Slim pickings, I just envision Papley giving us headaches.

Edited by Dr. Gonzo
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

We have a 2-10-1 record over Sydney since that brilliant day under Bailey.

Needless to say we struggle big time against Sydney as you’ve pointed out above.

We often go in as favourites and lose to them (see 2018, 2020 and 2022)

That's gotta be one of the crappier records of the last decade going round.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, layzie said:

I don't rule the Saints totally out this week. Unlikely but I'd give them a go.

Saints rolled the Lions late last year in Brisbane by 32 points. Then earlier this year the Lions led by 3 points at 3/4 time before going on to win by 23 points. 

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  

    BLOODY BLUES by Meggs

    The conclusion to Narrm’s home and away season was the inevitable let down by the bloody Blues  who meekly capitulated to the Bombers.   The 2024 season fixture handicapped the Demons chances from the get-go with Port Adelaide, Brisbane and Essendon advantaged with enough gimme games to ensure a tough road to the finals, especially after a slew of early season injuries to star players cost wins and percentage.     As we strode confidently through the gates of Prin

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 3

    2024 Player Reviews: #5 Christian Petracca

    Melbourne’s most important player who dominated the first half of the season until his untimely injury in the Kings Birthday clash put an end to his season. At the time, he was on his way to many personal honours and the club in strong finals contention. When the season did end for Melbourne and Petracca was slowly recovering, he was engulfed in controversy about a possible move of clubs amid claims about his treatment by the club in the immediate aftermath of his injury. Date of Birth: 4 J

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 21

    2024 Player Reviews: #2 Jacob van Rooyen

    Strong marking youngster who plays forward and relief ruck, continued to make significant strides forward in his career path. The Demons have high hopes for van Rooyen as he stakes his claim to become an elite attacking forward. Date of Birth: 16 April 2003 Height: 193cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 41 Goals MFC 2024: 30 Career Total: 58 Brownlow Medal Votes: 1

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 26

    LIVE AND LET DIE by Meggs

    The Demons’ impressive late season charge to finals will most likely come unstuck this Saturday evening when the Bombers blow up the also-ran Blues in the Ikon Park double-header.   To mangle McCartney, what does it matter to ya? To have any chance to play next week Narrm has got a job to do and needs to do it well.  We’ve got to give the Pie sheilas hell, say live and let die! It’s Indigenous Round for this game and the chance to celebrate and engage with Aboriginal and Torres

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons

    2024 Player Reviews: #32 Tom Sparrow

    Had to shoulder more responsibility as the club’s injury concerns deepened but needs to step up more as he closes in on 100 games. Date of Birth: 31 May 2000 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 95 Goals MFC 2024: 6 Career Total: 34 Games CDFC: 1 Goals CDFL: 0

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 24

    2024 Player Reviews: #35 Harry Petty

    Date of Birth: 12 November 1999 Height: 197cm Games MFC 2024: 20 Career Total: 82 Goals MFC 2024: 9 Career Total: 28 Brownlow Medal Votes 3 Failed to fulfill the promise of his breakout six goal effort against the Tigers in 2023 and was generally disappointing as a key forward. It remains to be seen whether Simon Goodwin will persevere with him in attack or return him to the backline where he was an important cog in the club’s 2021 premiership success.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 18

    2024 Player Reviews: #22 Blake Howes

    After a bright start to the season, playing mostly in defence, Howes seemed to lose his way in midseason but fought back with some good performances at Casey and finished the year back at AFL level. One to watch in 2024. Date of Birth: 7 March 2003 Height: 191cm Games MFC 2024: 15 Career Total:  15 Goals MFC 2024: 0 Career Total:  0 Games CDFC 2024: 6 Goals CDFC 2024: 0

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    2024 Player Reviews: #33 Tom Fullarton

    Originally an NBL basketballer with the Brisbane Bullets, he moved across town in 2019 to the AFL Lions where he played 19 games before crossing to Melbourne where he was expected to fill a role as a back up ruckman/key forward. Unfortunately, didn’t quite get there although he did finish equal sixth in Casey’s best and fairest award. Date of Birth: 23 February 1999 Height: 198cm Games CDFC: 14 Goals CDFL: 13

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 8

    2024 Player Reviews: #10 Angus Brayshaw

    Sadly, had to wrap up a great career in midstream on the back of multiple concussions which culminated in the Maynard hit in the 2023 Qualifying Final. His loss to the club was inestimable over and above his on field talent given his character and leadership qualities, all of which have been sorely missed. Date of Birth: 9 January 1996 Height: 188cm Games MFC 2024: 0 Career Total: 167 Goals MFC 2024: 0 Career Total: 49

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 8
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...