Jump to content

CHANGES: Rd 18 vs Port Adelaide

Demonland
in Melbourne Demons

Featured Replies

43 minutes ago, DeeZone said:

However his handball is very good get him to find closer targets he is a ball magnet and pretty tough as well. If Clayton doesn’t play Dunstan has to or medi-sub if Clayton plays. No good having a fire axe if you are to scared to break the glass.!!!

What about Gus into the middle and Rivers/Hunt to cover the back flank. Then throw Toby and Lizzie into the middle for a change up, to add pace from the stoppage.
 

TIO stadium games often have players using space to run and bounce. I think pace is important at this ground.

Not saying Dunstan doesn’t come in, only that he turns it over too often.

    • Like 3
     

    i can't understand the logic of switching gus out of the position that he's having the best year of his career in to go back into the middle

    seems like a case of robbing peter to pay paul to me

    • Like 6

    Not sure Dunstan comes in for Oliver on the big ground. We need the run this week.

    Hunt deserves to come into the 22, albeit I’m not sure Bowey out makes us better.

    Laurie played well in the VFL but Spargo would get 30 disposals and a couple of goals every second week at that level. I don’t see Laurie as an AFL player yet until he is strong enough to complete because he’s not quick or an elite long distance runner. Chandler would be an option to replace either Bedford or Spargo. He is more dynamic and has a good engine.

    I think our team will function better with another key forward, whether it be Weideman or Van Rooyen. 

    • Like 2
     
    1 hour ago, Call Me What You Will said:

    Just a thought - Gus into the middle to replace Clarry. Rivers in to back fill half back. Some merit in the “mass changes” mooted in the thread. However, do not think selection carnage is the way to go - one or two would be good to make a statement - and yes JVR or Laurie or both might make the point. 

    I’d like to see Gus move into the middle for this game if Oliver is out, in preference to Dunstan. (We don’t need another in the middle with poor foot skills when we already have Viney, Harmes and Trac for that). It’s the ground Gus was BOG playing a midfield role a few years ago; and as evidenced in the practice games this season, when Gus went into the middle, he and Gawny had a great connection at the centre bounces. We’d lose a key member of our backline, but it also would give Hunt and/or Rivers a chance at redemption. Our forward line is not functioning, despite what some posters might be saying, and therefore needs a shot in the arm ( not the Essendon type though). Laurie has earned a debut and should get a run. We need a second tall imo and that’s a choice between the tried and rarely true Weid and the untried van Rooyen. I’ve always been wishful when it comes to the Weid, but this time I’d like to see the van Roy boy get a debut.

    • Like 1

    I don't think personnel changes will make much difference.  Teams are playing us better, they're moving the ball quicker and it's disrupting our game plan.

    • Like 3

    26 minutes ago, one_demon said:

    I don't think personnel changes will make much difference.  Teams are playing us better, they're moving the ball quicker and it's disrupting our game plan.

    I agree with your point one dee.

    Personally though I'd like to see us play more quick emails and force our kids/attackers to start using them rather than bombing to contested talls.

    This is easier said then done and we will still need talls like brown/weeds etc. But I want to see more pacy smalls like Chandler,  Bedford and kozzy in the same forward line.

    Obviously nibbles fritcsch and Spargo roles need to be considered but of we have more aggressions and pace we might fix a few issues

    • Like 1

    Changes, Dunstan for Clarry. Need someone who is proven in and under, and to give Viney some relief. 

    I believe our offensive problem is that we want to congregate together. The talls, usually two of them tend to work with each other to block, support and form a pack with the smalls at the contest as the ball comes down.

    The strategy, that doesn't seem to work. What I see is, contested footy in our forward line and a lack of space which makes for holding the ball in there and opportunistic goals. It creates congestion and encourages bombs into it. Fast clearances out of our forward-line by the opponents, leave us chasing hard and a defence zone that is a bit thin. The opposition can create connection and confidence with good deliveries.

    I want us to be one on one in our forward line with more players outside the attacking arc. Hoping for more forward area mobility, which includes leads, decoys, separations and big open spaces. 

    Keep Bedford in for the game in Alice. His performance at the first nations stronghold could be strong.

    Edited by kev martin

    • Like 2
     
    3 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

     

    The week off before finals means form can turnaround quickly. Why do the shock jocks make such stupid definitive statements?

    • Like 1
    4 hours ago, djr said:

    Why is this a new thread when there is a thread already opened re CHANGES:

    Why not?

    Wouldn't be Demonland if there wasn't redundant topics off everywhere.

    But I happen to think this one raises some unique points that would be lost in the generic changes thread.

    • Like 1

    3 hours ago, dee-tox said:

    Agree.

    Also, there were a few contests squibbed Thursday night. I'd make an example of one or two guys. Bowey, Bedford among others.

    Too many for my liking! Some of our players were taking backwards and sidewards steps when confronted by Geelong’s mature big bodied players.

    • Sad 1
    4 hours ago, 640MD said:

    Don’t think we want to play away at that stink hole at KP. Not unless we get seriously good umpires.

    they play their ground better than we do

    i hope we were still loading though I doubt it

    We where lucky on Thursday that it was one of the better umpired games (except for the last 10 minutes when the Cats got a few cheap free kicks) I have seen in years. The umpires weren’t influenced by the lopsided Geelong crowd, which was pleasing to see.

    • Like 4
    38 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

     

    This makes me feel better. That bloke knows nothing about the modern game.

    • Like 2
    • Haha 2
    26 minutes ago, Fat Tony said:

    The week off before finals means form can turnaround quickly. Why do the shock jocks make such stupid definitive statements?

    I have some big concerns about Lloyd's brain

    Edited by drysdale demon
    spelling

    • Shocked 1

    Disappointed with Lloyd. Been one of the few media believers all season.Whats he talking about? Premiership teams are never decided in July FFS.He knows that. The media is just a corrupt joke. They were talking about Pies possibly winning the flag last week. They barely got over the line against North.

     

    • Like 1

    Disappointed with Lloyd. Been one of the few media believers all season.Whats he talking about? Premierships arent decided in July FFS.

    • Sad 1

    Disappointed with Lloyd. Been one of the few media believers all season.Whats he talking about? Premiership teams are never decided in July FFS.He knows that. The media is just a corrupt joke. They were talking about Pies possibly winning the flag last week. They barely got over the line against North.

     

    • Shocked 1
    23 minutes ago, Star of the 80s said:

    We where lucky on Thursday that it was one of the better umpired games (except for the last 10 minutes when the Cats got a few cheap free kicks) I have seen in years. The umpires weren’t influenced by the lopsided Geelong crowd, which was pleasing to see.

    There you go

    I thought the umpires were atrocious 

    the missed head high on Oliver plus the kick in danger.  And the May (I think) thrown to the ground no free , their goal 

    still just my opinion 

    • Like 3

    One would have stopped a goal and we might have had one or two our selves

    • Like 1

    Dogga ruck majority

    Gawn KPF majority and to be barking at the mids to lower their eyes

    Laurie in, form at VFL should be rewarded

    Flip a coin as to Pickett, Bedford or Spargo to be out. Prob Bedford as he's most junior. But Spargo and Kossie will need a kick up the clacker very soon

    Assuming he plays, I'd give Kossie time in the middle, get him more involved. He's also creative with i50 delivery

    Edited by Stiff Arm

    • Like 5

    BEN BROWN

    Ben Brown has been targeted inside 50m one-on-one 45 times this season. He has taken one mark from those battles — a junk-time grab on Marcus Adams (Lions) late in the fourth quarter. He has been out-marked eight times. The Demons don’t trust Sam Weideman or Mitch Brown and so it’s a mighty concern for Melbourne as the absence of Tom McDonald — the swingman they attempted to offload in 2020 — aches. On Thursday night the Dees took six marks inside 50m, their equal fewest this season, and the disconnection is also disarming Kozzie Pickett and Charlie Spargo while Bayley Fritsch has been accused of being goal hungry. Contrast Brown’s numbers to Geelong goliath Tom Hawkins, who gobbles 38 per cent of his one-on-ones. The next best in the AFL is Darcy Cameron (Collingwood), who marks 25 per cent of his one-on-ones.

    Early Tackle: Sam Landsberger’s Likes and Dislikes from round 17

    • Like 1
    • Shocked 2
    • Sad 1
    18 hours ago, Star of the 80s said:

    You might be right that Goodwin hasn’t got the balls to make that many changes. But lets look at the facts:

    - We have won 2 of our last 6 games;

    - We played one good quarter of football in the games against Freo (2nd Qtr), Swans (1st Qtr), Coll (1st Qtr) and Geelong ok in first half.

    - Our forward has been ineffective... our mid field when put under a lot of pressure just bomb the ball forward and don’t/can’t look for options leading to lots of easy intercept marks

    - We have been too one dimensional playing the same old game plan from last year and the good sides have worked us out

    - Goodwin keeps playing the same “method” and “team” making very few changes during games

    - A number players are playing selfish football and looking after their own interests (I.e. Fritsch not passing the ball to Petracca and Langdon, etc and attempting to kick the goal himself instead of passing the ball himself) - this is why Fritsch needs to be dropped

    - Salem’s form since returning from injury has been sub standard

    - Spargo backing out of a contest when a Geelong player was coming straight at him in a pack that led to a Geelong goal

    - Sparrow jumping out of the way instead of continuing to chase his Geelong opponent that led to another Geelong goal

    - Goodwin talks about rewarding good form of players in the VFL. Now is the time to shake up this team and play guys who are playing well and with confidence at Casey. 

    - Despite low possessions Kossie was one of better players against the Cats and was prepared to throw his weight around and kicked a much needed goal in the last qtr.

    Btw I have picked like for like players in my 7 changes who I think would been more energy to the team and are “team” first players. 

    Enough said!!!

     

    That is a bit of a cheap shot saying Goodwin hasn't got the balls to make the changes you suggest. It would be a sign of a desperate and panic stricken football department to do so.

    • Like 1
    • Thanks 1
    1 hour ago, Lord Nev said:

    Ben Brown has been targeted inside 50m one-on-one 45 times this season. He has taken one mark from those battles — a junk-time grab on Marcus Adams (Lions) late in the fourth quarter. He has been out-marked eight times.

    I believe he is a lead up full-forward. Our set up doesn't suit him. He needs space so he can get separation.

    We usually have a congested forward area (especially when the play is more static), so we can play contested footy and hold the ball in and around the forward 50 arc.

    Would love to see us clear out that area, and play a few more a kick behind when in or entering the forward area.

    Let's play our contested game between the arcs, clog their forward line and empty ours.

    This would give all the forwards more area to work in, including our BBB, who generally has good hands, usually marks at the highest point and has skill to create separation. 

    Edited by kev martin

    • Like 1
     
    11 hours ago, Demon Dynasty said:

    Our run finished after 10 straight wins CYB.  We've only beaten 1 top four team  out of 4 matches since we beat the Saints during that run in Rnd 8.  That 25% hit rate against top eight teams from here would only see us winning 3 out of the next 6.

    If the alarm bells isn"t warming up and starting to ting a ling a little right now inside Goody's & the FD's heads it should be.

    We have a chance to right the ship but some serious changes/work needed on eveything forward of center before the match against Port if we're to make the top four.  As i've said since we lost Macca, you just can't/won't win many matches at this level defending 8 or 9 goals.

    We have 9 days to fix it IMV or we'll probably end up outside the top four and/or at best playing an 'away' Qualifying final in Sydney, Brisbane or the 

    7 hours ago, Call Me What You Will said:

    Just a thought - Gus into the middle to replace Clarry. Rivers in to back fill half back. Some merit in the “mass changes” mooted in the thread. However, do not think selection carnage is the way to go - one or two would be good to make a statement - and yes JVR or Laurie or both might make the point. 


     

    Guaranteed that Hunt will be picked before Rivers 

    Edited by 1964_2

    Can’t really disagree with Lloyd. Besides the Lions game we have been putrid for a while. On todays form, Lions are not a great benchmark.

    Having said that, we can turn it around quickly. I think some personal changes help. I’d bring Hunt back, Laurie and Van Rooyen to come back in. I’d also look at Rivers to return down back.

    Salem to move to mid/forward this week. 
    Bedford out, Bowey out, Oliver out and perhaps Spargo. 

    • Like 1

    Guest
    This topic is now closed to further replies.
    Go to topic listing

    Featured Content

    • CASEY: Collingwood

      It was freezing cold at Mission Whitten Stadium where only the brave came out in the rain to watch a game that turned out to be as miserable as the weather.
      The Casey Demons secured their third consecutive victory, earning the four premiership points and credit for defeating a highly regarded Collingwood side, but achieved little else. Apart perhaps from setting the scene for Monday’s big game at the MCG and the Ice Challenge that precedes it.
      Neither team showcased significant skill in the bleak and greasy conditions, at a location that was far from either’s home territory. Even the field umpires forgot where they were and experienced a challenging evening, but no further comment is necessary.

      • 4 replies
      Demonland

    • NON-MFC: Round 13

      Follow all the action from every Round 13 clash excluding the Dees as the 2025 AFL Premiership Season rolls on. With Melbourne playing in the final match of the round on King's Birthday, all eyes turn to the rest of the competition. Who are you tipping to win? And more importantly, which results best serve the Demons’ finals aspirations? Join the discussion and keep track of the matches that could shape the ladder and impact our run to September.

        • Clap
        • Like
      • 216 replies
      Demonland

    • PREVIEW: Collingwood

      Having convincingly defeated last year’s premier and decisively outplayed the runner-up with 8.2 in the final quarter, nothing epitomized the Melbourne Football Club’s performance more than its 1.12 final half, particularly the eight consecutive behinds in the last term, against a struggling St Kilda team in the midst of a dismal losing streak. Just when stability and consistency were anticipated within the Demon ranks, they delivered a quintessential performance marked by instability and ill-conceived decisions, with the most striking aspect being their inaccuracy in kicking for goal, which suggested a lack of preparation (instead of sleeping in their hotel in Alice, were they having a night on the turps) rather than a well-rested team. Let’s face it - this kicking disease that makes them look like raw amateurs is becoming a millstone around the team’s neck.

        • Like
      • 1 reply
      Demonland

    • CASEY: Sydney

      The Casey Demons were always expected to emerge victorious in their matchup against the lowly-ranked Sydney Swans at picturesque Tramway Oval, situated in the shadows of the SCG in Moore Park. They dominated the proceedings in the opening two and a half quarters of the game but had little to show for it. This was primarily due to their own sloppy errors in a low-standard game that produced a number of crowded mauls reminiscent of the rugby game popular in old Sydney Town. However, when the Swans tired, as teams often do when they turn games into ugly defensive contests, Casey lifted the standard of its own play and … it was off to the races. Not to nearby Randwick but to a different race with an objective of piling on goal after goal on the way to a mammoth victory. At the 25-minute mark of the third quarter, the Demons held a slender 14-point lead over the Swans, who are ahead on the ladder of only the previous week's opposition, the ailing Bullants. Forty minutes later, they had more than fully compensated for the sloppiness of their earlier play with a decisive 94-point victory, that culminated in a rousing finish which yielded thirteen unanswered goals. Kicks hit their targets, the ball found itself going through the middle and every player made a contribution.

        • Like
      • 1 reply
      Demonland

    • REPORT: St. Kilda

      Hands up if you thought, like me, at half-time in yesterday’s game at TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs that Melbourne’s disposal around the ground and, in particular, its kicking inaccuracy in front of the goals couldn’t get any worse. Well, it did. And what’s even more damning for the Melbourne Football Club is that the game against St Kilda and its resurgence from the bottomless pit of its miserable start to the season wasn’t just lost through poor conversion for goal but rather in the 15 minutes when the entire team went into a slumber and was mugged by the out-of-form Saints. Their six goals two behinds (one goal less than the Demons managed for the whole game) weaved a path of destruction from which they were unable to recover. Ross Lyon’s astute use of pressure to contain the situation once they had asserted their grip on the game, and Melbourne’s self-destructive wastefulness, assured that outcome. The old adage about the insanity of repeatedly doing something and expecting a different result, was out there. Two years ago, the score line in Melbourne’s loss to the Giants at this same ground was 5 goals 15 behinds - a ratio of one goal per four scoring shots - was perfectly replicated with yesterday’s 7 goals 21 behinds. 
      This has been going on for a while and opens up a number of questions. I’ll put forward a few that come to mind from this performance. The obvious first question is whether the club can find a suitable coach to instruct players on proper kicking techniques or is this a skill that can no longer be developed at this stage of the development of our playing group? Another concern is the team's ability to counter an opponent's dominance during a run on as exemplified by the Saints in the first quarter. Did the Demons underestimate their opponents, considering St Kilda's goals during this period were scored by relatively unknown forwards? Furthermore, given the modest attendance of 6,721 at TIO Traeger Park and the team's poor past performances at this venue, is it prudent to prioritize financial gain over potentially sacrificing valuable premiership points by relinquishing home ground advantage, notwithstanding the cultural significance of the team's connection to the Red Centre? 

        • Like
      • 4 replies
      Demonland

    • PREGAME: Collingwood

      After a disappointing loss in Alice Springs the Demons return to the MCG to take on the Magpies in the annual King's Birthday Big Freeze for MND game. Who comes in and who goes out?

        • Like
      • 527 replies
      Demonland
    View All