Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted
19 hours ago, jnrmac said:

Kicked 4 against Essendon a few years back

I think Hunt is a much better player off half back where he can break lines and take field position.  He may have had a few good games up forward but he gets lost there and doesn’t impact enough for mine. 

Posted (edited)

Port & Bulldogs back 6's aren't too big a step up from the VFL I reckon. Undersized and constantly out of position this year. It might be the ample two games to debut JVR 

Edited by John Demonic
  • Like 7

Posted
3 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

On a forward flank Laurie’s a slower, less fit, less experienced, less combative version of Spargo.

Laurie’s VFL form is very promising for his future as a mid/forward type player with excellent skills. But that’s the future, when he’s developed his tank and his strength to play AFL midfield minutes. He’s barely established his midfield craft at VFL level, he’s a long way off AFL level.

In terms of bringing fresh players in to play half forward I’d still have Chandler and Melksham more impactful at AFL level than Laurie. And Spargo ahead of both. 

How can you say that a player who has yet to debut is less impactful? And how do you assess Laurie's fitness levels?

Spargo averages 72% game time this year compared to Kossies 80%. Only once has Spargo played over 80% game this year. 

Unless Laurie is given a chance, all your statements are pure guesswork or opinions. And we know how often your opinions have been wrong. 

  • Like 1
Posted
10 minutes ago, mo64 said:

How can you say that a player who has yet to debut is less impactful? And how do you assess Laurie's fitness levels?

Spargo averages 72% game time this year compared to Kossies 80%. Only once has Spargo played over 80% game this year. 

Unless Laurie is given a chance, all your statements are pure guesswork or opinions. And we know how often your opinions have been wrong. 

Because I’ve watched the Casey games and Laurie doesn’t motor contest to contest the way our half forwards do at AFL level. He’s also on the slower side for a small, that’s undeniable. Doesn’t do a lot overhead, or with physical aggression. And whilst he’s taken a big stride forward his ball winning is only now getting to a good level for a VFL player, particularly as his midfield minutes increase.

Without open trainings I haven’t really seen how he’s done in fitness stuff but I don’t think it was elite pre draft and he’s in year 2. Spargo is year 5 and a noted runner.

Laurie has a lot of talent and when he physically matures and develops he should be a skilled mid/forward. I just don’t see the need to give him a game now only to prove that he’s off the pace as a half forward.

Posted
1 minute ago, DeeSpencer said:

Because I’ve watched the Casey games and Laurie doesn’t motor contest to contest the way our half forwards do at AFL level. He’s also on the slower side for a small, that’s undeniable. Doesn’t do a lot overhead, or with physical aggression. And whilst he’s taken a big stride forward his ball winning is only now getting to a good level for a VFL player, particularly as his midfield minutes increase.

Without open trainings I haven’t really seen how he’s done in fitness stuff but I don’t think it was elite pre draft and he’s in year 2. Spargo is year 5 and a noted runner.

Laurie has a lot of talent and when he physically matures and develops he should be a skilled mid/forward. I just don’t see the need to give him a game now only to prove that he’s off the pace as a half forward.

Laurie was an elite 2km runner..

  • Like 2

Posted
3 hours ago, Demons11 said:

I think Hunt is a much better player off half back where he can break lines and take field position.  He may have had a few good games up forward but he gets lost there and doesn’t impact enough for mine. 

Dont disagree. I was just rebutting the post saying "Hunt is not a forward"

  • Vomit 1
Posted

Interesting stat on On The Couch. For the last 5 weeks:

Petracca:

Kicks I50:   28

Marks from kicks I50: 2

Oliver:

Kicks I50:   18

Marks from kicks I50: 0

So 46 kicks into the forward line but only two of them were marked?

Given all that, not sure if changing forward personnel is going to do much if the way the ball is coming in continues to be so hit and miss (mainly miss).

(Also not sure that other main I50's, e.g. Harmes and ANB, are any better in terms of delivery/accuracy.)

 

  • Like 4
  • Shocked 1
  • Vomit 1
Posted
6 minutes ago, bing181 said:

Interesting stat on On The Couch. For the last 5 weeks:

Petracca:

Kicks I50:   28

Marks from kicks I50: 2

Oliver:

Kicks I50:   18

Marks from kicks I50: 0

So 46 kicks into the forward line but only two of them were marked?

Given all that, not sure if changing forward personnel is going to do much if the way the ball is coming in continues to be so hit and miss (mainly miss).

(Also not sure that other main I50's, e.g. Harmes and ANB, are any better in terms of delivery/accuracy.)

 

It's not all the mids fault. As already spoken about in this thread, the forward structure and leading has been horrendous this year. Ben Brown has 1 mark from 45 one on ones, I find it hard to believe the 1 mark was the lone half decent kick. He was outmarked 8 times among that number too. He's our number 1 most targeted player inside 50.

The whole narrative of 'the mids just bomb it, it's their fault' falls apart pretty quickly once you go to a few games and see the lack of leading and efforts from the tall forwards.

Clearly something needs to change - the disconnect is a worry - but these stats miss the bigger picture.

  • Like 1

Posted (edited)

Alot of this has to do with game style, you can see Trac and Oliver are told to get the ball in deep as quickly as possible, trouble is they then miss free players i50

Edited by Rednblueriseing
  • Like 5
Posted
31 minutes ago, Rednblueriseing said:

Alot of this has to do with game style, you can see Trac and Oliver are told to get the ball in deep as quickly as possible, trouble is they then miss free players i50

Yep. And floating mongrel punts become the order of the day. I'd hate to be a forward in our setup.

  • Like 1

Posted
55 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

It's not all the mids fault. As already spoken about in this thread, the forward structure and leading has been horrendous this year. Ben Brown has 1 mark from 45 one on ones, I find it hard to believe the 1 mark was the lone half decent kick. He was outmarked 8 times among that number too. He's our number 1 most targeted player inside 50.

The whole narrative of 'the mids just bomb it, it's their fault' falls apart pretty quickly once you go to a few games and see the lack of leading and efforts from the tall forwards.

Clearly something needs to change - the disconnect is a worry - but these stats miss the bigger picture.

It's clearly both.

We know Brown's failing to mark the ball too much (of those 8, I reckon 4 of them were vs Harris Andrews alone), and whether it's B Brown, M Brown, Weideman or Fritsch (pretty much everyone except TMac this year), our forwards are often in the wrong spot or, when in the right spot, get beaten.

But we also know the kicking is poor. Everyone sees it every game. On Fox they've been showing from the Geelong game the footage of Fritsch streaming into the left-hand forward 50 (2nd quarter I think?), missing/ignoring a wide open Petracca and going longer and deeper to a non-advantageous contest. Then later, going to the right of screen, Petracca picks it up and kicks to a loose Geelong player when he had time to steady and at least target the one-on-one.

How many times does our kick inside 50 go to the advantage of our opponent? i.e. into space beautifully, but the space on the opponents' side of the contest, not our forward's? I suspect more often than not that's the kicker's fault, but the entire process of moving the ball from the back half into our forward 50 is in need of work. 

  • Like 4
Posted
On 7/10/2022 at 6:30 PM, Demons11 said:

Hunt is not a forward

He is more a forward than Spargo or Bedford!

  • Like 1
  • Haha 1
Posted
5 minutes ago, picket fence said:

He is more a forward than Spargo or Bedford!

Not really only in bursts and when 9 and 12 play well they get or are involved in goals. 
Hunty is s nearly player and is very unlucky and probably should be our med  sub. 

  • Like 1
Posted
9 hours ago, SFebes said:

Oliver out, Sparrow to midfield, Hunt in to cover Sparrows role.

Out: Oliver

In: Hunt

IN Dunstan, Laurie in, Tommo in and( Petty to CHF )

possibly Rivers  to give run and drive off HBF.

OUT  Clarry inj Bedford omit manage (rest ) Bowey for a game to freshen up. 

Sparrow needs  more time  on ball. 

Need to try changes at this stage against  Dogs and Power. 

Maybe  run Salem on ball for few mins each quarter or get him up forward. 

  • Like 1

Posted

Well Dlanders my wife and I are about to board our flight to Uluṟu and heading to the game in Alice on Sunday so dearly hope that the Dees are on fire on Sunday. It’ll be a sad flight home on Monday otherwise.!!!

  • Like 25
  • Love 1
Posted
29 minutes ago, DeeZone said:

Well Dlanders my wife and I are about to board our flight to Uluṟu and heading to the game in Alice on Sunday so dearly hope that the Dees are on fire on Sunday. It’ll be a sad flight home on Monday otherwise.!!!

Have a great trip!

  • Thanks 1
Posted
41 minutes ago, DeeZone said:

 hope that the Dees are on fire on Sunday. 

I feel confident that will b e the case, half arrrsed play against Geelong and we were still there half way in the ladst,  couple of extra days to freshen,  We will win   Go Dees

  • Like 2

Posted
2 hours ago, DeeZone said:

Well Dlanders my wife and I are about to board our flight to Uluṟu and heading to the game in Alice on Sunday so dearly hope that the Dees are on fire on Sunday. It’ll be a sad flight home on Monday otherwise.!!!

Enjoy the trip and Game DZ.👍🇱🇮

  • Thanks 1
Posted
13 hours ago, bing181 said:

Interesting stat on On The Couch. For the last 5 weeks:

Petracca:

Kicks I50:   28

Marks from kicks I50: 2

Oliver:

Kicks I50:   18

Marks from kicks I50: 0

So 46 kicks into the forward line but only two of them were marked?

Given all that, not sure if changing forward personnel is going to do much if the way the ball is coming in continues to be so hit and miss (mainly miss).

(Also not sure that other main I50's, e.g. Harmes and ANB, are any better in terms of delivery/accuracy.)

 

Incredible stat. Would think it be hard to do that if you tried. Surely out of 46 kicks, a few even fortunately hit a target they weren’t aiming for. 

Equal top of ladder, and our 2 best players are hitting an inside 50 target 2% of the time :- The upside is enormous! 
 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1

Posted

Something fishy about that stat almost leading up to game plan change??

  • Like 1
Posted
3 hours ago, picket fence said:

He is more a forward than Spargo or Bedford!

I agree, though they won't use him forward. Has a beautiful long kick so can lead towards the 50 arc in order to kick scores, loves a big hanger, with his speed can easily work up the field and now has some learnt defensive ability.

Spargo is there for his defensive/pressure ability and connection. Needs to start scoring more.

Bedford is still learning the craft, I believe he has the most potential given his speed and evasive ability. Loves working with Pickett and can see that duo, going forward as match winners.

  • Like 2
Posted

Just a couple of cautionary tales about Laurie and Van Rooyen.

Laurie probably shouldn't debut this week. He reminds me of Brock McLean who was also slow but had very good games on wet decks. The only proviso to this is if the game in the heat slows down. But early on the game will be too quick for him. Just a note on this . The medi-sub becomes very important up in Alice and should be chosen and used wisely.

Van Rooyen who I'm a huge fan of was possibly earmarked for an earlier debut but played in the early game at the 'G' against the Swans and fair dinkum hardly touched it. Was hugely dissapointing. Given that he is just a kid, that is entirely excusable, but I think he was pumped up for a big game, seemed to be played as the key forward and the coaches looked at that and thought he needed a fair bit more time in the VFL, maybe even the rest of the year. 

Happy for either to debut but they are both players that need and should be given circumstances as much in their favor as possible. Someone suggested that Port and Dogs have weakish back line talls so this may be a good week for Van Rooyen but I'd rather see us in winning form and they force their way in as opposed to when we have come off a loss and just want to see something different.

  • Like 7
Posted
14 hours ago, Rednblueriseing said:

Alot of this has to do with game style, you can see Trac and Oliver are told to get the ball in deep as quickly as possible, trouble is they then miss free players i50

Yes too many dump kicks from those two

  • Sad 1
Posted
4 hours ago, 58er said:

IN Dunstan, Laurie in, Tommo in and( Petty to CHF )

possibly Rivers  to give run and drive off HBF.

OUT  Clarry inj Bedford omit manage (rest ) Bowey for a game to freshen up. 

Sparrow needs  more time  on ball. 

Need to try changes at this stage against  Dogs and Power. 

Maybe  run Salem on ball for few mins each quarter or get him up forward. 

The idea of playing Petty at CHF is exciting, but based on what we've seen of Tommo at VFL and AFL level this year, he's not the player to fill Petty's spot. Barring another horrific run with injuries to our key backs, we shouldn't be seeing Tomlinson in the AFL again this year.

  • Sad 1

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    TRAINING: Monday 2nd December 2024

    There were many Demonland Trackwatchers braving the morning heat at Gosch's Paddock today to witness the players go through the annual 2km time trials. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Max, TMac & Melksham the first ones out on the track.  Runners are on. Guess they will be doing a lot of running.  TRAINING: Max, TMac, Melksham, Woey, Rivers, AMW, May, Sharp, Kolt, Adams, Sparrow, Jefferson, Billings, Petty, chandler, Howes, Lever, Kozzy, Mentha, Fullarton, Sal

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 1

    TRAINING: Friday 22nd November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers were out in force on a scorching morning out at Gosch's Paddock for the final session before the whole squad reunites for the Preseason Training Camp. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS It’s going to be a scorcher today but I’m in the shade at Gosch’s Paddock ready to bring you some observations from the final session before the Preseason Training Camp next week.  Salem, Fritsch & Campbell are already on the track. Still no number on Campbell’s

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 4

    UP IN LIGHTS by Whispering Jack

    Those who watched the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships closely this year would not be particularly surprised that Melbourne selected Victoria Country pair Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay on the first night of the AFL National Draft. The two left-footed midfielders are as different as chalk and cheese but they had similar impacts in their Coates Talent League teams and in the National Championships in 2024. Their interstate side was edged out at the very end of the tournament for tea

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Special Features

    TRAINING: Wednesday 20th November 2024

    It’s a beautiful cool morning down at Gosch’s Paddock and I’ve arrived early to bring you my observations from today’s session. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Reigning Keith Bluey Truscott champion Jack Viney is the first one out on the track.  Jack’s wearing the red version of the new training guernsey which is the only version available for sale at the Demon Shop. TRAINING: Viney, Clarry, Lever, TMac, Rivers, Petty, McVee, Bowey, JVR, Hore, Tom Campbell (in tr

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Monday 18th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers ventured down to Gosch's Paddock for the final week of training for the 1st to 4th Years until they are joined by the rest of the senior squad for Preseason Training Camp in Mansfield next week. WAYNE RUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS No Ollie, Chin, Riv today, but Rick & Spargs turned up and McDonald was there in casual attire. Seston, and Howes did a lot of boundary running, and Tom Campbell continued his work with individual trainer in non-MFC

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #11 Max Gawn

    Champion ruckman and brilliant leader, Max Gawn earned his seventh All-Australian team blazer and constantly held the team up on his shoulders in what was truly a difficult season for the Demons. Date of Birth: 30 December 1991 Height: 209cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 224 Goals MFC 2024: 11 Career Total: 109 Brownlow Medal Votes: 13 Melbourne Football Club: 2nd Best & Fairest: 405 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 12

    2024 Player Reviews: #36 Kysaiah Pickett

    The Demons’ aggressive small forward who kicks goals and defends the Demons’ ball in the forward arc. When he’s on song, he’s unstoppable but he did blot his copybook with a three week suspension in the final round. Date of Birth: 2 June 2001 Height: 171cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 106 Goals MFC 2024: 36 Career Total: 161 Brownlow Medal Votes: 3 Melbourne Football Club: 4th Best & Fairest: 369 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    TRAINING: Friday 15th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers took advantage of the beautiful sunshine to head down to Gosch's Paddock and witness the return of Clayton Oliver to club for his first session in the lead up to the 2025 season. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Clarry in the house!! Training: JVR, McVee, Windsor, Tholstrup, Woey, Brown, Petty, Adams, Chandler, Turner, Bowey, Seston, Kentfield, Laurie, Sparrow, Viney, Rivers, Jefferson, Hore, Howes, Verrall, AMW, Clarry Tom Campbell is here

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #7 Jack Viney

    The tough on baller won his second Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy in a narrow battle with skipper Max Gawn and Alex Neal-Bullen and battled on manfully in the face of a number of injury niggles. Date of Birth: 13 April 1994 Height: 178cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 219 Goals MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 66 Brownlow Medal Votes: 8

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 3
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...