Jump to content

CHANGES: Rd 19 vs Western Bulldogs

Demonland
Demonland
in Melbourne Demons

Featured Replies

33 minutes ago, Wizard of Koz said:

Bowey would be a much better option in Bedfords current. Defensive pressure in the forward line too. I could see him as a small forward gun.

Watch some tape of Bowey’s junior footy, there’s a lot of walking when the ball isn’t in his area and just hanging out around packs.

Since then he’s played half back. Which isn’t to say he couldn’t be very useful at half forward in the future but I doubt he’d pick it up automatically. 

 

    • Like 1
     
    4 hours ago, 58er said:

    JVR or it seems Laurie won't debut unless injuries or very poor form force Goody. What is more likely is that Bowey will return and might even be tried up forward. Chandler could be a medi sub or named on the bench as he deserves a chance. 

    The time to try Laurie was against Port as he was In great form but Goody's conservatism shadows each selection. JVR is for 2023 I believe and will be a key in Casey winning a flag for us. Can't even predict Sam's next 2 months let's just say he could be any where between Hero and more likely Zero at Casey or on the G!!

    Laurie didn't train prior to the team leaving for NT, so he may well have been out with Covid. I'm still in the camp where JVR has to be given a chance asap. If our rucks were fit and firing up forward, we could get away without another KPF. They're not, and BBB needs help.

     

     
    2 hours ago, Simon Port said:

    In: Clarry, Petty, Weid

    Out: Melksham, Tomlinson, Bedford

    Makes us stronger we need another tall option in the forward 50

    Tomlinson and Bedford to make way for Petty and Oliver imo. I get the impression Milkshake was picked to help with our forward half connection and I can't see him being dropped - look for him to get a role on Daniel etc. 

    • Like 1

    Time to put a hard tag on Dale given Daniel is out 

    • Like 2
    5 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

    Watch some tape of Bowey’s junior footy, there’s a lot of walking when the ball isn’t in his area and just hanging out around packs.

    Since then he’s played half back. Which isn’t to say he couldn’t be very useful at half forward in the future but I doubt he’d pick it up automatically. 

     

    I would suspect that in junior footy, even top level, there would be more walking and hanging around than we see in AFL.  He has adapted and undoubtedly would adapt as a forward rôle too. 

    • Like 1

    Montagna on Foxtel last night suggested Melbourne would keep the 2-2-2 forward line (that is, 2 talls being Brown and resting ruckman, 2 mid-size and 2 smalls) for the rest of the season after playing 3 talls has failed and believes its our best path forward

    Edited by Glorious Day

    • Like 1
     

    Is there any way Tomlinson holds his place when Petty returns?

    I suppose there simply isn’t a position left for him - unless we tried him as a forward. And honestly, at this point, it seems as good a suggestion as any.

    I don’t really know how often he was played as a KPF at GWS. From what I gather he was played mainly as a wingman - although he did kick 9 goals at the end of 2018.
     

    If somehow, he rose to the challenge like McDonald in 2015? it would also give us the flexibility of having a capable defender to cover any mid-game injuries to Petty, May or Lever. Wishful thinking.
     

    Either way, I hope we at least bring back a tall forward.

    IN: Petty, Oliver

    OUT: Bedford, Sparrow

    • Like 1
    1 hour ago, monoccular said:

    I would suspect that in junior footy, even top level, there would be more walking and hanging around than we see in AFL.  He has adapted and undoubtedly would adapt as a forward rôle too. 

    Sure. If given 6 months, not in 6 days.

    • Like 1

    On 7/17/2022 at 8:17 PM, spirit of norm smith said:

    Ins. Oliver and Petty 

    outs.  Bedford and Tomlinson 

    Tomlinson would be very unlucky but has to given backline structure 

    Melksham might get another game purely because Bedford was woeful.  He got caught watching the opposition rather than instinctively going at the footy.  Two good passages don’t negate his overall absence.  Really disappointing because I wanted a Kozzy- Bedford combo

    That combination of Kozzie and Bedford could be legendary.

    • Like 2
    • Thanks 1
    On 7/17/2022 at 6:07 PM, dazzledavey36 said:

    In: Oliver, Chandler/Bowey

    Out: Bedford, Melksham. 

    Tomlinson was exceptional today. Would be incredibly stiff to be dropped. But Petty has to come in somehow.

    Easy Dazzle play Tommo as extra tall in Forward Line!😍 and I still think Melksham was shizen apart from 2 cameos!! Bedford at this stage just not up to it!

    Edited by picket fence

    • Angry 1
    On 7/17/2022 at 6:07 PM, dazzledavey36 said:

    In: Oliver, Chandler/Bowey

    Out: Bedford, Melksham. 

    Tomlinson was exceptional today. Would be incredibly stiff to be dropped. But Petty has to come in somehow.

    Bowey? He was dropped for the Port game, Casey didn't play on the weekend and he's a backman. I can understand Chandler in for Bedford.

    On 7/17/2022 at 6:09 PM, brendan said:

    Would it be worth chucking petty forward I think we need to have a look 

    Why? I agree Tomlinson did a good job but Petty is one of our best defenders. I can see the logic if Tomlinson is a better backman than Petty but he isn't. I know Petty played forward in 2019 when we were desparately short of other options, but that's not where we're at right now.

    On 7/17/2022 at 6:29 PM, DubDee said:

    Actually scratch that. We should make a statement. Fritsch has burnt 3 players now. If our culture is selflessness and team-first, he needs to have a spell. 

    Petty Oliver in for Lever and Fritsch. 

    might hurt in the short term but we can’t let that stuff slide

    Total over-reaction. Papley is a selfish player but rightly is always going to be picked in the Swan's Best 22. You drop someone  who does what May did, but this is not remotely in the same category. Frankly, this is just another example of Fox Footy clickbait and I'm amazed Demonlanders have fallen for it hook, line & sinker. Does anyone think Fritsch is sitting back thinking he's going to do what he likes intil the team 'sends a message' by dropping him?
     

    On 7/17/2022 at 6:41 PM, MurDoc516 said:

    IN: Oliver, Petty

    OUT: Melksham, Tomlinson

    Really wanted Laurie and JVR to get their chance this week and now theres no way they get an inclusion next week due to the bye. 

    Why? I would have thought here's a stronger argument to include them because they haven't travelled to Alice, played in warm conditions and are playing off a 6-day break.

    On 7/17/2022 at 6:49 PM, Bombay Airconditioning said:

    These should be the changes, close thread.

    With due respect, just because you agree with the opinion of one poster doesn't mean the conversation gets closed. Seriously!

    10 hours ago, 58er said:

    JVR or it seems Laurie won't debut unless injuries or very poor form force Goody. What is more likely is that Bowey will return and might even be tried up forward. Chandler could be a medi sub or named on the bench as he deserves a chance. 

    The time to try Laurie was against Port as he was In great form but Goody's conservatism shadows each selection. JVR is for 2023 I believe and will be a key in Casey winning a flag for us. Can't even predict Sam's next 2 months let's just say he could be any where between Hero and more likely Zero at Casey or on the G!!

    I can't understand why anyone is arguing for Bowey to come back in. Casey had a bye on the weekend so Bowey didn't play and he's a backman!

    I'd try JVR and he's not going to stay playing for Casey just so they can win a flag. I hope Casey do win the VFL this year but JVR potentially contributing for Melbourne is at another level of importance. Laurie was unlucky to not be picked against Port but we won the game with Melksham playing his role. I disagree with yoi totally about Goody's conservatism in selection matters. Picking Melksham was  considerably less conservaive than just picking someone because they're in good form or a midfielder (and in any case I'm sure Goody doesn't personally pick the team each week). 

    1 hour ago, Glorious Day said:

    Montagna on Foxtel last night suggested Melbourne would keep the 2-2-2 forward line (that is, 2 talls being Brown and resting ruckman, 2 mid-size and 2 smalls) for the rest of the season after playing 3 talls has failed and believes its our best path forward

    Who gives a FF what Montagna or any of the other Fox Footy 'experts' suggest? I can guarantee not one of these pundits would have proposed bringing Melksham into the team who I assume is now part of 'the best path forward'. If we bring a tall in next week and it succeeds you can guarantee that Montagna & King will decide that's the new best approach.

    • Like 3
    • Thanks 1
    2 hours ago, DemonWA said:

    Tomlinson and Bedford to make way for Petty and Oliver imo. I get the impression Milkshake was picked to help with our forward half connection and I can't see him being dropped - look for him to get a role on Daniel etc. 

    No! Melksham was very very average!

    • Like 2
    4 hours ago, picket fence said:

    No! Melksham was very very average!

    Agree,  but I recon his run down tackle along will be enough for goody to keep him in.

    He is a very sloppy connector and often goes for an impossible kick. 

    Unfortunately with Dogs backline I think he stays in,  we don't need to go taller against them.

    • Like 1

    Melkshams run-down tackle and then gut-running to kick the goal, plus a very unselfish pass to Brown (or Fritsch I forget who) for another goal will keep him in the team. He was better than Bedford. 

    In: Oliver, Petty

    Out: Bedford, Tomlinson

    Sucks for Adam as he had a great game but he did not make it back to the team on form alone and Petty has earned the spot. 

    • Like 1
    25 minutes ago, Hatchman said:

    Melkshams run-down tackle and then gut-running to kick the goal, plus a very unselfish pass to Brown (or Fritsch I forget who) for another goal will keep him in the team. He was better than Bedford. 

    In: Oliver, Petty

    Out: Bedford, Tomlinson

    Sucks for Adam as he had a great game but he did not make it back to the team on form alone and Petty has earned the spot. 

    Yep, these are the changes for me. Loved Adam's game but he has to make way. 

    I know Petty has been our most consistent defender this year but I'd still like to see him tried up forward. Could end up having a Neitz career, start at FF, go back to CHB before returning to the forward line. It gives us another get out option and gives us flexibility to send him back (a la TMac) especially if Tomlinson can hold down the 3rd key defensive post.

    Edited by Dr. Gonzo

    • Like 1
    2 minutes ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

    I know Petty has been our most consistent defender this year but I'd still like to see him tried up forward. Could end up having a Neitz career, start at FF, go back to CHB before returning to the forward line. It gives us another get out option and gives us flexibility to send him back (a la TMac) especially if Tomlinson can hold down the 3rd key defensive post.

    Probably too late in the year to make the switch up forward. 

    If they're gonna consider it for next year then they'll need to train him with the forwards group all pre season so that he's got the structure down pat.

    6 minutes ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

    I know Petty has been our most consistent defender this year but I'd still like to see him tried up forward. Could end up having a Neitz career, start at FF, go back to CHB before returning to the forward line. It gives us another get out option and gives us flexibility to send him back (a la TMac) especially if Tomlinson can hold down the 3rd key defensive post.

    Not opposed to Petty being tried in the F50 as I also think we are lacking contested marking in the forward half with TMac missing and the Dogs are weak in the back six IMO. The flipside to that is they now how Naughton, Bruce and JUH in the F50 so we may need to keep Petty back this week 

    Tomlinson played well so not easy for the selectors not to reward his efforts - personally I would prefer him taking the kick outs over May. He generally does that role well at Casey - how that translates to AFL level is anyone's guess though


    12 hours ago, Glorious Day said:

    Montagna on Foxtel last night suggested Melbourne would keep the 2-2-2 forward line (that is, 2 talls being Brown and resting ruckman, 2 mid-size and 2 smalls) for the rest of the season after playing 3 talls has failed and believes its our best path forward

    So basically the forward line structure than won us a flag lol

    5 minutes ago, praha said:

    So basically the forward line structure than won us a flag lol

    TMac played 3rd tall last year so no.

    Weideman hasn’t been able to replicate the role that TMac played so we look to be going smaller.

    It may be our best bet and Melksham might be the best medium tall option beside Fritsch.

    He plays taller than he is, he competes, and he can play a negating role if necessary.

    19 minutes ago, rpfc said:

    TMac played 3rd tall last year so no.

    Weideman hasn’t been able to replicate the role that TMac played so we look to be going smaller.

    It may be our best bet and Melksham might be the best medium tall option beside Fritsch.

    He plays taller than he is, he competes, and he can play a negating role if necessary.

    TMacs role was the connection we now miss. Strong overhead and an ability to get up the ground and link. As much as I didn't like the selection of Melksham and felt justified in the first half i have to concede  he ended up playing smart and with effort. I moaned, he was too slow, as he chased on the wing but he didn't give up and just tried harder. Kudos.  He also laid a couple of smart bumps near goal one of which enabled another player to release and get the goal.  

    Tomlinson played his best game in recent times and it would be good to build his confidence. But where? Can he play forward in a Tmac up the wing role? 

    A word on the frustrating Fritta. I think we have to balance team first with hunger for the goals, remember in the grannie he flew with Gawn and spoiled him but kept his feet and picked up the goal. A miss would have been decried as selfish whilst a goal is lauded. On balance I don't want him to start to doubt himself, his instincts to date have been pretty good.  We need a few forwards who think like Kozzie did, "I've got this". 

    • Like 2
     
    On 7/17/2022 at 9:15 PM, DubDee said:

    I hear you. Depends how much stock you put in team first ethos. Not just one, but three burns now. None of which he has scored

    i hope they sort it out

    We got Midfielders hitting 1 in every 50 passes into our forward line and we worrying when Fritsch burns an occasional teammate.  

    I get it but the reactions are so overblown...we have many other issues that have been there for most of the year.

    • Like 3
    • Thanks 1

    I think only playing brown plus resting ruck is too small.  Brown will be triple teamed and may not be able to even bring the ball to ground.  If Gawn or LJ are off the ground we only have one tall fwd option.  Unless we change our style to a chip kicking, hand-ball chain running team (which could be a option to consider) we need another tall, even if they are not terrific

    • Like 3

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

    Featured Content

    • GAMEDAY: West Coast

      It's Game Day and the Demons have a chance to notch up their third consecutive win — something they haven’t done since Round 5, 2024. But to do it, they’ll need to exorcise the Demons of last year’s disastrous trip out West. Can the Dees continue their momentum, right the wrongs of that fateful clash, and take another step up the ladder on the road to redemption?

        • Haha
        • Like
      • 43 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • FEATURE: 1925

      A hundred years ago today, on 2 May 1925, Melbourne kicked off the new season with a 47 point victory over St Kilda to take top place on the VFL ladder after the opening round of the new season.  Top place was a relatively unknown position for the team then known as the “Fuchsias.” They had finished last in 1923 and rose by only one place in the following year although the final home and away round heralded a promise of things to come when they surprised the eventual premiers Essendon. That victory set the stage for more improvement and it came rapidly. In this series, I will tell the story of how the 1925 season unfolded for the Melbourne Football Club and how it made the VFL finals for the first time in a decade on the way to the ultimate triumph a year later.

      • 0 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • PREVIEW: West Coast

      Saturday’s election night game in Perth between the West Coast Eagles and Melbourne represents 18th vs 15th which makes it a tough decision as to which party to favour. The Eagles have yet to break the ice under their new coach in Andrew McQualter who is the second understudy in a row to confront Demon Coach Simon Goodwin who was also winless until a fortnight ago. On that basis, many punters might be considering to go with the donkey vote but I’ve been assigned with the task of helping readers to come to a considered opinion on this matter of vital importance across the nation. It was almost a year ago that I wrote a preview here of the Demons’ away game against the Eagles (under the name William from Waalitj because it was Indigenous Round).  I issued a warning that it was a danger game, based on my local knowledge that the home team were no longer easybeats and that they possessed a wunderkind generational player in Harley Reid who was capable of producing stellar performances playing among men a decade and more older than he.  At the time, the Eagles already had two wins off the back of a couple of the young man’s masterclasses and they had recently given the Bombers a scare straight after their Anzac Day blockbuster draw against the then reigning premiers.

      • 1 reply
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • NON-MFC: Round 08

      Round 08 of the 2025 AFL Season kicks off on Thursday with a must-win game for the Bombers to stay in touch with the top eight, while the struggling Roos seek a morale-boosting upset. Friday sees the Saints desperate for a win as well if they are to stay in finals contention and their opponents the Dockers will be eager to crack in to the Top 8 with a win on the road. Saturday kicks off with a pivotal clash for both sides asthe Bulldogs look to solidify their top-eight spot, while Port seeks to shake their pretender tag. Then the Crows will be looking to steady their topsy turvy season against a resurgent Blues looking to make it 4 wins on the trot. On Election Night a Blockbuster will see the ladder-leading Pies take on the Cats, who are keen to bounce back after a narrow loss. On Sunday the Sydney Derby promises fireworks as the Giants aim to cement their top-eight status, while the Swans fight to keep their season alive. The Hawks, celebrating their centenary, will be looking to easily account for the Tigers who are desperate to halt their slide. The Round concludes on Sunday Night with a top end of the table QClash with significant ladder implications; both Queensland teams are in scintillating form. Who are you tipping this week and what are the best results for the Demons?

        • Like
      • 173 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • PREGAME: West Coast

      The Demons hit the road in Round 8, heading to Perth to face the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium. With momentum building, the Dees will be aiming for a third straight victory to keep their season revival on course. Who comes in and who goes out?

        • Like
      • 563 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • REPORT: Richmond

      The fans who turned up to the MCG for Melbourne’s Anzac Day Eve clash against Richmond would have been disappointed if they turned up to see a great spectacle. As much as this was a night for the 71,635 in attendance to commemorate heroes of the nation’s past wars, it was also a time for the Melbourne Football Club to consolidate upon its first win after a horrific start to the 2025 season. On this basis, despite the fact that it was an uninspiring and dour struggle for most of its 100 minutes, the night will be one for the fans to remember. They certainly got value out of the pre match activity honouring those who fought for their country. The MCG and the lights of the city as backdrop was made for nights such as these and, in my view, we received a more inspirational ceremony of Anzac culture than others both here and elsewhere around the country. 

      • 0 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland
    View All