Jump to content

Featured Replies

Harmes' Finishes in the Bluey

  • 16th in 2022
  • 19th in 2021
  • not in top 20 2020
  • 4th in 2019
  • 3rd in 2018
  • 17th in 2017
  • 19th in 2016

Interesting to see how the club rates him and certainly the last 3 years he has underwhelmed (for whatever reason)

When we look to the club to improve the list they have to make decisions around players like this. As much as most of us like Harmes he has points of frustration with his game. His best is clearly very good. But too often we see average performances.

No we don't know what roles the coaches have him playing but the finishes in the Bluey are pretty telling for mine.

And when all is said and done I follow the club first and the players second,

We want success and so log as Harmes has been dealt with fairly and with respect then they must do what they have to do to improve the side.

 

 
6 minutes ago, Jaded No More said:

Yet was willing to leave for more midfield minutes.

When you’re SOOOOO tempted to share on DL what you’ve been lucky enough to have been privy to but can’t because that’ll mean betraying a confidence. And because you know it may cast our Club in a bad light which is not cool. And because you KNOW Demonland is not by any stretch ignored by the Club in terms of reading content. So again…

Heart and bloody soul, trust me

2 hours ago, Redleg said:

So the issue might be semantics.

'Lord Nev' is the King of semantics...

 
12 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

When you’re SOOOOO tempted to share on DL what you’ve been lucky enough to have been privy to but can’t because that’ll mean betraying a confidence. And because you know it may cast our Club in a bad light which is not cool. And because you KNOW Demonland is not by any stretch ignored by the Club in terms of reading content. So again…

Heart and bloody soul, trust me

What is wrong with James wanting to ensure he gets the most out of himself? It doesn’t mean he is less of a Demon than others. Same with Hunt. We can’t keep everyone for years, coin, or role that they want - and there is no harm in some on their periphery not being happy and moving on. 

It’s interesting 🤔 People love to bandy the whole “Culture” thing about with abandon, without stopping to think what Culture even means. The consensus is Culture is the foundation upon which success is built, among many other things just as important. 
So then a player who (trust me on this) is hands down THE most popular among his teammates, who for reasons many and varied would be THE MOST missed by his teammates, is rumoured to be leaving, forced or otherwise, people can’t see that this has the potential to erode what is currently an envious and successful Culture. 
I’m by no means saying if Harmesy left us that’d be the death Knell of our Club but ffs it also wouldn’t leave our Club to any degree unscathed. 

Edited by WalkingCivilWar
So excited for Harmesy, I left an entire word out.


13 minutes ago, jnrmac said:

Harmes' Finishes in the Bluey

  • 16th in 2022
  • 19th in 2021
  • not in top 20 2020
  • 4th in 2019
  • 3rd in 2018
  • 17th in 2017
  • 19th in 2016

Interesting to see how the club rates him and certainly the last 3 years he has underwhelmed (for whatever reason)

When we look to the club to improve the list they have to make decisions around players like this. As much as most of us like Harmes he has points of frustration with his game. His best is clearly very good. But too often we see average performances.

No we don't know what roles the coaches have him playing but the finishes in the Bluey are pretty telling for mine.

And when all is said and done I follow the club first and the players second,

We want success and so log as Harmes has been dealt with fairly and with respect then they must do what they have to do to improve the side.

 

Petty finished 15th in the Bluey, so Harmes is in good company. I'd say it's all about Harmes' contract and freeing up cap space.

Harmes is replaceable, but if it's to come internally, I'm not sure who's an upgrade on Harmes.

 

 

Not going anywhere.  Heard it was a new vaccination hub and stumbled in there by accident.  Assures goody he feels much bettet after a cheeky shot and is raring to go….

3 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

It’s interesting 🤔 People love to bandy the whole “Culture” thing about with abandon, without stopping to think what Culture even means. The consensus is Culture is the foundation upon which success is built, among many other things just as important. 
So then a player who (trust me on this) is hands down THE most popular among his teammates, who for reasons many and varied would be THE MOST missed by his teammates, is rumoured to be leaving, forced or otherwise, people can’t see that this has the potential to erode what is currently an envious and successful Culture. 
I’m by no means saying if Harmesy left us that’d be the death Knell of our Club but ffs it also wouldn’t our Club to any degree unscathed. 

No it wouldn’t be the death knell. What about a culture that knows a ‘heart and soul’ player is forced to play a periphery role due to generational midfield talent and letting him explore an opportunity to discuss a change so that he can test his mettle in the role he wants?

Now that is a healthy culture.

 
2 minutes ago, rpfc said:

What is wrong with James wanting to ensure he gets the most out of himself? It doesn’t mean he is less of a Demon than others. Same with Hunt. We can’t keep everyone for years, coin, or role that they want - and there is no harm in some on their periphery not being happy and moving on. 

Nothing at all wrong with that.

I was replying to Jaded’s implication that he’s not “heart n soul” since he looked for midfield minutes elsewhere. I asserted that he is indeed heart n soul based on what I’ve learned about the dynamics of our players as well other Club info but obviously am not gonna divulge since I’m not stupid.

 

5 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

It’s interesting 🤔 People love to bandy the whole “Culture” thing about with abandon, without stopping to think what Culture even means. The consensus is Culture is the foundation upon which success is built, among many other things just as important. 
So then a player who (trust me on this) is hands down THE most popular among his teammates, who for reasons many and varied would be THE MOST missed by his teammates, is rumoured to be leaving, forced or otherwise, people can’t see that this has the potential to erode what is currently an envious and successful Culture. 
I’m by no means saying if Harmesy left us that’d be the death Knell of our Club but ffs it also wouldn’t our Club to any degree unscathed. 

I'm sure if Harmes chose to leave to get the most of himself and play midfield, his teammates would support him and it wouldn't damage our culture.  We are clearly not pushing him out based on what Lamb said


7 minutes ago, mo64 said:

Petty finished 15th in the Bluey, so Harmes is in good company. I'd say it's all about Harmes' contract and freeing up cap space.

Harmes is replaceable, but if it's to come internally, I'm not sure who's an upgrade on Harmes.

That needs to be adjusted for the games played.  The average votes per game has Petty 7th and Harmes 8th.

So yes, Harmes (and Petty) is in good company just behind our 6, out and out champion AA players. 

Edited by Lucifers Hero

According to Sam Edmund the club told Harmesy to have a chat to Essendon, he couldn't chat to Scott on the weekend for some unknown reason.

Word must have got back to Goody and Co that no discussions took place with Essendon and shut the discussions down, not happening.

End of story, change of heart, deep down Harmsey probably didn't want to leave, similar to what Gussy did with Essendon.

Edited by YesitwasaWin4theAges

2 minutes ago, DubDee said:

I'm sure if Harmes chose to leave to get the most of himself and play midfield, his teammates would support him and it wouldn't damage our culture.  We are clearly not pushing him out based on what Lamb said

Players are more understanding than supporters. They'll still remain friends outside of football. And as you say, it would be different if he was pushed.

1 minute ago, DubDee said:

I'm sure if Harmes chose to leave to get the most of himself and play midfield, his teammates would support him and it wouldn't damage our culture.  We are clearly not pushing him out based on what Lamb said

Small word, regarding its length that is. 

Anyways, I posted that Harmesy is heart n soul, someone questioned that, I reiterated he is heart n soul. And that’s it. 

3 minutes ago, YesitwasaWin4theAges said:

According to Sam Edmund The club told Harmesy to have a chat to Essendon, he couldn't chat to Scott on the weekend for some unknown reason.

Word must have got back to Goody and Co that no discussions took place with Essendon and shut the discussions down, not happening.

End of story change of heart, deep down Harmsey probably didn't want to leave, similar to what Gussy did with Essendon.

I think it’s as simple as Bedford leaving. Different players of course but Toby could’ve covered some of Harmes’ role. Without him we can afford to keep Harmes, don’t desperately need the pick and can’t get any skinnier with depth. 


34 minutes ago, jnrmac said:

 

Harmes' Finishes in the Bluey

  • 16th in 2022
  • 19th in 2021
  •  

 

Have to factor in injuries but the 19th is a lot higher on points per game. Given Harmes has mostly been durable you can’t ding him for injuries too much.

The 16th is about where he rates on our list, with the proviso that he can be a top 10 or higher finisher if we did just use him in a permanent mid role. Considering winning footy always starts with the mids there’s a premium.

I get the feeling the list management plan is to draft or develop some proper midfield depth then reassess Harmes next year. Let’s see where Howes, Laurie, Woey and Chandler are at. They aren’t there yet 

27 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Small word, regarding its length that is. 

Anyways, I posted that Harmesy is heart n soul, someone questioned that, I reiterated he is heart n soul. And that’s it. 

Totally agree WCW remember what happened to Hawthyin 2009 when they pushed out a couple of premiership players that Clarko said he wouldn’t do. Harmed the synergy created in 2008.!!

ps(hope Tim Lamb is correct and JH is a required player).

Edited by DeeZone
Added PS

34 minutes ago, Lucifers Hero said:

That needs to be adjusted for the games played.  The average votes per game has Petty 7th and Harmes 8th.

So yes, Harmes (and Petty) is in good company just behind our 6, out and out champion AA players. 

Thanks LH that sounds much closer to the mark, Harry and James had good years, only the missed games cost them in the voting but both finished the year strongly.!!

40 minutes ago, Lucifers Hero said:

That needs to be adjusted for the games played.  The average votes per game has Petty 7th and Harmes 8th.

So yes, Harmes (and Petty) is in good company just behind our 6, out and out champion AA players. 

Thank you Luci for putting this into perspective! Again proves you can’t just go by bare numbers. 

40 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Nothing at all wrong with that.

I was replying to Jaded’s implication that he’s not “heart n soul” since he looked for midfield minutes elsewhere. I asserted that he is indeed heart n soul based on what I’ve learned about the dynamics of our players as well other Club info but obviously am not gonna divulge since I’m not stupid.

 

I never ever implied that he is not a heart and soul player because he is looking for more midfield minutes. I implied very clearly that IF he chose to leave BECAUSE he wanted more midfield minutes, it would be HIS CHOICE. While you implied that it is somehow the club's fault if he left, although it's very clear that he is, and always will be, behind Trac, Clarry and Viney, so the club cannot simply let him have more midfield minutes to the detriment of team performance just to keep him happy.

I don't doubt that he is a well loved player, and I don't doubt for a minute the club wants to keep him. It sounds to me like the club said to him they can't promise him more midfield minutes, so if he wants to explore his options, they won't stop him (and can't really, players are free to always look around even while contracted). To me that speaks to a great culture that won't stop players from pursuing opportunities they can't get at Melbourne. 


1 hour ago, jnrmac said:

Harmes' Finishes in the Bluey

  • 16th in 2022
  • 19th in 2021
  • not in top 20 2020
  • 4th in 2019
  • 3rd in 2018
  • 17th in 2017
  • 19th in 2016

Interesting to see how the club rates him and certainly the last 3 years he has underwhelmed (for whatever reason)

When we look to the club to improve the list they have to make decisions around players like this. As much as most of us like Harmes he has points of frustration with his game. His best is clearly very good. But too often we see average performances.

No we don't know what roles the coaches have him playing but the finishes in the Bluey are pretty telling for mine.

And when all is said and done I follow the club first and the players second,

We want success and so log as Harmes has been dealt with fairly and with respect then they must do what they have to do to improve the side.

 

Spot on with those comments. 

The question James should ask himself who would he replace in the midfield at Essendon, because Dyson Heppell is being played of the HBF.

At Melbourne he may get midfield minutes that were used by ANB or Sparrow.

1 hour ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

It’s interesting 🤔 People love to bandy the whole “Culture” thing about with abandon, without stopping to think what Culture even means. The consensus is Culture is the foundation upon which success is built, among many other things just as important. 
So then a player who (trust me on this) is hands down THE most popular among his teammates, who for reasons many and varied would be THE MOST missed by his teammates, is rumoured to be leaving, forced or otherwise, people can’t see that this has the potential to erode what is currently an envious and successful Culture. 
I’m by no means saying if Harmesy left us that’d be the death Knell of our Club but ffs it also wouldn’t leave our Club to any degree unscathed. 

Lamb has stated categorically Harmes  is staying, so we can all breathe again.

 
6 minutes ago, durango said:

The question James should ask himself who would he replace in the midfield at Essendon, because Dyson Heppell is being played of the HBF.

At Melbourne he may get midfield minutes that were used by ANB or Sparrow.

Heppell’s not afl standard, Harmes would immediately improve Essendon as an on baller if they wanted it, but they might prefer to play kids. Similarly he could be a consistent starting wingman there too. 

My guess is what he really wants is a 4-5 year deal on good coin to lock him to 31+. Especially if his existing deal was front loaded (as it should’ve been if we were switched on when he signed it).

The rest of our mids waited until they were 26 (or 24/25 ahead of time) to sign long deals that will pay them forever. Harmes - as a rookie pick who battled his way to becoming a good player - took the early money. Had he gambled on himself he’d be a free agent now and teams would gladly offer him a very nice deal.


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...

Featured Content

  • PREVIEW: Essendon

    As the focus of the AFL moves exclusively to South Australia for Gather Round, the question is raised as to what are we going to get from the  Melbourne Football Club this weekend? Will it be a repeat of the slop fest of the last three weeks that have seen the team score a measly 174 points and concede 310 or will a return to the City of Churches and the scene where they performed at their best in 2024 act as a wakeup call and bring them out of their early season reverie?  Or will the sleepy Dees treat their fans to a reenactment of their lazy effort from the first Gather Round of two years ago when they allowed the Bombers to trample all over them on a soggy and wet Adelaide Oval? The two examples from above tell us how fickle form can be in football. Last year, a committed group of players turned up in Adelaide with a businesslike mindset. They had a plan, went in confidently and hard for the football and kicked winning scores against both home teams in a difficult environment for visitors. And they repeated that sort of effort later in the season when they played Essendon at the MCG.

    • 0 replies
    Demonland
  • PREGAME: Essendon

    Facing the very real and daunting prospect of starting the season with five straight losses, the Demons head to South Australia for the annual Gather Round, where they’ll take on the Bombers in search of their first win of the year. Who comes in, and who comes out?

      • Like
    • 293 replies
    Demonland
  • NON-MFC: Round 05

    Gather Round is here, kicking off with a Thursday night blockbuster as Adelaide faces Geelong. The Crows will be out for redemption after a controversial loss last week. Saturday starts with the Magpies taking on the Swans. Collingwood will be eager to cement their spot in the top eight, while Sydney is hot on their heels. In the Barossa Valley, two rising sides go head-to-head in a fascinating battle to prove they're the real deal. Later, Carlton and West Coast face off at Adelaide Oval, both desperate to notch their first win of the season. The action then shifts to Norwood, where the undefeated Lions will aim to keep their streak alive against the Bulldogs. Sunday’s games begin in the Barossa with Richmond up against Fremantle. In Norwood, the Saints will be looking to take a scalp when they come up against the Giants. The round concludes with a fiery rematch of last year's semi-final, as the Hawks seek revenge for their narrow loss to Port Adelaide. Who are you tipping this week and what are the best results for the Demons besides us winning?

    • 20 replies
    Demonland
  • CASEY: Geelong

    There was a time in the second quarter of the game at the Cattery on Friday afternoon when the Casey Demons threatened to take the game apart against the Cats. The Demons had been well on top early but were struggling to convert their ascendancy over the ground until Tom Fullarton’s burst of three goals in the space of eight minutes on the way to a five goal haul and his best game for the club since arriving from Brisbane at the end of 2023. He was leading, marking and otherwise giving his opponents a merry dance as Casey grabbed a three goal lead in the blink of an eye. Fullarton has now kicked ten goals in Casey’s three matches and, with Melbourne’s forward conversion woes, he is definitely in with a chance to get his first game with the club in next week’s Gather Round in Adelaide. Despite the tall forward’s efforts - he finished with 19 disposals and eight marks and had four hit outs as back up to Will Verrall in the second half - it wasn’t enough as Geelong reigned in the lead through persistent attacks and eventually clawed their way to the lead early in the last and held it till they achieved the end aim of victory.

    • 0 replies
    Demonland
  • REPORT: Geelong

    I was disappointed to hear Goody say at his post match presser after the team’s 39 point defeat against Geelong that "we're getting high quality entry, just poor execution" because Melbourne’s problems extend far beyond that after its 0 - 4 start to the 2025 football season. There are clearly problems with poor execution, some of which were evident well before the current season and were in play when the Demons met the Cats in early May last year and beat them in a near top-of-the-table clash that saw both sides sitting comfortably in the top four after round eight. Since that game, the Demons’ performances have been positively Third World with only five wins in 19 games with a no longer majestic midfield and a dysfunctional forward line that has become too easy for opposing coaches to counter. This is an area of their game that is currently being played out as if they were all completely panic-stricken.

    • 0 replies
    Demonland
  • NON-MFC: Round 04

    Round 4 kicks off with a blockbuster on Thursday night as traditional rivals Collingwood and Carlton clash at the MCG, with the Magpies looking to assert themselves as early-season contenders and the Blues seeking their first win of the season. Saturday opens with Gold Coast hosting Adelaide, a key test for the Suns as they aim to back up their big win last week, while the Crows will be looking to keep their perfect record intact. Reigning wooden spooners Richmond have the daunting task of facing reigning premiers Brisbane at the ‘G and the Lions will be eager to reaffirm their premiership credentials after a patchy start. Saturday night sees North Melbourne take on Sydney at Marvel Stadium, with the Swans looking to build on their first win of the season last week against a rebuilding Roos outfit. Sunday’s action begins with GWS hosting West Coast at ENGIE Stadium, a game that could get ugly very early for the visitors. Port Adelaide vs St Kilda at Adelaide Oval looms as a interesting clash, with both clubs form being very hard to read. The round wraps up with Fremantle taking on the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium in what could be a fierce contest between two sides with top-eight ambitions. Who are you tipping this week and what are the best results for the Demons besides us winning?

      • Shocked
      • Like
    • 273 replies
    Demonland