Best 22 for Round 1

[58er 5,783]

5 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

Reserves

B: McVee, Adams, D.Smith

HB: Rivers, Tomlinson, Hibberd

C: Howes, Dunstan, Woewodin

HF: Laurie, Schache, Melksham

F: Spargo, Brown, Jefferson

FOLL: Verrall, Harmes, Hunter

IC: Sestan, Moniz-Wakefield, Farris-White, K.Turner or Burgoyne

There's another Casey DEES flag side if ever I have  seen one. 

[58er 5,783]

10 hours ago, Demon_spurs said:

Isn't there 5 interchange this year?

Yes 23 named no sub with 5 interchange. 

[58er 5,783]

Whatever happens for Round1 most fans will have to understand this will be the MOST difficult selection this  century for our opening Round. 

Nearly all of us we ont get the 23 we nominate now or indeed on Mar 16/17 when announced. And isn't that great for our Club. At least say 26/27 players all considered AFL ready. And another  half dozen either not fit enough, just need another match practice or are injured at this time.

That's  why zi believe 75 % of Demons fans are absolutely of the opinion that we are back in the real flag hunt again in 2023. 

This  list in 2023 looks in every way about the best ever I can recall with depth potential development and X factors galore in many positions plus a general high standard of fitness in the group. 

Surely no player can be comfortable in the AFL if they don't perform their role or underperform early on. Snapping at their heels will be a hungry debutant or young tyro ready for the challenge of the MCG match highlight vs the windy wings out at Casey. 

Bring it on Dees make it AFL and VFL flags in 2023. All the best to every player on our list, old new or recycled !!

[Little Goffy 13,517]

8 hours ago, bush demon said:

I'm trying to think whether there's ever been a Melbourne  player debuting with ''Van" in their name but Ray Carr is all l can come up with...

We could have a Van and a Laurie arrive at the same time.

For all your logistical needs, contact the Melbourne Football Club.

[Kent 2,713]

I dont think Salem is a lock for Round 1

He needs a great uninterrupted preseason and to show he is back to his best. May take a few more weeks in my view

 

[bush demon 1,936]

1 hour ago, Little Goffy said:

We could have a Van and a Laurie arrive at the same time.

For all your logistical needs, contact the Melbourne Football Club.

On a serious note, VDR is reminding me v much of Greg Parke (no puns pls) with his high grabs and gait. Really looking forward to see him improve our forward line.

[David-Demon 516]

19 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

B: Lever, May, Bowey

HB: Salem, Turner, Brayshaw

C: Langdon, Petracca, Hunter

HF: Viney, McDonald, Neal-Bullen

F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Chandler

FOLL: Gawn, Oliver, Pickett

IC: Grundy, Sparrow, Jordon, Rivers

SUB: Melksham

Where is Petty ? or has he changed his name by Deed poll to Turner ?

[David-Demon 516]

2 hours ago, Little Goffy said:

We could have a Van and a Laurie arrive at the same time.

For all your logistical needs, contact the Melbourne Football Club.

Well there was Van Barassi and Van Lord..... 

[Slartibartfast 16,285]

1 hour ago, Kent said:

I dont think Salem is a lock for Round 1

It's an opinion business but this is not one I share.

[58er 5,783]

1 hour ago, Kent said:

I dont think Salem is a lock for Round 1

He needs a great uninterrupted preseason and to show he is back to his best. May take a few more weeks in my view

 

Providing he is fit and showing form he is a lock in. 

Why is it that some players after a poorer year following an AA grade best season ever in 2021 are subject to a different standard test to others than normal.

90% of Melb fans are aware of Salo's disappointing 2022 season which injury from Round1 affected his form and he played most games under duress (as did some others at the seasons last few games) . 

He only needs to complete the usual  pre season fitness form and practice sessions as required and "not a few more weeks" as predicted almost as a penalty for last year. As if we need a few more weeks confirmation he is in unique good form after 2022 to regain his spot.

A few others could be considered as in a similar vein as Christian such as Riv BBB even Gawny Rick Lever and Tmac. 

That's  why we have preseason so long for players to train anew iron out any kinks and possible medical procedures and show how fit and healthy for Round1 they are. If they don't come up in time they should be played at Casey until ready as you say.

Salo and others are showing that the 3 months as scheduled should be quite enough for a fit and healthy return in Round1 according to most track watchers at this early stage. 

Let see as time evolves who makes the deadline!! 

[Deespicable 2,634]

Obviously we may have a few injuries by then, but assuming we are fit I reckon we are heading down this direction for Rd 1 v the Doggies at the MCG at night. Have ruled out Joel Smith, as he is yet to get back on park, but he may make a late run on Rivers/Hibberd spot. 

B: Salem May Petty
HB: Brayshaw Lever Bowey (close call over Hibberd and Rivers with McVee closing)

C: Langdon Pickett Hunter

HF: ANB T-Mac Trac

F: Spargo Fritter Gawn

Ru: Grundy Oliver Viney
Int: Van Rooyen, Sparrow, Hibberd or Rivers, Harmes or Jordon

Emerg: Harmes or Jordon or Chandler

[Demons3031 369]

9 hours ago, Little Goffy said:

We could have a Van and a Laurie arrive at the same time.

For all your logistical needs, contact the Melbourne Football Club.

A shame we don't have a  Billy (William) Cart on the list!

 

Edited January 13, 2023 by Demons3031
spelling

[Demons3031 369]

Though who knows-one day in the future we might have a Billy Carter. From memory there was a Wally Carter coaching the Roos back in the 1950's  so its a possibility!

Edited January 13, 2023 by Demons3031
spelling

[whatwhat say what 21,173]

going old school with how i used to do it back in my school notebooks...

B: Bowey (17) - May (1) - Lever (8)
HB: Brayshaw (10) - Petty (35) - Salem (3)
C: Hunter (12) - Petracca (5) - Langdon (15)
HF: Neal-Bullen (30) - McDonald (25) - Chandler (37)
F: Fritsch (31) - Gawn (11) - Pickett (36)
Foll: Grundy (6) - Oliver (13) - Viney (7)
I/c: van Rooyen (2) - Harmes (4) - Spargo (9) - Sparrow (32)
Sub: Jordon (23)
Emerg: Melksham (18) - Rivers (24) - Brown (50)

i am presuming that hibberd will not be 'ready to go' for season start, as seems to be tradition

[Travy14 1,683]

FB:  Rivers  May  Bowey

CH:  Lever  Petty  Salem

C:   Hunter  Viney  Langdon

HF:  ANB  T-Mac  Kossie

FF:  Grundy  BB  Fritsch 

R:  Gawn  Oliver  Petracca 

Bench:  Spargo  Sparrow  Brayshaw  Harmes

Sub:  Jordon

Emg:  Tomlinson, JVR, Chandler, Howes

[Travy14 1,683]

16 hours ago, 58er said:

Yes 23 named no sub with 5 interchange. 

4 interchange 1 sub.  Just not medical sub anymore

[daisycutter 28,782]

16 hours ago, 58er said:

Yes 23 named no sub with 5 interchange. 

my understanding is that it's 4 interchange as now with one sub you can use at any time for any reason

difference with a sub is that 1 player goes off and is replaced by sub and it is permanent 

personally i'd have preferred 5 subs as i don't like to see a player potentially not playing for whole game or a large part of the game

Edited January 13, 2023 by daisycutter

[58er 5,783]

4 hours ago, Travy14 said:

FB:  Rivers  May  Bowey

CH:  Lever  Petty  Salem

C:   Hunter  Viney  Langdon

HF:  ANB  T-Mac  Kossie

FF:  Grundy  BB  Fritsch 

R:  Gawn  Oliver  Petracca 

Bench:  Spargo  Sparrow  Brayshaw  Harmes

Sub:  Jordon

Emg:  Tomlinson, JVR, Chandler, Howes

Much as I love ( for evermore) every one of our 23 heroes of 2021 I cannot come to grips that 21 are named in the First 23 18 months later. One replacement for Jacko which is Grundy and mandatory, and the other Hunter for Hibberd which means Angus will probably be part of our defence and Lachie almost permanent on the wing all day. ( no problems here).

The rest  are mids and forwards who can be mixed all day but leaves us short in the forward line should Tmac or BBB break down.  JVR should be in the I/C as a big replacement should one be needed. One of Harmes Sparrow Spargo or Jordon should make way for JVR.

Also Chandler to replace one of the four also.

Touch of nit picking you say however new players are needed in 2023 for a number of reasons none as important to show that we are not chained to our heroes like Goody was last year, and that we have genuine talent that is needed on the forward line for improvement.

It's not a great risk as JVR and Chandler were 2 of the very best for the flag winning Casey Demons throughout the season last year. Both have done everything right so far and Harmes and Angus so far underwhelming pre seasons for some seemingly mystery fitness issues.  Tough on them but a statement on playing fit players in 2023 which is an improvement on 2022's mixed bag of niggling injuries and overrushed and premature returns which resulted in a banged up group short of fitness to fight the Finals matches out to the finish. 

The Emergencies are fine although maybe Turner for Tomlinson might be more enterprising. Not that Tommo has done anything wrong this pre season and a year on from his ACL injury  I think he is truly making a statement he is far from finished. Winning a 2km trial is rare air for him as his recent marriage but testimony to his desire to join our elite defence at first call should the big boys falter injure or even fight!!! 

In short a refreshed forward line really that is necessary and well rewarded to its encumbents opportunities is a most welcome change in person and in policy for the future. 

[Travy14 1,683]

7 hours ago, 58er said:

Much as I love ( for evermore) every one of our 23 heroes of 2021 I cannot come to grips that 21 are named in the First 23 18 months later. One replacement for Jacko which is Grundy and mandatory, and the other Hunter for Hibberd which means Angus will probably be part of our defence and Lachie almost permanent on the wing all day. ( no problems here).

The rest  are mids and forwards who can be mixed all day but leaves us short in the forward line should Tmac or BBB break down.  JVR should be in the I/C as a big replacement should one be needed. One of Harmes Sparrow Spargo or Jordon should make way for JVR.

Also Chandler to replace one of the four also.

Touch of nit picking you say however new players are needed in 2023 for a number of reasons none as important to show that we are not chained to our heroes like Goody was last year, and that we have genuine talent that is needed on the forward line for improvement.

It's not a great risk as JVR and Chandler were 2 of the very best for the flag winning Casey Demons throughout the season last year. Both have done everything right so far and Harmes and Angus so far underwhelming pre seasons for some seemingly mystery fitness issues.  Tough on them but a statement on playing fit players in 2023 which is an improvement on 2022's mixed bag of niggling injuries and overrushed and premature returns which resulted in a banged up group short of fitness to fight the Finals matches out to the finish. 

The Emergencies are fine although maybe Turner for Tomlinson might be more enterprising. Not that Tommo has done anything wrong this pre season and a year on from his ACL injury  I think he is truly making a statement he is far from finished. Winning a 2km trial is rare air for him as his recent marriage but testimony to his desire to join our elite defence at first call should the big boys falter injure or even fight!!! 

In short a refreshed forward line really that is necessary and well rewarded to its encumbents opportunities is a most welcome change in person and in policy for the future. 

Agree we need fresh legs but no way you can take BB, T-Mac, Gawn, Grundy and JVR into a game.  So unfortunately one misses out, at this stage I think it's JVR but he will get his chance this year,  but he is a 19yo playing the toughest position on the field.

Brayshaw is a midfielder, didn’t play wing at all last year.  He will be part of the 4 man rotation as he was in the back half of last year.

I believe Harmse's position is real touch and go and can see Chandler taking it.  And I hope he demands to take it and the competition for spots is tough.  

Jordon is the perfect sub, he can play Back, Forward and midfield.  I dont think we should use a KP in the sub role as we have enough flexibility on field if we lost a KP in game (Gawn/Grundy/Petty to go fwd if we lose a Kbig forward, T-Mac to go back if we lose a back and obviously we have 2 rucks if we lose a ruck)

 

[old55 22,178]

On 1/13/2023 at 8:29 AM, Little Goffy said:

We could have a Van and a Laurie arrive at the same time.

For all your logistical needs, contact the Melbourne Football Club.

We could have "Laurie is in the van" - a commentary term that has been lost in time.

[58er 5,783]

3 hours ago, Travy14 said:

Agree we need fresh legs but no way you can take BB, T-Mac, Gawn, Grundy and JVR into a game.  So unfortunately one misses out, at this stage I think it's JVR but he will get his chance this year,  but he is a 19yo playing the toughest position on the field.

Brayshaw is a midfielder, didn’t play wing at all last year.  He will be part of the 4 man rotation as he was in the back half of last year.

I believe Harmse's position is real touch and go and can see Chandler taking it.  And I hope he demands to take it and the competition for spots is tough.  

Jordon is the perfect sub, he can play Back, Forward and midfield.  I dont think we should use a KP in the sub role as we have enough flexibility on field if we lost a KP in game (Gawn/Grundy/Petty to go fwd if we lose a Kbig forward, T-Mac to go back if we lose a back and obviously we have 2 rucks if we lose a ruck)

 

I think it's worth trying snd not assuming that it's not a goer. Max and Brodie like the mids can rest on the pine if necessary or play back or forward also if needed. JVR  and Fritta are good at ground level and not slow either. 
it still leaves Kossie and Say Chandler Spargo ANB or Laurie in the forward 6. Might be complicated if say Sestan gets a gig  He would replace either JVR or Fritta or a ruck or small as required I reckon. 

[deelusions from afar 1,628]

Comments regarding Salem / Brayshaw are interesting.  We often look at our best team as individuals but really the coaches have to pick what combination gets the best result.  We're looking for premierships not brownlows afterall!

I'd be surprised to see Salem and Brayshaw both play in defence as they seem to play a similar role when they are there.  Assuming Salem is over his injury / form issues from last year, I would think Brayshaw will be more of the 1st change in the centre bounce brigade - and mr fix it on the wing / in defence if required.

If Hunter is in the team (and even if he is not) there is pressure on Jordon, Sparrow, Harmes, ANB (and to a lesser extent Brayshaw) who are the other players that get centre bounce opportunities and are otherwise generally at half forward.  Given none of them are specialist half forwards (maybe you could say ANB is), we've got too many 2nd string midfielders in the team - we would perhaps improve our forward play by replacing one or two with the likes of Chandler / Laurie / Howes / Sestan.

[Travy14 1,683]

1 hour ago, 58er said:

I think it's worth trying snd not assuming that it's not a goer. Max and Brodie like the mids can rest on the pine if necessary or play back or forward also if needed. JVR  and Fritta are good at ground level and not slow either. 
it still leaves Kossie and Say Chandler Spargo ANB or Laurie in the forward 6. Might be complicated if say Sestan gets a gig  He would replace either JVR or Fritta or a ruck or small as required I reckon. 

JVR is good on the ground for a big man, not good on the ground for a small.  

Brisbane tried the 3 key fwds last yr and it didn't work until one went down.

They are not going to play Gawn or Grundy on the Pine, that's very obvious.  So we can't play 4 talls in the fwd line and Fritsch 

[The end is nigh 316]

I wait with great curiosity to see how we tactically use our sub. It’s a move all coaches have to make each and every match now, and without it being forced by injury I fear Goodwin will be easy to read with it.

3/4 time, give a fresh player a quarter to impact. my first guess is chandler or melksham will be given this spot, with a tall (either BB or JVR) given the last quarter off.

I really hope the coaching department has put considerable time into the strategy and purpose they’d like it used for to gain the largest benefit. 

Also, Salem is best 22.

And with our depth only getting stronger Casey is going to monster teams all year long. Scary to think if melbourne were to leave harmes or jordon out of the seniors what they would do at Casey. 

[Deebauched 1,219]

Dont forget Tomlinson.

He could be in for a big season if finally over his post acl problems.

Ben Brown isnt done either.

Very strong list.