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PREGAME: Rd 02 vs Brisbane

Demonland
Demonland
in Melbourne Demons

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Laurie, Harmes, Pickett for May, Viney, Fritsch.

Salem via VFL.

Edited by praha

    • Like 3
     

    We could play May and Tomlinson together because May can play small. I still wouldn’t risk him though. 
    Tomlinson would be a good match up for Daniher I reckon (who might have to do some rucking anyways against the Tap Brothers).

    Edited by Jaded No More

    • Like 3

    Goody always says everyone is good to go at the start of the week. I would be very surprised if all 4 come back in

    • Like 2
    • Thanks 1
     
      On 20/03/2023 at 03:42, Wodjathefirst said:

    I would like to see us take a more of a ‘horses for courses’ selection process for players each game day, rather than trying to have a ‘settled’ side week in, week out. Potential positives include:-

    Given the depth of talent in our current squad,  this would give more players the opportunity to gain experience and exposure in the ones.      
    This would also give injured players (eg -May) extra time to overcome injury concerns and increase their chances of being fully fit come September 
    And enable some other key ‘older’ players to be rested when they need a break
    Which in turn would encourage positive competition on the training track week in , week out.

    All in all this should improve chances of having a fit and committed team come September that has real proven depth (eg - in case  we encounter a serious injury in the finals campaign).

    The downside risk I see with this approach being not having a ‘settled stable side’. The counter argument however being is that if more players get appropriate game exposure during the year,  they should get more and more familiar with the ‘demons system of play’ so if and when the need arose they could just slot into the ones.

    We need to take advantage of our current squad’s depth. Come September only 23 can make the team. The players that miss out would at least know they were very important contributors who enabled the club to get there.

    And by the way, I could be totally wrong, I’m just a fan of the club. Not really fussed if people think I’ve got it all wrong (good chance I have!).  And for the record, I fully back the football department.  Never in my life have I been so happy following the Mighty Dees.  That is an undisputed fact! GO DEES!!!

    Some very good points made and like Geelong last year and us in 2021 thanks to no or very few ( Maysie and Holmes) both had all bases covered. 

    geelong did some deliberate and Smart Selection of keeping their oldies fresh we snuck Staphie in by stealth ! 

    However this year is different we are in a good position not too rush players back. Salem should be at least at Casey. Jack and Fritta replace Kossie and Laurie much an all I would like to keep Bailey in for his benefit. May prob replace Harmes or Tommo. 

    Will be fascinating to see if Lions start players as they finished in the Semi having been changed after half time. 

    Great game anticipated and Will again  be hard  but one we are very capable of succeeding providing our defence holds up. 

      On 21/03/2023 at 02:14, Demon4Life said:

    Goody always says everyone is good to go at the start of the week. I would be very surprised if all 4 come back in

    No chance all 4 play. Salem will have to go thru the VFL for mine. 

    We have 3 interstate games in the next month. That’s a lot of travel. I wouldn’t risk May. 

    • Like 6

      On 21/03/2023 at 02:01, Jaded No More said:

    We could play May and Tomlinson together because May can play small. I still wouldn’t risk him though. 
    Tomlinson would be a good match up for Daniher I reckon (who might have to do some rucking anyways against the Tap Brothers).

    May on Cameron would be very interesting, but May as our general just has so much upside.

    • Like 1

    Viney and Fritsch are locks. May I feel will miss again as it seems like the calf was more than a niggle. Salo has missed a fair bit of action so a hitout with Casey could be just what he needs. 

    • Like 2

    I also agree that Steven May should not be risked unless 100% fit.

    Would rather see him line up in a re-match against Buddy Franklin when we play the Swans at the MCG in Round 3.

     

    • Like 4
     

    No way harmes is dropped need to dig deeper than his 15 disposals he had 42 pressure acts, he plays his role I would be shocked if he is dropped, fyi picket had 30 pressure acts 

    • Like 9
    • Thanks 1

      On 21/03/2023 at 00:07, Deemac said:

    Fritch in for Kozzi 

    viney in for Laurie 

    May in for Tommo

    and Salem plays vfl???

    If they are all fully fit and risk free, that’s how I see it playing out. If Fritsch was a midfielder I think he’d need a run at VFL also given how long he’s missed but he should be ok given his role. Viney and May haven’t been out long at all and should be good to play seniors if fit. I like Salem coming back via the VFL but don’t actually know if there is a VFL of any sort to play him in???
     

    Given how little we all know about the severity of May’s calf issue, I’m quite amused by all the armchair doctors making calls on how long he needs. The club knows how valuable he is and won’t risk him if he’s not ready. 

    • Author

    I reckon the only certainty is Viney - 100%.

    Salem will most likely need to come back though Casey for match conditioning and his replacements are doing a fine job 0%.

    You would think that they are going to be conservative with May given his age profile, the long season & 3 interstate games in 4 weeks 30% (could be higher).

    Fritsch is a total unknown in my book 50%

    • Like 8
      On 21/03/2023 at 03:36, Demonland said:

    I reckon the only certainty is Viney - 100%.

    Salem will most likely need to come back though Casey for match conditioning and his replacements are doing a fine job 0%.

    You would think that they are going to be conservative with May given his age profile, the long season & 3 interstate games in 4 weeks 30% (could be higher).

    Fritsch is a total unknown in my book 50%

    I agree with this.

    I think if we hadn't lost Kosi we might play Fritta at Casey, but because Kosi is out they might play him closer to goal just for some added goal kicking power. We did get 4 goals out of Kosi on Saturday, and IMO only Fritta is capable of consistently producing those numbers. 

    Viney will then replace Kosi's midfield minutes. 

    If Tommo had a stinker you would rush May in. But given he had such a wonderful game, and that Brisbane play two talls who are hit and miss, I would leave him in and give May another week and avoid the long flight.

    Salem needs time the VFL. We have no need to rush him. Bowey is a gun, you got Gus down there helping out and McVee deserves another game based off that debut. 

    • Like 6
    • Clap 1
      On 21/03/2023 at 03:21, Vipercrunch said:

    Given how little we all know about the severity of May’s calf issue, I’m quite amused by all the armchair doctors making calls on how long he needs. The club knows how valuable he is and won’t risk him if he’s not ready. 

    If the club deems him ready to go then my word he's ready to go.

    From what was reported last week about it being slightly more than mild calf tightness, the restricted movement in the training reports last week and the 6 day factor it wouldn't be unreasonable to think another week off would be the sensible approach. It is an armchair view but not too wide of the mark, its a long season.

    Edited by layzie

    • Like 1
    • Author
      On 21/03/2023 at 03:40, Jaded No More said:

    I think if we hadn't lost Kosi we might play Fritta at Casey, but because Kosi is out they might play him closer to goal just for some added goal kicking power. We did get 4 goals out of Kosi on Saturday, and IMO only Fritta is capable of consistently producing those numbers.

    As long as there is no structural damage or the danger of more damage by him just load baring and playing a game of footy then yes he absolutely needs to play to make up for the scoring void left by Kozzy.

    • Like 3

      On 21/03/2023 at 04:23, Demonland said:

    As long as there is no structural damage or the danger of more damage by him just load baring and playing a game of footy then yes he absolutely needs to play to make up for the scoring void left by Kozzy.

    I don't think he'd be available for selection at any level if they thought he's at risk of further injury. VFL or AFL, you would not take chances on your best forward 2 years running if you suspected his foot might blow up.

    We have enough players with dodgy feet thanks. 

    • Like 1

    A couple of records to watch if Fritsch and McDonald play on Friday:

    • Bayley has kicked at least one goal in 29 consecutive games - he kicked one in the last 5 games of 2021, and he kicked a goal in every one of our 24 games last season.
    • Tom has played in 15 consecutive wins - playing in the Round 20 win against Gold Coast in 2021, (missing Round 21 and 22 with a sore back) and coming back for the great win in Geelong, and the finals series. He then played in the first 9 rounds last year, all wins, and returned for the win in Round 1.

     

    • Like 6
    • Love 2
      On 21/03/2023 at 04:47, Stu said:

    A couple of records to watch if Fritsch and McDonald play on Friday:

    • Bayley has kicked at least one goal in 29 consecutive games - he kicked one in the last 5 games of 2021, and he kicked a goal in every one of our 24 games last season.
    • Tom has played in 15 consecutive wins - playing in the Round 20 win against Gold Coast in 2021, (missing Round 21 and 22 with a sore back) and coming back for the great win in Geelong, and the finals series. He then played in the first 9 rounds last year, all wins, and returned for the win in Round 1.

     

    Time will tell this year whether the McDonald thing is real (I think it is), but I can't foresee a game in which Fritsch plays where doesn't kick a goal - at least while the Dees are any good.

    Edited by Chook

    • Like 1

    Our favourite opposition player Dayne Zorko might be back this week... Viney licking his lips

    • Haha 4
      On 21/03/2023 at 02:01, Jaded No More said:

    We could play May and Tomlinson together because May can play small. I still wouldn’t risk him though. 
    Tomlinson would be a good match up for Daniher I reckon (who might have to do some rucking anyways against the Tap Brothers).

    If Tmac doesn't get up and May plays, could we swing Petty to chf given Tommos good form.

    If May, Salem, Fritta and JV are all serious contenders then we have an almost enjoyable headache for selectors.


    Keidean Coleman is apparently out this week which is handy given his speed and class off half back.

     

    • Like 5
    • Author
      On 21/03/2023 at 05:33, Jaded No More said:

    Our favourite opposition player Dayne Zorko might be back this week... Viney licking his lips

    I saw a post on the Brisbane Big Footy board that said they heard on Brisbane sports radio that he is definitely playing. It has to be true in a Friends, Uncles, Brothers, Priest's dog kind of way.

    • Haha 6
      On 21/03/2023 at 05:33, Jaded No More said:

    Our favourite opposition player Dayne Zorko might be back this week... Viney licking his lips

    Boy I hope he is.

     

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