Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

Don't think they'll make more than 3 changes unless forced (injury), Goodwin and co. have always favoured continuity and consistency. May for Thommo plus someone for Max would be 2. Then it's perhaps a tossup between JJ for Harmes and Hibberd for McVie.

Tom Mac has indeed been underwhelming, but Max out perhaps throws him a lifeline, at least for a bit. Not the week to be dropping a tall who can pinch-hit.

  • Like 4

Posted
59 minutes ago, ANG13 said:

If I was a betting person I would be loading up on Sydney at their odds and history of beating us. I would also take Luke Parker for best on ground. 

Gulden to be best on ground. If I wasn't a Melbourne man I'd be tipping Sydney not confident at all without Gawn and Kossie. Need a big lift from and I think it will happen from Clarry disposal disgraceful last week, Trac couldn't get into the game and Viney was terrible. Petty needs to lift too I think he will with his mate May back in the side.

  • Like 1

Posted
6 minutes ago, bing181 said:

Don't think they'll make more than 3 changes unless forced (injury), Goodwin and co. have always favoured continuity and consistency. May for Thommo plus someone for Max would be 2. Then it's perhaps a tossup between JJ for Harmes and Hibberd for McVie.

Tom Mac has indeed been underwhelming, but Max out perhaps throws him a lifeline, at least for a bit. Not the week to be dropping a tall who can pinch-hit.

I have a sneaky suspicion Laurie is in front of JJ. Hibberd for Harmes I think and Brayshaw in the middle.

  • Like 1
Posted

I know most of the focus is on team changes at the moment, but I can’t stop thinking about how important this game is. I truly believe this game will determine how well we’ll go this year. No Gawn (and Kozzy) against a team that has had the wood over us who are also in terrific form. We can’t just tread water and hopefully win some games while we wait for Gawn to come back. We had a terrible record against top 4/8 teams last year. Here’s a golden opportunity to prove that we’re going to be a genuine contender this season.

  • Like 13
  • Thanks 1
Posted

Not keen on JVR potentially rucking. 
Terry Smith forced to in his first game from memory. 
Not sure it helped his career. 

Posted
7 minutes ago, radar said:

Not keen on JVR potentially rucking. 
Terry Smith forced to in his first game from memory. 
Not sure it helped his career. 

Do you mean Nick Smith (426)?

Posted
6 hours ago, chook fowler said:

Hunt would have been handy this season.

Not sure when when you are down 32 clearances for the game, a defender with ordinary disposal is going to help you.

 

  • Like 2
Posted
7 hours ago, bing181 said:

Don't think they'll make more than 3 changes unless forced (injury), Goodwin and co. have always favoured continuity and consistency. May for Thommo plus someone for Max would be 2. Then it's perhaps a tossup between JJ for Harmes and Hibberd for McVie.

Tom Mac has indeed been underwhelming, but Max out perhaps throws him a lifeline, at least for a bit. Not the week to be dropping a tall who can pinch-hit.

One change:  Gawn out - Srawbs in...


Posted

There's been a lot of focus on Gawn's injury but watching TMac at the game on Friday.

He looked so slow and proppy.

Can we afford to rest him?

Can we afford to risk playing him?

I'm not confident at all that he's anywhere near fit. I wonder if he's going to come good at all this season.

He's pretty vital to our campaign as well

Posted

Football is a funny game and it certainly plays tricks with your brain. Only a week ago most were predicting a comprehensive win against the Lions on their turf. Now, a few days after a poor display people by our high standards and the loss of the skip people are salivating at Sydney's odds. I'm expecting a big response.

  • Like 3
  • Love 3
Posted
1 minute ago, layzie said:

If T-Mac is healthy keep him in. 

But he's not though..

Posted (edited)
9 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

But he's not though..

Didn't get to pay close attention to him on Fri, is it the off the mark movements that he's restricted in or did he not cover his usual territory as well? Or both?

Edited by layzie
Posted

Not sure after Weid leaving we didn't find another big fwd as insurance.  We seem top heavy with mids for some reason.  Given Tmacs age and foot issues and Bbbs end of year dip in form, it may have been prudent to find an experienced chf. Maybe nobody was available. 

Posted
15 minutes ago, Dee Zephyr said:

I'm expecting a big response

Hope so. It won't be easy against a cracker of a team like Swans. A win by us will be huge. Hopefully many of us get to the game. I know Trac and Oliver will lift. 

  • Like 3
Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, Brownie said:

There's been a lot of focus on Gawn's injury but watching TMac at the game on Friday.

He looked so slow and proppy.

Can we afford to rest him?

Can we afford to risk playing him?

I'm not confident at all that he's anywhere near fit. I wonder if he's going to come good at all this season.

He's pretty vital to our campaign as well

I am concerned also. The only upside being that if he doesn’t come up, we have JVR as a potential back up.

We must get more proactive in taking controlled risk and utilise our depth.  Three guarantees in life-  taxes, death and footy injuries.  Blood and give our depth some experience now…. will most likely need them later on in the season and in the finals campaign.

Edited by Wodjathefirst
  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Posted
3 minutes ago, layzie said:

Didn't get to pay close attention to him on Fri, is it the off the mark movements that he's restricted in or did he not cover his usual territory as well? Or both?

Both. 

He looked like he had concrete boots on and struggle to get up the ground and be that leading CHF that we know him to be. 

I'm a tmac fan but unfortunately he looked absolutely cooked. Some had concerns with him round 1 against the doggies where as i didnt, but after Friday night I'm certainly concerned with his form and body moving forward.

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
  • Sad 1

Posted
10 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

I have a sneaky suspicion Laurie is in front of JJ. Hibberd for Harmes I think and Brayshaw in the middle.

Laurie was hugely underwhelming in his first game and needs a bank of good form at Casey before being considered for a call up!

  • Like 1
Posted

Round 2 just done and we are already considering Schache coming in??

tell me it ain’t so?!? 

he is a poor fwd, an average back and not a ruckman whatsoever 

  • Like 1

Posted
31 minutes ago, leave it to deever said:

Not sure after Weid leaving we didn't find another big fwd as insurance.  We seem top heavy with mids for some reason.  Given Tmacs age and foot issues and Bbbs end of year dip in form, it may have been prudent to find an experienced chf. Maybe nobody was available. 

I'm fairly certain we didn't with the view to one of Max/Grundy would be lurking deep forward to release TMac/BBB (or both) higher up.

We also picked up Schache who is fairly similar to the Weid and would be expecting JVR to play at a minimum a handful of matches this year.

In my opinion, a C-grade forward is hardly worth burning cash on (admittedly it wouldn't be much anyways)

  • Thanks 1
Posted
15 minutes ago, picket fence said:

Laurie was hugely underwhelming in his first game and needs a bank of good form at Casey before being considered for a call up!

Agree completely.  I'm hopeful young Bill will come on and forge a decent career with us but he's clearly behind JJ who has at least show he can have an impact in the ones.

I'm happy however young Bill got a bit of a taste so he's aware of the difference and where he needs to be at.  

He looked very good in the twos on the weekend.  Hopefully he can maintain the rage and continually destroy it at that level.

  • Like 1
Posted

I would have played Schache if fit, has to be Van Rooyen now for Gawn. Hopefully Grundy can ruck 80% of the game, but I'm sure Ladhams will be testing out the ribs early on.

May (if fit) for Petty. I'd be thinking hard about Tomlinson to do some rucking as well, as McDonald has been ineffective in the role. I also don't think its helping Tom's work in the forward line.

Hibberd has to come in to take one of the mid-sized forwards. I like the idea of playing a lockdown small defender like McVee, but not sure if he is doing enough at present. Maybe McVee stays and Harmes misses out.

Melksham can head back to Casey, and we need someone with more versatility in the sub role. Maybe Smith, although he's just as likely to injure himself in the warm up, or even Howes.

Langdon on very, very thin ice.

Posted
14 minutes ago, poita said:

Melksham can head back to Casey, and we need someone with more versatility in the sub role. Maybe Smith, although he's just as likely to injure himself in the warm up, or even Howes.

if we ever 'debut' a player as a sub i will be very, very disappointed in the club

hate it when others do that 

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)
12 hours ago, bing181 said:

Don't think they'll make more than 3 changes unless forced (injury), Goodwin and co. have always favoured continuity and consistency. May for Thommo plus someone for Max would be 2. Then it's perhaps a tossup between JJ for Harmes and Hibberd for McVie.

Tom Mac has indeed been underwhelming, but Max out perhaps throws him a lifeline, at least for a bit. Not the week to be dropping a tall who can pinch-hit.

Seems a bit nonsensical in the sense that if you have players badly out of form and or better ones coming back.... plus you need an in or two for match ups.  In some cases, where necessary, you just have to make the odd sweeping changes (eg, 4 or more). 

Even if it meant say 6 changes eg; 2 for match ups, 1 for injury and 2 based on form and you have quality / in form players coming in (pretty rare for sure but you never know).... why not!?

Edited by Demon Dynasty

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: 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 2

    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

    TRAINING: Wednesday 13th November 2024

    A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers braved the rain and headed down to Gosch's paddock to bring you their observations from the second day of Preseason training for the 1st to 4th Year players. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training today. Richo spoke to me and said not to believe what is in the media, as we will good this year. Jefferson and Kentfield looked big and strong.  Petty was doing all the training. Adams looked like he was in rehab.  KE

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...