Jump to content

Featured Replies

What I would like is this. I want the ins and outs for this week (and next) to ensure that we either end up finishing 2nd or 4th in two weeks.
Not particular or fussed what it ends up being. Both equates to home finals and as a bonus I (we) have an opportunity to go to the game.  The best interests of the team align with my best interests.
How is that for being positively self pecuniary and selfish at the same time.
 

 
2 hours ago, Jaded No More said:

He doesn’t need to be the Tmac of old. If he can run a game out and compete in the air, that’ll do. 
He understands forward patterns and leading. Assuming his foot injury hasn’t impacted his ability to take a mark or halve an aerial contest. That’s all he needs to do. 
Much like BBB, we just need one of them to find enough juice to play 6 games at ok pace for 120 minutes. 

Totally agree.

He has to come in for the system alone. And he can take a grab. He'll give it his best as well

 
1 hour ago, Jaded No More said:

Smith is not reliable enough in the backline. He causes panic. We look way better when Hibbo was in there. He totally blanketed Martin. 
Smith is a high impact low possession player with versatility. He’s a perfect sub. 

Carlton kicked 6 goals in the first 3/4 despite our midfield being beaten. The backline was good with Smith and he blanketed the resting ruck with some great spoils due to his closing speed. 

I like Smith better forward but he’s been pigeon holed as a sub due to versatility. 

The perfect sub is our 23rd best player. 

Huge loss for the Hawks

 


Schache and McDonald have zero intensity. Tomlinson would be a better forward option than these two or Grundy at this stage. 

2 hours ago, Jaded No More said:

Smith is not reliable enough in the backline. He causes panic. We look way better when Hibbo was in there. He totally blanketed Martin. 
Smith is a high impact low possession player with versatility. He’s a perfect sub. 

Its interesting how we all see it differently.

We gave up 20 inside 50s in the first quarter yet a backline with Smith in it repelled them to maintain the damage to one goal. 

We gave up ascendency for the first 8 minutes of the last to Carlton and they kicked 3 goals in a Smithless backline. 

Martin had next to no impact prior to Hibbo's entry into the game.

Not saying Hibberd shouldnt be in the 22 but we defended much better with Smith in the back 6. 

20 minutes ago, Lil_red_fire_engine said:

Its interesting how we all see it differently.

We gave up 20 inside 50s in the first quarter yet a backline with Smith in it repelled them to maintain the damage to one goal. 

We gave up ascendency for the first 8 minutes of the last to Carlton and they kicked 3 goals in a Smithless backline. 

Martin had next to no impact prior to Hibbo's entry into the game.

Not saying Hibberd shouldnt be in the 22 but we defended much better with Smith in the back 6. 

I think it’s fair to give credit to Smith for being part of the first quarter dam wall, but not at all fair to suggest he would have made a difference in the last quarter burst which was entirely on our midfield for letting them come out the front of stoppage far too easily.

 
11 minutes ago, titan_uranus said:

I think it’s fair to give credit to Smith for being part of the first quarter dam wall, but not at all fair to suggest he would have made a difference in the last quarter burst which was entirely on our midfield for letting them come out the front of stoppage far too easily.

Not giving him credit, although I would back him to contest TDK better than Lever did for goal 2. Its more so that I dont recall a single thing he did in the 20 q1 inside 50s that would support him not being a good backline option. 

1 hour ago, SPC said:

Schache and McDonald have zero intensity. Tomlinson would be a better forward option than these two or Grundy at this stage. 

Agree. Tomlinson today was terrific. Close to, if not, BOG.
Does something neither Schache or TMac do. He gets involved and is effective. 
I’d still have Joel Smith and JvR as key forwards, Max forward when not rucking and Grundy resting on the bench rather than forward. I know that’s ‘expensive’ but I just can’t see anyone else to take the centre bounce. Grundy ok there and around the ground. He just ain’t a forward.


1 hour ago, SPC said:

Schache and McDonald have zero intensity. Tomlinson would be a better forward option than these two or Grundy at this stage. 

100% agree - at least Tommo reads the play well, competes in the air and will provide the smalls with crumbing opportunities.....

3 hours ago, BDA said:

Ordinarily I would agree but we don’t have many games left. If he shows something I say bring him in.

This is the reality...

Bring him against Hawks for a win. Next game against the Swans should be a relatively dead rubber for us unless Pies beat Lions.

That's two games to get him up to speed for September. There's really no other choice

This talk of Smith either forward or backward is niether here nor there. It is our forward line that matters the most and I think Smith is best placed to replace Petty.

3 hours ago, Wodjathefirst said:

What I would like is this. I want the ins and outs for this week (and next) to ensure that we either end up finishing 2nd or 4th in two weeks.
Not particular or fussed what it ends up being. Both equates to home finals and as a bonus I (we) have an opportunity to go to the game.  The best interests of the team align with my best interests.
How is that for being positively self pecuniary and selfish at the same time.
 

Yeah but it's also positively correct.


1 hour ago, whatwhat say what said:

following the vfl game, i would think...

OUT: jordon, grundy
IN: spargo, tomlinson

smith forward and hibb remains the sub

Yep although I worry about Breust. I think Hibbo should come in for him.

17 hours ago, Roost it far said:

Personally 4th spot is our best option

Agree, but I’d settle for 2nd.

42 minutes ago, dl4e said:

This talk of Smith either forward or backward is niether here nor there. It is our forward line that matters the most and I think Smith is best placed to replace Petty.

This.

Any of the other options (Grundy, McDonald, Brown, Tomlinson) are too slow and unable to get any sort of seperation from their man. They can wrestle and bring the ball to ground but opposition sides simply play a spare or help defender to nullify this as we saw last night with Grundy and previously with Brown.

Smith attacks every contest with genuine speed. His swing up forward resulted us in a more dynamic forward line and crucial mark+goal to keep us in it. He's not a world beater, he doesn't have the greatest footbal IQ and probably won't ever put together a four-quarter performance... But he gives you at least some of what Petty has with his aggression, speed and athletisicm to make a genuine contest in the air, at ground level and defensively pressure wise. He is the best option and they will pull the trigger on it this week.

Out: Grundy, JJ

In: Tomlinson, Spargo

Sub: Tomlinson or Hibberd

I like that we're slowly bringing Hibberd back into the main side. He was pulling up too sore too often and they've done well managing him via VFL and as a sub. He's too important to lose to another injury now hence why I think Tomlinson comes to provide suppor there with Smith moving forward.

Hopefully if we stay healthy, Fritta comes back and Smith will go back to ultimate Super Sub.

Edited by Young Blood

47 minutes ago, dl4e said:

This talk of Smith either forward or backward is niether here nor there. It is our forward line that matters the most and I think Smith is best placed to replace Petty.

I'm coming around to this view too.

His acceleration from a standing start is crucial. 

Snap - what young blood said (juts read it)

Edited by binman


1 hour ago, M_9 said:

Agree. Tomlinson today was terrific. Close to, if not, BOG.
Does something neither Schache or TMac do. He gets involved and is effective. 
I’d still have Joel Smith and JvR as key forwards, Max forward when not rucking and Grundy resting on the bench rather than forward. I know that’s ‘expensive’ but I just can’t see anyone else to take the centre bounce. Grundy ok there and around the ground. He just ain’t a forward.

Agree now that tomlinson did OK today. He was always stiff to be dropped in the first place.

It's now too late on Kingys Premiership runway to try anything new. Tomlinson to 4rd tall defender. Smith forward. Grundy out and small in. Who that for others to nominate. Hibberd in anywhere. Jordan out . Not to return.

7 minutes ago, Young Blood said:

This.

Any of the other options (Grundy, McDonald, Brown, Tomlinson) are too slow and unable to get any sort of seperation from their man. They can wrestle and bring the ball to ground but opposition sides simply play a spare or help defender to nullify this as we saw last night with Grundy and previously with Brown.

Smith attacks every contest with genuine speed. His swing up forward resulted us in a more dynamic forward line and crucial mark+goal to keep us in it. He's not a world beater, he doesn't have the greatest footbal IQ and probably won't ever put together a four-quarter performance... But he gives you at least some of what Petty has with his aggression, speed and athletisicm to make a genuine contest in the air, at ground level and defensively pressure wise. He is the best option and they will pull the trigger on it this week.

Out: Grundy, JJ

In: Tomlinson, Spargo

Sub: Tomlinson or Hibberd

I like that we're slowly bringing Hibberd back into the main side. He was pulling up too sore too often and they've done well managing him via VFL and as a sub. He's too important to lose to another injury now hence why I think Tomlinson comes to provide suppor there with Smith moving forward.

Hopefully if we stay healthy, Fritta comes back and Smith will go back to ultimate Super Sub.

Agree on Smith's footy iq not being brilliant, but it mater less up forward.

Put him up there and tell him to go wild. Run, jump, spoil - and worry about the oppo defender's footy iq

Watching Tmac live today, he has no acceleration. Not surprising given he's coming back from yet another foot injury.

29 minutes ago, Wodjathefirst said:

Agree, but I’d settle for 2nd.

Me too but rolling the Pies in the QF will be sweet

 
18 minutes ago, binman said:

Agree on Smith's footy iq not being brilliant, but it mater less up forward.

Put him up there and tell him to go wild. Run, jump, spoil - and worry about the oppo defender's footy iq

Watching Tmac live today, he has no acceleration. Not surprising given he's coming back from yet another foot injury.

Must play Smith forward and I’m a Tomlinson needs to play back supporter. I think we structure up far better like this. Lever is a floater, Tomlinson can play close and May does what May does. Melksham back as the sub when Fritta plays, Grundy out, JJ out, Hibberd in. That my friend is the Premiership line up

25 minutes ago, binman said:

Agree on Smith's footy iq not being brilliant, but it mater less up forward.

Put him up there and tell him to go wild. Run, jump, spoil - and worry about the oppo defender's footy iq

Watching Tmac live today, he has no acceleration. Not surprising given he's coming back from yet another foot injury.

Yep and like Grundy last night Tmac can basically only really run in straight lines. They can't turn. As soon either of them go past the ball or player there's pretty much no chance of winning it back or at least creating some sort of pressure.

Let Smith, JVR, Melk, Trac, and the smalls create some chaos down there 😈

Edited by Young Blood


Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.

Featured Content

  • NON-MFC: Round 10

    The Sir Doug Nicholls Round kicks off in Darwin with a Top 4 clash between the Suns and the Hawks. On Friday night the Swans will be seeking to rebound from a challenging start to the season, while the Blues have the Top 8 in their sights after their sluggish start. Saturdays matches kick off with a blockbuster between the Collingwood and Kuwarna with the Magpies looking to maintain their strong form and the Crows aiming to make a statement on the road. The Power face a difficult task to revive their season against a resilient Cats side looking to make amends for their narrow loss last week. The Giants aim to reinforce their top-eight status, while the Dockers will be looking to break the travel hoodoo. The sole Saturday game is a critical matchup for both teams, as the Bulldogs strive to cemet their spot in the top six and the Bombers desperately want break into the 8. Sundays start with a bottom 3 clash between the Tigers and Kangaroos with both teams wanting to avoid the being in wooden spoon contention. The Round concludes with the Eagles still searching for their first win of the season, while the Saints look to keep their finals hopes alive with a crucial away victory. Who are you tipping and what are the best results for the Demons?

      • Like
    • 96 replies
    Demonland
  • PREVIEW: Brisbane

    And just like that, we’re Narrm again. Even though the annual AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round which commemorates the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture to our game has been a welcome addition to our calendar for ten years, more lately it has been a portent of tough times ahead for we beleaguered Narrm supporters. Ever since the club broke through for its historic 2021 premiership, this has become a troubling time of the year for the club. For example, it all began when Melbourne rebranded itself as Narrm across the two rounds of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round to become the first club to adopt an Indigenous club name especially for the occasion. It won its first outing under the brand against lowly North Melbourne to go to 10 wins and no losses but not without a struggle or a major injury to  star winger Ed Langdon who broke his ribs and missed several weeks. In the following week, still as Narrm, the team’s 17 game winning streak came to an end at the hands of the Dockers. That came along with more injuries, a plague that remained with them for the remainder of the season until, beset by injuries, the Dees were eliminated from the finals in straight sets. It was even worse last year, when Narrm inexplicably lowered its colours in Perth to the Waalit Marawar Eagles. Oh, the shame of it all! At least this year, if there is a corner to turn around, it has to be in the direction of something better. To that end, I produced a special pre-game chant in the local Narrm language - “nam mi:wi winnamun katjil prolin ambi ngamar thamelin amb” which roughly translated is “every heart beats true for the red and the blue.” >y belief is that if all of the Narrm faithful recite it long enough, then it might prove to be the only way to beat the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Sunday. The Lions are coming off a disappointing draw at Marvel Stadium against a North Melbourne team that lacks the ability and know how to win games (except when playing Melbourne). Brisbane are, however, a different kettle of fish at home and have very few positional weaknesses. They are a midfield powerhouse, strong in defence and have plenty of forward options, particularly their small and medium sized players, to kick a winning score this week after the sting of last week’s below par performance.

    • 11 replies
    Demonland
  • REPORT: Hawthorn

    There was a time during the current Melbourne cycle that goes back to before the premiership when the club was the toughest to beat in the fourth quarter. The Demons were not only hard to beat at any time but it was virtually impossible to get the better them when scores were close at three quarter time. It was only three or four years ago but they were fit, strong and resilient in body and mind. Sadly, those days are over. This has been the case since the club fell off its pedestal about 12 months ago after it beat Geelong and then lost to Carlton. In both instances, Melbourne put together strong, stirring final quarters, one that resulted in victory, the other, in defeat. Since then, the drop off has been dramatic to the point where it can neither pull off victory in close matches, nor can it even go down in defeat  gallantly.

    • 1 reply
    Demonland
  • CASEY: Footscray

    At twenty-four minutes into the third term of the game between the Casey Demons and Footscray VFL at Whitten Oval, the visitors were coasting. They were winning all over the ground, had the ascendancy in the ruck battles and held a 26 point lead on a day perfect for football. What could go wrong? Everything. The Bulldogs moved into overdrive in the last five minutes of the term and booted three straight goals to reduce the margin to a highly retrievable eight points at the last break. Bouyed by that effort, their confidence was on a high level during the interval and they ran all over the despondent Demons and kicked another five goals to lead by a comfortable margin of four goals deep into the final term before Paddy Cross kicked a couple of too late goals for a despondent Casey. A testament to their lack of pressure in the latter stages of the game was the fact that Footscray’s last ten scoring shots were nine goals and one rushed behind. Things might have been different for the Demons who went into the game after last week’s bye with 12 AFL listed players. Blake Howes was held over for the AFL game but two others, Jack Billings and Taj Woewodin (not officially listed as injured) were also missing and they could have been handy at the end. Another mystery of the current VFL system.

    • 0 replies
    Demonland
  • PREGAME: Brisbane

    The Demons head back out on the road in Round 10 when they travel to Queensland to take on the reigning Premiers and the top of the table Lions who look very formidable. Can the Dees cause a massive upset? Who comes in and who goes out?

      • Clap
      • Like
    • 280 replies
    Demonland
  • PODCAST: Hawthorn

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 12th May @ 8:00pm. Join Binman, George & I as we dissect the Demons loss to the Hawks. Your questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show. If you would like to leave us a voicemail please call 03 9016 3666 and don't worry no body answers so you don't have to talk to a human.

    • 53 replies
    Demonland