Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted
19 hours ago, binman said:

Agree, winning territory is key. For us scoring from turnover and a positive turnover differential is also key, as of course is winning contested ball and pressure. Those things are key in all our games. 

But the most critical element for us is our defence system - and by that i mean our all team defence, not just our back seven.

Leaving aside the fact we want to negate the pies ability to transition fast any time we play them, there's no way we wanted to get into a fast transition game with the pies on KB because the Pies have us for pure leg speed and we were not fully wound up fitness wise (though nor were the Pies it must be said).

So if i was to pick one thing we need to replicate from the KB match on Thursday night it would be our brilliant all team defence and defensive system. 

We worked really hard to deny them time and space. We did this by:

  • working really hard to get players into the corridor and take that option away (and as the game wore on pick off their efforts to go thru the corridor)
  • working really hard to cover switches
  • compressing the ground and creating density by having our defenders push up
  • creating frontal pressure and having players run hard at the Pies ball carrier.

That latter element is critical because it gives them no space ahead of the ball carrier, making it really hard to run and carry forward (ie the way rivers has been playing in the back of the half of the season ie receive the ball, run and carry for 15-20 meters and launch, or even better hit a target in a dangerous spot).   

But it is a system that has to be spot on because when a player runs at the ball carrier to shut down their space, another dees player has to work hard to cover off the Pies player left free. And when they do so, space is created behind that player which also has to be covered. 

That is a very sophisticated, complex defensive system that requires a commitment from all players to do the defensive gut running it demands, great synergy and 100% confidence in your  teammates to do their job (not to mention elite fitness).

Get that wrong and the Pies just tic tac it down the ground. And that's how they carve teams up on transition, particularly any team that hasn't got their all team defensive system sorted. 

Our brilliant all team defence and defensive system on KB meant the Pies could never get the game looking like a 'Pies game'.

It also allowed us to control the tempo of the match  and frustrate the Pies because you could see they wanted to get the ball moving and we constantly stopped them from doing so.

It also meant the game was very much played on our terms and in a way that played to our strengths. That is the art of coaching - negate the oppo's strengths and maximize your teams' strengths.

I think there are two big difference between the KB and QF:

  • we are now in our optimal shape and will run out the game
  • i don't think the pies are in optimal shape and are struggling to run out games - they look so similar to us last season

If i'm right the Pies running power won't be the advantage it would have been if we had played them in say round four. 

When at their best the Pies have blitzed teams in the first quarter with speed from the back half, set up a fast game, then idle in the second and third quarters before using their superior fitness and leg speed and drop the hammer to blitz tiring teams in the last quarter. The KB was a mild version of this approach - they were on top the first 10 mins the last 10 mins of the game.

But they haven't been able to implement that method since the bye, and my theory is that is because they are running out of gas - as reflected by the fact they are no longer outscoring opponents in the last q, unlike the dees who have the best 4th quarter record in the AFL over the season and the last 6 weeks. 

But even though their running power is less a threat, i'm sure we will look to employ similar tactics in the fist half as we did on KB in terms of our all team defensive structure, denying them time and space and controlling the tempo.

And of course we will also look to cover the receiver to stymie their efforts to chain out from stoppages and contests (eg cover Sidebottom and pendles).

I say the first half, because my tip is the Pies will try do what we did late last season (i think because we knew we didn't have the run in the legs) - come out hard, play fast ball in motion footy, try to a get match winning lead and hang on for dear life.

So, i could see us stymie their ability to get the game on their terms in the first half, hold through 20 mins or so of the third quarter, and then, using our fitness advantage, do what we did to such devastating effect in the 2021 finals - drop the hammer and make it a fast transition game where we start taking more risks, use the corridor more and run in waves to create free players ahead of the ball.

Put the acid on the pies to go with us. 

Bang, bang, bang.

I cant see the Pies winning if they do not have at least a three goal lead at half time as we will run out the game better and roll over them. 

Great analysis

However we must kick goals from our opportunities 

Its a major weakness Goal s from inside 50s

  • Like 1
Posted
4 hours ago, picket fence said:

U are kidding right? One of the worlds greatest EVER bands! Place will be pumpin!

Hope they are lip-synching or it's not going to end well...

  • Like 1
Posted
28 minutes ago, gOLLy said:

Has Howe done a "No duck No Dinner" ?

The irony - went to the filth with dreams of playing forward…

  • Like 1
Posted
5 minutes ago, Demonland said:

 

Kane Cornes says small forward must not be inconsistent like ALL small forwards. The man is a genius. 

  • Like 1
  • Haha 1
Posted

Not a bad article from Howe in The Age:

“I think the clubs, Melbourne and Collingwood, both got what they wanted. I wasn’t performing, I wasn’t enjoying my footy, and if I tried to stick it out, I don’t reckon I would have enjoyed it. There was a contract on the table, but I decided I needed a fresh start. I didn’t have to go too far – I shared the same carpark.”

  • Haha 1
  • Vomit 4
Posted

If we play the way we did on KB and actually kick straight, it will be a DEEstroyation and the media will be frothing over us, saying the flag is ours to lose.

 

  • Like 1
Posted
33 minutes ago, TheWiz said:

Not a bad article from Howe in The Age:

“I think the clubs, Melbourne and Collingwood, both got what they wanted. I wasn’t performing, I wasn’t enjoying my footy, and if I tried to stick it out, I don’t reckon I would have enjoyed it. There was a contract on the table, but I decided I needed a fresh start. I didn’t have to go too far – I shared the same carpark.”

He was performing, he was just having a sook about being a defender. He wanted the limelight of a forward, but Paul Roos knew he was a defender. Howey thought he'd jump ship and win a flag with the Pies as a forward, and take swipes as our club along the way. The club who plucked him from a life of being a tradie in Tassie no less.

Ungrateful [censored]. Hope he never sees success.

 

  • Like 14
  • Love 1
  • Clap 2
Posted
1 hour ago, rjay said:

Hope they are lip-synching or it's not going to end well...

Another example of late middle aged white men re-living their past with a mediocre act that doesn't cut it vocally or in the daytime in an arena with no atmoshpere for this type of act.

Will be poorly compared with Robbie Willams efforts last year.

Just an annual joke.  I'll be downstaris buying a pie.

 

  • Like 2
Posted
11 minutes ago, Jaded No More said:

He was performing, he was just having a sook about being a defender. He wanted the limelight of a forward, but Paul Roos knew he was a defender. Howey thought he'd jump ship and win a flag with the Pies as a forward, and take swipes as our club along the way. The club who plucked him from a life of being a tradie in Tassie no less.

Ungrateful [censored]. Hope he never sees success.

 

And no mention of THAT premiership lost opportunity.

Don't tell me he doesn't lie awake at night regretting his loss.

 

  • Like 2
Posted
52 minutes ago, TheWiz said:

Not a bad article from Howe in The Age:

“I think the clubs, Melbourne and Collingwood, both got what they wanted. I wasn’t performing, I wasn’t enjoying my footy, and if I tried to stick it out, I don’t reckon I would have enjoyed it. There was a contract on the table, but I decided I needed a fresh start. I didn’t have to go too far – I shared the same carpark.”

Yeah not too bad. Can you send it to me 7 years ago?

  • Haha 3
Posted
B: Harrison Wigg (SA) Ed Vickers-Willis (VM) Josh McGuinness (Tas)
HB: Darcy Tucker (VC) Caleb Marchbank (VC) Angus Brayshaw (VM)
C: Paul Ahern (VM) Christian Petracca (VM) Billy Stretch (SA)
HF: Callum Mills (NSW/ACT) Darcy Moore (VM) Rhys Mathieson (VC)
F: Jayden Laverde (VM) Patrick McCartin (VC) Caleb Daniel (SA)
Foll: Peter Wright (VM) Isaac Heeney (NSW/ACT) Jake Johansen (SA)
Int: Jack Steele (NSW/ACT) Darcy Parish (VC) Ben Keays (Qld)
  Connor Blakely (WA)    
Coach: Jason Saddington (NSW/ACT), assistant Brenton Phillips (SA)

 

Above is the AA Team from the 2014 Under 18 comp.

Brayshaw at half back - like now,  Trac (Larke medal winner) next to Darcy Moore.

I looked at this after reading Braydon Maynard's interview this morning and noted also he played in the metro team and with Langdon and Brayshaw at Sandy Dragons. Fascinating, and how did THAT Caleb Marchbank get selected!?

The point is watching how Maynard pushed Cox away from Dees players after KB game after Trac had gone after him over something, these players have long standing relationships.   Interesting journeys by all.

  • Like 3
Posted
19 hours ago, beelzebub said:

Would love to see a banner that read ...

WE'RE DEMONS, YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE. 

WE COME FROM HELL AND WE'RE TAKING YOU THERE !!!

One day in September

You won't want to remember.

  • Clap 1
Posted
1 hour ago, Jaded No More said:

Kane Cornes says small forward must not be inconsistent like ALL small forwards. The man is a genius. 

Such a pub comment.

"He's a good player but he needs to do it week in week out" 

Posted
13 hours ago, illbarto said:

Rest easy Demonlanders this will be the murder we were promised last year.

Out in the streets they call it merther.

  • Haha 1
Posted
2 hours ago, gOLLy said:

Has Howe done a "No duck No Dinner" ?

Ahh yep big mouth, egotistical nuffy! 

Posted
58 minutes ago, Demon17 said:

Another example of late middle aged white men re-living their past with a mediocre act that doesn't cut it vocally or in the daytime in an arena with no atmoshpere for this type of act.

Will be poorly compared with Robbie Willams efforts last year.

Just an annual joke.  I'll be downstaris buying a pie.

 

...are you addressing me here 'Demon17'?

  • Haha 3
Posted (edited)

Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda got DEEP PURPLE Pumping out Smoke on the Water et al! Now, there is a magnificent live show! Seen them 15 times starting with Sunbury!

Edited by picket fence
  • Like 1
Posted
3 hours ago, Clint Bizkit said:

We are yet to win a game in the wet this year, is that correct?

Does anyone know how well Collingwood have gone this year in wet weather games?  I can't recall too many wet games for them, but maybe due to ignorance.  

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)
20 minutes ago, hells bells said:

Does anyone know how well Collingwood have gone this year in wet weather games?  I can't recall too many wet games for them, but maybe due to ignorance.  

I read somewhere today that they haven't played a wet weather game all season. No idea if that's accurate and CBF fact checking. But happy to run with it. 

Also this is my first post on Demonland - hello!

[Edit]: If it's true that the filth haven't played a wet weather game this year - I think that bodes well for us, regardless of our W/L record in greasy conditions this year. When there are tired bodies at the start of the 4th quarter and our bulls are continuing to throw their weight around - the cream will rise to the top

Edited by FreedFromKysaiah
Additional thought
  • Like 7
  • Clap 3
Posted
15 minutes ago, FreedFromKysaiah said:

I read somewhere today that they haven't played a wet weather game all season. No idea if that's accurate and CBF fact checking. But happy to run with it. 

Also this is my first post on Demonland - hello!

I wonder how well their game style will stand up in very wet conditions.  Handballing through the middle, under pressure in slippery conditions is pretty high risk.

  • Like 1
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  

    THE ACCIDENTAL DEMONS by The Oracle

    In the space of eight days, the Melbourne Football Club’s plans for the coming year were turned upside down by two season-ending injuries to players who were contending strongly for places in its opening round match against the GWS Giants. Shane McAdam was first player to go down with injury when he ruptured an Achilles tendon at Friday afternoon training, a week before the cut-off date for the AFL’s pre-season supplemental selection period (“SSP”). McAdam was beginning to get some real mom

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Special Features

    PREGAME: Practice Match vs Fremantle

    The Demons hit the road for what will be their first of 8 interstate trips this year when they play their final practice match before the 2025 AFL Premiership Season against the Fremantle Dockers in Perth on Sunday, 2nd March @ 6:10pm (AEDT). 2025 AAMI Community Series Sun Mar 2 Fremantle v Melbourne, Rushton Oval, Mandurah, 3.10pm AWST (6.10pm AEDT)

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 97

    RETURN TO NORMAL by Whispering Jack

    One of my prized possessions is a framed, autographed guernsey bearing the number 31 worn by my childhood hero, Melbourne’s champion six time premiership player Ronald Dale Barassi who passed away on 16 September 2023, aged 87. The former captain who went on to a successful coaching career, mainly with other clubs, came back to the fold in his later years as a staunch Demon supporter who often sat across the way from me in the Northern Stand of the MCG cheering on the team. Barassi died the

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Reports

    PODCAST: Match SIM vs North Melbourne

    Join us LIVE on Monday night at 8:30pm—note that this special time is just for this week due to prior commitments. We'll break down the Match SIM against North Melbourne and wrap up the preseason with insights into training and our latest recruits. I apologize for skipping our annual season review show at the end of last season. After a disapponting season filled with off-field antics and a heated trade week, I needed a break. Thankfully, the offseason has recharged me, and I’m back—ready t

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 42

    GAMEDAY: Match SIM vs North Melbourne

    After an agonizingly long off-season the 2025 AFL Premiership Season is almost upon us and the Demons have their first practice hit out against the Kangaroos in a match simulation out at Arden Street. The Demons will take on the Kangaroos in match simulation play, starting from 10am AEDT and broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo. The play start time was brought forward from the initial 11am bounce, due to the high temperatures forecast.  The match sim will consist of four 25-minute qu

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 465

    TRAINING: Friday 21st February 2025

    Demonland Trackwatchers beat the Friday heat to bring you their observations from this morning's Captain's Run out at Gosch's Paddock in the lead up to their first hit out in a Practice Match tomorrow against the Kangaroos. TRAVY14'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS On the park: Trac Spargo Gawn Viney Langdon May Fritsch Salem Henderson Rehab: McVee (updated to include Melk, Kolt, AMW and Kentfield) Spoke to "Gus" the trainer, he said these are the guys no

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Wednesday 19th February 2025

    Demonlander The Analyser was the sole Trackwatcher out at Casey Fields today to bring you the following observations from this mornings preseason training session. Training  was at Casey today. It consisted of a match simulation for one half  and then a free choice activity time. Activities included kicking for goal,  aerial , contest work etc. I noticed the following players not in match simulation Jack Viney  running laps and looks fine for round one . I think Kolt looks like he’s im

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 1

    TRAINING: Monday 17th February 2025

    Demonland Trackwatchers were on hand at Monday morning's preseason training at Gosch's Paddock to bring you their brief observations of the session. HARVEY WALLBANGER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Gentle flush session at Gosch's this morning. Absent: May, Pickett (All Stars) McVee, McAdam. Rehabbing: Great to see Kentfield back (much slimmer), walking with Tholstrup, TMac (suspect just a management thing), Viney (still being cautious with that rib cartilage?), Melksham (

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    MATCH SIM: Friday 14th February 2025

    A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers made their way out to Casey Field's for the Melbourne Football Club's Family Series day to bring you their observations on the Match Simulation. HARVEY WALLBANGER'S MATCH SIMULATION OBSERVATIONS Absent: May, Pickett (All Stars), McVee, Windor, Kentfield, Mentha Present but not playing: Petracca, Viney, Spargo, Tholstrup, Melksham Starting Blue 18 (+ just 2 interchange): B: Petty, TMac, Lever, Howes, Bowey Salem M: Gawn, Oliver, La

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...