Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted
On 13/11/2023 at 17:12, deanox said:

If I was Disco Turner and my spot was taken by a 28 year old mature age recruit from the VFL I'd probably have a good hard look at myself and wonder whether I had what it took to make it at AFL level.

We aren't recruiting Darcy Moore to take his spot..we are adding Marty Hire to the list.

Turner wont make, it Hore a smart pick up!

  • Sad 1

Posted (edited)
10 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

Both 27 and 35 will blow out by up to 6 picks come draft night. Consensus expert opinion is the draft is super shallow. Obviously there will still be some players make it but few teams seem keen on what will probably be 33 and especially 39-41 which doesn’t have much value when we have whatever 42 will be already (and won’t use it).

So 33 and 17 for 13? Is it a great deal, maybe not, is it terrible, not if it gets us up a class in the draft.

I see the strategy being top up with some low cost 28 year olds now whilst Gawn, May, Viney have us in our window. 

Next year there’s no more Brown, T Mc, Tomlinson, Melk possible Schache. The list spots and cap space open. Plenty of room for free agents and deeper draft classes.

Didn’t love Grundy but there were few better options. Same for Schache. I reckon we’ve had a shocker with getting Fullarton as the Lions upgrade with Brandon Ryan, but Fullarton can still be off use.

I don’t like the Hunter move at all. I’m 50:50 at best with Billings.

The tall oldies need to be wound up the minute they break down. 

And pace has to be the focus with any future bargain buy pick ups. Give me an Oleg Markov please.

That said, I still have faith in JT and I hope he can have a blinder of a draft with 2 early picks. Nailing early picks in the draft is still the most important thing in list management. 

You'll get a lot of haters for this post but I totally agree bar Hunter and Billings. Thought Hunter was serviceable and a much better option then Jordon who we had previous year.

My biggest concern once again is that we go into another year not addressing our outside speed and skill. We have Hunter and Langdon on the wings with zero to no depth of anyone coming through and overtaking them. Langdon has been poor the past two years and whilst Hunter was okay this year, I can't see much improvement from a 29 year old mid paced wingman.

The Collingwood pick up of Oleg Markov is one of the great bargain pick ups in years. Collingwood identified speed off half back and immediately saw that Markov would be suitable to at least come in and make an immediate impact.

As much as I was/is a fan of Marty Hore, I really am confused by this selection. He doesn't address a glaring need at all and he's practically depth behind Turner, Tomlinson and Adams.

The ruck depth is another one of our biggest concern on our list and you'd think they would have added depth in this department instead of another half back flanker. If Gawn goes down then responsibilities are left up to poor Will Varrell. 

Edited by dazzledavey36
  • Like 11

Posted
52 minutes ago, picket fence said:

Turner wont make, it Hore a smart pick up!

Considering they have just upgraded Turner to the senior list on a 2 year deal I would suggest that the coaching department are supremely confident he'll make it.

He'll play as the 3rd tall defender next year.

Bookmark it.

  • Like 10
Posted
7 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

It's a shallow draft that's why Melbourne will only be using 6 and 11. If the club thought it was deep they would have used pick 42.

That's fine. Then use the list spot on addressing a need, such as a mature aged ruckman.

  • Like 1
Posted

Marty was a serviceable player and I also thought he was stiff to get delisted.

He's there for defensive depth and we still need that 

  • Like 3

Posted

I really like Marty when he was with us previously, his last couple of years he was hampered by injury.  Not expecting him to play much but he will be the Hibbo replacement

  • Like 3
Posted
3 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

My biggest concern once again is that we go into another year not addressing our outside speed and skill. We have Hunter and Langdon on the wings with zero to no depth of anyone coming through and overtaking them. Langdon has been poor the past two years and whilst Hunter was okay this year, I can't see much improvement from a 29 year old mid paced wingman.

Both Woey and Howes have a fair bit to offer but they are still very raw, good preseasons and they’ll have the tanks for it. Billings has played a lot of wing and is an option if we can get and keep him fit. I still think Gus should either play wing or rotate to the wing unless he’s got a specific tagging midfield role.

The big challenge for the preseason is experimenting with as many realistic options without undoing the things we do well. The guys above plus Bowey, Rivers, Chandler and even really mix it up with some Fritsch time should all go through the wings.

It’s unfair to blame Hore for this but he’s a kick/mark kind of ball user (when not slotting crucial running goals). I really hope there’s pressure on Chaplin to increase the pace and risk with which our backline use the ball. We have to get more run and carry and use the corridor and fat side. 

For the ruck the club clearly has a lot of faith in Fullarton and generally we’ve played well with undersized mobile rucks. Maybe they’re thinking preseason or mid season will see a spot created. It’s not exactly a great plan.

  • Like 4
  • Shocked 1
Posted

For ruck, I think the plan is "unless you have a dominant ruck, you only need someone who will compete/break even".

If Gawn goes down, I wouldn't be surprised to see us so something very field and play to ruck. Use Petracca, Joel Smith, JVR, etc. 

I'm not sure it's a great option,but I think that's how the footy department sees it.

  • Like 1

Posted

The back up ruck is Fullerton, Schache can also be used in the ruck.

  • Like 2

Posted
11 hours ago, Demons1858 said:

As backup ruck, l would use Tomlinson - can run all day and was doing it part time at GWS. Turner and others can cover him down back

Tommo hasn’t got the run he had with GWS That is 5 years (seasons) ago now. So does Tommo rest forward or  back or I/Change?

Not going to happen. I am happy for JVR to continue his cameo role as forward ruck. Gets him in the game more and he is not the worst competitor on the forward line.

 

  • Like 1
Posted
12 hours ago, deanox said:

For ruck, I think the plan is "unless you have a dominant ruck, you only need someone who will compete/break even".

If Gawn goes down, I wouldn't be surprised to see us so something very field and play to ruck. Use Petracca, Joel Smith, JVR, etc. 

I'm not sure it's a great option,but I think that's how the footy department sees it.

I hope we don’t get this opportunity to try such a scatterbrained idea. Dangerous Trac doing this even once let alone multiple times per match.

  • Like 6
Posted
On 16/11/2023 at 22:48, 4_Kent_Watts said:

Clint Bartram i reckon your thinking of. Anyone else you wanna bag who you can't remember. 

JT our whipping boy Jimmy Toumpas. Just emphasises what a stupid and negative idea this is from the FD. 

Posted (edited)
On 17/11/2023 at 07:00, dazzledavey36 said:

Considering they have just upgraded Turner to the senior list on a 2 year deal I would suggest that the coaching department are supremely confident he'll make it.

He'll play as the 3rd tall defender next year.

Bookmark it.

Will only play in break in emergency scenario! Happy to be proved wrong, but thats the way I see it!

And in response to a previous other poster on J.T dont get me started on Jimmy Toumpas, who  possibly rivals Cale Morton as one of our worst recruiting blunders EVER!

Edited by picket fence
  • Sad 2
Posted
18 hours ago, deanox said:

For ruck, I think the plan is "unless you have a dominant ruck, you only need someone who will compete/break even".

If Gawn goes down, I wouldn't be surprised to see us so something very field and play to ruck. Use Petracca, Joel Smith, JVR, etc. 

I'm not sure it's a great option,but I think that's how the footy department sees it.

So to summarise- you believe that if Max is injured the Club plans to play Trac & Joel Smith in the ruck !

Not sure on what basis you dreamed that up but it is patently adsurd.

You may as well say that if May is injured there is a left field plan to replace him with Oliver.

  • Like 2
  • Haha 1

Posted
5 hours ago, 58er said:

I hope we don’t get this opportunity to try such a scatterbrained idea. Dangerous Trac doing this even once let alone multiple times per match.

I agree it's not a good idea. But I believe our coaches have shown repeatedly they value dominant rucks and don't value fill in rucks.

We don't have a second ruck, the list management team didn't see it as a high priority (or at least not one they could fill). Schache, Fullarton, Verall are the only options as a ruck if Gawn goes down. I can't see them putting the trust in one of those as a permanent ruck, can you?

  • Shocked 1
Posted
7 hours ago, 58er said:

JT our whipping boy Jimmy Toumpas. Just emphasises what a stupid and negative idea this is from the FD. 

Jimmy Toumpas yeah I was trying to forget him myself. Unfortunately just didn't develop into an AFL body. 

  • Sad 1
Posted
On 13/11/2023 at 15:48, WERRIDEE said:

So that's our list sorted then? 2 first round picks, Kynan Brown last pick and Hore rookie or sup list.

This is the perfect opportunity to do a best 44.

B: McVee, May, Lever

HB: Rivers, Tomlinson, Bowey

C: Langdon, Oliver, Hunter

HF: Petracca, van Rooyen, Neal-Bullen

F: Fritsch, Petty, Pickett

FOLL: Gawn, Brayshaw, Viney

IC: Salem, Sparrow, McAdam, Billings

SUB: Chandler

 

We don't use the sub.

  • Like 1
  • Haha 3

Posted
On 17/11/2023 at 07:00, dazzledavey36 said:

Considering they have just upgraded Turner to the senior list on a 2 year deal I would suggest that the coaching department are supremely confident he'll make it.

He'll play as the 3rd tall defender next year.

Bookmark it.

Need a fingers crossed emoji 🤞

  • Like 1
  • Haha 1

Posted
11 hours ago, 4_Kent_Watts said:

Jimmy Toumpas yeah I was trying to forget him myself. Unfortunately just didn't develop into an AFL body. 

His body wasn't the issue, his mind was.

  • Sad 1
Posted
16 hours ago, Super Sub Schache said:

We don't use the sub.

Love this but who Rucks when Max doesn't?

  • Shocked 1

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    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

    2024 Player Reviews: #15 Ed Langdon

    The Demon running machine came back with a vengeance after a leaner than usual year in 2023.  Date of Birth: 1 February 1996 Height: 182cm Games MFC 2024: 22 Career Total: 179 Goals MFC 2024: 9 Career Total: 76 Brownlow Medal Votes: 5 Melbourne Football Club: 5th Best & Fairest: 352 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 8
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...