Jump to content

2024 Preseason Training Thread


WERRIDEE

Recommended Posts

1 minute ago, deespicable me said:

I think Howes is mainly in the mix for 3rd defender with Tomlinson and Turner. I think he has a lot of scope and athleticism to be given that role but I would think it depends on the attack.

Two big strong forwards I would think the 3rd defender behind May and Lever would be Tomlinson. For example I think we would have to play Tomo against Carlton where he is suited to holding McKay.

Howes is still light, so he can't be expected to win one on ones against seasoned forwards, but he has so much upside in class to both Turner and Tomlinson that he should be blooded this year with at least 10 games, and as long as the coaching staff take care of him he can offer our defence a really promising option.

Sorry forgot to add TMac to that group of 3rd defenders.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 22/01/2024 at 16:52, Macca said:

How about everyone else?

For the first few weeks of the season, I'm a fan as I'm looking for a footy fix wherever I can get it. When the fix is sated, I start to drop off, particularly when it's the same old teams front and centre on Thursday/Friday nights. This may be odd, but I like to see all teams during the year and get bored to sods watching Collinwood and Carlton etc all the time. I really enjoy a good game, no matter who's playing and like to see young up-and-coming players from any team, or any player that takes his game to the next level etc. I would seriously prefer to see a good contest between North and Gold Coast (or any team) than watch a Friday night flop between Carlton and Essendon.

Let me qualify this by saying, this is aside from watching the Dees play, which of course is the No.1 priority.

  • Like 3
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, Roger Mellie said:

For the first few weeks of the season, I'm a fan as I'm looking for a footy fix wherever I can get it. When the fix is sated, I start to drop off, particularly when it's the same old teams front and centre on Thursday/Friday nights. This may be odd, but I like to see all teams during the year and get bored to sods watching Collinwood and Carlton etc all the time. I really enjoy a good game, no matter who's playing and like to see young up-and-coming players from any team, or any player that takes his game to the next level etc. I would seriously prefer to see a good contest between North and Gold Coast (or any team) than watch a Friday night flop between Carlton and Essendon.

Let me qualify this by saying, this is aside from watching the Dees play, which of course is the No.1 priority.

We play 4 Thursday evening games and 1 Wednesday evening game within the first 15 rounds (2 away games @ Sydney and @Adelaide)

If it was possible to start the games at 6.30pm the timeslot might fit better.  As previously stated, I'm neither here or there on Thursday night games but we'll no doubt get used to it

Most of the oldies here were brought up on 6 Saturday* arvo games where the only deviation were the 'split rounds!!'  And if you played footy you could only go to a few games per year

The timeslot that hasn't been exploited is Sunday evening.  What's the bet that's next?  

 

*Standing in the outer you'd often here a question along the lines of ... "Who's E & F?"

Great days all the same

Edited by Macca
  • Like 2
  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 22/01/2024 at 16:52, Macca said:

How about everyone else?

Not big on it cause the kids can't go. I'm one of those old fashioned roll out of bed on a Saturday and wonder what are we going to do today, how 'bout the footy? type of blokes. Can live with the staggered start times over multiple days, but 7:55PM starts mean a late night, so on a Thursday we're out. Keep footy a family thing, I reckon...  

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 hours ago, whatwhat say what said:

t20 has grown cricket's $$ value exponentially

the biggest stars in the game are still the three format players who excel at test level, not the franchise mercenaries 

They've tried to turn cricket into a sensationalist game. The same is happening to golf and tennis too.... They're not. Lipstick on a pig.

Once found myself at a rugby tournament in a sports facility in Dubai. Looked up and there was the ICC, another dusty steel and glass box exponentially decaying in the brutal climate.

Sad. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Reading the last few posts takes me back to the days of Saturday afternoon in the outer  - I know they are gone for ever but they were great days. And who of those who lived through it can forget the excitement of the last H and A game in 1987? - watching the game but with transistor radio in one ear to see whether we could get there.....

 

 

  • Like 2
  • Clap 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 23/01/2024 at 09:11, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

I accept that Thursday night football is here to stay, even though I don't like it. I know the AFL claims that it's "a hit", but I wonder about what its definition of "a hit" actually is? The analogy is T20 cricket. Cricket Australia claims that T20 is a hit but is also concerned about the future of test cricket. Has the "hit" which is T20 cricket irretrievably damaged test cricket? Similarly could too many days per week of AFL ultimately damage the long-term health of AFL football?

I'm going back a long time now, but in the 1980s, the then VFL commissioned David Crawford (a well-known consultant) to review all aspects of the competition. This was when most teams were technically insolvent. Out of that review came the professional competition we know today including the independent commission and national expansion, amongst other things. Crawford was adamant in that report that the VFL had to resist US-style professional sport with its private ownership and high-priced tickets. He wanted the VFL to remain the popular and supported at the grass roots level rather than being a product only available to those who could afford high prices. I fear that the administration of the AFL over the last 10 years has lost that understanding and now wants to mimic everything that happens in US sport which will eventually be the code's undoing.

Thanks for that, good to get an understanding of some history that predates the present AFL landscape.

I agree it's been following US sports for many years now, as does most things in society. I feel like perhaps the introduction of free agency is the most evident example. It's ever changing evolution mimics a lot of US sports free agency rules. Take NBA for example, a player can be on multiple teams in one season. Grundy was a close example, 3 teams, in 3 years. And I know the ideas of further changes with mid season draft, small in season contracts has been brought up recently.

T20 is an interesting topic. A few DL members have discussed this in the Cricket section, might be worth a read. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites


22 hours ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

The reason I see T20 cricket as an analogy is because its growth (in my opinion) has damaged cricket's value. Not because of the format nor because it's meaningless but because it's on TV on so many days. Thursday night AFL means more football on primetime FTA TV which goes against the economic theory of value found in scarcity.

The BBL reduced the games this season. Less was more and I think it reflected well with mostly good attendances all season, not sure what TV viewing figures compare though. They played too many games last season and the crowds were poor compared to when it had less games because they thought more was better. Think AFL and T20 have different dynamics and level of interest so don't think it will be as detrimental to AFL.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Lexinator said:

The BBL reduced the games this season. Less was more and I think it reflected well with mostly good attendances all season, not sure what TV viewing figures compare though. They played too many games last season and the crowds were poor compared to when it had less games because they thought more was better. Think AFL and T20 have different dynamics and level of interest so don't think it will be as detrimental to AFL.

We also have to recognise that the TV rights holder has significant influence on the AFL as a product. As I've said before, there's an inherent conflict between the AFL Commission and the broadcasters. The AFL Commission should be making decisions for the long-term good of the game while the broadcasters can only look as far ahead as the end of the current broadcast rights deal. What's best for one is not necessarily always going to be good for the other.

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

We also have to recognise that the TV rights holder has significant influence on the AFL as a product. As I've said before, there's an inherent conflict between the AFL Commission and the broadcasters. The AFL Commission should be making decisions for the long-term good of the game while the broadcasters can only look as far ahead as the end of the current broadcast rights deal. What's best for one is not necessarily always going to be good for the other.

Further, in today's Age, the AFL will start to fine players/clubs up to $10K  who repeatedly refuse media requests. The prime examples given were Dusty, Clarry, Charlie Curnow and JDG. Apart from being astounded that the AFLPA would go along with this, there's a very good reason players shun the media - they are either hounded by the media, are terrible in front of a camera, or both.

  • Like 2
  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, Roger Mellie said:

Further, in today's Age, the AFL will start to fine players/clubs up to $10K  who repeatedly refuse media requests. The prime examples given were Dusty, Clarry, Charlie Curnow and JDG. Apart from being astounded that the AFLPA would go along with this, there's a very good reason players shun the media - they are either hounded by the media, are terrible in front of a camera, or both.

Is this serious? I am astounded! Look at the people named: Dusty would be questioned ad nauseam about his father, and JDG and Clarry would be hounded about off-field issues - who could blame them for avoiding the media!!!! And the AFL wants to fine them for wanting to keep private things private??!!!!

They should consult a good sports lawyer - this is not acceptable.

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here’s one for you @picket fence and anyone else who gets down to Casey…

There’s an unofficial practice match pencilled in for Sunday, February 18 vs Richmond at Casey. This will be the first of multiple “family day” type functions. Doesn’t look like there will be one big family day this year.

The practice match will be confirmed (incl. start time) closer to to the day.

❤️💙

Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, Roger Mellie said:

Further, in today's Age, the AFL will start to fine players/clubs up to $10K  who repeatedly refuse media requests. The prime examples given were Dusty, Clarry, Charlie Curnow and JDG. Apart from being astounded that the AFLPA would go along with this, there's a very good reason players shun the media - they are either hounded by the media, are terrible in front of a camera, or both.

It's a continuation of the AFL's continued fascination with everything American. US sports, including the players, generally have a better relationship with the media overall with the media getting much better access for interviews. But it doesn't always work. For example, Marshawn Lynch's Superbowl interview from a few years ago where he answered every question with "I'm here so I won't get fined". (It's a masterclass for Dusty and all the others who don't want to be forced to participate.).

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes to any Thursday night games.

Yes to Bowey moving forward. I think it could be a missing link.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, Roger Mellie said:

Further, in today's Age, the AFL will start to fine players/clubs up to $10K  who repeatedly refuse media requests. The prime examples given were Dusty, Clarry, Charlie Curnow and JDG. Apart from being astounded that the AFLPA would go along with this, there's a very good reason players shun the media - they are either hounded by the media, are terrible in front of a camera, or both.

Post match player interviews are inevitably boring. However our AFL players come across as JFK and Martin Luther King compared to the tennis players.

Malthouse was a disgrace in his surly post match interviews...plumber turned pseudo nuclear physicist/philosopher

I feel sympathy for players that would prefer not to do them.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Have they named a team for today’s practice match at Ikon Park?

I suppose it is expecting too much to have any media?

  • Shocked 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

25 minutes ago, CBDees said:

Have they named a team for today’s practice match at Ikon Park?

I suppose it is expecting too much to have any media?

That match is scheduled for February 28. 

Edited by WalkingCivilWar
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, BDA said:

I like watching Thursday night footy on the TV. Don't like attending though. gotta work the following morning.

 

How good is watching us win on a Thursday night?! Whether live or on TV, it’s so enjoyable to watch the others battle each other for the remainder of the weekend. 🤌

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can't believe how many on here are privileging one well-rested day of their young children's primary school education over attending a Thursday night footy match here and there. What I learnt at primary school over seven years of Fridays: squat, or maybe some maths formulas which I don't use as an adult other than calculating team percentages. What I learnt following the Demons as a child: true life-long lessons on resilience and that the world sucks but if you suck it up maybe you will have something worthwhile to shout at. Go Dees!

  • Haha 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I’m on my way to Gosch’s, as are a few other DL-ers, no doubt. It’s not raining so the wussier among us will turn up 😁

I’ll leave training reports up to the others since I’ll be otherwise engaged…

For my illustrious leader and me, today is ‘Wrangle The Dads Day.’ She knits little footy jumpers and puts them on teddy bears for new dads and dads-to-be and we have four to give out today, including this little one…

28EF34AE-E892-49F9-8B3A-505850ACE6BB.thumb.jpeg.4303800aca29a2c42b08f69a3cc49e19.jpeg

🥹❤️💙

Edit: she also does the same for mums and mums-to-be. 

Edited by WalkingCivilWar
Link to comment
Share on other sites

50 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

A text exchange with my triumvirate of Gosch’s girls…

7FA4B15A-BE8C-45DD-804C-67A541F5156E.thumb.jpeg.6a77416fc593de73ca74d70e742dea30.jpeg


I’ve taught them well 😂

No doubting your commitment, to the Dees.

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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  

    2024 Player Reviews: #31 Bayley Fritsch

    Once again the club’s top goal scorer but he had a few uncharacteristic flat spots during the season and the club will be looking for much better from him in 2025. Date of Birth: 6 December 1996 Height: 188cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 149 Goals MFC 2024: 41 Career Total: 252 Brownlow Medal Votes: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 8

    2024 Player Reviews: #18 Jake Melksham

    After sustaining a torn ACL in the final match of the 2023 season Jake added a bit to the attack late in the 2024 season upon his return. He has re-signed on to the Demons for 1 more season in 2025. Date of Birth: 12 August 1991 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 229 Goals MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 188

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    2024 Player Reviews: #3 Christian Salem

    The luckless Salem suffered a hamstring injury against the Lions early in the season and, after missing a number of games, he was never at his best. He was also inconvenienced by minor niggles later in the season. This was a blow for the club that sorely needed him to fill gaps in the midfield at times as well as to do his best work in defence. Date of Birth: 15 July 1995 Height: 184cm Games MFC 2024: 17 Career Total: 176 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 26 Brownlow Meda

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 7

    2024 Player Reviews: #39 Koltyn Tholstrop

    The first round draft pick at #13 from twelve months ago the strongly built medium forward has had an impressive introduction to AFL football and is expected to spend more midfield moments as his career progresses. Date of Birth: 25 July 2005 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 10 Goals MFC 2024: 5 Career Total: 5 Games CDFC 2024: 7 Goals CDFC 2024: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 6

    2024 Player Reviews: #42 Daniel Turner

    The move of “Disco” to a key forward post looks like bearing fruit. Turner has good hands, moves well and appears to be learning the forward craft well. Will be an interesting watch in 2025. Date of Birth: January 28, 2002 Height: 195cm Games MFC 2024: 15 Career Total: 18 Goals MFC 2024: 17 Career Total: 17 Games CDFC 2024: 1 Goals CDFC 2024:  1

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 15

    2024 Player Reviews: #8 Jake Lever

    The Demon’s key defender and backline leader had his share of injuries and niggles throughout the season which prevented him from performing at his peak.  Date of Birth: 5 March 1996 Height: 195cm Games MFC 2024: 18 Career Total: 178 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 5

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 1

    2024 Player Reviews: #13 Clayton Oliver

    Lack of preparation after a problematic preseason prevented Oliver from reaching the high standards set before last year’s hamstring woes. He carried injury right through the back half of the season and was controversially involved in a potential move during the trade period that was ultimately shut down by the club. Date of Birth:  22 July 1997 Height:  189cm Games MFC 2024:  21 Career Total: 183 Goals MFC 2024: 3 Career Total: 54 Brownlow Medal Votes: 5

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 17

    BLOODY BLUES by Meggs

    The conclusion to Narrm’s home and away season was the inevitable let down by the bloody Blues  who meekly capitulated to the Bombers.   The 2024 season fixture handicapped the Demons chances from the get-go with Port Adelaide, Brisbane and Essendon advantaged with enough gimme games to ensure a tough road to the finals, especially after a slew of early season injuries to star players cost wins and percentage.     As we strode confidently through the gates of Prin

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 3

    2024 Player Reviews: #5 Christian Petracca

    Melbourne’s most important player who dominated the first half of the season until his untimely injury in the Kings Birthday clash put an end to his season. At the time, he was on his way to many personal honours and the club in strong finals contention. When the season did end for Melbourne and Petracca was slowly recovering, he was engulfed in controversy about a possible move of clubs amid claims about his treatment by the club in the immediate aftermath of his injury. Date of Birth: 4 J

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 21
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...