Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted (edited)
5 hours ago, Monbon said:

UM, weren't we undermanned as well??????

Yep.

From our best 22 we were missing Clarry, Petty, Hunter and Melk (and potentially spargs and McAdam?). And of course no BB or Tmac.

They had Weitering and Walsh out. I'm not sure if they had other best 22 players out, none were mentioned in the call.

Hard to argue they were more undermanned than us i would have thought (Walsh is gun, calrry is better. Weiterng perhaps has Petts covered, both in terms of ability and importance to the team. But no Mcadam or Melk meant we didn't have a medium size defensive forward we like to run with) 

Edited by binman
  • Like 4
  • Clap 1

Posted

Very excited about Salem moving up and the addition of Windsor/Billings.

What's this fella complaining about

 

 

  • Haha 1
  • Sad 1

Posted
28 minutes ago, Neil Crompton said:

I’ve recently praised ANB for the way he has improved his skills and, as a result, the great season he had last year.
When ANB is pressuring a player, he is great, however, when ANB is under pressure, too often he fumbles or gives a poor disposal and the forward flow is haltered or we turnover the ball as a result. This happens too often to just be an occasional occurrence, and as such, until he can consistently improve this area of his play he will continue to not receive the recognition he should by the demon faithful. 

Ok Froggy I accept that you have made positive comments about ANB but that you would like to see improvements in his disposal. Fair enough. However, ANB seems to attract forensic comment over his skills.  There is not a player out there without a weakness or not prone to error. However it’s best to look at a players strengths and what he brings to the team. In most cases a players strengths will outweigh his weaknesses. So you accept the weaknesses if on balance he brings added value to the team. At the end of the day, ANB is a premiership player whose efforts that day contributed to a famous victory. I’m sure he had his fumbles along the way. I seem to remember another premiership player nicknamed Froggy who was slow, turned like the Queen Mary and kicked wobbly old punts that were lucky to stretch beyond 50m but who happened to kick the winning goal. 

  • Like 5
  • Clap 2
Posted

Didn’t see the game, but I noticed Ed Langdon had 92% game time and hasn’t been mentioned once in this thread. 

Really hoping for an improvement on last year’s season for Ed. 

  • Like 2
Posted
8 hours ago, Binmans PA said:

Dunstall's commentary was appalling. He has absolutely no idea about Melbourne or its players. Deadset numbnuts.

That's all from me.

Two resolutions this footy season.

One, avoid getting worked up about the footy media outside of game day. Key strategy is to avoid footy media.

Two, avoid getting worked up about the footy commentary of mathces. Key strategy - be more sanguine. 

But good lord they make it hard. Dunstall is not a work experience kid on a kayo stream of a practice match at some suburban ground. I assume he is paid pretty well by Fox to provide expert comments.

How then does he not know Chandler was a best 22 player for most, if not all, of last season? Just embarrassing to say he rates Chandler and think he will make  a case and become a regular best 22 selections?

I mean clearly he watches few games other than those he is involved in covering on Fox and does zero research.

A little while later Montagna pointed out  that Chandler played a key role last season and King reference his leadership. 

  • Like 4
  • Thanks 2

Posted

Went along last night in the sauna at Princes Park, we looked great, too fast, strong and skilled for Carlton. Especially like our quicker ball movement and more open game style which I've always thought plays better to the strengths of our list - we don't have the foot skills to play a Brisbane Lions style kick mark game.

Midfield balance will be better too with less inside bulls and more class with Salem/Kosi running through there. Billings will be a handy acquisition as the pressure is off him, we don't care he was a high draft pick he can just play his role and use his foot skills to help the side. He can certainly play and will be more than serviceable I reckon.

Forward line a big improvement on last year, love JVRs attack on the ball and marking ability and I though Schache was useful, draws his opponents by running to good spots and played his role quite well. 

All in all a very positive night, bring on Opening Round! 

  • Like 9
Posted
1 hour ago, fr_ap said:

ANB is a champion player & human. Steadily improved himself, worked on his deficiencies, and did his time in the VFL no complaints until he absolutely smashed the door down & couldn't be left out of the side. 

Not the perfect player but gives the most consistent effort of anyone in our team, without being an emotionally charged yo-yo like some others. Level-headed, self-aware, leadership in spades & consistent effort/attitude - you really cant ask for more. 

One of those guys who probably won't be fully recognised until he hangs them up.

Great post.

BIG YES FROM ME.

ANB is a pivotal part of this team and its success. 

  • Like 8
  • Love 1
Posted
22 minutes ago, Mel Bourne said:

Didn’t see the game, but I noticed Ed Langdon had 92% game time and hasn’t been mentioned once in this thread. 

Really hoping for an improvement on last year’s season for Ed. 

From my seating, I noticed that Ed played on the defensive side of his wing opponent. It appeared as though this provided cover for Caleb to be more attacking from his wing. He didn't have a stand out game but I think Goody would say he played his role well. 

  • Like 9
  • Thanks 6

Posted
12 minutes ago, hemingway said:

Ok Froggy I accept that you have made positive comments about ANB but that you would like to see improvements in his disposal. Fair enough. However, ANB seems to attract forensic comment over his skills.  There is not a player out there without a weakness or not prone to error. However it’s best to look at a players strengths and what he brings to the team. In most cases a players strengths will outweigh his weaknesses. So you accept the weaknesses if on balance he brings added value to the team. At the end of the day, ANB is a premiership player whose efforts that day contributed to a famous victory. I’m sure he had his fumbles along the way. I seem to remember another premiership player nicknamed Froggy who was slow, turned like the Queen Mary and kicked wobbly old punts that were lucky to stretch beyond 50m but who happened to kick the winning goal. 

Totally agree with you EH, and thank you for your astute comment. ANB’s positives certainly do outweigh his negatives, not just on the field, but also off it as well. My comment was a response to both hardtack and fr—ap, who were looking for explanations as to why ANB doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. I simply offered my explanation as to why he doesn’t, and, as you say, why he continually “attracts forensic comments about his skills”. The sign of a really good player is that they perform and excel while they are under pressure. He hasn’t reached that stage, yet. However, he is certainly in my best 22. 
(NC’s possession and final kick in ‘64 was certainly under accuse pressure given the situation and luckily he came through).

 

 

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Posted

The same team will run out Round 1 bar Kozzy

K Brown looks a decent type so he may get the nod

  • Like 3

Posted (edited)

JVR’s first half was very exciting. I suggest that along with Salem’s impressive performance in the middle ,a position he hasn’t played since his junior days, the 2 were the biggest of a myriad of positives from last night.

 

Edited by joeboy
  • Like 11
  • Love 1
  • Clap 1
Posted

To be honest MB I watched the game pretty closely and didn’t really notice Ed Langdon until 3rd quarter, maybe because there was so much going on and both teams were using the corridor more. We also had so many players that stood out but he did provide some good linkage when we did go around his wing. It was hard to take my eyes off zmax, Salo, JV, Sparrow, Laurie’s inside work, Billings kicking, JVR and Windsor is eye catching, our backline held steady. Tomlinson did what he had to do, McKay is huge, I would love to have a player of his size and power in our fwd 50. Fullarton played a full game in the 2’s and went ok backed up by Verrall and Farris-White and Verrall came on in the last and looked comfortable at senior level as did young Brownie and the Colt. With Petty, Clayton and McAdam to come back in I am feeling a lot bullish, but time will tell.

  • Like 5
Posted
4 minutes ago, Dannyz said:

From my seating, I noticed that Ed played on the defensive side of his wing opponent. It appeared as though this provided cover for Caleb to be more attacking from his wing. He didn't have a stand out game but I think Goody would say he played his role well. 

He was in the right spots all game and was burnt a number of times inside 50

 

Ran all day

  • Thanks 1

Posted
5 minutes ago, binman said:

Two resolutions this footy season.

One, avoid getting worked up about the footy media outside of game day. Key strategy is to avoid footy media.

Two, avoid getting worked up about the footy commentary of mathces. Key strategy - be more sanguine. 

But good lord they make it hard. Dunstall is not a work experience kid on a kayo stream of a practice match at some suburban ground. I assume he is paid pretty well by Fox to provide expert comments.

How then does he not know Chandler was a best 22 player for most, if not all, of last season? Just embarrassing to say he rates Chandler and think he will make  a case and become a regular best 22 selections?

I mean clearly he watches few games other than those he is involved in covering on Fox and does zero research.

A little while later Montagna pointed out  that Chandler played a key role last season and King reference his leadership. 

Agreed. I really don’t know why we pay attention to the footy media. I suppose it’s hard to avoid and when you do read the comments it’s frustrating and annoying. . It’s a world influenced by media. Social media has just made it a lot worse. Standards have dropped and commentators exhibit their biases, laziness and need to be noticed. We need to avoid them all. I now avoid most of the mainstream commercial media particularly Murdoch based organisations. They are appalling. 
Dunstall is bad but he has many mates. Tell me a good one. However, their laziness and lack of homework is annoying. Stick with DL for information, commentary and spirited debate. 

  • Like 4
  • Clap 2
Posted
1 minute ago, slimecat said:

Haven’t heard much said about Knuckles McVee yet — assuming he was solid as ever?

Solid defensively but did not get as involved in offensive transition as much as he would have liked. 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1

Posted
6 minutes ago, Dannyz said:

Solid defensively but did not get as involved in offensive transition as much as he would have liked. 

 

8 minutes ago, slimecat said:

Haven’t heard much said about Knuckles McVee yet — assuming he was solid as ever?

With Motlop injured he didn't really have an opponent to play on

  • Like 1
Posted
4 hours ago, forever demons said:

Nibbles is the heart beat of the team.My first picked player every week

Yep.

Nibs ain’t going anywhere anytime soon. Will be selected every week.

Posted

There was a lot of positive offseason commentary from the club around Laurie, and he was getting games last year even though he wasn't standout in the VFL. Does anyone else see it?

He reminds me of Jordon, in that he is not bad, but there's no standout element sof his game. You've gotta have something. Be quick, tall, an elite ball user (smarts, decision making or skills), tough as nails, an elite endurance runner... I don't see any of that.

Depth at best.

  • Like 2
  • Sad 1
Posted
25 minutes ago, hemingway said:


Dunstall is bad but he has many mates. Tell me a good one. However, their laziness and lack of homework is annoying. Stick with DL for information, commentary and spirited debate. 

Two words: Joey [censored] Montagna! 🥳

Posted (edited)
43 minutes ago, Neil Crompton said:

Totally agree with you EH, and thank you for your astute comment. ANB’s positives certainly do outweigh his negatives, not just on the field, but also off it as well. My comment was a response to both hardtack and fr—ap, who were looking for explanations as to why ANB doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. I simply offered my explanation as to why he doesn’t, and, as you say, why he continually “attracts forensic comments about his skills”. The sign of a really good player is that they perform and excel while they are under pressure. He hasn’t reached that stage, yet. However, he is certainly in my best 22. 
(NC’s possession and final kick in ‘64 was certainly under accuse pressure given the situation and luckily he came through).

 

 

Probably unsurprisingly, I have a different take on why he doesn't get the recognition he deserves.

Short version - confirmation bias.

As a rule, i rarely visit game day threads once the game begins. But did a couple of times last night- practice game and all that.

First post I read (near the end of first q i think) was knocking nibbler's disposal. And yes he missed a couple of kicks inside 50.

And I posted, that I agree, then joked, that i misread the post and thought it was about tracc.

That's because tracc already had two howlers kicking inside 50. Without a single comment being made. 

Ironically after that tracc made three even worse howlers (beginning of second q), one of which, a total clanger (missed an open target completely and kicked it straight to a blues player) in the middle of the ground that cost us an easy shot on goal - and they scored on turnover.

A potential 12 point play that nibbla would have got roasted for.

At half time I checked the stats and tracc was only going at 52% DE. 

Nibbla, was 72%. .

Nibbler hit a number of targets with neat kicks in scoring chains and had at least two direct scoring assist with kicks inside 50.

Nibbla had TWICE as many scoring involvements (6 to 3) than tracc - only salo, koz, sparrow and viney had more

And nibbla kicked 1.1, whilst tracc didnt bother the scorer (kicking one on the full iirc). 

Yet there was very little comment, if any, about those excellent kicks and skills by nibbla.

Or criticism of track's appalling disposal.

Nibbla finished the game on 72.9% DE - the same as salo (tracc improved in the second half, finishing on 65.2%)

Note tracc only had 1 more contested possession than nibbla so the data is very comparable (ie nibbla didn't pad his stats with, say easy chip kicks accross hb).

Nibbla is a better kick than tracc. Of that there is no doubt. The career data and the eyes completely back that assertion up.

But i reckon most fans would disgaree, in large part because of baked in confirmation bias about both players. 

Edited by binman
  • Like 16
  • Thanks 2
  • Love 2
  • Clap 1
Posted
11 minutes ago, binman said:

Probably unsurprisingly, I have a different take on why he doesn't get the recognition he deserves.

Short version - confirmation bias.

As a rule, i rarely visit game day threads once the game begins. But did a couple of times last night- practice game and all that.

First post I read (near the end of first q i think) was knocking nibbler's disposal. And yes he missed a couple of kicks inside 50.

And I posted, that I agree, then joked, that i misread the post and thought it was about tracc.

That's because tracc already had two howlers kicking inside 50. Without a single comment being made. 

Ironically after that tracc made three even worse howlers (beginning of second q), one of which, a total clanger (missed an open target completely and kicked it straight to a blues player) in the middle of the ground that cost us an easy shot on goal - and they scored on turnover.

A potential 12 point play that nibbla would have got roasted for.

At half time I checked the stats and tracc was only going at 52% DE. 

Nibbla, was 72%. .

Nibbler hit a number of targets with neat kicks in scoring chains and had at least two direct scoring assist with kicks inside 50.

Nibbla had TWICE as many scoring involvements (6 to 3) than tracc - only salo, koz, sparrow and viney had more

And nibbla kicked 1.1, whilst tracc didnt bother the scorer (kicking one on the full iirc). 

Yet there was very little comment, if any, about those excellent kicks and skills by nibbla.

Or criticism of track's appalling disposal.

Nibbla finished the game on 72.9% DE - the same as salo (tracc improved in the second half, finishing on 65.2%)

Note tracc only had 1 more contested possession than nibbla so the data is very comparable (ie nibbla didn't pad his stats with, say easy chip kicks accross hb).

Nibbla is a better kick than tracc. Of that there is no doubt. The career data and the eyes completely back that assertion up.

But i reckon most fans would disgaree, in large part because of baked in confirmation bias about both players. 

And for Petracca, the halo effect - the assumption that everything he does is magnificent because in general, is such a high quality player 

  • Like 4
Posted
6 minutes ago, MrFreeze said:

And for Petracca, the halo effect - the assumption that everything he does is magnificent because in general, is such a high quality player 

That's exactly right - i think that is a key factor in the positive confirmation bias for tracc.

Nibbla suffers from whatever the opposite is to the halo effect. 

  • Like 2

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  

    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...