PREGAME: Opening Round vs Sydney

[DubDee 21,264]

54 minutes ago, binman said:

Here's hoping the shackster makes petty work hard for his spot.

all we can do is hope

[M_9 1,793]

4 minutes ago, ANG13 said:
 

 

….

I think our wings are areas where we can get significant improvement from last years team. I personally think we have a few players who could improve us there with Rivers being one. 

Agree. Langers not up to his usual best last season and I’m not convinced that Hunter has the foot skills to improve on his forward 50 deliveries. Rivers and Windsor will put pressure on the former two.

[binman 39,083]

31 minutes ago, ANG13 said:

Do you not think he has the endurance for the wing?
 

I think our wings are areas where we can get significant improvement from last years team. I personally think we have a few players who could improve us there with Rivers being one. 

No, it's not that.

It's just that he plays a critical role as a defender.

Riv's run and carry from the back half is key to our transition game.

And there is no obvious replacement, certainly not one with his skill set and/or could play the role to his level.

By contrast we have langdon, Windsor, Hunter, Billings, nibbla, Laurie, howes and spargs who could all conceivably play on the wing.

Edited March 6 by binman

[old55 21,634]

1 hour ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

Jake Melksham travelled with the team, and active at training.

Important to the fabric of the team. And active in the coaches box?

As @Slartibartfast posted, we probably signed him as a Rookie at least partly as part of the coaching team outside the soft cap.

[Fat Tony 4,533]

Langdon, Windsor and Billings will be the wingers. 

[Dingo 838]

1 hour ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

Jake Melksham travelled with the team, and active at training.

Important to the fabric of the team. And active in the coaches box?

An assistant coach in the future?

[ANG13 1,586]

12 minutes ago, binman said:

No, it's not that.

It's just that he plays a critical role as a defender.

Riv's run and carry from the back half is key to our transition game.

And there is no obvious replacement, certainly not one with his skill set and/or could play the role to his level.

By contrast we have langdon, Windsor, Hunter, nibbla, Laurie, howes and spargs who could all conceivably play on the wing.

Yep all good, understand your view and agree Rivers is important for the transition. I guess I look at it that Judd, Bowey, Salem and Howes could hopefully take on more down back if Rivers was up the ground more. 

[TDS 31]

2 hours ago, Dee Zephyr said:

I’m pleasantly surprised Dof. I didn’t think he would get named after taking no part in the praccy matches. 

Anyone doubting Spargo hasn't been paying attention. His finals performances, especially the last game of 23 were enough to turn him in to a 'required player's when he was quite happy to bounce. 

 

[dees189227 11,016]

Gee I really have no idea what to expect tomorrow night.  But I'd love for us to kick straight & obviously win. 

I know he's an emergency but I really hope taj can crack into the senior team this year

[Timothy Reddan-A'Blew 4,081]

2 hours ago, Demonland said:

Sydney v Melbourne, SCG
Thursday, March 7, 7.30pm AEDT

Last time: Melb 11.11 (77) d Syd 7.14 (56), R24, 2023

What it means
Sydney snuck into the top eight last year despite an injury-riddled campaign that hit its tall stocks particularly hard, with Lance Franklin one of several Swans to be sidelined. The superstar forward's misfortune gave more opportunities to emerging key forwards like Logan McDonald, who now need to take the reins if the Swans are to set themselves up for another deep run in September.

Melbourne will be counting down to the season-opener more than most following a off-season disrupted by off-field sagas and the heartbreaking retirement of Angus Brayshaw. But once the action starts the Demons have the pedigree to again challenge for the top four and chase a second flag to add to their breakthrough premiership in 2021.

Game shapers
Sydney is set to rely on new ruck Brodie Grundy more than initially hoped with fellow recruit Taylor Adams, stand-alone skipper Callum Mills and veteran onballer Luke Parkerall sidelined with injury. The two-time All-Australian faces a tough first test in red and white but will be out to prove a point against the side that left him languishing in the VFL at the pointy end last year.

Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver has overcome an interrupted pre-season in time to earn selection in Opening Round but it remains to be seen whether he has the form and fitness to have his usual influence. The three-time All-Australian is sure to return to his familiar role in the middle, even if on reduced minutes, as the Demons start life without the recently-retired Brayshaw.

Early tip: Sydney by seven points

Author didn't read their own article.

[Rodney (Balls) Grinter 10,588]

All the media are going the hyped up big name clash of Gawn Vs Grundy.  Personally, I'm more interested in the clash of Schache Vs Grundy as the player the later was overlooked for as 12th man in the final against Carlton.

I've got to say, going on their last respective preseason games, that Schache has showed the better form for the role that was needed on that night and what we are playing him for as ruck/forward.  Both racked up as many possessions in their last preseason game, but Schache kicked 2 useful goals and had a few other marks around the ground, while I felt Grundy struggled to have any real impact on the game.

If Schache can continue and build on his form from his last game, he might just play a useful role for us this season.

Edited March 6 by Rodney (Balls) Grinter

[RedLegs23 855]

Been great to just ponder today...

Had 360 going in the back, just listening to the build up of the game... & it had me thinking...

We're opening the season!!!🥹

Groing up i always figured what it would be like being a blue or tiges round 1. The roos on a friday night or the bombers getting loads of prime time fixtures.

 

 

Jeez this footy club's come a long way

🔴🔵

 

[dees189227 11,016]

I'd make Laurie sub

[Rodney (Balls) Grinter 10,588]

1 hour ago, M_9 said:

Agree. Langers not up to his usual best last season and I’m not convinced that Hunter has the foot skills to improve on his forward 50 deliveries. Rivers and Windsor will put pressure on the former two.

Personally I think Hunter was pretty good last year, but don't think there was great chemistry with he and Lingers, compared to that Ed has had some of the other players that he has shared the wing with over the years.  It's almost like having Hunter there robbed Lingers of opportunities, because Hunter usually made better attacking position than Ed.

[WalkingCivilWar 33,315]

4 hours ago, thirty-one said:

My insta had Kozzie kicking a goal from the race/ground access in the pocket.  Not even on the field, not that he can play this game anyway.  Freak!

Instagram also indicates that a bunch of the players from different teams are mates off the field.  Brodie and Max still follow each other, I really rather doubt there's bad blood there.

Can't get too pumped about the game, I'm a day behind and five hours ahead in my time zone, so that means I'm supposed to be catching some ZZZZs at game time.

CARN DEES!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4KSetGyHo0/?igsh=YjJlMjhlNDg0MA==

[Rodney (Balls) Grinter 10,588]

If there is one player from Sydney I hope we can take totally out of the game it's Pappley.  He's both a pretty important player for them and one I absolutely can't stand as an opposition supporter. 

Would love nothing more than for someone to do a total shut down job on him and have him crack it, like the arrogant little prat he often behaves on the feild.

[RedLegs23 855]

As a side note;

22' i watched footy in fast forward. Just wanting to hurry up & get to finals after 10 straight wins & thinking back2back at the home of footy for the 1st time in 58 years. That hurt...

23' i watched footy in fear. Was anxcious & the wins just felt like relief more than anything. September ripped my soul out.

24' i'm going to watch footy in excitement & joy.

Nothing like watching the unkown of some fresh talent. Who know's what could be birthed tomorrow night... & that's exciting!

Go Dees!

🔴🔵

[Demon Dynasty 15,960]

2 hours ago, binman said:

Surely Laurie gets the gig.

But spargo plays the same role as Laurie (high half forward) and chin plays closer to goal, so it feels as if we would be a small forward short if Chandler doesn't start.

Perhaps the short, narrow SCG makes that less an issue than it would be at the g with all that space inside 50.

I reckon they'll be looking for a bit of extra mid time from Bill vs Spargo to make up for the loss of Gus as part of our usual mid rotations Bin.

Spargo does play HHF yes but not sure he handles the mid moments as well nor plays there all that often vs Bill/Kozzy.

We also have Billings now who imho can play a role a little similar to Charlie but with potentially more impact at goal from various distances.  Spargo limited to close range goals only.  Billings also potentially more dynamic than Spargo playing very minor cameo mid time if needed?

There def isn't room for so many small forwards/HHFs (with minor mid time from some) once Kozzy returns.

The FD will have a hard call in the coming weeks, albeit it's quite a luxury to have.

Kozzy's obviously a lock.

The two Bills seem a bit more versatile than Chandler in most aspects and Billings more dangerous from anywhere up to 50.  Chin limited to about 40ish?

Spargo hasn't been quite the same since his concussion imv and has the goal scoring limitation of only within about 30 meters.  It'll be interesting to see how he butters up this season when he gets the opportunity.

Edited March 6 by Demon Dynasty

[Rodney (Balls) Grinter 10,588]

19 minutes ago, Demon Dynasty said:

I reckon they'll be looking for a bit of extra mid time from Bill vs Spargo to make up for the loss of Gus as part of our usual mid rotations Bin.

Spargo does play HHF yes but not sure he handles the mid moments as well nor plays there all that often vs Bill/Kozzy.

We also have Billings now who imho can play a role a little similar to Charlie but with potentially more impact at goal from various distances.  Spargo limited to close range goals only.  Billings also potentially more dynamic than Spargo playing very minor cameo mid time if needed?

There def isn't room for so many small forwards/HHFs (with minor mid time from some) once Kozzy returns.

The FD will have a hard call in the coming weeks, albeit it's quite a luxury to have.

Kozzy's obviously a lock.

The two Bills seem a bit more versatile than Chandler in most aspects.

Spargo hasn't been quite the same since his concussion imv so it'll be interesting to see how well he butters up this season when he gets the opportunity.

Based on the sample size I've seen Chandler and Spargo have Laurie for hardness, heart and agression every day of the week.  Maybe he needs to play that breakout game to feel like he belongs, but so far most of what I see from Laurie is a player that holds back and often shirks the contest in comparison to the aforementioned.

Also don't think Laurie brings anything like the energy or forward pressure that Chandler and Charlie do.  Charlie is the sort of player that firmly plays the Goodwin way and has that angry little man mongrel that's invaluable IMHO.  If Chandler can be get involved and play more consistently, he'll become a lock in our side - good overhead mark for his size, runs hard to make great position offensively, as well as defend well and is generally a reliable kick for goal when he gets his oppertities.

Like what I see from Billings so far and if he can stay fit, I see him being an important player for us this season.

Edited March 6 by Rodney (Balls) Grinter

[Demonland 66,453]

 

[Docs Demons 1,674]

47 minutes ago, Rodney (Balls) Grinter said:

If there is one player from Sydney I hope we can take totally out of the game it's Pappley.  He's both a pretty important player for them and one I absolutely can't stand as an opposition supporter. 

Would love nothing more than for someone to do a total shut down job on him and have him crack it, like the arrogant little prat he often behaves on the feild.

With you on this one Balls. If Paps gets up and about he can be very dangerous but also we need to keep Guilden quiet. He absolutely killed us in round 23 last year with about 100 possessions !!

[Kick_It_To_Pickett 2,987]

I’m still not sure the source of the love fest here for Laurie. He panics under any sort of pressure and makes poor decisions, often directly leading to turnover. Many examples in the practice match vs Carlton. It’s a real hot potato attitude. Must show something tomorrow if he is to feature in ‘24 regularly. I’m not convinced he is up to it, but the very best of luck to him 

[whatwhat say what 19,676]

3 hours ago, Deestar9 said:

Fantasy ..get offered a free flight to Syd to stay with family member. No ticket to game but go along to the open session to see players. Find out can get reciprocal rights with MCC membership but have to queue from 5pm & hope for the best . Half  an hour ago get call from a players parents who can’t make the game and want to know if a ticket is required. Reality.. will now be sitting with the players families tomorrow night. How envious am I but super excited for another Dees supporter to be there 

That’s fantastic 

[whatwhat say what 19,676]

15 minutes ago, Docs Demons said:

With you on this one Balls. If Paps gets up and about he can be very dangerous but also we need to keep Guilden quiet. He absolutely killed us in round 23 last year with about 100 possessions !!

Yet we still won despite losing a part of our forward line to an acl

[bluey 895]

Expecting big things from the Shackenator.