Jump to content

  • IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

    Posting unsubstantiated rumours on this website is strictly forbidden.

    Demonland has made the difficult decision to not permit this platform to be used to discuss & debate the off-field issues relating to the Melbourne Football Club including matters currently being litigated between the Club & former Board members, board elections, the issue of illicit drugs in footy, the culture at the club & the personal issues & allegations against some of our players & officials ...

    We do not take these issues & this decision lightly & of course we believe that these serious matters affecting the club we love & are so passionate about are worthy of discussion & debate & I wish we could provide a place where these matters can be discussed in a civil & respectful manner.

    However these discussions unfortunately invariably devolve into areas that may be defamatory, libelous, spread unsubstantiated rumours & can effect the mental health of those involved. Even discussion & debate of known facts or media reports can lead to finger pointing, blame & personal attacks.

    The repercussion is that these discussions can open this website, it’s owners & it’s users to legal action & may result in this website being forced to shutdown.

    Our moderating team are all volunteers & cannot moderate the forum 24/7 & as a consequence problematic content that contravenes our rules & standards may go unnoticed for some time before it can be removed.

    We reserve the right to delete posts that offend against our above policy & indeed, to ban posters who are repeat offenders or who breach our code of conduct.

    WE HAVE BUILT A FANTASTIC ONLINE COMMUNITY AT DEMONLAND OVER THE PAST 23 YEARS & WE WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO DISCUSS THE CLUB WE LOVE & ARE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT.

    Thank you for your continued support & understanding. Go Dees.


2024 Opening Round Team


WERRIDEE

Recommended Posts

19 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

Tomlinson plays we lose. He is that bad. He plays 1 good game out of every ten the rest are rubbish. Haven't given up on T.Mac hopefully he gets a game against Carlton to prove himself. Sick of the rubbish from Tomlinson he's not up to AFL standard.

Someone should tell the selectors that Tomlinson is no good! He's played 177 games of AFL football and apparently "isnt up to AFL standard". In those 177 games he has averaged 15 disposals and 5.5 marks! Perhaps it's your analysis, Werridee, that isn't up to standard! 

  • Like 8
  • Love 2
  • Clap 3
  • Thinking 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, waynewussell said:

Someone should tell the selectors that Tomlinson is no good! He's played 177 games of AFL football and apparently "isnt up to AFL standard". In those 177 games he has averaged 15 disposals and 5.5 marks! Perhaps it's your analysis, Werridee, that isn't up to standard! 

It just goes to show that you don't have to be talented to play plenty of games of footy. The only thing he's got going for him is he can run all day he's a fitness fanatic, but he's no good at footy. He was ordinary at GWS and has been worse at Melbourne. Hopefully, Goody sees the same thing as I'm seeing and plays McDonald ahead of him against Carlton. We can't play both Tomlinson and McDonald.

  • Haha 1
  • Facepalm 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

22 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

Tomlinson plays we lose. He is that bad. He plays 1 good game out of every ten the rest are rubbish. Haven't given up on T.Mac hopefully he gets a game against Carlton to prove himself. Sick of the rubbish from Tomlinson he's not up to AFL standard.

If you’re pinning your hopes on Tmac playing in our backline. This is going to be a horrible year.

 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Interestingly, we were 6-3 last year with Tomlinson selected and 2-6 record with Mcdonald (possessions of 6,8,6,7,6 in losses in his last 5 games with the significant game time forward).   I'm not sure I'd want either one on the opposition 2nd tall but it will probably come down to the match up so I dare say we will be having this discussion all year.  Oh, what fun. 

 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

based on 7 terms of practice...

2024 opening round 23:
B: McVee - May - Tomlinson
HB: Rivers - Lever - Bowey
C: Langdon - Petracca - Windsor
HF: ANB - JVR - Billings
F: Pup Brown - Fritsch - Chandler
Foll: Gawn - Salem - Viney
I/c: Howes - Verrall - Sparrow - Woewodin
Sub: Laurie

unavailable: spargo - brayshaw (sob) - hunter - oliver - melksham - mcadam - plugger mac - petty - pickett - sideshow bob

i personally would prefer it if we went smaller and had no tomlinson in the backline, but i suspect the intention is to run with that structure

i also somehow doubt this line-up will happen as it'd mean four debutants to start the season which would be pretty unusual for us; for instance based on @Demonland's latest training report schache is still favoured over verrall

if we ever debut a player as a sub i for one will be really disappointed; hate it when clubs do that

Link to comment
Share on other sites


32 minutes ago, whatwhat say what said:

based on 7 terms of practice...

2024 opening round 23:
B: McVee - May - Tomlinson
HB: Rivers - Lever - Bowey
C: Langdon - Petracca - Windsor
HF: ANB - JVR - Billings
F: Pup Brown - Fritsch - Chandler
Foll: Gawn - Salem - Viney
I/c: Howes - Verrall - Sparrow - Woewodin
Sub: Laurie

unavailable: spargo - brayshaw (sob) - hunter - oliver - melksham - mcadam - plugger mac - petty - pickett - sideshow bob

i personally would prefer it if we went smaller and had no tomlinson in the backline, but i suspect the intention is to run with that structure

i also somehow doubt this line-up will happen as it'd mean four debutants to start the season which would be pretty unusual for us; for instance based on @Demonland's latest training report schache is still favoured over verrall

if we ever debut a player as a sub i for one will be really disappointed; hate it when clubs do that

I would be very surprised if Verrall is named in Opening Round over Schache. Your team is lacking another tall forward. Whatever one's thoughts are on Schache I doubt we will go into OR with an untried ruck as a backup ruck/forward.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Why exactly is Josh Schache on the MFC list if he can't get a game in the opening round? Is he not fit?  Is he totally unable to follow any instruction? Is he a massive liability in game to the extent it means an immediate loss?  He played in a grand final less than 10 games ago.  This isn't a matter of 'hunger' or 'appetite' or 'insert your prefered metaphysical football term here'.  He was presumably signed to be a break in case of emergency when he was resigned last year.   Are we waiting for every player to be unavailable and selecting him last? 

We have no back up ruck, under30 3rd tall and he's kicked more goals than JVR and Petty combined, if the FD department can't fashion a role for him why bother even paying him.  He isn't a project player.  

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

27 minutes ago, Jjrogan said:

Why exactly is Josh Schache on the MFC list if he can't get a game in the opening round? Is he not fit?  Is he totally unable to follow any instruction? Is he a massive liability in game to the extent it means an immediate loss?  He played in a grand final less than 10 games ago.  This isn't a matter of 'hunger' or 'appetite' or 'insert your prefered metaphysical football term here'.  He was presumably signed to be a break in case of emergency when he was resigned last year.   Are we waiting for every player to be unavailable and selecting him last? 

We have no back up ruck, under30 3rd tall and he's kicked more goals than JVR and Petty combined, if the FD department can't fashion a role for him why bother even paying him.  He isn't a project player.  

Time to give him 4 solid weeks in the team, tell him its make or break your career 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Demonland said:

I would be very surprised if Verrall is named in Opening Round over Schache. Your team is lacking another tall forward. Whatever one's thoughts are on Schache I doubt we will go into OR with an untried ruck as a backup ruck/forward.

on the scg you really don't need that many talls tho

as i said, i expect schache will get the gig

but based on 7 praccy terms of footy, verrall showed more both in the ruck and up forward for mine

Edited by whatwhat say what
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Jjrogan said:

Why exactly is Josh Schache on the MFC list if he can't get a game in the opening round? Is he not fit?  Is he totally unable to follow any instruction? Is he a massive liability in game to the extent it means an immediate loss?  He played in a grand final less than 10 games ago.  This isn't a matter of 'hunger' or 'appetite' or 'insert your prefered metaphysical football term here'.  He was presumably signed to be a break in case of emergency when he was resigned last year.   Are we waiting for every player to be unavailable and selecting him last? 

We have no back up ruck, under30 3rd tall and he's kicked more goals than JVR and Petty combined, if the FD department can't fashion a role for him why bother even paying him.  He isn't a project player.  

The quality of cheap depth key forwards across the league is terrible. The Hawks backed the truck up for Mabior Chol for instance.

That said, we didn’t even trial anyone over summer looking for an Anthony Caminiti type. Brisbane pounced in the Gunston deal on Brandon Ryan who I like. Clubs do find gems at times. Heck I’d probably rather have Mykelti Lefau!

Our list management philosophy for the 3rd ruck/5th key forward in recent years has seemingly been ‘meh, whatever just get whoever you can’. Schache’s time now to prove that he’s at least worth a go. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If he makes it through a half or so tomorrow and looks even remotely fit and capable I’d expect Fullarton to be given the chance for round 0 or at least round 1.

He’s not much different to Schache but at least has a bit of mobility on the ground and seemingly more confidence 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

It just goes to show that you don't have to be talented to play plenty of games of footy. The only thing he's got going for him is he can run all day he's a fitness fanatic, but he's no good at footy. He was ordinary at GWS and has been worse at Melbourne. Hopefully, Goody sees the same thing as I'm seeing and plays McDonald ahead of him against Carlton. We can't play both Tomlinson and McDonald.

If you're saying he has no talent in your opinion as a supporter thats perfectly fine. My view is any player that makes the AFL is talented. Some more then others of course. As its been preached for most its about playing a role within a club system. Something Tomlinson has done consistently well since joining us and becoming a full time backman.

To say he's not good at footy is laughable. He's had to play behind or adjacent to three of the best key backs in the comp (Lever, May, Petty). He was playing fantastic football rarely losing a contest in 2021 before the injury. Petty came in and solidified his role which put Tomlinson back in the pecking order. Since then he's been professional, performing consistently as one of Casey's best each week. When he's been recalled to the main playing group its been for short stints which is always difficult to build form. He was fantastic in our KB game last year with his one on one contests and accurate, effective ball use. I think we would have seen him play more games last season with Petty swung forward but Goodwin decided to go with a smaller backline using Hibberd as the third tall for a lot of games.

There is a reason the FD rate him highly and refused any calls to trade him in September.

If you think a 31 year old Tom McDonald playing a role he hasn't played for five years with fitness issues is the better option thats OK to have that opinion but to simply say Tomlinson is 'no good at footy' is rather insulting. 

  • Like 4
  • Clap 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

If he makes it through a half or so tomorrow and looks even remotely fit and capable I’d expect Fullarton to be given the chance for round 0 or at least round 1.

He’s not much different to Schache but at least has a bit of mobility on the ground and seemingly more confidence 

Fullarton is still a month away based off the original timeline on 29th Jan (8 weeks).

We need to get used to Schache as the back up ruck/fwd for round 0.

Lets just back him in as a demon ay? why not? Go dees?

Edited by Young Blood
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


1 hour ago, Young Blood said:

Fullarton is still a month away based off the original timeline on 29th Jan (8 weeks).

We need to get used to Schache as the back up ruck/fwd for round 0.

Lets just back him in as a demon ay? why not? Go dees?

Did his hammy on the 26th so it’s nearly 5 weeks, will be just about 6 weeks by round 0. Maybe it was a 6 week hammy not an 8 week hammy?

If he plays 3/4’s or so tomorrow that’s probably enough to declare him match fit. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

It just goes to show that you don't have to be talented to play plenty of games of footy. The only thing he's got going for him is he can run all day he's a fitness fanatic, but he's no good at footy. He was ordinary at GWS and has been worse at Melbourne. Hopefully, Goody sees the same thing as I'm seeing and plays McDonald ahead of him against Carlton. We can't play both Tomlinson and McDonald.

Tomlinson was killing it in the backline in 2021 before he did his ACL. Most certainly would of been a premiership player if he didn't get injured.

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

11 hours ago, Young Blood said:

If you're saying he has no talent in your opinion as a supporter thats perfectly fine. My view is any player that makes the AFL is talented. Some more then others of course. As its been preached for most its about playing a role within a club system. Something Tomlinson has done consistently well since joining us and becoming a full time backman.

To say he's not good at footy is laughable. He's had to play behind or adjacent to three of the best key backs in the comp (Lever, May, Petty). He was playing fantastic football rarely losing a contest in 2021 before the injury. Petty came in and solidified his role which put Tomlinson back in the pecking order. Since then he's been professional, performing consistently as one of Casey's best each week. When he's been recalled to the main playing group its been for short stints which is always difficult to build form. He was fantastic in our KB game last year with his one on one contests and accurate, effective ball use. I think we would have seen him play more games last season with Petty swung forward but Goodwin decided to go with a smaller backline using Hibberd as the third tall for a lot of games.

There is a reason the FD rate him highly and refused any calls to trade him in September.

If you think a 31 year old Tom McDonald playing a role he hasn't played for five years with fitness issues is the better option thats OK to have that opinion but to simply say Tomlinson is 'no good at footy' is rather insulting. 

I don’t know Werridee where this is coming from. All summer you have MORE THAN OFTEN in your rather frequent teams for this week, month, Aust day, Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Dayetc. Placed Tommo at CHB much to my frustration when Disco was fit.  

I don’t agree with your latest tirade and agree with Young Blood’s very balanced post. 

However I believe Disco will possibly be a better bet for our defence based on what I saw vs Swans in Round 24 last season. But he got dropped and neither played vs Pies. Bad move our 3 talls has proved a constructive and consistent safeguard in our success since Round 1 in 2021. 

Naturally if the third tall is considered superfluous it’s ok to change but  Thsts where I think Disco will be a smarter third tall by seasons end. 

Actuall can’t wait for Jed Adams to arrive as well. Maybe later this season might be a chance. He IMO is Stephies long term replacement ( not this season yet) of course. 

But rounding out this opinion is fluid but the 3 talls are rather comforting and successful for us over the journey and Tommo has gone a good/ great job all things considered and was unlucky of course to miss the Flag. 
 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Seniors

B: Lever, May, McVee

HB: Bowey, Tomlinson, Rivers

C: Windsor, Salem, Langdon

HF: Billings, van Rooyen, Neal-Bullen

F: Chandler, Schache, Fritsch

FOLL: Gawn, Petracca, Viney

IC: Howes, Sparrow, Laurie, Oliver

SUB: Fullerton

 

Casey

B: Hore, Adams, Freeman

HB: Connelly, McDoanld, Lual

C: Hunter, Szybkowski, K. Brown

HF: Sestan, Farris-White, Tholstrup

F: Spargo, Jefferson, Moniz-Wakefield

FOLL: Verrall, White, Woewodin

IC: Peters, Shipp, Steele, Lewis, Cross

  • Like 1
  • Thinking 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 hours ago, Winners at last said:

Marty Hore can play tall. Not sure why he isn't mentioned in dispatches ....

Marty isn’t quite as tall and robust as Tommo or T Mac. He is more Hibbo’s size and will no doubt be used at some stages in 2024 when medium size is fine or required. 

 Disco will also IMO challenge fiercely once he gets over his injury and it’s also a watch on Jed Adams.  He is a genuine KPDefender for the future. Plenty of upside for our defence with Rivers Juddy Bowser plus Howes who can only get better. In addition Salo can always go back when and if a half forward needs quietening. 

Must admit Mr Versitile Christian took the inside mid job like he had played all his 150 plus in that role. 

The defence was back to near its best after last week’s aberration.

Tmac also seemed to get recognition in his comeback in the early game and brings plenty of experience and solidity if he is fit. He will be all the better also for the run and despite many doubting his disposal I think he has no real concerns on this issue after  defecting forward to guide our premiership tilt kicking goals and providing the smalls with some crumbs along with BBB. 
it’s all about fitness being maintained with the two elder  statesmen but we will be a better outfit if we have both available for the majority of the season. 

All in all a good run for our troops with much of last weeks looseness ironed out and many showing their real ability which is needed to be a legitimate challenger in 2024. 

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  

    LEADERS OF THE PACK by The Oracle

    I was asked to write a preview of this week’s Round 8 match between Melbourne and Geelong. The two clubs have a history that goes right back to the time when the game was starting to become an organised sport but it’s the present that makes the task of previewing this contest so interesting. Both clubs recently reached the pinnacle of the competition winning premiership flags in 2021 and 2022 respectively, but before the start of this season, many good judges felt their time had passed - n

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 4

    PODCAST: Kade Chandler Interview

    I'm interviewing Melbourne Football Club's small forward Kade Chandler tomorrow for the Demonland Podcast. I'll be asking him about his road from being overlooked in the draft to his rookie listing to his apprenticeship as a sub to VFL premiership to his breakout 2023 season to mainstay in the Forwadline and much more. If you have any further questions let me know below and I'll see if I can squeeze them in. I will release the podcast at some time tomorrow so stay tuned.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 22

    TRAINING: Monday 29th April 2024

    Demonland Trackwatcher Kev Martin was on hand at Gosch's Paddock for Monday's training session and made the following observations. About 38 to 40  players down at training.  BBB walking laps.  Charlie Spargo still in rehab, doing short run throughs.  Christian Salem has full kit on and doing individual work with a trainer. He is is starting to get into some sprints. I cannot see Andy Moniz-Wakefield out there. Jack Viney and Kade Chandler have broken away from the

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    DISCO INFERNO by Whispering Jack

    Two weeks ago, when the curtain came down on Melbourne’s game against the Brisbane Lions, the team trudged off the MCG looking tired and despondent at the end of a tough run of games played in quick succession. In the days that followed, the fans wanted answers about their team’s lamentable performance that night and foremost among their concerns was whether the loss was a one off result of fatigue or was it due to other factor(s) of far greater consequence.  As it turns out, the answer to

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 16

    TIGERS PUNT CASEY by KC from Casey

    The afternoon atmosphere at the Swinburne Centre was somewhat surreal as the game between Richmond VFL and the Casey Demons unfolded on what was really a normal work day for most Melburnians. The Yarra Park precinct marched to the rhythm of city life, the trains rolled by, pedestrians walked by with their dogs and the traffic on Punt Road and Brunton Avenue swirled past while inside the arena, a football battle ensued. And what a battle it was? The Tigers came in with a record of two wins f

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Casey Articles

    PREGAME: Rd 08 vs Geelong

    After returning to the winners list the Demons have a 10 day break until they face the unbeaten Cats at the MCG on Saturday Night. Who comes in and who goes out for this crucial match?

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 484

    PODCAST: Rd 07 vs Richmond

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 29th April @ 8:30pm. Join George, Binman & I as we analyse the Demons victory at the MCG against the Tigers in the Round 07. You questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show. If you would like to leave us a voicemail please call 03 9016 3666 and don't worry no body answers so you don't have to talk to a human. Listen & Chat

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 44

    VOTES: Rd 07 vs Richmond

    Last week Captain Max Gawn overtook reigning champion Christian Petracca in the Demonland Player of the Year Award. Steven May, Jack Viney & Alex Neal-Bullen make up the Top 5. Your votes for the win against the Tigers. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 54

    POSTGAME: Rd 07 vs Richmond

    The Demons put their foot down after half time to notch up a clinical win by 43 points over the Tigers at the MCG on ANZAC Eve keeping touch with the Top 4.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 387
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...