After reading all the training reports. This is my round 1 23.

B: Lever, May, McVee

HB: Salem, McDonald, Windsor

C: Sharp, Rivers, Langdon

HF: Petracca, Turner, Tholstrup

F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Chandler

FOLL: Gawn, Oliver, Viney

IC: Bowey, Langford, Sparrow, Petty

SUB: Melksham

EMERG: McAdam, Jefferson, Lindsay 

Casey

B: Hore, Adams, Smith

HB: Howes, Fullerton, Moniz-Wakefield

C: Woewodin, Laurie, Brown

HF: Spargo, Johnson, Sestan

F: McAdam, Jefferson, Billings

FOLL: Campbell, Lindsay, Culley

IC: Verrall, Mentha, Hardie, Kentfield

SUS: Pickett

10 minutes ago, WERRIDEE said:

After reading all the training reports. This is my round 1 23.

B: Lever, May, McVee

HB: Salem, McDonald, Windsor

C: Sharp, Rivers, Langdon

HF: Petracca, Turner, Tholstrup

F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Chandler

FOLL: Gawn, Oliver, Viney

IC: Bowey, Langford, Sparrow, Petty

SUB: Melksham

EMERG: McAdam, Jefferson, Lindsay 

Casey

B: Hore, Adams, Smith

HB: Howes, Fullerton, Moniz-Wakefield

C: Woewodin, Laurie, Brown

HF: Spargo, Johnson, Sestan

F: McAdam, Jefferson, Billings

FOLL: Campbell, Lindsay, Culley

IC: Verrall, Mentha, Hardie, Kentfield

SUS: Pickett

I see. With Petty training with both forwards and back you place him on the bench.

I don't know myself yet. I feel like Petty will have to battle TMac for that defensive position and Johnson up front. TMac won't be giving up that spot lightly.

I'm thinking that Johnson could be ready to go up front and has more flexibility with ruck depth. I want to hear more about Johnson before making a call, but Petty might be spending time at Casey.

Edit: on another note we both still have Laurie in the centre. I'm not convinced this is good for his development but we still don't have many options at the inside mid position with so many inside players in the senior team

Edited December 9, 2024Dec 9 by BAMF

On 03/12/2024 at 20:35, WERRIDEE said:

Now that we know who our 2nd Cat B rookie is it's time to do my final 46

Melbourne

B: Lever, May, McVee

HB: Salem, Petty, Bowey

C: Windsor, Rivers, Langdon

HF: Petracca, Turner, Pickett

F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Chandler

FOLL: Gawn, Oliver, Viney

IC: Lindsay, Langford, Sparrow, Melksham

SUB: Tholstrup

EMERG: Sharp, McDonald, Jefferson

 

Casey

B: Hore, Adams, D.Smith

HB: Howes, McDonald, Moniz-Wakefield

C: Sharp, Laurie, Brown

HF: Spargo, Johnson, Sestan

F: McAdam, Jefferson, Kentfield

FOLL: Campbell, Billings, Woewodin

IC: Verrall, Fullerton, George, Mentha, Casey youngster

EMERG: Bonner, Baldi, Surk 

I agree with Windsor  not at half back in fact centre should be his spot. If Goody prioritises half back vs wing  or centre for Duke then he is again putting defence over attack and team attacking flair. 

Windsor on the centreline is a hoslkicker and pressure player on the opposition defence he is so good. He will kick 15/20 goals from the centre in 2025 if given the chance and truly make a huge difference to our attacking flair. Half back no Judd can do that and also Dalo and Bowser or AMW or Howes. Look at those options why waste Windsor at HB. 

I also believe Jeffo will be in our 23 by about Round 3/4 and Tmac might slso be. Thay would be improvements as well as Sharp over Sparrow in our team. His extra pace and forward play will also lift our team in 2025 from that one pace to fast with Windsor Sharp Kossie and Lindsay all contributing to a faster more aggressive game plan. 

These changes may take a few rounds but form will dictate that in time as the cream will rise to the top. Then our depth will be also strengthened accordingly. 

On 04/12/2024 at 18:40, WERRIDEE said:

I guess I got it wrong George isn't a Cat B rookie. He's just a train on in case someone gets injured.

so here's my round 1 team

B: Lever, May, McVee

HB: Salem, Petty, Windsor

C: Sharp, Rivers, Langdon

HF: Petracca, Turner, Chandler

F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Jefferson

FOLL: Gawn, Oliver, Viney

IC: Melksham, McDonald, Langford, Lindsay

SUB: Sparrow

 

Casey

B: Hore, Adams, Bowey

HB: Howes, Fullerton, Moniz-Wakefield

C: Woewodin, Laurie, Brown

HF: Spargo, Johnson, Sestan

F: McAdam, Kentfield, Billings

FOLL: Campbell, Bonner, Tholstrup

IC: Verrall, Mentha, George, D.Smith, Casey younster

SUS: Pickett  

That’s more like it Werridee 

New Age vs Old Firm is the go. 

I feel that we don't need to debut a lot of players immediately. Langford and Sharp will debut but Lindsay, Jefferson and Johnson will have to bide their time.

My team if we had to pick a side to play right now:

FB: McDonald May McVee
HB: Windsor Petty Bowey
C; Landgon Tracc  Langford
HF: Tholstrup JVR Laurie
FF: Fritsch Disco Chandler
Foll: Gawn Rivers Viney
Int: Salem, Oliver, Sharp, Johnson
S: Sparrow

Susp: Pickett
Inj: Lever, Spargo, Lindsay, McAdam

In contention: Howes, Hore, AMW, Kynan Brown, Woewodin, Billings, Jefferson, Melksham

Petty probably goes forward if Lever is back.

And I highly suspect if just one of AMW or Howes can demand the back pocket job that Windsor goes back to the wing.

Half forward is a weakness especially if Pickett is out. Need McAdam and Spargo in full training fighting for a spot.

Don't feel great about Langford on a wing or Sharp in the best 22 yet. But I just have a hunch Langford will do well swapping between wing and forward and then we need someone to do some forward/wing coverage. Might be Sharp or Billings first up, hopefully Lindsay can push for a spot quickly, even if it's at half back and Windsor moves to the wing again.

 

16 hours ago, BAMF said:

I see. With Petty training with both forwards and back you place him on the bench.

I don't know myself yet. I feel like Petty will have to battle TMac for that defensive position and Johnson up front. TMac won't be giving up that spot lightly.

I'm thinking that Johnson could be ready to go up front and has more flexibility with ruck depth. I want to hear more about Johnson before making a call, but Petty might be spending time at Casey.

Edit: on another note we both still have Laurie in the centre. I'm not convinced this is good for his development but we still don't have many options at the inside mid position with so many inside players in the senior team

I would like to hear (as I now live afar from Melb) more about Johnson, not just in photos/live images but also from track-watchers and critical eye analyses. So far, Johnson seems to have raised a few comments; I wish to find out how he might play in the side as a deep forward and back-up ruck for Max. Can anyone assist?

I felt I needed to put McAdam in he has to show his worth early after a wasted season.

B: Lever, May, McVee

HB: Salem, McDonald, Windsor

C: Bowey, Rivers, Langdon

HF: Petracca, Turner, Tholstrup

F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Chandler

FOLL: Gawn, Oliver, Viney

IC: Langford, Sparrow, Petty, Melksham

SUB: McAdam

EMERG: Sharp, Jefferson, Lindsay

 

Casey

B: Hore, Adams, Smith

HB: Howes, Fullerton, Moniz-Wakefield

C: Woewodin, Laurie, Sharp

HF: Spargo, Johnson, Sestan

F: Kentfield, Jefferson, Billings

FOLL: Campbell, Brown, Lindsay

IC: Verrall, Mentha, Hardie, Culley

 

Lever has been injured so far but he is still a certainty to keep his spot in the back pocket.

May has been training well another one who is locked into full back

I haven't heard a lot from McVee but his consistancy keeps him in the back pocket

Need a old head in the half back line and Salem is the man, he hasn't had a full pre season yet but he is close to getting back to his best. If he drops off his form again he will have Bowey, Howes, Moniz-Wakefield and Woewodin breathing down his neck.

McDonald keeps his spot at CHB due to Petty being the swingman.

Windsor has a new position at half back.

Bowey has been a big shining light this pre season hasn't put a foot wrong. He said he will play more on the wing this year and that where I have him starting.

Rivers is having a full pre season and due to his midfield work this year he stays in the middle to help out Oliver, Viney and Trac.

Langdon is having his usual pre season locked in on a wing.

Trac will be expected to play more up forward this year due to the emergence of Rivers. He was missed in the second half of the year.

Turner is expected to go to the next level at CHF if he doesn't he will have Petty, van Rooyen, Jefferson, and Johnson breathing down his neck.

Tholstrup will play high half forward doing a bit of Neal-Bullen's role. He has Sharp breathing down his neck.

Fritsch will play the 3rd tall midsize forward role.

van Rooyen is set to explode at full forward if he doesnt he has Jefferson and Johnson breathing down his neck.

Chandler with Pickett out will be expected to play closer to goal and also doing a bit of Nibblers role.

Gawn is our most important player without him we will struggle hopefully Campbell can give Gawn a chop out we weren't able to do that this year.

Oliver is hopefully over his off season dramas. He's had a full pre season so far which is more than he had last year.

Viney is Viney back in terrific nick one of the best trainers going around.

Langford is the only player I back to debut round 1 he's built like a man which should allow him to mix it with the best.

Sparrow had a poor year this year by his standards if he continues that way he will have Sharp, Lindsay, Laurie, Woewodin and Brown will be breathing down his neck.

Petty didn't have a great year and is now being used as a swing man he could take over McDonald's role if he doesn't improve his forward involment Johnson will be breathing down his neck as could Campbell. I see him as being the 2nd ruck ATM.

Melksham has moved from sub to best 22. He's crafty if he struggles early McAdam, Chandler, Tholstrup, Spargo and Pickett when he comes back will be gunning for his spot.

McAdam is controversial because he done nothing to cement a place in the side he still unfit but should be right after Christmas. We rate him and we traded him for a second round pick so we must see what he can do early. With Pickett out it helps his chances.

Sharp unlucky to not be in the side but as I said I want to see what McAdam can do.

Lindsay won't be fit until after Christmas that may put him behind others we don't need to blood youth immediately like we have had to do in the past.

Jefferson has been on the list for 2 years now it's time to start performing I don't see him in the round 1 side but if we can get 5 to 10 games out of him that will be a masive boost for the future.

Edited December 10, 2024Dec 10 by WERRIDEE

With Bonner playing for Casey I have changed the Casey side.

Melbourne

B: Lever, May, McVee

HB: Salem, McDonald, Windsor

C: Bowey, Rivers, Langdon

HF: Petracca, Turner, Tholstrup

F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Chandler

FOLL: Gawn, Oliver, Viney

IC: Langford, Sparrow, Melksham, Petty

SUB: McAdam

EMERG: Howes, Sharp, Jefferson

 

Casey

B: Hore, Adams, Bonner

HB: Howes, Fullerton, Moniz-Wakefield

C: Sharp, Laurie, Brown

HF: Spargo, Johnson, Sestan

F: Kentfield, Jefferson, Billings

FOLL: Campbell, Woewodin, Lindsay

IC: Verrall, Merntha, Hardie, Culley, Casey youngster

EMERG: Smith, Sruk, Doultree

SUS: Pickett

On 10/12/2024 at 23:17, WERRIDEE said:

I felt I needed to put McAdam in he has to show his worth early after a wasted season.

B: Lever, May, McVee

HB: Salem, McDonald, Windsor

C: Bowey, Rivers, Langdon

HF: Petracca, Turner, Tholstrup

F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Chandler

FOLL: Gawn, Oliver, Viney

IC: Langford, Sparrow, Petty, Melksham

SUB: McAdam

EMERG: Sharp, Jefferson, Lindsay

 

Casey

B: Hore, Adams, Smith

HB: Howes, Fullerton, Moniz-Wakefield

C: Woewodin, Laurie, Sharp

HF: Spargo, Johnson, Sestan

F: Kentfield, Jefferson, Billings

FOLL: Campbell, Brown, Lindsay

IC: Verrall, Mentha, Hardie, Culley

 

Lever has been injured so far but he is still a certainty to keep his spot in the back pocket.

May has been training well another one who is locked into full back

I haven't heard a lot from McVee but his consistancy keeps him in the back pocket

Need a old head in the half back line and Salem is the man, he hasn't had a full pre season yet but he is close to getting back to his best. If he drops off his form again he will have Bowey, Howes, Moniz-Wakefield and Woewodin breathing down his neck.

McDonald keeps his spot at CHB due to Petty being the swingman.

Windsor has a new position at half back.

Bowey has been a big shining light this pre season hasn't put a foot wrong. He said he will play more on the wing this year and that where I have him starting.

Rivers is having a full pre season and due to his midfield work this year he stays in the middle to help out Oliver, Viney and Trac.

Langdon is having his usual pre season locked in on a wing.

Trac will be expected to play more up forward this year due to the emergence of Rivers. He was missed in the second half of the year.

Turner is expected to go to the next level at CHF if he doesn't he will have Petty, van Rooyen, Jefferson, and Johnson breathing down his neck.

Tholstrup will play high half forward doing a bit of Neal-Bullen's role. He has Sharp breathing down his neck.

Fritsch will play the 3rd tall midsize forward role.

van Rooyen is set to explode at full forward if he doesnt he has Jefferson and Johnson breathing down his neck.

Chandler with Pickett out will be expected to play closer to goal and also doing a bit of Nibblers role.

Gawn is our most important player without him we will struggle hopefully Campbell can give Gawn a chop out we weren't able to do that this year.

Oliver is hopefully over his off season dramas. He's had a full pre season so far which is more than he had last year.

Viney is Viney back in terrific nick one of the best trainers going around.

Langford is the only player I back to debut round 1 he's built like a man which should allow him to mix it with the best.

Sparrow had a poor year this year by his standards if he continues that way he will have Sharp, Lindsay, Laurie, Woewodin and Brown will be breathing down his neck.

Petty didn't have a great year and is now being used as a swing man he could take over McDonald's role if he doesn't improve his forward involment Johnson will be breathing down his neck as could Campbell. I see him as being the 2nd ruck ATM.

Melksham has moved from sub to best 22. He's crafty if he struggles early McAdam, Chandler, Tholstrup, Spargo and Pickett when he comes back will be gunning for his spot.

McAdam is controversial because he done nothing to cement a place in the side he still unfit but should be right after Christmas. We rate him and we traded him for a second round pick so we must see what he can do early. With Pickett out it helps his chances.

Sharp unlucky to not be in the side but as I said I want to see what McAdam can do.

Lindsay won't be fit until after Christmas that may put him behind others we don't need to blood youth immediately like we have had to do in the past.

Jefferson has been on the list for 2 years now it's time to start performing I don't see him in the round 1 side but if we can get 5 to 10 games out of him that will be a masive boost for the future.

Jeffo and Sharp to play round 1 I. I.M.O Mc Adams will and should start at Casey.

Mcvee May Lever

Rivers Petty Windsor

Langdon Oliver Sharp

Tholstrup Van Rooyen Chandler

Pickett Jefferson Fritsch

Gawn Viney Petracca

Salem Sparrow Turner Bowey 

SUB: Brown

EM: Tmac Howes Moniz Spargo

4 minutes ago, Simon Port said:

Mcvee May Lever

Rivers Petty Windsor

Langdon Oliver Sharp

Tholstrup Van Rooyen Chandler

Pickett Jefferson Fritsch

Gawn Viney Petracca

Salem Sparrow Turner Bowey 

SUB: Brown

EM: Tmac Howes Moniz Spargo

No Langford?

FB: McVee May Petty
HB: Bowey Lever Salem
C: Langdon Viney Windsor
HF: Tholstrup Jefferson Petracca
FF: Pickett JVR Fritsch
R: Gawn Oliver Rivers
INT: Turner Sharp Chandler Langford
S: Melksham

• Sharp gets first crack at the vacant ANB spot, keen to see Kynan Brown get an opportunity though. Hoping we have more competition for the non Kozzie small forward spots this year.

• Windsor on a wing then rotates back when needed. 

• Think Tholstrup/Langford jump ahead of Sparrow in the mid-fwd pecking order.

• Will be interesting to see where Lindsay plays when fit, and the flow on effect on Windsor's position.

• I'm a Jefferson believer and in year 3 it's time to give him a crack.

• T Mac to consider himself unlucky and comes back into consideration if neither Jeffo nor Aidan Johnson lock down a spot in the side (does Petty go fwd again if this happens?)

On 10/12/2024 at 16:59, DeeSpencer said:

FB: McDonald May McVee
HB: Windsor Petty Bowey
C; Landgon Tracc  Langford
HF: Tholstrup JVR Laurie
FF: Fritsch Disco Chandler
Foll: Gawn Rivers Viney
Int: Salem, Oliver, Sharp, Johnson
S: Sparrow

B: Lever May McVee

HB: Windsor Petty Salem

C: Langdon Viney Bowey

HF: Petracca JVR Langford

F: Fritsch Turner Johnson 

R: Gawn Oliver Rivers

INT: Sparrow Tholstrup Chandler Laurie/Pickett

SUB: Campbell/McAdam/Melksham/AMW/George

Once Pickett is back Laurie will likely drop out. 

Edited December 14, 2024Dec 14 by Roost it far

20 minutes ago, Roost it far said:

B: Lever May McVee

HB: Windsor Petty Salem

C: Langdon Viney Bowey

HF: Petracca JVR Langford

F: Fritsch Turner Johnson 

R: Gawn Oliver Rivers

INT: Sparrow Tholstrup Chandler Laurie/Pickett

SUB: Campbell

Once Pickett is back Laurie will likely drop out. 

You want to play a pick 80 first up?? Hnmm

21 minutes ago, picket fence said:

You want to play a pick 80 first up?? Hnmm

Yep, I want a split pack foward

12 hours ago, Roost it far said:

Yep, I want a split pack foward

I want someone to take strong marks and kick goals!

13 hours ago, picket fence said:

You want to play a pick 80 first up?? Hnmm

They are all equal after the draft. Langford and George are still MFC players and eligible for selection if fit. 

Don’t mind you asking the question though.

Just now, 58er said:

They are all equal after the draft. Langford and George are still MFC players and eligible for selection if fit. 

Don’t mind you asking the question though.

Sorry Johnson is the no 80 referred to. My apologies.

Have no objection of Aidan is in the 23. He will have earnt his spot. 

On 14/12/2024 at 13:03, picket fence said:

Jeffo and Sharp to play round 1 I. I.M.O Mc Adams will and should start at Casey.

McAdams can start at Casey along with Browns, Lauries, Woewodins, Georges and Adamss 😁

3 hours ago, Cranky Franky said:

McAdams can start at Casey along with Browns, Lauries, Woewodins, Georges and Adamss 😁

Can’t help thinking we may be underestimating Pup Brown.

Wonder what the track watchers are seeing in his development plus his maturing as a realistic winger, midfielder or say a HFF getting a ton on the ball even maybe,

I guess why I am excited about Kynan is his physical appearance has strengthened plus his pace evasiveness and very importantly his determination to play footy at the elite level like his dad. 

I hope the Club give him the opportunity to succeed in our system. 

Any comments from Demon track watchers or other D/Lers on Kynans potential for 2025 or am I jumping the gun with liking his potential? 

Thanks  all. 

11 hours ago, picket fence said:

I want someone to take strong marks and kick goals!

Thats for JVR, Turner, Fritsch, Petracca and co

Edited December 15, 2024Dec 15 by Roost it far

On 13/12/2024 at 17:22, WERRIDEE said:

With Bonner playing for Casey I have changed the Casey side.

Melbourne

B: Lever, May, McVee

HB: Salem, McDonald, Windsor

C: Bowey, Rivers, Langdon

HF: Petracca, Turner, Tholstrup

F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Chandler

FOLL: Gawn, Oliver, Viney

IC: Langford, Sparrow, Melksham, Petty

SUB: McAdam

EMERG: Howes, Sharp, Jefferson

 

Casey

B: Hore, Adams, Bonner

HB: Howes, Fullerton, Moniz-Wakefield

C: Sharp, Laurie, Brown

HF: Spargo, Johnson, Sestan

F: Kentfield, Jefferson, Billings

FOLL: Campbell, Woewodin, Lindsay

IC: Verrall, Merntha, Hardie, Culley, Casey youngster

EMERG: Smith, Sruk, Doultree

SUS: Pickett

Remember reading a decent article on Baldi being back in the Casey team and out to prove himself, always thought he had something about him so don’t be surprised if he makes solid progress this year as well

The loss of Kozzie in the first 3 weeks will absolutely cost us a win and potentially a subsequent finals birth if we’re around the fringes.

He’s our MVP in my opinion. He’s the bloke that can light a spark if we’re down by 15 points in the third quarter.

Our forward line looks completely impotent on paper without him.

On 15/12/2024 at 17:26, 58er said:

Can’t help thinking we may be underestimating Pup Brown.

Wonder what the track watchers are seeing in his development plus his maturing as a realistic winger, midfielder or say a HFF getting a ton on the ball even maybe,

I guess why I am excited about Kynan is his physical appearance has strengthened plus his pace evasiveness and very importantly his determination to play footy at the elite level like his dad. 

I hope the Club give him the opportunity to succeed in our system. 

Any comments from Demon track watchers or other D/Lers on Kynans potential for 2025 or am I jumping the gun with liking his potential? 

Thanks  all. 

58er - of course it would be fantastic if Kynan Brown got a run and established himself, but there is and will / should be a merit based pecking order. 
Fierce competition for places can only be good for the team, though disappointing for those who miss out especially on September 27. 

Edited December 17, 2024Dec 17 by monoccular