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PREGAME: Rd 02 vs North Melbourne

Demonland
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On 16/03/2025 at 21:57, Slartibartfast said:

I know this will be howled down but TMac is too good to not have in the 22. If May comes back I’d be moving Petty forward. AJ was poor in the ruck against Brown and JvR is much better. Jeffo has no intensity and I’d prefer Turner and Petty to AJ and Jeffo. 
If Spargs is ready he’s a class above Hendo. 
Wont happen, but that’s my take. 

Your right, I'm howling down the suggestion of moving Petty back to the fwd line again. Surely that experiment is well and truly over. And very much to no avail.

I agree with bringing in Disco and yea Jvr is a better ruck option. But saying Jeffo has no intensity is interesting. Go and watch some of his tackles. They were absolutely watertight. Houdini could get out of one of those.

Agreed on Spargo. I'm keen to see what he can still offer. There have been a few calls to try May forward. Given your own view on the expertise of Tmac, maybe the switch of Petty for May is worth a try.

May comes back for sure but who makes way for Disco? Frittas on thin ice but it's hard to drop our leading goal kicker.

 

    • Like 2
     
    26 minutes ago, leave it to deever said:

    Your right, I'm howling down the suggestion of moving Petty back to the fwd line again. Surely that experiment is well and truly over. And very much to no avail.

    I agree with bringing in Disco and yea Jvr is a better ruck option. But saying Jeffo has no intensity is interesting. Go and watch some of his tackles. They were absolutely watertight. Houdini could get out of one of those.

    Agreed on Spargo. I'm keen to see what he can still offer. There have been a few calls to try May forward. Given your own view on the expertise of Tmac, maybe the switch of Petty for May is worth a try.

    May comes back for sure but who makes way for Disco? Frittas on thin ice but it's hard to drop our leading goal kicker.

     

    May won’t play this weekend. It’s in the injury report. 

    • Like 2
    • Thanks 1

    I reckon we're on a path of phasing JvR out of ruck duties.

    One change - Campbell in for AJ.

    The former played well against Xerri three weeks ago. Makes us very tall so I'm thinking Max and TC may change off bench. Also, a smaller ground will suit Max. He runs between the arcs with JvR doing forward fifty ruck. 

    Won't happen, but I'm still keen to get JvR out of the ruck.

    • Like 5
    • Thanks 1
     
    26 minutes ago, Wells 11 said:

    May won’t play this weekend. It’s in the injury report. 

    Thanks for that Wells 11. The team did really well without him. I imagine he would have negated Hogan. But Kozzie would have tipped the scales against Tony. g. for sure. Shame.

     

    • Like 3
    1 hour ago, Demonland said:

    IMG_0993.jpegIMG_0994.jpeg

    All really very frustrating but I was extra keen to see the development of AMW this year. Shame

     

    • Like 3
    • Sad 1

    Interesting and exciting times however I’ve never had less feel for selection changes than I can remember.  Is it Campbell for AJ and Langford into the side. Change the dub? Maybe Sharp?

    • Like 1
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    • Author
    PLAYER INJURY ESTIMATED RETURN
    Jackson Archer Suspension Round 5
    Callum Coleman-Jones Achilles 8-10 weeks
    Charlie Comben Foot  Test
    Brayden George Knee 6-7 weeks
    Josh Goater Hamstring 3-4 weeks
    Griffin Logue Hamstring 1-2 weeks
    George Wardlaw Hamstring 3-4 weeks
    Updated: March 18, 2025

    The Kangas will lose Logue (hamstring) for at least this Sunday's clash with the Demons, but Comben (foot) could still feature. Wil Dawson is a chance to come into the side following an impressive summer, while new draftee Matt Whitlock is also an option for an AFL debut after his strong VFL form across the weekend. Toby Pink and Kallan Dawson will also be on the radar for senior selection. Zane Duursma and Zac Fisher could be others in the frame, while father-son youngster Cooper Harvey kicked six goals in a VFL practice match over the weekend. – Riley Beveridge

    • Thanks 3
    2 hours ago, Macca said:

    Fair enough

    Out: AJ,  Howes

    In: Billings,  Laurie (sub)

     

    B:       Bowey   T-Mac    Lever

    HB:    Salem     Petty     Rivers

    C:       Langdon  Oliver   Windsor

    HF:     Fritsch     JVR      Langford

    F:     Chandler   Jefferson   Henderson

    R:        Gawn      Petracca    Viney

    Int:      Sparrow  Lindsay  Billings  Sharp

    Sub:    Laurie

    Macca Turner is ready to go.

     
    On 17/03/2025 at 18:27, Redleg said:

    Dean Wallis punched Green in the throat.

    Snake Simmons was nearly paralyzed by a filthy front on hip and shoulder to his neck, at full pace from Michael Long, as Snake was bending down to pick up the ball. I was sitting about 15 meters from it and I thought he was dead. I met Long years later and told him it was a disgusting act and he agreed.

    A few other Dees were “accidentally “ hurt as well.

    Sheedy got another flag his way.

    Yes , I do remember enough to loathe Essen scum 


    2 hours ago, DeeZone said:

    Macca Turner is ready to go.

    Yeah, but I'd prefer another runner.  And it's certainly nothing personal against the lad (Turner)

    I could give some other reasons but you've seen those on the post match thread!

    However, I reckon Turner will almost certainly get a gig from the MCbut Jeffo & JVR will do me

    Interesting observation by @KozzyCanwhere he noted that the Hawks only have one genuine key forward and they have kicked 31 goals in the first 2 games

    So this ol' boy is gettin' with the program, DZone

    And @DeeSpencer also has some interesting observations on the modern game and where it's all heading

    i.e. the future might see teams only going with 1 or 2 KPF's and definitely just the one ruckman

    It's a midfielders game and that means all the players have to adopt a total football mantra ... and we are already in amongst that style of footy

    You don't want to get left behind either

    Edited by Macca

    • Thanks 2
    10 minutes ago, Macca said:

    Yeah, but I'd prefer another runner.  And it's certainly nothing personal against the lad

    I could give some other reasons but you've seen those on the post match thread!

    However, I reckon Turner will probably get a gig but Jeffo & JVR will do me

    Interesting observation by @KozzyCanwhere he noted that the Hawks only have one genuine key forward and they have kicked 31 goals in the first 2 games

    So this ol' boy is gettin' with the program, DZone

    And @DeeSpencer also has some interesting observations on the modern game and where it's all heading

    i.e. the future might see teams only going with 1 or 2 KPF's and definitely just the one ruckman

    It's a midfielders game and that means all the players have to adopt a total football mantra ... and we are already in amongst that style of footy

    You don't want to get left behind either

    The hardest positions to fill are the key positions. They’re just isn’t that many kids who are nearing 200cm who can play footy at the top level, it’s pretty much always been this way and now there’s 18 teams chasing them. Richmond had Lynch and that was it, they went ok. I’m not sure this means that 2-3 big forwards is a thing of the past. We don’t have an abundance of small running forwards like Hawthorn but that doesn’t mean we can’t beat them with 2-3 quality talls playing a system that works. I’ll give it more than 1 week before I decide which method is best. I’m confident in JVR and Turner, I thought Jefferson had an excellent debut. AJ I like but I think he’ll end up fringe to our best 22. My concern atm is Fritsch. I don’t remember his last great game. Again I’ll give him a few weeks but with Pickett, Spargo and Melksham soon to be back he will want to start contributing meaningfully. 

    • Like 2

    Out: AJ, Windsor, Howes

    In: Langford, TC/Disco, TMAC 

    Sub: Woey/Billings. 

    My gut feel is that Windsor misses, therefore Rivers moves into the backline and Langford will come in to take Rivers midfield minutes. Campbell comes into support Gawn against a very physical Xerri. Or, Roo takes on 2nd ruck duties for a week and Disco comes in. TMAC was exceptional and clearly a step above Howes, he should start for the rest of the year. 

    Edited by MrFreeze

    • Like 1
    • Shocked 1
    20 minutes ago, Roost it far said:

    The hardest positions to fill are the key positions. They’re just isn’t that many kids who are nearing 200cm who can play footy at the top level, it’s pretty much always been this way and now there’s 18 teams chasing them. Richmond had Lynch and that was it, they went ok. I’m not sure this means that 2-3 big forwards is a thing of the past. We don’t have an abundance of small running forwards like Hawthorn but that doesn’t mean we can’t beat them with 2-3 quality talls playing a system that works. I’ll give it more than 1 week before I decide which method is best. I’m confident in JVR and Turner, I thought Jefferson had an excellent debut. AJ I like but I think he’ll end up fringe to our best 22. My concern atm is Fritsch. I don’t remember his last great game. Again I’ll give him a few weeks but with Pickett, Spargo and Melksham soon to be back he will want to start contributing meaningfully. 

    I didn't mind Fritsch's game ... more so after half time.  He got involved and had a go

    With the KPF's, unless we had 3 very good ones, I'm happy to go with 2 and another runner/mid-forward type

    And I'd like to have a look at Langford for a full game and we need to find out if Laurie is going to make it. Billings deserves a chance too

    I've only got Laurie as the sub but sometimes the sub plays close to a half of footy

    I thought we were a runner short against GWS and you've previously seen my thoughts on the output of the 3 KPF's on Sunday (not going there again)

    So I'll go with 2 talls where as most will be happier with 3.  And the MC will almost certainly go with 3 talls

    But I have to have a consistent argument so 2 Keys is my preference ... and it's one player out of the 23 playing a different role ... let's not sweat it

    Running forwards or potential running forwards ... Kozzie, Chandler, Henderson,  Sharp?, Petracca, Tholstrup

    Then there's Melk & Fritsch who can get on their bikes when they hit good form

    We're not too badly off for mediums & smalls up forward.  Just need to get them all fit and firing

    Edited by Macca

    • Like 2
    2 hours ago, DistrACTION Jackson said:

    Archer will miss. Feel he’s a bit unlucky, but I guess the thing that hurt him is he was quite late to the contest so probably did have another option

    I think the Roos will definitely appeal the decision. We probably won't know if he's going to play until Thursday night.


    2 minutes ago, At the break of Gawn said:

    I think the Roos will definitely appeal the decision. We probably won't know if he's going to play until Thursday night.

    I read somewhere that said they are unlikely to challenge further

    • Shocked 1
    On 16/03/2025 at 21:57, Slartibartfast said:

    I know this will be howled down but TMac is too good to not have in the 22. If May comes back I’d be moving Petty forward. AJ was poor in the ruck against Brown and JvR is much better. Jeffo has no intensity and I’d prefer Turner and Petty to AJ and Jeffo. 
    If Spargs is ready he’s a class above Hendo. 
    Wont happen, but that’s my take. 

    Um, yuck to Petty moving back forward but I know what you mean. I'm actually surprised there wasn't any interest in him from other clubs looking for a kpd. He's still a solid defender.

    38 minutes ago, At the break of Gawn said:

    I think the Roos will definitely appeal the decision. We probably won't know if he's going to play until Thursday night.

    They presented a pretty weak case. I'm not surprised they lost even though I disagree with the outcome.

    • Like 1

    @DeeZone

    I also reckon that once Melk, Kozzie and Tholstrup become available along with Petracca having stints in the forwardline, one of the talls will be squeezed out anyway

    So I'm going early so as the team can get used to playing with just the 2 key forward targets (now) 

    Langford on the flank instead of Turner is what it boils down to.  Is that such a risk?  

    And can JVR play as a CHF type like he did against Carlton 2 or 3 years ago (a High CHF!!)

    He looked good in that role and seemed to relish the freedom of getting up around the centre-wing

    • Like 3
    5 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

    Out: AJ (Susp) In: Disco
    Out: Howes (dropped) In: Billings/Woey with Rivers going back and Langdon sliding inside
    Out Langford (dropped) In: Billings/Woey/Laurie/K Brown

    Real shame for AJ but actually could help us as Disco gives us something different to AJ/JVR who seemed to be doing the same role. Disco can also back up ruck against Darling, it doesn't have to be JVR, keep both as options. Pressure staying on the 3 key forwards is good. Can't chop and change them every week but they'll know they need to perform.

    Howes has to go. Rivers the only option I'd consider down back unfortunately which means we need to take him from the midfield. But especially in dry Marvel conditions I think it's time to use the preseason plan on Langdon on ball and pick someone else to play the wing.

    Langford didn't do anything wrong but I hate having talented young guys as subs for more than 1 week at a time. He's better served going back and getting 25+ touches on ball at Casey. Take your pick for the sub vest.

    If Windsor is no good then we're in trouble, but either Howes stays in or Hore comes in.

    Think Langford was a sub due to the conditions, wouldn’t surprise me if sharp or Henderson move to the sub this week

    • Like 2

    Hore in for Howes

    Turner in for AJ

    Spargo in for Windsor (if he's ready?)

    Langford to start, Spargo as sub

    • Like 2
    17 minutes ago, heath55 said:

    Think Langford was a sub due to the conditions, wouldn’t surprise me if sharp or Henderson move to the sub this week

    Langford could come in to the side if they keep Langdon on a wing and Rivers moves back but I suspect we'll see the 3 small forwards unchanged, unless they do a like for like swap with Spargo or K Brown for instance.

    It's just too important to not have as many hard 2 way runners as you can get in the forward line these days.

    • Like 1
    2 hours ago, KozzyCan said:

    They presented a pretty weak case. I'm not surprised they lost even though I disagree with the outcome.

    If Archer is out that might be good for Fritch, given he was owned by him last time we played North.

    • Like 2
     

    Basic question. Going to the game If I want to sit near Demon supporters what’s the best sort of ticket to buy? 

    • Like 1
    12 hours ago, DeeZone said:

    Macca Turner is ready to go.

    Yeah but on form may not be selected!

    • Like 1

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