Jump to content

Petracca & Oliver at the Dees in 2026?

Demonland
in Melbourne Demons

Featured Replies

1 minute ago, Lucifers Hero said:

Thank you.

That gave me goose bumps! And a slight 🥹.

My belief in him has never wavered.

You’ve been in his corner all along, and I reckon it won’t be in vain. You might remember I was never a fan, but after his first session back at training last year he spoke to me and another DA-er (who was also not a fan) for about 20 mins and it had a profound effect on us. He was totally candid, he spoke for the entire time and we just listened. When he talked about how much he loves the boys he teared up and If his speech in the rooms was anything like that, he clearly means it, and his belief in, and commitment to the club isn’t temporary as I once thought it might be.

  • Quote
    • Like 9
    • Thanks 3
    • Love 8
     
    On 16/04/2025 at 18:22, Disco InTurno said:

    Someone else mentioned this on another thread but it feels like Trac is going to be the captain next year and he knows it.

    This is feeling more and more likely.

    Love Rick Lever obviously but he’s out injured a lot.

    Could see Max and Viney stepping back to focus on their game next year with Trac as captain and Lever as vice.

    Could also see a scenario where vice is one of the younger guys like Kolt or Rivers.

    Edited by Disco InTurno

  • Quote
    • Like 4

    That's way too young on Kolt. At least let him consolidate and gain experience at AFL level before we start burdening him with leadership roles.

    We're not going down the Trengove/Grimes track again.

  • Quote
    • Like 19
     
    13 minutes ago, Disco InTurno said:

    This is feeling more and more likely.

    Love Rick Lever obviously but he’s out injured a lot.

    Could see Max and Viney stepping back to focus on their game next year with Trac as captain and Lever as vice.

    Could also see a scenario where vice is one of the younger guys like Kolt or Rivers.

    Rick and Trac with Rivers I can understand but a bit early for a Kolt captaincy call

  • Quote
    • Like 3

    2 minutes ago, Disco InTurno said:

    Yeah you’re probably right—just was trying to think of who comes to mind as a leader from the younger group.

    Chandler, McVee seem like on field leaders

  • Quote
    • Like 2
    55 minutes ago, Ghostwriter said:

    For once Tommy’s not trolling. I just spoke with a guy who was in the rooms and he told me that Tracc’s (impromptu) speech was heartfelt and incredibly moving. Tracc said he’s 100% committed to the club. He said he loves the MFC and he doesn’t wanna be anywhere else. He told the boys he f@%#*#g loves them and his speech was very well received. There were even tears shed.

    This is so good to hear. 🙏🏼👌For the club, for Trac and for the further healing of many things in 2024.

  • Quote
    • Like 7
    • Love 2
     
    2 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

    You’ve been in his corner all along, and I reckon it won’t be in vain. You might remember I was never a fan, but after his first session back at training last year he spoke to me and another DA-er (who was also not a fan) for about 20 mins and it had a profound effect on us. He was totally candid, he spoke for the entire time and we just listened. When he talked about how much he loves the boys he teared up and If his speech in the rooms was anything like that, he clearly means it, and his belief in, and commitment to the club isn’t temporary as I once thought it might be.

    Yes, I remember some strong comments from you.

    Being close to the club you would know better than most what went down. I find it heartening that you are now a fan. Good on you!❤️💙

  • Quote
    • Like 4
    • Love 3
    6 hours ago, Roger Mellie said:

    Not 100% sure but I think Chandler is in the leadership group.

    i believe the leadership group was never announced for this year correct me if im wrong tho

  • Quote
    • Like 3

    4 hours ago, jaydenh10 said:

    i believe the leadership group was never announced for this year correct me if im wrong tho

    It was, but the last few years only Max and Jack have been announced. There is an unannounced leadership group that I think includes Lever, Sparrow and maybe a few others (previously ANB)

    https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1720630/gawn-and-viney-lead-again

    Edited by Mickey
    Link included

  • Quote
    • Like 2
    • Thanks 1
    19 hours ago, GS_1905 said:

    I’ll just leave this here for future reference.

    Tommy, if your trolling… eat 💩

    Love hearing this although just want to check, is this one of the instances we believe Morris or one of the times he's talking out his [censored]? 😉

  • Quote

    I have been wondering for a while who would be the next Captain of the club after Max, what a hard act to follow, jezz. My concern was Tracc was not fully committed to the club so that ruled him out, Lever is struggling to get on the park so I would be concerned if he was to be made Captain. Not that he wouldn’t give 110% to the task or be deserving of the role.

    Then who? most are still a bit young. Trent Rivers comes to mind then maybe Langdon but does Laggers have the personality to do it as he seems an introvert. My boy Bowser in the future maybe a least in the leadership group.

    If Tracc is now committed to the club for the rest of his career then why not? I was very upset about what happened with him and the club in many ways. The fact that he was aloof to the cheer squad had me super annoyed. (Thanks for the update on his interaction with fans now GW)

    Anyway, I think the responsibility would give him total focus on bettering himself and the club. He would have a much bigger say in many ways. So let’s go for it if he is. Another string to his many awards. It s should always be remembered that many true greats of the VFL/ALF never became a Premiership player let alone a Norm Smith medalist.

    The club as a whole needs to get is S..t together big time. I am sick and tired of hearing the constant infighting that has gone on and off for DECADES!

    PS: It will be a sad day when Max finishes as Captain 😞 he is now my favourite player of all time. I was 8 when Barassi last played for us. Robbie a very close second and will always be much loved and never forgotten.

    Anyway, end of rant. Back to reading DL and rarely posting. Cheers from Kruger Park South Africa.

  • Quote
    • Like 11
    • Thanks 1
    • Love 1
    33 minutes ago, Deevout said:

    I have been wondering for a while who would be the next Captain of the club after Max, what a hard act to follow, jezz. My concern was Tracc was not fully committed to the club so that ruled him out, Lever is struggling to get on the park so I would be concerned if he was to be made Captain. Not that he wouldn’t give 110% to the task or be deserving of the role.

    Then who? most are still a bit young. Trent Rivers comes to mind then maybe Langdon but does Laggers have the personality to do it as he seems an introvert. My boy Bowser in the future maybe a least in the leadership group.

    If Tracc is now committed to the club for the rest of his career then why not? I was very upset about what happened with him and the club in many ways. The fact that he was aloof to the cheer squad had me super annoyed. (Thanks for the update on his interaction with fans now GW)

    Anyway, I think the responsibility would give him total focus on bettering himself and the club. He would have a much bigger say in many ways. So let’s go for it if he is. Another string to his many awards. It s should always be remembered that many true greats of the VFL/ALF never became a Premiership player let alone a Norm Smith medalist.

    The club as a whole needs to get is S..t together big time. I am sick and tired of hearing the constant infighting that has gone on and off for DECADES!

    PS: It will be a sad day when Max finishes as Captain 😞 he is now my favourite player of all time. I was 8 when Barassi last played for us. Robbie a very close second and will always be much loved and never forgotten.

    Anyway, end of rant. Back to reading DL and rarely posting. Cheers from Kruger Park South Africa.

    Trac as captain may rub a lot of the playing group the wrong way. Hopefully the player vote is somewhat unanimous if that is to be the case.

  • Quote
    • Like 1
    • Sad 1

    9 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

    For once Tommy’s not trolling. I just spoke with a guy who was in the rooms and he told me that Tracc’s (impromptu) speech was heartfelt and incredibly moving. Tracc said he’s 100% committed to the club. He said he loves the MFC and he doesn’t wanna be anywhere else. He told the boys he f@%#*#g loves them and his speech was very well received. There were even tears shed.

    9 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

    Thank you.

    That gave me goose bumps! And a slight 🥹.

    My belief in him has never wavered.

    Wow .Fantastic news O Ghost Who Walks.

    Trac played a great game.

  • Quote
    • Like 3
    • Thanks 2
    1 hour ago, Mickey said:

    It was, but the last few years only Max and Jack have been announced. There is an unannounced leadership group that I think includes Lever, Sparrow and maybe a few others (previously ANB)

    https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1720630/gawn-and-viney-lead-again

    I agree. My guess is Petracca, Lever, Sparrow, Spargo, Chandler and maybe JVR.

    Are you able to elaborate @Dannyz ?

  • Quote
    • Like 1

    A lot of intent from Trac in Saturday's game. He tore through a few packs like the old Trac, but there was more. There was a message with some of his work. Almost verging on it's there, I want it, and I'm going to get it with hurt.

  • Quote
    • Like 3

    I'll say this about Tracc's apparent speech on Saturday. If he's saying out loud that he's fully invested that can do wonders for a team that's just endured a 0-5 start. If the playing and coaching unit can ride this out and start beating some good sides there's nothing stopping us causing some carnage over the rest of the season. Firstly a well drilled and super keen Richmond await. Underestimate at our peril. I hate to say it but it would be very Melbourne to drop this game.

  • Quote
    • Like 6
    • Haha 1

    1 hour ago, Roost it far said:

    I'll say this about Tracc's apparent speech on Saturday. If he's saying out loud that he's fully invested that can do wonders for a team that's just endured a 0-5 start. If the playing and coaching unit can ride this out and start beating some good sides there's nothing stopping us causing some carnage over the rest of the season. Firstly a well drilled and super keen Richmond await. Underestimate at our peril. I hate to say it but it would be very Melbourne to drop this game.

    Absolutely Roost It.

    Getting an all-in unconditional commitment from a player that has had his issues with the club when we've just gone through probably our worst patch in 5 years is a big deal and it can have a flow on effect to others.

    The buy-in looked like it was there on Sat, let's see if we can string a few together now.

  • Quote
    • Like 6
    • Love 1

    Petracca could do worse than emulate Dangers style He who covered ground like a young man and always won ball assisted goals and tackled like a mad man and did it for 4 quarters

    cannot believe the guy is 35

  • Quote
    • Like 3
    13 hours ago, Dingo said:

    Wow .Fantastic news O Ghost Who Walks.

    Trac played a great game.

    I’m Ghosty.

    @ghost who walks is my groupie 🤣

  • Quote
    • Like 1
    • Haha 4
     
    42 minutes ago, The Taciturn Demon said:

    Hird at the end downplaying off-the-field actions. Genuinely funny.

    Like I didn’t hate Hird enough already. It takes a special level of a-hole to downplay what Tracc did in the rooms.

  • Quote
    • Like 2
    • Love 1
    12 minutes ago, Ghostwriter said:

    Like I didn’t hate Hird enough already. It takes a special level of a-hole to downplay what Tracc did in the rooms.

    Oops. This example of "of-the-field" action just fell out of my images folder and landed in this forum. Oh no. I can't seem to delete it.

    image.png

  • Quote
    • Haha 4

    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...
    Go to topic listing

    Featured Content

    • CASEY: Sydney

      The Casey Demons were always expected to emerge victorious in their matchup against the lowly-ranked Sydney Swans at picturesque Tramway Oval, situated in the shadows of the SCG in Moore Park. They dominated the proceedings in the opening two and a half quarters of the game but had little to show for it. This was primarily due to their own sloppy errors in a low-standard game that produced a number of crowded mauls reminiscent of the rugby game popular in old Sydney Town. However, when the Swans tired, as teams often do when they turn games into ugly defensive contests, Casey lifted the standard of its own play and … it was off to the races. Not to nearby Randwick but to a different race with an objective of piling on goal after goal on the way to a mammoth victory. At the 25-minute mark of the third quarter, the Demons held a slender 14-point lead over the Swans, who are ahead on the ladder of only the previous week's opposition, the ailing Bullants. Forty minutes later, they had more than fully compensated for the sloppiness of their earlier play with a decisive 94-point victory, that culminated in a rousing finish which yielded thirteen unanswered goals. Kicks hit their targets, the ball found itself going through the middle and every player made a contribution.

        • Thanks
        • Like
      • 1 reply
      Demonland

    • REPORT: St. Kilda

      Hands up if you thought, like me, at half-time in yesterday’s game at TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs that Melbourne’s disposal around the ground and, in particular, its kicking inaccuracy in front of the goals couldn’t get any worse. Well, it did. And what’s even more damning for the Melbourne Football Club is that the game against St Kilda and its resurgence from the bottomless pit of its miserable start to the season wasn’t just lost through poor conversion for goal but rather in the 15 minutes when the entire team went into a slumber and was mugged by the out-of-form Saints. Their six goals two behinds (one goal less than the Demons managed for the whole game) weaved a path of destruction from which they were unable to recover. Ross Lyon’s astute use of pressure to contain the situation once they had asserted their grip on the game, and Melbourne’s self-destructive wastefulness, assured that outcome. The old adage about the insanity of repeatedly doing something and expecting a different result, was out there. Two years ago, the score line in Melbourne’s loss to the Giants at this same ground was 5 goals 15 behinds - a ratio of one goal per four scoring shots - was perfectly replicated with yesterday’s 7 goals 21 behinds. 
      This has been going on for a while and opens up a number of questions. I’ll put forward a few that come to mind from this performance. The obvious first question is whether the club can find a suitable coach to instruct players on proper kicking techniques or is this a skill that can no longer be developed at this stage of the development of our playing group? Another concern is the team's ability to counter an opponent's dominance during a run on as exemplified by the Saints in the first quarter. Did the Demons underestimate their opponents, considering St Kilda's goals during this period were scored by relatively unknown forwards? Furthermore, given the modest attendance of 6,721 at TIO Traeger Park and the team's poor past performances at this venue, is it prudent to prioritize financial gain over potentially sacrificing valuable premiership points by relinquishing home ground advantage, notwithstanding the cultural significance of the team's connection to the Red Centre? 

        • Thanks
      • 4 replies
      Demonland

    • PREGAME: Collingwood

      After a disappointing loss in Alice Springs the Demons return to the MCG to take on the Magpies in the annual King's Birthday Big Freeze for MND game. Who comes in and who goes out?

        • Thanks
      • 207 replies
      Demonland

    • PODCAST: St. Kilda

      The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 2nd June @ 8:00pm. Join Binman, George & I as we have a chat with former Demon ruckman Jeff White about his YouTube channel First Use where he dissects ruck setups and contests. We'll then discuss the Dees disappointing loss to the Saints in Alice Springs.
      Your 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.
      Listen LIVE: https://demonland.com/

        • Thanks
      • 47 replies
      Demonland

    • POSTGAME: St. Kilda

      After kicking the first goal of the match the Demons were always playing catch up against the Saints in Alice Spring and could never make the most of their inside 50 entries to wrestle back the lead.

        • Thanks
        • Like
      • 330 replies
      Demonland

    • VOTES: St. Kilda

      Max Gawn still has a massive lead in the Demonland Player of the Year award as Christian Petracca, Jake Bowey, Clayton Oliver & Kozzy Pickett round out the Top 5. Your votes please. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 & 1

        • Thanks
        • Like
      • 32 replies
      Demonland
    View All