Jump to content

Featured Replies

 
31 minutes ago, Dees1911 said:

Sorry Binman, but your coaching reference to Phil Jackson was a bit off !!

After winning 6 championships with Chicago, got sacked and went on to win another 5 with LA lakers, making him a 11 timer !!

I'm not greedy, just 1 more form Goodwin will do me !!

Indeed. The exception that proves the rule

Loved the pod gents. Still getting my hair blown back by the early season references to loading haha

 
17 minutes ago, DemonWA said:

Loved the pod gents. Still getting my hair blown back by the early season references to loading haha

I just asked chatgpt

Do AFL clubs start 'loading' early in the season?

This was the answer (note, they are my italics under point two):

In the AFL, "loading" typically refers to a period of increased training intensity aimed at building fitness and endurance, with the goal of peaking later in the season — usually around finals time. Clubs can start loading early in the season, but whether they do depends on a few key factors:

1. Team's Season Strategy

Top contenders might load early (e.g. Rounds 3–8) to allow a drop in form mid-season, followed by a freshen-up leading into finals.

Developing teams may spread their loading more evenly, or focus on skill development rather than heavy physical loading.

2. Fixture Considerations

If a team has a tough early fixture, they might delay loading to stay competitive.

Conversely, if they expect easier opponents early, they might load then and accept a short-term performance dip.

3. Injury Management

Clubs with injury-prone lists might avoid early loading to protect their players.

Others with durable squads may hit them hard early to build a base.

4. Performance Trends

Some clubs historically load in May–June (e.g., Richmond under Hardwick was often known for peaking late).

Others, like Geelong in recent years, have manipulated form across the season through careful loading and tapering phases.

So while not all clubs "load" early, many do incorporate it in the first third of the season, especially if their sports science teams think they can manage the dip in performance.

Want an example of a team this year that looks like they might be loading early?

Edited by binman

By the by, I answered yes to the question:

Want an example of a team this year that looks like they might be loading early?

This was the response:Screenshot_20250424_094556_ChatGPT.jpg

Edited by binman


Classic. Very aligned with your discussions. Arr you an Ai bot?!

5 minutes ago, DemonWA said:

Classic. Very aligned with your discussions. Arr you an Ai bot?!

BI - binman Intelligence

(And like AI sometimes 'hallucinates' eg my Phil Jackson comment)

 
8 minutes ago, DemonWA said:

Classic. Very aligned with your discussions. Arr you an Ai bot?!

I thought this note was interesting:

'Others, like Geelong in recent years, have manipulated form across the season through careful loading and tapering phases.'

I reckon that might be a factor contributing to how variable and volatile results have been this season and last season (particularly around the bye periods)

Also perhaps supports my comment about us targetting particular blocks of games to be in optimal shape - like tonight (by the by Casey looked way fitter than the tigers today)

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...

Featured Content

  • PREVIEW: St. Kilda

    The media has performed a complete reversal in its coverage of the Melbourne Football Club over the past month and a half. Having endured intense criticism from all quarters in the press, which continually identified new avenues for scrutiny of every aspect, both on and off the field, and prematurely speculated about the departures of coaches, players, officials, and various employees from a club that lost its first five matches and appeared out of finals contention, the narrative has suddenly shifted to one of unbridled optimism.  The Demons have won five of their last six matches, positioning themselves just one game (and a considerable amount of percentage) outside the top eight at the halfway mark of the season. They still trail the primary contenders and remain far from assured of a finals berth.

      • Thanks
      • Like
    • 4 replies
    Demonland
  • REPORT: Sydney

    A few weeks ago, I visited a fellow Melbourne Football Club supporter in hospital, and our conversation inevitably shifted from his health diagnosis to the well-being of our football team. Like him, Melbourne had faced challenges in recent months, but an intervention - in his case, surgery, and in the team's case, a change in game style - had brought about much improvement.  The team's professionals had altered its game style from a pedestrian and slow-moving approach, which yielded an average of merely 60 points for five winless games, to a faster and more direct style. This shift led to three consecutive wins and a strong competitive effort in the fourth game, albeit with a tired finish against Hawthorn, a strong premiership contender.  As we discussed our team's recent health improvement, I shared my observations on the changes within the team, including the refreshed style, the introduction of new young talent, such as rising stars Caleb Windsor, Harvey Langford, and Xavier Lindsay, and the rebranding of Kozzy Pickett from a small forward to a midfield machine who can still get among the goals. I also highlighted the dominance of captain Max Gawn in the ruck and the resurgence in form in a big way of midfield superstars Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver. 

      • Clap
      • Love
      • Thanks
      • Like
    • 9 replies
    Demonland
  • PODCAST: Sydney

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 26th May @ 8:00pm. Join Binman, George & I as we analyse a crushing victory by the Demons over the Swans at the G. 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.

      • Clap
      • Love
      • Thanks
      • Like
    • 49 replies
    Demonland
  • POSTGAME: Sydney

    The Demons controlled the contest from the outset, though inaccurate kicking kept the Swans in the game until half time. But after the break, Melbourne put on the jets and blew Sydney away and the demolition job was complete.

      • Clap
      • Love
      • Like
    • 428 replies
    Demonland
  • VOTES: Sydney

    Max Gawn still has an almost unassailable lead in the Demonland Player of the Year award. Jake Bowey, Christian Petracca, Harvey Langford, Kade Chandler & Ed Langdon round out the Top 5. Your votes please. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 & 1.

      • Thanks
    • 46 replies
    Demonland
  • CASEY: Northern Bullants

    The Casey Demons travelled to a windy Cramer Street, Preston yesterday and blew the Northern Bullants off the ground for three quarters before shutting up shop in the final term, coasting to a much-needed 71-point victory after leading by almost 15 goals at one stage. It was a pleasing performance that revived the Demons’ prospects for the 2025 season but, at the same time, very little can be taken from the game because of the weak opposition. These days, the Bullants are little more than road kill. The once proud club, situated behind the Preston Market in a now culturally diverse area, is currently facing significant financial and on-field challenges, having failed to secure a win to date in 2025.

      • Thanks
    • 0 replies
    Demonland