On 17/03/2026 at 19:39, bing181 said:

Lever's 7 intercepts was higher than any other Melb player, so not sure what would qualify as "high level". Not saying we don't need more, and agree on his ball use - what I don't quite get is why someone who's a leader and known for his footy smarts, doesn't know his limitations. Do not centre the ball Jake. Equally, it's a team defence, and it's for all the defenders to work together understanding who's doing what. Jake should be left one on one as little as possible - if possible.

That said, it remains to be seen how successfully he can adapt to the new playing style. It's fast and furious out there.

We need to see how Kings defensive plan plays out before we change players. The game was littered with dropped marks , both teams, even Max. It wasn ‘t just lever

We have a sneaky bad 5-14 record against Freo in WA for a club that's had a pretty mediocre history.

We went 17 seasons without a win there (2005-2021), albeit didn't play there every year.

14 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

We have a sneaky bad 5-14 record against Freo in WA for a club that's had a pretty mediocre history.

We went 17 seasons without a win there (2005-2021), albeit didn't play there every year.

We were pretty much always rubbish on the road until the Roos/Goodwin era.

Has sparrow done anything good since his gf goal?

3 hours ago, In Harmes Way said:

Such a site would only comprise @picket fence

There would be 2 of us at least & Im sure Binman would try & join.

I think we'll benefit from having the Dockers playing Darcy. He's not fit enough to play big minutes, so he takes up a bench spot and makes the other 22 players more tired. There are fewer ruck contests with the lasso rule in play. When he is on, he plays ruck and Max is smart enough and fit enough to make him almost a non-factor after the stoppage.

Whats the weather going to be like game time?

Dees by 15.

16 minutes ago, Fritta and Turner said:

Whats the weather going to be like game time?

28 and Sunny at the Start of the game. Probably 25 by the end.

Just now, Demonland said:

28 and Sunny at the Start of the game. Probably 25 by the end.

No Moose then...

Moose will get his chance but I hope and am pretty sure it will not be this week. The first 4-6 rounds are typically far more frantic in terms of speed and running required. If Max can get by with a chop out, that vastly improves the running capacity of our runners.

Personally I'd swap Lever for McDonald as I'm not sure Lever or Disco could take Traecy when Petty goes into the ruck. But I'd be surprised to see this happen.

18 minutes ago, deelusions from afar said:

Personally I'd swap Lever for McDonald as I'm not sure Lever or Disco could take Traecy when Petty goes into the ruck. But I'd be surprised to see this happen.

Well personally I'm glad you arent allowed anywhere near the selectors.

On 17/03/2026 at 19:52, Nasher said:

💯

Amazing how we know - and I say this with a heart full of love - that half the other posters on Demonland are nuffies that don’t know their butthole from their elbow, but we assume our mates who go for other clubs are wizards who are the authority on all matters about their players.

Essendon supporters hated Jake Melksham and celebrated when he was traded to Melbourne. Half of us bought in to that and decided he was a dud before he’d walked in the door. Anyone still think it?

Why did they hate Melky?

4 hours ago, dees189227 said:

Has sparrow done anything good since his gf goal?

If we do end up losing, I'd imagine Luke Jackson would have had a large say on proceedings.

He's played us 3 times for 3 Freo wins. One time (MCG) he got the 3 Br votes. Another time (Alice Springs) he kicked 3 goals /6 marks/16 touches.

The one time he didn't play us we won. What a massive coincidence....right?

I’m going no change

1 hour ago, Demongirl35 said:

I’m going no change

Sparrow very lucky. Though says something about where Laurie sits in the pecking order, unfortunately for him.

I like that an unchanged lineup recognises a solid team result last week and gives a couple of guys who had a quieter game another chance to shine.

My company has a box at Optus and I’m lucky enough to be heading over and going. Completely stoked - except for the fact I have to behave myself which I’m not very good at when it comes to dees games.

11 minutes ago, bing181 said:

Sparrow very lucky. Though says something about where Laurie sits in the pecking order, unfortunately for him.

Sparrow with his beak will always be better at pecking than Laurie with his bill.

20 minutes ago, bing181 said:

Sparrow very lucky. Though says something about where Laurie sits in the pecking order, unfortunately for him.

It’s 1 game into season

Understand making no changes, but would have liked to see Heath. And I do feel disappointed for Laurie, he had a great preseason and I would love to see him get a run of games.

34 minutes ago, Demonstone said:

Sparrow with his beak will always be better at pecking than Laurie with his bill.

One of the best ‘one-liners’ this site has seen!