Leaderboard

The rules haven't changed and the current "interpretation" by Gieshen and his cronies is incorrect. The ball MUST be disposed of by hand or foot if the player has prior opportunity. No if's nor buts. The rule does not say it is OK if the ball is jolted free. It has led to throwing the ball, and other incorrect disposal. Valid free kicks are not paid and the rugby scrum continues. No problems with the dragging the ball in interpretation, because the player is considered to have prior opportunity. However, laying on someones back is "in the back" and 3rd man in should be holding the man ( you can only tackle the man with the ball, not someone else) If the umpires applied the rules instead of making them up, then the game would flow. In the game that was replayed before the QB match the real highlight was the positioning of the umpires. They were in at the contest, not sheep-dogging around the periphery like they do today. They could see what was happening and not making guesses. And when a ball up was required, it was up and over quickly. Not wait, wait, wait, whistle, come in, prop, look behind,bounce.

I can see where you are coming from as the head clash was accidental. The problem is that the AFL rules say, that a player who has a choice to do something other than what he did, which ends up in a head injury even though that part is accidental, is guilty of an offence. Brown didn't have to run at a bloke looking the other way and block him, he could have pushed him for example in the side. He chose to do a body block and then the accidental head clash makes him guilty of an offence. It is the AFL rule not mine. That is just the way it is, except of course when the player hit is Sylvia. Question: if that had happened to Dale Thomas would it be the same result. It is really up to the AFL to work out their own rules. My problem is the inconsistent way they apply them.

Morton is yet to make his mark The annoying thing from my point of view is that these articles take such a superficial approach to what happens in a game. I don't recall many, if any, Melbourne supporter jeering Alan Didak "when he hobbled off injured in the opening minutes". Were these same people (whoever they were) the same ones who "cheered as one of their own left the field"? Sounds contrived to me. It might be a compliment to Demonland that a journalist finds it necessary to consult us and ascertain what we're saying but its really unfair on Cale Morton and doesn't really add much to the story of a young player trying to make his way in a team that has substantially underperformed throughout the early years of his career. Much like when Jack Watts was under the microscope earlier in the year. Morton's was a monumental blunder and it hurt the team at a crucial time but, all things considered, I reckon his overall performance was reasonable and a little better than the effort of this journo with this particular article.

What I find laughable is the fake efforts to 'make an attempt' to get rid of the ball. The umps insist you pretend to punch - I've seen players in possession punching the ball into their chests to make the umps happy. Yet a guy with ten people sitting on top of him who couldn't move his arms to save his life is penalized for not making an attempt.

But they wouldn't have been our flags. That's the whole point. Fitzroy didn't win 3 in a row.

An 11 game rookie listed player is our biggest worry. Oooooo-kay then.

Hi guys I thought you might appreciate this article I wrote on The Daily Maggot. Not sure if it's just a coincidence, but I feel Sylvia has been getting the rough end of the stick for sometime now. AFL confirms immunity for indiscretions against Colin Sylvia - http://thedailymaggot.com/?p=2177 It was a pleasure to actually write something that wasn't directly negative about our club. As you guys know, I don't usually post articles here. I apologise if this is inappropriate, but as many of the Demonland community have inspired these article ideas, I thought I would share a couple. Also, below is one from yesterday having a go at out-of-form, media-shy Harry O'Brien after the Queen's Birthday Match. Team success more important than individual glory: Jokes Harry O'Brien - http://thedailymaggot.com/?p=2172 Cheers The Maggot

When this (the merger) was first mooted, it sounded logical and a good deal for Melbourne. Hawthorn was probably the wrong choice in the end for Melbourne. Perhaps, Fitzroy would have made a better choice and perhaps we might have been up there on the premiership dais from 2000 all the way to 2004 or even 2005 - but of course they knifed Fitzroy before the merger deal was announced. Anyway, the more information that came out, the more distasteful the merger proposal sounded and felt. I didn't go to vote that night but I was against. Gutnik came in and I really do believe that he had been a supporter. He changed the club and gave it his money. Some of his innovations were ahead of their time. In other respects, I suppose he didn't understand what the game was about. His removal from the presidency was as disgraceful as some aspects of the proposed merger. What strikes me as tragic about our club is that since the sacking of Norm Smith we have had no shortage of infighting and faceless men who were always ready to step in and destabilise the club at times when we least need it. Some still lurk out there today. If that's one thing the current regime can rid the club of then we might finally be able to look forward to better times.

No doubt, but when you leave an unattributed quote in an article you are going to get criticised by rpfc. Especially when that source is an anonymous poster on a public forum. Look, yes I am overreacting, but are we not all appalled at the state of journalism today? Newspapers complain they are not being read, I complain they are not worth reading.

I think a journo using a club discussion board to get the pulse of what the collective of Melb obsessed fans think is wise and more likely to reflect some truth (if such a thing exists) than alot of the traditional alternative sources, even former players, etc ... There is alot of research that collaborative groups generate superior results to individuals in most circumstances.

I was there as a young bloke with my Dad and his mate.I may have been about 20. I distinctly remember Sean Wight standing leaning against a pillar or post at the back of the room with a decidedly staunch angry type of look. His arms were folded in either disgust at what was happening or just dilligently listening to the speeches handed out from Pro or anti merger persons. Everyone broke into raptures when Brian Dixon stood on stage..it was electric in there..Passion was high on every MFC fan & members agenda for the night! It was just like the MFC member stand in the old red n blue seats. Loud! I think every one knew why Ian Ridley tried to merge. He wanted success for us & saw a damning future ahead. But we were not going to be us if we merged! There is no way in HELL itself we voted for the merger...absolute garbage. I went home knowing we wouldnt merge & we didnt. End of story...the press can say we voted to merge I say BS!

Yes, the pretense has finally been dropped... A few on here were shocked, and some rolled their eyes, when I posted last year that Land offers more insight into the Demons and the game than the Hun or the Age. Is this not proof? We are the news. We are gods. Well, no, that's going too far...but you know what I am saying.

Has he had enough time? Enough opportunity? Injury riddles preseasons, one after the other. Poorly resourced fitness department that was never able to develop him physically. Poorly resourced and managed coaching department that failed to develop his game, even failing to review his AFL matches with him at times, or to give him some continuity between the role he played at VFL level to AFL level, or week to week. Cale has gone backwards since stepping foot in the club - could that be the club's fault? There have been some serious mistakes made over the short career of Cale Morton. I believe some blame lies with him, some with the club, and the majority of it can be adjusted and compensated for over time to make him a valuable contributor. Is the juice worth the squeeze? I'm guessing, but I think it will. He's still only 22, but getting closer each day to the cutting your losses line. If he were 26, it'd be a different matter. But those that can't see the talent buried within Cale have their eyes closed.

You want to see tough when a player rides a hard bump and wrestles his way through a gauntlet of opponents to dish off to a team-mate. You want to see brave when a player runs back with the flight of the ball to compete in a marking contest. You want to see arrogance and unsociable football (hooliganism) when a player drives his knee into a felled opponent as the sweetener, or rips a jumper to shreds, or stands over an opponent as he tries to get up again. One. Get your definitions right and respect which is which. Two. No great Premiership teams of the past have existed without being seen as a pack of Cs. Leigh Matthews coached the best of them FCS. If you want to stand by the adage of "a nice, fair game", then good luck when the dirty pricks in the top four mop the floor with ya.

i would prefer as a pre game entertainment stream, some real & proper jousting (Game of Thrones style)...By this i mean real swords & real action Let's see some real blood on the MCG Turf before the Demons run out onto the ground to finish the job properly. That would get the crowd fired...sod the boring music that is too loud.

Why do people care how it is viewed by opposition supporters? Of course if the shoe was on the other foot I would be filthy because I support Melbourne not Collingwood. That doesn't mean I don't want our players to exhibit that behavior though, of course I want our players to hurt the opposition and don't want our players hurt. This is sport, there is nothing logical about it, it is emotional. Support your players and team and never apologise for them to the opposition FFS. Do you think the Pies fans were all up in arms at Brown breaking Sylvia's nose or Wellingham jabbing Magner in the guts? How about Essendon fans after Fletcher sending Tapscott into the fence last week? Do you think they care that Wallis sent an 18yo Green to hospital in the 2000 GF? Stop being so goddamn soft and support your club FFS or go and watch tennis or polo.

Sylvia should start a personal injury claim agaist the AFL for failing to protect his person and his livelihood. He would win.

Thinking of the merger makes me feel physically ill. I have respect for Ian Ridley - he truly loved the club & saw no alternative. I also sympathize with members who voted 'yes' out of being conned by a campaign of dirty tricks but those who stood & fought are the true heroes of this club. The 'yes' vote is a nasty stain on our history.

I believe it was assessed as high impact (3 points), intentional (3 points), high force (3 points), off the ball (1 bonus activation point) and against Colin Sylvia (-10 points).

Well each to their own my friend. A Melbourne Dawks flag would not excite me very much at all. Like a Beatles reunion without John Lennon or George Harrison. I could never support anything brown & gold. I was there in '87.

I will admit I did enjoy tappy swinging blair round like a Rag doll when he tried to get tough.... Enjoyed it immensely

His trade value is zero. The best draft of all time supposedly - as if anyone will give up something for Morton. As for your 5 minutes of poor play I suggest you watch the last quarter again where he butchered the ball 3 times (once for a direct goal). Malthouse, Watson, Brereton, Lyon, Commetti and Mcivaney all potted him for his insipid play all day, lack of commitment to the contest, urgency and poor skills. Yet some here are pleading for more time. After 4 years and 70 games I think we have seen what he can and can't do. The jury is in. He has been told again and again what to do and he simply can't do it, I don't care what number he was drafted at he is simply not up to it,. The sooner some here get used to it the better,

Agree wholeheartedly mus0003. He's made more than a few journos and ex players eat their words. They were all so content to bemoan the Demons for paying superstar $ for a good ordinary player. NONSENSE. This bloke is the real deal. Built like Tarzan and plays like freakin' Tarzan. Although 10 games is a short period of time to judge it would appear this guy has taken his game to another level at the Dees despite the jibes of the media, being at a new club, making sizeable money and having a comfy long term deal. Must be applauded. The Dockers will be spewing they missed out!

Miserable and whingeing... Posters on here cannot decide on my personality, can they? I run the gamut on descriptions of me on this place... I am miserable with the state of journalism. I am whingeing that it is getting worse. Footy journalism has reached a new low of recent times where the majority of news stories derive out of what another journalist has said. The Echo Chamber... And now we have a article on the views of Melbourne Supporters with regard to Cale Morton. Mention the divided opinion on supporter sites, mention the fact that we jeered the kid as he came off, but go and talk to someone in the crowd if you want an opinion. Call up Dave Schwarz. PM Whispering Jack and ask him for his full name and his opinion. This is not about rpfc being a whingeing MFC supporter - I think I have shown that I am anything but - it is about journalism and how this is an example, a small one albeit, of how it has sunk.

KPI Contested Possession Differential 2010 > -1.2 2011 > -5.5 2012 > -16 BL: 2; WCE: -31; Rich: -14; WB: -4; StK: 5; Geel: 1; Haw: -52; Syd: -23; Carl: -38; Ess: -3; Coll: -19 Uncontested Possession (W/L) BL: -89; WCE: -103; Rich: -145; WB: -88; StK: 8; Geel: -124; Haw: -113; Syd: -19; Carl: -32; Ess: 31; Coll: -57; Inside 50 Differential 2010 > -7.2 2011 > -6.2 2012 > -20.5 BL: -8; WCE: -45; Rich: -35; WB: -4; StK: -22; Geel: -16; Haw: -28; Syd: -36; Carl: -8; Ess: -13; Coll: -10 Clearance Differential 2010 > -2 2011 > -2.8 2012 > -5.9 BL: -12; WCE: -5; Rich: -18; WB: 7; StK: 8; Geel: -7; Haw: -18; Syd: 1; Carl: -28; Ess: 15; Coll: -8 Disposal Efficiency (%) & Differential (%) 2011 > ??? 2012 > 67.5 (-5.2) BL: 65 (-8); WCE: 71 (-6); Rich: 66 (-11); WB: 61 (-13); StK: 61 (-8); Geel: 73 (-8); Haw: 68 (-3); Syd: 69 (-6); Carl: 65 (-7); Ess: 70 (10); Coll: 73 (3) Marks Inside 50 Average & Differential 2011 > ??? 2012 > 8.1 (-4.6) BL: 5 (-10); WCE: 3 (-9); Rich: 14 (-2); WB: 10 (6); StK: 3 (-8); Geel: 10 (-8); Haw: 10 (-8); Syd: 6 (-11); Carl: 5 (-5); Ess: 9 (3); Coll: 14 (1) Scores Against average 2010 > 89.6 2011 > 105 2012 > 113.8 BL: 119; WCE: 166; Rich: 133; WB: 88; StK: 84; Geel: 119; Haw: 115; Syd: 138; Carl: 107; Ess: 52; Coll: 129 Percentage 2010 > 94.5 2011 > 85.3 2012 > 55.9 Analysis Disposal efficiency and marks inside 50 were good while we were soundly beaten on all other areas. One thing that I researched today was that in the games leading up the Sydney game we averaged 157 Uncontested Possessions a game, since then we have averaged 207 (with 179 on Monday). This stat coincides with Jack Watts moving into the backline where he has averaged 15 Uncontested Possies a game. The increase in uncontested possies is a pleasing by-product of players becoming more comfortable with the defensive side of the Neeld game plan and are more aware to run and spread and look for 'cheap' footy. It obviously came down a touch on Monday. As Trengove was reported in the Hun on Monday: In close, Trengove is working as hard as anyone, but his game has lacked outside run, spread and penetration. "With Neeldy (coach Mark Neeld) coming on board and bringing that really defensive side into the club, which we probably didn't have previously, I got on board and said, 'I really want to nail that'," Trengove said. "Probably in the process I may have focused on it too much and lost the other side of the game a little bit. It's a matter of finding that balance. I think I'm starting to get the defensive stuff pretty down pat ... it's just about getting the other side of the game back into my weekends." Clift Notes Section Contested Possies: Lost by 19 Un-Contested Possies: Lost by 57 Inside 50: Lost by 10 Clearances: Lost by 8 Disposal Efficiency: Won (2nd time). Marks Inside 50 Diff: Won (3rd time).

So if I'm a journalist writing a piece on a player who is regarded in a very divided way by supporters, is it not legitimate to go to a 'quality' supporter site like Demonland to see what those divided opinions are? If not, where else should I go? He didn't quote any 'anonymous blowhards' as far as I can see. Here's the total text from the article that relates to Demonland: "Mark Neeld's spray on Morton'' became the hot-button topic on the Demonland online forum yesterday, after the coach delivered an immediate verbal assessment of the mistake as Morton passed him moments later, having come straight to the bench ... Yesterday, fans in roughly equal measure either backed the 22-year-old to come good, or made it clear that their patience had run out. I don't see how that's a great journalistic travesty.

What about the Wojinski precedent with the bye? Surely it's a bit tough on Tappy to have to miss 2 weeks because of the bye. The bye week should be counted as his suspension,for his minor infraction.The 2 VFL byes were included in Wojinsky's suspension despite his misdemeanor (and its outcome) being far worse.

Nathan Brown should have been stiff. And by that I mean he should have been given a week for accidental contact. You instigate, you don't mean harm, you harm, you are unlucky, you sit out. Nathan Brown's clumsiness should have been punished.

Out: Green Tapscott* Sylvia* *if suspended In: Martin Bartram Cook FWIW i thought we were pretty good after 1/4 time on the weekend. There were some positives to take away from the game. PS To the idiot who was in the MCC level 1 bay M43 who was giving it to watts, you are a melbourne supporter and you were disgusting. Thank god you had the sense to get up and leave at half time because you were about to cop a severe roundhouse from yours truly and the rest of the people in earshot. It looks like you have never played the game you stereotypical armchair footballer

For those wondering why it is stupid for Land to be used for news - is this thread not evidence? Magner is a rookie listed player who would have to be in the top 6 in the Bluey, and he is a big liability? Based on what? Average possies? Superdouche points? Moloney, Sylvia, Jamar, Green, and Davey would be on about $2m collectively this year. Magner would have to come on to field naked, punch Jeremy Howe in the face repeatedly, and then sit cross legged on top of the interchange bench spouting obscenities for the entire game to be as big a liability.

It's amusing that you think it clever to insult me based on an incorrect assumption you've made. I never said Cale wasn't at fault, in fact if you read the post, I said the opposite. But your perception of Cale is skewed by an inability to ignore your prejudices and judge each instance on it's merits. The sum of the evidence leads to one conclusion, the sum of passionate opinions formed inthe red mist lead to another. I can see just fine, but I take a more considered position. I didn't gloat when Cale was in some good form, and I'm not going to condemn him for all eternity when he does poorly. He simply has a lot more work to do to truly make it. Whether he does that or not is yet to be seen.

We are DEMONS !!

We are to tall down back and lacking small mid size defenders. The team needs Bartram or Strauss fit. Looks like Clint may play for Casey Reserves and James had his first game back last week he will be 3-4 weeks away. I would like to think if Clint gets through he comes in. My team Bartram Frawley Sellar Nicholson Rivers McDonald Blease Sylvia Trengove Howe Watts Dunn Martin Clark Garland Jamar Jones Grimes Moloney Mckenzie Magner Morton In Bartram Martin Out Tapscott Green Time for Watts to play forward, but become that 7th midfielder, start at CHF then push up to the ball and mainly play between the 50m Arcs, he has been good down back but we need him getting the footy on the middle of the ground and setting the play from there. He has played well against some good teams now we have a weaker draw read through his draft notes, number one pick goal kicking tall forward, elite kick at goal good speed and overhead mark.

Biff, if you disagree with me then I feel pretty comfortable with my version of events.

I was only 14 at the time but can remember reading the papers about it as well watching the voting meetings on Talking Footy or whatever it was. There may have been vitriol shown but they were trying to destroy our club so of course people were emotional. Would love to see footage from that night if available (from both Camberwell Civic Centre & Dallas Brooks Hall) as well as news clips from the time - would make an interesting doco (in the style of 30 for 30) particularly considering the Merger Match in R22.

My problem with russian is his non presence around the ground. With the ball on the back 50 Russian would not lead or present himself for a contest at all. He gets zero marks because there were zero leads. He is either unfit,injured or lazy and if he does get the pill his head nearly does a 360 like on the exorcist cause he is looking for a easy handball. Can he Kick a ball at all? That's a serious question. We need to either drop/rest russian or find a way to have Russian,Martin and Mr Awesome we love you thank god you came to our club I don't know if we would ever kick goals without you Mitch clarke in the one side. The only thing my feeble brain could think of is having Martin and Clarke forward with Martin playing more of a lead up forward and Mitch as a Full forward and Russian and MArtin alternate in the ruck/forward.

It's ok, Mortons going to the gym in his week off

long time reader, first time poster, this guy has made me start posting! He just keeps launching at the football with incredable intensity and courage, never beaten in one on one's, and his kicking for goal has been sensational! Worth every cent we payed for him and more!

Easy,

Absolutely. I had a chat to him at the end of last season and his confidence was shot. He was saying that his poor form was due to not having any consistency in his role, having played everywhere during the year, including Casey where he was given different roles but never told to replicate them at AFL level. We've seen what that sort of thing can do. Watts is a perfect example of that. I get as annoyed as anyone when Morton has brain farts, and I made it abundently clear earlier in the year. Nobody expects us to just slap him on the arse and say "no worries" when he stuffs up, but it goes both ways. We need to applaude his good work and I for one thought he was excellent in the first half. What dumb footy commentators pick on are turnovers. What I saw was a guy who was busting his gut to run into position, when most others were stagnant. Neeld doesn't seem to have a lot of time for players who don't do the right thing, yet he kept Morton on the ground all game. That says to me that he saw beyond the turnovers, and so should we.

I've been waiting for Sylvia to come home with a wet sail since 2004. The only thing I've gotten so far is a few drops of wee on my head.

It says the MRP have no balance, perspective or meaningful insight into how to act as a credible authority that can assert a lasting impression on how players conduct themselves within the spirit and 'rules'. After the fasolo hit, loved the way tappy flipped the remonstrating pie like a feather. If hadn't have held on to dear life to tappy's jumper said pie would have made an hillarious backflip. MRP = Complete farce. I just hope they don't get paid for that crap.

Damn, who will destroy Scumbag Scully now??

Even better than Neeld's spray was Tim Watson's huge, angry moan on the ch7 commentary. It was like he was THAT frustrated by the turnover that he just couldn't hold it in... it might sound weird but i enjoyed that.

As I said in the Jamar thread - ordinary present form shouldn't shape his contract in the long term, otherwise we'd have signed Magner on a 5 year contract on 700k a year after round two as his form was excellent. Short term form is just short term form. If the club perceives that he still has long term value, which it obviously does, then the three years is reasonable. There's absolutely no point worrying about things like contract length or terms because the club is in an infinitely better position to judge these things than we are.

Loved it also...Finally some outward agression. I reckon Tappy is just starting settle into life as an AFL footballer and more of this will come. I know he played a number of games last year but from what I am observing he's just now getting the glint in his eye. A week off (if it eventuates) is well worth it if a few blokes start taking a second look when under a high ball against the Demons. For too long opposition players could run back with the flight without fear of repercussion against us. Not for much longer I suspect.

I watched on in horror, in 1988, and 2000, as we were dismembered by brutal, and unforgiving opponents, and since then, have been praying for us to have the same ruthless attitude to winning. Who wouldnt have liked to have Tapscott, Magner, and Clark available back then? Add Viney, and we may just be able to have the "fear factor" that we have lacked for decades. Good stuff Tappy, keep it up. Just make sure you stay on the park. But if ever we make a Grand Final, I want you to break as many ribs as you can son, and dont feel bad doing it. faulty

Mitch Clark - fair dinkum, i have a crush on this bloke.

We would have lost that game last year by minimum 80 points. Alot of players learnt in the first quarter what big game football is and now realise how much further they need to come. Give us two quality mids and we win that game.

This game must surely put to rest the argument about the game plan changing! It has absolutely, categorically, evolved and/or changed for the better - but now it is time to put a massive amount of time and work into developing the skill levels required to turn this game style into success!