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Kreuzer at his best (even after injury) should never be taken lightly, he can be very damaging.

So now you know what is MFCSS ... but how does it work? Example. We could be leading at half time by 15 goals to 1. After half time ... if Carlton get the first inside 50 ... cue the comments: Here we go! Carlton by 187! Jesse Hogan is not up to AFL standard! I knew this would happen! Why does this always happen to us? I have always known Mitch Hannan was hopeless. I have been saying this since 1975. We should never again pick Nathan Jones. Never!!!!! Goodwin has no plan B. Sack him before the 3/4 time break! I blame Cameron Schwab, Gabriel Szondy, Joe Gutnick, Paul McNamee, Adrian Anderson and Dennis Jones! That's MFCSS. (Trace elements were detectable in the first quarter against St K)

All this Oscar bagging is odd to me. Considering how few games he's played, and how tall players always take longer to develop, I think Oscar's trajectory and early career form is actually really exciting. Particularly considering the clear simpatico he has with his brother. In a few years, we'll be talking about them as MFC legends in the vein of the Febey brothers.

Kreuzer's been one of the main reasons Carlton have beaten us the last 2 times. He's a quality player that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Because you barrack for Melbourne.

I've noticed that some mouthguards are transparent rather than white or coloured so he might be wearing one. ...and remove the AA Captain, currently the most marketable face of our football club and all round champion. Our colours were blazoned on tv during the weekend football coverage in the NAB ads with Daisy and little kids in mfc jumpers. Any idea what that will do to gain future supporters. Remove Daisy...Bad Call. Disrespectful call. If Oliver continues to earn his stripes, just add him...no need to remove anyone - unless you were making some other pointed point...

This is such a common fallacy and it keeps cropping up - that playing three talls in the forward line gives you massive marking power and a huge advantage. It simply doesn't. Say, for the sake of argument, they do pick McKay in addition to the other two, and we put Jayden Hunt on him. They'll only have a marking advantage is if they can isolate Hunt one-on-one against McKay. This means their highly-skilled (cough cough) mids would have to move the ball fast and precise, with neither of the Macs within range, and pinpoint that final pass low & hard to McKay's advantage in the contest. Extremely unlikely. Especially= if McKay in his first game turns out not to be as good a contested mark as Hogan. It's far more likely they'd bomb it high, thinking that would exploit their height advantage. But it won't. It makes it far easier for the Macs to get to the fall of the ball, and if there's more than 2 from each side flying for the ball, it will just about always hit the ground. Even if McKay against Hunt does work for them once or twice, then Hunt will spend the whole game running unopposed out of defence setting up scoring chains. I learnt my lesson in the drawn QB game against the PIes, in about 2010 or 2011, when they were one of the best teams in the comp. They went in with Cloke & Leigh Brown in hot form in the forward line, and also picked Josh Fraser. We had Frawley, and one other defender, and I think because of injuries our third tall was Joel McDonald. I thought we'd get killed in the air, but the threat didn't materialise, and we nearly beat them because we played an extra small and ran them off their feet. We've had a number of games since where we've lost because we went in too tall. I can't remember a game where we've lost because we went in too small. If Carlton play three tall forwards, they'll be handing us the game on a silver platter.

Their midfield tore us apart last time if I recall correctly. Gibbs and Cripps did the job. Murphy played well against the Tigers last week also. we should have a lot more depth but we know what happens when we think we have it in the bag.

So I see a few people have talked up Keilty as a possible replacement for O.Mac Two things I want to say; 1) Yes Oscar made some sloppy errors and more than a couple of bad decisions, but if you look at his stats he didn't do too bad, he is still developing don't forget. 2) Keilty had a great run of form during last years VFL season, and can out mark O.Mac probably 9/10 times, but Dec needs at least another preseason in him before he is ready for the pace of the AFL. The step-up from VFL to AFL is huge, and Keilty's tank just isn't there yet. If his form is really good this year then he might get a call up, but as I said, he needs another pre season behind him before he really hits his stride.

ANB was fantastic vs the Saints in the best game of his young career and deserves credit. Lets hope he kicks on and remains a regular cog in the Demon machine. He has a lot to offer. Loved the goal at the end that broke the Saints back , but the best feature of his game was his pressure. The 23 clean touches were handy too, as were the 4 scoring shots.

How about Cripps v Oliver.

He was fine. And I'm not a fan. If his chase on Riewoldt wasn't a pressure act then it's another stupid stat. He flew for the ball and contributed to the win. Not everyone can star.

Does this greasy kid from The Simpsons remind anyone else of Kreuzer?

Why does this game scare the crap out of me?

The only way Spencer will play is if Gawn doesn't... Watts was more than adequate giving Max a chop out against the Saints.

Horrible call.....Neanderthal call...18th century call..... The amount of interest the womens game has attracted is spectacular. My daughter has played Aussies rules for two years now and the leagues have exploded over the past 12 months with influxes of both players and new teams. This will translate into more females watching the sport at its highest level both the men and womens comps. As you mentioned, Daisy is arguably the most marketable face in womens football ( along with Erin P) and we should be embracing it.

I think that's the thing, all indications are we should win and win easily. Last year against Essendon all indications were that we should win and win easily. Losses like that are burnt into our supporters brains, that won't change for quite a while. I will say this though, there was something different about the team last week. Once we got in front we just looked comfortable, like whatever the saints sent at us we'd just shrug our shoulders and get on with it. The win last year against GWS was arguably very lucky, there was nothing lucky about our win against the saints. We were good, and we didn't allow them to be good.

Watts played very differently against Aints, could only have been to instruction. He usually doesn't fly for marks against Hogan & Weid, but he did a few times on Sat. He got his hands on the ball that Garlett roved for his third goal. He also got hands on the ball that spilled for Hannan's brilliant second. He usually stays down for a pack marks and often picks up the crumbs and dishes off, but it seems he was instructed to "play tall" and leave the crumbing to the small forwards and try to either mark it or bring it to the ground to our advantage. Ultimately this will work well for Watts. He & Hogan, when they play forward, often lead right up the ground for the kick out of defence. Neither of them did this at all on Sat. This could have been because Goody wanted the defenders & mids to run or kick the ball out of defence, and for the forwards to not move too far up the field, so that they're in position for the next kick. This seems obvious now, but it's not something we've done for years. It worked really well for Hogan, because the ball was moved so quickly they had no time to double- or triple-team him, so he could take advantage and grab some great one-on-one contested marks close to goal. Watts also seemed determined to take the responsibility to kick the goal when he got the chance within range, rather than trying to give it off. I reckon that it will be far better for Watts to play like this, and far batter in terms of retaining our overall structures and team play - forwards getting the ball closer to goal and then holding it in, and quicker movement out of defence through the middle. And I wouldn't be surprised if this was his "intensity" problem in preseason - he wasn't adjusting to this changed role and kept slipping back into his old way of playing. Probably why we never really got an adequate explanation either - they didn't want to talk about it too much. And explains Goody's post-match comment about being "really happy the way he flew for the ball", which struck me as a bit odd too.

Relax, we've got this...

How slick was your canteen lady at handpassing the sausage rolls?

We should save the match review and congratulations for Sunday evening...

I love how Bernie plays.

Yes... but you can forgive people for being a tad skeptical until we see them back it up each week. Haven't done it for a decade or so. I am optimistic, but it is a long season. We were good last week, but Saints were not at their best. We can still improve. We should [censored] Carlton.

You don't think Johnstone will come on?

Now the womens season is over can we get Oliver on the banner please

I must have missed the match where O'Mac was toweled-up and cost us 10 goals... I've seen the MFC field some bog-ordinary full backs in my time, O'Mac is not one of them. Holds his own against mature bodies, beats hands-down opponents his own age (see Schache last year), and provides a significantly safer, yet equally attacking disposal to his brother. At any rate, arguing the merits of Oscar McDonald is about as productive as arguing with someone over their religion. Neither side of the debate is going to change the other's mind. Didn't we win on the weekend???

What is FACT is that you stated that Omac is not up to the required standard. For the sake of the argument lets say Goodwin agrees with your assessment of OMac. If that were the case goodwin could have instead selected either keilty (who played Omac's role very successfully for much of last year) or pederson, who has lost 10kgs in order, in his words, to be come more mobile. Pederson is an experienced AFL player who is fit and has played CHB before. This was must win game - as both Bernie and Lewis (and any number of commentators) said post game a potential 8 point game that could well set up our season. Are you honestly saying Goodwin would, in these circumstances, pick a player not up to AFL standard? What is fact is that since being first selected by Roos (and Goodwin who would have had a major say in selection last year) OMac has not been dropped once. What is also fact is that he was selected in all 3 of the JLT games, games in which Goodwin made it clear he was picking his best 22. Goodwin had the the opoportunity to give someone else a chance in the JLT and didn't. What was interesting in this regard is that he elected to bring in Hannan and jetta, who didn't play JLT, showing he was prepared to drop players. And he didn't drop OMac. What is fact is Omac continues to be selected every week, suggesting he is a lock for best 22. it also suggests Goodwin does not agree with your assessment that Omac is not up to the required standard. To be honest STMJ i think you are confusing FACT and SUPPOSITION.

OMac wasn't "isolated" against just anyone - he was "isolated" on one of the best one-on-one tall forwards of all time. Not many coaches in the AFL would be comfortable about their 2nd-year defender being isolated on Nick Riewoldt, who has built his stellar career out of getting "isolated" one-on-one with some of the very best defenders of all time and, at times, making mincemeat out of them. The whole aim of a zone defence is that you DON'T get defenders isolated in one-on-ones. If you do, repeatedly, it means the structure has broken down, and that was the problem. These words from Goody were in the context of how well the defence as a unit did after quarter time to hold their structure and avoid getting "isolated".

I know this will get moved to the AFLW Forum very soon but as most readers don't visit it, I thought you would like to know of our AFLW Demon success It has been a really successful season for the AFLW and the Demons came agonizingly close to the GF missing the right to play on percentage. Maybe next year. We have a very talented team as evidenced by: 4 Rising Star nominees, the highest number of any club: Lily Mithen, Jasmine Grierson, Katherine Smith, Deanna Berry Winner: Ebony Marinoff (Adelaide) Demon Placings (from 14 nominees) 3. Lily Mithen, 5. Jasmine Grierson, 8. Deanna Berry. 6 nominees in the All Australian Team of 40 players, the highest number outside the Grand Finalists: Karen Paxman, Elise O’Dea, Daisy Pearce, Melissa Hickey, Lily Mithen, Jasmine Grierson Demons in Final Squad: Karen Paxman, Daisy Pearce, Melissa Hickey, Elise O'Dea . Captain: Daisy Pearce Best Captain as judged by players: Winner: Our very own Daisy Pearce Best and Fairest: Demons in the mix: Karen Paxman, Daisy Pearce Winner: Erin Phillips (Adelaide) Demon Placings: 2. Karen Paxman (Tie) Congratulations to all and especially to the winners. We will be hearing those names a lot more in the future. Lets just hope the weird AFL rules on putting all contracts up for renewal this year doesn't cause major losses of our players. And the understatement of the year: Daisy is an amazing asset to the MFC!

And then re-started in 2014 when Roos turned him into one of those Sydney Defender Robots that just do everything right and don't get beaten.

For mine Bugg, Tyson and Kent are the first in line from last week's game. Bugg didn't play as the holdover emergency but was pretty good in the JLT and was unlucky to miss out. Spencer did enough and could also come in if we decide to switch up to 2 rucks. It's really hard to judge the AFL players against VFL players in practice matches as they are very different stages of preseason. I noticed that the AFL listed pushing for selection played almost 90%+ gametime trying show fitness for the AFL. The game was played at a lower intensity due to the heat and heavy rotations. No one dominated but Tyson and Kent proved their fitness by domimating the last. Kent made a few errors but was very physical in putting pressure and made a couple of big tackles. Ben Kennedy played the full game and was OK, Trengrove looked good and is suddenly a good kick on his left. Also the next pure key forward in for me is Tim Smith - the Bull looks leaner and fitter and would be he happy for him to come into the afl side at some stage during the year.

I'm glad it wasn't called 'Reach Round'.

Deeeeep trauma surfacing... Can't cope..... Redrum! Redrum!

Thought the video on him today was really interesting. Made me go back through the JLT series stats and he went 9d, 14d, 15d (tackles increased as well) and then the 23d on the weekend. He was saying that he is starting to understand the high half forward role. I honestly believe he could be playing in the midfield for a lot of teams in the AFL, he is just unlucky that we now have a deep engine room. Hope he continues to play well and cement his spot. He can run all day and that is a great thing for us.

Fair points but ... 1. Everything IS Jacks Watts' fault. Just ask any supporter of any other club. He transcends MFCSS. 2. "OMG" is the correct reaction upon hearing or seeing the words "Mark Neeld" in any context. MFCSS notwithstanding.

Who played on Bruce, Reiwoldt and Membrey last week when Smith was injured? McKay hasn't played a game yet and looked totally lost at Casey. They may play him but I reckon any player could spoil him. I think you panic for no reason. If they do play him I'll be pleased. No defensive pressure, first game nerves and the McDonald brothers around to stop people marking. At best he'll mark a couple and may kick a couple of goals. We'll get more from rebounds with Jones, Lewis, Hunt and others running out of the backline. Like good teams, we'll just have to adjust. What's your suggestion Nut? Pedersen?

Saints supporters behind me wanted to quote "kill Jesse hogan" when I asked why " he is the dirtiest player behind play" go figure!!! Couldn't give two hoots about opposition supporters opinions.....it is generally the "tall poppy" syndrome. Bernie was never mentioned once ..even after his tap.

It is clear to me that there are 2 project players in the team at present - Omac and The Weed. Whilst they are both making some errors and will sometimes have quieter weeks it is obvious they are part of the plans going forward and unless they are horrible will be given a little leeway. Did Omac have some "moments" last week - absolutely. However he was assigned one the games best and lowered his colors - he had a shakey start but he was not alone and the whole team contributed to us being 4 goals down at Qtr time. As someone else said, he was isolated and that was a team defense problem that was rectified after qtr time. As we got our defense right ( and dominated around the ball), he was then ok after that - his game was not below AFL standard.

Went along to training today. By the great deal of activity on Demonland I thought I might post as people like myself are excited by the season ahead. Main player missing was Hogan, but being early in the week it may not mean much. Drills all morning. Very little contact as you would expect. One drill was interesting which was four players, one at each corner of an 80 x 40 meter rectangle, kicking the ball to two players in the middle, who would take turns in marking, turning and kicking down to the other end of the rectangle. The ball would then go from one corner over a defender to the other corner then back into the middle and on down to the other end. A little confusing trying to write it down but it was making the players kick low and hard to a player, then when a defender was there up and over to the other corner. There was a period I think in the third quarter on Saturday when we had about seven or eight non-contested marks in a row and this drill was similar. The skills were good, especially the low hard passes, Garlett was really good. Like Hannan's pass to Petracca on Saturday just as Reiwoldt got injured, the boys are looking to lower the eyes and hit targets. Hibberd was doing run throughs and working with Cross and looked good but will probably join the main group next week. Frost and Wagner were in the main pack and looked good chances to replace Smith this week. Tyson and Kent were in the main group and also looked good. Pedo was on light duties running laps, I think he is O.k for selection if required if he trains at the later session in the week. They finished with goal kicking and ANB kicked more balls than anyone else. He missed a couple on Saturday and was working hard to lock down that small forward role.

When i see Paul Hoogood named in that list and not Matthew Whelan you know its a big joke! Whelan is the first ever Aboriginal to reach 150 games and yet we couldn't sneak him in. Whelan was an absolute gun. Was tough as they come and played the game fair. Its so good to have him back at the club on a working capacity. He must really be proud of Nev Jetta who is pretty much a player clone of himself.

I'm sure if O Mac was interviewed he wouldn't have been happy with his turnovers either...I'm pretty sure he would also have higher expectations as would the coaches.

As much as i love the above clip and it was the single greatest passage of play i have seen as a Melbourne supporter in my lifetime. That wasn't the defining moment of his career. When he kicked out from full back you knew he would hit a target. He simply didn't miss and had a thumping kick on him. Whoever he played on before the days of zones would just have a quiet day. Without fail. His tackles were brutal and he attacked the ball with a wreckless regard for himself and or others.

Jones is not lightning quick - what Jones does is hit the contest at top speed . Viney does that too. I think what has really improved with both of these guys is the reading of the play - it means you can go at the contest at full pace with some confidence knowing that the ball is going to be there. It also helps first and foremost that Gawn will put it exactly where he promises he will. But if you look at the goal he kicked from the Oliver handball - he just took off past Oliver knowing he would gather the ball and give it to him. Weidman looked quicker than he has because he took off knowing he was going to end up the end user of the handball chain. Confidence in your teammates abilities is a glorious thing. They talk about "quick sides" - but it is not always about leg speed - it is about confidence that your teammate is going to get the ball and give it to you so you feel right about going hard to get yourself in a good position.

Jones and Hogan very unlucky. EDIT: Just realised I passed 2000 posts on Demonland. Thanks to everyone who makes this website possible!

I swear he was my cantine lady in highschool.

Time for an interlude...

Every Dees fan loved the Wrecker!

I reckon he's way faster and more skilled than he gets credit for. His decision making can be a bit questionable but overall he's got good balance to his game. I think the damage he did on Saturday with impact touches is due to a couple of important factors: 1. Not having to crash in for a full game giving him more run. Oliver, Viney, Lewis etc shared the load. 2. Doing a full preseason after neck surgery last year and carrying the neck injury in 2015.

Big Max's beard and the red yoke behind his head make him look like Count Dracula or some strange Elizabethan courtier with a jabot. Heppel just looks like a mop. That one you've been keeping in case something spills one day that you don't want to use the good mop for.