Leaderboard

Jetta, Stretch, Tracc running laps Melk Hore running timed 150’s with Crossy Harmes jogging Bull jogging. Oscar hanging around New boys: Bedford has cut his rat tail, shame. Chandler is short but compact. Sparrow stronger, clearly has done more weights than the rest of them, he’s more of a young man than a kid. Has the AFL approved short back and sides haircut. Nieta is a nice flanker size, not too thin, not quite rangy but an all round nice shape. Jordon looks a little less developed but he does have some quads, not a complete baby. Walker has the long hair and a natural looking left foot, slotted some nice goals on the run, could be something there. Bradtke bounces along with his hair bobbing like a young tall, does have a nice kick for his size. Early returning players: Gawn, Hib, Jones, Frost Running time: Gawn, Hib, Frost, Preuss did 300’s in that order, big fella wasn’t too far behind. Rest did 200’s Young guys did interval running. Sparrow looked the most taxed at the end but he’s got 5kg on these guys and is apparently a fast twitch guy. Didn’t get to see much of their kicking, the two I saw were Chandler and Neit/Aaron and they looked fine. Rough order: J Smith, anb, Wagner, Fritsch, kk, Gus, Jones, Maynard, Walker, Spargo, Petty, Weed, Keilty, May May not terrible but I think he’s got a big preseason ahead of him. He was keeping pace at the back with Keilty but he did look pretty puffed after every run. Still vocal and getting around the boys. I wouldn’t say he’s in bad shape but he’s a bit chonk. They went off in pairs and they didn’t separate too much. Later they broke in to 3 groups for some longer running. Smith, ANB, Jones, Wagner, Gus, Maynard, KK in the top group who decided to head off around the rugby ovals, then a middle group of Fritsch, Weed, Petty, Spargo followed by the big boys.

I got down to training today. I noticed Jake Lever keep flexing his knee. He obviously had some awareness in it, although it didn't stop him from doing a solid amount of running. Joel Smith surprised me in the repeat 200 m efforts. We all knew he is a good athlete but he was putting quite a bit of distance between himself and Nibbla in the sprints. The rest of the pack was a fair way back after that. As others have noted, Tommy Sparrow looked a fair way ahead of the other draftees in terms of having an AFL ready body. He and Marty Hore would be the ones I'd be keeping an eye on for potential 2019 debuts. Jeffy Garlett, Matty Whelan and Nev Jetta all spent quite a bit of time chatting to a group of people down in the pocket. I would guess that it must've been Toby Bedford's extended family.

I was there. A couple of observations:Steven May is a big unit.Mr Preuse is a tall unit.Same height as Max.The 2 big fellas were taking turns kicking for goal.Most of their kicks were accurate-about 35 metres out.Max led the running around the ground - he is one fit unit!So is Joel Smith.

Just got home from training, I thought Lever looked fine when coming off. He chatted to ppl on the way out and didn't seem concerned. I'd be very suprised if it was anything serious.

His form at AFL level had dropped off considerably in 2018, he really struggled at the level. Despite the romance of 2017, it was time for Pedders....

Demonland TrackWatcher @DeeSpencer training report below. ?

Was rehab-ing. Good size, has Melk and Crossy by a couple of cms. Strong enough build although more of a running type than bulky type. Very tanned, must be sunny up on the farm

Pedersen might have been worthy of another year. Showed he was well above VFL and very handy AFL player if required.

Early days yet, folks; big op - great that he feels that he can turn up to training and participate at this stage. Scar pain feels similar to the injury itself so a wise move to be cautious but this is an early point to even be able to contemplate a return. He is in good hands and most probably will not be too far off full blown effort and involvement.

Takeover Richmond!

Saw this vid on club website following Sam Weideman back to preseason training. Interesting to see his determined mindset. http://m.melbournefc.com.au/video/2018-11-25/access-melbourne-day-one-for-weideman

I can't for the life of me understand why alleged "supporters" are writing these young blokes off sight unseen (or based on a brief video). What is it that you don't get? Apart from the fact that they are boys that are still growing and maturing, they have been selected by the powers that be at our club as having the potential to be AFL footballers. FCS give them a bloody chance!

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2018-11-26/gallery-draftees-begin-life-at-melbourne MFC site has the gallery up. (Kade Chandler is up against it trying to take down Maynard on his first day.)

It seems like people always need something to worry about. If forward depth is that thing for you, then ok. Personally I think our list is about as balanced as I have ever seen. Given our game style and the fact that a high proportion of injuries happen in the midfield, stacking for contested midfield depth seems only sensible. As others have noted Gawn can now rest forward. This is massive for us, he was a leading intercept marker last year when Lever was injured and he dropped back into the hole, he will bring that to our forward line. Preuss is literally massive, it will take a pretty big defenders to curb him if he plays forward. I think people also underestimate Tim Smith, he doesn’t always take the mark but he is as fierce competitor and will generally halve the contest even if he doesn’t take it. If we have injuries and need to play him forward then we just need to ensure that we have crumbers there at the contest. Also as people have noted, many of our backs can swing, including May who has done that role fairly well for GC. We have a fleet of medium forwards who can play tall including Vanders, Petracca and even Hannah to an extent. All of that being said, history shows that staying injury free with a stable team structure is a strong factor in success.

The club has officially locked in our list: "The Demons will have 39 primary listed players and six rookies for the upcoming season" Demon List The updated player details are: I've assumed Corey Maynard and Kade Chandler contracts are for one year. If anyone has any other info or corrections to above please advise. Its great to see so many of our young guns reach the 50-100 game range. Bodes well for us as they can only improve with more games under their belt and cohesion from playing together. Mods, could you please unpin the 2018 thread and replace it with this. Thanks.

Can’t say for sure but given Keilty has played forward before many times, I’d bet good money of him being trained as a forward next season.

I’ve been looking at the NBA also, tried a few multis without success. There’s certainly been some mixed results. I’m trying the single bets every now and then, mostly the pick the score double. Always go the both teams 120+ for value but the scoring has been high this season and the odds aren’t great.

There are a lot of late goals in soccer especially involving the best teams so the +2.5 Match Score as the 'extra' is a good option. But not always of course. Certain teams get it done more than others but sometimes the choices are limited so you have to take a chance. Been keeping an eye on the NBA as an option but the results in the NBA have been up and down all season. Good teams losing at home has been quite prevalent.

Yeah I’m liking the concept here. Up to the individual to mix and match with the options available. I was extremely lucky to collect on my early Sunday multi. Was down to my last leg and needed over 2.5 goals for that game. I last remember looking at the clock in the 83rd minute before dozing off with the score 1-0 to the away team. Wake up in the morning to see the home team scored two goals in the 88th. How that’s even possible I’m not sure. 2 in the same minute?

Yeah it's not the money lost with these multi's as the outlay is at a minimum ... it's more the missed large collect DZ. But well done on your weekend collect. I reckon we're on the right track but you always need a good dose of luck anyway. 4 from 6 with our picks this week so we're not far away.

I nearly pulled off a decent multi overnight Macca. I enjoy Saturday night/ early Sunday morning games where I can stay up and livestream a few games. Had a good collect in the English leagues on the weekend so I had a bit of a go last night at some big odds. Went for Lazio, Arsenal, Marseille and Olympiacos all to win and over 2.5 goals. 90-1 for this particular multi. Not complaining though, always grateful to finish the weekend in front.

Got both of yours up DZ ... well picked! Both mine missed but head-to-head sports bets are nearly always dicey propositions.

Casey players not needed unless we have injuries Werridee MFC B. Jetta, May, Lever HB. Salem, O.McDonald, Hibberd C. Jones, Oliver, Harmes HF. Hannan, Weideman, Melksham F. Fritsch, T.McDonald, Petracca FOL. Gawn, Brayshaw, Viney IC. vandenBerg, Neal-Bullen, Kolodjashnij, Spargo Carry Over Player - Lewis Casey B. Hore, Petty, Keilty HB. J.Wagner, Frost, Stretch C. Jordan, Maynard, Hunt HF. JKH, T.Smith, Baker F. Garlett, J.Smith, Bradtke FOL. Preuss, Sparrow, C.Wagner IC. Bedford, Neitschke, Chandler, Walker

are they realy that good at drafting in the last 5 or so years? or was it more 10 years ago. They just keep bringing in other teams developed players. Who is their young talent coming through?. I thought Sicily and perhaps Burton could be A grade. not sure there is much else. and they gave up Burton to again bringing in someone else's talent, Wingard. not sure they are the recruiters to be listening to.

Your post has nothing to do with my thread. Drafting women is not mentioned. But I take it we recognise Daisy as a club captain, because she IS, currently on our Demonland masthead. I would assume that means Demonland respects her position at the club, as captain of our women's team. And as such has her up on our masthead already.

If you saw Chris Connolly play football - usually well beaten against height, weight and reputation - you would not say 'Yuck'. That guy was a terrific footballer who played 'above his weight' week in, week out to terrific effect in very weak MFC teams - for several arduous years in terms of win-loss outcomes. His onfield victories against big names were stacked up like a pack of cards at the one-on-one or two-on-one contests. Even his aerial duels were the source of unexpected poise and power. It may not have transferred to his coaching career in all regards but it was difficult, at that time, to discount his game interpretation.

Yeah, me too!!

Now that Dan has seen off the Richmond nimbys, and the upper house looking within reach too, he will be able to ram through our new training ground without any opposition. Do it quickly Dan, so it's complete by the next election.

A non-issue for me. Most clubs would be over the moon to have a key forward capable of kicking 60 goals like McDonald, or a 21 year old key forward who's shown the ability to be best on ground in his club's first final in over a decade. You've got Gawn, who has the luxury of having stints forward now the backline is sorted. May and Petty can play forward, plus we've got numerous goal-kicking midsized players. We were the only team to have 15 players kick 10 goals, or more, in 2018. The next best was 13 while plenty had under ten. Bradke played junior footy with the Kings, so just pretend we drafted him on Friday if you want to. How many key forwards do you think Collingwood have ? How many do you think West Coast have after Darling and Kennedy ? Or Richmond after Riewoldt and Lynch ? We've balanced out our midfield depth, added to defence, brought in small forwards, and added pace. Happy days.

A railway line that goes to Casey Fields.

Uncle Bitters when he had hair??? Probably Nathan Carroll

Aaron Nietschke - Friedrich

DEPTH CHART SELECTED SIDES B: LEVER, MAY, JETTA HB: HIBBERD, O.MCDONALD, LEWIS C : KOLODJASHNIJ, OLIVER, SALEM HF: PETRACCA, WEIDEMAN, NEAL-BULLEN F: GARLETT, T.MCDONALD, PREUSS FOLL: GAWN, VINEY, BRAYSHAW IC: HARMES, JONES, VANDENBERG, MELKSHAM CASEY B: HORE, FROST, J.WAGNER HB: HUNT, KEILTY, SPARROW C : STRETCH, MAYNARD, BAKER HF: FRITSCH, PETTY, HANNAN F: KENNEDY HARRIS, J.SMITH, T.SMITH FOLL: BRADTKE, SPARGO, C.WAGNER IC: NEITSCHKE, JORDON, BEDFORD, CHANDLER, WALKER Our major weakness is the small forward position Garlett is still our best small forward but is out of form. I hope the club give him every chance to find some form during the preseason. We are a ruck short Bradtke should be full forward he is earmarked to be the replacement for Hogan. My system is 1 tall back, 2 key backs, 3 small backs 2 outside mids, 3 inside mids and a ruck 2 midsize forwards 2 key forwards 1 small forward and 1 tall forward.

at 204cm (6'8") i will presume bradtke is our third ruckman (although a novice) on the list

I can tell you from first-hand experience that the NFC Championship game on the road is almost worth 2 TD's or more in terms of the scoreline. Packers in the last 5 years have lost at Seattle & at Atlanta in NFC Championship games so home field does matter ... by contrast, it didn't matter in 2010/11 when GB were on the road throughout the playoffs and captured the prize. As you said, either way, you just have to be better on the day regardless. Even at this early stage it's hard to imagine the Rams not having the wild-card weekend off so you've just got to make sure you aren't rusty in week 2 of the playoffs (as GB were in 2011/12 when we inexplicably lost to the Giants at Lambeau in week 2 of the playoffs after going 15-1 in the regular season) Nothing is guaranteed but it's exciting times for your Rams.

Agree , Connolly was a very solid footballer for us, in a totally embarrassing period for the club. Was one of my favs at the time. Of course being from the same town helped.

I think Bedford might surprise a few. I watched him in the TAC Cup Grand Final and I wasn’t that greatly impressed although he showed that he clearly has some tricks, particularly in running down opponents and aggression at the football. However, I had him pegged as a late draft pick or even rookie selection because he took a long time to get going and then, he also faded out late in the game when the opposition made a late charge to steal the flag. I think there’s a bit of a question mark on his endurance which I’m sure that a couple of preseasons at the club will iron out of him. Later, I also watched his game for Vic Country against WA and thought he was his team’s best in the first half and though not as effective in the second half, still finished in the best two or three in a losing team (best was Sam Walsh, the other who I thought was on even terms with Bedford was Ely Smith so both others were first rounders. I rated him better than Ned McHenry who was a bolter and picked up early as well). That performance included some extra tricks like a nifty side-step and some clever use of the ball by hand and foot lifted him up in my estimation. I would think the club’s decision not to rookie him was vindicated. They expected to draft him, probably told him so unless there was an unrealistically low bid and followed through with their promise. I have no issues at all with that. Incidentally, James Jordon played for Oakleigh, the losers in that TAC Cup Grand Final and his first quarter was worth watching. It was obvious at the time from his low jumper number that he wasn’t a regular in the team (we know now that he played only seven games for them during the season due to school commitments). He appeared to run out of steam after his early burst but, on reflection, I should have taken more notice of him. He hasn’t had the development or the fitness base of the more heralded regulars at TAC Cup or other state under age levels but I suspect that the selectors were on to something with Jordon and that, with development, he might well rush past some of the blokes who are getting the accolades for first round draft selection. He’s also played country football for Yarrawonga - they make them tough there (well they used to based on a game I witnessed in the 80s). That he played for them speaks volumes to me. He’s still just 17. You know what I mean?

Our best games were when we had a flood of players lining up to kick, or to dish it out to someone in a better spot. I admit I was sad when it became clear that Jesse was going, but when looked at in the cold light of day, we are a better team without him. That is not denying his talent. Just that we always looked to Jesse focused. If he kicked 3.2, then it would mean 5 other times he was double teamed and the ball came straight out, and probably another 5 it was halved. That isn't even counting missed options as the guy with the ball waited for Jesse's lead while others stood unmarked. We play better being unpredictable. And I think that is where the game is heading, And even if it isn't, then I still like seeing us play that way.

North finally got their big fish.

Just to let you know Lord Nev is itching to work with Toby already, enough of a recommendation for me

Jay Lockhart as rookie?

Looks like Toby was one of the steals at the draft. We passed on our last pick so we must still be after a delisted free agent?

Don't worry about Jordan, he came into the Chargers system late and hoped he'd get to us late, reckon he's among the best kicks in the pool and a very good decision maker. Surprised he went this high, but happy we brought him in.

https://www.afldraftcentral.com.au/player/tom-sparrow/ OVERVIEW Tom Sparrow is a midfielder that can also play in defence and slide forward and kick goals. He played in every game of South Australia’s National Under 18 Championships winning team, mainly as a midfielder but also across half-back. Sparrow has the ability and courage to put his head over the football, burrow into the pack, get the ball and then explode out to break the line. He has pace and can use this to get to contests and importantly get away from them. When he does not have it, his tackling is fierce and intimidating. As captain of the Prince Alfred College First XVIII, he has leadership qualities and in the State Knockout Championships tried to carry his team to victory against the talent laden Henley team. With College footy, his time at South Adelaide has been limited but has played both Reserves and Under 18s this year and was on the verge of a League call-up. He does have areas of improvement, which surrounds his kicking efficiency and his decision making, which is the next step for Sparrow to take in order to progress to the next level. STRENGTHS Contested work Size Explosive pace Competitiveness Team first Without fear, Sparrow can find the footy in traffic and around the feet of the ruckman, with his ferocious competitive streak, Sparrow will fight hard in the contest to win the footy and when he doesn’t to not let it out. With a tank as well he runs hard and fast and often darts away from those packs, ball in hand to drive the footy forward opening up opportunities for his forwards down the field. A no-nonsense footballer with a team first approach, he will also provide blocks and shepherd for teammates whilst working hard defensively. It is this aggressive team first approach that earned him a place in the South Australian team, and his willingness to put his body on the line when required. He does not take a backwards step, and uses his frame to impact the contest at the coalface. The other aspect that helps Sparrow stand out from the crowd is his explosive pace and athletic weapons that can hurt opposition sides. He can burst away from a stoppage, by both acceleration and sheer strength, meaning it is hard to restrict him once he has possession and space. His contested work and ability to extract himself from his opponents has some clubs looking at him as a value get late given his athletic traits and inside abilities. IMPROVEMENTS Kicking Efficiency Decision Making With Sparrow’s contested ball winning ability, sometimes those clearance kicks do not always find the target, which is to be expected, and so to keep improving requires Sparrow to develop this further to enhance his impact on the game. His kicking under pressure also makes his decision making decision making an area he can improve upon. Sparrow can definitely make some better decisions by foot with some development, and where he lands at a club, those areas will be something that coaches will look to address. DRAFT PROJECTION: 50+ SUMMARY Tom Sparrow is one of those players that you want in your team every week. Tough, team based, explosive pace with contested ball winning ability, wrapped in a humble exterior. Sparrow would be a smart pick for a club looking to boost hardness and speed. He has clear deficiencies in the game with regards to his disposal by foot and decision making, which is what has him slipping in the draft to a late draft selection or rookie selection. Some clubs might decide to take the punt earlier in the draft based on his athletic traits, but at the least, Sparrow has put himself into draft contention with a good year.

Apart from the weather, it was a really good solid session again, went for over hour and half Got a closer look at skills in wet, apart from some dropped ball because it was wet for first time, skills were good Guy Walker the new B class rookie didn't look out of place, neat and tidy skills Austin Bradtke looks ok as well, moves like a basketballer, skills ok, can kick Joked with Steven May at the end about the weather, he looked frozen, even after all the work Jayden Hunt is right on track to be ready fro Rd 1, he said, like others, no contact so just lap after lap of running until after Xmas Jake Lever was out pounding around the fence, 9 and 1/2 K of running today No Jones Salem and JKH off around the tan again after 3/4 of session 3rd day in and quick ball movement drill on again Any questions feel free, will post some pics on Insta and here later