Leaderboard

I don't know about the wisdom of GWS not paying much attention to the GF, but I'll stick my head above the parapet and get flamed for saying that it is not obvious as many say that Goodwin was wrong. For example, what if Goodwin thought the team was cooked before the game and knew for sure it was absolutely cooked a few minutes after the start. I doubt there much point in reviewing fine details in such a case. Not sure what you would learn other than if most of the players are stuffed, it doesn't matter how talented they are or how good your game plan is.

I'll agree that his 2017 season wasn't too bad to go along with a good 2018. However, in both of those seasons we saw flashes of what quickly became a regular occurrence in dropped marks, missed targets, fumbles under pressure and missed shots on goal. I'll say it again - he is handy depth for us, but if he starts in Round 1 next season then I'll be disappointed in those who haven't come on to take his place. I won't blame ANB for that - if he is fit and doing everything asked of him, while others are not, then he deserves his spot. But if guys like Hannan, AVB, Melksham, Pickett etc are doing what is expected of them, then there won't be a place in the side for him. He is best 30, but not best 22.

Every time I read your posts i do it in the voice of Donald Trump, then they make sense, in a Donald Trump kind of way

Dimwit Sheedy has complete disdain for anything MFC related. If Robbie had of played for the scum, Sheedy would be dubbing him the GOAT. Loathe him with an absolute passion. Hate is a very powerful word, but i really do dislike him. The biggest self-entitled FIGJAM there ever was.

I haven't seen enough of him Dazzle to know what the club might have in mind. I'd be stunned if he played midfield early and I think if he plays early it will be as third forward with ruck relief for Gawn. What I do think is this kid has some pretty unique talents. Someone call him a unicorn. Develop him properly, don't rush him and play him when he's earned it and is ready in a role that doesn't demand too much of him. ANB: my take on ANB is that he's a fair player in a good team but one who will struggle in a bad team (like last year). He's got skills that can prosper when there are good players around him but he can't make the play at AFL level. It's why he struggled last year. Gisberts: I don't understand why people continue to pot this bloke. It wasn't his fault he was picked early by an incompetent national recruiting manager and joined a disfunctional club. He won two rising stars, he earned Brownlow votes. He was an MFC player who after the arrival of Mark Neeld may well have suffered some mental illness issues. So how about we just get off the kids back, in another environment he may well have thrived, he could certainly play.

The only thing for us to review - and it’s the same for the Giants - is to not travel insterstate against the best team with a rabid home crowd on the back of 2 hard fought finals. That means finishing top 4 and having the good fortune of the majority of the best players ready for finals

Most people have Weideman in their starting 22. Not saying he won't be there but IMO he's the biggest question mark of all. Really needs to show something pre season.

The Vault!?! Quick, someone alert Chris Connolly!!!

I popped down for the fifth time this pre-season (sad i know). Across all those sessions, three players have stood out. 1) Bayley Fritsch - He's impressed every time and today he had a birthday - torched Joel Smith early and then made Stephen May look second rate in match practice beating him in the air and on the ground. Goody now has to decide whether he plays him out of the goalsquare - which is what he did against the Roos in Rd 23 last year. Only proviso I'll make with him is that he also trained the lights out last pre-season and when the real stuff came on, spent the first six weeks struggling before stepping up to the semi-elite level. 2) Alex Neal-Bullen - This guy is putting in a huge summer without his best mate Billy. He made a few big tackles today and read the ball off the pack beautifully. He kicked a nice goal from 45m today as well. And it's been the same every session. He even threw in a 400m lesson to Jackson and Lever at one point today. ANB has been high intensity from the outset and only injury will cost him a spot in our Rd 1 team. Whether he stays in will be determined by the results in our first two games, small forwards invariably struggle in losses. 3) Jay Lockhart - Those of you over 50 will remember how nimble and clever Alan Johnson was as a defender. Well Jay has been almost up to that level with great evasiveness and an ability to get the ball moving quickly. He's a very accurate and long kick which makes him ideal as our set up man and watching him use his voice to direct others made me aware he's got the nous as well as nerve. The issue of course is that to get into the side he has to show why he should be picked ahead of Lord Nev. Jay has more rebound than Nev, but yet to see whether he cam match Nev's prowess in one-on-one battles. The other player he has to get past to play Rd 1 is Nathan Jones, who more than likely will play half-back, subject to injury. So I'm not about to say he's in for Rd 1, but Jay is certainly putting together an impressive body of work that will make him an easy inclusion down back once there's an injury or two. There's been plenty of others who have caught my eye so far and it's really pleasing to see T.Mac, Melky, Joel Smith and even Weid so far down the track after injuries last year.

I have supported the MFC for 67 years I seen good and bad over the period but my support has never waivered, I have seen coaches come and go but I am a realist that we were always lacking something that clubs need to win premiership. I was lucky to see 6 premierships in my time but I also watched coaches who thought there way was the only way to play football and fail for one reason or another. In 1988 we made the grand final for the first time in 24 years and Steve O'Dwyer's suspension did not help the cause, coach sat there in the preliminary final when he should have removed Steve from the ground because he was a hot head who would retaliate and the grand final was done. As supporters we must never lose sight the coach does his best but sometimes has a blindspot during the heat of battle because they human, I realise that great coaches must experience failure before experiencing and appreciating success eg. Norm Smith, Clarkson, Thompson, Williams and Hardwick. The test of a good coach is one who learns from adversity and embraces it to create success.

Saw a book on the shelves today Best players seen and coaches Etc Etc By Kev "Legend in my own Lunchbox"! Only one thing Wrong... No Rob Flower! In what universe would Rob Flower not be in something like this?? Sheedy has NO IDEA!!!!!!

Great news. I look forward to more member discounts. And I don't need to throw away my current gear.

I think ANB will be there in round 1. The role of small forward needs different types of players, and he has that bulk gut running ability to make like unpleasant for the opposition. Yes, he stuffs up some opportunities, but his defensive work is really good and he makes us a better team. He’s a serviceable player in a good team, but an ordinary player in a bad team. I suppose it depends on your perspective. If you mainly look at mistakes then you’ll hate him, but if you look at what he can bring to the team then you can see the value.

These stats are interesting and the differentials are most annoying in first analysis. Care is given to certain teams and the majority of teams make up their rewards. This has little to do with the even playing field that umpiring should be providing. It must also be considered that it is not just the number of free kicks that are (nowadays) traditionally awarded and/not awarded in the realm of such 'officiating' care; it is more important to analyse those frees that: make or break the winning of a game for a particular team in 'care' (for example, where and when the free kick was awarded) and did it/ did it not affect the outcome of the game as a result - ie: assured winners/assured losers or even, force a team to lose a game or to provide 'eveners' between the sides to enhance the 'spectacle' from the AFL points of view? This is not cynical; this is a feature of our game these days.

When we recruited the two Irish ladies for our AFLW side, someone at the club said that it was our first step to getting back into the Irish pathway. Hopefully we'll see a Cat B rookie soon

Apparently training with defence. Nev's protege?

Surprised you tipsters are not including Lockhart as the small forward. I though that considering his absence of a preseason this year he was very promising.

John Lord was my favourite - I was so young I am not sure that I have the correct Christian name ... but he got me a pie at schoolboys training clinic and looked awesome holding my hand (big, brave bloke) when I cried (someone punched me in the nose during a training run). One helluva Demon, was he.

I thought this was just common knowledge, as I was taught this by a coach in juniors. Leaning over the footy as you kick gives greater accuracy, but will generally limit your distance and penetration, and result in a lower kick. Leaning back will allow you to “roost it”, giving the kick a lot more height, but will leave a much greater margin for error and often results in a bit of a slice or a fade. For me, leaning back was moreso used when trying to hit a long lead in general play, or when struggling to make the distance. For set shots I always tried to lean over the kick and had a good accuracy. Finding the footy in the first place was my issue.

JT didn't give much away, but that's to be expected. Trying to read between the lines I think the 3 most interesting things he had to say were: 1. When asked about the Gold Coast's first 2 picks he wouldn't comment on the clubs draft board but there did seem to be an undercurrent of Jackson being rated very very highly. Possibly at number 2 on the board and hey maybe even number 1 (although I doubt it). There's no benefit to putting your neck on the line further by publicly stating he's ahead of one of the Suns boys but it was reassuring that they made the Jackson pick proactively and not because it was a draft heavily weighted to the top 2 picks. 2. That the difference between Pickett and Weightman really came down to Pickett being more of a crumbing specialist with slightly better pressure skills whilst Weightman has the better aerial game. Sounds like they rated both of them and team fit became the deciding vote. 3. Powerful seems to be the word JT likes best for Rivers. Promising for his midfield potential but also hopefully means that from early in his career he knows how to knocks guys off the ball and use his body.

May on Kennedy, Lever on Darling O.Mac shouldn't be anywhere near our best 22

anb's 2018 was vastly superior to castagna's 2018 across all statistical levels; across the course of their career thus far - both with around that 75-game mark - they're remarkably similar my tiggas mate LOATHES george; i personally like what he brings to their side's make-up, much as i like what anb gives us are there better players in the side? of course! but i like that both never stop trying

Thank you to @Demon Jack, @Baghdad Bob, @george_on_the_outer, @Deespicable, @Satyriconhome, @DeeSpencer and anyone else who I missed for their training reports this week. The desk-bound/interstates/overseas supporters thank you. I look forward to your reports & observations leading up to Christmas and into the new year.

I think McGowan has done a pretty good job there. I'd prefer Petty to OMac but Petty is training with the forwards. I'd have AVB and Hannan for Hunt and ANB on the bench but they need to get fit to play. There's an opportunity at small forward and someone has to grab it and it could well be Pickett.

Just as a summary this is a list of the players not in full training due to some level of injury Jones Spargo Brayshaw?? KK Hannan Baker Petty AVB Bennell As far as I can tell that's about it. Of those, AVB and Petty are very close and Brayshaw is probably okay. Oh, and just another comment. I was very impressed with Tom Sparrow today. Was in everything and really looked the part. He's a solid boy and looks to have the body to play AFL now, he's aggressive at the ball and he kicks it quite well. There was a fair bit to like today.

Frost would be handy.

The club must be so pleased you are prepared to let the last 12 months go and decide to throw your 'full support behind the club'. Insert saracasam font Sheesh. Seriously talk about hyperbole in tbat first paragraph. Rather sickening. You sound more like a shareholder than a supporter. Supporters give unqualified, unconditional support. At least tgat's how i see it. If I quit supporting the dees after a poor season we would have parted ways 40 years ago.

Billy Stretch will be playing for Glenelg in the SANFL next year.

If we throw him into the ruck in 2020 he will be cut in half. I would play him on a flank if he plays at all. Our hand might be forced if injuries are anything like 2019 but I see Pickett as a stronger chance to play 15+ games than Jackson.

Brown is a competent lead up mark who gets in the right spots and contests. Its a shame I see him as a threat to Weideman’s position in the best 22. And can we play Gawn and Preuss? I don’t think the jury is back in because 2019 was a dumpster fire; who knows if they can play together in a good team...

Some pretty ordinary comments on here about Jeff...

Smith is training with the defenders and can hopefully take OMac's spot. Hopefully Hore can push ANB out + it gives the side a better balance as Hunt and Fritsch will both want to be spending more time forward.

Look, can understand where you're coming from, just think there's better ways to put things sometimes. May I suggest you could roll with something like "lost appetite for the contest", "didn't play with intent" or even "lacked the will to apply pressure" next time? With a growing number of players having very real mental health problems, some even retiring due to it, I just think it's time all of us started to think more about the things we say about young people playing a game we love.

No one said criticism was not allowed. Calling someone a "pea heart" is not a grown up way to constructively critique someones football performance though. Especially given the circumstances. However; you sound like one of those people who think because a young man is wearing a footy jumper and being paid that it entitles you to say whatever you like about them so maybe I'm expecting too much.

I am not a great fan o f ANB but Cherry-picking stats from a year in which a team came near to last as against the premiers is a bit disingenuous Try comparing their 2018 stats or their career stats which you can find from the site you have sourced. You maybe surprised.

Perhaps what you are missing is that he is a key part of the team being up and about. A cause, rather than a symptom. Like Lambert at Richmond, who is also far from the neatest or most skilled player. Our best performances in our best year in a long time had him kicking multiple goals, laying lots of tackles and getting low 20s in the possession count. Some goals he kicks are opportunistic but most result from hard running to create an option in space when no one else will. If Brayshaw had ANBs work ethic, he'd be a hall of famer. I can't help but think that if it was petracca or another more fashionable/likeable player putting up those numbers, many of you would be frothing over it. Sure, ANB can commit a terrible turnover, but he's not alone there. There is universal adoration for Bailey Fritsch but according to the official statistics, his turnovers are by far the most damaging of anyone in our side. As always, there is too much focus on what ANB can't do, or does poorly, as opposed to what he can do better than anyone else in our side.

You are correct 58er. However I have chosen not to pay more / increase the complexity of going to a football game. When it is too hard ( for me) it becomes a tv game ( if it is on free to air). For years I have considered my membership as a charitable donation. Like Gorgoroth there is a year not too far away that I will become a 3 game member. And just go to games against interstate teams. Life changes and that is the way it goes.

When someone asks why I am renewing my Melbourne membership I simply send them this video. They then go buy one themselves. Try it.

This list of elite players does not tally with common sense. How can Daw be ‘elite’ if he didnt play last year? And Nic Nat? And Old ‘swayback no hammies’ Franklin. He was a great, but only got our of first gear a couple of times. And Ablett - elite at whinging. Walker - really? Sook to momma in the big games. This looks like a ‘fanboy favourite’ list, rather than reality. If this is how they judge ‘elite’ then it is no wonder the rankings they provide per team are so divorced from reality.

On that basis they are still wrong. If it is a ranking based on previous performance it is almost pointless we have the end of season ladder for that.

Wish we had the bulldogs list. Reckon they will win a couple of flags over the next 5 years.

I predict global warming will increase rapidly next year and our experience in playing in Darwin for the past decade will finally pay off.

Not mine

Dees make it to the GF against Brisbane Lions Go into the final quarter with a 35 point lead. Extend that lead by kicking the first four goals, stretching it to a 59 point, unassailable lead. Tears begin welling in the eyes of all Demons supporters. Two minutes till full time. Aliens arrive out of nowhere and begin attacking the earth. Nobody hears the final siren over the panic.

Optimistic outlook for us to get Kolodjashnij, Vandenburg, Jsmith and then also Bennell all injury free and fit. If we can , the best 22 looks impressive.

Happy that the Club has gone for X-factor types. Something we haven’t had for years. Premierships aren’t won by playing safe. Mind you, if it all goes pear shaped I’ll moan uncontrollably.

There’s always one mung bean who posts something like this. Stretch played 47 AFL games, so it can’t have been that obvious he wasn’t going to make it. He also played the majority of those 47 under Paul Roos, and seeing as you know more than him, no doubt you’re in hot demand as an AFL coach. Oh, you’re not? I don’t expect anyone to shed a tear over a player who has fallen short of the grade being delisted, but I don’t think it’s a big ask to show some respect, or if you really can’t do that, STFU.

I am absolutely sick of certain posters who continually want to put the boot in when there is no need or possible upside for doing so. FFS they have been delisted - there is nothing more that needs to be said. Especially about 2 players who have absolutely given 100% and have been so admired in the club for their attitude. So they didn’t make it. It wasn’t through the want of trying - and they certainly achieved so much more in their careers as AFL footballers then virtually all of us at Demonland, especially me. What I would have given to have played 40 games for the MFC. Most posters have been appreciative of their efforts and wished them well. As it should be. As for the other F wits, to use some of your own language, you are simply Demonland list cloggers, and we should get rid of you.

From what I've heard, both boys were always 110% professional in the way they applied themselves, both on and off the field. From what I've observed, they were both just a few % off being consistent best 22 players at the top level. Both gave their all and you can't ask more than that! They can hold their heads high as they leave the Club and move on to new pastures. Now the MFC needs to nail the picks for players who will replace them on our list.

Realistically, out of our delistings and trades only one player was really best 22 and that is because of circumstance in Frost. So we clear out: Lewis, Maynard, Garlett, Stretch, JKH, Keilty, Smith, Walker &Frost and we Bring in 2 best 22 players in Tomlinson & Langdon, add that 2 top 10 picks and possibly a DFA then our list has improved significantly.