Leaderboard

Don't your dare equate the unacceptable and abhorrent racial abuse leveled at indigenous people & people of colour to the names that you have been called. Many times you have baited posters on here and you have been given a lot more protection than others. I have discussed this with you privately and yet you continually take a swipes at me and the mods. Please don't let this thread get derailed by inserting yourself into a serious issue which has nothing to do with you. Demonland.com strongly condemns racism in all its forms. Comments like the one on the AFL's Twitter would have been dealt with promptly and the poster immediately banned.

Just home from the game. A very small crowd but it had a big voice! I have lost mine. A special mention to Umpire 20, probably the second best for the Suns after Rankine. His calls on Langdon were what i will call politely "surprising". From my perspective the holding the ball calls were just impossible to understand. The Suns had a handful of unbelievable goals and were gifted a couple. We were the better side on the night. What you probably didn't see on TV was how hard Langdon worked to get to position and create options that were often not taken. Max and viney were immense. Just brilliant being there with a crowd that was just Dees supporters. A big thank you to the club.

Can't believe the amount of criticisms of Petracca's game. Sure he had an 'airey' in the goal square but for the rest of the game: 25 Disposals - Best Demon 14 Handballs - Best Demon 6 Clearances - 2nd Best Demon (Oliver 8 ) 5 Unontested Marks - Equal Best Demon with Lever 15 Contested Possessions - Best Demon 11 Uncontested Possesions - 2nd Best Demon (Langdon 15) 3 Marks i50 - Best Demon 5 Score Involvements - Equal 2nd Best Demon with Oliver (Bennell and Gawn 6) 2 goals (Equal Best with Weideman and Fritsch). There is no count of how often he broke a tackle but it was a lot. Rarely gets caught HTB; the ops just can't pin him down. Stats aren't the only thing. His was a high impact performance. The best midfielder for mine. And, he showed great leadership to wind down the clock before his last goal. Settled the team. I know people have their favourites and I also love Oliver and Viney but some folks are wearing blinkers if they can't see how good Petracca's game was.

Just heard Huddo’s smart [censored] comment of “jeez you’d think they’ve won the flag with that reaction”. What a [censored] he is, instead of that comment why wouldn’t he say something like, “look at them get around him for his first goal in 3 years”. I know this is pretty much the way it is but some commentators literally need a change of pants if one of their favourites does something they like, but something actually heartwarming and uplifting in these difficult times gets met with that. What a [censored].

A white bloke claiming to understand the lifelong impact of systemic racism is like blokes saying they understand child birth. They don’t. We don’t. We can’t possibly. Be an ally, be compassionate, and call out racism, sexism, and all the other isms, but don’t say you understand it. You don’t.

Defenders covered him more than would normally happen. T Mac looked good early in game because defenders needed to cover both Weid and Tom. When Tom went of the defenders then just needed to cover Weid. This made his efforts yesterday even more commendable. He will get better with more games under his belt.

Terrific win. Yes we made any number of skill errors and poor decisions. But we got the job done. Top Rankine had a shot at goal that would have given them the lead with not that many minutes left and they had the momentum. We worked hard to arrest that momentum and critically scored against the flow, which is what good teams do. A three goal win is about what we deserved given we were the better side for most of the match. And a three goal win (in a game with 16 minute quarters) is nothing to sneeze at in a match that was even in the betting, meaning we beat our line by 18 points. I was furious after the blues win, not even relieved. After this win i feel both relieved and pleased. Incomparable. We were so much better that we were in the blues game and we played a much better team. Credit where credit is due for goody: in terms of selection he made the changes he needed to (though it is ironic that we ended up playing small forward line anyway) tactically we slowed things down a bit and looked for the kick on the angle much more and went down the line much less he made some interesting positional moves - Salem playing higher, Melksham the same, Max pushing back and May forward late i reckon he got in Weeds ear as he was much improved after half time in terms of intensity and defensive work. also clearly the message about looking for the right option inside 50 was heeded (if they miss a target so be it but that is so much better than kicking it to an out number) Maxy was huge as was Viney. That is leadership. I loved Oliver's effort if not his execution. I thought Weed slotting his two goals was huge. Great for his confidence after that miss last year in the Alice. VDB got the memo about impact players needing to have an impact and his tackling was a massive factor in that last quarter. Some very sore Suns boys And our second last goal was simply brilliant, on a few levels - Oliver making the right decision not to go long (which given the circumstances he would have been well within his rights to so), but instead choosing the hit up to Trac. The decision was the important thing but of course brilliant for him that he hit his target. And trac took a good strong mark and i loved that after a simply woeful kicking game he never looked like trying to give it off or look for a pass and instead took the responsibility. Again the decision making was what was most important. The fact that he executed was also brilliant, but in some ways a bonus. But obviously great for him to nail it in terms of his confidence. The last goal was fun. Clever kick by Kozzie (who i reckon would have been a bit challenged to be put in the shade by top Rankin, who played much the same role) And of course Harley was never going to miss it. He has such an economical, tight kicking action- it reminds me Wattsy's action. Unlike Tracc, very few moving parts. He didn't have an outstanding game but his class and balance shone. And how magnificent was the passion and emotion after he slotted it and the boys getting around him. This team is not going though the motions On that last point one of the players in the huddle who hugged Harley was a clearly emotional Hibberd (who was terrific again), as he was after kicking his goal and kissing his arm band and pointing to the sky in tribute to his brother (who by all accounts he was incredibly close with, his closest mate). It gave me a lump in my throat and reminded me that this is just a game. I was going to post some negatives but happy Garry Baker avatar told me leave it 'till tomorrow and enjoy the positives and the win for what it was. He also reckons i should watch the Goody presser now and enjoy Goody's sly smile and likely repeated reference to Melbourne footy and i think i'll take both bits of sage advice.

O Mac seemed pretty upfront in an interview pre game. Many thought he was a tad unlucky after his R1 omission, he stated they wanted him to work on a few things before he came back in the side. Last night was a great example of an inclusion being justified. Everyone sees plays throughout the game that stand out to their eye, in the second quarter O Mac hit a contest hard on the outer wing to cause a spoil, picked up the crumb and burst through a couple of tacklers and put us forward. A few moments later he made himself an outlet option out of the back 50 with a kick to advantage that led to a goal. A few clean marks also. Renewed confidence was wonderful to see from a guy that’s been bashed from pillar to post and not just from here. Like the team, it needs to be backed up next week but you have to start somewhere.

Like pretty much most of his 2019, but I think it's pretty clear he was playing injured last year. Asides from his possessions, I thought his chase and tackle was pretty good last night. People decry that we don't have enough pace, but Hannan is deceptively fast and combined with his footy smarts make him best 22 in my book.

Presented, contested, grabbed 2, kicked 2, got pushed in back probably 6 times. Play him for the rest of the season and let him build some continuity and confidence!

Saw this today in the press release from the Department of Education Victoria in relation to the return to remote learning in Melbourne. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/return-to-flexible-and-remote-learning/ Thought it was worth highlighting a great thing that the MFC have done here. The mental health concerns of students, parents/carers and staff here are very real. Good job, MFC!

On the topic of TOG, Gawn had 98% TOG yesterday. It’s normal for him to be in the low 90s but that’s nuts since he is essentially a midfielder. That says to me they weren’t prepared to break our forward structure to put Weid in the ruck to relieve Max - it makes Brown a must next week if TMac is unavailable. In the context of Hannan and AVB’s low TOG, Melksham had 91%. For those who want Melksham dropped, it has to be taken in to account that he is putting in the hard yards to cover for the less fit/managed players in the side that is enabling them to play as they did last night. Even though Melksham isn’t playing that well, I can’t see Hunt or any junior players taking on this workload; the only really viable alternative is Jones, who is not as dynamic as Melksham when he is going; that’s why he’s not already in the side.

I just watched the after match interview with Weid. Geez, he was pumped by the win, getting back in after 12 months and making a decent contribution. Watching you could see how much it all meant to him. Hopefully he will build on that and be a regular in the 22. Well done Weid.

Undefeated when this bloke is in the team...

Well done Bartlett to get on the front foot so quickly to support Harley. He also said: “I am already in discussions and intend to follow up key Federal and Victorian Government Ministers to explore what can be done to strengthen laws to make people accountable and stamp out this abhorrent behaviour". Shocked that the AFL hasn't already done this on behalf of all clubs and really all sports.

Hannan only played 54% game time last night and AVB 47% respectively. Amazing we could manage to this with TMac off for most of the game. They are both having a strong impact particularly from a defensive pressure POV when on ground. This will only get better as we get more run into both of them.

I love when Viney plays that. Just the will to win every contest. Only negative, we need to stop pushing players after they have already disposed of the ball. Soft or not, it is always going to get called a down field free. We’ve been doing it all year.

I just want to join in the Anthony Hudson bollocking. He was so turgid for Rankine that he seemed to forget completely Bennell's story and what his goal represented. But it's not just a misjudgement as others have noted. It's part of a pattern of commentators bagging Melbourne for "over-celebrating". Remember that crap in past years? Win a tight one and apparently we're supposed to shake hands, offer a 'well played old man', and shuffle off to the showers. Hudson was sneakily having a shot and completely off target. He's in the frame now.

And the one Rankin kicked off the ground, didn’t he drop the ball in a tackle to get it on the ground for a kick at goal?

If this pandemic has taught me one thing for sure is that people are selfish ignorant trash. Exhibit A.

WOW! 3 anti-Brayshaw posts in the last few hours, just in this thread. Clearly he is your whipping boy. Let up a little will you.

I don’t mind Hudson normally - he is an actual commentator in a world of dopey meathead ex-footballers. Lyon and Brown were far more insufferable than Hudson. That said, his comment around the celebration with Bennell in what was clearly an emotional moment was a dreadful call that demonstrated he clearly wasn’t reading the play. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume Jonno Brown’s constant grunting Neanderthal attitude had worn him down and created a judgment lapse.

I’m nowhere near ready to say Jetta is done yet. Even senior players can have slow starts to a season and even entire poor seasons. Look at Hibberd for example, who had an awful year last year and has been on the outer parts of this season. Suddenly since returning to the side he has gotten going and looking similar to how he did when he first arrived. He’s been excellent three games in a row. Jetta does definitely need to raise the bar this year though or the opportunity to show he can still play will dry up.

Langdon stood flat footed and let Rankine shark the tap Hibberd was on him when he did the soccer goal Rankine side stepped Harmes for his first goal Nev made one error on Rankine Please watch the game before writing off Nev The only disappointment for me tonight was Garry Lyon commentating like he wanted the Dees to lose

I know you’ve been a supporter of OMacs for a while now binman. You must have been grinning like a Cheshire Cat after his game. Couldnt be more pleased for the kid. Looked like he belonged today. I thought he played his role perfectly. Doesn’t need big possessions or bulk intercept marks, just needs to defend hard and well. Very happy for him.

The way he has fought back to his best recently, given the nightmare he's gone through.......................absolutely inspirational

Watching the replay. Harley Bennell is the smoothest mover we have had at the club perhaps since Robbie Flower. Despite 3 years out of the game he looks a level above out there. His footy brain is elite. Just wait until he heats up. We would have beaten Geelong if he had played.

Yesterday was just his 32nd game. He still has a heap of learning and development to go through before he reaches his peak. Just needs to learn how to use his big bodied presence more. The 2018 EF & SF shows he can do it.

The Herald Sun is reporting that Tom McDonald has been cleared of serious damage to his injured eye and could be back on field against Hawthorn on Sunday after he was taken to hospital as a precaution and found to have a scratched eyeball. The eye area remains quite bruised and closed over and will be monitored by club medical staff during the week. McDonald will be on light duties for the next few days, but the Demons hope he can return to training later in the week and is a chance to play against the Hawks at Giants’ Stadium.

You are not in any way related to Nev or have any family link directed to his family, blood or extended. You're a fan supporter and that's it. To think you have some idea what Nev and his family go through when they've copped copped racism throughout his career is just simply wrong. As a pacific islander who moved to this country as an 8 year and someone who copped a bit of racism in high school, I still don't fully understand what our proud indigenous Australians feel when they are exposed to this kind of rubbish. I've played footy with many great indigenous brothers who's family have been part of the stolen generation (Jetta's family also) which to this day still effects them significantly. None of us will never fully understand that. I hope Harley and his family okay and I'm proud of my football club for getting straight on the front foot.

TMac injured in the first quarter and off for the rest of the game neeed the Weid stand up and make a presence when it counted. We looked good with 2 talls up forward. That will give him confidence. Clarry's pass to Petrac at a pivotal time just shows how super classy he can be. Petracs goal from 50 sailed over the goal umpire's head which was the sealer. Bennell's goal after the siren and all the players celebrating his first goal WOW! They were good moments. Lets hope we have turned the corner and produce some much better football going forward.

Simplifying a country like this is not helpful nor is it in any way an adequate explanation of what has happened. They have issues but it's unfair to label a 300m+ population so broadly, in the same way that you wouldn't say that Australians are, for the most part, as dumb as the day is long because Pauline Hanson is in the senate. It's far more complex.

Time for social media companies to take some accountability for this mess (pardon the pun). These gutless faceless (sorry more pun) trolls don't just appear from nowhere. I'm no IT guru, but surely any new accounts and logins could require an IP address before allowing users to proceed. IP addresses that get warned for unacceptable behavior get banned for escalating periods. These platforms take billions of legitimate dollars in advertising, it's way past time that they took responsibility for conduct on their platforms. I've heard enough of this 'no censorship of the internet rubish. These companies are managing 'social media' platforms and profiting from the presence of the comunity, not just vanilia data access for a fee. They have sophisticated automated artificial intelligence algorithms that screen every users data to maximise advertising revenue, fixing this problem isn't beyond them by a long shot.

Even if they don't believe it and they are just trying to get a reaction, by using that language they contribute to the systemic oppression and vilification of the target group. They signal to others that it is ok to speak or act that way or believe those things, even just in secret. They signal to that group that they need to be on the look out for attacks. That makes it racism. It makes them racist. It needs to be called out for what it is.

It's still racism, even if it's just trolling.

Really hoping to see a post on the MFC website today that shows a wide eyed T Mac declaring that he will be fine to play next week against the Dorks. I think T Mac's form has been getting better and would really love to see him working in tandem with the Weid again. With the rest of the forward line starting to function around him, I think T Mac could make an impact. Surely we've had enough [censored] luck and are due a turn in fortune.

If Brown coming in to support Weideman as the otherwise sole tall forward isn’t the reason he exists on our list, then I’ll be buggered if I know what he was recruited for.

Hudson is an absolute smarmy [censored], always has a dig at the Demons. You'd think he was a 300 game veteran the way he goes on instead of the dweeb he really is

Why would you even say this dross..? Enjoy the win. Ffs

My thoughts on last night's game. We finally played a 4 quarter game. I was dreading which quarter we would let them kick 4 or 5 goals in a row but we didn't. I thought at times when we were challenged we rose and went up a cog and fought back. Our leaders in Viney and Gawn were really pivotal in doing this. Our connection forward of centre was much better. But it still needs work. Unfortunately Tmac started off in 2018 form and then was done for for the night which lead Weideman to compete and crash which I thought he really well. At one stage in the 3rd he drew about 5 GC blokes and crashed the pack which lead to Viney setting up a goal. Defence was really strong. I thought Omac played like he had a point to prove, he looked quick and more reactive and wasn't afraid to take the game on. Took a goal saving mark in the last where he positioned himself well. Lever showed glimpse of getting back to his best, he too took a goal saving mark in the last 5 minutes as well. May completely shut down Ben King, though some of his kicking was very sloppy. Unfortunately our kick out are so predictable. Bang on Maxy head on the left side of the ground. Goody needs to rectify this immediately because we've done this every week. Just one some players, Weideman - Leave him in Goodwin. He's exactly what we've missed the past few weeks and he draws at least 2 defenders for his ability to jump and crash packs. Should take confidence out of this game. Bennell - Again, just bloody leave him in the team Goody! When others seemed rush, he slowed time down when he had the ball and showed glimpse of his class from his 2014/2015 years when he was elite. Bloody excites me that he could potentially get back to his elite self again. Hannah - Mr clutch. Becoming renown as someone who stands up in the critical moments with a goal or a tackle. His pressure was immense and while he didn't get much of the ball, he's always involved making defenders nervous. His delivery to Weideman was just pure. Gawn - A real captain and workhorse game. I ready some crazy stat that he only spent like 5 minutes on the bench for the whole game. Surely he's AA form again. Viney - Back to the Viney we know. Played angry and it showed in his performance. His delivery was so much better and he lowered his eyes which set up a couple of goals. Well done Vines. Petracca - Look honestly I was disappointed with Petraccas game. Yes he kicked a good clutch goal but he played too much Hollywood football for my liking. Majority of the night he rushed his kicking when the likes of Oliver and Viney were taking time with the ball. Hopefully he cleans this up next week because he still showed glimpse what a superstar he could become. Just needs to tighten up on those loose screws. Pickett - Again, didn't get a lot of the ball but his pressure was simply immense. He had 4 goal assists and just does those little things like the knock on to Frietsch for the goal and the checkside to Bennell and you just know there's class there to work with. His set up to Harmes was a delicious. Kind of player you know that if you keep playing he'll get better and have a break out game. Special shout out to Vanders, Langdon, Salem, Oliver and Hibbered who all played really good games and had vital moments in the game.

I think we're going to quickly learn to hate Izak Rankine. Hi extraordinary arrogance is actually matched by his level of skill. They've got a few Ferraris in that team. I reckon they'll be right up there with Brisbane in the next few years. Incredible debut!

If Tmac is out consider Tomlinson as a mobile CHF, liked the look of Tmac moving high up the ground using his engine

Even if he did touch him it was such light contact. The umpires had as huge a hard on for Rankine as the commentators. That free kick he got for too high around the 50m line in the 3rd quarter after the down field free was total rubish as well, should have been paid holding the ball, because the original tackle was barely high, he took the man on the mark on and then ducked it - it reeked of arrogance and the umpires fed it. I can see Rankine becoming one of those players the umpires make untouchable.

I couldn’t get my head around the fact that all our kick-ins went to the same side while the other side of the ground was open for players to run into. Bizarre coaching decision.

There was zero movement all night from kick ins, and to me, it looked like the tactic to just bomb it to Gawn. Luckily for us, Gawn was having a field day and it came off more often than not, but not a strat I’d be relying on too often.

Thought Weid was good today. Sure, dropped a couple e shoulda taken, but he can look at himself in the mirror tonight and feel good. Play the boy the rest of the year and give ‘I’m a fair dinkum run at it..

Hannan has been good since coming back into the side.. his forward pressure and contest work was a key to us winning tonight.

It's also worth saying that OMac and the Weid made a big difference to the structure today. Oscar frees up May and Lever to play a more attacking brand and having Sam up front means we have someone contesting in the packs which means that the blind kick in hope isn't quite as disastrous for us as it normally is. Well worth persistingwith both of them. Is it just me or was Kozzie trying to set up Bennell all game?

TMac averages 8 disposals, 0.8 goals, 3.4 marks, 2.6 score involvements this season. Today Weid kicked 2 goals from 7 disposals, took 3 marks and had 3 score involvements. TMac hasnt been in form but if he kicked 2 goals per week we'd have been happy. In addition, although Weid didn't take many marks and also ran under the ball a free times, I feel he hit and halved contests much more often than TMac has over the last 4 weeks, creating more ground ball opportunities.

That game from OMac was better than Smiths whole career output. Experiment done. OMac is no superstar, but he can shut down a tall and allows others like Lever and Hibberd to get free and intercept and provide drive. Similarly, Weid is no superstar but he provides a target and straightens us up. Always chimes in with a few goals too. We look much better with them both in the side.