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Without a shadow of a doubt. Probably never been more confident and what’s more — many many ‘experts’ have us tipping out if the 8, which in Melbourne history is just the thing we need. In all seriousness I genuinely think the players are Uber-focused and there is a genuine bite in the group atm many are sensing is much more venomous than felt before! Playing group couldn’t be in better spot health wise, Clarry aside. Fwd mix is MUCH better with recruits and actual forwards playing (we didn’t even have roo vs blues and many forget this).

Yes he did

Did Summers on Melbourne seem hotter when you were a kid? I remember water restrictions with buckets to fill up our clark pool and swimming Christmas day. Visiting Melbourne...St kilda East where I grew up I was reminiscing about taking up street leaves from Great trees and burning them in the gutter. No such fun these days. Oh yes and the fireworks I could get at my local Milk Bar . Fireworks were the best entertainment money could buy. I'm seriously considering driving to the Territory to get some. I also noticed there aren't kids playing cricket in the street with bins like I did until the sun went down. Probably kids are all on the Internet buying laptops and phones. Sheesh.

I sat in the Ponsford and saw close up most of his bag against Richmond this season. That convinced me that this guy is one of the answers to our forward problems. He made the Tiger backline look inept with his reading of the ball coming in and his ability to lose his designated defender and run at the ball, mark it with clean hands and then actually convert! If he can stay fit he could be one of the best KPF in the game, hopefully for us.

Yet the recruitment of McAdam, Billings, Tholstrup & Windsor sends us into a direction that doesn't necessarily focus on defensive forward play. But all our forwards will need to have a defensive aspect to their play However, the recruitment of those 4 players places an emphasis on skilled forward line play. All 4 will get some game time up forward, some more than others Petracca being pushed forward is another pointer that we needed to change the way we go about it up forward But it all starts out of the middle and/or the stoppages. I'm expecting to see Kozzie play more midfield minutes as more of a forward/mid rather than just as an opportunist forward And the acquisition of McQualter says to me that we're looking to improve our midfield schemes and delivery into the forward line (a more scientific approach) We'll find out soon enough as we'll be playing our first game for premiership points in 2 months

Who said he won't change... He did last season and opened the forward half out a bit more which also opened up our defence. Problem was injury to key players (with limited KPF's to start with) meant we closed up shop again and played a more defensive game. It's going to be an interesting watch this year...

It hasn't helped us get a clean score but has helped us in limiting opposition scoring... It's going to be an interesting watch 'Macca'.

You can't fix it with Viney, Petracca and Oliver as your 3 starting mids, none have the footskills to regularly hit targets. For mine we need to get some clean users through the middle and forward of centre.......BUT..... Is Rivers disposal good enough?? Does Salem move to wing/forward?? Are any of Woewodin, Howes, Windsor or Billings up to the task?? Whilst I think Hunter has been good I yearn for a pacy wingman with a long, penetrating kick. Again we look at the players above. Personally I don't see Goodwin making any substantial changes and he'll just roll the dice that we can stay fit and eke out winning scores from our entries. Personally I think our gameplan is so entrenched that we risk going backwards to fix it and then losing our key talent to age in the years ahead. No wonder they wanted Reid so badly.

I'm confident we'll see a change of tack and we'll see it in the first month of the season (re mid/forward connection) We may play a more medium/tall set-up, up forward so as to see more movement from our forwards (the recruitment of McAdam & Billings is a pointer) Petracca mid/forward worked as well so we may see that move again too ... he kicked 4 goals against the Saints & Lions and at other times had 4 shots at goal (in the ĺast 3rd of the season) And Kozzie with more midfield time (at times) won't be robbing the forward line if done properly. Early touches does wonders for Kozzie's confidence

Demonstone is the Champion of the Universe 🏆

Our conversion rate has been very poor the last 2 years (50-60 inside 50’s a game) We have to use the ball so much better up forward. I know it’s obvious, but we need to actually do it.

Like all the other clubs, much depends on the front 3rd and how it functions Defence is of no real concern and either is our midfield strength but our entries from the midfield to our forwards is all important It's pleasing that we've bolstered our forward line numbers with the acquisition of McAdam & Billings and we might perhaps see some moments from Tholstrup and maybe even Windsor. Jefferson & Fullarton might surprise too adding to the mainstays of Petty, JVR, Kozzie (forward/mid), Petracca (mid/forward), Fritsch and the small brigade And then the connection forward. Our release forward from our midfield and wings needs to be first rate in terms of the mids having lots of time to dispose of the ball forward without being under undue pressure (midfield schemes needs to be B+ at least) and more importantly, the quality of those disposals to the right spots forward If we can achieve 14-18 marks inside 50 per game on average, we'll go a long way towards another top 4 finish. And a number of those marks need to be in and around the hot spot rather than boundary side A more scientific approach heading into our forward line is required and with the acquisition of McQualter, hopefully our F50 entries improve in terms of quality Do all that and we'll finish high up on the ladder again Let's not forget that we've still got a high quality list ... we just need to get the best out of that list

An update from Max on Clarry

Yes he is so he only goes if we get adequate compensation for him.

Who am I Demonlanders? Quiz rules: PM me the names of all players (plus the odd guess) in one hit rather than one or two players at a time. Please don't blurt out names or guesses at this stage. When punters are getting most of them right I'll start naming them (or if no one's interested or having any luck). I've tried to put a couple of easier ones in. Thanks to Demonwiki / Supermercado for some of the pics. The winner will be the champion of the universe. Second and third slightly less so. Good luck! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Absolutely not resiling from Steven May’s line in the MCG turf. The Demons are the ‘better team and should have smoked them’ period. Pessimists, doubters and detractors don’t bother showing up. Those up for the ride, saddle up this side is bound for glory. After near six decades in the doldrums one premiership ain’t enough for this core list. With the exception of Michael Hibberd who has been lost? Last season’s trade and high draft additions must stoke the Demon furnace. Media, league administrators, ‘competitors’ and assorted hangers on take note we’re not going away anytime soon.

All depends on whether the Packers win or lose. If GB win the Packers go to 6th spot no matter what (I think) And the Rams have secured a playoff spot so would finish 7th if GB win But if GB lose, Rams must finish 6th (I think) The ESPN Playoff machine is getting a workout as GB can still somehow make the playoffs if they lose to the Bears

Yeah and there is a small chance of playing the eagles too. But from what I’ve read the most likely scenario is win, play Detroit, lose play cowboys.

I am currently in SA. It appears that most decent accommodation is already booked out. Thankfully I booked our accommodation as soon as the Gather Round was announced. I tried to upgrade my accommodation but was told they were fully booked. I have also been told most of the decent restaurants are also heavily booked. Might be worthwhile to do a bit of forward planning if you are planning on coming to SA.

I don't quite know how to say this, but he also seems to have his teeth misaligned with the rest of his face.

I'm sorry if I've offended you in any manner . Now or in any post. Did I mention how wonderful you are?

Yes but getting clean scores over the past 2 years has become a bigger problem in comparison to limiting the opposition from scoring Previously (specifically 2021) bombing it long forward and working for forward line stoppages did work until ... the other teams starting flooding our forward line along with pressuring our midfield Again, previously we've kicked long to a lot of 1-on-1's ... in the last 2 seasons those 1-on-1's have become packs due to the opposition teams flooding back (combined with our slow ball movement forward) So what was once beneficial has became a liability Collingwood are going to be facing the same issue as teams are now going to flood their forward line along with pressuring their delivery forward (from their mids) But at least they won't be coming from a platform of long bombs forward But better schemes from the midfield and faster ball movement is the key along with forwards who know where to go and what to do. So it starts with the coaching but the players need to buy in as well I see the problem as quite solvable ... it just needs a change of mindset and an ability to let go of the past Collingwood have shown the way with their fast ball movement forward and crisp delivery forward (they don't bomb it long but sometimes kick long to a 1 on 1 - there's a difference) The Premiers often get copied but also, teams try to nullify their strengths at the same time

Actually, all 3 do have the foot skills to regularly hit targets as we've seen all 3 do just that previously But what has happened is that all 3 are now often under pressure when disposing of the ball because our midfield schemes aren't up to scratch So fix our schemes (and have better targets forward who present in a better way) and the problem gets solved What we've got in the habit of doing is roosting the ball forward as a default move. Even more so when our midfielders are kicking the ball forward (under pressure) Bombing it long worked for a period until ... teams started flooding our forward line from early 2022 onwards So Yze/Goodwin weren't able to get our midfield working in a more cohesive manner with decent schemes but hopefully McQualter/Goodwin will be able to. Time will tell But it's not all on the midfielders, our forwards have often been stagnant (as a collective) and forwards leading to the boundary line has also been problematical We need to get away from thinking that working for a stoppage in the forward line is beneficial (because it isn't)

Could be a player this year. Lose the puppy fat and gets super fit, may surprise a few.

1. ?? 2. Craig Smoker 3. Nick Pesch 4. Luke Tapscott 5. ?? 6. Cameron Hunter 7. ?? 8. Tom McNamara??? 9. Troy Longmuir 10. Matty Bishop

If he plays he will (and can) play half forward and up at stoppage similar to ANB I suggest. He is taller than Chandler and PIckett and ANB only has 3 centimetres on him. He has shown this preseason that he has built endurance (only behind Tomlinson and ANB in time trial) and whilst not quick he is not slow and makes quick decisions. I have not written him off surprising a few in 2024 and if he does that will be the role its in.

1. That guy who was a bully in primary school. 2. The kid he bullied. 5. Detective 'Clean' Harold. 8. Dexter Holland. 9. Steve Martin, photo taken in the exact moment he realised maybe comedy acting would be a better career for him.

Looks like he has talent, power and strength. Needs another season at Casey building fitness and preparing for senior level. Never know he may surprise us this year. Judd McVee did last year and maybe someone will surprise this year.

Would love to see a fit Petty playing forward all year.

Now that's some meat we can all chew on! Adelaide I disagree; they had 17 players play 20+ games in 2023, which is ridonkulus team stability. A 'good' season would see 12. That included all 4 of their over 30yr players; Sloan, Walker, Laird and Smith, which is a handy quartet of veterans to say the least! I think they are at their peak already and will hover for a while, in the competetive range, but not excel. GWS & Carlton are similar propositions to each other in that they both came good late in the year but haven't quite proven themselves yet. Strange to think that Carlton fans were on the 'sack Voss' bus early in the year. Both teams fluctuate wildly within and between seasons. Either could dominate everything or not even make the 8. Brisbane are professional competitors with an excellent, balanced and mature list. Only a grand final hangover could explain them dropping very much. Sydney have all kinds of firepower and flair but they finished 8th for a reason; their record against other finalists includes a win over the early season misery version of the Blues, and a win over the Giants. That's it. They had a 3-ply soft draw, with the Demons and Giants the only top-8 teams they played twice. Collingwood don't deserve to be allowed to take the field, but their lawyers ensure they'll be back. Melbourne, Collingwood and Brisbane are the core contenders and go into on level standing. Several others may menace if they get momentum going.

Well, after a few weeks of total, well, boredom on this site, haven't things hotted up quickly in this thread? For some years, IMV people have rated out list really highly -as they should - but have forgotten that a couple of other teams had good lists as well. I think ours stacks up against anyone's. McQualter will be a great addition. Our forward line has dramatically improved thanks to some more recruiting brilliance. I am immensely confident. And to be honest, I would hate to go into a football season with anything but confidence and optimism.

Another good omen is that our last 5 grand final appearances (1960, `64, `88, 2000, `21) were all Summer Olympics years - so too is 2024. 😆

On the same topic I also spoke last week when in Melb to Christians Dad while at their very popular North Rd. Cafe. Very encouraging report on Christians health and fitness. Let’s say he is winding back his effort after a huge start to balance out the pre season. Is well above last 2 pre seasons and back in 2021 territory. Let’s hope he can return to that as he was very instrumental in our success as part of that superbly tuned backline that kick started our attack. We need that back again to connect down field successfully in 2024.

Thanks L G The big take away from last year was we almost made it with a plethora of injuries. I'm confident we will be top four again this year as well.

We've invested heavily in fixing our biggest weakness (both with players and coaching acquisition) and our list overall is stronger and deeper than 2023, with the sole exception of the ruck. We were 3 points and 8 points from winning each of our finals, including against the eventual premier, in difficult circumstances and with our forward line thrashed by injury. I don't see how anyone could seriously think we're not a credible contender going into 2024.

What a horrible half glass empty future you are predicting. I can easily come up with the half glass full story completely the opposite and believe it’s far more likely than your dire negativity. For starters Clarry is not missing yet. It’s his situation that we don’t know or can’t predict but I believe we will have him back fit and firing at some stage. Who has ruled Petts out of the early rounds ? Even the additions of McAdam Billing’s Kolsthrup and Fullarton would transform our goal scoring plus a fit Fritta. Also BBB might just be match fit again and fill the Petty void for a few rounds. So Max and Stevie are going to fall off a cliff in 2024. Not on their watch! Count on improvement of Rivers in the middle a revitalised Lingers and Hunter or Howes or Taj plus Mc Vee improved and Salo back fit like in 2021. Tom Sparrow taking the next step and Joel Smith and Melky to return later in the season. Trac couldn’t kick any worse and can straighten our inaccuracy horrors. Oh and Mini gets the forward line and connectivity issues solved and improved. I don’t believe any of my glass full points are unachievable or some even unlikely. That is the potential of our list existing and new players for 2024 and a flag at the G is a very real possibility given a great injury run. We have had our down years and 2024 is a great chance to right our wrongs and misfortune of 2022 and 2023. Three wins at the G. Go Dees!!

Petracca has improved every year and has come back to training looking extraordinary. With him, Viney, Sparrow and (we hope) Gus, our midfield will be fine. Max is still going strong and we might blood some backup this year. Our defence is the best in the league although I agree, May is getting on, unfortunately. Our forward line is immensely improved on paper at least and if Fritta is fit and firing, and if we can get Petty back relatively soon, I see us having a great year. And if Clarry is in there, and I hope for his sake as much as ours that he is, we will be almost unbeatable IMV.

We would need a hell of a lot to go right. Already a gun down in the midfield, who can step up? Petty will be missing for the first few, we cant rely on BBB to fill that void, nor TMac who has been training with the defenders anyway. Max and May nearing the twilight. So I suppose my answer is no.

Does anyone know what Petty's injury/fitness status is at the moment? What is the prognosis for his return to playing?

A list update for the Casey Demons ahead of the 2024 season. STAYING: Casey Demons: Riley Baldi, Jack Bell, Paddy Cross, Tyler Edwards, Tom Freeman, Max Gregory, Ned Moodie, Charlie Muley, Harvey Neocleous, Charlie Peters, Tom Sheridan, Roan Steele, Ziggy Toledo-Glasman, Ryan Valentine, Mitch White; Melbourne: Jed Adams, Jake Bowey, Angus Brayshaw, Ben Brown, Kynan Brown (VFL promotion - Old Geelong/Oakleigh Chargers), Kade Chandler, Kyah Farris-White, Bayley Fritsch, Max Gawn, Blake Howes, Lachie Hunter, Matt Jefferson, Ed Langdon, Bailey Laurie, Jake Lever, Steven May, Tom McDonald, Judd McVee, Jake Melksham, Andy Moniz-Wakefield, Alex Neal-Bullen, Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, Harrison Petty, Kysaiah Pickett, Trent Rivers, Christian Salem, Josh Schache, Oliver Sestan, Joel Smith, Charlie Spargo, Tom Sparrow, Adam Tomlinson, Daniel Turner, Jacob van Rooyen, Will Verrall, Jack Viney, Taj Woewodin. ARRIVING: Casey Demons: Leo Connolly (St Kilda AFL), Eddie King (Richmond Juniors), Wardell Lual (Werribee), Kobe Shipp (Beaconsfield/Dandenong Stingrays), Brayden La Planche (Rowville/Eastern Ranges), Caleb Lewis (Footscray), Mitch Szybkowski (Frankston), Kai Windsor (Box Hill Hawks); Melbourne: Jack Billings (St Kilda), Tom Fullarton (Brisbane Lions AFL), Marty Hore (Williamstown), Shane McAdam (Adelaide AFL), Koltyn Tholstrup (Newtown-Condingup/Subiaco), Caleb Windsor (Lysterfield/Eastern Ranges). DEPARTING: Casey Demons: Heath Briggs (Cora Lynn), Matt Buntine (retired - Tooradin-Dalmore), Trent Burgoyne (delisted), Zane Duursma (North Melbourne AFL), Finn Emile-Brennan (SANFL), Rhys Galvin (Coburg), Luca Goonan (Frankston YCW), George Grey (Frankston), Ryan Koo (Devon Meadows), Cooper Macdonald (Collingwood VFL), Tommy McRae (Footscray), Jimmy Munro (retired - Cora Lynn), Miles Shepherd (retired), Cooper Simpson (Fremantle), Liam Tyrell (Crib Point); Melbourne: Luke Dunstan (retired - South Belgrave), Brodie Grundy (Sydney AFL), James Harmes (Western Bulldogs), Michael Hibberd (Port Melbourne), James Jordan (Sydney AFL), Deakyn Smith (delisted - North Melbourne VFL), Kye Turner (delisted - Port Melbourne). 2024 List Update - Smithy's VFL

Injury ruined the draft chances for Riak Andrew in 2023. He’s very lightly built (192cm, 72kg) and plays as a tall interceptor role as a defender. Similar but shorter than his brother Mac Andrew (Suns) , he is raw but you can see real talent and he has the athletic qualities to progress to the AFL. Hope he gets into Casey list program and continues developing