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Well the home and away season has come and gone, very quickly, I might add. Just want to give those who keep this site up and running for very little return a big genuine thank you for all their work. I've had a few health issues this year and often this site has been more than a place of info, venting and knowledge. More often than not it has been a great source of amusement and laughter with not a few some posters having great senses of humor( is that grammatically correct Demonstone?) There have been many times this site has been a huge valve release during a game, keeping me to drinking healthy levels of alcohol intake and less comfort eating. On a more serious note or a lesser one, many posters have given me much free amusement ( aside from my paltry donation to the site) and even more made me laugh out loud even if I didn't feel like it. It also seems we have been less cranky with one another this season with less sniping and more positivity. Maybe a flag after 57 years will do that. So thank you again to those keeping the site going and to those who have shared their unique humor, wit and time over the six months. May we blessed with at least another one of the same fun up until the siren sounds our 14th flag. I wish I had cut and pasted a highlights reel for some of the top posts and we could have handed out some awards, for there have been some posts up there with ... Jesaulenko You Beauty 😃 maybe next year. Cheers fellow Dlandees. Litd.

Before we get bogged down in all the finals hoo hah, I really just want to take one darn second to acknowledge what an excellent home and away season this was from our club. Some clubs fall off a cliff in their title defence, some might skim by and make the 8 but our boys backed up and saw off the challenges to finish in an optimal position for another shot at success. Onto the bigger business but for now thanks MFC, that was a real joy to be part of ❤️.

Jeremy Finlayson’s wife Kellie has stage 4 aggressive bowel cancer which has metastasised to her lungs. It’s not expected she’ll be around to see their 2yo daughter grow up. This little tribute might not be easily noticed from the stands but it’s on tonight’s banner, OUR banner… … because some things are bigger than footy. GO DEES! ❤️💙

Tomlinson outperformed expectations Hats off to him

Hello Demonlanders, thinking like you all, I imagined that training would be at Gosh's today and at 10.25 logged onto Demonland ready to read your reports! After the first few posts and reading no training and having the morning free thought..... Sod it I'll just dash down there and do a Mini Report as from Berwick its not that far away. Hope thats O'K So no T.V Show intros and setting scenes for this one so I'll just get straight down into it. REHAB CLARRY, MAX, FARRIS WHITE, MELKY, MATT JEFFERSON, JAKEY L, JOEL SMITH AND 1 OTHER I COULDNT PLACE. Glad to see the Club being ultra cautious with Clarrie's thumb BUT the fact he is still troubled with it is worrying ( God I hate Selwood) Got there at 10.50 to see Full match Simulation Game between the Blues and the Whites. Quite clearly the Blues were the A Team and the Whites were the possibles. Some interesting faces in the white Team headed by JvR and on todays form I couldn't pick him for a place in the ones just yet. JAMES JORDON also in White team as was MICHAEL HIBBERD and JOSH SCHACHE ATTACKY . Saw about an Hour and 15 of solid match sims. A few takes. BEN BROWN was in SCINTILLATING form. he must have kicked 5 or 6 goals gave about 3 away. Took strong marks in pack and on the lead. Completely overshadowed ADAM TOMLINSON who although tried was just outmanoevered. HE IS A LOCK FOR ROUND 1 IMV. BRODIE GRUNDY was all over it like a flock of angry seaguls fighting over a legless prawn. His ruckwork was great and his run and carry and work below his knees was flawless. BAYLEY FRITSCH was also in scarry good form kicking some goals and cleverly placing himself in irresistable and dangerous positions.LACHY HUNTER,?? He is going to be a weapon and a half with his Run and carry up and down the wing and Flawless disposal. JAMES HARMES, JV, and KOSSY were just phenomenal in the midfield and just racked up disposals at will.CHARLIE SPARGO complemented the run and carry of the mids and was involved in several chains which resulted in Goals. T.MAC was a little quiet by his standards but still imposes and with his hi end run and leads created many opportunities.JAKE BOWEY playing in the Blue team was impassable across half back and his disposals were alway creative and on the money smart. Looks to have maybe beaten Hibbo for that HBF spot perhaps. The defense of MAY, HARRISON (THE HEARTBREAKER) PETTY were frugal and meaner and madder than a mosquito in a manikin factory.KADE CHANDLER also played for the Blue team and he was busier than a one armed man trying to hang a picture! Kicked some opportunistic goals and was really involved. Thats about all I have and I'll be back at Casey next week with another Blockbuster training and T.V Show dialogue. I hope this mini report makes up somewhat for all you Landers that went to Gosch's which would also have infuriated me! Cheers P.F

Note, there is one more session on Friday at GP before the players break for X-mas. Firstly, there are a handful of players who now have been on limited duties for the past two weeks and it's fair to say that round 1 is starting to look unlikely for them, unless they emerge fit and fired up from the X-mas break and nail a heap of sessions. The five are: Hibberd, BB Brown, Angus, Joel Smith and Deakin Smith. On top of that two of our newbies - Will Ferrell and Jed Adams - have been on extra, light duities - it's possible they won't return after X-mas simply because they would have been bored out of their brains just doing endless run throughs and watching everyone else get stuck into it. Three other players copped knocks today but all seemed fine after them - May (ribs), Gawn (knee) and Sparrow (head knock from Spargo tackle). All kept going at match sim. Kozzie wasn't there today either, but he was the pick of the bunch the week before, so hopefully nothing untoward about his absence today. As to the highlights of the match sim (note I left about 11.15am, so those that stayed till the end can update anything extra as required). T-Mac: I can say that he is looking as good as new and I am not sure why some here said he may have long-term injury worries. Sure he is no longer capable of winning our 200m rep sessions and yes he's a tad porky around the hips from his all-meat diet, but the big fella is just a clever lead-up, lead-back player with strong hands and we all know he's a deadeye d*ck and has a huge tank. If he returns from the break with a passion for the sprints then he's a monte to line up forward with Fritter and JVR and his best mate Melky will miss out. It's as simple as that. JVR: Ok, I am sold. He is ready and only an injury will stop him playing rd 1 now. In fact it's a shame we have to wait until round 15 for his battle with De Koning. While his nice hanger over Lever today was the highlight, he was so much more than one grab. He dished, he tackled and he wore my pre-Robbie idol Greg Parke's No.26. I reckon he said I don't want Jonesy's No.2, I want 26 for Parkey because maybe his grandfather knows him or used to be a copper or something. Either way he is starting to take on that junior Schwarter look and along with T-Mac and Gawny, he is the frontrunner to play as our talls rd 1, subject to injury of course. A quick note here that Schache has also been looking mega impressive as well at training playing as a mobile forward swinging onto his left, but I suspect he will have to wait until injury to get his chance. And with so many TFs on the park, I can see why the club ain't moving Petty there just yet. CP5: Ok, I am not sold. Yes I know his 2020 was a breakout extravaganza and I know his 2021 was brilliance personified with his ability to lift in big games making him Martinesque. But right now he's like Danger or Fyfe - a turnover machine that looks like he's going to break the game open but lets you down big time by foot. Yes I know he was injured late last season, but everything you don't want to see was on display today and last week when I attended. He just coughs the ball up time and time again as he looks to split the game open through the middle. Yes it was windy so he was not alone in miskicks (even Bowey had a howler or two). I remember Goody eventually had to pull Clayton aside three years ago and explain to him that he had to take more responsibility for going forward than just giving it off by hand, but I reckon when Goody comes back from hols he will need to pull Trac aside and just tell him to back off the media, back off the nice guy stuff and just get down and dirty. Or find a new psych. Ultimately our year will be determined by whether Trac gets back to being one of the best five mids in the game. Hunter: As withT-Mac, he made sure the club knows his quality. He lined up on Ed 'Sheerin' Langdon and he was clever, composed and ducked on to his left with the ease of Karl Amon. He will play round 1 barring injury or returning from his break in the bad books and he will play the left wing which means us MCC members will get to see Langdon close up for the first time. Lever: After an injury-riddled '22, he's running strongly again and looking like the All-Aussie of 2021 again - although JVR postered him on one occasion. As with Trac and Salem, he's one of three stars who if they get back to their form of '21, then finals are looking likely. Grundy and Gawn: The quick take off from down back after goals (or likely goals) in match sim meant there was little centre bounce work done, but both these guys still look superb. Gawn's marking is just so clean, while Grundy is mega quick with a dish off. They bring so much to the table and are very different. The kids: Sorry but so far all our youngsters other than JVR are still a fair way off. I did like the work and run of Judd McVee though - he's really improving and looks likely to get a go at some stage this year. It's interesting that a decade ago, a new recruit just had to fart to get noticed, but now they have to train the house down over and over to even look like getting a game in the ones. And unlike in Jones's early years, there are so many well-ensconced senior players that it's hard to see changes anyway.

Got to training about 9:50 & headed off by 11:30. Rehab / Light Drills: • Jed Adams • Kyah Farris-White • Will Varrall • I think i spotted Joel Smith, but could be wrong. The above doing light drills. Andy Moniz-Wakefield & Trent Burgoyne doing seperate laps / runs for the whole session. James Harmes, Angus Brayshaw & Steven May all started with the main group but then progressed to light duties / laps for the remainder of the session. The latter two did the bulk of the session before partnering up for some sideline runs. They all moved fine to me so you would think it's just a conditioning thing. Some key takes: Lever is the voice of the squad. Very vocal & always directing / encouraging. Got to be in serious contention to captian the side when Max's time is up. Petty is in ripping touch. He was the best tall defender out there today, no question. He aint playing forward, well not unless our KPF stocks take a big hit. Kozzie's left foot is all class. Used it a few times out there today & each time it was pure & hitting the target. You can tell he's super confident in his game. Strap yourselves in! Geez we missed T-Mac. He's training really well at the minute & one-grabbing everything. Hand's look really good. Nothing better than seeing Trac leap & mark at the highest point. Thing of beauty. Dunstan know's how to find it. Probably had it the most out there today. But we know he's limited. JVR, well he's ready. Strapping young lad who's just a real workhorse. Competitive af. There's something about Oliver Sestan. From the way he looks, to his build & the way he finds space. Once they get his tank up to the level he'll be one to watch. Oliver & Hunter were back at it today. Neither involved heavily... but they were crook just the other day so. Gus does seem a bit heavy to me. He's never been a specimen, nor will he ever be, but yeah, the rig doesn't look in top shape. He's got time to work that out. Last one, spoke to Choco, asked if there's any injury concerns & he said Nope. The boys looked good today. That's me done. 🔴🔵

This simply has to stop. And it simply has to stop on this website too. During the game last night in the Game Day Thread I was alerted to two posts from different people making ethnic slurs about people in the crowd. These posters have since been banned. Vilification on the basis of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity is unacceptable and will be treated as such. Posters that make such vile comments are not wanted here and will be banned permanently.

You may be new to Demonland and are unsure how to proceed or have been here for a while but still don't feel confident about posting on the gameday threads. I have prepared the following guide to make it easier for everybody to have their say while fitting in with the mood of the board. First thing you must do is take your angry pills and ensure that you post in a negative, pessimistic, illogical and reactionary manner. Defeatist is good, as is hysterical over-reaction, whining and sooking. Don't forget to assume the worst and always look for the dark cloud around every silver lining. As a memory aid, it helps to keep in mind the Five C's: criticise, complain, catastrophise, carp and castigate. For added fun, you might like to pick out a whipping boy and make sure to pot him at every opportunity. Here are some scenarios that may occur during the game and suggested responses. Other team kicks the first goal of the match. "Game over" "We're screwed" Other team wins the match. "Season over" "We're screwed" "Sack the coach" "The players are drinking their own bathwater" Player X has quiet game. "Recruiting blunder" "Should have picked player Y" "Trade him" "Send him back to Casey" "Delist" Player start limping. "We're screwed" "Out for season" "Sack fitness/medical staff" "Bring back Burgo" Player goes down into rooms. "We're screwed" "Out for season" "Will never play again" "Bring back Burgo" MFC player involved in incident. "It's Melbourne, they'll suspend him for multiple weeks" Opposition player involved in incident. "It's not Melbourne, he'll get off" Player misses shot at goal. "Such inaccuracy is typical" "Who's the forward coach?" "This will cost us a Grand Final" Melbourne kicks 3 or 4 goals clear. "We'll go to sleep now and rest on our laurels" Melbourne wins. "Should have won by more" "Percentage will cost us top spot" Poster is happy with win. "Stop embracing mediocrity" "We're getting ahead of ourselves" MFC is losing the free kick count. "AFL/umpires/broadcasters are corrupt" "They're biased against us" MFC is winning the free kick count. Do NOT comment under any circumstances.

CASEY FIELDS TODAY!!! Duh da da da duh Da Da Duh ( Repeat) Dar dar Dar Dah dar da da duh Dar DADADAH DAH DA DUH DA DAR DAR DAR DA DUH DA dUH!!!!!! On a Planet Far far away in another space and Time there was This weeks script/training report INSIDE BARRACKS 2 Main control Centre Newkirk "Ah Colonel just got a wire from Australia" Col Hogan "Australia ??? From who?" Newkirk "Our Aussie Ally The nefarious Picket Fence" Col Hogan" What does it say" Carter "It says need assistance urgently, need to tunnel an entrance underground can you assist?" Col Hogan "A tunnel underground" Where" Kinchloe " Needs to go from outside a place called Casey Fields under the Fence and with a hidden entrance for future use, He further says he just cannot get access into the ground and on hot days like today he needs to find a cooler spot to post his Demonland Training reports" Col Hogan "Ok Tell him to stand by we are onto it" Over and Out" LOCATION 2 INSIDE COMMANDANT KLINKS OFFICE Helga " Commondant its General Burkhalter on the phone" Commondant Klink " Put him on " General Burkhalter what a pleasant surprise" Gen Burkhalter " KLINK, The only surprise for me is that you have still got a job and as yet no one ( Except T,V Audiences and producers have wised up to your incompetence" You fraud" Com Klink " Incompetance why General I have a perfect record" Gen Burkhalter " I'll get to the piont KLINK, Our intelligence has picked up some suspicious Activity with Communications occuring between this Stalag and Australia, Somebody is trying to tunnel to the inside of the Fence to an outpost at Casey Fields" Com Klink " As you know General None has EVER ESCAPED FROM STALAG CASEY FIELDS" Gen Burkhalter "[censored] , This entity PIcket Fence isn't trying to get out... He's Trying to get in!!!" Com Klink " Trying to get in to Stalag 13 at Outpost Casey Fields" He must be stopped. Gen Burkhalter "Put your best person onto it" WE NEED TO FIND OUT WHY HE WANTS TO GET IN!" Com Klink "I'll get Schultz to double the guards" and put everyone on high alert" Gen Burkhalter "SIGH" Greetings Demonlanders on this Hot as day. Fortunately not only was the temperature hot but the Dees went through a 6 quarter full match sim of which I file the following report. REHAB/ NO SHOWS FRITTA, JOEL SMITH, JAKE M, JED ADAMS ( I THINK) SALEM INJURIES ON THE DAY Looked like LUKE DUNSTAN pinged a Hamstring during match sim. MATCH REPORT. Initially the teams were more or less Blue Team (Probable starting 18-23 Round 1) and White Team ( Probable Casey team) A few observations about this Hibbo, Dunstan, Jordan, Shache attacky, Tomlinson started in this team, Grundy and Max both were in the blue team at the start before swapping teams at Half time where we saw Max , Clarry, Gus, Harmes and one or two other regulars from Blue went to white team to even things out. PLAYER WATCH IMPRESSIONS 1 KADE CHANDLER was ON FIRE Today really looked like he wants a spot, playing in the Blue team he was heavily inlvolved in setting up play was electrifying with break away speed dish offs plus he kicked about 3 goals and was very very influential. 2 BBB He is easily the best forward we have currently runs up and down the ground leads hard judges the falling ball in contested marking and just does not miss goals. He would have had another 5 or so today 3 BLAKE HOWES What a cool customer he was today, just seems to have found a nice groove, does most things well and effortlessly and picks correct options I think he will play this year on todays performance 4 JUDD MCVEE Likewise did some very good creative work across half back wing and won his fair share of the ball in both contests and on the outside, a hard runner he is gaining in confidence each time 5 OLIVER SESTON I can now see why we drafted him , in junior footy he wouldhave been just too strong in the air and on the ground and possesses an excellent turn of speed, got caught trying to do too much on a couple of occasions but boy when he matures watch out he is not unlike Ollie Wines! 6 JAKE BOWEY Has all but sown up a hbf position I think he is a better player than Calb Daniels now and his disposal, smart descision making and mop ups are very very good. 7 SPARGY PANTS Has improved his posessions and kicked a couple of goals today and used the ball precisely and with purpose playing in the blues I think if he continues to get around 20 quality possessions he earns his keep this year 8 WILL VERALL What an athletic strong running big man he is. He contested manfully in the ruck took some grabs around the ground, dish ofs were good and his mobility and "Flair" wre very appealing will develop into a player I think . Not disimilarly DISCO TURNER Caught mey eye for the same "Flair" 9 JOSH SHACHE ATTACKY Lots to like about his , for example he took a mark today contested that a Sam Weideman would have ran under then goaled. Clever unobtrusive but can become dynamic and bob up unexpectedly and kick a few , which he did do today. Not a bad ruckman and gives his best 10 MATT JEFFERSON.Quiet in parts but then takes the Mark of the day ) In contested company and cooly converted against the wind from 45 out on an angle, when he gets it things happen and although he may not play this year gee in 2024 watch out when he gets some confidence and size/weight. Kicked a couple of nice goals today 11 (THE HOLY TRINITY) CLARRY, J.V , TRACC were just phenomenal today just scary phenomenal. 12 LACHY HUNTER Just knows where to run, how to get it, get out on the outside spearing kicks lace out to other players and will be SENSATIONAL for us. Only slight disappiontment was JVR dropped a couple of chest marks and just got caught out of position a little today HIGHLIGHT MAX VS BRODIE G ( AFTER HALF TIME) BOTH were pitted on one another and it was highly entertaining and enlightening, Max is a one hand tap ruckman and Brodie prefers two hands. BOTH are effecteive and both take marks around the ground, use the ball well and are VERY VERY FIT FINALLY GEE WE ARE FIT I MEAN REALLY REALLY FIT, NO OUT OF CONDITION PLAYERS EVIDENT AND ON A DAY LIKE THIS PIONTS TO A SERIOUS ASSAULT ON THE FLAG IN 2023 I BELEIVE! Meanwhile I have just seen a portly figure patrolling around the ground it looks like, NO IT CAN'T BE SCHULTZ with LOIUS LE BEAU SCHULTZ "Halt who goes there who are you" P.F I know you your Sgt Schultz from Hogans Heroes" How did you get here? SCHULTZ " I accidently stepped onto the set of "The Time Tunnel" and found myself here where am I""? P.F "You are in Australia a place called Casey Fields" SCHULTZ "Commondant KLINK will send me to the Front for deserting my post I will be interogated by the Luftwafer" what will I do"?? PICKET FENCE "Dont worry Schultz If Commandant Klink asks me I will say ..................... I KNOW NOTTTHIING , I SEE NOOOOTHINGGGGGGGG! Cheers P.F

Went with a friend to watch training this morning. They have 3 sets of temporary grandstands set up next to the rooms for spectators and get a good view of everything. Fritsch was the only absentee and J Smith was on the bike for the whole session. Everyone in their own numbers except JVR in 44, Kye Turner is 47 and Burgoyne 33. Started off with goal kicking which has been described before. Then an agility routine where where they ducked around ski poles whilst marking short kicks, receiving and giving handballs. Then a couple of other similar groups (of which there were 3 of 15 or 16 players). In one a ball was tossed in with 5 in white tabbards trying to intercept or tackle whilst other team handballed it around. At this stage one of the groups was all the tall players probably 194 or more and their skills below their knees were great. The had to at least bounce handball through the group a couple of times. When you saw 16 such tall players together you realised we are going to be a tall side, even if 6 are at Casey. May's anticipation and tackling stood out. Then whole ground long kicks one way, punch to defend and switch with handballs from defence then run and handball or short kicks to the other end. Very slick movement. It was in this that I saw Grundy on a few occasions just take off and try and get ahead of the play into the forward line. From that and previous reports,I think that is what he is going to do. They then did different versions of match practice which included free kicks, 50 metres etc. In this it stood out just how far the 1st and 2nd year players are behind the senior players Hibberd, May, Lever and Petty work really well together. Of the new players Hunter stood out - just kept hitting targets and got a bit of the ball. Grundy was very mobile but Max dominated. Schache took one good mark but that's all I saw him do. The 2 Turners were OK but a level below the others. Burgoyne was in the match practice but didn't seem to do much. Kozzie was quiet but looked good if that makes sense. Brown was very good, TMac and Bowie were OK JVR was impressive. Chandler and Spargo got involved. Trac, Oliver, Viney Langdon, Brayshaw, Harmes and Sparrow were a level above the rest. ANB was quiet and at one stage came off with maybe a groin issue, but came back on. Thommo did well - looks to have lost weight and moves a bit freer. Salem, Melksham, Jordan, Dunstan and Laurie were quiet. The young ones do well in the skills drills but just don't have the body or presence to impact in the match play. Seston has a body that could compete but a long way behind. Howes is probably the closest but will take him a while.

What do the last ten premiership teams have in common? They were all ranked in the top 6 in the following statistical categories in their premiership year: Shots at goal differential (all ranked top 4) Total points conceded Opposition shots at goal Opposition goals Percentage Inside 50s Following on from the thread H&A % as an indicator of team chances to win Finals, I decided to look at what stats (including percentage) recent premiership teams have in common using a somewhat simplistic methodology. I have analysed the ranks of the last ten premiership teams against a large number of statistical categories in their premiership year. There are 26 statistical categories in which at least eight of the last ten premiers ranked in the top 6. The list of the 26 categories are in the images at the end of this post. Nine of the last ten premiers were ranked in the top 6 in at least 21 of these 26 categories (the Western Bulldogs ranked in the top 6 in 18 categories in 2016). Melbourne ranked number 1 in 16 of these categories last year, more than any other premiership team in the last ten years. There are currently three standout teams this season for these "premiership metrics" - Geelong, Melbourne and Sydney. "Premiership Metrics" ranked in the top 6 in 2022 25: Geelong ⭐ 24: Melbourne ⭐ 19: Sydney ⭐ 14: Brisbane 14: Richmond 13: Fremantle 11: Collingwood 10: Western Bulldogs 8: Carlton What are the Premiership Metrics? Where do teams ranks against these metrics in 2022?

I journeyed out to Casey today and was fortunate enough to watch two quarters of match simulation. Here is a brief rundown of random occurrences/thoughts. First of all, there was no Jake Lever (ankle) or Joel Smith involved. AMW is still in rehab and was running strongly. It was Blue (Probables) v Red (Possibles) JvR was in blue. Ben Brown, T-Mac, Hibbo and Tom Sparrow were in red. Gus Brayshaw started at half back for blue and stayed there all game. Josh Schache rucked for the red team against Max/Brodie. Adam Tomlinson played in the Lever role. First goals were to Blue team through Fritta and JvR. Rooey followed his goal up with another strong mark but missed a very gettable goal. He contested strongly all game. The half forwards all pressed up the ground high, leaving lots of open space behind them. It was obvious that we have been told to move quickly from defence. They went short a lot and also moved the ball on by hand to defenders streaming through from behind. There was a definite urgency in the way they moved they footy. Max took a mark on the lead, but missed a gettable goal. Lachie Hunter was in everything. Kozzie and Clarry were dominant. Salo was very industrious off half back and looked like the Salem of 2021. Promisingly – Brodie Grundy finished the quarter off with 2 goals, one from a strong grab and the other from a handball over the top. At the break – Blue were 4-5 to Red 0-1. Chandler took the game on and evaded many tackles. However, I think his lack of a right foot might hurt him at senior level as he did run himself into trouble a few times. Ben Brown took a strong pack mark, but missed a very kickable goal. Kye Turner got a fist in a few times and looked strong in the air. Taj Woey got a little bit of the footy. Koz did a run-down tackle in the square, but only managed to hit the post. Melky was in the blue and missed two consecutive snaps on goal. I would say that he is very much in their round 1 plans. Sparrow snagged a goal from a push in the back from Clarrie. Fritta got a goal out the back – evidence of the open forward line apparent there. Ben Brown got one on the lead and goaled. Hunter hit Fritta on the chest. Fritta in turn kicked it out on the full from deep in the pocket. Viney was in everything. Nibbler, who was in red, was also busy. In the second half, Grundy took three marks leading up at the footy. He was a highlight for me. He competed strongly, and if he couldn’t mark it he made sure he brought it to ground. When Max was in the ruck, Grundy started forward. When Grundy was in the ruck, Max started forward. The ruck at the time would then drop behind the play. Kye Turner, playing on JvR, showed some real dash. He was good. took no part in the match sim. Hunter missed a very gettable goal after marking a Spargo chip. He was very vocal on field. He was my other highlight. I think Blue won the second period by a couple of points. YOKOZUNA'S TRAINING REPORT GATOR’S TRAINING REPORT

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Clarry Oliver is going to be the best Melbourne player to ever play the game.

I rang in to Demonland tonight & was thankful Andy & Binman gave me some time to share my thoughts on this great team we barrack for. Here's what I said & what I feel. I'd like to share my thoughts on the Redlegs as a whole circa 2023. As a club, we're in rarefied air; a men's, women's & VFL Premiership all within the last 2 years. A recruiting, administrative & conditioning team that made impeccable decisions for almost 10 years. The highest paid up memberships in the history of the club. A pool of generational talent signed to long term deals. A strong list of youngsters pushing our best 22 for team selection. A destination club that has attracted All Australians, Best & Fairest's and previous club captains. A team of A list assistant coaches. A coach that tasted the highest success in his playing career & now also as a head coach, that not only learnt from a genius & passionate Demon fan in Paul Roos, but is young enough to relate to his players, young enough to grow with his players & young enough to be around for another decade which creates an environment of trust & cohesion. If you think back to your amateur team sports days, be it AFL footy, local cricket or even indoor soccer, when did you, as a team, create success? When you had consistency & cohesion & trust. When you had the same 22 fellas running out to kick the sherrin, the same 11 blokes going out to field, the same 5 friends putting on shingaurds. Why, because you built patterns, game plans and trust in their abilities. You could anticipate what your team mates were going to do & when they needed your help. The Dees finally have this. Stability, trust & importantly genuine class. What we don't have is a recent history of it. They're learning to be successful. Just as we as a supporter base are learning with them. We're not used to this success, being the favourites to win every game, being in every game, no longer being thrashed each week. But what I consistently see when I read frustrated fans' posts on various platforms is that we should be better. And it's this word I'd like to analyse. 'Better than what' is what I would like to ask. Is it possible to win every game? Of course not. Is it possible to only lose 4 games in a season. History would suggest not often. It's been decades since we've had this kind of heat. Teams need to play at their very best to beat us. So each week, we are playing the very best the opposition has to give, week in, week out. This takes its toll on the boys; you simply cannot be up every week. You simply cannot be 'better' all the time. This not an excuse, or a defeatist attitude, it's a fact. We all know the cliches; you don't win flags in 'insert any month except September', you have to peak at the right time, you must finish top 4 to win a flag. They're cliches for a reason, because the better teams have fulfilled these cliches better than other teams. As Binman says, if you have all the pieces in place as we do (talent, good governance etc), the key determinant is injuries & increasingly suspensions. These are the things to concern yourself of. Not the team itself. In the cut & thrust of battle ie the home & away season, it can be hard to pull back & see the bigger picture. What is it? The future has never been better. It's ok to be angry at losses but let's get behind them rather than walk away. Let's be that club that turns the umps whistles our way with our own noise of affirmation. Let's continue to pay our membership, to buy whatever merch we can afford from the Demon shop to assist the club to find a spiritual home for us congregate; not Casey or Gosch but a real home. Let's not feed into the collective anxiety that if we don't win a flag in the next few years, we never will again, but rather strive for sustained prolonged success. Because then the flags are inevitable. Simply my point is, trust in this team, this collective organisation. The club has never been in a better position. If we can't enjoy this now, when can we enjoy this team?

Theres a lot of recency bias in your post Tony. Its unbelievably hard for a small fwd to kick 40 goals in a season. Elliot has never kicked 40 goals in a season His highest has been 35 (in 9 seasons) Papley has kicked 40 goals in a season once (in 7 seasons) Stengle has kicked 46 g this season. His highest previously has been 8 in a season (in 4 seasons) Cyril kicked 40 goals in a season twice (in 11 seasons) and is considered one of the greatest ever If Kozzie picket kicks 1 more goal this year he will have kicked 40 goals in a season twice. Kozzie is a ripper. He is 21 yo.

Sir Why You Little: This is what a typical Demonland thread looks like. Lord Nev: No it's not. I'm sorry SWYL, but you've got it all wrong. binman: I'd like to add a brief comment but we all know that's not bloody likely. old dee: This thread will never be any good. It's doomed to fail dismally. picket fence: Sheeeit!!!!! I'm more EXCITED about this thread than BIG KEV could ever be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jaded No More: I (censored) hate Geelong and this thread is almost as bad. Clintosaurus: The umpires will influence this thread. It's the narrative that the AFL and media want. Lucifers Hero: Can the thread title be changed to "What They Are Saying At Brunton Avenue"? daisycutter: i don't see how capital letters could possibly improve this thread. Ethan Tremblay: This thread has sewn up a trade coup for MFC. Make of that what you will. Bitter but optimistic: Has anybody "maid" a double entendre yet? WalkingCivilWar: Have some "manors" Uncle Bitters. Soz, but Ima say it anyways. faultydet: Sigh. This is just more woke virtue signalling. rpfc: I've nothing to say but here's a GIF for you. Cranky Franky: I object to everybody and everything in this stupid thread. dazzledavey36: I've been watching this thread since its junior days and knew it would make the top level. willmoy: This is a biased thread because of the maggots. adonski: This thread would be far better if Jacob van Rooyen was in it. Demonstone: Oh dear. This thread is riddled with spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. WERRIDEE: I've made up a possible team using the names of all the posters in this thread. Engorged Onion: This thread is loaded. Or is it? joeboy: Worst thread ever. Demonland: This thread is now closed. Take it to the "Changes For Next Thread" please.

Rest easy DD. It is just about done. They’re just sorting a couple of points with the Dees. There is no other Club as a spoiler, just working through some small operational t’s & c’s with the Club.

Judd McVee what a find!

Finally we beat a side above us on the ladder.

Well it was nice to ride the bike down to Gosch's Paddock rather than battle the freeway traffic to Casey and there's always a touch of excitement arriving at the start of the new season with all the new numbers and faces. I had to dash off to a meeting in town at 10.20am, so others may have a fuller report, but by then a fair bit of the gp action had taken place and they were into their match sim, so I think I had the gist of it. Firstly I'll knock off the injuries quickly - Angus and Petty were on light running duties - too early in season for me to assess if they are recovering from fun activities in Europe, but clearly both have minor niggles to deal with. Let's wait and see if they are training with the main gp on Monday before we write them off for the season eh. May wasn't there at all. Also absent from the track was Goody, he seemed to leave it to his lieutenants - Reece Conca among them. Chocco was also taking very much a backseat approach as well, preferring to talk to spectators in his floppy hat. Yze, Staff and Matty Whelan were prominent. The only new injury occurred early when Jed Adams seemed to jar his ankle in one of his first run throughs and after hobbling off for a physio check up he returned and was restricted to just run throughs. Adams is listed as 196cm but he looked almost as tall as Will Verrell and the pair were left to do pretty rudimentary running drills when I was there - must have been the most boring session they have ever encountered I suspect. They did have Angus with them for a fair bit, so at least he would have brought a bit of humour to lighten their mood. A quick word on Adams, he is a big boy in the Jake Spencer clumsy mould at the moment - I'd be gobsmacked if he played seniors this year - but he is a big, strong looking boy so who knows down the track. At the other end of the extreme is Jefferson forward who is a light-bodied tall. He seems to be more coordinated than Jed, but it was noticeable that he missed just about every set shot at goal during early goalkicking practice. He was wearing JVR's No.21 as well, presumably he is waiting for his kit to be made with his number. There are always some players who standout at training and ANB again was everywhere when match sim got going. During the drills it was hard not to notice the skill level of Spargs and Bowey and I also thought it worth mentioning that the kicking of Woey's kid was sensational as well - low, flat, hard and direct. Kicking will not stop Taj from making it this year. His ability to win the ball might. Once match sim got going, it was a dreadful mistake to make Olly the chameleon (the player allowed to play for both teams). That meant he not only got the ball 20 times for the reds, but he also got it 20 more for the blue tops as well. But there were a few standouts and the main one was Kozzie who in the highlight play picked the ball up down back, weaved out of trouble, then brushed off a would-be tackler (I think Harmsey) with a don't argue and then proceeded to run for about 30m before sending the ball another 50m deep into JVR territory. Yes if we want a new midfield weapon, then Kozzie is available and I suspect like Trac three years ago, he now has been told that if you are mega fit, then you can join the mids. Trac and Fritter were also prominent and I also liked the work of Melky, who I know we've all written off, up forwar. But I'm sorry it's hard not to also watch JVR move - he will be playing first round barring injury and while he is still a bit of a project tall, he now has ripping Schwarter style arms that means he won't look like a kid when we all get to see him against the Dogs at the MCG on Saturday night. Surprisingly T-Mac was out there training - yes he's a bit overweight but I'm sure his latest diet will sort him out by round 1. Ben Brown also did some light drills, kick/mark stuff, so rumours of his debilitating knee seem to be way off the mark. And Jake Lever did a lot of work, not just with his mouth. He may well be back to his AA form this year.

MFCSS rubs true We are 2nd on the ladder with a round and a half to go for 2022. Yes our form isn't as strong leading into finals as last year. Yes our best footy is still the best in the competition, despite not showing often enough I for one am sick to death of the negative nancies on here and the real world who are saying we can't win it. Of course we bloody can. We're in this up to our eyeballs. Too many years of MFCSS unfortunately haven't been washed away despite last year's win - just because it's a close season doesn't mean we haven't got a shot at it fron here - can't win them all as an absolute dominant side - that's actually a rarity!

We're back !!! Let's get that straight ! We exposed Freo as pretenders - that's the end of them. We'll dispose of the filth next - no doubt about that. If the Geelong geriatrics were still awake and watching this game they'll know it's all over for them also. Can't wait for the GF which we'll win. I'm happy!!!!

I’m a seasoned Demonlander but even so I’m surprised at the negativity in this thread. That was a high pressure game for 3.5 quarters in front of a massive crowd. We started poorly, but the incredulously bad umpiring didn’t help. A 50-point turnaround is something we should be impressed with, not describing as “papering over cracks”. We have to stop expecting to blow every side off the park, or to be leading start to finish, or to be flawless. The competition is too even for that. What I want to see is improvement in key areas of concern. We started tonight leaking goals from innocuous inside 50s but ended it with our intercepting game in much better shape (what a difference Lever and Gawn make). No idea why Hibberd is copping so much heat, thought his job on Cumberland and his strength in contest was critical to us evening the game out. As others have said, Grundy’s third quarter stoppage and ruckwork helped turn the game, but I also thought Langdon and Hunter were huge in the middle two quarters when the pressure was right on. I’m far from convinced about Petty as a forward but we have to pick a spot and leave him there. Can’t keep flipping him between forward and back.

Just received the email!! The one we have all been waiting for!! 7 years!! Until 2030. Woo Hooo!!

P.F ( Play link as embedded above for full effect) P.F Happy to bring readers of Demonland my latest installment of Training at Casey, interesting sign as seen today!!! Don’t worry if there are any Daleks here the Slitheras will take care of them I’m Sure someone’s having a lend I think But wait what is that sound???? Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzrrrrrrrrwwhhhhhhhhhooooshsdawoooooooooshes dink dink dink dink, zwwwwwwshhhhh. P.F as shape suddenly materializes and it is a Police Box, and out comes Dr. Who 4th Incantation AND LEELA!!! 🤩🥰😎 P.F “Doctor!! So good to see you again, Hello Leela Doctor “P.F Would you like a Jelly Baby? You look well! P.F Yes you you haven’t aged a bit Time Lord Legacy?” Doctor “Yes” Leela “P.F Good to see you again ( Gives me the sevateam Indian death lock greeting) P.F “What are you doing here”? Doctor “Well the Randomizer locked on to this place for some reason and the White Guardian said I had to take care of some unfinished Business here on earth. Since you and I last kicked the last of the Cybermen’s Khyber’s back to the far reaches of the the Galaxy a new menace has again arisen. The scourge of Humanity again is threatening all that we know about about freedom” P.F You don’t have to worry about the Magpie army Doctor, they have just added another Denture Clinic in Lulie st Panic has been averted, no more frightening aliens! Doctor “Its far worse than that Fence” P.F Nar you also don’t have to worry about the Bombers either they have more injuries than a Robbers one legged dog that has had his ears torn of and is blind in one eye and answers to the name of “Lucky.” Doctor “No far worse”! P.F “Kitty litter land Buying all players a share in over the water retirement Villages”? Doctor. “Fence what I talk of is the DALEKS!! They are back and hellbent on taking over the earth. Apparently, they have been following the rise of your football Team in the last few years and they want to build a Battalion of Cybermen with the characteristics of Big Maxi, Clarry, Tracc, Maysie, Jakey and Jack V!! In fact they want to clone the whole team!! P.F Hang on a minute Doctor I thought you said DALEKS, You just mentioned CYBERMEN??? Doctor “ Oh Sheeeit Fence I’m reading next episodes script!! APOLOGIES ! Anyway will you help?? P.F Oh not those OVERSIZE Salt and Pepper Shakers again?? Only If I can take LEELA on a scenic tour of Melbourne when we are done! Doctor ”I don’t know about that”!!! LEELA “I am a warrior of the sevateam Doctor I can care of myself “ (BEAMING SMILE in P.F Direction) Doctor “Ok but only with a Chaperone” P.F “Ok I’ll take Uncle Bitter and WCW with us as well!!!!!? Doctor “Ok” P.F Ok Doctor but first I gotta get this training report outa the way! TRAINING MONDAY 30/1/2023 NO SHOWS JACK VINEY, MATT JEFFERSON, CHRISTIAN SALEM. Also did not see ADAM TOMLINSON INJURIES MODIFIED DUTIES MAX, JOEL SMITH, ANB, AMW,( NO 47 Not sure who ) and during training CLARRY ( More on this latter) SKILLS , DRILLS AND MANOUVERS After warm ups and Run Throughs, players broke of into 3 Groups doing a variety of Close in Handball through traffic to hit clean target with players pressuring. One on one groundhog day ground ball gets Telescopic Talls in Marking contest situations Pressure the ball carrier, two meters away closing fast to kick to a lead Dodge through stick men and kick for goal ( Forwards only) Greg Stafford masterclass for Rucks but specific emphasis on newbies Will Verrall and Kyah Farris-White ( Gee what a huge unit he is) Half ground transitioning including stoppage work on both boundary side wings and emphasizing manned positioning and quick breakaways using precise handballs to break out of traffic and finding leading player on lead or further handball, chip kicks to favored positions to free up play and present scoring options closer to goal. Highlight is always the full ground Match Simulations and today Two Official Umpires were in charge of proceedings adding to the Life like and professional dimensions of this aspect. PLAYER WATCH Firstly, a downside. CLARRY Is clearly still hampered by his hand/thumb injury to the extent that after one drill he went to the medico’s on the boundary and disappeared to get treatment strapping and was then on modified duties running light ball work drills but he did not play in match sims. FWIW I would be totally keeping him away from all ball work for a week or two to avoid any further damage. He is far too an important player at this point of time, but the Medicos must know what they are doing! GRUNDY put on a masterclass in ruck after being pitted against Josh Schache and Will Verell. What he also provides is run and carry, he uses handball well and is pretty good below his knees. The other standouts for me were - JAKE BOWEY, who was pitted against Kyle Chandler. He mopped up at will and was instrumental in launching attacks time and again with that precisity of kicks for which he has become adept at delivering. BAILEY LAURIE was involved in a couple of excellent passages of play and perhaps he may still be in calculations for game time this year. He was creative, smooth with maneuvering and fired creative handballs to advantage. BAYLEY FRITSCH was opposed to Pig and toweled him up kicking the Blues 3 out of 6 goals . He looks more or less on song for another standout season. PIG was good with a few good marks and line breaking run but overall Bailey got the chocolates. LACHIE HUNTER is my pick for a most important role this year. He just continuously bobs up in dangerous positions and gets plenty of the ball and sets up forwards with precise kicking and canny running. He was on TAJ WOEWODIN for a time and he got a bit of the ball as well but was no where near as damaging. TOM SPARROW Impressed me greatly today with style and flair, he looks like “He Belongs” and is gaining confidence in all aspects, a dasher with speed, he posses flair and takes the game on, His kicking to position has also improved. Although WILL VERRALL was beaten in the ruck, he showed on a couple of occasions a turn of speed when he got it and the flair which he played reminded me a bit of David Schwartz with those flashy run bys. BLAKE HOWES did a few nice things and seems to be gaining confidence, as did DEAKYN SMITH off half back and thereabouts who intercepted well on a couple of occasions and delivered to a target. I thought JAMES HARMES was very very good today in match sims and set up play after play as we know he can and does do. JOSH SCHACHE ATTACKEY took a brilliant pack mark and goaled from 40 and was busy and will no doubt come into calculations, particularly if Max is not right (incidentally, Max completed many running drills almost at 3 /4 pace and I would say he will be right back to full training next week) LUKE DUNSTAN gets his fair share of the ball, isn’t dynamic or damaging with it but is always reliable and dependable. TRACC was Trac and KOZZY was Kozzy and he looks like he will be given more midfield time this season. Same with MAYSIE and PETTY. That about wraps it up for me and I can see the Doctor and Leela coming my way Till next time cheers to all Demonlanders P.F

I got down to training today. We settled on the fence. Choco Williams came over for a chat. My two boys played soccer with Leo and Bella McDonald, kids of Tom. It was good to be back. There was no Oliver, Petty, Pickett or Lachie Hunter today. Goody and Ooze were MIA. Troy Chaplin seemed to be calling the shots. Kye Turner and Kynan Brown (son of Nathan) joined the main group. Trent Burgoyne was on a modified program. Joel Smith and Andy Moniz-Wakefield were in re-hab. Gus Brayshaw did a lot of things with the main group, but is on some sort of modified program. James Harmes was wearing a green hat signifying that he was a ‘non-contact’ player. First up was the dreaded 2km time trial. The players were split into 4 groups of similar running ability. The two more able groups went first. Adam Tomlinson led the top group from start to finish, looking very fit in beating home Nibbla in second place. JJ came third, closely followed by Ed Langdon. For those interested in times, I timed the third group. Rick Lever won this group in a time of 6:30, Bailey Laurie not far behind him in 6:36. Josh Schache won the big fella’s group, ahead of a fast finishing Gawn. Ben Brown really impressed me. He hammered home behind Max and looked the best he has since late 2021. Brodie Grundy seemed to labour, which is not surprising considering his injury problems. The young blokes struggled. Will Verral in particular, took over 8 minutes to complete his 2kms and he had Jack Viney for company on his last lap, with Vin yapping to him the whole way home. The warm up drills were focused on quick ball movement and hitting short targets under pressure. One ball movement drill I found fascinating was red v whites. The whites (defenders) would move the ball up the line. The reds would receive the ball at half back and sling shot the ball forward through quick hands and feet into the corridor. The forwards would all set up high across half forward. They would then lead far and wide, especially back into the open spaces of the forward line towards the goal square. There were no indiscriminate kicks inside 50. Each kick, be it long or short, was towards a leading Brown, McDonald or Fritsch, mostly moving back into an empty forward zone. This was very different to our long kicks into pockets last year. I won’t ramble any further. I’m happy to answer any questions.

It was around about this time four years ago that I turned up to Grosch’s Paddock on a sunny December morning to witness a sparkling Melbourne training session. With a few exceptions, the boys were training hard, looking fit and healthy and all was sweetness and light. I drafted a glowing report about the Demons’ prospects for 2019, sat back and looked forward to a year of football bliss. To my surprise, the Dees had a shocker of a season finishing in 17th place. They even ended the year below Carlton who turned at 1-10 halfway through the season and they sacked their coach! We snuck home by a single point against the eventual wooden spooners on the Gold Coast and the whole dismal year ended in doom and gloom with bushfires ravaging the continent. The scourge of Covid-19 was waiting for us around the corner. Come January, my New Year’s resolution was never to write a glowing preseason training report again. Hence, in summary, my impressions about this morning’s session at the Paddock was that it sucked! Some of the negative things I noted in my head as I watched the session were:- • The number of players who were in rehab or injured during the session. The rehab group included premiership players Angus Brayshaw and Michael Hibberd while Jake Lever hurt his knee during the session. Bulldogs recruit Lachie Hunter also took a knock early but resumed training. Others in rehab were Andy Moniz-Wakefield, Joel Smith, Deakyn Smith, newcomers Jed Adams, Will Verrell and train on potential recruit Trent Burgoyne. Disappointing. • Hardly any of the young players appear ready – most of them were kept back from the simulated match play and trained separately under Choco Williams. They might have been good at NAB Cup or APS football, but they are not ready to play AFL senior football in 2023, not even the kid we plucked out of obscurity from Xavier College. Recruits are not what they used to be, and we might as well start getting used to making the long drive down the Monash Freeway and beyond to Casey Fields if we want to see those blokes next year. So disappointing that we will not get to see our first rookie draft pick burning up the G against the Bulldogs in Round 1. • Who oversees the players’ wardrobes these days? I noticed a couple of ruck duels between two blokes who were both wearing the number 6 on their backs. How do they expect us to tell them apart so that those of us who take the trouble to turn up to a training session can report on their performances with some accuracy? Not good enough! • There was too much fun and frivolity. Players were having a fun time but it’s December - exactly the time when players should be knuckling down for the rigours of the long season ahead. • My god, Christian Salem's aged! His hair has turned grey overnight! • I have a number of other complaints and that’s why this report isn’t a glowing one as you might have expected. Take off the rose coloured glasses and start worrying. Think MFCSS and with a bit of luck I might make a different New Year’s resolution at the end of 2023. Merry Christmas all!!!

Have just got back from a social event where I got talking to a very well known footy journalist. He didn’t give much away, other than Jackson is gone, providing Freo can find two first rounders. He believes Grundy will be at Melbourne next year, for a first round pick and a significant amount of his wage picked up by the Pies - said that Goody really rates Grundy and we’ll have the best ruck combination for the next 4-5 years. He also said that they’ll work to get Kozzy signed up as a priority, but there’s no truth in the rumours that he wants to go to an SA club: he has no allegiance in SA - probably the only place he would move to would be country WA, if they had a team! Apparently v happy with the set up at Melbourne, so should be reasonably straightforward. He thought that the main reasons for the Dees falling short this year were injuries and perhaps the mental fatigue of trying to win a B2B. On a more general note, he thought that this years trade period will be epic, with lots of names being thrown up for movement. Nothing earth-shattering in what he said, but just thought I’d share it with my fellow Dees!

This just popped up on YouTube today! I think the ABC version is my favourite. Cheers to @The Mighty Demons for the edit!

I hate the attitude of fans who have somehow forgotten decades of mediocrity and don't enjoy wins. FFS. Huge lifter. That sort of win will give the boys some extra bounce. Jayden Hunts last couple of minutes were unreal

Just wanted to share with everyone a short story from last week's loss against Freo. I was on my way to Richmond Station, and I happened to pass a Freo supporter. She mentioned to me, "I hope you're not too upset with that loss." and I replied with "Freo did really well, you deserved that win." She mentioned to me that after that night, she was really impressed by Melbourne supporters. She said after the final siren, heaps of Melbourne supporters around her offered their hands to shake and said "well done". She though Melbourne supporters were really nice, and that she wasn't used to that kind of response from opposing supporters - "Usually in Perth, supporters yell abuse, but after tonight I think Melbourne's my second favourite team simply because of people like you, being really nice about losing," citing teams like Essendon, Collingwood and in particular West Coast as the worst. She said it made her trip to Melbourne for the game memorable. I do think it's an important element of us as supporters. We don't want to be seen as d-heads, and if we're gaining that kind of reputation, that can only be a good thing.

Well folks, I've just come out of surgery or so it seems, to have the middle lobe of my right lung removed because of a growth in the collapsed lung and my diaphragm piltrated (stiched down). Don't want to bore you all with the ****ty stuff, but I must say timing of this operation was of not my doing. To my elation I was to be at the hospital at 6.30 am Friday to be prepped for a morning procedure that would likely last 4 hrs. So I'm thinking start at 9 finish at 1 gimee time to come around to watch the game. Didnt allow for the effects of the ongoing drip fed ketamine and oxycodone . So to say it appeared as a dream is an understatement. In and out of consciousness but managed to see the whole game (I think) unless I have died and gone to heaven.

Rooey Free to Play 🔴🔵😈

There were 4 x 20 minutes quarters between teams Blue and White. It was controlled by AFL umpires. The first two quarters comprised of the probables in Blue versus the possibles in White. Blue included: Gawn, Grundy, Petracca, Oliver, Viney, Brayshaw, Sparrow, May, Lever, Petty, Rivers, McVee, Langdon, Neal-Bullen, Pickett, Spargo, Brown, McDonald, Bowey, Chandler White: Farris-White, Verrall, Schache, Hunter, Jordon, Hibberd, Dunstan, Harmes, Howes, Jefferson, Laurie, Sestan, Deakyn Smith, Tomlinson, Turner x 2, Woewodin, van Rooyen, Trent Burgoyne, plus 2-3 other Casey top-ups. As you’d expect Blue dominated. At half-time they’d kicked 15 goals to one. At half-time quite a few in Blue swapped to White, including Oliver, Brayshaw, Gawn and the first choice defenders – May, Petty, Lever, Rivers, McVee and Bowey. Harmes, Tomlinson and a few others went from White to Blue. The ‘new’ White got away in the third quarter, while Blue almost pinched it in the last. Final scores for the last two quarters were 41 to 40 White’s way. Ben Brown kicked 3 goals in the first on his way to 5. He’s moving and marking very well. McDonald kicked 3 and was also good. Grundy kicked 2 and handed an easy third to Pickett. Grundy was busy and had a good game, including a nice contested mark for one of his goals. He really gets involved around the stoppages. He seemed a little sore in his leg in the third quarter but he stayed on and completed all 4 quarters, so I’m assuming it’s minor. Spargo was very good and kicked 3 goals. Chandler did well and kicked 2. I wonder if McVee has been earmarked for Salem’s position. He looked very comfortable in the back 6. Both Langdon and Hunter got plenty of it. van Rooyen had a quiet day not helped by Blue’s dominance in the first two quarters. He led well in the second and did take one good contested mark, but also dropped an easy chest mark in the last. He ended the day goalless after missing a very gettable 30 metre shot in the second. Schache was quiet early but kicked 2 goals in the second half and became a target. Viney spent some time on ball but played mainly forward in the first half. He hit the scoreboard and actually played very well from a HFF. Rivers played mainly defence but also started in the centre square a few times, as did Brayshaw. So it looks like they’re going to mix it up. In the first half the preferred centre square setup was Oliver, Petracca, and Sparrow. Jefferson kicked the only goal for White in the first half and ended with 2. He took one excellent contested mark i50 (goal), but also dropped a couple he should have taken. He looks a player. Gawn looked a little rusty but was OK. I would have given Grundy the honours, but they both won their share of hitouts against each other in the second half. They were on the same team in the first half. Gawn spent time forward but was ineffective. For me the three best players were Oliver, Petracca, and Viney, but Spargo, Langdon, Brayshaw, Bowey, Rivers, Grundy, Brown and McDonald all did well. Petracca and Oliver can both extricate themselves from very tight positions. Some of their midfield craft was superb. Both fast, big and powerful. Oliver took a nice contested mark and was completely unhindered by his thumb. It was great to see Petracca mark forty metres out in the last, dead in front, and kick truly. He was also very happy (“Let’s go boys !!!”). This was the most involved I’ve seen Sestan. He took a couple of very strong marks and got quite a lot of it. He also kicked truly from 51 metres out. He’s one of those players with a low centre of gravity. Shortish legs and a long torso in the Daicos and Jesaulenko mould. Quick ball movement was the order of the day. There was a strong wind, so conditions were challenging, but there were also some excellent pieces of play. Lots of turnovers too, as is the hallmark of the modern game. I’m sure van Rooyen will get games and he’s had a great preseason, but he may just be behind Brown and McDonald for round one. Verrall competed well in the ruck. He’s raw but didn’t look out of place. Howes was very busy and mainly used it well. Even though Hunter played the first two quarters for White I’m sure he’s in the best team. Neale-Bullen also played well early. He was playing on a wing. Dunstan pulled a hamstring. Unlike Gawn, who jogged off with his, Dunstan was in pain as he gingerly limped off. Fritsch was a no show but may have been inside. Moniz-Wakefield and Melksham were there but didn’t participate and nor did Joel Smith.

Egg on my face right now. Put my hand up and openly admit I got it wrong with the Melksham selection. I've bashed him hard this year but the last few weeks he's completely changed his game to the point where he's important member. Sorry Melky, you were [censored] unreal tonight.

Bartlett just can’t catch a break. Everyone trying to steal his thunder.

We have found one in Judd McVee

I arrived at 9.15am to find the match sims well underway and I imagine they started early to allow them time to get organized for the community camp at Yea. On the rugby oval adjacent to Gosch's a few are the boys were doing some gentle drills. Clarrie, Nibbler, AMW, Jefferson and Melk were doing a bit of keeping off, handball drills and some running. I only watched as I made my way to the main oval. J Smith and Verrell were doing running around the boundary and as far as I could tell the only no shows were Salo and Lingers. All the rest were involved in the match sims including Gawny and Jake Lever. Goody would throw the ball in on the wing and the white and blue team would contest from there. Brodie got a lesson from Max over the journey but Brodie was good around the ground and did some good ruck work on the odd occasion when he got the better of Max. JJ was playing inside mid in the absence of Clarrie and was doing very well. He was very clean and won a number of clearances. Kyah Farris-White was playing as a KPF with Brown and TMac and really didn't get into it but it's interesting that they see a bit of KPF in him. May was in everything and a real standout on the day and Max was marking very well around the ground. JvR continues to impress. On one occasion he was involved in a marking contest at FF with the ball bouncing away to another player who was 15 metres away but he then pressured and tackled the defender drawing applause from Goody and the players. He's very competitive when the ball hits the ground and I'd hate to be the match committee selecting the KPF if all the boys are fit. In another piece of play the ball was cleared from the centre wing throw in and was kicked forward. JvR took the bouncing ball at full pace and instantly handballed to Spargs who kicked beautifully to Fritta. It was a fantastic piece of play again drawing applause from Goody and the staff. After match sims they broke into three groups and did craft training. One was marking practice and on one occasion Kossie sat on his opponent's head and took a screamer. When he landed he jarred his knee and went to get some medical attention but returned and completed the running at the end of the session. The session finished at about 10.40 and the players all headed off together. I imagine it will be a pretty relaxed skills session at Yea tomorrow with a lot of meet and greet particularly if the advertised training session is on again at Gosch's on Wednesday.

The 4 unsighted Kozzy, Petty, Hunter and Oliver . Lots of players in different numbers making it confusing. Brayshaw mostly doing some kick to kick and repeat jogging with Adams and Verrell. May and Harmes were in more drills then pulled out for light stuff. Burgoyne, Deak and Joel Smith on light duties. Joel did some solid repeat sprints. AMW on the watt bike. For a solid period they split in to 3 groups. Group A did a drill from the half forward flank working through token pressure 4 on 1 to then hit up 2 leading forwards v 2 defenders with another defender dropping back covering leading lanes. Some good hit up kicks in this. The other 2/3rds rotated through a bigger drill using about half the ground. A long kick out of the backline went to the 2 rucks (Max and Grundy had some good marking contests) from which the emphasis was on super quick transition back inside 50 and using the switch or diagonal as much as possible. T Mc, Brown, Schache, JVR all prominent. It wasn’t even numbers or full pressure but the speed on the ball from the mids/backs/high half forwards was really impressive. Some nice kicks to leads and up over the defenders too. JVR had a ball bounce off his hands and Jefferson arced across from his own lead, swooped on the crumb to gather it in the air, straightened and finished with ease. It was a bit like a taller right footed Fritsch with the touch of class. Kynan Brown looked comfortable mixing it in traffic and like he has some zip in close. Kye Turner looks a similar size to our other tall backs, seems to have good athleticism and didn’t do anything that stood out too much. But the defenders weren’t tasked with any true competitive drills. I noticed a couple of very clean Bill Laurie moments and he’s certainly changed his shape. Howes had a beautiful spearing kick to Ben Brown’s chest at one stage too. Slartibartfast‘s Training Report Kev Martin’s Training Report Tough Kent's Training Report

It's been another great season for Demon fans and Demonland. We didn't make it to the AFL Big Dance although we finished in the top two after the home and away but we're still regarded as an AFL powerhouse and right up there in the premiership window with a real chance in 2023! On top of that our Melbourne AFLW and Casey Demons teams did us proud by holding aloft their respective premiership cups. Taking the opportunity to thank all of you our contributors for your participation in this difficult year for the Melbourne Football Club. In particular, I would like to thank Nasher once again for keeping the site together and to our feature writers @george_on_the_outer , @Whispering_Jack, @The Oracle , @KC from Casey, @Meggs and all of our other contributors for keeping Demonland going throughout season 2022 (in the case of AFLW seasons 2022). And how could I forget our podcast co-commentator @binmanwho does such a great job along with @george_on_the_outerduring the season and sometimes off season too! Also a big thank you to @Whispering_Jack, @Grapevineyand @george_on_the_outer on their tireless and often thankless efforts as Moderators. And a big thank you to @george_on_the_outer & @binman and all of our listeners and callers on the Demonland Podcast. And now, we can look forward to the future. Bring on 2023! Go Dees!!!

Down for my first look at our squad, A beautiful day with quite a few out early. The defenders doing some passing to each other on the wing and the rest having goal kicking practice. Once the session starts, they go about it earnestly, with a no nonsense physical trainer taking the reins. Quite regimented in the warm-up and when doing the runs. There is no room for ambiguity. After the warm-up, they are into 3 groups and 3 stations. Strength, goal snaps and a power station. They then go to a drill which is working across each other with precision kicks. Williams with the one-liners and keeping them amused. The next one is similar but with the space opening up making for longer kicking. They go into simulations. A bit rusty for the first couple of plays, but it doesn't take long till they get the ball movement right, or the defensive press causing turnovers. After sims comes some running. Still pretty mild as they only do 4 laps, though within time limits and different groups running at times, appropriate to size and age. My impressions are: Trent Rivers is looking stronger and bigger, as is Jordon. Tom Sparrow looks fit, as does Laurie. Bayley fritch as skilled as ever, though appears to be on a slightly modified program, and did not participate in sims. Grundy the same and was doing his own running program. Deakyn Smith, Moniz-wakefield and Hibbs on a modified program that appears to be about fitness as they spent all their time running. Spargo and Chandler in everything during sims. Howes and Woewodin working with Viney. JVR has great hands and is bringing the energy. Goodwin wants more from Pickett. Pettraca and May struggling with the running. Hunter was struggling with connection, Schache looks the better one at the moment. Farris-white has a fair bit of work to do on his kicking style, appears to have a good endurance engine. Mathew Jefferson was mainly working alongside Farris-white and both didn't participate in sims. He appeared a touch nervous as he dropped some simple chest marks and had a little difficulty finding connection when drilling his kicks. Needs to also work on fitness. Not at training: Salem, Lever, TMac, Lever, Brayshaw, Gawn, ANB, Oliver, Langdon, Melksham, Tomlinson, Petty, Joel Smith, Ben Brown.

Grundy in 6, Hunter 12 and Schache 19. AMW and Smith running reps, Grundy, Fritta and TMac all doing drills with running interspersed. Tmac looked totally unhindered and was doing the warmup kicking drills. I didn't see Harmes, Lever, Brayshaw, Gawn, Oliver, Lingers, Melk, Tomlinson, Dunstan, ANB, Petty, Brown and Smith. I didn't see Taj either but he may have been there. Usual warmups, then ball movement drills on 3/4 ground. Had to leave earlier than expected unfortunately so that's about all I saw. Spoke to AMW very briefly and he said he'd added 8 kilos and was 182 but still growing. He's got an infectious smile and personality. Hoping for really big things from him.

Fair dinkum, it’s hard to please some people. Those who want to keep digging for negatives good luck to you, Mondays are always better with a win. No one said doing a repeat is easy, most should be happy we are at least giving ourselves a chance.

This just happened: So I’m sitting on the steps of a disused building in Flinders Street coz no benches, having one last coffee before sausage duties. A guy walks past, I smile and nod coz me. He comes back and tries to give me a $10 note. Dude thought I was homeless!!! Of course I refused the money and tried to convince him that I am not a beggar. Two cops happened to walk by and heard us. One of the cops says, “nah mate, she’s definitely not doing it tough, have a look, she’s a Melbourne supporter.”🤣

Hi, Not one to normally start a new thread, and this could possibly have found it's way into an old Jack Viney thread maybe, but I just felt it's worth giving credit where credit is due. Jack had a solid year in 2021, but I believe he has lifted even more this year. With his history of foot injuries he has looked slow and his field kicking frustrated me in recent years. I always felt he was well behind Petracca and Oliver and I questioned whether his body had let him down and would he be able to hold down the midfield role for much longer. However I think in 2022 he's improved significantly, and dare I say it looks quicker and more comfortable running over the turf. Resulting in his output both in running lines and his disposal looking a heap better than I can recall from prior years. He hasn't lost his aggression and love of tackling hitting the player hard. Whilst his possession count isn't up at the possession rate of Oliver and Petracca, Viney just seems to be making the right decisions in games more often and not, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him right up there in the B&F count to this point of the season, just does the things that the coaches would love! He's becoming exciting to watch within out team, and that's something I never thought I'd say :)

So a quick round up of last Friday mornings Brekky. Jackson will go in my opinion. Goodwin stated “Fremantle will pay a lot for Jacko.” Wasn’t a definite he’s going but I can’t recall Goodwin saying ‘if’. spoke glowingly about the group when Karl Langdon who was MC asked about. Goodwin spoke about the conversations he has with certain players. The below is paraphrased but accurate. Petracca - he has a father son relationship with where CP needs varying levels of feedback at times to suit his personality. Gus needs cuddles. Viney just wants to be hit between the eyes with any feedback regardless of praise or criticism. Max - “you just can’t have a sensible conversation with Max”. 😂 His first slide of his 2021 pre season ppt presentation was “Grand Final Day, how are we going to play” He wouldn’t disclose what this years is but reading between the lines I think it aligns to the ‘dynasty’ chain of thought and what the team can sustain and achieve if they stay together. Hes really happy with the development of the young blokes and mentioned that they could all play in the team atm if injuries dictated it. Bluntly admitted his relationship with Bartlett was poor. Addressed Fritsch over the last couple weeks incidents. Lots of other things reviewed that we’ve already seen in the media such as his own revival and his mentors etc that he connected with. But the thing that made me the most pleased was his utmost confidence that the team issues had been addressed and that we would see that tonight (Friday). Also picked myself up a WEG framed premiership poster signed by Goody for $225 in the auction.

He doesn’t own anything.

Jeepers this thread is the Demonland of old. We have five best 22 players out, including four from the backline. We had A-grade players down on form (Gawn, Trac, May). We were horribly inaccurate early. We were off a six day break from a humid GC game. But we scored 99 and won by 5 goals. That’s a remarkable win IMO. We are supposed to be dropping games right now with our outs - remember Richmond in one of their flag years lost a stack of games early when they had injuries but rallied late? Essendon flooded back and dragged us down to their level. Teams are going to do that and when we’re not perfect we won’t blow teams away each week. @praha’s got this 100% right. Oliver outstanding, Brayshaw fantastic whilst being played out of position. Loved Jordon’s run, and Weideman surely pushes TMac out next week. Problems of course - the Hunt, Tomlinson, Smith trio are no good in the same backline and all three at times struggled tonight. Pickett’s struggling to get involved on offence, but his defence is still there. Spargo is sort of everywhere and nowhere. And Gawn’s badly out of form IMO. But honestly, we’re 3-0, already knocked off two of last year’s finalists and a 2022 finals contender, and we have seriously good cavalry to come back. This is happy days, not sad.