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Yes, premium instant coffee apparently. Sounds like an oxymoron to me.

What Cotchin did is neither here nor there. The issue that Sydney is disputing is whether Franklin's action was deliberate. I can't see how you could possibly argue that it was anything but deliberate. To me, there are no grounds to uphold the appeal.

Goody on SEN said we will get back all of Langdon, McDonald, Harmes and Salem this week. Didn't specify if Salem would come back via the VFL or not.

Challenging it was intentional? He went back for seconds! They should extend the ban purely for the stupidity of challenging on those grounds.

“We are just going to challenge the MRO's view of whether it's an intentional strike," Swans coach John Longmire told reporters on Monday. Are they serious? If he sort of missed hitting him the first time he certainly did better the next try!

Of course they are. I’m appealing May’s concussion

Maybe the chanting has disappeared because of the inane music clip played after we score a goal. Why is the music even thought to be a good idea? It's a complete emotion killer.

Collingwood and Carlton with 80,000 members each, get only 80,000 to the game.I.e. About half their membership. Melbourne with 60,000 members get just on 30,000 to their game, against an interstate side with little to no Melbourne base. Not so different outcome in terms of attendance.

Harsh on Hunt.. Was forced to match up on talls at various stages during the Freo game. He hasnt been beaten all year until Saturday, but not many Demons won their position.. We looked like we lacked confidence to go forward at various stages, allowing Freo to set Up beautifully, then once they got it, they got separation on us very easily.

Not sure the "intention to hit the body" defence will work. I believe the guidelines say as follows: A Player intentionally commits a Classifiable Offence if the Player engages in the conduct constituting the Reportable Offence with the intention of committing that offence The guidelines then define a reportable offence as including striking. So if that is correct, the relevant intention is the intention to strike, not the intention to strike a particular part of the body. This also seems consistent with the way the offence is graded. As one of the gradings is "high or body" contact, it would seem superfluous to have a contact grading of high or body if the relevant reportable offence was striking the head. If this is all correct, then I can't see how he gets off on grounds of it not being an intentional strike. It was off the ball (not for example in a marking contest) - what else was his intention if not to strike?

Disappointing that JVR didn't play as I'm sure many supporters are keen to see his progression Of the demon listed players that played Tomlinson and Turner the best by some margin Deakyn Smith, Woewodin, and McVee played their part. Mitch Brown is good at attacking the ball in the air and bringing it to ground but he's another Weideman I think (just not quite there to consistently contribute in the AFL) Pretty disappointing games from Laurie - those calling for him to play AFL are way off the mark atm

SURVIVAL MODE by KC from Casey The Casey Demons managed to survive a day of challenges that in many ways mirrored their AFL counterpart Narrm from the previous day but Casey emerged undefeated from their Round 10 encounter with Frankston at Skybus Stadium. Like the Demon seniors they were undermanned and lost players due to late withdrawals, went through an arm wrestle in the first quarters, took over the game in the second to set up a big lead before a late goal gave hope to their opponent and limped through a last half in which goals were scarce and they were dominated in general play as they went into survival mode. The major difference was that the Dolphins were inaccurate in front of goal and the Demons managed to hit their targets enough times to win the game. The final score of 10.6 (66) to 6.12 (48) told the story. The Demons can thank their key defenders in Adam Tomlinson and Daniel Turner for stemming the tide. Tomlinson was magnificent all day with his 28 disposals while Turner with his strong marking early (he finished with seven marks and 14 touches) was also impressive. With the late withdrawal of ruckman Majak Daw and the team down to a season’s low of 11 AFL listers, the visitors relied heavily on their local players and a number of them stood up. Jimmy Munro, the ever reliable notched up 14 tackles and 22 possessions and Mitch White was steady all day while youngster, George Grey played his best game for the club. Normally a flanker, he was thrust by circumstances into the midfield and played a strong role in his side’s win. During the team’s second quarter burst he won a clearance and linked up in a chain of passes to finish off the play with a nice goal. Josh Smith worked hard in the ruck for 25 hit outs. He was solid around the ground and also kicked a steadying goal for his team on debut. Corey Ellison, who has been played down back when selected this year, went forward and combined well with Mitch Brown. Between them, they booted five goals in the first half. Ellison’s three goals were reminiscent of his goal kicking heroics against Werribee last year. Riley Baldi produced an excellent defensive display for the Demons. Oskar Baker (20 disposals) provided plenty of run on the outside and Deakyn Smith also underlined his improvement in defence while Taj Woewodin was solid and kicked a vital long goal when needed in the final stanza. The undefeated Casey Demons have a big day out planned for next Saturday when they take on the Sydney Swans in the curtain raiser to the AFL match up at the MCG. Casey Demons 2.1.13 8.4.52 8.6.54 10.6.66 Frankston 2.1.13 3.3.21 4.7.31 6.12.48 Goals Casey Demons Ellison 3 M Brown 2 Grey Laurie Neocleous J.Smith Woewodin Frankston Burton McLaughlin 2 Fordham Lambert Best Casey Demons Grey Munro Tomlinson Ellison Baker Turner D Smith Brown Frankston Stoddart Freeman Mynott Murphy Fordham Riley Statistics Oskar Baker 13 kicks 7 handballs 20 disposals 2 marks 1 tackle 63 dream team points Riley Baldi 6 kicks 9 handballs 15 disposals 4 marks 7 tackles 74 dream team points Mitch Brown 2 goals 2 behinds 9 kicks 3 handballs 12 disposals 5 marks 3 tackles 71 dream team points Matt Buntine 6 kicks 1 handball 7 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 49 dream team points Tyler Edwards 3 kicks 2 handballs disposals 2 marks 1 tackle 20 dream team points Corey Ellison 3 goals 1 behind 10 kicks 4 handballs 14 disposals 7 marks 1 tackle 2 hit outs 81 dream team points George Grey 1 goals 13 kicks 6 handballs 19 disposals 2 marks 7 tackles 95 dream team points Michael Hibberd 6 kicks 5 handballs 11 disposals 3 marks 5 tackles 54dream team points Ryan Koo 6 kicks 3 handballs 9 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 34 dream team points Bailey Laurie 1 goal 3 kicks 6 handballs 9 disposals 3 tackles 36 dream team points Judd McVee 12 kicks 2 handballs 14 disposals 3 marks 2 tackles 55 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 3 kicks 6 handballs 9 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 29 dream team points Bryce Milford 2 kicks 1 handballs 3 disposals 4 tackles 5 hit outs 30 dream team points James Munro 5 kicks 17 handballs 22 disposals 2 marks 14 tackles 102 dream team points Harvey Neocleous 1 goal 1 kicks 3 handballs 4 disposals 2 tackles 23 dream team points Fraser Rosman 6 kicks 3 handballs 9 disposals 4 marks 3 tackles 39 dream team points Deakyn Smith 12 kicks 7 handballs 19 disposals 5 marks 5 tackles 80 dream team points Josh Smith 1 goals 5 kicks 5 handballs 10 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 25 hit outs 78 dream team points Roan Steele 5 kicks 5 handballs 10 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 43 dream team points Adam Tomlinson 21 kicks 7 handballs 28 disposals 8 marks 3 tackles 114 dream team points Daniel Turner 9 kicks 5 handballs 14 disposals 7 marks 1 tackles 62 dream team points Mitch White 8 kicks 4 handballs 12 disposals 4 marks 11 tackles 80 dream team points Taj Woewodin 1 goal 8 kicks 8 handballs 16 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 66 dream team points

My alter ego Byron would have got 10 weeks, Rugged Rod Grinter ........... Season!!!!

BBB has credits in the bank. Weeds hasnt even opened an account! He cannot get another game as a forward IMV

*doesn’t wanna take the (patently obvious) bait, but does anyways coz once rattled, cage cannot be unrattled* I know, right! It’s not like these selfish [censored] volunteer their time and effort every single week. Including every Thursday night making the banner. And it’s not like they pay for their own Army gear, likewise DA membership. 🙄 Thank you DeeSpencer, for putting these lazy slackers on notice. What would the MFC do without loyal and dedicated members such as your good self. 😉 edit: forgot to mention our QB match, DeeSpencer. I trust I’ll see you at 7am in Fed Square volunteering at the sausage sizzle (cooking and selling said sausages), rattling Freeze MND cans, picking up food from Coles, etc., cleaning up afterwards, etc., etc., etc. 👍🏽 Sweet.

With names like that, no wonder the midfield looked bland. Having Brown in the side doesn't help much, either.

The whole team did. Bedford retains his spot.

Kid’s a gun. Reminds me of Jeremy McGovern. Big call, but I’m going with it. Looks slow but isn’t, reads the play beautifully, uses the body well, and disposes better than his height suggests.

4 guys back this week! Langdon, Harmes, Salem and TMac Bewdy

Fair dinkum does Demonland know how to jump off at the earliest opportunity. Jackson's a 20 year old tall who has already shown in his 40 games that he is capable of doing things that very few other footballers can do. It hasn't been consistent, but 20 year old talls are rarely consistent. Focusing on the current form slump and using it to water down what he's shown to date is a ridiculous way to assess him. We should be doing everything we can to re-sign him. Draft picks are great but the phrase "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" couldn't be more appropriate.

Replace the name Franklin with Chandler and it's a three week sanction.

“Yes, it was intensional”. he should get an extra 2 weeks for wasting everybody’s time

Massive chance he gets off. the AFL would want Buddy playing in a blockbuster Sydney vs Melbourne game. he will be playing.

Not that I am a Toby Greene fan in anyway whatsoever, I wonder what chance he would have if he appealed a similar incident. I think Franklin is a real chance to get off because of his ‘status’ and if that is the case it is a real shame. If you apply the ‘what message these kind of incidents have on little kids’, this is a no brainer- it deserves a week.

Slapping someone once in the heat of the moment is bad enough, but a second go at the head (even if it wasn't a punch) is surely beyond the pale. But nothing is beyond the AFL.

Cornes is smart, most of what he says is an act to get reactions to drive traffic.

I am not sure if Turner has AFL level skills but he looks like a Melbourne defender. He looks like Jake Lever.

Hahahaha what world do you live in? the AFL makes no secret about the fact they only care about money. there is a huge Tribunal bias towards star players compared to lesser known.. what do you think the difference is if not bums on seats?

Injury report (apologies if this is a repost). TMac, Salem, Harmes, Langon all available , as is Petty (MRI -> no structural damage)

"In more positive news, Harry Petty will be in the clear to play after some concern around his fitness against the Dockers. The key defender was dealing with a knee niggle throughout the match, but scans have cleared him of any damage, allowing him to continue training in full this week." Petty pictured in training with tape around the knee today, hopefully good to go.

If they wheel out the tribunal chairman who found Barry Hall was "in play", and who found Dank guilty of administering TB-4 and Essendon players not guilty of taking it, then the writing will be on the wall.

A lesser known player won't get off. Buddy had deliberately already struck Cotchin on the chest with an open hand. The one on the chin again was deliberate with a closed fist. The Tribunal should give due weight to this being behind play and bad for the optics. Not to mention potential to do harm Of course being Buddy those things will be conveniently ignored.

They are lucky it wasnt 2 weeks

Once again Put up what you know Mach5. Tell us what you know I will keep asking….

It is easy to underestimate the contribution Harmes makes to the midfield. He was missed against Freo.

I'm not convinced that the 4.35pm timeslot is any better or worse than any other. I suspect for every person that doesn't like 4.35pm, there's another who does. After all, as a community we all lead complex lives. Someone who can't make a 2.10pm timeslot (perhaps attending children's sport or working) may be able to make it at 4.35pm. Conversely, a 4.35pm start might interfere with dinner plans - but for that person, a night match would be no good, anyway. People with young children have different timing needs than young, single adults, and so it goes on. It is clear on Demonland that every timeslot and day of the week has supporters and detractors. I suspect the best thing for the AFL to do for all clubs, is to have a big a mix as possible to provide opportunities for all. On topic, I thought the 29,000+ crowd was decent. I doubt the 4.35pm timeslot was the reason for there being fewer than 30,000. It's more that a Freo game, like most games against interstate teams, is lacking significant numbers of opposition fans.

Salem literally said 2 weeks to a reporter last week and was doing basic rehab drills - agility style running drills. I’m not convinced he needs a VFL game but he needs to complete a block of full training sessions and he hasn’t yet. Hopefully we get Langdon and Tom back, but after that it’s Gawn, Petracca, Oliver and Viney playing 4 quarters that will be the biggest ‘in’s’.

Im not saying he gets dropped but ben Brown would have to be under some pressure. We played the 2 bottom sides.. his output: WCE - 6 Disposal - 2 goals NORTH - 8 Disposals no goals FREO - 2 Disposals no goals Its really not a great stretch for him and it probably reflects teh team, but he was awful on Saturday v freo, uncompetitive, pushed aside, no strong leading pattern. Three weeks, 2 goals. Not good enough really. Its not going to get easier for him with a strong Defensive outfit in Sydney, 2 McCartins are in good form and Rampe always plays well v Dees.

He's been out for 11 games. As much as I'd love him back in the side, you don't want him blowing up in the last quarter with the game in the balance. I'm assuming Petty misses next week under worst case scenario. Langdon in for Melksham T Mac and Tomlinson in to play May and Pettys role. Harmes in for Bedford. Stiff on Bedford, but he needed to do more than just the two nice goals he kicked. Dunstan drops out of the 22. If Petty plays next week, then T Mac goes forward and either BBB or Weid get dropped. BBB might need to get some form for Casey. It worked for T Mac. Any chance Jackson can take a contested mark for someone of his height?

Langdon, Harmes, Salem and T Mac should all come in. Salem to come in and play a role on limited minutes. He is needed. His ball use and the energy he brings is needed. We need to get back to playing our system and that requires players playing their best positions. Gusand Langdon back to a wing, Salem on a flank, Spargo to half forward. I expect a big response from Max and Luke this week. They were embarrassed on the weekend and that's two down weeks in a row for Max. Stand up, it's a Saturday night game and I want a response.

I reckon we underestimated how big of a loss James Harmes was. Hes another big bodied midfielder that could have been swung into the midfield when it was evident Petracca was struggling with illness and had to play up forward. They tried Sparrow but he got a bit overwhelmed with it all. Harmes is at least an experienced solider who would have even done a lock down job as Brayshaw and Serong got on top of us around the clearances.

61,040 Improving only by 3-400 each week, much the same as past years.

Great post response to a a ridiculous comment on the 2021 season being a "myth". Just finished a 16 win streak from last season into nearly mid-2022. Last season and the falg wasno fluke - neither is this year. I think the team is even better given its consolidated belief in winning.

We won the minor premiership for goodness sake. How can people not recognize that we were by far the best home and away side in 2021? Mind boggling.

I can't stand revisionism and this is no exception. We ended the H&A season 17-1-4 with a percentage of 130.8%. We beat 16 of the 17 other sides, including Port Adelaide (2nd) in Adelaide, Geelong (3rd) in Geelong, the Dogs (5th and runners up) at Marvel and GWS (7th) in Canberra. We were supreme in finals but we were exceptional in the H&A season. We didn't do a 2016 Dogs and fluke a September run, we developed incredible form across 23 rounds and then found everything click into place in a near-perfect way in the finals.

Demons fans, next week at the game cheer hard and loud for Adam Tomlinson. Hasn’t dropped his head, continued to work hard and deserves his shot. We need guys like him being professional and giving it their all regardless of what level they are playing. I have a lot of admiration for players like him and Mitch Brown.

I actually think that only the only thing a ruck needs to be good enough to do is negate the opposition ruck. I haven't got stats (because they don't provide them) but I think HO's to advantage are a furphy, and are offset by HOs to direct disadvantage. But if you have a poorly skilled or undersized ruck, then the average ruck can really dominate in those midfield situations. But for the majority of the top level and journeymen rucks, its close enough that the stoppages aren't overly influenced and it is really about the mids. There are of course exceptions, but these usually come in some kind of unique flavour: Gawn is a giant (giving him an edge at the stoppage) but because he is more mobile than most at that height, he covers ground and provides the drop back defence option as well as the push forward extra tall option. Most giant rucks move a lot slower, so can't do all of this. He also does a lot of other things, and most people consider him the best in the comp, and perhaps one of the best rucks ever. So he is hardly the bench mark for what is needed. The mobile ruck is another flavour. Nic Naitanui, Paddy Ryder, Luke Jackson. They jump, they pick up ground balls, they dodge athletically. They are the proverbial 4th midfielder. Pretty rare, and while they look great but can often be more flash than substance because much of the time they also aren't as good as the giants in the ruck, and also aren't as good as the midfielders on the ground, meaning it is hard to truly dominate (a bit like a cricket all rounder who isn't really good enough to bat in the top 7 but also isn't a front line strike bowler). The ruck/forward: a solid ruck, but their value comes from also being a genuine forward player, leading patterns, marking kicking. Flavour of the month in the late 90s and 2000s. It's great to have one of these, because they add flexibility and can also be an extra weapon for the team to rely on. But plenty of teams have won flags with just a serviceable ruck who holds their own at stoppages and takes a few marks around the ground.,

Big commute from England

hopefully not next weeks prediction