Leaderboard

An update from Max on Clarry

Demonstone is the Champion of the Universe 🏆

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

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

You lost me here, Deeves. 😅

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

It’s all fixed now, his breeches have been breached!

Interesting points. And I'm willing to go along with that analysis provided the highlighted parts also apply to Melbourne! I mean, let's be honest, if those three things go right for Adelaide they become serious contenders, but if they happen for us we go from top-4 to unbeatable.

I promise I'm not setting out to be a contrarian but I feel like this year the forward line is the least of my worries oddly enough. There are so many question marks going into this season. I trust this side to be competitive no matter who is on or off the field but this is the least confident I have been in having a settled team to build continuity heading into next season. Forwards Yes there is perhaps, system, method, positioning et al that needs improving but much of this as has been noted by @binman and others, until the midfield and wings can improve their disposal and decision making, then this will continue to be an issue. Personel wise I expect JVR to improve, Fritta to have a better run at it health wise, McAdam to provide more options and the smalls to find some better consistency and continuity playing with each other to create and hit the scoreboard more. Of course Petty is the biggest IF regarding his health. If he can play the majority of the season I genuinely think he is the most imposing, physical and natural tall forward we've had since Hogan and should be the focal point. If the somewhat of a pipe dream in Brown being fit enough again to impact a full game is true then that's a bonus. Double bonus would be Jefferson working his way into the main side and performing as I think he has the tools. Backs I know a lot of people talk about depth but I think we're a little bit more thin down back then we have been previously. I think our tall stocks with Tomlinson, McDonald, Turner and Hore are 'OK'. But with Hibberd gone, Smiths uncertainties, Rivers potentially spending more time in the middle, I'm a bit worried about our mid-sized players. The biggest IF for me is can Salem finally get some luck and fitness back to play consistently again. Mids It has been our constant and biggest strength these last few years and right now its the biggest concern right now. Elephant in the room I know its only January but in eight weeks we have our first game and one of our two best midfielders isn't training. Gus rightly so is being eased back in and there won't be pressure on him to slot straight back in. I actually think the period without Clayton last year gave us a different look in the middle that I liked a lot. But will Gus be ok? Can Sparrow be a 20+ disp, impactful consistent midfielder? Can Trac go up a notch again (defensive improvements?). Without Jackson or Grundy what happens if Max goes down? Sorry for the long post. As much as there's many concerns I'm also excited to see how the team tackles all of this. Sometimes adversity brings upon more change and dynamic which this team has lacked in recent years. Go dees!!!

Needs to get fit.

What a bunch of nonsense words! This is what you get when you copy and paste content from one of those writing and grammar apps: a word salad that leaves the reader clueless about what the author has written. Did you actually check what you wrote before you posted? God forbid if you did.

I'm not sure May is one of our three most important players as we have players, for example Disco, Petty and Tmac, who could, to some degree, cover his role. But i could easily be persuaded. Def a super, super important player for us. We have no such player to cover maxy who i think is out most important player by a mile. In fact i think maxy is more important to our premiership chances than other player in the AFL to their team premiership chances. To be honest our reliance on Maxy has always worried me from the perspective of risk management - ie we lose him we are xx%%#&&. Agree tracc is next - in large part because his combination of power, skill, raw ability and positional flexibility cannot be covered.

1. I think you are wrong there, first of all the backline is in good shape with several player that can cover injuries. 2. The midfield is good but does need a quicker type of player there as we are a little one paced when it comes to opening the play up but overall matches up with other teams overall. 3. The forward line has been our achilles heel since 21 and that had a lot to do with the game plan, but has been bolstered and will be interested to see if this years game plan has changed with those players coming in. 4. Overall we are still in contention but Goodwin must change the style we use, Langdon and Hunter must sop playing boundary side and centre attacking a lot more, Kossie should be used as an attacking forward not a defensive one all the time and go no more that the H/F line just like the pies used Elliot and Hill. Will be interesting year I say.

Been bullish for the past 3 seasons but least confident heading into 2024. My main concern is that we are relying on 2 young key forwards with less that 50 goals between them. Essentially rookies. There's a lot of talk of how they make natural progress but so do other teams young key defenders. Really hope McAdam can grab a few and Fritsch is fully fit. Our marking depth inside 50 is shallow.

We'll make the GF. We had a Grundy problem last year not to mention the other. I think we can sort out the forward line with Roo ,Petty and Fritta good targets.BBB a bonus if fit. Might see some big improvers such as Sparrow,Spargo ,ANB and Bowey now showing total reliabilty.Riv also. I don't expect full seasons from Melk and BBB or Tom Mac. Be nice to have Salem and Fritsch firing all year. Pickett will be AA material. Petracca,Gawn and Viney will back up as usual. Oliver will prove his detractors wrong and sort himself. One or two new guys should emerge. We are closer to another grail than it seems.

100% agree. Goody has said from the get go that the aim is to build a team that is contention for a flag for many many years. And that is exactly what they have done. To be objective as possible I apply a racing punters lens to the question of how we'll go next season. In punting the key data point is of course form - of each individual horse in isolation, and more importantly how the form of each horse compares with its competitors. In doing form, (good) punters look at historical form and recent form. Applying a similar lens to the next afl season then these are the pertinent facts (im conceptualising the 2024 season as a Group one WFA classic like say a cox plate). Using the last three seasons as a reference point for historical form to assess the chances of the dees finishing top 4: - the dees have finished top 4 three times - the dees have won one flag - that is the best 'form' of any team over that period - the pies are next best with two top 4 finishes and one flag - next best is the lions with 3 top 4 finishes and one GF appearance - swans and port can argue over next best So, over three seasons the best three teams based on their records are in order, the dees, pies and lions. In horse racing parlance they are top 3 rated teams Looking at recent form (last season): - after very strong win loss records in the regular season the pies won the flag and the lions made the gf. They were the two best teams in 2023. - against the two best teams in the 2023 the dees went 50 50 against both, including a narrow loss against the premiers in the QF - so if for instance you really rate the pies, on form it is logically inconsistent not to also rate the dees What about up and comers? In racing there's of course always the possibility of a new star coming along and usurping the current class horses. Are there any such contenders in the AFL? The historical evidence (another important data point in horse racing) is that it is relatively rare for a team to come from outside the 8 and make top 4 the next season. Not impossible but rare. That knocks 10 teams out of being a top 4 contender Of course more common for teams who made the 8 to take the next step and make the top 4. Can one of the blues, swans, giants or saints make the top 4? Absolutely. And port can stay in the top 4 too of course (and I think will). But applying my form equation none of those teams' record over the last three season makes for a compelling argument. And looking at last season's form only the blues and giants make a strong case for taking the next step and finishing top 4. On the dees key competitors I largely agree with Little Goffy's excellent assessment. I really rate the giants and hard to argue with the blues form. So both a chance for a top 4 finish. I can't see swans or saints making it Port finished top 4 and I think if Hinkley can implement a modern defensive system will do so again. Another factor to consider is class. In both horse racing and footy class is more subjective than form (on form the record is the record(. Personally i would argue we have the best list in the AFL (lions, port, pies, giants next). And i also think we have the most balanced list of say the top 10 teams in terms of the balance and spread of age and experience (pies, port, giants next). So in totality what does that mean from a punters form perspective? The dees are very likely to make the top 4, as are the lions and pies. The dees are very unlikely to miss the 8. I haven't looked at the current betting markets for top 4 and top 8 They would have nothing in the pools and futures betting is a mug's game (they may not even have them up yet). But they would be the most accurate assessment as the prices are set by the professional analysts bookmakers employ and are yet to be influenced by the market (ie punters betting). If I was to set a market/price for the dees it would be: Top 4 finish: $2.50 Top 8 finish: $1.40 (winx says hello)

It was hard NOT to know in 2021. All through the finals series - and way beyond - the joint was decked out in red and blue. One of Christian's brothers also has a cafe in Church Street Brighton towards the Nepean Highway end. The premiership cup turned up there one time. The family resemblance is unmistakeable.

You’re obviously in complete difference to the experts at the Club. JT and Lambie saw what we have seen ( you have missed ) in small doses admittedly so far but his injuries have definitely hindered his progress. I thought his last quarter vs Swans in Sydney in Round22 was his best AFL form but was not really on song in the QF vs Pies. Has this year to make his mark and looks super fit for the first time and I hope he gets a good run at it. Half forward or maybe in the centre or on ball are spots he would be suited to in a role that Sam Mitchell made his own for the Hawks. Wish him all the best as he competes with McAdam Billing’s Spargs ANB Kolt and even Kossie so he will have earned it if he succeeds. While not fast he has very good skills and disposal is one of them.

Winning a flag is tough. It's too high a benchmark to set. In my opinion, Top 4, and winning a final are our benchmarks. From there if we win a flag then it's a bonus. But making the Prelim should be the minimum goal for the team. Not winning the flag won't be a failure.

Training resumes on Monday, January 15th at Gosch’s.

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

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

I’m a fan of Chin. First half of the year he displayed his value with a very good level of defensive play and kicking goals. He was always busy in and around the play. He seemed to tire with a full season at AFL level. Hopefully with more AFL experience he will run out a full season.

Make or break year. Not sure that he has got it!

Date of Birth: 13 January, 2000 Height: 175cm Weight: 79kg Games MFC 2023: 23 Career Total: 33 Goals MFC 2023: 24 Career Total: 24 Games CDFC 2023: 1 Goals CDFC 2023: 0 Brownlow Medal Votes: 2 Grabbed his chances as a small early in the season with his energy and accuracy in front of goal and rewarded the club for its perseverance.

Watched the 2000 GF on fox yesterday Boy were we monstered The umpires appeared to allow Essendon to do what ever they liked I have never seen a team so ill prepared for a final It was hard to watch

We are still in our window if we believe we are still in our window.

There is something wrong with your breeches. It is "breach" in this sense.

Let's see how long it takes for that information to be available on the Clubs website.......perhaps the work experience kids aren't back in school yet?

This. One does not play around with sacred scrjpture or holy origin stories. The T$ referred to is still a [censored], and the "No BS" part is the classic "more honoured in the breach than in observance" irony. Nothing to see here -- move on!

I imagine CO stands for Clayton Oliver, Red.

Speaking of Ska.....does anyone remember " Free Nelson Mandela?

Fair call. The Crows would be the obvious team that could make that jump.

Slackers! 😁

Is it as good as this?

The other cafe is in Bay Street, North Brighton and is called Rock Salt. Very well run place too.

Kade will be under pressure to keep his place with Billings and McAdam wanting a place in the 22/23. His early season form needs to be great because once Pickett has served his suspension there will be less places for players like Kade. The new recruits Caleb and Koltyn will also be looking to get into the team as well as Taj, Blake and Bailey.

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

just a little tip, uncle, meant in a caring way... ... skipping medication is never a good idea ... no matter what biffo told you

Went to games in the late 60's but have no memory of the encounters. The old man was Fitzroy so have vague memories of Fitzroy games at Brunswick St as a little tacker But the game that stands out was against the Hawks in '72. The same game that Hudson did his knee. Another memory of that game was watching the reserves with Philip Rhoden and his booming drop kicks from the kick-outs ... at least 70 metres time and time again. He could kick a footy that bloke One of my lifelong best mates was also at the same Hawthorn game but we didn't know each other then. Both of us were standing behind the goals at the Glenferrie Rd end In another game that same year I was delayed getting to Arden St for the North encounter ... got there at quarter time and the score was Melbourne 11.7 North 0.2. Didn't get to see it and it still haunts me!

All of the above, plus… he’s a really sweet kid. Proof again that the ‘No DH policy’ is still well and truly in force.

At his best he is a real weapon, endurance running and deadly accuracy. But as with all "high half forwards" an extended drop of form can make them a liability. I expect Chin and Spargo to be competing with McAdam, Billings and even Tholstrup for those spots this year. I think the competition will be healthy.

Big fan of the Chin. His goal kicking accuracy is pretty good, hard at the ball, and has a good leap and very strong over head marker for his size, this is a really underrated skill of his. Could make a formidible partnership with likes of Kozzy, McAdam in '24.

As mentioned, Kade had a great first half in ‘23, hopefully another preseason and having a couple more fit players in the forward 50 he can stay in the game for longer in 2024, really like what Chandler brings to the team.

Thanks KC - for everything Casey over the year(s). Is Kai Windsor related to Caleb? Cheers

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

Right?! And this is why, given a choice, I definitely wouldn’t have engaged at all… especially during training. But I didn’t have a choice… like I said, he just appeared seemingly out of nowhere and no one was more surprised to hear me yell out his name than me. 😆 I have a son the same age as Clarrie, and I know that Michelle (his mum) was extremely upset with the media pile-on, especially since she had other upheavals with which she was burdened at the time. I spoke to Clarrie exactly how I would’ve spoken to my own son. After all, these boys are people first, footballers second.

Not so much for Goody next year perhaps. The club will probably agree and do right and stand by him but the media is out to get him for sure. I guess when you win a flag the expectations are higher. Losing in straight sets twice in a row has bought added pressure now. And despite injuries being the main reason the pressure is still there. I can't imagine it happening a third time. Hopefully it won't. I think we will be in the mix again but a lot depends upon young Jvr and Petty' s and Fritta' s feet. Hopefully Max fairs well too. I don't think we can count on Tmac or Bbb anymore. Anything we get from them is an added bonus. But our midfield and backline is still exceptionally strong with a good mix of young blood in the ranks. As much as a disappointment ( the finals) this year was compounded by injuries and Maynard's thuggery, I am really enthusiastic and excited again by a flag hope in 24. The cricket world Cup was a nice distraction but I'm really starting to have footy withdrawals. I guess I should be proud of the club for making the top four and giving both finals a red hot go.