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What would ruffling up JJ achieve? Premiership player who always went about things the right way.

I was out last night & one of the speakers was Brad Scott. Of course the first question Caro asks him was about culture at clubs & cited MFC & all our “off field dramas”. He answered it very well saying culture is literally a day by day thing. You work on it every day ..he has some extremely talented players who don’t necessarily embody the right “culture” so they have to work on it. He then said he would never criticise Melb & he heard Max Gawn (who he said is an icon incredibly talented..exceptional etc) & Max said “Melb has a great culture (paraphrasing). He then left it at that. That kept Caro quiet. The other point he made very clearly is that unless you are inside the club no one has really any idea what is happening. So my long winded point is ..we have to trust everybody around Clarry to make the right decisions. We simply don’t know all the facts & that is fine by me.

Harsh on dogs, TJF….

I don't like this post about JJ. I trust the club and former team mates to treat him with the resepct he deserves on how he carried himself at the club. Remember the '21 Prelim he racked up 9 possies in 20 minutes when he came on. He did his bit in the campaign with the opportunity.

Don't understand the calls for Clarry to not play. Even if he produced 50% of his normal output it would still be better than anyone else you put in for him.

Mad Monday mishap

Cuture related shoulder reco - out to mid year

I see Anna Pavlou of channel 9 wide world of sports writes that Oliver was "sent back to vfl level" for the practice match. Couldn't she have managed to write "champ stars in vfl practice match". I have had a complete gutful of football media. Big cull coming in my consumption of this garbage. I think on the whole the young men playing AFL/vfl football are a fine group of people. There will be stumbles. And many come from difficult backgrounds. But overall, great. Always looking for a error from any player from any team. So, Anna, no Pulitzer prize for you but you are in the running for the Kane Cornes Award . Prize is a dictionary. Anna graduated in media (football) from Latrobe in 2022 so there is a fair chance, along with Kane, she would struggle to spell "cat".

I believe if your namesake was playing in the QF last year, Gus would still be playing and we would have been into the Prelim Final and possibly winning the flag. Maynard would never have done that if Rodney was out there.

Good points Deever.....what we are used to doing and seeing is no longer acceptable, as we now know the damage concussions cause. I was chatting to a fellow Demon supporter who was also a boxing coach. I am no fan of that sport, but he pointed out the disparity of rules in boxing around KO/concussion, and that of the AFL. KO with loss of consciousness for less than 1 minute = 90 days no sparring or fighting More than 1 minute = 180 days 2nd loss of consciousness after return from previous = 360 days 1 KO no loss of consciousness= 30 days 2 KO no loss of consciousness = 90 days 3 KO no loss of consciousness = 360 days For such a brutal "sport" they actually take proscribe more care than the AFL with its lousy 12 day respite. We may not like it, because players won't be allowed to play, but better that than more Brayshaw, Barnes, Smith, Frawley situations....

I think that is now designated "mid year round", or "not round 12 yet round". There is also a suggestion to rename it "the one after round 10 round". I believe one of the AFL Commission want it named "the round before I go on my holidays round". PS: I await the inevitable multiple further suggestions.

I’m glad to have gotten that praccy out of the way. Fired up my WatchAFL to check out the game only to find out there was a problem with my account. Shook out the cobwebs, contacted the support staff, got my account fixed, I am now ready to rock for opening round with no glitches (hopefully!).

In my opinion i think what you need to watch with Laurie is this. He is a quite valuable link player with good inside disposal and the smarts.

Bloody hell - "obvious major rift in the troubled Demons' camp" will be the next headline. They were having a discussion FFS. Certainly one of the most underrated players running around. Bloody hard worker, determined, courageous, and yes, not the best disposer but not the worst either. Langers kicked quite a few especially in 2021, and later prior to the Thomas assault. Cripps also threw quite a few - and though he was badly done by when he was penalised for one of them. Chatted back in a manner that cost us the preseason v them a couple of years back, with ?8 x 50 meter penalties. He is such a smug bastard IMO.

While nowhere near as interesting as the great Freo ride of '23, we have two chances to have an improved draft hand by finishing above both Sydney and the Bulldogs. We hold Sydney's 2nd round pick which can land anywhere between pick 21 - 38 and the bulldogs 3rd rounder which will fall between pick 39 - 56 (pre-FA and other compensation). Get your mobility scooters ready people. It's time to ride, at a medium pace.

O Mac’s third life begins good luck to him

Geez, talk about going from one extreme to the other. Why are roughing up JJ & tapping him on the backside the only two choices for Viney? Just because Danny says no to roughing him up doesn’t mean he suggests the tap on the backside. FWIW, JJ left our Club because we weren’t in a position to afford him the opportunity that he’s now getting at Sydney. Zero animosity. He left with our collective blessing. Same goes for Toby.

He left to get more of a chance. I don't begrudge him for that. I hope he goes well for the swans. Just not next week

Agree with all of this - Carlton seem to be playing the same style that we have employed for a long time, just with better forwards. For the record I think they will be very very competitive this year. Good onball contest bombing forward to those three (TDK, McK, Curnow - with some good crumbers in Fantasia and Motlop) will stand up in the pointy end. Agree Weitering accounts for maybe even spoiling of JVR's contested marks - but hopefully let's see if he can continue this form. I think a byproduct of the way we are playing (Ie to the corner, and then looking inboard for the handball to the overlapping runner) is that the original contest (ie from the 45 degree kick to the corner of the centre square) has the positive effect of drawing in a half back or two creating a space inside 30 and at a good angle to goal. I've watched the tape a couple of times - and you can see this effect, especially where JvR and Schache lead to the pocket (usual pattern) which stretches the space a bit more. Would love to see the HFs mark a lot here - granted it does take a good kicker on the run to be able to hit that up - good thing Salem is playing in the midfield lol.

“And doesn't change the fact he is a terrible kick.” Terrible on occasions or not, two magnificent kicks (first goal and “that” goal) in the 2021 GF are the ones that will remain in my brain and in my red n blue heart forever. 🩷💙🩷💙

Career averages eerily close!

Bomberblitz is good for at least one laugh when the Dons are playing. Not fussed it’s only a praccy match.

Correct weight (i love his runs and carry and pass to Darren Bennet in the second vid):

For all the knockers. NSFW @binman

Lots of talk about Clarry being ready, and showing all the right signs, physically and mentally in the last 2 games. He may have, and it's certainly positive more than anything for his continued well-being (he's one of my favs and I would love to see him out on the park but at the end of the day I just want him fit, healthy and happy - his best footy will follow this naturally - the guy is a natural born gun), and I have no doubt his presence will life the boys. BUT - there is some argument for him not being there against the Swans. Firstly, those on the inside may not think he is quite there yet. He has missed some footy. This should not come as a surprise. It could be fitness. It could just be that intangible 'not quite ready'. I don't think that's a negative. He's working to rejoining the group as a permanent fixture for a run at the flag this year. We need him. But if it takes a little more time, so be it. Only those on the inside, and Clarry, will know if that's the right first game. I almost think him not being there might almost be a blessing, so there isn't any unnecessary burdensome scrutiny on his recovery/quality of his return . If he came back Rd 1, or even the next, there would be less scrutiny - everyone has taken their time to make sure it's the right time and Clarry can get on with destroying oppo. Anyway, I believe our depth is still good - we need to move a few magnets. Salem was one of them. We'll be OK, and once Clarry rejoins we'll be even better.

Don’t know what’s happened to Chandler. His form early 23 was terrific. For a short period he became a real excitement machine. Yet he went off the boil late 23 and so far this season has been underwhelming. He needs to cement his position this year or may well fall by the wayside. Hoping to see some of that 23 form but beginning to have serious doubts.

I think this is the most promising sign out of the game. In wins last year we averaged 14.9 marks i50, in losses 9.1 so to get 20 is solid - obviously no Weitering helps there. 20 marks allowed us to get a goal from 23% of i50s (25% in wins last year, 17% in losses), and convert at 58% (goal from scoring shots, 58% in 2023 wins, 45% in losses). If we can play that way this year we will be in a strong ladder position at the end. We also held them to 8 marks i50 which is strong given they’ve got Curnow, McKay, TdK but I’m less worried about defence in general, hasn’t been our issue last 2 years, hitting the scoreboard has.

Agree Slarti. There is more to this than just his football performance and those that know best will decide if he plays. Those that would appear to know best have said/implied that multiple times. On pure footy he would appear right, on his other issues I wouldn't have a clue.

and Stan Alves

Yes. Perhaps we could release a dog on the field for Maynard on King’s birthday?

Loved the poddy this week and last, welcome back! Can't wait for the season to start!

I'm not sure players are the best judges of their own readiness to play under any circumstance.

To drink their own bathwater they would first need to have a bath.

Please in regards to Clarry NO SPECULATION about reasons why he is not playing. I know that many want to talk about that and some feel entitled to but for me this is a moderation issue. Some of the talk is fine but it's a fine line and our moderators are part time and we can't moderate everything in a timely manner and we can't peruse every post and cherry pick what might be acceptable to talk about. Whether you believe we can't be held liable for some of things discussed is immaterial to me. I don't want to test that theory. You are free to speculate whether he plays or not. You are free to discuss how we navigate his absence. You are free to express your views on whether you think he should or want him to play. Please don't speculate or discuss the reasons why he is not playing. If unsure stick to footy reasons. I've made that clear.

Did you just clone Kossie Pickett? Works.

You really turned me on the bump issue. I guess footy for me has always had an element of blood lust about it. I started following in the dirty days of the 70s so I've seen a bit of biffo. But lately and hopefully older and wiser.... ( my young 19 yo son plays basketball) ..I would hate to see him in trouble. And since it's not my head on the "chopping block" who am I to expect others to do so. But when you call it out for what it is as brain trauma it really makes you think. A dear family friend of ours in her early 20s who played aflw with a history of concussions can now no longer play. She has been devastated by this loss of livelihood and passion. Will we miss the bump. Maybe . But footy will survive and will still be a wonderful sport to watch. Well called.

Great podcast last night gents.

I think tracc is safe from becoming a whipping boy. Of course he is a star. One of the best six players I have seen play at the dees. His score involvements is terrific evidence of how good he is, and how important he is. But that isn't particularly relevant to kicking skills (all players in a scoring chain are credited with an SI). And doesn't change the fact he is a terrible kick.

He drafted Gawn, that in itself just about wipes the slate clean. No Gawn, no flag.

I hope Tracc hasn’t become the new demonland whipping boy for disposal. The comparisons with Nibbler are like comparing apples and oranges. Tracc can shank kicks but the facts are in the last 4 years, as far as number of score involvements go he has ranked #3, #1, #1, #1 in the afl. I’m quite happy that when he gets the ball, a score results more often than any other player in the afl. Nibble ranked #167 in the league for score assists in his best year (2021). That is why Tracc doesn’t get flak. Because most supporters understand that when he gets the ball good stuff often happens and everyone sees and notices it. My view is the Nibbler criticism is also unfair, but for different reasons. The stat I’d really like to see is some sort of net score involvement. Score involvements minus turnovers that result in opposition scores. That would allow a better assessment of players in similar roles.

Chin on shakey ground and would want to produce more IMV

Steven Stretch loved a goal.

Yep. And the snake was for Dayne Zorko.

Hardwick is going to flop hard at the Suns and it’s going to be glorious.

no, we've never debuted a player as a sub and i hope we never do

Yes... he was unfairly targeted with this stupid rule prior to this season imho. I almost felt like they were under instruction to ping Max as much as possible to try and curb the huge advantage he had over many opponents. His dominance at CBs last night was off the charts.

Bowey... lock down on Saad Yeah like the sound of that! and kick a few Jakey boy!!!😎

Clarry is going to cop a lot of Banter on field from the opposing teams. He has got to be ready for it and strong enough to overcome it

All we can control over Summer is “Attitude” within the group. Now i hope the entire Football Department is Filthy on the AFL and it’s 17 other Clubs for Losing Brayshaw to a player who not only, was not Suspended, but collected a Premiership Medallion at the expense of our Player. If the players can harness that aggression through the season, We are a Big Show Big Max won’t forget his mate

I have a feeling that Clarry's absence is not just form or fitness related, and as such i think he will come back when Max and the team say he can return to the ones.