-
Posts
36,530 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
462
Everything posted by Demonland
-
Just an announcement that the Demonland Report is coming to you this week from two correspondents. One from a Demonlander who went WA and the other from one of own reporters who watched from home. Probably won't be up till tomorrow.
-
The quest to determine our own Demonland Player of the Year continues. Who will it be? You have a chance to play a part in the final decision by naming your best six on a 6,5,4,3,2,1 basis ... [Results announced in the first week after the Melbourne v Carlton game]
-
TURNING UP THE HEAT by Barry from Beach Road Sandringham's eight game winning run ended on Saturday when a hot Coburg Tigers side applied the pressure in the second half to run out 19 point winners after the Zebras dominated most of the early proceedings at Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval. Kicking against the breeze with the ground bathed in sunshine, Sandy started in blazing fashion and could easily have nailed the game there and then but for a repeat of the wayward shooting for goal that marred the team's performance a week earlier against North Ballarat. They had all the play but managed to cobble together a lead of only three points at the first break. With Shane Neaves on top in the ruck, Peter Summers and Shane Valenti winning in the midfield and skipper Chad Liddell crashing through the packs with inspiration, forwards Sautner and Stefan Martin were being fed well and each had two goals on the board by quarter time. Ezra Poyas was in everything and was dominating proceedings while the Tigers were making mistakes aplenty under the relentless pressure of the home side. The Zebras continued to hold sway in the second quarter and by the 20 minute mark, they were threatening to run away with the game. At that stage they had kicked five goals six behinds to Coburg's two goals from two rare excursions into the forward line for the term. With Sandy holding a 27 point lead that should have been more but for the wasted opportunities in front of goal, a sudden and complete change came over the game in the last ten minutes of the first half. Coburg captain Travis Ronaldson grabbed the ascendancy in ruck and the Tiger players began to show more accountability against their immediate opponents. The Zebra defence, led by full back Chris Lamb, Clint Bizzell, Andy Biddlecombe, Colin Garland, Tom Paterakis and Sam Monaghan had been well on top but was suddenly put under pressure with Coburg kicking two goals to narrow the margin to 13 points at the main break. Things were not helped when Lamb limped off with a hamstring strain to play no further part in the game. Coburg took over the running from early in the third term and it was now Sandringham's turn to make mistakes under pressure. The Zebras appeared to be fading in the warmer conditions and were finding it difficult to find targets as their opponents gathered steam and brushed past their hosts to take a seven point lead going into the final huddle. A goal after the siren from Tomi Johnston had given Sandringham great hope for a final quarter reversal and the expectation remained that they would regroup and take back the lead with the wind at their backs. However, this was not to be as the young Sandringham side could not match it with a Coburg team that had some match-hardened AFL stars providing the necessary added fitness and run in the hot conditions. The Tigers were finding the goals while Sandy was off target and missed several golden opportunities to get themselves back in the game. To their credit, the Zebras kept plugging away but a 13 goals 24 behind score line is hardly going to win a high scoring open game of football. Nick Sautner was uncharacteristically off target with 3.6 from 10 shots for the day but he did manage to pass another milestone kicking his 727th goal, which surpassed the mark set by Williamstown’s Ron Todd in the late 1940s. Sautner's season tally of 59 goals wins him a seventh Frosty Miller medal for leading goalkicker in the VFL. Summers finished with 27 touches and was his team's best on the day with Rod Crowe and Poyas close behind him. Paterakis put in a feisty effort and was involved in a couple of strong contests with opponents who wanted to take him on in wrestling matches, one of which resulted in a torn jumper causing him to play out the game with an unfamiliar number on his back. The team missed the run of David Gallagher whose knee will have recovered in time for next week's qualifying final against Williamstown. Sandringham maintained its policy of blooding youngsters in the wake of the continuing loss of AFL listed players due to injuries at Melbourne. Tom Dean and Isaac Weetra made senior debuts this week. Dean capped off a solid display with a goal to remember his first game. The coach and his selection panel will be looking for the return to fitness of a number of players for the weekend's clash against the Seagulls at Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval. They will not doubt also be working on the disposal skills of their charges, particularly in front of goal as the heat is turned up even higher with the coming of September and finals action. HOW THE DEMONS FARED The Melbourne Football Club contribution to Sandringham's effort was minimal. Only two players Clint Bizzell (162 games) and Colin Garland (2) had any AFL games under their belt while the other two senior listed players, Heath Neville and Isaac Weetra have spent most of the season in the Reserves. This situation is unlikely to improve in the first week of the finals as the Demons' injury toll continues to mount. Clint Bizzell – strong in the first half, mopping up in defence and marking well and held the defence together under persistent pressure from the opposition in the second half. Given that he may not remain on the MFC list next year, he should be given a farewell game at the MCG on Sunday. He's earned that on ability alone. Colin Garland - steady without having a major impact in defence. Daniel Hughes – quiet early but came into the game with some strong marking in the second half. Shane Neaves – had an interesting duel in the ruck with the Coburg skipper and held up well for a big man in trying conditions. Heath Neville – had little impact on the game. Isaac Weetra - overawed and didn’t get his first kick until after the 30 minute mark of the final quarter. Still very much a development player and will need to work hard over the pre season after an injury interrupted debut year at the club. Sandringham 4.7.31 9.13.67 11.16.82 13.24.102 Coburg Tigers 4.4.28 8.6.54 13.11.89 18.13.121 Goals Sandringham Martin Sautner 3 Martyn Valenti 2 Dean T Johnston Poyas Coburg Tigers Bowden F Caruso 3 Connors Hyde Krakouer White 2 Howat Hughes Shelton Trajkovski Best Sandringham Paterakis Crowe Bizzell Gilchrist Martin Summers Coburg Tigers Connors Caruso Ronaldson Shelton Hyde Bowden A much depleted Sandringham Reserves went down to top side Coburg Tigers but not before a spirited first half display which was marred by some wasteful play in front of goal in contrast to the visitors whose accurate kicking was the difference between the teams for the first three quarters. The Tigers kicked away in the end to win by the comfortable margin of 63 points. Sandringham Dragons fill-in Atila Yamas was the best of the Zebras while Peter McGettigan, Jake Williams and Daniel Gribbin all put in solid contributions. The team's numbers plight was emphasised by the need to include a second top up player from the Dragons in Hiwad Shakaib. Reserves Sandringham 5.6.36 6.10.46 11.15.81 12.18.90 Coburg Tigers 5.1.31 10.2.62 17.7.109 23.15.153 Goals Sandringham Curcio 4 Dunne 2 Henry McGettigan Tregear Williams Yaman Zarra Coburg Tigers Corr Mullins 4 De Sousa Gazzo 3 Peterson Rayson 2 Carrick Dagher Foster Liddle Smith Best Sandringham Yaman McGettigan Williams Gribbin Turcarelli Cleeve Coburg Tigers Carrick Vasilevski Corr Mullins Keogh Liddle
-
by Barry from Beach Road Sandringham's eight game winning run ended on Saturday when a hot Coburg Tigers side applied the pressure in the second half to run out 19 point winners after the Zebras dominated most of the early proceedings at Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval. Kicking against the breeze with the ground bathed in sunshine, Sandy started in blazing fashion and could easily have nailed the game there and then but for a repeat of the wayward shooting for goal that marred the team's performance a week earlier against North Ballarat. They had all the play but managed to cobble together a lead of only three points at the first break. With Shane Neaves on top in the ruck, Peter Summers and Shane Valenti winning in the midfield and skipper Chad Liddell crashing through the packs with inspiration, forwards Sautner and Stefan Martin were being fed well and each had two goals on the board by quarter time. Ezra Poyas was in everything and was dominating proceedings while the Tigers were making mistakes aplenty under the relentless pressure of the home side. The Zebras continued to hold sway in the second quarter and by the 20 minute mark, they were threatening to run away with the game. At that stage they had kicked five goals six behinds to Coburg's two goals from two rare excursions into the forward line for the term. With Sandy holding a 27 point lead that should have been more but for the wasted opportunities in front of goal, a sudden and complete change came over the game in the last ten minutes of the first half. Coburg captain Travis Ronaldson grabbed the ascendancy in ruck and the Tiger players began to show more accountability against their immediate opponents. The Zebra defence, led by full back Chris Lamb, Clint Bizzell, Andy Biddlecombe, Colin Garland, Tom Paterakis and Sam Monaghan had been well on top but was suddenly put under pressure with Coburg kicking two goals to narrow the margin to 13 points at the main break. Things were not helped when Lamb limped off with a hamstring strain to play no further part in the game. Coburg took over the running from early in the third term and it was now Sandringham's turn to make mistakes under pressure. The Zebras appeared to be fading in the warmer conditions and were finding it difficult to find targets as their opponents gathered steam and brushed past their hosts to take a seven point lead going into the final huddle. A goal after the siren from Tomi Johnston had given Sandringham great hope for a final quarter reversal and the expectation remained that they would regroup and take back the lead with the wind at their backs. However, this was not to be as the young Sandringham side could not match it with a Coburg team that had some match-hardened AFL stars providing the necessary added fitness and run in the hot conditions. The Tigers were finding the goals while Sandy was off target and missed several golden opportunities to get themselves back in the game. To their credit, the Zebras kept plugging away but a 13 goals 24 behind score line is hardly going to win a high scoring open game of football. Nick Sautner was uncharacteristically off target with 3.6 from 10 shots for the day but he did manage to pass another milestone kicking his 727th goal, which surpassed the mark set by Williamstown’s Ron Todd in the late 1940s. Sautner's season tally of 59 goals wins him a seventh Frosty Miller medal for leading goalkicker in the VFL. Summers finished with 27 touches and was his team's best on the day with Rod Crowe and Poyas close behind him. Paterakis put in a feisty effort and was involved in a couple of strong contests with opponents who wanted to take him on in wrestling matches, one of which resulted in a torn jumper causing him to play out the game with an unfamiliar number on his back. The team missed the run of David Gallagher whose knee will have recovered in time for next week's qualifying final against Williamstown. Sandringham maintained its policy of blooding youngsters in the wake of the continuing loss of AFL listed players due to injuries at Melbourne. Tom Dean and Isaac Weetra made senior debuts this week. Dean capped off a solid display with a goal to remember his first game. The coach and his selection panel will be looking for the return to fitness of a number of players for the weekend's clash against the Seagulls at Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval. They will not doubt also be working on the disposal skills of their charges, particularly in front of goal as the heat is turned up even higher with the coming of September and finals action. HOW THE DEMONS FARED The Melbourne Football Club contribution to Sandringham's effort was minimal. Only two players Clint Bizzell (162 games) and Colin Garland (2) had any AFL games under their belt while the other two senior listed players, Heath Neville and Isaac Weetra have spent most of the season in the Reserves. This situation is unlikely to improve in the first week of the finals as the Demons' injury toll continues to mount. Clint Bizzell – strong in the first half, mopping up in defence and marking well and held the defence together under persistent pressure from the opposition in the second half. Given that he may not remain on the MFC list next year, he should be given a farewell game at the MCG on Sunday. He's earned that on ability alone. Colin Garland - steady without having a major impact in defence. Daniel Hughes – quiet early but came into the game with some strong marking in the second half. Shane Neaves – had an interesting duel in the ruck with the Coburg skipper and held up well for a big man in trying conditions. Heath Neville – had little impact on the game. Isaac Weetra - overawed and didn’t get his first kick until after the 30 minute mark of the final quarter. Still very much a development player and will need to work hard over the pre season after an injury interrupted debut year at the club. Sandringham 4.7.31 9.13.67 11.16.82 13.24.102 Coburg Tigers 4.4.28 8.6.54 13.11.89 18.13.121 Goals Sandringham Martin Sautner 3 Martyn Valenti 2 Dean T Johnston Poyas Coburg Tigers Bowden F Caruso 3 Connors Hyde Krakouer White 2 Howat Hughes Shelton Trajkovski Best Sandringham Paterakis Crowe Bizzell Gilchrist Martin Summers Coburg Tigers Connors Caruso Ronaldson Shelton Hyde Bowden A much depleted Sandringham Reserves went down to top side Coburg Tigers but not before a spirited first half display which was marred by some wasteful play in front of goal in contrast to the visitors whose accurate kicking was the difference between the teams for the first three quarters. The Tigers kicked away in the end to win by the comfortable margin of 63 points. Sandringham Dragons fill-in Atila Yamas was the best of the Zebras while Peter McGettigan, Jake Williams and Daniel Gribbin all put in solid contributions. The team's numbers plight was emphasised by the need to include a second top up player from the Dragons in Hiwad Shakaib. Reserves Sandringham 5.6.36 6.10.46 11.15.81 12.18.90 Coburg Tigers 5.1.31 10.2.62 17.7.109 23.15.153 Goals Sandringham Curcio 4 Dunne 2 Henry McGettigan Tregear Williams Yaman Zarra Coburg Tigers Corr Mullins 4 De Sousa Gazzo 3 Peterson Rayson 2 Carrick Dagher Foster Liddle Smith Best Sandringham Yaman McGettigan Williams Gribbin Turcarelli Cleeve Coburg Tigers Carrick Vasilevski Corr Mullins Keogh Liddle
-
WASTIN' TIME by J.V. McKay "I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay Watching the tide roll away Ooo, I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay Wastin' time" - Otis Redding and Steve Cropper (as recorded by Otis Redding December 7, 1967, just three days before his death in a plane crash outside Madison, Wisconsin) When Melbourne last crossed the Nullarbor Plain to confront Fremantle in an AFL game in Perth it was there to play in a semi final at Subiaco. That was a little under a year ago and the match ended the Demons' season. The Dockers had one final fling a week later in the preliminary final in Sydney but in the end, both sides were wasting time, especially Melbourne. The two protagonists meet again at the same venue on Saturday afternoon and this time both of them are definitely wasting time as the result has no bearing on anything in particular although some Docker fans might argue about their team still having a chance to make the finals thanks to the theory of mathematical possibility. Sure, if my auntie had hairy armpits, well … I won't go there! A lot has happened in the interim since the two teams clashed on that balmy September night. The summer that followed promised much for both of them but with the coming of autumn, the promises shrivelled up and died along with their prospects of glory and with those hopes went the coaches – Connolly and Daniher. Both men are out of their respective coaching jobs, both are looking elsewhere and ironically, in the case of both men, "elsewhere" means their old homes. Connolly is on the Melbourne shortlist of five coaches while Daniher is one of the favourites for the Essendon job. For some very strange reason Connolly doesn't seem to have captured the hearts of the Melbourne supporters and I can't for the life of me quite figure out why. Chris Connolly came to Melbourne from its country zone around Shepparton in the early days of the Barassi coaching era. He made his debut in 1982 and retired in 1989 after missing all of the club's grand final season of 1988 with a knee injury. He played 84 games and kicked 38 goals and was a small defender and a midfielder. After a break of one year, the still young Connolly was appointed as an assistant coach to John Northey at Melbourne before going on to coach TAC Cup Under 18 team Eastern Ranges team in 1992. In 1995 he was coach of the Victoria Metro team in the National Under 18 Championships. Coaching was in his blood; his father had a distinguished record as a coach in the bush. Connolly was appointed Hawthorn reserves coach in 1996 (the merger year) and was elevated to the number one assistant coaching role with the Hawks in 2000. The following year he coached them to a win over Carlton in the absence of regular coach, Peter Schwab, who was suffering from an irregular heartbeat. His team won with an after the siren goal from Ben Dixon. In 2002, Connolly took over the coaching reins at wooden spoon club Fremantle which won only two games the year before he arrived in Perth. He took the Dockers to their first ever finals appearance in 2003 but they slipped to 9th and then 10th in the following two seasons. Bolstered by some high profile assistants in Mark Harvey and Robert Shaw, Connolly's charges stormed into the finals with a club record nine consecutive victories to finish third at the end of the 2006 home and away season. They then lost to Adelaide before securing their first finals victory against the Demons on that balmy September night. In a short span of a few years Connolly had lifted his club from the depths to one of the AFL's financial giants and a team with a strong list holding the respect of its peers. With the advent of Chris Tarrant and Dean Solomon from other clubs at the start of the year, the feeling was that Fremantle's day was coming. But that was Connolly's undoing as a coach because the Dockers struggled in the early stages of 2007 and he was put under constant scrutiny for failing to do better with a star studded side. The end came last month after a narrow loss at home to the Kangaroos. Connolly announced that he would resign immediately and was replaced by his assistant Mark Harvey who is a red-hot certainty to get the job on a permanent basis. One thing that Connolly had going for him at Dockerland was his domination as a coach over the Demons. During the Connolly/Daniher era at the two clubs, they met on nine occasions with Fremantle winning seven of those games and four of the last five. To put it crudely therefore, Daniher was Connolly’s "bitch". It makes one wonder therefore why Connolly is not more popular with the Demon fold. My theory is that they don't appreciate his showmanship which is a la Kevin Sheedy but without the class and panache. Some flinch at the fact that that he couldn't get the best out of a strong list in 2007 while others point to the discipline problems at the club. The coach cops the blame when his boys play up and a few of the Dockers played up under his watch. But Connolly has certainly expressed his fervent love for the club where he played his footy and where he is a life member. He remains in the running for the coaching position. One wonders whether, like the 44 players who will be running around on Saturday at Subiaco, he too, isn't wasting his time. THE GAME Fremantle v Melbourne at Subiaco - Saturday 25 August 2007 at 4:10pm (AEST) HEAD TO HEAD Overall Fremantle 11 wins Melbourne 10 wins At Subiaco Fremantle 5 wins Melbourne 3 wins Since 2000 Fremantle 7 wins Melbourne 5 wins The Coaches Harvey 0 wins Riley 0 wins MEDIA TV Fox Sports 1 4.00pm (live) RADIO SEN THE BETTING Fremantle to win $1.16 Melbourne to win $5.50 LAST TIME THEY MET Fremantle 21.11.137 defeated Melbourne 13.14.92 at the MCG Round 4, 2007. Two of the teams that were widely tipped a month earlier to make the top four were fighting to break the ice in Round 4 when the Demons played host to the Dockers. It was a depleted Melbourne team that was missing skipper David Neitz, Russell Robertson, Brock McLean, Clint Bartram and Colin Sylvia and things got worse during a game in which the home side lost four more players by the main break. Des Headland was in superlative form having gotten off a six-week suspension as a result of one of the AFL Tribunal's more puzzling decisions. He starred with three goals while his skipper Matthew Pavlich booted six. Adem Yze returned to form with a high possession game but that wasn't enough to save the sick and sorry Demons from a 39-point touch up. Even at this early stage of the season it was all doom and gloom for the Demons and their fans. THE TEAMS: FREMANTLE Backs Scott Thornton Antoni Grover Steven Dodd Half backs Roger Hayden Michael Johnson Ryan Crowley Centreline David Mundy Dean Solomon Heath Black Half forwards Peter Bell Chris Tarrant Des Headland Forwards Luke McPharlin Matthew Pavlich Troy Cook Followers Robert Warnock Josh Carr Paul Hasleby Interchange Jeff Farmer Daniel Gilmore Shaun McManus Brett Peake Emergencies Andrew Foster Garrick Ibbotson Byron Schammer In Dodd Headland Out Matthew Carr (adductor) Ryan Murphy MELBOURNE Backs Nathan Carroll Ryan Ferguson Nathan Brown Half backs Chris Johnson Brad Miller Cameron Bruce Centreline Brad Green Travis Johnstone Daniel Ward Half forwards Byron Pickett Russell Robertson Michael Newton Forwards Colin Sylvia David Neitz Paul Johnson Followers Jeff White Brock McLean Nathan Jones Interchange Mark Jamar Simon Buckley Jace Bode Lynden Dunn Emergencies Colin Garland Clint Bizzell Matthew Warnock In Cameron Bruce Simon Buckley Chris Johnson Paul Johnson Brad Miller Daniel Ward Out Matthew Bate (corked thigh) Daniel Bell (back) Aaron Davey (knee hamstring) Ben Holland (shoulder) James McDonald (shoulder) Paul Wheatley (calf) THE GAME I haven't said much about this game yet because, quite frankly, I'm embarrassed that earlier in the year I tipped both of them to finish top four and in fact I could swear that my bones were suggesting in the strongest possible terms that they would be playing off for this year's premiership. I was wrong and I've already apologised to those of my friends who had sufficient faith in me to go off and punt their hard earned cash on the possibility of a purple, green, white, red and blue grand final. They too were wasting their time. One group of people who were never going to be wasting much time this week were the Demon selectors. Once it was apparent that six players from last week's losing 22 against Collingwood were out with injury, it would have taken virtually no time to pick this week's team. With Matthew Bate, Daniel Bell, Aaron Davey, Ben Holland, James McDonald and Paul Wheatley all out with assorted ailments to join an already bloated injury list that includes Clint Bartram, James Frawley, Simon Godfrey, Brent Moloney, Ricky Petterd, Jared Rivers, Matthew Whelan and Adem Yze there wasn't much left from which to select. Thankfully, Cameron Bruce comes back into the side along with four players who were pulled out of the Sandringham team after Friday night's injury toll became clear. Chris Johnson is the only "in" who actually played football last week. Jeff White is the only player at the club who will have appeared in every game this year (assuming he doesn't confront the same ladder on the way to the ground that the rest of the team apparently walked under before the season started). Now I'm going to make a comment that could very well rock your socks off the dock of the bay but I don't believe the Melbourne team looks all that bad on paper given that long injury list. I'll go even further to say that this game will be a lot closer than the bookies' odds of $1.16 for the home side to win and that it won't surprise me if the Demons give this game a shake. Of course, it will all depend on the Demon midfielders being able to cope with the ground and the conditions but let's not forget that the team has been primed for this game since the start of pre season in November last year. The suggestion at the time was that the team was learning this new caper of run and carry football that would get them over the mental hump they faced on foreign territory. Melbourne still has some not inconsiderable talent in the midfield with Brock McLean, Nathan Jones, Travis Johnstone, Cameron Bruce and Brad Green while Jeff White will be relieved to find that his 2006 nemesis Aaron Sandilands and his 211 cm frame are out of the frame. White is backed up by Mark Jamar and Paul Johnson and they should be far too strong in the ruck for their hosts who have the lightly built Robert Warnock holding up the fort. David Neitz, Russell Robertson and Michael Newton are all capable of kicking goals up forward. Melbourne fans have been holding out for a big game from Byron Pickett and this could be his big week while Lynden Dunn and Colin Sylvia are continuing their slow but steady development. Nathan Carroll, Ryan Ferguson and Brad Miller make up a reasonable defensive line up and one of them will have the big job on Matthew Pavlich. Meanwhile, Nathan Brown has been drawing rave reviews in the twilight of his career as a link up defender. He could have the toughest assignment of the lot on his former teammate in Jeff Farmer. The more I think about it the more I reckon that Melbourne just could pull off the upset of the year and win at Subiaco against the Dockers who, for once, will not have the formidable coaching talents of Chris Connolly to guide them to victory. Fremantle was disappointing last week against St. Kilda when it had so much to play for so how will it go now when finals glory is out of reach? Not all that well I suspect. And Mark Riley will relish his return to WA where he must be hoping for another hamburger "with the lot". The five hour plane trip is a long way to travel for a dodgy burger so "Bomber" will be hoping that, at least he's not wasting his time. There are however, a number of Demon fans who would shudder at the thought of a win for their team. This is the group who think that a priority pick at the beginning of the second round of the draft is worth the trouble of losing on a regular basis. To them, a Melbourne victory would be a waste. To others, it would make attending the following week's game against Carlton more worthwhile because the team could go all out for a fair dinkum win. And that, after all, is what footy is all about, week in, week out! Melbourne by 1 point.
-
by J.V. McKay "I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay Watching the tide roll away Ooo, I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay Wastin' time" - Otis Redding and Steve Cropper (as recorded by Otis Redding December 7, 1967, just three days before his death in a plane crash outside Madison, Wisconsin) When Melbourne last crossed the Nullarbor Plain to confront Fremantle in an AFL game in Perth it was there to play in a semi final at Subiaco. That was a little under a year ago and the match ended the Demons' season. The Dockers had one final fling a week later in the preliminary final in Sydney but in the end, both sides were wasting time, especially Melbourne. The two protagonists meet again at the same venue on Saturday afternoon and this time both of them are definitely wasting time as the result has no bearing on anything in particular although some Docker fans might argue about their team still having a chance to make the finals thanks to the theory of mathematical possibility. Sure, if my auntie had hairy armpits, well … I won't go there! A lot has happened in the interim since the two teams clashed on that balmy September night. The summer that followed promised much for both of them but with the coming of autumn, the promises shrivelled up and died along with their prospects of glory and with those hopes went the coaches – Connolly and Daniher. Both men are out of their respective coaching jobs, both are looking elsewhere and ironically, in the case of both men, "elsewhere" means their old homes. Connolly is on the Melbourne shortlist of five coaches while Daniher is one of the favourites for the Essendon job. For some very strange reason Connolly doesn't seem to have captured the hearts of the Melbourne supporters and I can't for the life of me quite figure out why. Chris Connolly came to Melbourne from its country zone around Shepparton in the early days of the Barassi coaching era. He made his debut in 1982 and retired in 1989 after missing all of the club's grand final season of 1988 with a knee injury. He played 84 games and kicked 38 goals and was a small defender and a midfielder. After a break of one year, the still young Connolly was appointed as an assistant coach to John Northey at Melbourne before going on to coach TAC Cup Under 18 team Eastern Ranges team in 1992. In 1995 he was coach of the Victoria Metro team in the National Under 18 Championships. Coaching was in his blood; his father had a distinguished record as a coach in the bush. Connolly was appointed Hawthorn reserves coach in 1996 (the merger year) and was elevated to the number one assistant coaching role with the Hawks in 2000. The following year he coached them to a win over Carlton in the absence of regular coach, Peter Schwab, who was suffering from an irregular heartbeat. His team won with an after the siren goal from Ben Dixon. In 2002, Connolly took over the coaching reins at wooden spoon club Fremantle which won only two games the year before he arrived in Perth. He took the Dockers to their first ever finals appearance in 2003 but they slipped to 9th and then 10th in the following two seasons. Bolstered by some high profile assistants in Mark Harvey and Robert Shaw, Connolly's charges stormed into the finals with a club record nine consecutive victories to finish third at the end of the 2006 home and away season. They then lost to Adelaide before securing their first finals victory against the Demons on that balmy September night. In a short span of a few years Connolly had lifted his club from the depths to one of the AFL's financial giants and a team with a strong list holding the respect of its peers. With the advent of Chris Tarrant and Dean Solomon from other clubs at the start of the year, the feeling was that Fremantle's day was coming. But that was Connolly's undoing as a coach because the Dockers struggled in the early stages of 2007 and he was put under constant scrutiny for failing to do better with a star studded side. The end came last month after a narrow loss at home to the Kangaroos. Connolly announced that he would resign immediately and was replaced by his assistant Mark Harvey who is a red-hot certainty to get the job on a permanent basis. One thing that Connolly had going for him at Dockerland was his domination as a coach over the Demons. During the Connolly/Daniher era at the two clubs, they met on nine occasions with Fremantle winning seven of those games and four of the last five. To put it crudely therefore, Daniher was Connolly’s "bitch". It makes one wonder therefore why Connolly is not more popular with the Demon fold. My theory is that they don't appreciate his showmanship which is a la Kevin Sheedy but without the class and panache. Some flinch at the fact that that he couldn't get the best out of a strong list in 2007 while others point to the discipline problems at the club. The coach cops the blame when his boys play up and a few of the Dockers played up under his watch. But Connolly has certainly expressed his fervent love for the club where he played his footy and where he is a life member. He remains in the running for the coaching position. One wonders whether, like the 44 players who will be running around on Saturday at Subiaco, he too, isn't wasting his time. THE GAME Fremantle v Melbourne at Subiaco - Saturday 25 August 2007 at 4:10pm (AEST) HEAD TO HEAD Overall Fremantle 11 wins Melbourne 10 wins At Subiaco Fremantle 5 wins Melbourne 3 wins Since 2000 Fremantle 7 wins Melbourne 5 wins The Coaches Harvey 0 wins Riley 0 wins MEDIA TV Fox Sports 1 4.00pm (live) RADIO SEN THE BETTING Fremantle to win $1.15 Melbourne to win $4.75 LAST TIME THEY MET Fremantle 21.11.137 defeated Melbourne 13.14.92 at the MCG Round 4, 2007. Two of the teams that were widely tipped a month earlier to make the top four were fighting to break the ice in Round 4 when the Demons played host to the Dockers. It was a depleted Melbourne team that was missing skipper David Neitz, Russell Robertson, Brock McLean, Clint Bartram and Colin Sylvia and things got worse during a game in which the home side lost four more players by the main break. Des Headland was in superlative form having gotten off a six-week suspension as a result of one of the AFL Tribunal's more puzzling decisions. He starred with three goals while his skipper Matthew Pavlich booted six. Adem Yze returned to form with a high possession game but that wasn't enough to save the sick and sorry Demons from a 39-point touch up. Even at this early stage of the season it was all doom and gloom for the Demons and their fans. THE TEAMS: FREMANTLE Backs Scott Thornton Antoni Grover Steven Dodd Half backs Roger Hayden Michael Johnson Ryan Crowley Centreline David Mundy Dean Solomon Heath Black Half forwards Peter Bell Chris Tarrant Des Headland Forwards Luke McPharlin Matthew Pavlich Troy Cook Followers Robert Warnock Josh Carr Paul Hasleby Interchange Jeff Farmer Daniel Gilmore Shaun McManus Brett Peake Emergencies Andrew Foster Garrick Ibbotson Byron Schammer In Dodd Headland Out Matthew Carr (adductor) Ryan Murphy MELBOURNE Backs Nathan Carroll Ryan Ferguson Nathan Brown Half backs Chris Johnson Brad Miller Cameron Bruce Centreline Brad Green Travis Johnstone Daniel Ward Half forwards Byron Pickett Russell Robertson Michael Newton Forwards Colin Sylvia David Neitz Paul Johnson Followers Jeff White Brock McLean Nathan Jones Interchange Mark Jamar Simon Buckley Jace Bode Lynden Dunn Emergencies Colin Garland Clint Bizzell Matthew Warnock In Cameron Bruce Simon Buckley Chris Johnson Paul Johnson Brad Miller Daniel Ward Out Matthew Bate (corked thigh) Daniel Bell (back) Aaron Davey (knee hamstring) Ben Holland (shoulder) James McDonald (shoulder) Paul Wheatley (calf) THE GAME I haven't said much about this game yet because, quite frankly, I'm embarrassed that earlier in the year I tipped both of them to finish top four and in fact I could swear that my bones were suggesting in the strongest possible terms that they would be playing off for this year's premiership. I was wrong and I've already apologised to those of my friends who had sufficient faith in me to go off and punt their hard earned cash on the possibility of a purple, green, white, red and blue grand final. They too were wasting their time. One group of people who were never going to be wasting much time this week were the Demon selectors. Once it was apparent that six players from last week's losing 22 against Collingwood were out with injury, it would have taken virtually no time to pick this week's team. With Matthew Bate, Daniel Bell, Aaron Davey, Ben Holland, James McDonald and Paul Wheatley all out with assorted ailments to join an already bloated injury list that includes Clint Bartram, James Frawley, Simon Godfrey, Brent Moloney, Ricky Petterd, Jared Rivers, Matthew Whelan and Adem Yze there wasn't much left from which to select. Thankfully, Cameron Bruce comes back into the side along with four players who were pulled out of the Sandringham team after Friday night's injury toll became clear. Chris Johnson is the only "in" who actually played football last week. Jeff White is the only player at the club who will have appeared in every game this year (assuming he doesn't confront the same ladder on the way to the ground that the rest of the team apparently walked under before the season started). Now I'm going to make a comment that could very well rock your socks off the dock of the bay but I don't believe the Melbourne team looks all that bad on paper given that long injury list. I'll go even further to say that this game will be a lot closer than the bookies' odds of $1.15 for the home side to win and that it won't surprise me if the Demons give this game a shake. Of course, it will all depend on the Demon midfielders being able to cope with the ground and the conditions but let's not forget that the team has been primed for this game since the start of pre season in November last year. The suggestion at the time was that the team was learning this new caper of run and carry football that would get them over the mental hump they faced on foreign territory. Melbourne still has some not inconsiderable talent in the midfield with Brock McLean, Nathan Jones, Travis Johnstone, Cameron Bruce and Brad Green while Jeff White will be relieved to find that his 2006 nemesis Aaron Sandilands and his 211 cm frame are out of the frame. White is backed up by Mark Jamar and Paul Johnson and they should be far too strong in the ruck for their hosts who have the lightly built Robert Warnock holding up the fort. David Neitz, Russell Robertson and Michael Newton are all capable of kicking goals up forward. Melbourne fans have been holding out for a big game from Byron Pickett and this could be his big week while Lynden Dunn and Colin Sylvia are continuing their slow but steady development. Nathan Carroll, Ryan Ferguson and Brad Miller make up a reasonable defensive line up and one of them will have the big job on Matthew Pavlich. Meanwhile, Nathan Brown has been drawing rave reviews in the twilight of his career as a link up defender. He could have the toughest assignment of the lot on his former teammate in Jeff Farmer. The more I think about it the more I reckon that Melbourne just could pull off the upset of the year and win at Subiaco against the Dockers who, for once, will not have the formidable coaching talents of Chris Connolly to guide them to victory. Fremantle was disappointing last week against St. Kilda when it had so much to play for so how will it go now when finals glory is out of reach? Not all that well I suspect. And Mark Riley will relish his return to WA where he must be hoping for another hamburger "with the lot". The five hour plane trip is a long way to travel for a dodgy burger so "Bomber" will be hoping that, at least he's not wasting his time. There are however, a number of Demon fans who would shudder at the thought of a win for their team. This is the group who think that a priority pick at the beginning of the second round of the draft is worth the trouble of losing on a regular basis. To them, a Melbourne victory would be a waste. To others, it would make attending the following week's game against Carlton more worthwhile because the team could go all out for a fair dinkum win. And that, after all, is what footy is all about, week in, week out! Melbourne by 1 point.
-
Feathers Ruffled ... Barry reviews Zebras v Roosters
Demonland replied to Demonland's topic in Melbourne Demons
Received from the Sandringham FC email - You heard it here first! The mighty Zebs will take on arch-rivals Williamstown in the 1st Qualifying Final on Saturday 1st September at the Trevor Barker Beach Oval commencing at 2.00pm. A win over the Seagulls will see the boys go straight into the Preliminary Final and a step closer to four flags in a row! The club will be holding a Presidents Luncheon before the big clash with tickets at $25 per person for a two-course lunch and drinks at bar prices. Bookings are essential so don't delay! Contact the club and book your seat as we kick off our quest for history! Details Sandringham vs. Williamstown Trevor Barker Beach Oval Saturday 1st September 2.00pm President's Lunch: 12.15pm -
FEATHERS RUFFLED by Barry from Beach Road Sandringham sealed the VFL minor premiership and effectively ended North Ballarat's top four ambitions when it scored a resounding 65-point victory at Trevor Barker Beach Oval yesterday. The win meant that the Zebras have now beaten all comers in the competition after overturning their only two losses for the season with their comprehensive thrashings of Box Hill and North Ballarat in the past fortnight. They did so against the Roosters with a record low number of six players (four senior listed and two rookies) from aligned AFL club Melbourne after the Demons, in the wake of their ever-worsening injury woes, withdrew five players from the game. It is almost certain that some, if not all of them,will be required for the club's trip interstate to Subiaco at the weekend. On the credit side of the ledger the Zebras regained tough skipper Chad Liddell and key forward Rod Crowe but also lost David Gallagher (knee) during the game. The club was able to show off the great depth of its VFL list headed by Shane Valenti, Ezra Poyas, Peter Summers and Gallagher (until injured). The depth has been bolstered considerably in the last month or so with the emergence of the younger brigade with Tomi Johnston, Sam Monaghan and Stefan Martin being this week's standouts. Sandringham did not have things going all its way in the early stages when North Ballarat came out with all guns blazing and, aided by some wayward kicking from the Zebra forwards, shot to a 14 point lead by quarter time. Whatever Zebra coach Mark Williams told his players at the first break should be bottled because they hit the ground running and kicked 11 unanswered goals in an emphatic response that blew the game to pieces. They outscored the opposition in the second quarter alone by 45 points and it was clear by the main break that the Roosters had well and truly had their feathers plucked. Williams put the turn around down to the fact that his team imposed themselves on the game physically. "Our intensity and pressure went up and we started to hit more targets," he said after the game. The Zebras did not drop their intensity in the second half and they went on their merry way with a five goals to two third term before coasting home. Williams had few worries after the game although he will certainly need to correct the errant kicking for goal of his forwards. Valenti was the dominant player on the ground and he would have to be a contender for the Fothergill-Round Medal for the competition's rising star (if not the JJ Liston Trophy) on his excellent form throughout the season. Apart from a brief patch when injured after the State game, his season has been outstanding and yesterday's performance was no exception. His tackling and smothering were exceptional. Poyas was not far behind him kicking three goals and, with the finals looming, he presents an ominous prospect for the other sides taking part. Danny Hughes was in strong marking form and he booted two goals in a welcome return to the side – a move that has added a new dimension to the forward line. Chris Lamb maintained his stranglehold on the mantle of the competition's premier defender and he was supported by experienced defenders in Biddlecombe and Warnock. The defence gave the team plenty of drive setting up off the half back line. The youngsters all contributed to the solid Sandringham effort. One dazzling run by Johnston in particular suggested that the word "class" should be stamped over his name. Stefan Martin again presented well and kicked a good goal as well as using his body to open space for a Sautner goal. His long goal after the siren at three quarter time was a gem. Sam Monaghan and Rennie Gilchrist were also impressive. Next week Sandringham faces Coburg Tigers at home in what is effectively a dead rubber. The game will be televised on the ABC and should constitute an excellent warm up for the following week’s Qualifying Final against Williamstown. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Five of the Demons selected on Thursday night were given the day off by the club following the injuries incurred by players in the game against Collingwood leaving a small complement of six for this game. Only Chris Johnson showed enough to suggest an AFL recall although there was some promise also shown by rookies Hughes and Neaves. Clint Bizzell - just a day at the office from Bizzell. He was serviceable, took some nice marks and performed some standard clearing dashes but his disposal let him down at times. He played pretty accountable and not his usual sweeper role. Danny Hughes - this was his first game back in senior company after a long lay off with a groin problem and he was a more than useful contributor. He was lively on the forward line kicking a couple of goals and took several strong marks. Chris Johnson - the pick of the Demons on display and he showed out with some strong marking. Was on fire early but let himself down with a few misses from set shots. Broke through for a nice goal late in the game when he was at his very best. Shane Neaves - after playing second fiddle to Jamar and Paul Johnson and having a brief stint in the reserves, Neaves stepped up with the added responsibility of playing in the first ruck. After a slow start, the rookie ruckman worked his way into the contest and finished well on top. Spent a lot of time across half back plugging any holes that might have opened in defence. Heath Neville - did a few nice things but generally didn't have that much time to show his wares. Showed great strength to applied a very good tackle to win a free kick at one stage. Matthew Warnock - a reasonable performance in a strong back line. Did some nice things down back and ran the ball well out of defence well but can still improve on his kicking and decision-making. Sandringham 2.7.19 9.11.65 14.19.103 17.23.125 North Ballarat 5.3.33 5.4.34 7.9.51 8.14.62 Goals Sandringham Sautner 4 Poyas 3 Hughes S Martin Summers 2 C Johnson Neaves Paterakis Valenti North Ballarat Edwards Gregg Thomas 2 Cartledge Urch Best Sandringham Valenti Poyas C Johnson Lamb T Johnston Neaves North Ballarat Lower Goodes Moloney George Roach Whyman The Sandringham Reserves finals campaign came to an abrupt end in the curtain raiser after a 34 point loss at the hands of North Ballarat left them more than a game away from fifth placed Box Hill Hawks. The young Zebras side was severely depleted after losing the in form Tom Paule as well as a number of others called upon to fill vacancies in the senior line up. Young Atila Yaman from the Sandringham TAC Cup side was brought into the side for his first game and did well on debut kicking two goals. After an early struggle the team nudged ahead by a point with the first two goals of the second quarter but the Roosters showed more determination and forged their way to a lead of almost 10 goals before Sandy mounted a strong comeback which got them to within two goals midway through the final quarter before the Roosters kicked some late goals to put the result beyond any doubt. Ewen McKenzie toiled manfully while Peter McGettigan was classy in a heavily undermanned team. HOW THE DEMONS FARED The standard of the game was quite poor and one was left to wonder whether the Demon youngsters will really benefit much at all from playing at this level. Daniel Hayes and Isaac Weetra took part in this game and while neither of them shone it must be remembered that both have had interrupted seasons and the club would be looking to improvement next year with a full pre season under their belts. Daniel Hayes - showed real touches of class and some deft footwork at times and he disposed of the ball well. Isaac Weetra - spent a lot of time in the forward line when play was somewhere else and was generally quiet although he kicked a nice goal after a strong lead. Sandringham 1.5.11 4.9.33 6.12.48 12.20.92 North Ballarat 3.4 22 8.10.58 13.16.94 18.18.126 Goals Sandringham Cleeve Yaman 2 Curcio Dean Dunne Hayes McGettigan Turcarelli Weetra Williams North Ballarat Schultz 4 Ewart Hardy Taylor 2 Burchell Dignan Drew Grima Morgan Otto Urquhart Raworth Best Sandringham McKenzie McGettigan Dean Gribbin Turcarelli Tregear North Ballarat Drew Clark Lewis Schultz Parkin Morgan
-
by Barry from Beach Road Sandringham sealed the VFL minor premiership and effectively ended North Ballarat's top four ambitions when it scored a resounding 65-point victory at Trevor Barker Beach Oval yesterday. The win meant that the Zebras have now beaten all comers in the competition after overturning their only two losses for the season with their comprehensive thrashings of Box Hill and North Ballarat in the past fortnight. They did so against the Roosters with a record low number of six players (four senior listed and two rookies) from aligned AFL club Melbourne after the Demons, in the wake of their ever-worsening injury woes, withdrew five players from the game. It is almost certain that some, if not all of them,will be required for the club's trip interstate to Subiaco at the weekend. On the credit side of the ledger the Zebras regained tough skipper Chad Liddell and key forward Rod Crowe but also lost David Gallagher (knee) during the game. The club was able to show off the great depth of its VFL list headed by Shane Valenti, Ezra Poyas, Peter Summers and Gallagher (until injured). The depth has been bolstered considerably in the last month or so with the emergence of the younger brigade with Tomi Johnston, Sam Monaghan and Stefan Martin being this week's standouts. Sandringham did not have things going all its way in the early stages when North Ballarat came out with all guns blazing and, aided by some wayward kicking from the Zebra forwards, shot to a 14 point lead by quarter time. Whatever Zebra coach Mark Williams told his players at the first break should be bottled because they hit the ground running and kicked 11 unanswered goals in an emphatic response that blew the game to pieces. They outscored the opposition in the second quarter alone by 45 points and it was clear by the main break that the Roosters had well and truly had their feathers plucked. Williams put the turn around down to the fact that his team imposed themselves on the game physically. "Our intensity and pressure went up and we started to hit more targets," he said after the game. The Zebras did not drop their intensity in the second half and they went on their merry way with a five goals to two third term before coasting home. Williams had few worries after the game although he will certainly need to correct the errant kicking for goal of his forwards. Valenti was the dominant player on the ground and he would have to be a contender for the Fothergill-Round Medal for the competition's rising star (if not the JJ Liston Trophy) on his excellent form throughout the season. Apart from a brief patch when injured after the State game, his season has been outstanding and yesterday's performance was no exception. His tackling and smothering were exceptional. Poyas was not far behind him kicking three goals and, with the finals looming, he presents an ominous prospect for the other sides taking part. Danny Hughes was in strong marking form and he booted two goals in a welcome return to the side – a move that has added a new dimension to the forward line. Chris Lamb maintained his stranglehold on the mantle of the competition's premier defender and he was supported by experienced defenders in Biddlecombe and Warnock. The defence gave the team plenty of drive setting up off the half back line. The youngsters all contributed to the solid Sandringham effort. One dazzling run by Johnston in particular suggested that the word "class" should be stamped over his name. Stefan Martin again presented well and kicked a good goal as well as using his body to open space for a Sautner goal. His long goal after the siren at three quarter time was a gem. Sam Monaghan and Rennie Gilchrist were also impressive. Next week Sandringham faces Coburg Tigers at home in what is effectively a dead rubber. The game will be televised on the ABC and should constitute an excellent warm up for the following week’s Qualifying Final against Williamstown. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Five of the Demons selected on Thursday night were given the day off by the club following the injuries incurred by players in the game against Collingwood leaving a small complement of six for this game. Only Chris Johnson showed enough to suggest an AFL recall although there was some promise also shown by rookies Hughes and Neaves. Clint Bizzell - just a day at the office from Bizzell. He was serviceable, took some nice marks and performed some standard clearing dashes but his disposal let him down at times. He played pretty accountable and not his usual sweeper role. Danny Hughes - this was his first game back in senior company after a long lay off with a groin problem and he was a more than useful contributor. He was lively on the forward line kicking a couple of goals and took several strong marks. Chris Johnson - the pick of the Demons on display and he showed out with some strong marking. Was on fire early but let himself down with a few misses from set shots. Broke through for a nice goal late in the game when he was at his very best. Shane Neaves - after playing second fiddle to Jamar and Paul Johnson and having a brief stint in the reserves, Neaves stepped up with the added responsibility of playing in the first ruck. After a slow start, the rookie ruckman worked his way into the contest and finished well on top. Spent a lot of time across half back plugging any holes that might have opened in defence. Heath Neville - did a few nice things but generally didn't have that much time to show his wares. Showed great strength to applied a very good tackle to win a free kick at one stage. Matthew Warnock - a reasonable performance in a strong back line. Did some nice things down back and ran the ball well out of defence well but can still improve on his kicking and decision-making. Sandringham 2.7.19 9.11.65 14.19.103 17.23.125 North Ballarat 5.3.33 5.4.34 7.9.51 8.14.62 Goals Sandringham Sautner 4 Poyas 3 Hughes S Martin Summers 2 C Johnson Neaves Paterakis Valenti North Ballarat Edwards Gregg Thomas 2 Cartledge Urch Best Sandringham Valenti Poyas C Johnson Lamb T Johnston Neaves North Ballarat Lower Goodes Moloney George Roach Whyman The Sandringham Reserves finals campaign came to an abrupt end in the curtain raiser after a 34 point loss at the hands of North Ballarat left them more than a game away from fifth placed Box Hill Hawks. The young Zebras side was severely depleted after losing the in form Tom Paule as well as a number of others called upon to fill vacancies in the senior line up. Young Atila Yaman from the Sandringham TAC Cup side was brought into the side for his first game and did well on debut kicking two goals. After an early struggle the team nudged ahead by a point with the first two goals of the second quarter but the Roosters showed more determination and forged their way to a lead of almost 10 goals before Sandy mounted a strong comeback which got them to within two goals midway through the final quarter before the Roosters kicked some late goals to put the result beyond any doubt. Ewen McKenzie toiled manfully while Peter McGettigan was classy in a heavily undermanned team. HOW THE DEMONS FARED The standard of the game was quite poor and one was left to wonder whether the Demon youngsters will really benefit much at all from playing at this level. Daniel Hayes and Isaac Weetra took part in this game and while neither of them shone it must be remembered that both have had interrupted seasons and the club would be looking to improvement next year with a full pre season under their belts. Daniel Hayes - showed real touches of class and some deft footwork at times and he disposed of the ball well. Isaac Weetra - spent a lot of time in the forward line when play was somewhere else and was generally quiet although he kicked a nice goal after a strong lead. Sandringham 1.5.11 4.9.33 6.12.48 12.20.92 North Ballarat 3.4 22 8.10.58 13.16.94 18.18.126 Goals Sandringham Cleeve Yaman 2 Curcio Dean Dunne Hayes McGettigan Turcarelli Weetra Williams North Ballarat Schultz 4 Ewart Hardy Taylor 2 Burchell Dignan Drew Grima Morgan Otto Urquhart Raworth Best Sandringham McKenzie McGettigan Dean Gribbin Turcarelli Tregear North Ballarat Drew Clark Lewis Schultz Parkin Morgan
-
Fages has been very good to us all at Demonland. He was always willing to come up to our group and have a chat if we met at a function, a practice match or at Sandringham. Well done and please let the nice folks at Hawthorn know that we forgive them for the merger thing. We're over that. Cheers and all the best for the future...
-
With just 2 rounds to go WJ has posted his ton and taken a stranglehold on the Demonland Tipping Competition - any chance we can keep the news of this quiet? 1. (1) 103 Whispering_Jack 2. (2) 99 Clyde_Cabbie 2. (3) 99 deanox 2. (3) 99 slamevil 5. (5) 98 deesthisyear 5. (6) 98 demon_davey 7. (8) 97 Demonland 8. (6) 96 canberrademon(herb) 8. (8) 96 DeMoNiC 10. (8) 95 Scoop Junior 11. (11) 94 Alpha_33 11. (11) 94 great_gatsby 11. (11) 94 Pinball_Wizard 14. (14) 93 snarler_0 15. (15) 92 achirnside 15. (15) 92 Rivers Run Red 17. (17) 90 petejh2000 18. (17) 89 frangas 18. (17) 89 Go_Ds 20. (20) 86 BigKev Demon 21. (21) 83 Jackieboy_0 22. (22) 81 bl3281 23. (23) 80 dee'viator 24. (24) 76 TimDees 25. (25) 75 No Cigar 26. (26) 72 paliosiana 27. (27) 69 KrazyJay 28. (28) 67 rusty_corner 29. (29) 66 Goodvibes 30. (30) 63 CarnTheDees 31. (31) 58 Kieranbj 32. (32) 57 demon_fanatic 33. (33) 56 Dees_Fan16 34. (34) 54 Fingers Power 35. (35) 53 Dappadan 36. (36) 47 melon22 37. (37) 46 jaded24 38. (38) 38 rusty_kingswood
-
Take some time reading this piece from Scoop Junior. It's great! TANGLED UP IN RED AND BLUE by Scoop Junior All roads led to the sporting centre of Melbourne last night as 46,277 streamed into the MCG for the big Collingwood v Melbourne clash, 11,549 headed into nearby Olympic Park for the NRL while thousands more were at the Rod Laver Arena for the Bob Dylan concert. The musician produced some bright lights, loud wailing and the living of dreams while the Storm game produced some biffo and a dazzling pyrotechnic exhibition. But it was at the G where there were real fireworks as well as an exciting finish in a fairy tale setting for Demons' skipper David Neitz in his 300th game – on the big stage of Friday night footy at the world's best venue and against the old enemy in Collingwood. Unfortunately, as coach Mark Riley correctly pointed out, fairytales are much less frequent than sad endings and though the script was half written it was really no surprise in view of his club's season that the story didn't finish as anticipated by the Demon fans. Yet there is plenty that Neitz and his young Melbourne outfit can take out of the brave performance they displayed at least in the second half of the game. The Demons looked off the boil from the outset. Collingwood was getting its hands on the footy at the clearances and giving its forward line great supply. In the first few minutes, Melbourne could hardly win any clean possession as the hungry Pies, no doubt stung by their insipid display against Richmond, put the foot down on the accelerator. Three early goals was the result and the Dees were in trouble. But the modern game is heavily reliant on effective centre clearances. With dangerous forwards such as Neitz, Robertson, Sylvia and Davey, Melbourne just had to get it down there to give them a chance. It was little surprise then that the Dees' first effective clearance resulted in a classy goal from Lynden Dunn. While the Demons steadied after their first major, it was the Magpies who dominated the first term, with Burns and Swan doing well in close and Leon Davis proving a major threat with his pace and class. Down by three goals at quarter time, it was expected that the Dees would lift after an underwhelming first term. However, what they dished up in the second term was as bad as any footy they've displayed this year - and we all know that there have been some disastrous performances during the season. Players could not hit targets and there were countless turnovers resulting in Collingwood counter attacks. Three goals to none in favour of the Magpies extended the margin to six goals at the long break and the Demons looked in even bigger trouble. Typical of the horrendous injury run that has plagued the club this year, Melbourne lost Ben Holland to a dislocated shoulder in a gruesome incident in the second quarter. Up until that stage, Holland had kept Rocca quiet and the defensive match-ups were working well, with Nathan Carroll subduing Cloke and Ryan Ferguson doing the job on Rusling. Holland's injury forced Carroll onto Rocca, Ferguson onto Cloke and Dunn to Rusling. However, it was the midfield and across half forward where the Demons were falling down. Despite the valiant efforts of Jones and McDonald, Melbourne could not assert itself at the stoppages and injured pair Russell Robertson and Matthew Bate provided little at half forward. There are moments in games that shift the momentum. An early Pendlebury goal extended the margin to 41 points and the Demons looked gone, with a big loss on the cards. However, a few minutes later, Daniel Bell showed courage in putting his head over the ball and was cleaned up by a Ben Johnson front-on hit. Bell was carried off on a stretcher and this appeared to rally the Dees who, led by the likes of Nathan Jones, James McDonald, Brad Green, Colin Sylvia and Nathan Brown suddenly lifted their intensity, their attack on the footy and their defensive pressure. The Pies started to wilt with the ferocity of Melbourne's attack on the ball and the man and were forced into errors. Their run dried up and their confidence sagged. The skipper started to turn it on up forward, kicking two goals and giving one off to Sylvia, who goaled after a strong mark under pressure. All of a sudden, for the first time in the game, the Dees were putting scoreboard pressure on the Magpies. With the help of some favourable umpiring decisions, the Demons edged closer and goals to McLean from a tight angle and then to Pickett on the run got Melbourne fans out of their seats and produced more than a scare in the heart of Collingwood. What was even more remarkable about this comeback was the fact that Aaron Davey had also limped to the bench with a hamstring injury, leaving Melbourne with one fit man on the interchange. It was as if Bell's hit, Neitz' 300th and the back-to-the-wall mentality all culminated in a ferocious effort by the Melbourne Football Club. Heading into the last quarter two goals down, it seemed a matter of time when the Dees would tire but they kept plugging on. A goal to Newton brought the margin back to a kick and if the Demons were a chance to win the game, they had to get their noses in front, as they were bound to tire late in the match. Melbourne did everything but hit the lead, with Robertson missing two gettable goals from 50 and Neitz failing to make the distance from a shot he'd normally convert. Travis Johnstone also missed a half chance from 50 on the run. It was brave and it was inspirational but it was missing that coat of polish as the Pies went down the other end, where Medhurst kicked the backbreaking goal. In a tight, tense, low-scoring final term, there were no more goals kicked by either team. The second half was tremendous and it goes to show what can be achieved when 22 (or let's make that 19) blokes throw themselves in and attack the contest hard. At times, the Dees looked like a team possessed and it was little wonder Collingwood players were a bit cautious in the second half. Jones and McDonald set the tone in midfield with their intensity. While both made errors, and Jones conceded a number of frees, their ferocity at the stoppages provided the impetus for the team in the second half. Green worked hard too, and Brown provided his usual tireless run. Dunn showed some good signs in a midfield role and then down back. His versatility is certainly impressive and he should go on to become a very good player for this club. Another youngster in Michael Newton also showed some great signs. He has very safe hands above his head and moves around the ground well. He needs to work harder at ground level but with increased size and strength over the pre-season, will be one to watch next year. Johnstone flashed in and out, as did Pickett. Both have the class to really make a difference, but at the same time they are being restricted mentally (Johnstone) and physically (Pickett). McLean worked hard but again struggled to find the footy in close. While injuries have affected his season, he just has not displayed that usual McLean nous of winning the footy in close. The back line put in one of its best performances of the season. After Holland went down, the match-ups all had to change, and to the credit of the players they performed superbly. Ferguson not only subdued Cloke, but also pressured and chased hard and displayed his usual bravery in the pack marking contests. Carroll kept Rocca in check after moving onto him and was also a strong physical presence down back. Wheatley found the footy 20-odd times and was a calming presence rebounding the ball out of defence. Collectively, they kept the Pies to only two goals in the second half, but they were given good assistance by the defensive pressure further up the ground. After failing to function in the first half, the Dees' forward line clicked into gear after half time. Neitz was the pick of the forwards, kicking 3.3 (it could have been six) and setting up a couple of others. Sylvia lifted in the second half and was very important. His attack on the ball was first rate and his ability to win the contested footy across half forward and through the middle bodes well for a future move into the midfield. He also possesses excellent hands and took a few nice grabs. Robbo struggled but looked hampered by a knee injury, while Bate battled after injuring himself early. While Bate was not 100%, some of his efforts were not up to standard. With so many of his teammates putting their bodies on the line, Bate failed at times to do likewise. He must be harder at the contest; AFL footy has no room for those perceived to be faint of heart. While it really was a tale of two halves, it will be the second one that lives on in the minds of Melbourne supporters and hopefully provides the players with the right attitude to take into games next year. They could have laid down and been belted, as many a Melbourne side has over the years, but they gritted their teeth and battled it out. That's all supporters can ask for. As Dennis Cometti said, controlled aggression is an incredibly powerful tool. The Demons need to make this the norm, rather than the exception to the rule. The team has no stars and can't afford to rely on a few to get them over the line. A total team effort is required and this must be the number one aim of the new coach for season 2008. As for the players, they need to look no further than their 300-game skipper for the right attitude to take into every match. What a great example he set in yet another highlight game in a star studded career that's been nicely tangled up in the red and blue. Once again, well done Neita, you are an inspiration! Melbourne 3.5.23 3.9.27 8.12.60 9.16.70 Collingwood 6.4.40 9.8.62 10.12.72 11.15.81 Goals Collingwood Medhurst 3 Bryan Burns Cloke Davis Didak Johnson Pendlebury Rusling Melbourne Neitz 3 Pickett 2 Dunn McLean Newton Sylvia Best Melbourne Jones McDonald Neitz Ferguson Sylvia Brown Collingwood Thomas Swan Davis Burns O'Brien Medhurst Injuries Melbourne Holland (dislocated shoulder) Bell (head and back) Davey (hamstring) Collingwood – Nil. Report B Johnson (Collingwood) by umpire Donlon in the second quarter for making forceful contact on Bell (Melbourne) Umpires Donlon McLaren Chamberlain Crowd 46,277 at the MCG
-
by Scoop Junior All roads led to the sporting centre of Melbourne last night as 46,277 streamed into the MCG for the big Collingwood v Melbourne clash, 11,549 headed into nearby Olympic Park for the NRL while thousands more were at the Rod Laver Arena for the Bob Dylan concert. The musician produced some bright lights, loud wailing and the living of dreams while the Storm game produced some biffo and a dazzling pyrotechnic exhibition. But it was at the G where there were real fireworks as well as an exciting finish in a fairy tale setting for Demons' skipper David Neitz in his 300th game – on the big stage of Friday night footy at the world's best venue and against the old enemy in Collingwood. Unfortunately, as coach Mark Riley correctly pointed out, fairytales are much less frequent than sad endings and though the script was half written it was really no surprise in view of his club's season that the story didn't finish as anticipated by the Demon fans. Yet there is plenty that Neitz and his young Melbourne outfit can take out of the brave performance they displayed at least in the second half of the game. The Demons looked off the boil from the outset. Collingwood was getting its hands on the footy at the clearances and giving its forward line great supply. In the first few minutes, Melbourne could hardly win any clean possession as the hungry Pies, no doubt stung by their insipid display against Richmond, put the foot down on the accelerator. Three early goals was the result and the Dees were in trouble. But the modern game is heavily reliant on effective centre clearances. With dangerous forwards such as Neitz, Robertson, Sylvia and Davey, Melbourne just had to get it down there to give them a chance. It was little surprise then that the Dees' first effective clearance resulted in a classy goal from Lynden Dunn. While the Demons steadied after their first major, it was the Magpies who dominated the first term, with Burns and Swan doing well in close and Leon Davis proving a major threat with his pace and class. Down by three goals at quarter time, it was expected that the Dees would lift after an underwhelming first term. However, what they dished up in the second term was as bad as any footy they've displayed this year - and we all know that there have been some disastrous performances during the season. Players could not hit targets and there were countless turnovers resulting in Collingwood counter attacks. Three goals to none in favour of the Magpies extended the margin to six goals at the long break and the Demons looked in even bigger trouble. Typical of the horrendous injury run that has plagued the club this year, Melbourne lost Ben Holland to a dislocated shoulder in a gruesome incident in the second quarter. Up until that stage, Holland had kept Rocca quiet and the defensive match-ups were working well, with Nathan Carroll subduing Cloke and Ryan Ferguson doing the job on Rusling. Holland's injury forced Carroll onto Rocca, Ferguson onto Cloke and Dunn to Rusling. However, it was the midfield and across half forward where the Demons were falling down. Despite the valiant efforts of Jones and McDonald, Melbourne could not assert itself at the stoppages and injured pair Russell Robertson and Matthew Bate provided little at half forward. There are moments in games that shift the momentum. An early Pendlebury goal extended the margin to 41 points and the Demons looked gone, with a big loss on the cards. However, a few minutes later, Daniel Bell showed courage in putting his head over the ball and was cleaned up by a Ben Johnson front-on hit. Bell was carried off on a stretcher and this appeared to rally the Dees who, led by the likes of Nathan Jones, James McDonald, Brad Green, Colin Sylvia and Nathan Brown suddenly lifted their intensity, their attack on the footy and their defensive pressure. The Pies started to wilt with the ferocity of Melbourne's attack on the ball and the man and were forced into errors. Their run dried up and their confidence sagged. The skipper started to turn it on up forward, kicking two goals and giving one off to Sylvia, who goaled after a strong mark under pressure. All of a sudden, for the first time in the game, the Dees were putting scoreboard pressure on the Magpies. With the help of some favourable umpiring decisions, the Demons edged closer and goals to McLean from a tight angle and then to Pickett on the run got Melbourne fans out of their seats and produced more than a scare in the heart of Collingwood. What was even more remarkable about this comeback was the fact that Aaron Davey had also limped to the bench with a hamstring injury, leaving Melbourne with one fit man on the interchange. It was as if Bell's hit, Neitz' 300th and the back-to-the-wall mentality all culminated in a ferocious effort by the Melbourne Football Club. Heading into the last quarter two goals down, it seemed a matter of time when the Dees would tire but they kept plugging on. A goal to Newton brought the margin back to a kick and if the Demons were a chance to win the game, they had to get their noses in front, as they were bound to tire late in the match. Melbourne did everything but hit the lead, with Robertson missing two gettable goals from 50 and Neitz failing to make the distance from a shot he'd normally convert. Travis Johnstone also missed a half chance from 50 on the run. It was brave and it was inspirational but it was missing that coat of polish as the Pies went down the other end, where Medhurst kicked the backbreaking goal. In a tight, tense, low-scoring final term, there were no more goals kicked by either team. The second half was tremendous and it goes to show what can be achieved when 22 (or let's make that 19) blokes throw themselves in and attack the contest hard. At times, the Dees looked like a team possessed and it was little wonder Collingwood players were a bit cautious in the second half. Jones and McDonald set the tone in midfield with their intensity. While both made errors, and Jones conceded a number of frees, their ferocity at the stoppages provided the impetus for the team in the second half. Green worked hard too, and Brown provided his usual tireless run. Dunn showed some good signs in a midfield role and then down back. His versatility is certainly impressive and he should go on to become a very good player for this club. Another youngster in Michael Newton also showed some great signs. He has very safe hands above his head and moves around the ground well. He needs to work harder at ground level but with increased size and strength over the pre-season, will be one to watch next year. Johnstone flashed in and out, as did Pickett. Both have the class to really make a difference, but at the same time they are being restricted mentally (Johnstone) and physically (Pickett). McLean worked hard but again struggled to find the footy in close. While injuries have affected his season, he just has not displayed that usual McLean nous of winning the footy in close. The back line put in one of its best performances of the season. After Holland went down, the match-ups all had to change, and to the credit of the players they performed superbly. Ferguson not only subdued Cloke, but also pressured and chased hard and displayed his usual bravery in the pack marking contests. Carroll kept Rocca in check after moving onto him and was also a strong physical presence down back. Wheatley found the footy 20-odd times and was a calming presence rebounding the ball out of defence. Collectively, they kept the Pies to only two goals in the second half, but they were given good assistance by the defensive pressure further up the ground. After failing to function in the first half, the Dees' forward line clicked into gear after half time. Neitz was the pick of the forwards, kicking 3.3 (it could have been six) and setting up a couple of others. Sylvia lifted in the second half and was very important. His attack on the ball was first rate and his ability to win the contested footy across half forward and through the middle bodes well for a future move into the midfield. He also possesses excellent hands and took a few nice grabs. Robbo struggled but looked hampered by a knee injury, while Bate battled after injuring himself early. While Bate was not 100%, some of his efforts were not up to standard. With so many of his teammates putting their bodies on the line, Bate failed at times to do likewise. He must be harder at the contest; AFL footy has no room for those perceived to be faint of heart. While it really was a tale of two halves, it will be the second one that lives on in the minds of Melbourne supporters and hopefully provides the players with the right attitude to take into games next year. They could have laid down and been belted, as many a Melbourne side has over the years, but they gritted their teeth and battled it out. That's all supporters can ask for. As Dennis Cometti said, controlled aggression is an incredibly powerful tool. The Demons need to make this the norm, rather than the exception to the rule. The team has no stars and can't afford to rely on a few to get them over the line. A total team effort is required and this must be the number one aim of the new coach for season 2008. As for the players, they need to look no further than their 300-game skipper for the right attitude to take into every match. What a great example he set in yet another highlight game in a star studded career that's been nicely tangled up in the red and blue. Once again, well done Neita, you are an inspiration! Melbourne 3.5.23 3.9.27 8.12.60 9.16.70 Collingwood 6.4.40 9.8.62 10.12.72 11.15.81 Goals Collingwood Medhurst 3 Bryan Burns Cloke Davis Didak Johnson Pendlebury Rusling Melbourne Neitz 3 Pickett 2 Dunn McLean Newton Sylvia Best Melbourne Jones McDonald Neitz Ferguson Sylvia Brown Collingwood Thomas Swan Davis Burns O'Brien Medhurst Injuries Melbourne Holland (dislocated shoulder) Bell (head and back) Davey (hamstring) Collingwood – Nil. Report B Johnson (Collingwood) by umpire Donlon in the second quarter for making forceful contact on Bell (Melbourne) Umpires Donlon McLaren Chamberlain Crowd 46,277 at the MCG
-
Well, let's have your nominations ... 6,5,4,3,2,1. As many as we can get and the results will be announced after Round 22 ...
-
I don't know about that but a customer came in this week and had a good laugh about the drink of the house. His name is Michael Newton but not THE Juice Newton. The "Juice" newton comes from a popular singer of the 70's/80's of the same name - try this JUICE NEWTON
-
by The Oracle "Overture, curtains, lights, This is it, the night of nights." Tomorrow night against Collingwood, the Melbourne Football Club will celebrate a significant milestone in the career of the man who has been at its forefront as a leader for a decade - David Neitz plays his 300th game and in doing so creates yet another first for the Demons. Neitz was born on January 22, 1975 in Ulverstone, Tasmania and first came to the club's attention as a fresh faced kid from Parkmore on the fringes of its then metropolitan zone and graduated through the ranks from the under 19's to the reserves and on to the senior team as an 18 year old under coach Neil Balme in the opening round of 1993 against Hawthorn. In those days he was a key position forward and in only his sixth senior game he booted six goals at full forward against Richmond. He received an AFL Rising Star nomination that year and made the Victorian State of Origin team ayear later. By now he was being played at cente half back and some of his early duels with Kangaroo forward Wayne Carey were legendary tussles between two of the leading young key position players in the game. In 1995 he was named All Australian centre half back, an honour he received again seven years later in 2002 but that time it was as a full forward. Injuries to David Schwarz and Garry Lyon in 1996 forced Balme to move Neitz back to the forward line and he has more or less held down the full forward role for more than a decade. He was appointed vice captain to Todd Viney when Neale Daniher arrived at the club at the beginning of 1998 and was elevated to the captaincy for 2000. He led the team out in its last grand final against Essendon that year. Neitz won the Coleman Medal in 2002 when he booted 82 goals to become the first Demon to head the competition's goal kicking table since Fred Fanning in 1947. He also won the club's Best and Fairest in 2002 and was named All Australian for a second time. Neitz has continued to achieve milestones for the club breaking records for goals kicked, games played, length of team as club leader and now 300 games. Above all, he has been a champion sportsman, a great leader and a legend at the club. His heart beats true! Career Highlights MFC debut – Round 1, 1993 wearing # 38. AFL Rising Star nominee 1993 Changes Guernsey number to # 9. State of Origin (Victoria) 1994 Member of team that made AFL finals in 1994, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004 (did not play through injury), 2005 (did not play through injury), 2006. Grand Final 2000 50th game in Round 6, 1995 All Australian Team 1995, 2002 100th game in Round 17, 1997 International Rules Series 1998, 2002 MFC leading goal kicker 1996, 1997 (equal), 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 MFC Vice Captain 1998, 1999 MFC Captain 2000 - 2007 (the MFC’s longest running skipper) 150th game in Round 13, 2000 200th game in Round 20, 2002 Coleman Medal 2002 · MFC Best and Fairest Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal 2002 · · · 250th game in Round 3, 2005 2005 – passes 500 goals mark MFC all-time leading goal kicker from May 2006 when he surpasses Norm Smith's previous record of 546 goals. MFC games record holder from June 2006 when he breaks Robert Flower's long-standing record of 272 games. 300th game in Round 20, 2007 DAVID NEITZ CAREER IN STATISTICS A tribute from club historian Lynda Carroll for melbournefc.com.au OUR INSPIRATIONAL LEADER So the battle hardened leader is set to take his side out to combat against the traditional enemy. THE GAME Collingwood v. Melbourne at the MCG - 17 August 2007 at 7.40pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Collingwood 136 wins Melbourne 79 wins 4 draws At the G Collingwood 69 wins Melbourne 54 wins Since 2000 Collingwood 3 wins Melbourne 5 wins The Coaches McKenna 0 wins Riley 0 wins MEDIA TV Channel 7 at 8.30pm (delayed telecast) RADIO 3AW MMM 774ABC SEN K-ROCK THE BETTING Collingwood to win $1.57 Melbourne to win $2.30 LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 13.16.94 defeated Collingwood 11.15.81, Round 11, 2007, at MCG. A revitalised Melbourne, fresh from its ice breaking win over Adelaide, jumped Collingwood to hold a 27 point lead at the end of the opening stanza. That lead was gradually whittled away to just three points at the final break but thanks to some inspirational play from Russell Robertson (7 goals) and a triumphant return to form by Brock McLean, in his third game back from injury, the Demons regained control to cause a major upset. THE TEAMS COLLINGWOOD Backs James Clement Shane Wakelin Tarkyn Lockyer Half backs Heath Shaw Harry O’Brien Ben Johnson Centreline Rhyce Shaw Scott Burns Ryan Cook Half forwards Nick Maxwell Anthony Rocca Scott Pendlebury Forwards Dale Thomas Travis Cloke Sean Rusling Followers Guy Richards Shane O’Bree Leon Davis Interchange Chris Bryan Alan Didak Paul Medhurst Dane Swan Emergencies Simon Prestigiacomo Danny Stanley Sharrod Wellingham In Alan Didak Scott Pendlebury Guy Richards Sean Rusling Shane Wakelin Out Josh Fraser (ankle) Tyson Goldsack Paul Licuria Simon Prestigiacomo Alan Toovey MELBOURNE Backs Ben Holland Nathan Carroll Nathan Brown Half backs Daniel Bell Ryan Ferguson Paul Wheatley Centreline Matthew Bate James McDonald Travis Johnstone Half forwards Brad Green Michael Newton Colin Sylvia Forwards Byron Pickett David Neitz Russell Robertson Followers Jeff White Lynden Dunn Nathan Jones Interchange Jace Bode Aaron Davey Mark Jamar Brock McLean Emergencies Simon Buckley Brad Miller Daniel Ward In Matthew Bate Brock McLean Out James Frawley (ankle) Brent Moloney (groin) BEING THERE There has been much discussion over the past week as to who is going turn up to the MCG for this game between old rivals Collingwood and Melbourne and Collingwood. With the passing of the father of Magpie coach Mick Malthouse, there was some doubt and much speculation about who would take the reins with the black and white army for the big game. We were all hoping that someone like Joffa Corfe might get the job but the likely candidate all along was Guy McKenna. Then we heard that Robert De Niro was in town and that Eddie had extended a special invitation to Hollywood's "Raging Bull" perhaps in the hope that the American thespian might provide some inspiration for the crumbling Collingwood side. On the other hand, it was encouraging to discover that former coach Neale Daniher would be nearby watching in support of his old mate Neita. A prominent Melbourne fan also made the suggestion, given that Bob Dylan was in town performing at nearby Rod Laver Arena, that he might crack it for an invite to sing "It's A Grand Old Flag" to the accompaniment of the Melbourne trumpeter who hasn't been seen or heard from for weeks on account of the fact that the Demons haven't played a home game at the G since that Queens Birthday match way back in June. But the real question about who will turn up tomorrow night is which Melbourne will be back on the field of play this week? Will it be the committed group that came out last Saturday night or will it be the team of zombies that floundered in Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra in recent weeks? Much the same can be said of Collingwood which has been in dreadful form lately after a strong start to the season. Fortunately for the Pies they have the benefits of the AFL's largesse when it comes to tailoring the perfect fixture on an annual basis so they will probably fall into the final eight ahead of other teams that are more deserving. However, that's life as they say in the classics! Last week, Melbourne came out against a small and undermanned Bulldogs combination and monstered them with their toughness and relentless tackling. A similar approach against Collingwood tomorrow night should be enough to guarantee them a win. However, things don't always work out that way. Looking at team selection one can’t help but feel that the tide is finally turning in the Demons’ favour because despite losing their now obligatory minimum of two players injured (this week Frawley and Moloney), they gain a handy pair in Matthew Bate and Brock McLean. On the other hand, Collingwood is suffering from instability and made five changes, four of them unforced. The forced change is significant with ruckman Josh Fraser out with an ankle injury. Licuria, Prestigiacomo, Goldsack and Toovey have been relieved of the duties in favour of some handy footballers in Didak, Pendlebury, Rusling, Wakelin and Richards. The problem is that some of these players haven’t experienced much top level football of late. I expect the improving Daniel Bell to again provide Didak with a challenge that may well affect him as much as he did last time around when the Magpie forward was so upset that he found it necessary to seek refuge in the bottle and sanctuary among his friends in the Hell’s Angels. As for Richards, my Magpie friends have grave doubts about his capacity to win hit outs at Williamstown let alone against an in form Jeff White. There will be some strong emotional factors at play when the teams run out tomorrow night. On the Melbourne side there's the emotion of the skipper's 300th game - the first Demon to break through the magical barrier. Despite the fact that Neitz has given the impression of a broken down old warrior in recent weeks, he's always a danger man in games like these and his ability to inspire team mates and bring them into the game cannot be underestimated. Add to the mix the fact that there are a number of players under the skipper (and possibly the great man himself) fighting for their careers and the Demons have a lot to gain from a good performance here. Similarly, the Magpies know that a loss here could see them struggling to keep their heads above water in the final two rounds of the season given they play Sydney and Adelaide. If that's not enough, then the responsibility of doing it for Mick Malthouse in his present time of bereavement is not to be ignored. Both sides therefore have the incentive to win but which will come out on top? I'm inclined to go for the Demons in a close one. The Magpie rucks are struggling and their midfield was under the pump last week. The Demons have some imposing youngsters getting a kick in the middle these days and I fully expect Brock McLean to return to form and play a blinder against the old enemy. He will be well backed up by James McDonald and Nathan Jones. The big clash for the evening however, could well be the rematch of the sleeping giants - Anthony Rocca and Ben Holland. If Dutchy can do the job again on Rocca, the Demons should win comfortably. But you can't keep a good, big man all the time and, on the assumption that this duel breaks even and that Neita can get a few on the Demons' forward line, I'll go for Melbourne by a bee's diaphragm - 1 point. And Yibbida, Yibbida. That's all folks!!! Overture, curtains, lights This is it, you'll hit the heights And oh what heights we'll hit On with the show this is it
-
OVERTURE by The Oracle "Overture, curtains, lights, This is it, the night of nights." Tomorrow night against Collingwood, the Melbourne Football Club will celebrate a significant milestone in the career of the man who has been at its forefront as a leader for a decade - David Neitz plays his 300th game and in doing so creates yet another first for the Demons. Neitz was born on January 22, 1975 in Ulverstone, Tasmania and first came to the club's attention as a fresh faced kid from Parkmore on the fringes of its then metropolitan zone and graduated through the ranks from the under 19's to the reserves and on to the senior team as an 18 year old under coach Neil Balme in the opening round of 1993 against Hawthorn. In those days he was a key position forward and in only his sixth senior game he booted six goals at full forward against Richmond. He received an AFL Rising Star nomination that year and made the Victorian State of Origin team ayear later. By now he was being played at cente half back and some of his early duels with Kangaroo forward Wayne Carey were legendary tussles between two of the leading young key position players in the game. In 1995 he was named All Australian centre half back, an honour he received again seven years later in 2002 but that time it was as a full forward. Injuries to David Schwarz and Garry Lyon in 1996 forced Balme to move Neitz back to the forward line and he has more or less held down the full forward role for more than a decade. He was appointed vice captain to Todd Viney when Neale Daniher arrived at the club at the beginning of 1998 and was elevated to the captaincy for 2000. He led the team out in its last grand final against Essendon that year. Neitz won the Coleman Medal in 2002 when he booted 82 goals to become the first Demon to head the competition's goal kicking table since Fred Fanning in 1947. He also won the club's Best and Fairest in 2002 and was named All Australian for a second time. Neitz has continued to achieve milestones for the club breaking records for goals kicked, games played, length of team as club leader and now 300 games. Above all, he has been a champion sportsman, a great leader and a legend at the club. His heart beats true! Career Highlights MFC debut – Round 1, 1993 wearing # 38. AFL Rising Star nominee 1993 Changes Guernsey number to # 9. State of Origin (Victoria) 1994 Member of team that made AFL finals in 1994, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004 (did not play through injury), 2005 (did not play through injury), 2006. Grand Final 2000 50th game in Round 6, 1995 All Australian Team 1995, 2002 100th game in Round 17, 1997 International Rules Series 1998, 2002 MFC leading goal kicker 1996, 1997 (equal), 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 MFC Vice Captain 1998, 1999 MFC Captain 2000 - 2007 (the MFC’s longest running skipper) 150th game in Round 13, 2000 200th game in Round 20, 2002 Coleman Medal 2002 · MFC Best and Fairest Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal 2002 · · · 250th game in Round 3, 2005 2005 – passes 500 goals mark MFC all-time leading goal kicker from May 2006 when he surpasses Norm Smith's previous record of 546 goals. MFC games record holder from June 2006 when he breaks Robert Flower's long-standing record of 272 games. 300th game in Round 20, 2007 DAVID NEITZ CAREER IN STATISTICS A tribute from club historian Lynda Carroll for melbournefc.com.au OUR INSPIRATIONAL LEADER So the battle hardened leader is set to take his side out to combat against the traditional enemy. THE GAME Collingwood v. Melbourne at the MCG - 17 August 2007 at 7.40pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Collingwood 136 wins Melbourne 79 wins 4 draws At the G Collingwood 69 wins Melbourne 54 wins Since 2000 Collingwood 3 wins Melbourne 5 wins The Coaches McKenna 0 wins Riley 0 wins MEDIA TV Channel 7 at 8.30pm (delayed telecast) RADIO 3AW MMM 774ABC SEN K-ROCK THE BETTING Collingwood to win $1.57 Melbourne to win $2.30 LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 13.16.94 defeated Collingwood 11.15.81, Round 11, 2007, at MCG. A revitalised Melbourne, fresh from its ice breaking win over Adelaide, jumped Collingwood to hold a 27 point lead at the end of the opening stanza. That lead was gradually whittled away to just three points at the final break but thanks to some inspirational play from Russell Robertson (7 goals) and a triumphant return to form by Brock McLean, in his third game back from injury, the Demons regained control to cause a major upset. THE TEAMS COLLINGWOOD Backs James Clement Shane Wakelin Tarkyn Lockyer Half backs Heath Shaw Harry O’Brien Ben Johnson Centreline Rhyce Shaw Scott Burns Ryan Cook Half forwards Nick Maxwell Anthony Rocca Scott Pendlebury Forwards Dale Thomas Travis Cloke Sean Rusling Followers Guy Richards Shane O’Bree Leon Davis Interchange Chris Bryan Alan Didak Paul Medhurst Dane Swan Emergencies Simon Prestigiacomo Danny Stanley Sharrod Wellingham In Alan Didak Scott Pendlebury Guy Richards Sean Rusling Shane Wakelin Out Josh Fraser (ankle) Tyson Goldsack Paul Licuria Simon Prestigiacomo Alan Toovey MELBOURNE Backs Ben Holland Nathan Carroll Nathan Brown Half backs Daniel Bell Ryan Ferguson Paul Wheatley Centreline Matthew Bate James McDonald Travis Johnstone Half forwards Brad Green Michael Newton Colin Sylvia Forwards Byron Pickett David Neitz Russell Robertson Followers Jeff White Lynden Dunn Nathan Jones Interchange Jace Bode Aaron Davey Mark Jamar Brock McLean Emergencies Simon Buckley Brad Miller Daniel Ward In Matthew Bate Brock McLean Out James Frawley (ankle) Brent Moloney (groin) BEING THERE There has been much discussion over the past week as to who is going turn up to the MCG for this game between old rivals Collingwood and Melbourne and Collingwood. With the passing of the father of Magpie coach Mick Malthouse, there was some doubt and much speculation about who would take the reins with the black and white army for the big game. We were all hoping that someone like Joffa Corfe might get the job but the likely candidate all along was Guy McKenna. Then we heard that Robert De Niro was in town and that Eddie had extended a special invitation to Hollywood's "Raging Bull" perhaps in the hope that the American thespian might provide some inspiration for the crumbling Collingwood side. On the other hand, it was encouraging to discover that former coach Neale Daniher would be nearby watching in support of his old mate Neita. A prominent Melbourne fan also made the suggestion, given that Bob Dylan was in town performing at nearby Rod Laver Arena, that he might crack it for an invite to sing "It's A Grand Old Flag" to the accompaniment of the Melbourne trumpeter who hasn't been seen or heard from for weeks on account of the fact that the Demons haven't played a home game at the G since that Queens Birthday match way back in June. But the real question about who will turn up tomorrow night is which Melbourne will be back on the field of play this week? Will it be the committed group that came out last Saturday night or will it be the team of zombies that floundered in Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra in recent weeks? Much the same can be said of Collingwood which has been in dreadful form lately after a strong start to the season. Fortunately for the Pies they have the benefits of the AFL's largesse when it comes to tailoring the perfect fixture on an annual basis so they will probably fall into the final eight ahead of other teams that are more deserving. However, that's life as they say in the classics! Last week, Melbourne came out against a small and undermanned Bulldogs combination and monstered them with their toughness and relentless tackling. A similar approach against Collingwood tomorrow night should be enough to guarantee them a win. However, things don't always work out that way. Looking at team selection one can’t help but feel that the tide is finally turning in the Demons’ favour because despite losing their now obligatory minimum of two players injured (this week Frawley and Moloney), they gain a handy pair in Matthew Bate and Brock McLean. On the other hand, Collingwood is suffering from instability and made five changes, four of them unforced. The forced change is significant with ruckman Josh Fraser out with an ankle injury. Licuria, Prestigiacomo, Goldsack and Toovey have been relieved of the duties in favour of some handy footballers in Didak, Pendlebury, Rusling, Wakelin and Richards. The problem is that some of these players haven’t experienced much top level football of late. I expect the improving Daniel Bell to again provide Didak with a challenge that may well affect him as much as he did last time around when the Magpie forward was so upset that he found it necessary to seek refuge in the bottle and sanctuary among his friends in the Hell’s Angels. As for Richards, my Magpie friends have grave doubts about his capacity to win hit outs at Williamstown let alone against an in form Jeff White. There will be some strong emotional factors at play when the teams run out tomorrow night. On the Melbourne side there's the emotion of the skipper's 300th game - the first Demon to break through the magical barrier. Despite the fact that Neitz has given the impression of a broken down old warrior in recent weeks, he's always a danger man in games like these and his ability to inspire team mates and bring them into the game cannot be underestimated. Add to the mix the fact that there are a number of players under the skipper (and possibly the great man himself) fighting for their careers and the Demons have a lot to gain from a good performance here. Similarly, the Magpies know that a loss here could see them struggling to keep their heads above water in the final two rounds of the season given they play Sydney and Adelaide. If that's not enough, then the responsibility of doing it for Mick Malthouse in his present time of bereavement is not to be ignored. Both sides therefore have the incentive to win but which will come out on top? I'm inclined to go for the Demons in a close one. The Magpie rucks are struggling and their midfield was under the pump last week. The Demons have some imposing youngsters getting a kick in the middle these days and I fully expect Brock McLean to return to form and play a blinder against the old enemy. He will be well backed up by James McDonald and Nathan Jones. The big clash for the evening however, could well be the rematch of the sleeping giants - Anthony Rocca and Ben Holland. If Dutchy can do the job again on Rocca, the Demons should win comfortably. But you can't keep a good, big man all the time and, on the assumption that this duel breaks even and that Neita can get a few on the Demons' forward line, I'll go for Melbourne by a bee's diaphragm - 1 point. And Yibbida, Yibbida. That's all folks!!! Overture, curtains, lights This is it, you'll hit the heights And oh what heights we'll hit On with the show this is it
-
SANDY'S SWEET REVENGE by Barry from Beach Road Sandringham made amends for its shock home loss to Box Hill in the wet earlier this season by recording a 46-point away against the Hawks on their own dung heap on Sunday. The victory was both sweet and emphatic. It preserved the club's two game lead at the top of the VFL table and all but ensured that the Zebras would finish the home and away series as minor premiers. Mark Williams handed the coaching reins for the week to reserves coach Steve Grace who handled the job with great aplomb. His team jumped their hosts early in the game with the aid of the breeze and managed four goals to none in difficult conditions on a ground that was heavy under foot and against a team that dropped numbers back to crowd the Sandy forward line. It was not a day for pretty football but Sandringham was always in control thanks to a sensational effort from a back line that was so stingy it hardly let the wind through. Simon Buckley, Peter Summers and David Gallagher were the early stars and they moved the ball forward with regularity to where Brad Miller and Stefan Martin were in fine marking form. Miller booted two early goals and was proving a handful for the Hawks' defenders with his strong attack on the ball. Box Hill, which has a strong contingent of early round Hawthorn draft selections in its ranks, managed to regroup after quarter time and kicked the first two goals of the second term. However, Sandringham steadied and found its way forward enough times to finally record the first goal of the day against the wind just before half time. This allowed it to take a handy sixteen-point lead into the main break. If the game was lacklustre in the first half, the Zebras livened it up considerably in the third term when the likes of Ezra Poyas and Guy Martin positively exploded to make a winning result beyond the reach of the Hawks. Aided by a dominant ruck and midfield group, Sandy cut a swathe through the ragged Box Hill back line to boot eight goals for the quarter. Poyas was positively brilliant with some of his efforts and one goal in particular warmed the hearts of supporters when he evaded a group of Hawk defenders as if they were stationary witches' hats and capped off his play by threading the ball through the big sticks. At the end of the quarter, the match was dead and buried with Sandringham holding an unbeatable 53-point lead. The game then lapsed back to mediocrity with both defences on top and plenty of mistakes being made as the ball see sawed from one end of the ground to the other. The Hawks kicked the only goal for the term but both teams seemed to be going through the motions although the Zebra defence headed by Chris Lamb, Colin Garland, Andy Biddlecombe and Matthew Warnock continued to thrive even when the steady as a rock Clint Bizzell left the field after a knock to the face. Buckley and Daniel Ward were steady in linking the play while the younger brigade stood out once again. The likes of Sam Monaghan, Tom Paterakis, Tomi Johnston and Rennie Gilchrist continue to gain valuable experience while Stefan Martin with his sold marking and ruckwork up forward is something of a revelation. The VFL's leading goal kicker, Nick Sautner was held goalless in conditions which did not really suit his style of play. Having beaten all comers bar North Ballarat this season, Sandringham has the opportunity to clear the ledger this Sunday when it plays host to the Roosters at Trevor Barker Oval. The game promises to provide some interesting football as North will be desperate to make the most of its final opportunity to secure a top four placing. The Zebras will have some interesting decisions to make at selection when skipper Chad Liddell and a possible future leader in Rod Crowe are ready to return to the side. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Clint Bizzell - played his usual steady and reliable game in defence and moved up the ground to score a goal when the team was really on song. A blow to the face during the final quarter left him with blurred vision and prematurely ended his game. Simon Buckley - dropped from the Melbourne side after five games, Buckley produced a best on ground performance that underlined how much he had learned at the highest levels of the game suggesting he will be back in that company sooner rather than later. Was a ball magnet off half back and a wing. Colin Garland - has been working hard and looking better with every passing week especially since being moved into defence where he is starting to show some real class. Expect him to kick on and show great improvement in 2008. Chris Johnson - a lively player who started a little slowly but showed out with some excellent disposal skills and finished the day with a couple of nice goals. Paul Johnson - although the leading ruckman on the ground, he did not dominate. At times however, he showed up around the ground with some good possessions. Brad Miller - had a good day at centre half forward where he attacked the ball hard and beat off a couple of opponents including former team mate Nick Smith. Got the team going with a couple of early goals and was threatening all day. If he could display the same sort of attitude in his AFL games he would not be at the standstill he finds himself with his career at the present time. Shane Neaves - didn't have a big job on the day and just went as the second ruckman. Daniel Ward - was in a lot of the play and linked up well driving the ball forward from half back but his major flaw was his disposal which let him down more than a few times. Matthew Warnock - went about his job in a workmanlike manner and was one of many cogs in a very strong defence. Sandringham 4.2.26 5.4.34 13.7.85 13.10.88 Box Hill Hawks 0.2.2 2.6.18 4.8.32 5.12 .42 Goals Sandringham Miller 3 C Johnson S Martin Martyn Poyas 2 Bizzell Valenti Box Hill Hawks Bull Dowler Ellis Kennedy Thorp Best Sandringham Summers Poyas Buckley Lamb Garland Miller Box Hill Hawks Markovic Thurgood Renouf Bull Tuck Thorp The Reserves blew away their chances of a win and relinquished fifth place on the ladder with some shocking inaccuracy when they kicked with the aid of the breeze in the first quarter against the Hawks. Despite having most of the play, they led by six points at the first break after booting 3.9 to 3.3. Box Hill took advantage of the situation when it kicked with the wind in the second term and was well in control by half time ultimately winning comfortably by 37 points. Mark Johnston and big Ewan McKenzie were the standouts while Isaac Weetra booted three goals up forward. Daniel Hughes, on the comeback trail kicked a brilliant goal in an otherwise disappointing display by the young Zebras who must now win both remaining games and rely on the results of other games to enable them to see some action in September. Reserves Sandringham 3.9.27 5.11.41 5.14.44 9.18.72 Box Hill Hawks 3.3.21 9.6.60 12.9.81 16.13.109 Goals Sandringham Weetra 3 Curcio Gileno 2 Goold Hughes Box Hill Hawks Cook Marguccio 3 Batt Conyers King 2 Barker Buchanan Pedersen Robinson Best Sandringham Johnston Gileno McKenzie A Martin Neville Dean Box Hill Hawks Buchanan Batt Marguccio Pedersen King Holmes
-
by Barry from Beach Road Sandringham made amends for its shock home loss to Box Hill in the wet earlier this season by recording a 46-point away against the Hawks on their own dung heap on Sunday. The victory was both sweet and emphatic. It preserved the club's two game lead at the top of the VFL table and all but ensured that the Zebras would finish the home and away series as minor premiers. Mark Williams handed the coaching reins for the week to reserves coach Steve Grace who handled the job with great aplomb. His team jumped their hosts early in the game with the aid of the breeze and managed four goals to none in difficult conditions on a ground that was heavy under foot and against a team that dropped numbers back to crowd the Sandy forward line. It was not a day for pretty football but Sandringham was always in control thanks to a sensational effort from a back line that was so stingy it hardly let the wind through. Simon Buckley, Peter Summers and David Gallagher were the early stars and they moved the ball forward with regularity to where Brad Miller and Stefan Martin were in fine marking form. Miller booted two early goals and was proving a handful for the Hawks' defenders with his strong attack on the ball. Box Hill, which has a strong contingent of early round Hawthorn draft selections in its ranks, managed to regroup after quarter time and kicked the first two goals of the second term. However, Sandringham steadied and found its way forward enough times to finally record the first goal of the day against the wind just before half time. This allowed it to take a handy sixteen-point lead into the main break. If the game was lacklustre in the first half, the Zebras livened it up considerably in the third term when the likes of Ezra Poyas and Guy Martin positively exploded to make a winning result beyond the reach of the Hawks. Aided by a dominant ruck and midfield group, Sandy cut a swathe through the ragged Box Hill back line to boot eight goals for the quarter. Poyas was positively brilliant with some of his efforts and one goal in particular warmed the hearts of supporters when he evaded a group of Hawk defenders as if they were stationary witches' hats and capped off his play by threading the ball through the big sticks. At the end of the quarter, the match was dead and buried with Sandringham holding an unbeatable 53-point lead. The game then lapsed back to mediocrity with both defences on top and plenty of mistakes being made as the ball see sawed from one end of the ground to the other. The Hawks kicked the only goal for the term but both teams seemed to be going through the motions although the Zebra defence headed by Chris Lamb, Colin Garland, Andy Biddlecombe and Matthew Warnock continued to thrive even when the steady as a rock Clint Bizzell left the field after a knock to the face. Buckley and Daniel Ward were steady in linking the play while the younger brigade stood out once again. The likes of Sam Monaghan, Tom Paterakis, Tomi Johnston and Rennie Gilchrist continue to gain valuable experience while Stefan Martin with his sold marking and ruckwork up forward is something of a revelation. The VFL's leading goal kicker, Nick Sautner was held goalless in conditions which did not really suit his style of play. Having beaten all comers bar North Ballarat this season, Sandringham has the opportunity to clear the ledger this Sunday when it plays host to the Roosters at Trevor Barker Oval. The game promises to provide some interesting football as North will be desperate to make the most of its final opportunity to secure a top four placing. The Zebras will have some interesting decisions to make at selection when skipper Chad Liddell and a possible future leader in Rod Crowe are ready to return to the side. HOW THE DEMONS FARED Clint Bizzell - played his usual steady and reliable game in defence and moved up the ground to score a goal when the team was really on song. A blow to the face during the final quarter left him with blurred vision and prematurely ended his game. Simon Buckley - dropped from the Melbourne side after five games, Buckley produced a best on ground performance that underlined how much he had learned at the highest levels of the game suggesting he will be back in that company sooner rather than later. Was a ball magnet off half back and a wing. Colin Garland - has been working hard and looking better with every passing week especially since being moved into defence where he is starting to show some real class. Expect him to kick on and show great improvement in 2008. Chris Johnson - a lively player who started a little slowly but showed out with some excellent disposal skills and finished the day with a couple of nice goals. Paul Johnson - although the leading ruckman on the ground, he did not dominate. At times however, he showed up around the ground with some good possessions. Brad Miller - had a good day at centre half forward where he attacked the ball hard and beat off a couple of opponents including former team mate Nick Smith. Got the team going with a couple of early goals and was threatening all day. If he could display the same sort of attitude in his AFL games he would not be at the standstill he finds himself with his career at the present time. Shane Neaves - didn't have a big job on the day and just went as the second ruckman. Daniel Ward - was in a lot of the play and linked up well driving the ball forward from half back but his major flaw was his disposal which let him down more than a few times. Matthew Warnock - went about his job in a workmanlike manner and was one of many cogs in a very strong defence. Sandringham 4.2.26 5.4.34 13.7.85 13.10.88 Box Hill Hawks 0.2.2 2.6.18 4.8.32 5.12 .42 Goals Sandringham Miller 3 C Johnson S Martin Martyn Poyas 2 Bizzell Valenti Box Hill Hawks Bull Dowler Ellis Kennedy Thorp Best Sandringham Summers Poyas Buckley Lamb Garland Miller Box Hill Hawks Markovic Thurgood Renouf Bull Tuck Thorp The Reserves blew away their chances of a win and relinquished fifth place on the ladder with some shocking inaccuracy when they kicked with the aid of the breeze in the first quarter against the Hawks. Despite having most of the play, they led by six points at the first break after booting 3.9 to 3.3. Box Hill took advantage of the situation when it kicked with the wind in the second term and was well in control by half time ultimately winning comfortably by 37 points. Mark Johnston and big Ewan McKenzie were the standouts while Isaac Weetra booted three goals up forward. Daniel Hughes, on the comeback trail kicked a brilliant goal in an otherwise disappointing display by the young Zebras who must now win both remaining games and rely on the results of other games to enable them to see some action in September. Reserves Sandringham 3.9.27 5.11.41 5.14.44 9.18.72 Box Hill Hawks 3.3.21 9.6.60 12.9.81 16.13.109 Goals Sandringham Weetra 3 Curcio Gileno 2 Goold Hughes Box Hill Hawks Cook Marguccio 3 Batt Conyers King 2 Barker Buchanan Pedersen Robinson Best Sandringham Johnston Gileno McKenzie A Martin Neville Dean Box Hill Hawks Buchanan Batt Marguccio Pedersen King Holmes
-
Our very own WJ still leads by 1 ahead of Clyde the Cabbie. 1. (1) 97 Whispering_Jack 2. (2) 96 Clyde_Cabbie 3. (3) 94 deanox 3. (4) 94 slamevil 5. (7) 93 deesthisyear 6. (7) 92 canberrademon(herb) 6. (4) 92 demon_davey 8. (7) 91 DeMoNiC 8. (7) 91 Demonland 8. (6) 91 Scoop Junior 11. (12) 90 Alpha_33 11. (7) 90 great_gatsby 11. (12) 90 Pinball_Wizard 14. (14) 88 snarler_0 15. (18) 87 achirnside 15. (15) 87 Rivers Run Red 17. (18) 86 frangas 17. (18) 86 Go_Ds 17. (16) 86 petejh2000 20. (16) 84 BigKev Demon 21. (21) 81 Jackieboy_0 22. (21) 79 bl3281 23. (23) 77 dee'viator 24. (24) 74 TimDees 25. (26) 71 No Cigar 26. (25) 70 paliosiana 27. (27) 67 KrazyJay 28. (28) 65 rusty_corner 29. (29) 64 Goodvibes 30. (30) 58 CarnTheDees 31. (31) 56 Kieranbj 32. (32) 55 demon_fanatic 33. (33) 54 Dees_Fan16 34. (34) 52 Fingers Power 35. (35) 51 Dappadan 36. (36) 45 melon22 37. (37) 44 jaded24 38. (38) 36 rusty_kingswood
-
OUT OF THE TRAINWRECK by Whispering Jack At last – a pulse!!! Well, that's how it seemed to me last night when the Demons showed their first signs of life in over a month at Telstra Dome as they went about squashing the stunned Western Bulldogs into submission by 42-points and in the process severely damaging the Doggies' flagging finals hopes. Melbourne took full advantage of its height superiority with 250 gamer Jeff White and his offsider Mark Jamar leading the charge by dominating the rucks and giving the on ball brigade an armchair ride as they smashed the Dogs off the park. It was the first time this year that we saw a hard relentless, strong tackling Melbourne putting enormous pressure on the opposition and being prepared to a man to run hard and move the ball quickly and directly at all times. The Dees' standard 2007 style of static, hesitant, "wait for the ball to come to me" brand of football disappeared into thin air and in its place was the steely resolve of a marauding band of predators. They came to the ground as the hunters and ended up being the hunted, a task handled rather clumsily by their foe. The running brigade was led by Brad Green (back to his best form) and Nathan Jones whose bald head bobbed up time and again in the middle of and under the packs as he continued on with his belated charge for the AFL Rising Star of the Year award after finally gaining his nomination a fortnight or so ago. The club relished the return to fitness and form of the classy Travis Johnstone who played his first game under new coach Mark Riley last night. Trapper has been much maligned lately - particularly by those who ignore the history of injuries that have often prevented him from playing at full capacity. For several weeks prior to his recent five game injury break, he struggled with an Achilles heel problem and the Demons badly missed his drive and brilliant pinpoint passing. He was back to near his best against the Doggies as he lit up the Telstra Dome with his delectable skills. And those silky smooth skills were the perfect foil for a rampant Byron Pickett who intimidated the life out of the Bulldogs. When "Choppy" was in the neighbourhood, the opposition seemed hesitant and wary of the possibility of being overcome by what seemed to be a ton of dead weight bearing down upon them. One of the major beneficiaries of Pickett's ever-looming and menacing presence was Aaron Davey. The Flash was inspired and grew and grew in stature and confidence as the evening wore on to return to his old time self and his best speed running form. Daniel Bell played an excellent game on Bulldog danger man Jason Akermanis. He was full of toughness and flair and beat his opponent almost pointless. The bearded, blond haired, big mouth played as if he was distracted by the need to come up with another newspaper column this week. At least he now has yet another opportunity to rant on about why he was so badly beaten up in front of the 18,946 patrons who turned up to Telstra Dome. Full credit for the win must go to the coach for the way he set the Demons up for their victory. Riley was certainly aided by the late withdrawal of Bulldogs champion forward Brad Johnson and early injuries to Chris Grant and Daniel Giansiracusa but these things pale in comparison to what Melbourne has had to contend with this year. The Dees lost Matthew Bate and Simon Godfrey at selection on Thursday night and the now mandatory last minute change this week was Brock McLean. David Neitz and Russell Robertson are still not quite right and James Frawley went off later in the game with an ankle injury. What was impressive about Riley was that unlike his predecessor, he took advantage of the Bulldogs' lack of height by stretching their backline to the limit. There were times when they had to contend with Neitz, Michael Newton, Robbo, Jamar dropping in up forward and Benny Holland who played one of his best games and kicked four goals. In the past, those blokes might have all been sat on the bench to ensure that the team matched up nicely with its opposition. Riley handled his younger players well. Frawley was getting a pasting early in the game but Riley persevered with him and this afforded the youngster a valuable learning experience. He will be all the better for it in the future. Despite the fact that the Demons went a long way to destroying the prospect of securing a priority pick at this year's national draft, it was a pleasure to see them play a freewheeling, open brand of exciting football for a change. They cdertainly answered many of their critics who have been bagging them mercilessly in the media of late. Perhaps they were inspired by the words of superstar artist Bob Dylan who will be in town next week: “When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose You're invisible now, you got no secrets to conceal.” Whatever the case, it was a welcome change from the weekly ritual of watching the train wreck that has thus far been the story of the Melbourne Football Club for season 2007. Melbourne 5.2.32 10.7.67 16.10.106 19.15.129 Western Bulldogs 4.4.28 5.9.39 7.13.55 12.15.87 Goals Melbourne Holland 4 Davey Robertson 3 Dunn Pickett 2 Green Jones Newton Sylvia Wheatley Western Bulldogs Higgins 5 Murphy 3 Eagleton Hargrave Ray Tiller Best Melbourne Jones Johnstone Green Holland White Carroll Western Bulldogs Power Higgins Williams Murphy Harris Team Changes Melbourne McLean replaced in the selected side by Dunn Western Bulldogs Brad Johnson replaced in the selected side by McDougall Injuries Melbourne Frawley (ankle) Western Bulldogs Grant (knee) Giansiracusa (AC joint) Reports Nil Umpires McBurney Nicholls Kamolins Crowd 18,946 at Telstra Dome
-
by Whispering Jack At last - a pulse!!! Well, that's how it seemed to me last night when the Demons showed their first signs of life in over a month at Telstra Dome as they went about squashing the stunned Western Bulldogs into submission by 42-points and in the process severely damaging the Doggies' flagging finals hopes. Melbourne took full advantage of its height superiority with 250 gamer Jeff White and his offsider Mark Jamar leading the charge by dominating the rucks and giving the on ball brigade an armchair ride as they smashed the Dogs off the park. It was the first time this year that we saw a hard relentless, strong tackling Melbourne putting enormous pressure on the opposition and being prepared to a man to run hard and move the ball quickly and directly at all times. The Dees' standard 2007 style of static, hesitant, "wait for the ball to come to me" brand of football disappeared into thin air and in its place was the steely resolve of a marauding band of predators. They came to the ground as the hunters and ended up being the hunted, a task handled rather clumsily by their foe. The running brigade was led by Brad Green (back to his best form) and Nathan Jones whose bald head bobbed up time and again in the middle of and under the packs as he continued on with his belated charge for the AFL Rising Star of the Year award after finally gaining his nomination a fortnight or so ago. The club relished the return to fitness and form of the classy Travis Johnstone who played his first game under new coach Mark Riley last night. Trapper has been much maligned lately - particularly by those who ignore the history of injuries that have often prevented him from playing at full capacity. For several weeks prior to his recent five game injury break, he struggled with an Achilles heel problem and the Demons badly missed his drive and brilliant pinpoint passing. He was back to near his best against the Doggies as he lit up the Telstra Dome with his delectable skills. And those silky smooth skills were the perfect foil for a rampant Byron Pickett who intimidated the life out of the Bulldogs. When "Choppy" was in the neighbourhood, the opposition seemed hesitant and wary of the possibility of being overcome by what seemed to be a ton of dead weight bearing down upon them. One of the major beneficiaries of Pickett's ever-looming and menacing presence was Aaron Davey. The Flash was inspired and grew and grew in stature and confidence as the evening wore on to return to his old time self and his best speed running form. Daniel Bell played an excellent game on Bulldog danger man Jason Akermanis. He was full of toughness and flair and beat his opponent almost pointless. The bearded, blond haired, big mouth played as if he was distracted by the need to come up with another newspaper column this week. At least he now has yet another opportunity to rant on about why he was so badly beaten up in front of the 18,946 patrons who turned up to Telstra Dome. Full credit for the win must go to the coach for the way he set the Demons up for their victory. Riley was certainly aided by the late withdrawal of Bulldogs champion forward Brad Johnson and early injuries to Chris Grant and Daniel Giansiracusa but these things pale in comparison to what Melbourne has had to contend with this year. The Dees lost Matthew Bate and Simon Godfrey at selection on Thursday night and the now mandatory last minute change this week was Brock McLean. David Neitz and Russell Robertson are still not quite right and James Frawley went off later in the game with an ankle injury. What was impressive about Riley was that unlike his predecessor, he took advantage of the Bulldogs' lack of height by stretching their backline to the limit. There were times when they had to contend with Neitz, Michael Newton, Robbo, Jamar dropping in up forward and Benny Holland who played one of his best games and kicked four goals. In the past, those blokes might have all been sat on the bench to ensure that the team matched up nicely with its opposition. Riley handled his younger players well. Frawley was getting a pasting early in the game but Riley persevered with him and this afforded the youngster a valuable learning experience. He will be all the better for it in the future. Despite the fact that the Demons went a long way to destroying the prospect of securing a priority pick at this year's national draft, it was a pleasure to see them play a freewheeling, open brand of exciting football for a change. They certainly answered many of their critics who have been bagging them mercilessly in the media of late. Perhaps they were inspired by the words of superstar artist Bob Dylan who will be in town next week: “When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose You're invisible now, you got no secrets to conceal.” Whatever the case, it was a welcome change from the weekly ritual of watching the train wreck that has thus far been the story of the Melbourne Football Club for season 2007. Melbourne 5.2.32 10.7.67 16.10.106 19.15.129 Western Bulldogs 4.4.28 5.9.39 7.13.55 12.15.87 Goals Melbourne Holland 4 Davey Robertson 3 Dunn Pickett 2 Green Jones Newton Sylvia Wheatley Western Bulldogs Higgins 5 Murphy 3 Eagleton Hargrave Ray Tiller Best Melbourne Jones Johnstone Green Holland White Carroll Western Bulldogs Power Higgins Williams Murphy Harris Team Changes Melbourne McLean replaced in the selected side by Dunn Western Bulldogs Brad Johnson replaced in the selected side by McDougall Injuries Melbourne Frawley (ankle) Western Bulldogs Grant (knee) Giansiracusa (AC joint) Reports Nil Umpires McBurney Nicholls Kamolins Crowd 18,946 at Telstra Dome
-
As a matter of interest I just checked out the Demonland Tipping Competition and not a single person correctly tipped the Tigers (I'm assuming it's been updated because I have a big red x agauinst my selection of Collingwood).
-
by J.V. McKay Earlier this year, my colleague Scoop Junior opened his preview of the Round 7 Western Bulldogs v Melbourne encounter at the Telstra Dome by referring back to a previous game between the same clubs and at the same venue that took place four years ago in Round 18 2003. He described that match, which the Demons lost to the season's wooden spooner, as one that "may well have been one of the lowlights of Neale Daniher's coaching career", a distinction that was surely overtaken by the Richmond v Melbourne game of Round 12. The point however, was that even when you take on a team that's down in the dumps and playing poorly, they can't be taken lightly. The game that took place earlier this year at Telstra Dome was one of Daniher's injury-hit Demon team’s better performances of the year even though they failed to break the ice for the season and succumbed by a narrow margin. Melbourne showed lots of spirit as it continued to improve in the ensuing weeks picking up a couple of unlikely victories against finals contenders in Adelaide and Collingwood. However, just when we thought the Dees were back in town, they hit the wall against the Tigers and have virtually been in freefall ever since. Three months have elapsed since that last meeting and the two sides face each other again at the same ground on Saturday night. The similarities with 2003 resonate in my mind but this time the boot is on the other foot. This time it's Melbourne whose season is at an uncomfortably low ebb. It's the Demons who are playing with little direction and seemingly have nothing to fight for (if you discount the ludicrous suggestion that teams tank games for draft picks – I'm with you on this one Andy D!). Of course, the Doggies are a bit better placed than the Dees of 2003 but, on recent form, they aren't serious finals contenders and even if they get the four points from Saturday night's game, they need to contend with Adelaide at AAMI Stadium before fronting Hawthorn and the Kangaroos back at the Dome. This week the AFL, with its eyes firmly set on establishing a level playing field for is constituent clubs, has delivered the Dogs a godsend. They are drawn to play Melbourne in an "away" game at their own home ground. I really had to go figure hard about the identity of the genius who thought that one up but then I remembered why the MCG is currently unavailable. Collingwood requires that ground for its own use as it does for the two weeks after and as it has done for five consecutive weeks before. This is all about filling the clubs' coffers and the AFL is bowing to the commercial needs of those clubs. Bugger the competition! That is why the Demons play their second successive "home" match after the road trip to Adelaide for the Port Power game away from the MCG, this time at Telstra Dome. Last week they travelled 658 kilometres to Canberra while the Swans covered less than half that distance to get to the venue (309km). Sydney had the majority of crowd support and they smashed their hapless opponents out of their wits with a withering burst in the opening quarter. This week the distances aren't as great but the Dogs will certainly appreciate the home surroundings. You might ask what difference does this all make when Melbourne's season was washed down the gurgler a long time ago? My answer is that if the problem isn't addressed soon, it might cost us a finals place or a top four spot if and when we have a better side. One day the boot will be on the other foot and we need to make things happen to establish ourselves as a financially independent club. Without that, the Melbourne Football Club will be giving away 8 to 12 premiership points to some of its rivals at the beginning of every season until the end of time. Back to this week's game where the boot is also on the other foot compared to where the teams were four years ago. The Bulldogs recent form hasn't been all that flash; they were smashed two weeks running on the AFL’s prime showcase of Friday night football before they luckily collected two points for a draw against the Saints after producing some form for the final 20 minutes of last week's match. The Demons will nevertheless go into the game as rank underdogs (pardon the unintended pun) because their recent performances have been diabolical, devoid of spirit and well ... pitiful. The game really raises a question for the Melbourne playing group about its resolve, its spirit and its will to win. Is there anything left there at all? THE GAME Melbourne v Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome Saturday 11 August 2007 at 7.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 82 wins Western Bulldogs 65 wins At the Dome Melbourne 5 wins Western Bulldogs 4 wins Since 2000 Melbourne 9 wins Western Bulldogs 5 wins The Coaches Riley 0 wins Eade 0 wins MEDIA TV Channel 10 (delayed telecast commencing at 7.30pm) RADIO 3AW SEN THE BETTING Melbourne to win $4.00 Western Bulldogs to win $1.20 LAST TIME THEY MET Western Bulldogs 16.16.112 d Melbourne 16.10.106 Round 7, 2007, at Telstra Dome. The difference between the two sides was Brad Johnson who booted four goals in a close game. Daniel Cross was in scintillating form and Brian Harris beat a proppy David Neitz on the comeback trail after his knee injury. Aaron Davey was inspirational collecting 29 possessions and kicking three goals but the Demons lacked the power to finish the game off and the Dogs limped in by six points. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs Ben Holland, Nathan Carroll Nathan Brown Half backs Daniel Bell Ryan Ferguson, James Frawley Centreline Paul Wheatley, James McDonald Travis Johnstone Half forwards Brad Green Michael Newton, Colin Sylvia Forwards Byron Pickett, David Neitz, Russell Robertson Followers Jeff White, Brock McLean, Nathan Jones Interchange Jace Bode Mark Jamar Brent Moloney Emergencies Lynden Dunn Brad Miller Daniel Ward In Jace Bode James Frawley Travis Johnstone Russell Robertson Colin Sylvia Out Matthew Bate (corked thigh) Simon Godfrey (knee) Simon Buckley Brad Miller Daniel Ward New Jace Bode (20, Sturt, SA) WESTERN BULLDOGS Backs Jordan McMahon Brian Harris Dale Morris Half Backs Andrejs Everitt Tom Williams Ryan Hargrave Centreline Farren Ray Scott West Nathan Eagleton Half Forwards Daniel Giansiracusa Brad Johnson Robert Murphy Forwards Shaun Higgins Chris Grant Jason Akermanis Followers Luke Darcy Adam Cooney Matthew Boyd Interchange Daniel Cross Sam Power Wayde Skipper Stephen Tiller Emergencies Cameron Faulkner Andrew McDougall Peter Street No change THE STAGGERS Melbourne is like a boxer who has already been knocked down twice and is staggering on the ropes waiting for the bell to ring and put an end to proceedings. The Demons’ well-documented injury woes have affected every line. They struggle to win the ball at the clearances and the midfield’s delivery into attack is poor. Those who are left standing in the forward line appear impotent and unable to kick more than ten or eleven goals in any given game. David Neitz in particular, has the staggers and is not doing himself justice on the field. Aaron Davey, once considered dangerous around the goals and around the ground, managed just seven disposals last week. Russell Robertson dropped out of the game at Manuka with back spasms but hasn’t really looked threatening since the Carlton game a month ago. Only Ben Holland and newcomer Michael Newton are showing any signs of life up forward for the Demons. While the Bulldogs were under the pump against the AFL heavyweights in Geelong and West Coast, their defence is up against a foe this week that occupies a friendlier weight division and with Brian Harris leading a tight back line, the stage is set for a victory for the boys from the west. Speaking of the west, Scott West is due to find touch soon and, against a Melbourne team without Simon Godfrey who has in the past managed to keep his ball getting figures down to almost manageable proportions, he could be the one to deliver the knockout blow. The area where the Demons could get on top is in its defence. Nathan Carroll blanketed Barry Hall last week and he has some hard honest workhorses around him. Usually that would not be enough but the Bulldogs' only genuine star player in attack, Brad Johnson, is no certainty to play. If he misses and Melbourne is able to close the game down and make it a real scrap then who knows what can happen? In any event, because I don't believe Johnson will play and because of the Akermanis factor (I have a feeling his career is about to implode) and the fact that the inclusion of Travis Johnstone, Russell Robertson and Colin Sylvia adds a bit of extra class to the Demon line-up, I'm tipping a much improved Melbourne performance but even then I still can't see them getting over the line. Western Bulldogs by 5 points.
-
THE OTHER FOOT by J.V. McKay Earlier this year, my colleague Scoop Junior opened his preview of the Round 7 Western Bulldogs v Melbourne encounter at the Telstra Dome by referring back to a previous game between the same clubs and at the same venue that took place four years ago in Round 18 2003. He described that match, which the Demons lost to the season's wooden spooner, as one that "may well have been one of the lowlights of Neale Daniher's coaching career", a distinction that was surely overtaken by the Richmond v Melbourne game of Round 12. The point however, was that even when you take on a team that's down in the dumps and playing poorly, they can't be taken lightly. The game that took place earlier this year at Telstra Dome was one of Daniher's injury-hit Demon team’s better performances of the year even though they failed to break the ice for the season and succumbed by a narrow margin. Melbourne showed lots of spirit as it continued to improve in the ensuing weeks picking up a couple of unlikely victories against finals contenders in Adelaide and Collingwood. However, just when we thought the Dees were back in town, they hit the wall against the Tigers and have virtually been in freefall ever since. Three months have elapsed since that last meeting and the two sides face each other again at the same ground on Saturday night. The similarities with 2003 resonate in my mind but this time the boot is on the other foot. This time it's Melbourne whose season is at an uncomfortably low ebb. It's the Demons who are playing with little direction and seemingly have nothing to fight for (if you discount the ludicrous suggestion that teams tank games for draft picks – I'm with you on this one Andy D!). Of course, the Doggies are a bit better placed than the Dees of 2003 but, on recent form, they aren't serious finals contenders and even if they get the four points from Saturday night's game, they need to contend with Adelaide at AAMI Stadium before fronting Hawthorn and the Kangaroos back at the Dome. This week the AFL, with its eyes firmly set on establishing a level playing field for is constituent clubs, has delivered the Dogs a godsend. They are drawn to play Melbourne in an "away" game at their own home ground. I really had to go figure hard about the identity of the genius who thought that one up but then I remembered why the MCG is currently unavailable. Collingwood requires that ground for its own use as it does for the two weeks after and as it has done for five consecutive weeks before. This is all about filling the clubs' coffers and the AFL is bowing to the commercial needs of those clubs. Bugger the competition! That is why the Demons play their second successive "home" match after the road trip to Adelaide for the Port Power game away from the MCG, this time at Telstra Dome. Last week they travelled 658 kilometres to Canberra while the Swans covered less than half that distance to get to the venue (309km). Sydney had the majority of crowd support and they smashed their hapless opponents out of their wits with a withering burst in the opening quarter. This week the distances aren't as great but the Dogs will certainly appreciate the home surroundings. You might ask what difference does this all make when Melbourne's season was washed down the gurgler a long time ago? My answer is that if the problem isn't addressed soon, it might cost us a finals place or a top four spot if and when we have a better side. One day the boot will be on the other foot and we need to make things happen to establish ourselves as a financially independent club. Without that, the Melbourne Football Club will be giving away 8 to 12 premiership points to some of its rivals at the beginning of every season until the end of time. Back to this week's game where the boot is also on the other foot compared to where the teams were four years ago. The Bulldogs recent form hasn't been all that flash; they were smashed two weeks running on the AFL’s prime showcase of Friday night football before they luckily collected two points for a draw against the Saints after producing some form for the final 20 minutes of last week's match. The Demons will nevertheless go into the game as rank underdogs (pardon the unintended pun) because their recent performances have been diabolical, devoid of spirit and well ... pitiful. The game really raises a question for the Melbourne playing group about its resolve, its spirit and its will to win. Is there anything left there at all? THE GAME Melbourne v Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome Saturday 11 August 2007 at 7.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 82 wins Western Bulldogs 65 wins At the Dome Melbourne 5 wins Western Bulldogs 4 wins Since 2000 Melbourne 9 wins Western Bulldogs 5 wins The Coaches Riley 0 wins Eade 0 wins MEDIA TV Channel 10 (delayed telecast commencing at 7.30pm) RADIO 3AW SEN THE BETTING Melbourne to win $4.00 Western Bulldogs to win $1.20 LAST TIME THEY MET Western Bulldogs 16.16.112 d Melbourne 16.10.106 Round 7, 2007, at Telstra Dome. The difference between the two sides was Brad Johnson who booted four goals in a close game. Daniel Cross was in scintillating form and Brian Harris beat a proppy David Neitz on the comeback trail after his knee injury. Aaron Davey was inspirational collecting 29 possessions and kicking three goals but the Demons lacked the power to finish the game off and the Dogs limped in by six points. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs Ben Holland, Nathan Carroll Nathan Brown Half backs Daniel Bell Ryan Ferguson, James Frawley Centreline Paul Wheatley, James McDonald Travis Johnstone Half forwards Brad Green Michael Newton, Colin Sylvia Forwards Byron Pickett, David Neitz, Russell Robertson Followers Jeff White, Brock McLean, Nathan Jones Interchange Jace Bode Mark Jamar Brent Moloney Emergencies Lynden Dunn Brad Miller Daniel Ward In Jace Bode James Frawley Travis Johnstone Russell Robertson Colin Sylvia Out Matthew Bate (corked thigh) Simon Godfrey (knee) Simon Buckley Brad Miller Daniel Ward New Jace Bode (20, Sturt, SA) WESTERN BULLDOGS Backs Jordan McMahon Brian Harris Dale Morris Half Backs Andrejs Everitt Tom Williams Ryan Hargrave Centreline Farren Ray Scott West Nathan Eagleton Half Forwards Daniel Giansiracusa Brad Johnson Robert Murphy Forwards Shaun Higgins Chris Grant Jason Akermanis Followers Luke Darcy Adam Cooney Matthew Boyd Interchange Daniel Cross Sam Power Wayde Skipper Stephen Tiller Emergencies Cameron Faulkner Andrew McDougall Peter Street No change THE STAGGERS Melbourne is like a boxer who has already been knocked down twice and is staggering on the ropes waiting for the bell to ring and put an end to proceedings. The Demons’ well-documented injury woes have affected every line. They struggle to win the ball at the clearances and the midfield’s delivery into attack is poor. Those who are left standing in the forward line appear impotent and unable to kick more than ten or eleven goals in any given game. David Neitz in particular, has the staggers and is not doing himself justice on the field. Aaron Davey, once considered dangerous around the goals and around the ground, managed just seven disposals last week. Russell Robertson dropped out of the game at Manuka with back spasms but hasn’t really looked threatening since the Carlton game a month ago. Only Ben Holland and newcomer Michael Newton are showing any signs of life up forward for the Demons. While the Bulldogs were under the pump against the AFL heavyweights in Geelong and West Coast, their defence is up against a foe this week that occupies a friendlier weight division and with Brian Harris leading a tight back line, the stage is set for a victory for the boys from the west. Speaking of the west, Scott West is due to find touch soon and, against a Melbourne team without Simon Godfrey who has in the past managed to keep his ball getting figures down to almost manageable proportions, he could be the one to deliver the knockout blow. The area where the Demons could get on top is in its defence. Nathan Carroll blanketed Barry Hall last week and he has some hard honest workhorses around him. Usually that would not be enough but the Bulldogs' only genuine star player in attack, Brad Johnson, is no certainty to play. If he misses and Melbourne is able to close the game down and make it a real scrap then who knows what can happen? In any event, because I don't believe Johnson will play and because of the Akermanis factor (I have a feeling his career is about to implode) and the fact that the inclusion of Travis Johnstone, Russell Robertson and Colin Sylvia adds a bit of extra class to the Demon line-up, I'm tipping a much improved Melbourne performance but even then I still can't see them getting over the line. Western Bulldogs by 5 points.