Demonland

Buckley, who coached Grundy from his draft year of 2012 until 2021, pondered just how much cash out of the Dees’ salary cap is going towards the ruck duo. “It’s against my philosophy in terms of investing,” Buckley told SEN’s Dwayne’s World. “Take Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn out of it, but investing that large a percentage of your cap - I can only assume - into the ruck role. I think the jury is out on what that actually does in a bigger picture. “If it’s eight or nine per cent of your cap, and it goes there (to two rucks), does it mean you are tight in other parts of the field? Or with other top-end talent in other roles? “Personally, I can think you can over-invest in ruckmen. I don’t like the idea of using first-round picks, even though Brodie was, but he was one of three in a row (18, 19 and 20 in the 2012 draft) so that made some sense.”

https://twitter.com/melbournefc/status/1614895227478614017?s=20&t=vNYRmfv5I358DFX-O2jyEwhttps://twitter.com/melbournefc/status/1614895227478614017?s=20&t=vNYRmfv5I358DFX-O2jyEw

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times Prior to last Fridays training session the link above had training listed as Casey on Friday 13/1 and then also Casey on Monday 16/1. At some point after Fridays session the information about Monday’s session at Casey was removed from the site and replaced with information above Wednesday’s (18/1) session at Gosch’s. Keep checking that link for information about Monday 23/1 although that may be subject to change.

I would assume that’s the case considering that they advertised the session on the website.

If any Trackwatchers are heading out Casey way today (Friday) or Monday we’d love a training report Date: Friday 13 January Time: 9.30am Location: Casey Fields Date: Monday 16 January Time: 9:30am Location: Casey Fields *Please note: Training times and locations are subject to change at late notice. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times

MELBOURNE HEADLINE MAKER Can the Demons keep Kozzie Pickett? It’s going to be one of the biggest storylines of the coming season. Back to back hauls of 40-plus goals in his second and third seasons highlight his offensive weapons, but his defence and tackling pressure are just as effective. Port Adelaide will come knocking again – if they haven’t already done so – but the Demons are hopeful he sees the prospect of a second premiership medal looming in the future. X-FACTOR It’s hard to believe Jacob van Rooyen didn’t debut last season as Melbourne’s forward line woes remained unresolved. That won’t happen in 2023. He has been earmarked for advancement off the back of Luke Jackson’s departure. The Demons have locked van Rooyen in until 2025, an indication of their keenness. Track watchers have been impressed with the way in which he has attacked the first block of the pre-season. QUESTION MARK Could premiership defender Trent Rivers be tempted to return home to Perth like his great mate Luke Jackson was? He has a year to run on his current deal. Rivers played 18 games last season, but was dropped for a period. At his best, he is a walk-up start, as evidenced by his impact in 2021. UNTAPPED TALENT We’re going to take a punt on Blake Howes. He was the Demons’ pick 39 in the 2021 national draft and while he didn’t get the chance to play a senior game due a stress fracture, he showed some good talent at Casey. The forward looks to have good potential.