pringle

Yes Bartram is stiff in my outs. Was desperately looking around the team to try to find an out for my ins. He does do a job and does it well. Just would love his kicking and decision making to improve. And I do remember Miller's 5 vs Port. I was there in Darwin. That game was the exception rather than the rule with Miller and I have compared it to my memory bank of the rest of his career. I think he's had a fair amount of time to address his goal-kicking and apart from the Port game he has been consistently poor in this area. I saw him at Casey earlier this year as well and he fluffed a few gettable shots... just like he did vs Geelong. As for the 2nd ruck, I didn't remove Jetta for that. I had 3 mids coming into the team (Scully, Trengove and McKenzie). But I agree that neither ruck REALLY deserves a game. But I do feel we need another ruckman to support Jamar. Just wish we had a quality player to bring in.

I do like Miller in the role he used to play as the hard-leading hit-up CHF. But Bate probably does this better nowadays and furthermore has the capacity to hurt the opposition with a couple of long goals or accurate foot-passes to leading forwards. I have long bemoaned Miller's lack of kicking penetration. It is a shame, because if he could roost a goal from outside 50 ala Cloke for Collingwood (or most KPF's in the league), then he would be a regular selection and 250 game player for the MFC. Not 100% set on bringing in another ruckman, but if Miller is dropped then we may need to as I'd hate to see Sylvia in the ruck again. Maybe Rivers could be kept in the side and used as the 2nd ruck who floats back into defensive 50 as the third man up (left field, but might help him find form and he has no defensive match-up this week). And as for Garland, I agree that he is a ripper and that the 12 months out has no doubt played a large part in his dip in form. Just pointing out that he hasn't been great. People are very quick to point out that Aussie has not set the world on fire in his couple of games, or Morton, but no-one seems willing to say the same about Col. So I felt like it should be said. But yes, he will be in our best 22 going forward.

Nothing in that article suggests that we have lost Petterd. Wouldn't get knickers in a knot.

I think it is worth noting that Garland has been poor since his return this year. Whilst he would probably maintain his spot on potential output, I don't think it is a great loss having him out this week. Though I do agree that in theory his pace combined with his height/aerial spoiling ability would be an asset this week against the speedy Carlton forwards, he is consistently being led to the ball this year and giving away frees trying to spoil. Also, his recovery in contests has been a touch behind what he is capable of. His form has been well down on his 2008 showings. Rivers is a concern. I wish he wasn't playing so poorly at the moment because I love the guy, but his form does not warrant selection. Cheney, on the other hand, has consistently performed for Casey and really does deserve a go. He is not slow, as a couple of people have suggested. In fact he has a good turn of speed and is accountable in the backline. Considering we have Frawley and Warnock to play on Carlton's two tall forwards (Waite and O'Hailpin) as well as Joel Macdonald or Bruce as the versatile 3rd tall defender if needed, I'd be quite happy to see Cheney in defence this week. If Rivers isn't dropped, then I don't see the need to have Macdonald in the team as well against a small Carlton forward line. I have no idea why Mckenzie was dropped and I think he deserves a spot in the team on a regular basis. Scully, Trengove and Bate (if fit) must return. If Bate does return, I see no need for Miller, who still can't kick as he showed on the weekend. Having a KPF who not only can't slot goals from 30 out on a regular basis kut also can't kick the journey from 50m out is embarrassing. And I would not be unhappy if we brought in a real ruckman. So my changes would be: In: Bate, Trengove, Scully, McKenzie, Cheney, Martin/Johnson Out: Miller (not good enough), Bartram (stiff but still needs to work on disposal), Rivers(or Macdonald for lack of match-up), Garland (injured/poor form), Jetta (stiff) + 1 other who would also be stiff. I know that 6 changes is a lot, but if you consider that the 3 young midfielders were in the Darwin line-up and Bate is basically an automatic selection up forward, only really Cheney and the extra ruckman are additions to our line-up from a few weeks ago (eg. vs Dogs).

Great thread. The entire basis was that Brock was having an operation and out for 12 months. Comes out and plays less than 2 weeks later. No0one seems to have picked up on this. Where did Healy get this info?

Oh... my... lord... Wish I hadn't read that article in the Advertiser. Pathetic. Really ridiculous comparison. Moronic actually. Probably does it too much justice to talk about it too much. They are two massively different prospects.

He also spent a fair amount of time on the bench in the last quarter. I was sitting behind the bench and it looked like he was itching to get on. But maybe fitness is an issue. Not sure, but he played very well last night. Perhaps dropped a few marks due to being pushed off the ball a couple of times, but I have no doubt that as his body thickens he will start to hold those and then we will really see a dominant player. Until that time he more than holds his place with his sur hands at ground level, ability to find time and space and clever use of the ball.

Grey clouds rolling in. Might benefit us. Thought we played pretty well in the wet against the dogs. The Power are not even close to the dogs in terms of class. That's what cost us in the end... a lack of class against the ogs. Would be happy to see slippery conditions. Having said that, been up here in Darwin for a few days and the rain has been in short sharp stints. 5-10 mins at a time. I think it will be greasy regardless of what happens (due to humidity). Rain shouldn't affect the game much unless it occurs during the game for a prolonged period, which seems unlikely considering the pattern of the last few days.

Weather update (if anyone is interested), it has rained once today for about 10 mins. Not very heavy. Patches of blue sky. Plenty of cloud. None of it looks too menacing. Hot. Sticky.

In Darwin for the game. Just saw the coaches (Bails, Mahoney etc.) and a few of the hierarchy (Cameron Schwab, Chris Connoly) at a local coffee shop. Bails is a really nice guy. He saw me in my Melbourne hat and initiated a conversation from a couple of tables away (I'm a bit too shy to just go up and interrupt their coffee). Looked very relaxed and seems like a great bloke. Reckons we've traveled too far to play this game and therefore we must win. Don't know if that's a good rationale for why we'll win tonight, but he had to say something conversational B) B) If I wasn't pumped before, I definitely am now!!! Go dees. P.S. As an aside, the hat I bought that Dean Bailey noticed was purchased from a store a few doors down from the coffee shop. The store had no other Dees merchandise available. When I asked why, the guy told me he sold out of Melbourne gear ages ago and that the company that manufactures our gear is completely out of stock. Since we started winning, sales have gone through the roof and the manufacturer has nothing to give to the store. They were desperately trying to order more in for this weekend. Success really does do wonders - even if it's only baby steps so far.

Sun shining in Darwin at the moment. But as usual (since I've been here) a few clouds hovering around.

Dee luded, have you been watching Casey games and formed your opinion on that basis? Happy to stand corrected if you have seen more evidence and can post such evidence on here, but I have seen the one Casey game this year only (vs Coburg) and he looked sooooooooooooooooooooo far off AFL level and never even remotely close to making it in a team that dominated!!!! Rosso, I hope you're right. Would be fine with either Jetta or Dunn over Spencer. My opinion, Spencer does not have what it takes and will not make it.

If you ask most commentators, it's "Gartlett". Sorry had to put that in because it really sh&$*s me that they can't pronounce his name right. Continue. BTW, very excited to see Aussie live in the AFL for the 1st time tomorrow night. I've seen him in 2 VFL games but never in the AFL (was overseal all of 2008). Up here in Darwin he should get a huge reception. Go Dees!!!!!

There has been a bit of precipitation about, but it generally only lasts for a short period. Kakadu was sensational. Back in Darwin and pumped. For those who aren't aware, there are free buses to the ground from Cavenagh Street outside Woolworths. I found this out from the lady at the Darwin Entertainment Center where I picked up my tickets. You just line up with the other fans and get on the buses that will be running regularly up to gametime. Also, there were heaps of dees fans on my plane up here Thursday night. Looks like the ground will be a sea of red and blue. Shame Liam Jurrah isn't playing. The locals would LOVE to see him in the red and blue and would flock to the ground.

Sorry Artie. I do need a lie down. Just seen the same post so many times it was getting old. Fair enough though. If you hadn't read it (and lord knows it would be hard to do so), you wouldn't know. but my point remains. People should be able to post what they want. This is an open forum. And as Guns n' Roses once said, to all those who oppose... well...

Couldn't resist. Booked my ticket this afternoon and off to Darwin TONIGHT!!! Actually about to go to the airport for my red eye special. 1st interstate game ever for me. I'll be trying to get to training at 19:30 Friday evening if I can. I'll be wearing a Demons guernsey (as I'm sure all the others will as well). Anyone going for post match bevvies? Maybe post a venue if you know a good one and some of us demonlanders can meet up.

I wouldn't jump all over the newbie if he/she gets it a bit wrong when we see tomorrow's team. Things can change between now and tomorrow evening and the team as it stands now may only be preliminary. But if it's a lot wrong... look out. The vultures will be circling :lol:

So is this confirmed yet regarding Brock? Haven't heard it mentioned on any official site or publication. In fact Brock is not even on the official injury list from the AFL website. So is this even true.

I feel compelled to reply to this type of post. Clearly we HAVEN't said enough yet, because IF we had then people WOULD stop writing about him. So if you have no interest go elsewhere on this site. There are plenty of other interesting topics to read about such as the re-signing of a few of our young indigenous stars or the unfortunate injury to Brock etc. So many people have commented in this thread about how unnecessarily long it is, yet so many people seem to want to read and post more. So how are all these people not justified in commenting on Jack Watts? He is newsworthy. He just made his 2010 debut. People are talking about him in the media. Commentators are split in their opinions... So once again, NO, WE HAVEN'T YET SAID ENOUGH AND WE WILL CONTINUE THIS THREAD UNTIL PEOPLE LOSE INTEREST AND STOP POSTING!!! Because that is what this forum is here for. When you want to contribute to a debate, we will be happy to hear your thoughts on Jack Watts or any other topic in this forum.

Matthews seems to be getting a bit Sheedy-like in his old age then. Respect level down to -ve values. BTW, anyone see Sheedy's latest senile ramblings in the paper about GWS teenagers and a whole lot of other garbage bagging Richmond for no apparent reason other than because his mind is jumbled? This man has absolutely lost his marbles. How can a paper in all seriousness pay that guy to write anything? And how can a fledgling club like GWS put their faith in a guy who can't string coherent sentences together anymore? Stunning really.

A mate of mine emailed me saying for $26 you can get a reserved seat behind the goals. Tickets now selling. Get in quick as they will be snapped up fast I think.

I don't get it... what am I missing here Chook?

Not that I saw it, but I think it would be hard to not notice leopard skin gloves Tool of the week for sure. Definitely not worthy of a recall.

Actually, he could keep it up all year but I have no doubt he'll never get nominated. As someone else said, wrong type of player. Doubt it would worry jordie one iota. He looks like a no frills type. Wouldn't give a stuff about awards. Just looks determined to give his all and make it in the AFL. Junior Junior is a good call. Love the kid, but he'll never be the type to be recognized as a 'star' and nor does he need to be. But to us he always will be... just like Senior Junior.

I was unable to get to the game and so only got to watch it for the 1st time on video late last night. From what I saw, Jack was mighty impressive. He was VERY clean with his hands and MORE THAN earnt his spot for next week. Were Leigh Matthews' comments on Jack made before or after the game? Because if he made those comments after the game I watched then he has lost ANY credibility. He must have sipped too much cough mixture or something. Blind Freddie could identify what a great talent this underweight 6 foot 5inch one-grab 4th gamer who had oodles of time and poise is. Incredible. And even some on here who said he wasn't much chop. Seriously?