Deeko2

Great post binman. I have a little theory on Burgo as well in that he somehow keeps the players up and going for a longer by communicating with them more and reminding them how much more they can really give. I think I can recall footage of the 21GF where he was with the playing group (maybe on the bench) just telling them that they're all good and heaps more to give. There is obviously physical restraints to all players fitness levels but there has to be some percentage of mental blocks at times preventing the extra 10-15% which can see teams improve incredibly. Looking at the Crows this year and I see some resemblance to us in late 21. Players giving there all for longer and longer.

I hate so much that I believe this as well that he'll be out of the Dees at the end of this season. What I'm going to hate more is that he'll probably find his motivation again getting back to his best keeping the cats in the top 4 for the next 6 years while we debate whether the P20 +/- we receive should be in our ones or twos languishing in 'no mans land' on the AFL ladder of 10-15. Watching Bailey Smith average career highs in possessions, I50s, R50s and tackles is just an example of how much players can find the extra when needed. It does frustrate me that professional athletes getting paid a fortune aren't always 100% committed but they are human beings who do go through the motions. Just a shame he hasn't found that with us, dropped the extra kgs and got the power back in his game.

I'm more confident if he was living in Vic then it would be a done deal. By living up north and, well, 'sitting on the fence' he gets the chance to continue to develop with the Suns lads in all their top notch academy programs. At least that's what I'm telling myself

It was a long shot but I didn't think it was horrendous. We clearly tried every key forward available - and some not - and seem to be continuing to do so even now. I would much rather us try something like Grundy and at least attempt something new (which clearly didn't work) rather than try nothing at all. It would be far worse to wonder to ourselves what could have been and why the hell didn't we at least try it. We (MFC) did some serious work with the Reid's before the draft and no doubt stayed in touch to keep the relationship warm. We have quite a few connections around the area with former players. I played a bit with his old man and I really doubt he'd ever come out and say what Caro quoted. They're just not that type of person. I still doubt he'll ever leave the Eagles as from all accounts he is loving life over there.

I still think he'll stay if the stories are on here are true that he has a local girl and is enjoying his time in Melbourne. I have wondered if the Eagles have approached us and potentially looked at bringing him back closer to home. Maybe Judd's management team are wanting an increase in term or value but we've been made a decent offer for his services. If we got the Eagles second round pick (most likely early 20's) would you take it? Potentially frees up say another $400k - $500k to land a decent midfielder via free agency whilst bringing end some more relatively high end talent. I'm a no personally as the old saying goes, 'a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' but it would be interesting to see what he's worth.

It seemed as if teams whole planning going forward the last two years was just to bomb it long forward, aiming at territory and then locking it in. Landing the ball on top of Fritsch in the middle of a giant pack is just a complete waste of a forward entry. Sadly, no other tall forwards have been able to perform at a decent enough level to give him a chop out. With more players lowering there eyes on the weekend, we see how dangerous Bailey still is and to me is a must keep primarily on the idea that what we get in return (late second rounder) is hardly worth it in what looks an average draft. Imagine him roaming forward for Collingwood, Geelong or Brisbane. He'd be kicking 40+ a year still. 100% agree. 100% agree as well. I always back his finishing and don't even get upset when he takes it on himself to finish the play instead of passing it off. At times I see people calling him selfish which it can look that way but still, I'm always happy for him to take the ownership as he's a great finisher.

I normally agree with this thinking but with finals out of the equation, I think we're better off playing him and getting games into him in prep towards next year. I'd have him in and send Rivers back to the midfield group as he was down back a fair bit more than expected today. Out: Sparrow, Lever & dunno... In: Windsor, May, Howes I would have said out TMac as I keep thinking this will be his farewell year but all year the bloke has been proving me wrong and looking the goods. Definitely playing better footy than Lever as who knows what's going on there with him. If he isn't 100% - just stick him in the fridge until next preseason. Windsor must keep playing minutes and developing. I don't see why we'd play him or any of the other young talent in the twos as the drop off in quality is just far too much for my liking. Everyone always has the extra half a second in the VFL. Mind as well get used to not having it in the ones if we think they're going to make it. Watching Spargo pass it off from 40m directly in front and Sharp shank kick after kick is enough for me to pass on them for now.

Melksham. Kicking 5 whilst having someone wear you all day is an amazing effort. The man is like a fine wine and continues make fantastic leads into space and importantly, clunking some high quality contested marks. Petracca. I'm probably judging him harshly as on paper his game was fantastic and he looks nearly back to his best. He just had a couple ordinary kicks today that would have seen him get BOG in my world. Just still not quite lacing them but some of his bullocking work was top notch and I think his body nerves from previous injuries are just about over. Look out 2026 Fritsch. Like Melksham above, I always rate forwards impact higher than mids who can get cheapy touches all day. This bloke today was absolute class in both his goal kicking and his delivery in. I feel he gets treated harshly sometimes here as he's a pure finisher who will always look poor in a poor team. With Melksham owning the space deep and giving us a half decent target, its great to see him get on his bike and show some more of his skills Salem. Another who I think gets some harsh feedback at times here as he has a bit of the Mark Waugh vibe that looks like he's not trying. A few great intercepts today but more importantly, his delivery inside 50 a few times was just magic and something we haven't seen for a while. Was great seeing him getting some touches forward of centre Langford. I wanted him if we had pick 1. Have always rated him as he is absolute class with the ball and owning the wing at present. The only shame about him playing so well there is that we haven't seen much of him running straight through the guts where I think he'll be even better. Have really enjoyed his spacing and not getting sucked in and within 3 years, I think he'll be our best player. TMac. Was by far our best key defender today. I get why he's been out of team with the combo of May/Lever/Tuner being preferred on paper, but we're all aware that right now on form, he deserves to be there over Jake and looks far more assured attacking contests and rebounding well. Unlucky to Gawn as didn't quite have his usual impact and Kozzy who if he kicked his other two opportunities he would have polled.

He's playing the absolute worst role in footy (as does Sparrow) on the half forward line where you're constantly out numbered and running constant 100m sprints up and down the ground and then horizontally as well with bugger all touches of the pill. It's brutal and can be so unrewarding and you really need to ensure every small chance you get that you take. With the year shot (in regards to finals) I don't see the point in any of Jeffo, Windsor or Koltyn playing twos. Keep them in the ones and focus on any positives they achieve over the end of the year with the view to take that momentum into next year. I think he'll be ok as he always has a crack and goes when he needs to but today he looked absolutely spent after a few big runs. Needs to strap himself to Langdon or Sharp over the pre-season in the running groups and get his aerobic capacity to elite levels.

I queried this earlier in this thread, where does it come out that a player doesn't like his role? I always find it interesting reading these comments and wonder if it's just internet gossip or if people have genuine intel. Rivers has had a lot of midfield time this year. He's had some good moments there as well although I like him a lot more as a rebounding defender personally. Does he want more midfield time or does he want to return to the back flank? Yes Juddy is clearly talented and I have no doubt showed some wonderful moments there. But did he peak there as a mid? By his U/18 year I'm fairly certain he was around the 12th to 15th player picked from the WAFL as a rookie. So he again, he clearly wasn't setting the world on fire higher up the ground. I feel I have spoken a lot in this thread and some of my comments might come across like I'm negative towards him. I'm actually not and think he's playing the back pocket role beautifully and is easily best 22 and I definitely don't want to lose him. I'm happy to hear the club has made its offer and sticking to it. Players have far too much pull. In saying that, kudos to Juddy by cooling his jets and backing himself in for either a longer term or more cashola. I really hope we keep him and would only let him go if he was part of a plan to bring in another high quality player (Jacko) - not draft picks.

Could be the All Australian ruck battle with Gawn still ahead in most peoples eyes. Will be interesting what the selectors think if Xerri has a good game on him again like he did earlier this year. I don't see the point in dropping Tholstrup or Jeffo now. If they're confidence isn't shot (although I fear for Jeffo it may be) we just need to keep playing them and hope they they have some form of break out game - or even a half.

Is this common knowledge that he was promised the role - been reported somewhere? Or just a bit of internet gossip from people trying to make sense/reasons of why he hasn't re-signed yet? In fairness, he wasn't the first and won't be the last to cop a torching from young Daicos. But that performance from the team was shocking that night and I'd say it was by far the worst game I've seen Judd play and probably the reason why I think him playing up the ground isn't warranted. If you're keen for midfield minutes then when given the opportunity you'd think that the player would be giving there 100% all at every contest. He was lead to 40 odd contests from Daicos and only touched the pill a few times and from what I remember, went at about 5% DE and gave away as many free kicks as he had touches. Now one poor performance shouldn't and won't put a complete line through someone but he his holding off re-signing due to frustrations of not getting more game time up the ground, I'd ask simply ask him what his preferences are: Develop up the ground in the twos Continue being a very important role player as a lock down defender in the ones I'm wondering if during his junior days he was playing up the ground further to an average standard which is the reason every team looked passed him during the draft. He should be feeling incredibly lucky and thankful we have a defined role for him that he clearly excels in.

I'd be intrigued to know what his manager actually expects from the club if he/she is disappointed. He has had quite a few chances and sadly for the romantics (me included) he really hasn't set the world on fire and always looks a step or two to slow in the bigtime. He hardly sets the world on fire in the twos either averaging about 16-17 touches a game and a goal every 4 weeks. He looks nothing more than an average twos player which although admirable and better than most will achieve, is just too far away from having an impact in the ones. If he was playing rebounding half back role and playing it well then I'd be far more interested in going harder to retain him. Just from my own memories of late last year when he was played up the ground and a lot more midfield minutes, he just looked completely lost there. There is nothing wrong with that and he still has a ripping 'one wood' as a high quality back pocket. I just think we have greater needs and as he has currency, I wouldn't be against him moving if the right deal popped up.

I know that they can, it's just very rare for players to ever do this unless the club has really destroyed the relationship beyond repair. I feel like more players with decent character who are leaving, still want to see there previous club receive some compensation. You're right that the players owe nothing to a club, but few want to leave and burn the bridge on the way out. Especially someone who we did take a punt on after everyone else passed on.

Perhaps I sounded a little blase' towards the role which you're right, is super important but I still think out of all the roles across the field, a lockdown small defender is the easiest to fill. I just think that even on the examples you provided, the players basically ended up there after mixed results up the ground or getting older. Jetta - a clear stud in the back pocket, was played up forward with stints in the midfield in his first couple years with average results. I think he was delisted and not good enough until he went back. Hibberd - an All Australian rebounding half back until he got a bit older, a little bit more injured and lost a yard. He then became a lock down defender. Hunt - I can't really recall him specifically being a back pocket although I don't doubt it but remember him more with some dashing rebound runs and even a year or so playing up forward with some ok results. I just feel that lockdown defenders are not a real challenge to locate. Like lots of lock down defenders (or taggers), they're usually players who aren't skilful or no longer damaging enough up the field or they're forwards who have failed. He's a good player LT and I really like him and how he plays. I just think I rate the role as an easier one to fill with AMZ and Kynan there. I don't feel either Taj or Sestan will make it sadly.

God there is some rubbish posted by this cowardly journalist who loves trying to then back track and cover his tracks. No [censored] a senior player who has pride and significant confidence in his own ability (as all good players do) would be embarrassed and frustrated at being dropped - especially when his team was under performing. I can only hope this was the case and as I think most of us agree, Jake did need a slight kick up the backside to make sure he is fully committed to being the absolute best version of himself where he commits his body and mind 100% on every contest. He got this and played better on the weekend. What annoys me is when journalist create there own news stories in that a player, frustrated at being dropped is now potentially looking to leave the club with other clubs now keeping an eye the situation. You're making a player like Jake - a pro - and 100% footy nerd who is also 100% Melbourne, look like he's a sooking diva and now wants to leave after correctly receiving a reality check on his performance.

You really would have to be in the mindset that you're willing to burn the club to the ground if you were going to ditch everyone and leave without compensating your previous team by entering the PSD. Although I don't know Judd at all, I'm pretty confident this wouldn't be the case noting we did give him his chance when others over looked him first. Surely if he was heading back, it would be to Freo right? Not sure many would be keen to return to a club in such a poor position and still rebuilding. If we're any chance @ LJ, then I wouldn't think twice about adding Judd to the deal. He has currency and has shown he is a best 22 player but his time spent up the ground late last season didn't exactly inspire and we do have other players who could slide into a lockdown small defender role (probably the most common and easiest role to fill) such as Bowey, Howes, Salem at present whilst we have Kynan Brown, Taj, Sestan and who I think will be our best in Moniz-Wakefield all developing and potentially available from next season. I'm a massive fan of Judd as a great role player and hope he stays but I wouldn't spend much time worried if he was to leave.

I'm really surprised at the love for Gawny today. Obviously he had some great moments but the couple of kicking clangers really were very poor and hurt a lot. Also, I thought that Cameron had more impact around the ground linking for the pies and got into more score involvements. May. Back to his best the last fortnight and an absolute wall and intercepting well. Langdon. Wonderful shut down role on someone who sadly is a hell of a ball user - although he's a seagull. Yes we lost Lingers run and carry but it was worth it to stop Daicos who's stats were inflated by some very suspicious decisions going his way and an ordinary 50m penalty. Kozzy. Three amazing goals and took his chances when he needed to. Probably sometimes tried to hard and got stuck in traffic but I'd rather him doing this then bombing it to no on. Oliver. He really really really just wants the ball more than the next bloke and one some incredibly one on ones. Good hands at times but still lets us down with the dump kicks occasionally. Turner. Just good hands, good decisions and tough nut of a player. A lot to love about him Bowey. Don't recall much damage from the pies smalls and this guy just keeps on negating and rebounding really well. Has been great all year. Special mention to Sparrow today as I saw him really going hard at Houston in a defensive role. Not sure if he was on him all game but I just noticed him with him a lot and can't recall Houston rebounding much today which was surprising with our ordinary delivery.

I don't even think the Geelong supporters pretend anymore and just get on with it knowing that their club is doing better at the shady deals in comparison to others. I've neve been sold on the rumours about the 'dollar farms' concept. It would be pretty easy to trace the flow of funds by completing some searches that show COS signed amounts etc. One thing I have seen from there players (actively on socials over the years) was the constant change/upgrade of vehicles. I always wondered if one or two were gifted to the players annually and they just sell the old ones. Additionally, adding a player or two in a syndicate for a land development would be pretty easy which looks to have been completed over the journey for a lucky few and previous premiership coach. The challenge that all Vic clubs have with the cats however is that they do market themselves well to players around a lifestyle point of view. Its something that we just can't compete with. One of my best mates brothers played there for 10 years over the 07-11 successes and they basically had the entire playing group at there house mid week for a BBQ, couple beers and backyard cricket with everyone living within 20 mins of each other at the time. Other than a very few (Chapmans apparently a horrid human and Bartel a diva) they were all incredibly close. They also stay connected with every country Vic lad who comes through the Pioneers, Bushrangers or Falcons programs just waiting for an opportunity to bring them back to the country lifestyle. I can't stand the club and love seeing them get done (equally with the filth, blues & bombers) but have to admit, its purely from jealousy. They continually seem to push the boundaries, they do it well and get away it. So kudos to them and I hope we're just as ruthless towards winning.

Thanks Ghosty, appreciate the response. Really enjoyed reading the above. I just wondered from not seeing or hearing anything about him for a number of weeks whether he was just having a spell away from everything football related. Happy to hear that he's committing to other training methods.

Hey Ghosty, thanks for keeping the training threads going along. Really appreciate it. Hey can you tell me if McAdam has been back around the group? I thought he would have been more visible around the indigenous rounds but I don't recall seeing him. Does he still get around the lads much or are they getting around him still?

On AJ, it's a sad state of affairs that he is the best we have right now in this role until JVR starts clunking them again but I agree that his efforts are admirable and I have no doubt watching him that he is a selfless player and will always commit. In all fairness however, its a pretty low bar for him. We're talking up his scrapping and physicality when really this should be the minimum commitment for every player ever to pull on the red and blue. A knock on here and there is yes, a positive. But to me this was offset by a couple missed handball turnovers along with a shocking chest mark he spilt about 20m straight in front. If this was JVR (as we have higher expectations) then we'd all be spitting out our frothies in disgust. Instead, being an older aged rookie we all desperately cling to his positives no mattter what they are and try to look past the mistakes. I actually think give him another couple games to see if he gets more used to the speed of the game and see if improves further. If not, we really can't keep him in. Petty would offer the same in the ruck (bugger all) and has more skill around the grounds. I'm confident he'll be able to replace Aidan's 4 hit outs, two tackles and no marks over the last fortnight. Then its either JVR as a permanent forward (when he's ready) or Disco back up forward and TMAC in down back where he was doing very nicely.

I think he'll play plenty more than 300. He is an absolute professional in how he clearly looks after his body around his training and recovery. He's also talented enough as a player to spend more and more time up forward where he'll still provide an impact for the team and reduce his midfield minutes as he ages. Putting aside some emotive thoughts we all might have during his challenging period with the club and his recovery from a horrific injury, the bloke has been an incredible footballer and go down as a Demons great if he finishes his career with us. If I was able to get there Sunday I'd be cheering him with every possession and will always reflect with great love in his 2021 GF efforts. Congratulations Trac

Jeepers this is intriguing. If there is anyway to keep Kozzi and get Jacko, add in another decent mid (maybe a free agent) then we could be back in the hunt for the next 2 years whilst we still have Max and May. Sadly I don't know how it gets done without Kozzi being involved as there is no way that Freo would want draft picks as the team and age group they have should really seeing them push for a top 4-6 spot - especially with such a home ground advantage. I really rate Jacko but I think goal kicking mids (high half forwards) with skill and speed to burn right now are the most important part of the game. We have issues kicking goals already and losing Kozzi I think hurts us more than gaining Jacko. The other thing is that Freo have a couple players similar to Kozz so other than him being a gun, is he really a need for them? Hoping we can do everything we can to get him in for draft and future draft picks - like they did to us. Again - doubt they'd accept with him being contracted.

Probably broke even/slightly ahead of OMac in the ruck. The only thing I liked about his game was he seemed to create more spacing up forward. It looked like he was leading away from congestion a couple times creating more space of Petty and our mid sized forwards. A few other times I noticed him staying very deep in the square and not leading out - again allowing for more space and improving the likelihood of scoring. I was wondering if this was a game plan issue (which I like if so) or was it just himself not presenting and forcing mids to kick it to him (as the great forwards do). Hard to tell. Looking forward to seeing it for another week or 2 and see how it goes.