Spargonicus

I think what some people are forgetting about last season, is that we had an injection of young talent into the team - especially towards the end of the season, with Bowey debuting and doing very well. It massively (stop saying massive) injected energy into the rest of the playing group. I agree with those calling for one or more of Smith, JVR and Chandler to be brought into team. New/unseen talent also makes it harder for opposition teams who have "worked us out". Happy to eat my words (or my cake that I've already had) if we win with no changes this week.

Actually think he’s been great until that huge knee on the back in the 3rd.

Agree wholeheartedly with most commenters that Daisy is insightful. Additional contentious opinions: - BT, while fairly ignorant, is hilarious - not always, maybe even only occasionally, but in my opinion, worth it just for the lulz. But then, I appreciate the absurd. - (don’t hate me!) Leigh Matthews, despite being another former legend, like Carey, is a woeful commentator. Every time states the bleeding obvious. Seriously, I could do better.

The occasional spark, mostly Kozzie - a star - but we seem down on basic confidence and dare. Still waiting for the Demons bulldozer to start up…it’s possible but hard to replicate a finals run like last year.

True but wouldn’t have happened if Trac hadn’t shanked his kick. Too many errors.

Jeez, our forward craft is a shambles at the moment.

I'm at the point where I'm genuinely not sure which Melbourne we'll get this week. So many competing factors and theories. - loading, of course (are we upping it/scaling back this week?) - is our forward line (and delivery) going to click into gear like we know it can? (esp. out of centre bounces ala GF), or will it remain impotent... - will Port bring the heat? Will we? Or have our players lost a bit of hunger? - will our younger players find their form again? Will BBB? Will Weids step up? In short, how much is our fluctuating form to do with a combination of these factors vs. the simplicity of hunger and intent? Our injury list is pretty damn good, so assuming we're now heading out of loading phase, and with a longer break between games, I can't see that we'll have any excuses from a physical perspective (barring hidden flu/covid cases). Time to bring it.

Thanks guys. With my ongoing issues of insomnia (not related to my MFCSS, I promise), I really appreciate these podcasts - more than ever! Appreciate the general positivity of the Dees outlook too. Although, having said that, if our decline continues, I hold you all responsible.

I would like to know the answer to this too. Why are we getting outmarked all around the ground (or am I just imagining that?)

We've all acknowledged our work rate around the ground isn't where it was / needs to be. But what about marking? Why are we getting outmarked all around the ground again? I realise May, TMac are solid markers, but surely that can't account for it...is it just the lack of confidence and belief that we can also see with the fumbling?

'Aggegious' = Adj. When one egregious circumstance is looking like turning into a series of very unfortunate occurrences; ongoing, aggregating egregiousnesses; see Melbourne Demons season 2022 in-between rounds 12 and 13.

Pretty sure drinking is verboten and consequence is game ban. If you don't follow through, no-one takes it seriously and culture of high standards and selflessness starts to unravel.

Yep - their tackling was way better - in frequency and effect. It creates so much perceived pressure too, hence a higher number of poor decisions from our team.

Boys are clearly down on confidence. Comes back in bursts of scoring, but yeah, fumbles and poor decision-making. And to be fair, Freo and Swans brought the heat - their tackling was impressive last night - no room. Hunt back to HBF, Hibbo back, May back - starts to look a lot better. Tomlinson stays in if Petty too banged up. BBB stays in with Mitch Brown. Gus back to wing. walking back to the city last night the Swans fans were shocking - gloating. I don’t mind celebration, anthem singing, what have you, but after a game, we all go home without getting stuck in to oppo supporters. Very poor. looking forward to this team getting its groove back.

Hey thanks for this podcast episode. I really enjoyed the analysis, especially of how our injuries had knock-on effects, leading to filling gaps, which then had their own knock-on effects. I had a bit of insomnia last night and this was excellent! Our team was kind of like a house of cards, wasn't it?

look, you wouldn't want to hold too many political rallies there...

I agree it was a decent crowd and atmosphere. We can't underestimate the effect of covid on reduced numbers. I'm finding the same with other group hobbies - music ensembles and local social events (I live in a regional area). A bunch of people are just choosing not to at the moment, especially older peeps. But hopefully things will keep improving.

Thanks - I appreciate the effort that went into this post. (Let alone the wit) My wife and I had covid last week, so that's two people who weren't there. I was gutted.

It's always advisable to stop the runs...

We'll stomp all over them. Dogs by 53.

Ok, this is weird. Should I wait until 4 December when I'll get backstage passes?

Yep - Q39. Damn. Will it be like watching little fleas on the grass?

I agree. I just don't get the absolute hate for BT pretty much across the board. I realise I'm in the tiny minority here. I'd put Brayshaw way below BT - just so annoying with that gravelly, uber-bloke-ish commentary completely lacking any insight or even humour. The 'Bang bang' call in the GF was his only good moment in the whole season that I can remember. At least BT has humour, just don't expect insight from him - he can leave that to the others like Daisy.