Van Demons Land

Anyone who thinks Melbourne can do a Brisbane (lose first three then win the flag) is deelusional.

It amazes me that so-called optimistic Melbourne fans keep re-appearing saying don't write off the Demons after only 3 games. It's the same kind of rhetoric from the current leadership team. Lots of talk but no walk. This team is done and dusted (even when key players return from injury). The game plan is out of date. Even the best Melbourne has to offer (e.g. Lever/May, Petracca/Oliver/Viney, Gawn etc.). are continually being outplayed and outcoached. I agree with the Hawk-loving brother. Good luck to them in the way they continue to adapt to the modern game (Hawks that is not Demons). DDDon't even get me started about Game 4 against Geelong. The Cats must be besides themselves with glee seeing their next game is against Melbourne.

Sorry guys but Melbourne FC is sitting well down the AFL Ladder for a reason. Even with the so-called return from injury of higher credentialed players, the team plays an outdated brand of football. I cannot see them going anywhere this year ... and yes, that's even after 3 games,

Good job dropping T. Mac. Bayley Fritsch needs dropping as well. If this Melbourne side turns up playing like they have for the last couple of years, the Suns will kick their butts.

Gold Coast Suns are a team improving and, on the way, up. Melbourne FC are a stagnant team. The Suns will be looking for a scalp. The Dees look shaky,

Simon Goodwin is for the bin.

Maybe so Nostradamus but Goodwin needs to go, and Gawn must be getting close to retirement.

Well, I'm sorry but I just had to copy and paste my pre-game comment below (followed by a typical delusional response) My comment below first followed by a fellow Demon responder Jeez Bro, remind me not to go to the footy with you. It'll be a little close for a half and then we'll smash North. Prediction for this year is Premiers or agonisingly close. You were saying Bro? I've followed the Dees for 57 years and love my team BUT COME ON. My comments are based on the brain I possess and a pair of eyes I have. And this is what my eyes keep seeing: Bayley Fritsch (Missing in action too many times. Yesterday's man who should be dropped to VFL ASAP). Clayton Oliver (Tries his heart out but is extremely predictable, easy to coach against and way too one dimensional (either frenetically hand balling or launching ineffective bombs up forward time after time). Max Gawn - Unable to carry this team on his shoulders anymore. Not good enough to do that. Assistant rucks, Roo (average or maybe just OK in the ruck at best) and Aidan Johnson (please give me a break). Simon Goodwin - Outdated coaching. Brad Green - Lost in the headlights. Tom MacDonald - Nice bloke but not a key position player and too slow both mentally and physically for the modern game. New recruits - Lindsay is a keeper, the rest are pretty much the fish that John West rejects. And for those who think Melbourne suddenly becomes a flag contender when Pickett, May and other regular first teamers come back ... think again! Many AFL teams have adapted very well to the new AFL landscape and as a result, they are now reaping the rewards. Melbourne is not one of those teams because they have largely stayed the same, while the game's moved on. The North Melbourne result is just the tip of the iceberg. Maybe I'm being generous thinking they finish 13th this year?

Melbourne should approach this game with caution. Underestimating North Melbourne not a good idea. I'm predicting a close one, and although a Demons supporter for 57 years, it could actually go either way.

You are living in dreamland

The operative words being 'a little different'. Unfortunately, not a big enough difference, as most sides have figured out how to beat the Demons regardless of who is in the side.

Melbourne. unfortunately, have no gear change in them or any kind or secret weapon for that matter. whenever the opening siren sounds to signal the beginning of a last quarter. Kangaroos will go close here as they are not as bad as they used to be, and Melbourne are not as good as they used to be. Prediction this year for Melbourne is 13th place.

I have no issue with alternative opinions or critique being part of that opinion. What I have noticed though, is a variety of different interpretations regarding my 'predictable' comment. Yes, there are other AFL clubs displaying predictability, but remember to add the word "too" in front of predictable when responding. Respond to too predictable not just predictable. A view of some others is that this thread is too predictable. I see it differently. Unless they adjust their non-bulletproof foundation of 'defence at all costs' ... The dynasty is over. I've presented Melbourne as a club that is too predictable. I then see posts saying predictability is a good thing (largely meaning internally it's a good and/or dependable thing). To be clear, I'm not talking about internal predictability, what I am saying is that Melbourne has become TOO predictable for opposing AFL coaches and clubs, i.e., too easy to work and play against. When under pressure, the default mechanism is defence is the big answer. That happened against North Melbourne and almost backfired, Deja vu against Brisbane and it wasn't the answer. It's these types of tactics that makes them TOO predictable. They are highly likely to do it again when next under pressure. They're not a bad side but they need to become less predictable. How? Over to Simon Goodwin and his helpers.

You might believe next year will be different but that doesn't mean it will be. I don't believe it will be. So, is that considered bagging them or just forwarding my opinion like you have. BTW, I believe the correct spelling is dysregulation

Yes. Fair comment. I stand by my 'too predictable' comments. Why? How many Melbourne supporters going into the last quarter against Brisbane, leading by 15 points, knew we would lose the game. Probably many. Why? Very predictable how Melbourne would play in that last quarter. No Plan B yet again. Played right into Brisbane's hands. I for one am disappointed in this team ever since they won the flag in 2021. Lots of talk about a Melbourne dynasty for years to come, more flags, making hay while the sun shines. I don't see any evidence of any dynasty and can't see how they make the eight this year (based on current performances, e.g. poor effort in Perth against WCE, belted by Freo, very narrow win against bottom club North Melbourne, last quarter capitulation against Brisbane). Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest they will be any less predictable or gettable again, next year. The dynasty is looking shaky. And all this coming from a lifelong supporter who is just telling it like he sees it.