SAlves

Wasn't it Craig Jennings & not Mark Jennings?! He was our strategy coach from 2016 to 2019: https://www.afl.com.au/news/130660/one-of-the-best-minds-in-footy-to-leave-the-demons

Out of left field, what about Rory Sloane (originally from Vic) as his sister, Shae, is a coach in our AFLW program?

After reading training reports for the past few months I was hopeful that there would be changes happening to our starting four by rotating more players through the middle. Yesterday it was predominantly Viney, Neal-Bullen with Kossie & Trac combining on ball & forward. Sparrow had a run in the middle & also Billings & Laurie. I was hoping that might have experimented a bit more with the likes of Rivers & McVee. Hopefully when Oliver & Brayshaw return we will have more flexibility in the midfield. Neal-Bullen should not play in the midfield - no clearances & he too regularly turns the ball over. Our skills weren't up to standard - fumbled, missed targets by hand & foot. The forwards played too close together & they weren't helped by the poor disposal into them. I can understand why they aren't playing Van Rooyen as the 2nd ruckman, but the forward line can be a lonely place in our team & an occasional run on the ball to get into the game would benefit him. Our 3rd tall in the backline is a concern given Turner is out for a long period of time, Hore is only 190cm, McDonald has lost pace & Adams is untried. Richmond ran the ball out of our backline so easily & ran to space allowing them to attack from the backline. Positives were Kynan Brown, Windsor & Verrall also showed promise & the return of Clarrie & Salem! Also add Brayshaw & McAdam to the best 22 & Oliver returning will help Trac balance mid & forward better. I suggest that if Kossie plays mid & forward that someone like Moniz-Wakefield may eventually get a game as a skilled pressure forward. Let's see what changes occur when we face up to Carlton?

I thought Troy Davis too, but if not him how about Nathan Stark.

The contact number for the NSW Demons is: Sally Trevena NSW Demons M: 0409 783-318 E: [email protected]

Just to chime, I think Stan Alves has been very unfairly treated in your rankings. He captained Melbourne in those 'dark' days in the mid 70s from 1973-1976. He won the 'Bluey' Truscott medal in 1972 & again in 1974 & was an emergency in Melbourne's Team of the Century. He was also runner up in the Brownlow medal in 1975. Played 4 games for Victoria. He was a far better wingman than Steven Stretch & although Alan Johnson was one of my very favourite players in the 1980s I think there is a case for Stan Alves to be sitting around the same ranking as Alan Johnson. Alves v Johnson.docx

Jaydon Laverde has been at Essendon for 7 years now. Whilst his stats over the years aren't great he was riddled by injury in his first four years. Even this year he suffered an ankle injury that kept him out for a few weeks & only played a total of 6 games. He has played mainly forward at Essendon, but he was originally drafted as a goalkicking midfielder. He has played 46 games & is 25 in Apr next year & is 191cm in height. In the games he has played he has shown he has ability. He would be a point of difference to our midfield & resting on a flank. I think we should explore a trade as he has an upside & would benefit from a new Club environment.

These are always tough decisions with older players who have given their all for the Club. When Junior was forced to retire there was a lot of angst amongst many, but they made that tough decision. I admire Nathan for his loyalty, resilience, tenaciousness & leadership. However, the question needs to be asked is he in our best 22? I think the answer is no. They intended to play him on a half forward flank, but Bayley Fritsch should be on a flank rather than be a key forward. Head v heart, but I think they should have appointed him as a development coach rather than as a player. Melksham played the other flank this year, but one suspects that may be filled by the resting onballer - Petracca or Oliver?

The best teams have great midfield depth. Richmond - Cotchin, Martin, Prestia, Edwards, Bolton, Pickett, Caddy, Ross, Lambert, Graham, Stack. Geelong - Selwood, Dangerfield, Guthrie, Duncan, Steven, Ablett, Simpson, Atkins. If we look at out midfield - Oliver (midfield & forward), Viney, Petracca (midfield & forward), Brayshaw, Sparrow, Vandenberg. Harmes (contracted until 2024) is flexible as can play midfield, but also play back if required & no doubt could do a job as a pressure defensive or offensive forward. We need more inside & outside run in the midfield! Our midfield has quality, but doesn't have the depth of either Richmond or Geelong.

Yes, offer an extension

I have been reading Demonland for many years & felt compelled to join to make a comment about Neville Jetta. He is my favourite player! Nev is a proud Nyoongar man who has had to battle his way back onto the list over the years & then to be recognised as one of the best small defenders in the AFL. Neville was in the All Australian squad in 2017 & in 2018 won the 2018 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award. 2020 was anything but a usual year & with shortened turnarounds between games, & no VFL to display form, niggles to 'older' players disadvantaged them. With the AFL reviewing list sizes some heart-breaking decisions may be required. I respect what Nathan Jones has done for the Club, but would find it disappointing if Nathan was offered a contract to enable him to reach 300 games & Nev was not offered a contract. We need people like Nev & 'Flash' in the football Club to complement what 'Wheels' is doing. Neville has been inspirational both on & off the field & he should be offered a new contract with both a playing & non-playing aspect to it. Eddie Betts is likely to be offered a new contract by the Blues as a player & a mentor & Neville Jetta should be offered a contract too.