mandeelorian

Just a reminder that Essendon have our first pick in the draft …

I’m sure there will be a lot of pile on comments and questions this week so I will contribute something positive. I thought Kade Chandler played a very good game this week. 25 possessions and 3 goals. Was our only shining light.

Super flat by the result but happy with the effort in terrible conditions. Five first gamers is the most of any team in the AFL era (not counting the inagural matches of new teams). How did you rate each of the debutants games including Harry Sharp?

I think the wind and the kickers are more to blame than JVR.

6. Gawn 5. Lindsay 4. Petracca 3. Bowey 2. McDonald 1. Lever

The most frustrating aspect of this game for me was our accuracy in front of goal. This has been a persistent issue for several years, with little to no improvement, and once again, our set-shot kicking was agonizing to watch. I have virtually no confidence in most of our players when they line up for goal. Whether it’s a technical flaw, nerves, or something else entirely, the fact remains that nothing has been done in any of our offseasons to address it. The only thing more infuriating than winning the inside 50s and watching the ball rebound straight out, a problem we’ve had in the past, is dominating inside 50s, generating scoring shots, but failing to convert them into goals. Winning the scoring shots by six yet losing the game by three goals is simply unacceptable. Sure, they missed some chances too, but we squandered some absolute sitters, and that’s inexcusable. And before anyone dismisses this as "just a practice match," I shudder to think how we’ll fare when the real pressure kicks in.

I was thrilled that we landed Harvey Langford. A friend of mine—deeply involved in the Under 18 competition (and not even a Dees fan)—believed Harvey was good enough to be the number one pick and could turn out to be the best recruit in his class. After attending a few training sessions over the break and hearing glowing reports from other Demonland Trackwatchers over the summer, I was impressed with his physique, work rate, and overall use of the footy. He seems ready-made for the role, and I was confident he’d be playing early in the season. Having watched him on the weekend, I’m now convinced he’ll feature in Round 1. We’ve discovered a real gem. Welcome back, and here’s to an exciting season of podcasting. Go Dees!

I really hope we haven't told him that if he plays for us next year we'll allow him to walk out on his contract next year and give us and other clubs longer to prepare a deal with better picks.

If an external review wasn't on the cards before this interview then it must now be forced onto the club by the AFL. A more horribly run organisation I have never seen and I've been involved in overseeing many voluntary and involuntary administrations.

6. McDonald 5. Gawn 4. Salem 3. Rivers 2. Chandler 1. Billings

Firstly I want to thank you guys, Andy, George and Binman for fronting up each week in a difficult and frustrating season. It really is the highlight of my footy week. Looking forward to a better season next year. Secondly I want to thank all the listeners who bring up some interesting questions and topics for the discussion each week. Well done to the Demonland Podcast Family. It really is a team effort. Thirdly I want to give props to TMac for a fantastic season. We all wrote him off last year and who would have thought he would have rejuvenated his career by going back into defence. He stood up week in week out. His disposal improved out of sight (with the exception of the occasional howler but hey this is Melbourne - it's in our DNA). By the end of the season TMac was holding the defence together and I thought he was outstanding on tonight. Best on Ground for the Demons.

I don't think he will be suspended. May go to tribunal but Darcy Moore fell. Would have been a fair bump if Moore had kept his feet.

Jack Viney was fantastic today. Heart and soul and bleeds red and blue. Please stay Jack.

Houston would have been a handy addition to the club but not at the expense of a low first round pick. Take pick 6 to the draft.

I'll also add that the club did put him on the trade table and couldn't get a deal done. Nibbler put his head down and became a Premiership player, an important role player and this year played one of his best seasons.