Whispering_Jack

The finals are approaching. 2024 Coates Talent League: Round 18 TOTW

What Petracca told his Melbourne teammates and how the playing group reacted

The draft order as we come into the last round before the finals:- ROUND ONE 1 Richmond 2 North Melbourne 3 West Coast Eagles 4 Adelaide 5 Coast Suns 6 St Kilda 7 Melbourne 8 Essendon 9 Fremantle (tied to Collingwood) 10 Fremantle 11 Carlton 12 Hawthorn 13 Gold Coast Suns (tied to Western Bulldogs) 14 Brisbane 15 Geelong 16 GWS Giants 17 Fremantle (tied to Port Adelaide) 18 Sydney Swans END OF ROUND ONE 19 Sydney Swans (tied to North Melbourne assistance package) 20 Gold Coast Suns (tied to North Melbourne assistance package) ROUND TWO 21 Richmond 22 North Melbourne 23 West Coast Eagles 24 St Kilda (tied to Adelaide) 25 Gold Coast Suns 26 Fremantle (tied to St Kilda) 27 Adelaide (tied to Melbourne) 28 Essendon 29 Hawthorn (tied to Collingwood) 30 Richmond (tied to Fremantle) 31 Carlton 32 Collingwood (tied to Hawthorn) 33 Western Bulldogs 34 Gold Coast Suns (tied to Brisbane Lions) 35 Geelong 36 GWS Giants 37 Port Adelaide 38 Melbourne (tied to Sydney Swans) ROUND THREE 39 Richmond 40 North Melbourne 41 Richmond (tied to West Coast Eagles) 42 Adelaide 43 Western Bulldogs (tied to Gold Coast Suns) 44 Melbourne (tied to St Kilda) 45 St Kilda (tied to Melbourne) 46 Gold Coast Suns (tied to Essendon) 47 Collingwood 48 Richmond (tied to Fremantle) 49 GWS Giants (tied to Carlton) 50 Collingwood (tied to Hawthorn) 51 Melbourne (tied to Western Bulldogs) 52 Brisbane 53 Geelong 54 GWS Giants 55 Port Adelaide 56 Sydney Swans ROUND FOUR 57 Richmond 58 North Melbourne 59 West Coast Eagles 60 Adelaide 61 Carlton (tied to Gold Coast Suns) 62 Fremantle (tied to St Kilda) 63 Melbourne 64 North Melbourne (tied to Essendon) 65 Richmond (tied to a Collingwood) 66 Carlton (tied to Fremantle) 67 Hawthorn (tied to Carlton) 68 Brisbane (tied to Hawthorn) 69 Carlton (tied to Western Bulldogs) 70 Gold Coast (tied to Brisbane Lions) 71 Geelong 72 GWS Giants 73 Richmond (tied to Port Adelaide) 74 Hawthorn (tied to Sydney Swans)

I love this vision ...

Yes, I got the feeling that the item might have been composed by someone working in a call centre in Mumbai or Manila. Postscript This is their list in order from 5 to 1:- 5. Todd Viney (1987-1999) was a key figure for the Demons, renowned for his relentless effort and leadership as a midfielder. His dual role in both defense and attack, coupled with his inspirational presence, made him a significant contributor to the team’s success during his career. 4. David Neitz (1993-2008) established himself as one of the league’s top forwards, known for his goal-scoring prowess and strategic play. As captain for much of his tenure, Neitz’s leadership and skill left a lasting impression on the team and its supporters. 3. Ian Ridley (1954-1961) played a crucial role in the 1950s, recognized for his versatility and strong defensive skills. Ridley’s ability to adapt and excel in various positions was pivotal to the team’s achievements 2. Norm Smith (1952-1967) was a formidable player and coach, instrumental in guiding the Demons to several premierships. His strategic insight and leadership both on and off the field solidified his legacy within the club. 1. Robert Flower (1973-1987) stands out as perhaps the greatest player in the Demons’ history, known for his extraordinary talent and consistency.

This interesting piece came up on one of my feeds and, given that the men’s season is nearing an end for Demon fans and with all of the scuttlebutt swirling around concerning possible departures, I thought it was well worth some discussion. The greatest players in Melbourne Demons History The article is tremendously flawed. For starters, it omits our greatest ever in the late Ronald Dale Barassi who leads the rest of the field by the extent of daylight to Robbie Flower who comes in second in my estimation. David Neitz ahead of Garry Lyon? Questionable. Where does Jim Stynes fit in? Ivor Warne-Smith? Norm Smith was before my time but does he beat Jack Mueller? The author actually places him in his timeline as a coach (1952-1967) but he finished playing long before that. What about the dwindling number of greats who played in our golden era of the 50s and 60s? Sure, Ian Ridley gets a guernsey but does he get in front of Brian Dixon, Laurie Mithen, Noel McMahen, Don Williams, Stuart Spencer, Hassa Mann, Tassie Johnson and Big Bob Johnson? And then there’s the current crop of stars like Maxy, Jack Viney, Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca? Would the last player on that list risk his standing and legacy in the pantheon of Demon stars if he leaves us for whatever reason has prompted him to even consider the thought as has been rumoured by some in the media? Footnote: the article is so heavily monetized that my final thought is that it’s an epic piece of clickbait. The list of five “players” is:- 1 Robert Flower 2 Norm Smith 3 Ian Ridley 4 David Neitz 5 Todd Viney

Essendon rookie Jaiden Hunter returned home to WA today after the Bombers said he would not be offered a new contract. He becomes the first delisted player for the year.

I read an article yesterday that suggested Port Adelaide was saying it wanted ANB and our first pick in the draft for Houston. It was probably based on conjecture but, at anything near that cost, I would be disappointed if we were interested in dealing with him anyway. Moreover, if he’s on board with the way the media is reporting the situation (and I’m not suggesting he is), then he’s not the person we want either.

From a Herald Sun online report on an APS v AGS game played at Caulfield Grammar School featuring a number of high profile potential players including “Noah Yze (Caulfield) Yze imposed himself on the contest in the first quarter with three marks that set up two goals. One was an intercept mark that led to a goal assist to teammate Charlie Rowe and another saw him slot through a major for himself from range. The 190cm Yze is linked to Melbourne through his father Adem, and has already played two games at VFL level, kicking a goal in one of those and laying seven tackles.”

It would be fair to say that the decline in Melbourne’s fortunes as it staggers towards the end of the season has provided us with a stark reminder of the need to replenish AFL team lists and maintain depth. The coming months without participation in the finals will see activity in the trade, free agency and draft period that will determine whether the club’s slide continues or whether it can resurrect itself in the same way that Geelong has done this year. But planning for list changes goes beyond the mere short term. Clubs are already looking beyond this year’s draft and on to 2025 and 2026. As always, there are some interesting prospects coming up and the AFL’s futures trials are almost here. SQUADS | 2024 AFL Under 17 Futures trials

Demons have the advantage of the wind in the next quarter but they need someone like Riley Sanders who has the ball on a string.

The Summer Olympic Games of 1924 were held in Paris but unlike this year’s modern version which runs for just over two weeks, they lasted almost three months from early May until late July. The 1924 version signalled the acceptance of the Games as a major event with widespread appeal with an increase of participation from 29 to 44. Over 3,000 athletes participated including nine from Australia, of whom Nick Winter (triple jump), Dick Eve (high diving) and Boy Charlton (1,500m freestyle swimming) winning gold. The hero of the Games was Finnish distance runner Paavo Nurmi won five gold medals to add to the three he had won in 1920. On a single day, 10 July 1924, he easily won the 1500m and then, a mere 55 minutes later, he returned to the track to win the 5,000m. Meanwhile, American swimmer Johnny Weissmuller won three golds. After claiming two further golds at the 1928 Games, he went on to play Tarzan of the Apes in twelve movies. The Paris Games themselves became immortalised in "Chariots of Fire", the Oscar-winning film about Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian who ran for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams, a Jew who ran to overcome prejudice. American Richard Norris Williams was arguably, the most interesting story of the Games. He had narrowly avoided having both legs amputated after jumping into frozen water during the sinking of the Titanic on 15 April 1912. Following his rescue, he went on to enjoy a highly successful tennis career which included a mixed doubles gold with Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman at Paris in 1924. The Closing Ceremony ritual was introduced involving the raising of three flags: the flag of the International Olympic Committee, the flag of the host nation and the flag of the next host nation. The VFL competition continued but things were not going well for the Redlegs. They had shocked the Blues in their first meeting for the season but this time were unable to make it a double despite having a rare strong last quarter. Poor disposal in front of goals was again their downfall. Round 13 Melbourne vs Carlton Saturday 19 July 1924 Venue: MCG Attendance: 17,931 MELBOURNE 1.1.7 3.8.26 5.11.41 7.13.55 CARLTON 3.4.22 5.4.34 9.6.60 9.8.62 Goals Percy Tulloh Alf Wilson 2 Hugh Dunbar Derek Mollison George Simmonds Skipper Bert Chadwick was in dispute with the committee during the week and emerged with the right to use his own judgement in setting the team. His changes actually saw a marked improvement in the side's play. Late in the game he moved himself into the ruck, put Bob Corbett on the wing and instructed his men to go through him. With four minutes to play the margin was back to seven points but they made no further inroads. Best were Taylor, Chadwick and Mollison. Seconds - Carlton 10.4.64 d. Melbourne 4.10.34 Round 14 South Melbourne vs Melbourne Saturday 26 July 1924 Venue: Lake Oval Attendance: 16,000 SOUTH MELBOURNE 2.2.14 3.4.22 6.7.43 12.13.85 MELBOURNE 1.3.9 4.7.31 4.7.31 5.8.38 Goals George Simmonds 2 Bobby Ewer Richard Taylor Percy Tulloh Hit by injuries and the unavailability of players, Melbourne nevertheless led by 9 points at half time before South Melbourne took over and blew the Redlegs off the park with a withering nine goal to one second half in slippery conditions as they finished the game with only 15 fit men. Coy, Streeter and Corbett were Melbourne's best as the team played its last game before three weeks off for the interstate carnival. Its season was virtually over. Seconds - Leopold 12.14.86 d. Melbourne 7.17.59 Round 15 Melbourne vs Geelong Saturday 2 August 1924 Venue: MCG Attendance: 7,382 MELBOURNE 0.0.0 1.6.12 2.8.20 5.9.39 GEELONG 5.2.32 5.5.35 8.7.55 8.8.56 Goals Percy Tulloh 2 Dave Elliman George Haines George Simmonds When Melbourne returned to play on a bleak August day, the wind and rain saw them on the back foot from the very start as they went scoreless in the opening quarter - this, after three scoreless fourth quarters rough the season. There were some excuses given that both Dunbar brothers, both Wilson brothers, Wittman, Streeter and Donaldson were all absent, amongst eight changes and did well to at least perform with some respectability after the first break. Thomas, Chadwick and Coy were their best in game played before a meagre crowd. Seconds Geelong 20.17.137 d. Melbourne 2.5.17

It’s been subsequently revised to 64.

Similar score line to the last AFL game between the Demons and the Giants. Surely that can’t be repeated a third time tonight?

With such an even group in the pool, it’s going to be an interesting time to follow this year’s draft ~ Who will be No.1? 'Five or six' contenders in wide open draft pool

I agree

PM Bangers of bigfooty has his say:

First-year Demon lays 24 tackles in VFL loss

Fair effort from this lad who played for Richmond’s VFL team yesterday. Whichever club recruits him will have a player on their hands. Captain of the All Australian team too!

CASEY DEMONS 2.1.13 3.3.21 4.9.33 5.11.41 FRANKSTON 1.0.6 8.2.50 9.4.58 10.8.68 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Bell 2 K Brown Kentfield Peters FRANKSTON Johnson 4 Murphy 2 Burke Gown Newnes Quirk BEST CASEY DEMONS K Brown White Hore Steele Verrall SzybkowskI FRANKSTON Murphy Quirk Johnson Voss Grant Barlow Statistics Jed Adams 2 kicks 2 disposals 1 tackle 10 dream team points Jack Behnk 3 kicks 2 handballs 5 disposals 4 tackles 26 dream team points Jack Bell 2 goals 8 kicks 3 handballs 11 disposals 5 marks 1 tackle 12 hitouts 68 dream team points Kynan Brown 1 goal 16 kicks 11 handballs 27 disposals 24 tackles 175 dream team points Tyler Edwards 18 kicks 5 handballs 23 disposals 1 mark 5 tackles 85 dream team points Roy George 1 behind 5 kicks 8 handballs 13 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 40 dream team points Max Gregory 2 kicks 4 handballs 6 disposals 7 tackles 42 dream team points Blake Howes 13 kicks 8 handballs 21 disposals 5 marks 6 tackles 89 dream team points Marty Hore 20 kicks 1 handball 21 disposals 10 marks 1 tackles 97 dream team points Matt Jefferson 1 behind 6 kicks 8 handballs 14 disposals 1 mark 1 tackles 43 dream team points Luker Kentfield 1 goal 1 kick 2 handballs 3 disposals 2 tackles 12 dream team points Brayden Laplanche 5 kicks 5 disposals 2 tackles 23 dream team points Shane McAdam 3 behinds 9 kicks 5 handballs 14 disposals 2 marks 12 tackles 95 dream team points Nick Moodie 7 kicks 2 handballs 9 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 31 dream team points Charlie Peters 1 goal 8 kicks 5 handballs 13 disposals 8 tackles 70 dream team points Josh Schache 14 kicks 4 handballs 18 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 72 dream team points Ollie Sestan 2 behinds 13 kicks 5 handballs 18 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 55 dream team points Roan Steele 1 behind 19 kicks 4 handballs 23 disposals 3 marks 3 tackles 87 dream team points Mitch Szybkowski 11 kicks 6 handballs 17 disposals 1 mark 7 tackles 76 dream team points Will Verrall 14 kicks 4 handballs 18 disposals 2 marks 2 tackles 45 hitouts 107 dream team points Mitch White 20 kicks 4 handballs 24 disposals 2 marks 13 tackles 120 dream team points Kai Windsor 7 kicks 3 handballs 10 disposals 1 mark 8 tackles 63 dream team points

3QT Frankston 9.4.58 to Casey Demons 4.9.33 Goals Bell K Brown Kentfield Peters Disposals K Brown 18 Edwards 17 Howes Steele White 16

It’s a slog but Luker Kentfield scores the first goal of the second half at the 9 minute mark.

The Dolphins have dominated the second quarter with 7 goals to a single goal from Jack Bell. Will Verrall is winning the ruck hit outs (he has 20) but to no avail. The forward line has been completely shut down in the wet conditions. Kynan Brown is the lead on baller for the Demons and has been a tackling machine as well as leading the team’s disposal count. Half Time Frankston 8.2.50 lead Casey Demons 3.3.21 Goals Bell K Brown Peters Disposals K Brown 13 Steele 11 Edwards Howes 10 Bell Hore White 9

Frankston dominating the quarter with 4.1.25 to nil in the first twenty minutes of the second quarter. They lead by three goals.

Qtr Time Casey Demons 2.1.13 lead Frankston 1.0.6 Goals K Brown Peters Disposals Bell 7 K. Brown Steele White 6