Deeoldfart

Why didn't I think of that!?

Recently, pitmaster posted the following comment on the 'you know who' thread (post #1062 for those who are game to venture over there): "It's been some time since I contributed to the (name omitted) speculation so to avoid being attacked for being un-Melbourne I want to add something. I mean, how can I respect myself as a declared Demon if I am not adding to this thread?" I have made a personal pledge not to contribute to 'that' thread until the lad has made his decision, so I couldn't respond over there. However, I think some important questions need to be asked and answered, and this seemed like the logical place to do it (thanks Redleg, for creating this avenue!). Q1. Do I fear being attacked for being un-Melbourne because I choose not to contribute to 'that' thread? A. Slightly (I'm a coward at heart!) .... but I realise I must be strong! I keep telling myself I'm not going to let my timidity sway me from exercising my democratic right to remain 'Melbourne', while choosing not to become embroiled the 'you know who' debate. Q2. Do I feel that I have lost all self-respect as a declared Demon because I'm not adding to 'that' thread? A. No, definitely not! I am my own man, and if I want to remain a declared Demon without sullying (note: there is no 'c' in that word) my self-esteem, then I'm bloody well going to do it, no matter how hard it is! I know this pathetic attitude might put me at risk of breaching the Demonland Code of Conduct, but all I can do is hope that the Mods (MRC?) will take my good record into account in determining my fate. I'm sure I don't have any carry-over points.

I saw it and felt very sorry for Greeny. He was put in the hot seat with a couple of very pointed questions, and seemed like he was looking for somewhere to hide. I feel sure part of this is because he's not just comfortable in the media, but unfortunately, there's rarely smoke without fire somewhere.

No Scarlo, Addam's work rate has been 'average' throughout his career. IMO, that's why he hasn't been able to nail a regular spot in our best 22. I had high hopes that 2011 would be his 'breakout year' after what was reported to be a stellar pre-season. Unfortunately, all we have got is more of the same.

I really like that line-up, but would probably change Evans for Gysberts (who is playing like he needs a rest imo). Frawley and Martin to take care of Pods and Hawkins. Gawn would be very competitive against their rucks, and give Jamar a decent crack at FF. The toughest of assignments at the Cattery, but I think we need to change things around a bit (give them something to think about).

I agree Webber. The gap between our best and our worst has widened in 2011 compared to last year. 'Competitive' was the buzz word used so often about the Dees in 2010, but this year, when we have been beaten we have been largely uncompetitive for large parts of games. I'm prepared to cut a bit of slack for yesterday's performance (because of the Darwin factor), but the next three weeks will be critical to finding out just where we are as a team ..... whether we have progressed or regressed. Edit: corrected date,

Perhaps I'm still grumpy this morning (in fact I'm sure I am!), but what I thought I saw from Addam yesterday wasn't about toughness, it was about work rate. Maybe they are one and the same in some respects. I dunno (exasperation!).

Fair point Dr, the whole group is far too 'hot and cold' at the moment. My concern with Addam though, is that this has become a trait throughout his career.

Exactly what I thought at the time, and commented to my wife. A replica of what we saw so often from Sean.

I think we saw yesterday why Addam is not a regular best 22 at Melbourne, and IMO, never will be. After a creditable performance in Darwin, he was woeful against the Hawks. His defensive pressure was non-existent, and his overall workrate was way below what is expected. Unfortunately, this has become the norm with Addam .... one or two decent games, followed by one or more where he doesn't work nearly hard enough. Good teams can tolerate fluctuations in form, but not fluctuations in effort. I'd love to be proven wrong (because I think Addam has some talent), but I've run out of patience.

That's pretty much the same as everyone else today.

I couldn't find any clear winners for the Dees, so these votes are based on who (IMO) worked hardest or had fewest turnovers ......... a disappointing way to have to award votes. 6. Martin 5. Petterd 4. Rivers 3. Green 2. Jones 1. Dunn

Wow. You've built a strong case for a Dees win there WJ.

Luke Power has had an outstanding career, but I think it's now time for him to 'sign off' gracefully. If our Footy Department thought there was truely a place on our list for someone of his ilk, Junior McDonald would still be a Melbourne player ........ and if there is still lingering discontent within our playing group about Junior's departure, I don't think recruiting Power would do anything to heal that malaise.

I don't have the numbers, but I reckon his clanger count and poor decisions are well down over the last couple of months, and therein lies the difference between the Jonesy we love, and the one who has sometimes frustrated the hell out of some of us. Well done Chunk, and keep up the good work!

Totally agree. All we have to do is play four quarters like we played the first two last time we met. Not easy, but it can be done!

Plus Davey I would think. Hasn't had a great season, but still in our best line-up.

If Billy the Kid turns out to be as good as his old man (and I still reside on this planet), I will be a very happy, very old man.

If Sylvia is to make AA, he will need to run 'white hot' for the next 7 rounds ... and if so, we will play finals.

Winning the clearances will be critical (stating the bleeding obvious). Our rucks are much better credentialled, but we must stop Mitchell, Burgoyne et al roving to our ruck dominance. IIRC this is exactly what happened in the second half in Round 2, and that was the end of the section for us. Mitchell & co. are past masters at winning clearances to beaten rucks, and I'm wondering what (if anything)can be done tactically to limit this happening. Ultra tight tags on their playmakers could work, but I'm not sure that we have the cattle to do this for four quarters. I'd be interested in the thoughts of fellow Demonlanders.

I agree with that. None of our boys are leading contenders at this point, but if Chip (in particular) delivers like he did in Darwin over the next 7 weeks, he would have to be in with a chance. It will mean taking some pretty decent scalps along the way, and continuing his outstanding (eyecatching) run out of defence.

6. Petterd 5. Martin 4. Frawley 3. Sylvia 2. Moloney 1. Trengove

Love the players, but can't help loving the kids as well. Some of those smiles are worth a $1m. Hope they are even bigger come the final siren tonight!

Late last year Stef was playing for Casey 2s. I know there were reasons for that, but his 'rise from the ashes' in 2011 has been remarkable. Big Max Gawn's situation is very similar. He's always been a great prospect, but his 2011 development has been outstanding. It just shows what an important part 'opportunity' can play in player development.

Beat me to it old dee!