Deeoldfart

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!

I agree with you about Flash, old dee ......... and (grudgingly) about the demotion of Bennell as well.

I think you may have misunderstood what Roo said 'On the Couch' nutty. My take is that he was talking about Jackson Trengove being homesick, and very keen to return home to Victoria at the end of the season.

Also incorrect ...... it was Brent Moloney.

Great initiative Redleg! I read the 'you know who' thread, but conscientiously avoid posting because I know full well that I wouldn't be able to match most of the BS that goes on over there.

From what I have seen, Addam doesn't seem to have genuine pace, acceleration, contested marking, rat cunning or mongrel which set the best small forwards apart from the rest (players such as Betts, Garlett and Milne all have at least some of these qualities). Unfortunately, IMO Addam is an ok footballer without any special qualities which make me think he is going to make it. To his credit, he seems to be working much harder this year, but I'm not convinced that he has what it takes to earn a regular spot in our best 22. Having said that, I live in Canberra and have only seen one Casey game this year. Maybe he is showing more in the VFL than what he has shown in his limited opportunities for the Dees.

I thought the suggestion that Bennell should play in Darwin might be a cue for you to enter the discussion old dee (ha, ha). My problem is that if the match was being played anywhere else, I would probably share your view. I just reckon this might be a classic case of 'horses for courses'. Let's wait and see what the Match C'tee thinks!

Yeah, I understand your point of view Theo, but I just think Bennell might have more to offer than Maric in the (likely) difficult playing conditions in Darwin. Incidentally, both of these players are amongst my greatest disappointments to date in 2011, after (apparently) having stellar pre-seasons.

Just read on Fox Sports News that Vic. Police are investigating the brawl. The article wasn't clear on whether their involvement was just because a spectator was involved, or whether they may also be looking at issues involving players. Interesting!

I'd probably go against the popular trend, and keep Bennell for the Darwin game. His ball handling in slippery conditions is second-to-none, and this, combined with his pace, could be real assets. He must know that a spell at Casey is looming, and if he retains his spot for Darwin, he will surely realise that he is very lucky ..... that might just bring the best out of him. Having said that, his form doesn't warrant retention, and that should probably be the ultimate decider.

That sentence sums it up perfectly HT.

I agree 'Land 7. Your second para, combined with what has been written in the 'Physical Maturity' thread were far more 'match defining' last night than any shortcomings in our gameplan or lack of initiative by the coaching staff. Three consecutive six day breaks didn't help either.

I generally avoid commenting on topics like leadership, on the grounds that those inside the Club are in a much better position than me to make judgement calls on these issues. However, from what I have seen on the field over the last 6 to 8 weeks, it's becoming clearer by the week that 2012 will be the appropriate time for a 'generational' change of leadership at the Melbourne Footy Club ....... time to introduce the 'new breed' of leaders who will lead us to the holy grail. Transition to the 'new breed' will be difficult, and some noses will be put out of joint, but I really think we must 'bite the bullet'. If this means dispensing with aspects of the Leading Teams model, then so be it! For me, one of the major positives of the 2011 season so far, has been the emergence of some real on-field leaders amongst the ranks of our talented youngsters.

Great mark and good game by Ricky ...... worked his backside off. If that's what a short stint at Casey can do for a players approach, then I'd like to see a few more asked to follow that path.

We were clearly outplayed tonight by bigger bodied opponents. It was a 'tired' performance by the Dees, and very hard to find four quarter contributors. My votes: 6. Trengove 5. Watts 4. McKenzie 3. Petterd 2. Jones 1. Howe

Demonland is my football lifeline ....... I'd lose my mind without it. Thanks Andy for all your hard work and generosity. Such a tiny subscription.

Sure did!

Heartbreaking, just heartbreaking! One of my all-time favourites in 60+ years supporting the Dees. RIP Irish, you will never be forgotten in the annals of the Melbourne Football Club.

Couldn't agree more! Demonland is my first port of call every day! Thanks to everyone involved, including contributors who give me my daily 'footy fix'.

Thanks DC.