Deeoldfart

Thanks @Demonland. Definitely for worse imo, but I am very ancient (verging on prehistoric).

What a fantastic array of pre-season questions / discussion points. We are so lucky to have our Demonland pods! As a point of interest, does anyone know how many, and which other fan sites have them?

As an ‘interstater’ I could only watch the game on TV. While there were some standout players (for me they were Tracc, Max, Maysie, Nibbler, Hunter and Bowser) the aspects that impressed me most were how well our boys seemed to be ’on the same page’; how ‘even’ we appeared across the field; and how fit we seemed to be compared to the Tigs. Are these reasonable observations(?) and if so, how well does it place us for what is a very tough draw in the early part of the season proper? IMO, with the draw we have, it would be a great indicator of how far we can go in 2023 (barring significant injuries), if we are 3 zip after 3 games.

Thanks Luci. Nice ‘balanced’ assessment and summary.

Let’s just build and refine what we saw in last week’s scratch match. The score doesn’t matter, but if we do these things, we’ll win anyway ……… and of course, no injuries.

Exactly bin. Jackson even stated in an interview shortly after being recruited by Freo, that he had decided mid-season to ‘return home’ at season’s end.

'Training the house down' as usual! Great season opener. Thanks Andy & Bin!

Thanks Bin. Just need to read this out at tonight's Podcast.

PS. I’m also interested in the panel’s views on Kade Chandler as a small crumbing forward. I love Kade’s attack on the contest, and the defensive pressure that he brings, but I don’t see the ‘spark’ that separates the good crumbing forwards from the rest. IMO it’s important for us to have a 25+ a season small forward to fill this role, given the likelihood of us having a tall forward half, and Kozzie spending a fair portion of his time on ball.

Based on reports from our track watchers, and vision of the Sim on Friday, Judd McVee has emerged from a ‘long way back’ as being a genuine prospect in the space of one pre season. (What a bonus that would be!). I’d be interested in the panel’s ‘gut feel’ on how readily his pre-season form might translate to the real thing (?); is he a genuine chance for R1(?); and do you see him becoming a regular best 23 during the season, and if so whose spot is vulnerable (?)

I wonder how much we will be able to gauge from today’s hit out? I’ll be mostly looking for some hints and insights into tactical / game plan changes that we might take into the ‘23 season, and some clues as to the possible ‘pecking order’ where there seems to be strong competition for spots in our best 23.

Thanks BBP. Great news if reliable. This would indicate that he’s been cleared of any significant structural damage.

BBB presumably being ‘managed’. How are TMac and JVR looking?

Still no sign of Fritta in the recent pics and flicks?

Great discussion point DS, thanks! I love Chandler’s loyalty, persistence, work ethic and pressure on the ball carrier, but at this stage, I’m just not convinced that he has that special ‘spark / edge’ that separates the good small forwards from the ‘rest’. Given the likely tall(ish) structure of our forward half, and the projected midfield time of Kozzi, I think we need to have an opportunistic, creative and clever small forward, who will be at the feet of marking contests, and frequently capitalise when the ball (inevitably as it will) hits the deck. I just haven’t seen that sort of flair or magic from Chandler. Less than even money from me at this stage, but it would be huge for us if I’m wrong. Go Chin!

So it will be Big Bald Benny Brown (BBBB).

First thing I noticed in this clip. Still a high ball drop, but a significant improvement imo.

Training reports from Pickett and others about Deakyn Smith have me excited, but I’m the first to admit that I know very little about him. From reports he seems to be a smooth moving defender with good skills, who reads the play well, but that’s about it. How good are his defensive skills one-on-one (?), who on our list might he challenge for a senior berth (?), who on our list or others does he remind our track watchers of (?), could he play a Nev Jetta or Hibbo role (?). I’m really intrigued. Thanks for any insights.

Can we select both Burgoyne and Turner if Salo is placed on the LT injury list? Genuine question.

I'm extremely disappointed for all Demonlanders who made the trip to Gosch's for nothing at all, and for the rest of us who thrive on the reports from our track-watchers. Maybe the Club could repair some of the adverse PR generated by their poor form, by apologizing, and going to the effort of putting a meaningful training report from today's session on the Official site.

Max?

I’d prefer that he get his thumb (?) / hand (?) / wrist (?) fixed first. 😄

I love all the praise above for Daisy. Every bit of it 100% justified and earned. She’s a true legend of our great Club, and the game itself.

Great to see no post-surgery bandaging or strapping on Clarrie’s injure hand.

……… my preferred trifecta: Flag (AFL), Flag (AFLW), Flag (Casey Demons). We came close in 2022, and hopefully we can go one better in 2023.