Sleeve

Dons have hardest draw

23 February 2007 Herald-Sun

very interesting stat

"A RANKINGS points-per-minute table, revealing Demon Brock McLean was equal No. 1 with Eagle Chris Judd in effectiveness for time-on-ground.

McLean and Judd both averaged 1.26 points a minute under Champion Data's formula. Judd played 19 games and McLean 16. "

Lets hope he gets more ground time this year and injury free

That is an incredible stat, McLean has never actually been fully fit yet. I remember an article about him last year and his possession rate and it was quiet incredible.

Makes an even better read for those that attacked CAC for using pick 5 on him!

You sign a contract saying you understand.

You go and place a bet.

You must accept the penalty.

Stupid fools.

I'm madly hoping we win through the first round and venture to Aurora Stadium!

None of this knocked out speak!

Somebody in membership is either not doing their job or Melbourne continue to pay a substandard supplier.

In either case it really isn't good enough, regardless of whether it is only stickers or not.

I remember ND was interviewed on WLF (RIP) about Davey after his first or second year. They asked why everyone (including the demons) overlooked him in the Draft right up until the end of the rookie draft, and he said flatly "because Leon Davis had a bad Grand Final." It's widely regarded that at the time, tiny aboriginal goal-sneaks were a risk as they weren't strong enough physically to handle the rough stuff in the bigger games and finals. So far, as you point out, that assumption has been proven largely correct (however his recruitment and promotion can hardly be called a mistake. As you say, he COULD have an effect on finals, just hasn't yet). Oh, and for the record, I've only ever claimed Aaron is a star of MFC so far. I think he's on the way to being an AFL star, but is a ways off it just yet.

If it weren't for the extraordinarily exciting form of Aaron (having come from nowhere), would Alwyn, or any other tiny quick players have been recruited for such a high price? My assertion that Alwyn was recruited as a direct result of Aaron's form suggested more that the league has stood up and taken notice of the brilliance of smaller players (particularly the Davey family). I think it's fair enough to suggest that there are 16 AFL teams that Aaron would walk into (maybe 14 if we're being pedantic). Any coach would love to have another Davey clone in their side, and from what I saw of how he played in the SANFL, there is little difference on the surface between the two in the way they play the game. Perhaps the dons' recruiters felt that the next Davey IS the next Davey.

Of course. No-one said this Davey vs Hayes vs Davey thing was of any HUGE improtance. What I love is that, assuming that Alwyn plays some games this year, Essendon and demons fans are going to have a sensational rivalry going regarding who is the better Davey. From what I've heard, the dons have played an intra-club and Alwyn kicked 3 goals. He's also been recruited later than your usual 18-year-olds having played some senior footy, which makes him more likely to play games immediately, and his side is in desperate need of quality, quick players. It's as likely as not that he'll play 22.

For the record, I'm entirely sceptical about a player who has a reputation as having attitude problems and is so small. Not only this, but he's a rookie, which means to play he needs someone else to get injured, and worst of all, he's competing with Davey and Byron for a role in the side. I'm not sure if he's going to be on the list for a mandatory one year or two, as I don't know if he's an interstater. But like you say RR, all the above is only ASSUMING that all 3 play games. You'd suggest being taken at pick 36 means Alwyn will be given every opportunity, especially in such a slow/average side. But who knows? I don't hold any HUGE hopes for Hayes, certainly not ahead of guys like Hughes and Neaves, who's bandwagons I'm RIGHT on.

It's still fun to compare. Especially if you've got lots of spare time like me...

Alwyn did indeed play a practise match and kick 3, he also kicked 3 behinds.

A close friend of mine who witnessed the game commented that Alwyn had all the attributes of his brother but tended to have a better attack on the football than that of his brother.

I personally cannot comment but this gentleman is rather astute so I'm willing to go with it until I personally view otherwise.

Back in 92 at our family day at Caulfield racecourse. Was 12 approached G. Lyon for an autograph and told me to come back after he finished his snag.

I met Garry some years ago when he was MC for a night at a Network Gaming function I assisted in organising in Hobart.

Garry did himself no favours that evening, there were several Melbourne supporters including myself when we approached Garry you couldn't have met a more ignorant individual. Garry was more interested in other things.

I met OX at the Crown, gee some 9 years ago... top bloke.

Game plan, skills, endurance - 'gut running', and leadership have never been more important.

Contested possessions are as important as ever, but mainly at stop plays, such as ball ups, boundary throw ins, and the centre square. The reason we see less contested possessions per game is that once the initial clearance has taken place the team in possession starts blocking and creating space and the defensive team in that piece of play either mans up or starts a defensive zone. There's not the contests that we used to see all over the ground, but more a chess board with set plays.

Games are won in the midfield and the pressure to win the stoppages has never been greater.

Bingo Flea, never have you been more correct.

The contested football game is indeed won at the stoppages, Centre Square, Ball Up's and Throw In's. I Would then argue then that a decent 200cm plus ruckman is a necessary part of the pie.

Bikram Yoga is a [censored].

Trust me 90 minutes in the sauna in some pretty uncomfortable positions is not much fun.

Byron to play so he can "lose a few".

Shaun Smith at the 'Gabba for Mark.

Aaron Davey v Geelong Friday night football, in the wet, on the boundary, hemmed in, drills it right through the middle!

we dont want to win the NAB cup, thats for sure

We don't want to be zip - 3 after 3 rounds either.

Sure it looks exciting and very good on paper, but that's all it is at the moment. Until they play to their potential consistantly and uncompromisingly, that's all that group will ever be - potentially good.

I will celebrate and start salivating when i see our midfield become the dominant one of the AFL, ala the lions 01-04 and the weagles.

The voice of reason.

Very very true Demon Disciple.

I for one will be very happy to have a fully fit and fired up Beamer at our disposal.

Often slated for being slow.... err yeah.... he has all the grunt and mongrel you could ask for.... I'm keen as hell to see the boy fire up.

I'm not surprised Australia went the biff, the Irish had headhunted and sniped in the first 2 games, they got what they deserved in my opinion.

It is funny when you think of it, they started it, then they whinge when they get touched up......

I don't recall people saying that Brock needed to trim down by 5..... and he was a little more heavy set than our boy Jones.

I'm surprised Hannabal hasn't checked in on this thread!

People seriously over rate the trade potential of Bell.

Opposition sides do there homework folks and Bell has show absolutely nothing to suggest he could be a "Good" Footballer.

He lacks awareness, he makes wrong decisions, his turning circle is out there for someone with such pace and he simply doesn't appear to have any footy smarts.

He has pace and is tough.... but that doesn't cut it in the game this day and age.