Demon17

7 hours ago, Sir Why You Little said:

Absolutely, he should have been moved forward at least a year ago

he has had his time in the guts, it happens to all players. I am happy if he is kicking goals, i hate watching him being repeatedly burnt in the middle

Last week it was so blatant

I agree  SWYL.

Jones hasn't been in our top 4 mids for several years now and last night just exemplified there CAN be a role for him forward for the remainder of the year. Thus having a respectful year for him, but being realistic on his abilities. 

No room for sentiment necessarily unless your last name is Flower or Stynes IMO these day.

I would expect nothing less from Goody as coach

12 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

T Mac’s averaging 3 marks and 0.3 goals a game this season. Absolutely pathetic stats from our so called premier forward.

Dermot brereton gave a succinct analysis of tom on sen on saturday crunch time. Basically Tom's a defender trying to be a forward but without a true forwards trick bag. Runs straight at the ball and thats about it. Derm was being fairly honest and instructive and worth a listen. 

6 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

He, Hibberd, Jones and Jetta have been the 4 big disappointments of the season so far.

Senior A graders (on their day) that are all horribly out of form at the same time.

oliver and gawn are our A graders. And nev on his day which is most of the time. 

2 hours ago, Wiseblood said:

If there was nothing illegal about what they did, then Jonas wouldn't have got a fine, you absolute knucklehead. 

Yes, and lets pass by on this. Cornes needs traction in the media and has developed this persona as differentiation. If we don't discuss him he's back to the fire brigade.

43 minutes ago, sue said:

I'm amazed about the negative comments about Jone's dropped mark.  Some posters are almost saying he squibbed it.  Seemed clear to me he took his eyes off the ball because he wanted to see who was downfield for a quick pass.  A mistake, but that's all.  

Squibbing is a terrible word and did not occur here by Nathan.

But he did drop a mark at a critical time that would not have been fumbled by Selwood, Cotchin, Pendlebury, Hodge, Hurn, Lyon, Viney(T), etc......

16 hours ago, DubDee said:

what about the 4 games before that (beating WC, GWS, Cats, Hawks)?

we are a good team and we will come good. 

Interestingly DD that's the opinion too of most if not all commentators. 3 of the 4 prelim teams lost, Matthew Lloyd pointed out last night training didn't start till 7 December and he's not concerned about any of last years prelim finalists.

The main thing is to grab a few wins and then in second half they should be up and about.

Optimistic but lets see.

I saw the 2 MCG finals in 2018 - the talent is there for sure.

8 minutes ago, DeeZee said:

Our Cheer squad was pretty quiet, Port supporters were in full voice.

They had every right to be.  At the game we thought we couldn't believe the performance we were seeing and although engrossed in the game spent the time discussing whats going wrong rather than mindless cheering

26 minutes ago, Clint Bizkit said:

I worry about both Viney's and T. McDonald's foot injuries in the long-term.

 

My reliable information on tmac is that he is meticulous in foot management.

He has been known to take a bucket with him socially so he can ice his foot if needs be. Last year this occurred. Does nothing without medocos sign off.

21 minutes ago, stevethemanjordan said:

I'm going to share a story and it doesn't bother me whether or not posters believe me. 

I'll start firstly by asking if anyone else noticed Jack's clear limp during the last half on Saturday. There is absolutely no way that he was moving in that manner due to fitness. Watching him shuffle from contest to contest was almost unbearable and from second level MCC it was clear as day that Jack is either playing through pain or not being entirely honest about his pain. And neither is the club. 

Goodwin said we came away 'unscathed' in his presser but I don't think we're being told the truth about Jack and I'm fearful that he's in a similar position to Vanders in that this will always be an issue for him. 

Here's my story:

Two years ago I was suffering from plantar fasciitis which started over the pre-season (Same as Jack's injury). As soon as it became a constant ache and pain that wasn't going away, I got in touch with a physio from a previous club I'd been at who had just finished up working as North's physio. 

He suggested a relatively new non-invasive procedure that involved a needle which he said some AFL players had trialled with success as there's barely any recovery time. The more traditional surgery (the one that Jack had), is where an incision is made to cut the fascia and relieve the pain. But the recovery time is greater. However, this particular physio said that Jack's foot was in a shocking state after the surgery. Basically that it would never be the same and that he (like Vader's), will have to manage it from now on. He knew the guy who did the surgery. 

I realise this is probably suspected by many already but at the time I didn't want to believe it and thought I'd wait it out and see how he'd recover. But after seeing him in the flesh on Saturday, he is clearly favouring one side and had a notable limp and it can't just be a lack of fitness. 

I'm interested to know if anyone has heard similar. 

 

Thanks steve for this. I noticed the limp but the tail wags the dog here and has done for 2 years. Thats not supposition.

I have just recovered from PF after 5 years.  Soon as i heard the diagnosis i felt sick for jack.

I trust goodu takes this in hand. If jack plays this week then we know the answer.

16 hours ago, rjay said:

You're right 'Goody', it's no reason to overreact but that's now 4 poor games in a row.

That's a trend.

I think we can now put some things into perspective and act to fix what we can.

From my post after the JLT games...

"A lot of people wanting to put things into perspective from my readings....

...so here's my perspective.

We're not good enough to cruise through preseason games just yet...if these games are meant to tweak the game plan and fine tune for the first game then heaven help us.

That was a dogs breakfast.

No amount of perspective can change that."

In another post earlier in the year I also said that our continued improvement will be harder this year.

We've been on a steady upward climb and logic would see us drop off a bit somewhere.

Is this the year we drop back a bit? do we miss finals?

A bit early to call but on the evidence of the last 4 games we've got work to do.

I think our list is overrated by the media and of course us fans...there are holes and I'm sure the FD know this.

We lack quality small forwards, Jeffy is the only class one we have and he's super flakey...

Spargo is not up to it yet and I don't think he has the tricks to ever be. At his size he needs them big time.

ANB can fill a role but at the moment that's what all our small forwards are trying to do...he must hit the scoreboard to hold his place.

We had Sparrow in there yesterday for his first game and at least he put some pressure on but he's not a small forward.

Hunt's been tried but he's not one either.

So our small forwards are about pressure but none bring scoreboard pressure except Jeffy at times.

Our defence..Frost, should have been delisted.

Omac...the experiment is over. Time to put development into Petty alongside May & Lever.

Hibberd hasn't been the player he was in 2017, he's drifting by and not working anywhere near hard enough.

We miss Lever big time but I think we overpaid for him, one of those draft kids running around now adding a bit of class could have been handy.

Tommy Mac worries me, he's had a good season as a forward but has been very average as of late.

History shows he had a really good season and a bit as a defender then dropped off dramatically.

Let's hope it's just an aberration and he's up and firing again soon but the trend is remarkably similar.

Is Tommy getting ahead of himself or have the opposition worked him?

A big call but maybe Tommy could do with some Casey time with his brother.

Weid is a kid and he will get a bit more time. Expect him to be up and down but he needs to work harder when down.

Trac...undecided on him. I get the feeling he will never be the player we wanted but still be a good player. Just not a great one.

It's time to deliver young Trac, no more teasing.

The mids are a good group but they are believing their own publicity.

Thanks Gary Lyon, we all know Oliver is a star but he doesn't need to drink his own bathwater and he has recently.

Time for them to grow up and also time for Max to focus on his game, he's being pushed around too easily.

You're a big boy Max and you don't need everyone to like you.

Outside run, yeah we all know that. KK may provide some if he gets back to early career form but there's no guarantee there.

Being out of the early picks in the last 2 drafts has hurt and we need to pick some more talent.

Fritsch is class but is only a fringe player at the moment so he needs to give us more this year.

A side note to yesterday...they were up and about.

Did anyone notice how many players ran to Sparrow when he kicked his first AFL goal in his first game? not enough for my liking.

We weren't up for it.

So the question remains...the writing was on the wall for yesterdays game. Is it on the wall going forward?

Will we drop off this year?

 

 

 

Thanks RJay - I agree with all but the comments on Lever. I can see him being huge value , and TMac.

The scene was set for Trac also but nothing much. I fear he's a fringe/cameo player only.

On 3/22/2019 at 8:43 AM, Demon17 said:

Yes, and that perennial thorn in the side Justin Westoff, at 199cm , tests our height.

Danger game big time for me.

Love Fritsch being in as he can play tall.

I missed out on concerns re; max which west coast worked out in the prelim playing 2 talls and Preuss being left out, or anyone else that can ruck apart from Weid.

I hope they think about what appears to be an Achilles heel for max on a smallish sample size so far but relevant.

5 hours ago, DV8 said:

We are still in transition List wise, even while making finals games.   And we have been making the right list decisions, in past few years. watta hoges etc.

Our old stalwart leaders, are getting older, and our younger brigade leaders now in the mid 20's,  are hardening up... TMc etc.Its still premature to say Jones isn't best 22... he's ahead of stretch.

Who else  at this stage from Casey, removes Jones from the 22 ?

Jones performance in yesterdays last 1/4 put him not in the best 32? Let alone 22. The game was still up for grabs at the time the ball came in board to him.

I'm very concerned.

15 minutes ago, Rodney (Balls) Grinter said:

They had a 4 week head start -  how can you put the blame at our fittess staff.  It's the penalty we paid for making finals last year. 

I'm happy to leave my assessment on that until the end of the 2019 season.

Good call. At the risk of criticism the heat at the ground in the stands was uncomfortable.  I hate to think what it was like playing. No water carriers until goals. Midway through 2nd 1/4 gus was in trouble and attended by the doctor. Max was off for slabs of time. 

Not an excuse but the 4 week gap in training program against port always meant these conditions were to be an issue. 

5 minutes ago, Demonland said:

Given the conditions and the emergencies available it definitely makes sense. 3 talls and one small on a possibly wet pitch. No brainer. 

Agree. The humidity will see to it that the ball will seem slippery. In Darwin last season it looked like wet weather football to me from the boundary. Preuss is important and will get his chances.

39 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

If I was a Port supporter, I'd be worrying that Ken Hinkley hasn't realised this is Round 1 and is instead picking a team to help him win a game of Scrabble.

Gold!

11 hours ago, dl4e said:

I am going to have nightmares that Watts plays a decent game. 

Yes, and that perennial thorn in the side Justin Westoff, at 199cm , tests our height.

Danger game big time for me.

Love Fritsch being in as he can play tall.

On 3/5/2019 at 11:04 AM, ManDee said:

The beauty of football is the football. We do not need fireworks or half time entertainment. We need more football. The best sporting event I have been to was watching the under 19's the reserves and the 1st's  play footy, what a day! No fireworks, no imported Americanisation, no meatloaf other than my mums sandwiches and don't forget the McLelland Trophy.

Excellent summary.

Gil says last year was the best day in sport he's seen.

Apart from the game, that was because someone finally booked a fabulous pre-game performer - Jimmy Barnes,

and the National Anthem was the best ever, sung without backing music by the beautiful voice of Mahalia Barnes.

That is the gold standard fro future GF's.

use these 2 each year from now on. It will become a tradition quickly

59 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

Would be nice if he could kick them from outside 50, but the most important thing is he knows his range and plays to it. 

Can still be a very good player at 173cm with a 40m kick, especially if he brings smarts, evasive skills, tackling and other things that little guys are better at.

Hoping for a strong 2nd year.

Nailed it Deespencer

6 hours ago, chook fowler said:

Rubbish. He knows his limitations and works beautifully within them. For someone of his age he uses the ball exceptionally well. Besides, he did roost a couple of big goals last year.

So you missed his 45m angle goal against the hawks to kick start that session of play?  Beautiful field kick also.

My 5 cents worth

25 minutes ago, america de cali said:

Seriously with the last three premiers being dark to very dark horses as well as Collingwoods appearance in the GF that was in no ones dreams, predictions for this season are a waste of time and a lottery at best.

Correct call, but history tells us most years 2 to 3 teams drop out and are replaced by new contenders and most of the serious pundits have adopted this approach.  Only Malthouse has the Dees as a dropout - a huge plus for the team IMO.

6 hours ago, Wadda We Sing said:

Malthouse and Slobbo must drink together.

Just the same I'm sticking up for Robbo's big Call:

Brendan Gale to take over AFL

Can't happen too soon and he will be the best AFL leader since Sir Kenneth Luke.(yes I know that was VFL but the guy was a visionary).

23 minutes ago, binman said:

Hard to see impact of 6 6 6 rule, though Maxy did get the ball to his mids cleanly a few times. 

But this game really reinforced my belief that the biggest impact will be the changes to the kick out rules.

Having the man of the mark 9 metres from the top of the square and not having to kick the ball in the air almost makes the square redundant.

it really opens up the field and will make clear the back 50 much easier. At one point Jetts took the kick in, played on and ran diagonally towards the boundary. Gus (i think) put small block on the man on the mark , Jetts ran his full measure and by the time he kicked it was probably all of 30 metres from the goal line. His kick to the wing was pretty much halfway up the ground.

I think we will have big advantage with maxy because it means he won't have to push so far up the ground and will be in position to take a lot of marks on centre wing. With players running pat him we will get a lot of quick inside 50s. I can see Weids and TMac and Preuess all pushing up to centre wing at times to provide options.  

The other impact - and one i hadn't considered - is that i reckon there will be way more play ons from kick ins, way more. This will create  a much faster transition game. Teams will also need to set up their presses across the center of the ground the widest point, so hard to trap the ball. I will be fascinated to see if more scoring chains start from kick ins. I am predicting there will. 

Standing behind the goals it appeared melb had outriders in the pockets to prevent full back playing on out of the square to the boundary. May be wrong on this but spargo seemed to have this role.

12 hours ago, McQueen said:

Really?

I bet he’s done it to extract the urine following on from the texting episode. 

It’s hilarious. 

Still, I’m glad he’s at PA now.  

 

Brighton Grammar must be so proud right now.

On 2/1/2019 at 7:58 PM, willmoy said:

Sticks up for his mates on the field. That outweighs anything else in my book and it brings everyone together......

I  draw a line between when the Dees became a force to now  was the bulldogs game in 2017 which included the Bugg tweet ".. You Ready??".

I saw a team that felt they belonged that day that I hadn't seen for 10 years.  Bugg didn't instigate this but played a(very) small part in setting the scene.  Dees made the front page. Bugg gets a mural. Dees on the news and in the papers for the week. 

And they beat the Premiers by 10 goals.

I'll remember him for that game.  We all make mistakes.

Good luck to him.

On 2/1/2019 at 6:24 PM, Baghdad Bob said:

I thought that after the Mills incident but his piece in the Player's Voice and what I've heard from people who know him he's not.

I think he's just a bloke who make a bad mistake and I think he's truly remorseful.

Good luck Tom, hope the business goes gangbusters.  Thanks for your efforts at MFC and helping us when we were rubbish.

Classy post BB. Why the vitriol by others?

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