Dees_In_October

Live stream here: https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1407010/aflw-at-casey-practice-match-info Not sure if it will be available to watch later or if it’s live only.

Inspiring stuff, seems like just yesterday Sammie’s pregnancy was announced (though I’m sure it doesn’t feel like that to her!). https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1407387/sammie-is-back-johnson-re-joins-primary-list https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwEnSl1BOkL/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

In this article on the Top 10 biggest questions for AFLW 2023, I'm sure you can all guess the one related to the Dees! https://www.womens.afl/news/122540?_ga=2.169718247.73516909.1692161723-2126436883.1692161721 "Daisy Pearce's impact as a leader and coach has been discussed at length, and is something Melbourne has been working to cover since the star retired in January. Her impact as a player, however, has been largely forgotten. Playing her final seasons as a forward, Pearce was often tasked with roles on damaging opposition defenders, while also kicking 19 goals across both 2022 seasons. A combination of new captain Kate Hore, experienced player Eden Zanker, emerging star Alyssa Bannan and new recruit Aimee Mackin may just be enough to cover the loss of Daisy on-field." It's interesting because I feel among fans we tend to focus more on Daisy's leadership value in recent seasons, while respectfully hinting at a drop-off in contribution on the field. She certainly still had the ability to pop up in big moments (that classy goal in the Prelim against Nth) and may have had a nullifying defensive impact. But looking at the stats in the cold light of day, for Season 7... well, I won't go into detail but Daisy was well aware and made her decision accordingly. I guess it's inevitable, but it's a bit of a lazy narrative.

An absolute legend of the club. And across many years of high performance, some truly standout, unforgettable ones that we'll never forget.

Practice match report from the MFC website: MELBOURNE has triumphed in its first hit-out of the 2023 pre-season. The Dees travelled to IKON Park on Saturday to face the Blues in their opening practice match of their pre-season campaign, sealing a win at 5.5 (35) to 2.2 (14). Newly appointed captain Kate Hore kicked three goals in the match-sim and was quick to show her leadership on-ground, while winger Eliza McNamara was also in-form on return from her season-ending injury in 2022. Tyla Hanks and Megan Fitzsimon both made scoreboard impact kicking a goal apiece, with Charlotte Wilson and Sinead Goldrick impressing down back. Defender Shelley Heath reviewed the initial hit-out and said that despite a shaky opening quarter, the group was able to hit some rhythm in the second half. "We started off a bit slow," Heath said. "We had to get use to playing alongside each other again, we were trying out our game style and had lots of different types of playing coming in and out. "But after that first quarter, we eventually found our feet and started to play the way we wanted." Heath highlighted the work of her teammates, in particular the efforts of young Demon Georgia Campbell who impressed in her various roles across the ground. "Georgia did really well in her new role in the ruck," Heath said. "I thought she competed really well, laid tackles, offered plenty of follow-up at ground level to her ruck work, took a good couple of marks and I think overall she's really stepping well into that ruck position."

Couple of updates from the socials the last few days: - Eliza McNamara has been cleared to play in the practice match this Saturday, completing her recovery from that nasty spinal fracture last year - Sammie Johnson is back training after giving birth earlier in the year and could be ready to go in 3-4 weeks - The Mackins have arrived from Northern Ireland Tickets are on sale for all 10 H&A rounds this Thursday, 10am for members, 2pm for general public: https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1398353/tickets-on-sale-aflw-countdown Photo day and training pics here: https://www.melbournefc.com.au/albums/1398876/aflw-gallery-from-photo-day-to-the-track?modal=true&type=gallery&playlistId=1398876&playlistSize=10

Occasionally when watching a game I'm struck by just how many decisions umpires have to make and communicate within very short periods of time at an often frenetic pace these days. It's even more obvious now that umps are mic'ed up. Especially with needing to say "Stand" with every mark (surely this will end at some point?). I don't think there's another sport that requires so much involvement of umpires not just in adjudicating the game but directing players and often with the expectation that decisions be explained to players in real time as well. When you add in the fitness and other physical components (centre bounces), it's a lot. Anyway, congrats to Brett!

I've skimmed this thread, so forgive me if already mentioned, but does the AFL have anything set in writing about the consequences for not following the concussion protocols in this manner? I'm assuming that, when putting those in place, they also would have foreseen that they might not be followed (given the obvious advantage of failing to do so) and designated some kind of penalty for that in advance rather than having to be reactive to a situation like this one? Too much to ask? Clearly. I still remember a head knock I saw out at Casey Fields right in front of me, an opposition player from an interstate team that seemed under-resourced. It went unnoticed because it was on the far side of the ground away from any runners or medical staff, and with no video checks in place at the time. Most of the spectators were on the other side of the ground as well. There weren't even many teammates in the vicinity to force the player off. So, the player played on (it should never be up to the player to decide), and I felt helpless in my concern for that player, but what could be done? But this Port incident occurred in full view of everyone - fans, viewers, players, coaches, medical staff, the AFL and the media. Such a blatant breach.

Haha don't worry, late fixture release complaints are the lifeblood of any AFLW chat 😆

Love this. Makes sense to maximise resources like Choco and if we can do it across the club, why not: https://www.instagram.com/p/CvTYgjshREF/?img_index=1

Unbridled optimism on Demonland? I love it!

Boxing isn't my thing, so I'll leave it up to others to comment on Tayla's ability or otherwise. But until the AFLW H&A season takes up more than 20% of the year, I'm cool with pretty much anything players choose to do to earn a living - or just as importantly, maintain fitness. Helping players to juggle competing commitments is a huge part of what makes a successful AFLW team in this current phase. Give and take, of course, and you have to draw the line somewhere. But I'm sure the club were aware of the potential for injury in a boxing match.

I remember after Watt was de-listed from the Saints, there was considerable upset among their fans. Her former teammates were actively imploring other teams to take her on. Someone special for sure!

Excellent news, well done to all, particularly Rhi Watt. That's so impressive and I love what it says about the team culture. As for Kate, what a rise from rookie to captain. A few years back the field was wide open for Daisy's replacement, but last year it became clear that she was the one. It's been a pleasure to watch her get to this point.

Me, trying to be zen and accept that Clarry will be back when Clarry is back: Me, in reality, in response to every conflicting media report by every know-nothing under the sun:

For sure. But it'd be nice to have another full-time ruck option developing in case of a long-term injury. Cover all the bases!

Cricket/other events is the official line. I think Ikon Park is a good GF venue if it's a VIC vs. interstate team. Two VIC teams, and you're right, they'd be limiting themselves and taking away the chance to beat that record. I don't know that there are any other options available though. Hopefully at the very least there won't be any repeats of the Richmond vs. North semi-final last season, inexplicably played at Punt Rd Oval instead of Ikon Park, with North fans basically locked out.

Just remembered to check the Gaelic results. Armagh was knocked out last weekend at the Quarter Finals stage. So that's a shame, but maybe frees up the Mackins to join AFLW preseason a little earlier than otherwise.

Demonland delivers again with up-to-the-minute insider reporting!

Good point! I'd overlooked that. Good to see some consolidation of venues used, despite there still being some home grounds under development for part/all of the season (Whitten Oval, Punt Rd). Hopefully it means some stability for more teams and fans. https://www.womens.afl/news/120490/aflw-fixture-match-ups-revealed-gf-venues-locked-in The possible Grand Final venues are: * Alberton Oval: Port Adelaide * Norwood Oval: Adelaide * Brighton Homes Arena: Brisbane and Gold Coast * Fremantle Oval: Fremantle * GMHBA Stadium: Geelong * Henson Park: GWS and Sydney * Leederville Oval: West Coast * Ikon Park: Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Hawthorn, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Richmond, St Kilda and Western Bulldogs Hopefully similar has been done for the first three weeks of finals...but wouldn't be surprised if they forgot to do that!

Agree that a mix of Casey and Princes Park games is preferable. While we have a big advantage at Casey, I hate to think how much percentage we've squandered there over the years due to poor conditions. I also like that PP attracts a different crowd of Dees fans. We're also undefeated at PP from five starts and it's becoming the preferred finals venue. Melbourne travel interstate 3 times, Brisbane 4, Adelaide 5, North 4 (including Tassie). Perhaps clutching at straws in a 10-week season, but our travel is also nicely spaced out, whereas Brisbane travel 3 times in a 4 weeks and Adelaide have a back-and-forth trend for much of the season. Awarding points as follows (yes, it's a flawed measure): Fixtures ranked "hardest" to "easiest": Disclaimer being that the gulf reflected by these points allocated might narrow significantly or widen; very difficult to predict. Personally, I'd prefer for us to play as many of the contenders during the season. Brisbane has been compensated for their loss of players through the fixture. Not saying it's right, but this is the treatment we can expect (if draft/trade measures/natural decline fail to weaken us) until there is full season.

No worries, not looking for an in-depth binman analysis, just a shout out. Can't rely on the AFL to advertise haha.

On first glance, it's what I expected as reigning premiers in a comp with a huge gulf between the best and the rest. Need to see if the rest of the top 4 have received the same treatment. But if we fail to get amongst it, I don't think it will be something we can blame on the fixture. In terms of travel, we've done very well. The early starts for the Hawks and Cats games are really stupid though. I don't think it's so much of an impact on the players these days, but it's not great for fans. Yes, realistically there weren't going to be many Dees fans travelling down to the Cattery, but local fans who have jobs or kids? Too bad for them, I guess. And then it's like, why bother having that at GMHBA? Mostly just relieved that it's finally (finally!) been announced. And that they've set the Grand Final venues in advance.

I'm sure you guys are snowed under in preparation for another epic podcast - just a reminder to do a quick shout-out for the AFLW fixture release and Melbourne's part in the season opener on Sep 1st. I know you're across it, but also that it's a packed agenda! Don't think there's been a H&A game with more to discuss than that one. As always, love your work and go Dees.

Jack Viney's shorts memorial post RIP (ripped)