Demon Dynasty

Herald Sun Back Page Tomorrow........

"Eddie denies rumor that Neeld is a secret agent!"

The progress is that Misson will get us up to AFL fitness standards and Neeld will demand his players become hard smart AFL Footballers.

Could you please wake me when that happens.....my number.... 666 666 666 666

Don't worry fellas.....we've got this!!

I don't agree. We know Kennedy is their best. McKenzie is doing an OK job of stopping him, so let that work. We need to find another way to stop Jack. McKenzie can't do it all himself. It's not a solution to just move McKenzie onto whoever is playing well at the time

Fair enough, but surely we could beam Macca up and get Spock to clone us another 1 or 2 pronto ???

Quick Neeldy.....Ring the changes! (Like sticking a finger or 2 in a major leak of the dyke me thinks haha)

Rubbish. Kennedy is far and away their best mid. He's in Brownlow winning form this year. Putting McKenzie on him makes perfect sense.

Jack is an average player at best. Kennedy is A-grade.

No i meant at the moment. He's tearing us one. So swap and put Magner on Kennedy maybe as a change up

Seems we're back to a "Bailey" type start....progress?

nope, McKenzie on Kennedy

Ok....well their best is obviously Jack, so put your best shut down man on him surely... not on Kennedy

Someone remind me why the [censored] I bother.

Magner. To Jack. Right now. Seriously.

McKenzie

Having both Bennell and Blease will maximise foot speed but they will have to win the ball.

Agree re foot speed for Blease & Bennell. Blease might win a bit of the ball. I doubt Bennell will get very far on getting it himself though. Hasn't shown he has that in him so far and no pressure going the other way that i've seen. Haven't seen enough of Blease to say whether he'll bring it. TIme will tell i guess.

Martin for Garland is crazy. Garland has been very good this year in a warzone. Martin cant play back or forward and cant hold marks.

We'll agree to disagree. All i can say is look a little closer. Garland's form/confidence/decision making/finish (when to go 3rd man up/when not to go etc) is well down atm. He might find something, not saying he's finished. Took a good look close up at Martin last week. Seemed to be running alot harder, more power through the legs and hips? Much cleaner than i've seen in a while. Good run, good evasive skills, nice finish. Something i haven't seen in Garland consistently other than when downhill skiing when the team's been winning in a canter. And i'm not suggesting Martin to replace him here as a permanent CHB for Garland. Just for the time being until we uncover someone who can or Garland is given time to find his form downstairs for a while . My personal view is that Martin is worth persevering with as a ruckman (2nd to Jamar) for now. Don't see him as remaining as a backman or forward at this point and he might not make it at all, even in the ruck. He did do a reasonable job last year as a temporary replacement for Jamar and IMO probably not much worse in terms of tapping to advantage, albeit Jamar may have him well covered in total number of hit outs. To be expected at this point given where they're at in their development/experience i would have thought though.

And although Dunn had 20+ possessions in the VFL he did not get selected. Given he has been in and out of the side this year, it would seem his candle of hope for his AFL career is flickering out. 8th season and he should be delisted at y/e. Dunn for Watts is backward step. And as you have claimed Watts has it and should be selected.

Agree that Dunn might not make it. Lets hope he can find something during the year to step up a level or so. However, at this point, he adds as much value at the contest as Watts IMO. So what i'm saying is....use Dunn as it's a neutral outcome for us return wise for this week or a few weeks at least until Watts has demonstrated he's got some mongrel for the contest/is willing to be accountable for his man (not leave him run amok when we don't have the ball). This is WATT bugs me about Watts. A seemingly scant disregard to do the hard work when he doesn't have the ball. Give Watts a little more taste of the VFL...might sound crazy but i reckon he needs to fully understand that he needs to step up in this regards in a big way before he just waltzes back in as if he's an auto return, it was just a matter of spending a little time down there. No biggy (attempt at younger generation's view of things lol). IMO this might be the difference and go SOME way towards helping to turn him from a solid developing attacking player only, to an all round solid player. Tackling, pressuring, blocking defensive work (etc) as well as all the classy offensive spread, run and lead up work (etc).

Not many more weeks. Maybe 2. Then up into the seniors to play defensive role on the game's best FFs for 6 to 8 weeks. A view i've expressed many times at length in the past.

But arrogant?? Watts is more crash and bash than arrogant. He isnt crash and bash

Arrogant, cocky, call it what you will. We'll agree to disagree. Watch very carefully. He has that sort of strut about him that suggests (in my mind) the old line someone bandied out on here infamously "Don't worry, i've got this....get outta my way boys". Hope he always has this attitude. Unfortunately he doesn't have the big frame/power thru the bod (yet) and all out attack (defensively/offensively) that say a Clark brings at this point to go with the attitude. Hopefully he'll take that side to a much higher level in the next 12 months or so. Fingers crossed and looking forward to seeing him come on and prove all the critics wrong.

I must be looking at a different game to you Rusty but.....

Jurrah in the middle does not address the midfield problems. He lacks fitness, contested ball winning skills and accountability. Jurrah's class is in finishing and one on one contests not contested scraps.

Although I recognise that our midfield lacks class at times, and we also need one player with super pace, our problem is not in the players on the park. Look at Sydney's 22 and man-by-man we match them. It is the team football we play. Our forward spread and teamwork around stoppages is sub-par. If and when we start to get this right we will beat sides like Sydney, Richmond, Bulldogs etc...

RR you're looking at the response i made to Maldon boy without looking at what i highlighted in red with regard to me selecting particular aspects of comments Maldon was making when responding to him. Please see Maldon Boy's comments that i was referring to in red highlighted above which relate to HIS mention of us needing pace, run and spread. That's what i was pointing to in terms of Jurrah being added to the mid as an outside mid. Not an inside mid that you're claiming is the role i'm claiming he should be playing. Definitely wasn't saying he should be going in and under for scraps. Some contested stuff sure as you would expect when it's any player's turn to go hopefully he'll go and that he seems to be built a little stronger than i recall at the contest. Doesn't mean i'd want him under the packs all day.

I agree he probably isn't match fit to last a whole AFL game atm. So we're in agreement on that (See bolded section from my earlier post below). So not sure why the contrary nature of your thread on that. I also agree he's a much needed finisher. Both when bringing the ball into our forward line, and using it when i50.

....."Jurrah into the middle goes some way towards solving this once he's fully (AFL) match fit and may help solve it this week for say half a match or a little longer at least. Stronger at the contest and bigger than when i last saw him but still has the sublime skills and pace. Occasionaly pushing up forward for the odd assist and crumb."

Cheers

Although I recognise that our midfield lacks class at times, and we also need one player with super pace, our problem is not in the players on the park. Look at Sydney's 22 and man-by-man we match them. It is the team football we play. Our forward spread and teamwork around stoppages is sub-par. If and when we start to get this right we will beat sides like Sydney, Richmond, Bulldogs etc...

Jurrah into the middle goes some way towards solving this once he's fully (AFL) match fit and may help solve it this week for say half a match or a little longer at least. Stronger at the contest and bigger than when i last saw him but still has the sublime skills and pace. Occasionaly pushing up forward for the odd assist and crumb.

I am a bit surprised to Bennell holding his place but maybe the coach saw something I didn't, or was looking for different things.

No he didn't see anything you didn't. He's still dazed from the under performance and not thinking straight. Tappy in for Bennell solves the "no contested possessions/no intensity/pressure at the ball and carrier issue" that Bennell fails to bring.

My other Changes.

Garland out for Martin. Martin had run, some intensity, composure and even some decent finishing skills that i saw last week. Seems stronger through the bod on his return too. Garland was deplorable in the 2nd quarter (that quarter being the critical turning point for us) of last week. Totally out of form and confidence atm. Needs a break downstairs IMO.

Dunn in before Watts. Dunn added some strong run off HB, got to many contests and i saw some reasonable heavy work in the packs as well as strong contested stuff too including tackles. Something that Watts is yet to deliver on. Dunn also on the outside last week and his long kicking to advantage helped in the win. Deserved a place ahead of Watts and would have allowed Watts to continue to find his mojo/mongrel/intensity at the contest at VFL level, although i guess Neeld is thinking of the time out in coming weeks given no VFL available. Fair enough.

I think I've finally worked out what that "something" is about Watts that e'ones been on about too. Laconical, lethargical, Casual are some of the descriptions i've seen bandied about (maybe by me lol). It's not till you see him close up and i've seen it before but not too often at the MFC. It's arrogance IMO. And i haven't seen that down at the Demon den since Garry/Jakovich were strutting their stuff. So we got a potential Garry in our midst, or hopefully a Dermie if he finds his grunt (Watts has the strutt). Just give him time to find the mojo and build a bigger bod and we're in for something special i reckon! Hopefully he finds a little of it this week. Still a pre-season away from making a big impact though i think.

Strong ties might see Cloke heading to the Demons for reasons other than just $$.....

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/dogs-demons-in-hunt-for-cloke-20120516-1yrl8.html

Mods.... If this has already been posted please delete

That could be what we're doing. Inflate Clokes contract as much as possible and see who gets squeezed out

If Cloke isn't a serious play for us in a $ sense, i can only hope you're right here Stuie.

I've been waiting for decades to see this club get bloody ruthless both on and off the field in all areas.

We ran all over them with our light frames in the last quarter and they just moved aside .WTF is Dave Misson doing? We need weights and food and repeat .

I'm with ya Biff. But I'm willing to give him one more pre-season. I reckon many of the boys have come off such a low base. And some may not wanna go or just aren't capable of going where Neeld/Misson are asking from them on the strength/power side. Pure speculation but i'm sure there'll be some fall out at the end of season. This is a huge sorting year for Neeld and Co. before moving on with a core group of real goers from next season on, with trades/purchases to fill the gaping holes thereafter.

I'm sticking with my view that we'll start being very competitive with ladder positions 6 and below (ie., beating them about 50% of the time or more depending on ladder position) from about half way through next season.

However, this view is subject to the Misson factor kicking in from early next season, a solid trade/draft outcome as well as a massive improvement in skill/disposal/intelligence (read footy smarts) levels across the board from the 'AFL's worst practice' that we're witnessing from too many atm. On the latter (skill levels etc), i'll have to see it before i'll believe it as it's just so poor atm.

Clark would win a Coleman if we gad a decent midfield

Add a few more team mates with some decent disposal skills and some speed/run and i'd have no doubts about this. Neeld playing him as a ruck rover on occasions isn't helping him to kick as many goals either. Pretty energy sapping. I understand why he's trying it though given Calrk's grunt and desperation at the contest.

I don't think anyone knows when it's our turn to go OD. Who knows, I might go before you. I'd like to experience the ultimate before i turn me toes up as well. I'm with you as to the chances of it being soonish though.

I think every Demon would like to see us competitive and respected much sooner than that though. Hopefully the beginning of the respect phase starts this Saturday arvo at the SCG.

RN Whatever the result in your dream it has got to be way better than real life in 2012

Yep. About as painful as giving birth i reckon. What comes out the other end better be bloody well worth it OD!

Can you please go back to sleep and get a result for us......I'll take anything at this stage.....

Haha

I don't know if i wanna know

Hopefully Misson (with another pre-season or 2) will build the boys into a running/power raging team that can steam roll their opponents and run over the top like the weapon did with the Cats and now (early days but signs are good sadly) with the Bombres

Interesting article for those who may not have seen already......

http://www.heraldsun...f-1226217676548

I had a dream a few years back that we played the Bombres off in a GF in the not to distant future. And no it wasn't a replay of the 2000 GF (thank god lol). It came down to 1 or 2 kicks with 5 minutes to go. Didn't manage to get to the result part lol.

The money we have would be better invested in a gun midfielder than a gun CHF/FF! We need to be able to get the ball down there first.

Agreed, along with Viney we need a classy outside mid (and HB) with break away speed and great ball use a la Burgoyne. But we also need another KF/avenue to goal other than Clark and at this point no one's sticking their hand up to say "it's me it's me" at either senior or VFL level. Howe's having a crack as a part timer/floater across CHF but don't think he'll ever be a KF as such.

Neeld's probably looking for the twin tower option and a 2nd alternative goal kicking pack marking/lead up forward. Doubt we'd be able to find the folding stuff to beat off the others though.

Having Jurrah back (if/when) he gets back will be a great injection to the team and a big relief for Neeld obviously. Although i'd rather see Jurrah played as an outside mid (mostly) at this point. His burst speed, ability to know where to run, evasive skills, footy smarts in general and clean/smart disposal are something we sorely lack through the mid atm (and the clean/smart/quick disposal to advantage.....lacking pretty much all over the field lol) . Won't be unhappy if he pushes up for the odd goal too of course!

Better lay in a supply of valium hardtack you are going to need it.

Have mercy on your son mate leave him home

I'm not so sure OD. I have a strong feeling this will be our first win

NOTE: The above statement is subject to the following clause; The poster reserves the right to change the above statement, in particular after seeing the final teams announced and upon any official statements emanating from the bowels of the FD, the administration of the MFC and/or the players themselves (including any off field matters of significance which is believed may impact on field performance).

Had a cushy job at a successful club. Could have stayed there for a few more years. Could have chosen an easier option like Adelaide or St Kilda but no he came to the basket case that was/is the MFC and has staked his entire fledgling coaching career on turning around the Titanic.

He's been prepared to put self-satisfied noses out of joint, sack ineffectual leaders, drop soft no. 1 draft picks and most importantly completely dismantle a useless game plan that would have seen us fold under the first sign of trouble in a final.

And he's prepared to get flogged week-in week-out, enduring the inevitable calls for his sacking by supporters fearful of change, in order to get the job done.

Hard as f..!k this bloke and I for one stand up and applaud him for having the cojones to put his own future in the game on the line in order to turn this joint into what for most of the past 47 years it has only ever been masquerading as ... and that's a football club.

I'm backing him in come hell or high water.

I'm sure many here will stick fat for the contract period. But i'll applaud when i choose to. At the end of the day he needs to earn the applause with results on the field. We'll know when that's happened when it happens. Hird earned it and received one at 3 quarter time tonight.

Whilst Neeld appears to be making some hard decisions, which may end up placing us in a better position in the long haul, applause and appreciation has to be earned through results on the field against quality opposition.

Pretty sure Neeld would accept and expect nothing less.

Jurrah was benched a fair bit in the 2nd half, as was Watts and Green. All 3 of those blokes will be up for selection I reckon. Nicholson made errors but worked hard and got plenty of it, as did Dunn.

So much more entertaining watching the Scorps than the Dees at the moment.

Was it what. Not a big stage and opposition not great but it beats getting beat every week.

They were all being benched a fair bit. Just the rotations i think. Although Jurrah and Green permanently off by about half way through the last. No point risking an injury with the game well in the bag. First time i've had a good look at Spencer. Reminds me of a giant version of Darren Bennett lol (looks wise).

Was watching Green take his glove off after he was benched for good. Had a long chat with one of the trainers as he was removing the taping but probably nothing in it. I reckon we'll see him back in for sure this week if his hand holds up after this match. Jurrah is borderline in terms of readiness (match fitness) but Neeld must be very tempted given his clean handling, finish and ability to find/create time space on the outside. Just read Big Reds comments....Blease provided plenty of options for us outside and gave some great line breaking run. Hard to overlook as well.

A win is a win. Nice to see one aspect of the club going alright.

P.S. A pitty Couch missed

I hate to say it, but watching Melbourne play is boring. Not just because the team is losing, but the way they are playing. I understand that the defensive mentality of the team may not have been great in the past, but there is almost no attacking mentality at all now.

No wonder membership hasn't grown from last season, the club and players need to give supporters a reason to come to the footy, other than the fact that they are Melbourne supporters. Where's the entertainment in watching a team do the same thing (hug the boundary line, play for a throw in) over and over? We too often rely on a piece of individual brilliance from a player like Clark just to get within scoring range.

Melbourne has one of the smallest supporter bases and struggles to get kids to follow the team. Why would anyone want to watch what Melbourne has served up this year?

We can deal with losing (most of us are accustomed to it by now), but I am really struggling to deal with the boring.

Maybe go watch Casey instead Clint (if you aren't already of course). At least they have a crack for four quarters and an attacking side to their game style.

Give Couch some support. Couldn't be any worse than some of the plodders we got upstairs atm.

The only chance we'll have of beating a Hawks team in the foreseeable future today too.