Young Blood

13 minutes ago, BW511 said:

Jamarra would do too much damage to our brand, no way we take him on after our last few seasons of media beltings

Worth the risk IMO. We have a bit of history in bringing in players for second chances/fresh starts. Hasn't always worked but I feel our culture within the four walls (not in the hyperbolic media) is pretty sound and there aren't too many repeat offenders once they're in the red and blue in terms of off field stuff. We're getting some credit now with how well the club dealt with/supported Clayton through his struggles as a perfect example of the clubs cultural integrity.

As we saw on the weekend we can take it right up to the best in the comp. We have a top four backline and ball winning/contested midfield. We're just lacking some extra skill/kicking across our mid/front half which I feel we're slowly addressing as well as a genuine natural tall forward. Our backman-turned-forwards in Petts and JVR are going OK but imagine a fit and firing Jamarra in the mix.

2 minutes ago, Jaded No More said:

Jacko would need to take a pay cut now. I wonder if he’d be happy to be paid in crystals and good vibes?

I know a mad demon supporter dentist that can cover his bills for the next time he loses teeth again playing for us 🙂

2 hours ago, Roost it far said:

Who replaces Petty that seriously makes us better?

My answer is no one so he needs to stay where he is.

Exactly this. There is simply no one else who would be performing Petty's role better.

I thought he looked off all day, heavy legs, wasn't able to get separation at all, and just got locked in wrestling contests. We kicked it on top of his head time and time again with predictability leaving their third tall or ruck to come and pluck it.

Petty didn't finish well yesterday but was fine otherwise I thought considering the circumstances. People expecting the natural key back to play as a dominating forward who kicks bags each week are delusional. He's there to contest, create spaces with his physicality and hopefully kick a few which he missed yesterday.

.

3 minutes ago, Demon Disciple said:

It’s a pity May doesn’t hold himself to account like he does his teammates.

Weird assumption.

He's absolutely filthy with himself whenever he makes a mistake or error. I always see him putting his hand up or is visibly frustrated with himself when he stuffs up. Have also seen him bring up his mistakes in pressers.

Perhaps he gets a little too emotional at times in the heat of the moment. However, he simply holds himself and his teammates accountable. Why is this a bad thing? I think anyone who knows or has seen interviews with Maysy off the field knows what sort of supporting team first character he is. I have no doubt he would have been wrapping his arms around Lindsay and Max post game when the dust settled.

1 minute ago, Redleg said:

Loved the big smile on Tracc.

That is not made up and he appears very invested.

That win was very important for the younger guys too, as it gives a sense of belief and they can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Wholeheartedly agree. The pure joy on Trac's face in that changeroom before the team song was so heart warming.

2 minutes ago, DiscoStu17 said:

Tom Morris shouldn’t even be employed in the media. Just rumour and innuendo making something out of nothing.

Welcome to modern-day sports media. These are the guys that are the most successful and sought-after these days within the media world. Its taken a while but the American Sports writer/pundit approach of stretching a story or fabricating has now fully reached AFL via the likes of Morris/McClure who don't care about integrity/reputation as long as they're getting the clicks and attention from the supporters and greater AFL landscape. Its been a smart, cunning move to have them on shows like SEN feeding these stories to the more respected ex AFL announcers who feed into the game of it without tarnishing their reputations within the AFL, this seems to be giving people a sense of validity within some of the nonsense stories being spread around by these muppets.

Sadly, we're going to have to get used to it as it's only going to increase. I've managed to build myself a filter of anything reported by Morris and the likes to simply block it out.

5 hours ago, Adam The God said:

Would this be a vote for playing Tom Campbell instead of Fullarton or JVR then?

or AJ

I think Campbells lack of mobility is probably keeping him out of the side along with the fact he's really just a true ruckman, less so a forward. With Max fit we really just need someone to pinch hit in the ruck who can provide a contest and PRESSURE up forward so I think it will continue to be JVR or AJ picked over the next few weeks.

Maybe if the oppo plays two genuine rucks might we look at TC.

4 hours ago, rjay said:

I think Tom still plays like a basketballer & hasn't been able to transition his athletic traits to football.

You can get away with it at VFL level but get found out in the AFL.

When he jumps at the ball it's not with intent, he seems open (for want of a better word) & he's too easily pushed aside or blocked.

He does some smart things around the ball, little tap ons & the like that come from his previous sport.

...but as a package he's obviously not the answer.

Wonder what LJ's doing.

Great take. I see this too as someone whose played/watched a lot of basketball.

There's a real difference between using the body in basketball and football. I can see Tom being great at boxing out, he holds his ground OK but in footy you can bump and use your arms more in a marking contest and he just doesn't seem to be able to create space for himself to compete in the air.

I think it's hard to critique ruck/forwards in terms of intensity. You have those the natural instinct like the Xerri types it clearly goes a long way and you can build your skills/craft off it. Then there's the Max types who I wouldn't say play with great intensity, he relies more on his work rate and positioning to stay engaged and impact each contest. I'm not sure Tom has enough of either of these key traits to really make it as a full-time AFL player unfortunately.

What I will say is unlike this week, I thought Tom worked well in terms of simplifying our structure/positioning. I think there's some merit in having a bigger body who holds position and creates space for others. I think that both JVR and AJ get sucked into contests or where the ball is sometimes and could do more to hold their position and create space when needed. Hoping especially JVR can learn this and not have to fly/attack everything to create space for others and/or be an option off the post contest clearance more with more space to work with.

41 minutes ago, BoBo said:

I re-watched it on Kayo.

They hugged. I don’t know if it’s a sweet embrace, but they hugged.

Maxy does have a pretty intense look in his face.

But then Maxy goes over to Langford and just looks at him with a weird smile.

I don’t think there’s anything in it at all.

But it’s weird, haha

I was at the game watching them from the members with bino's. I'd say 3/4 of the team looked impassive or stoic after the siren and understandably so. It made sense to me and was my kind of feeling as well. I'm sure they were all feeling a bit of 'why has it taken until round 6' like we all of felt. Also looked more like relief or a bit of weight off in the change rooms.

Kozzy in his post game interview mentioned a few times how he was given freedom to 'have fun' and hunt the footy due to other players 'having a role'.

I know Viney was holding off Serong most of the game but I noticed quite a few times our mids keeping their opponent locked a bit longer then usual after the tap to allow Koz to really hunt the footy.

I think Goody will persist with more Kozzy midfield time as he alluded to in his presser. He's starting to really learn the craft, timing and positioning to have a big impact there. Almost untaggable and if he was to be this would open up opportunity for Clarry and Trac to take over more.

I think moving Kozzy into the midfield has been a terrific move by Goodwin. Gotta give him his flowers there.

Anyone know why Clarry is still throwing up at quarter time breaks? I saw this happening at pretty much every game last year, often as he was walking back to position at quarter time which I thought was simply due to him being underdone with no preseason. But I saw Clarrie again today on the outside of the quarter time huddle throwing up most of the drink he had in his hand and looking a tad uncomfortable. Just curious if anyone had seen this prior to 2024 or with other athletes as a regular occurrence and potential reasoning. He doesn't seem overly phased and just walks back into the centre square for the next quarter. But it can't be good for his hydration/energy losing that much fluid/electrolytes every game. Could be meds or something other health related of course and understand we don't talk about those here.

Just asking out of care for the fella as its always a concern when you see someone being sick on the ground. Hope he's OK.

Even more forwardline time coming for Trac.

I know he can be effective there but we need him firing in the middle. We can't be relying on a 19 year old each week with that responsibility.

I reckon there's fitness concerns or maybe they're protecting him somewhat after last years events.

All I hope is now with Lindsay back in playing HB/Wing with Windsor that this will finally free up Rivers to go into the middle.

5 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

Surely you know I’m gonna say he doesn’t have favourites, and that’s because I believe he doesn’t. If he does, he sure hides it well.

I took issue with your comment because I think it’s highly disrespectful to suggest a head coach selects his “favourites” over others in the side. That’s so unproductive and extremely unprofessional. Do you really think, especially at 0-4, Goody would prioritise mate-ship above everything else?

Apologies for this. This was not my intention at all I was just having a bit of fun with it and its been taken the wrong way I think perhaps. I have coached under 16s footy and basketball. Its that old thing where we don't admit it to many if anyone. but we as coaches certainly have a few players that we are close to and bond with that hold a special place I certainly have a few favorites that I connect with and respect (I certainly won't tell others though). Thats all I was asking based off your observations as I know how much you see Goody connect and get behind all the players. Just your guess really but I hear you.

For the record I don't think Goodwin picks players based on who his favourites are, I think its childish to think that way about a professional coach at the highest level (nor would I do this at junior level). I was playing off this false Demonland narrative in my previous post mainly because I liked the meme. I think Goody selects players like Melksham because he has a good relationship with and trusts him, having a longer history of coaching him and giving him some key roles of which he's been very successful at Melks time at the Dees. Thats why he's thought of so highly by Goody. I know he feels the same for many other players at the club.

Sorry Ghosty! Huge fan of your work and all your contributions to the Demon Army and this forum ✌

18 hours ago, Young Blood said:

Melksham is Goodwins number one boy.

OK Ghosty @Ghostwriter I see you disagreeing haha.

I'm sure you've been asked but right as of now who do you think are Goodys top five faves from watching on?

Also this has nothing to do with the speculation of him playing senior players over others etc. Just that we all have faves (even if we can't admit) and wondering whom Goody is warming to most atm.

Melksham is Goodwins number one boy.

2 hours ago, Sir Why You Little said:

Hunter was very cheap for a reason….

What was the reason? the off field stuff? For the money I thought he was solid enough as a player.

In his first season at the Dees in 2023 he played a full season on a wing. I thought it was a good move because he freed up Brayshaw to play in other positions of need including midfield where Gus really gave us a huge boost. Hunter ended up top 5 for the club in disposals and metres gained.

I definitely don't think Lachie was the perfect player but was complimentary enough to our stars in that first year before his body let him down and had to retire early.

God we've had rotten luck.

1 minute ago, ElDiablo14 said:

At some point he could see that him staying may damage the club even more?

There's a point of no return in these sort of situations.

I agree with you and this may happen as its been done before by other coaches late in seasons when the club and the coach himself has had every opportunity to turn it around.

You said you couldn't understand why he isn't stepping down four games into a season like thats a realistic normal occurrence. When has that happened before? Its just silly.

As much as we want something to happen its good also to have some perspective and be realistic... oh wait... this is Demonland 🤣

4 minutes ago, ElDiablo14 said:

One thing I don't understand, why Goodwin doesn't just step aside?

Is his motivation purely the money/contract?

Can't he see how much damage he is causing to the club?

You won't like my answer because I'm answering it with a literal fact.

Answer: Because its his job and he believes he can turn it around, because he doesn't believe he's the soul problem. Not sure how thats hard to understand that he's not simply going to step aside.

I'm sorry if this is having a go but questions like this just annoy me as obviously Goodwin isn't going to just step aside four games into a 24 game season.

I completely share you're thoughts that Goodwin isn't the right coach anymore. The players look lost of confidence and game plan. I think most of this falls on trust and commitment to the coach of which clearly Goodwin has none of this.

It will hopefully happen, maybe towards the end or at end of season. But its just unrealistic he's going to just walk out right now...

6 minutes ago, dees189227 said:

On trac, I get his frustration but what is he doing on the field to will his team over the line.

Is he working with the youngsters to make them better, I know he kicked a couple of nice goals last night but he also missed tackles & wasn't always near his opponent

Could be that he's not fit enough to really impact games the was he was early last year. I think its telling how much time he's spending up forward. Its seems almost 50/50 split. As much as I love the kid do we really think we would be playing a 19 year old Langford so much through the middle in his first two full games if our best midfielder was fully fit?

If Petracca was fully fit our best and most competitive team has him predominantly playing and dominating in the middle. I think there's more to it then just this but its certainly a big factor.

7 hours ago, BDA said:

Trac's body language suggests he wants out. hard to blame him

This will be the interpretation of many and I understand it to a degree.

I think making judgements on players body language can be presumptuous and unnecessary. As many say this could just be Trac in the moment being genuinely upset and frustrated with the game and how it went and likely compounded by the recent form of the previous two games. I think we can all agree thats valid, understandable and we can all empathise for/with him.

If all of last years events with Trac didn't happen it would be a different conversation. But they did. The media did their job (as much as we hate it) of creating a lot of hyperbole around Trac and his commitment or potential lack there of to the club after everything that occured. The minimum that we know and understand is that he has waivered in his commitment to the club, questioned them on their responsibilities and has considered whether he should stay at the club or seek to move on.

It wasn't just last night that his emotions were obvious. After the previous two games he looked particularly dejected and while walking down the race after the St Kilda game he was one who stood out responding to the stupid Dees supporter berating the team as they walked off. The look on his face of disgust while most of the players ignored him or like Max just stared back blankly was a bit telling to me.

What I'm saying is my while its its fair to show emotion as a competitive player who wants to win and we rightly usually champion this, I can't help but see and sense some exaggeration in his body language even during the games. I just feel a sense that he's come in to this season still holding onto everything that happened last year and that this is all playing out on field a bit where he's making it known that he's not happy about the club.

I think Trac is an absolute professional and a leader but there's moments like last night where I too am sensing his frustration being more then just in the moment and potentially using this as a signifier to not being happy over all. I feel right now its more likely then not that he will seek a move at the end of this season.

The reality that it all turns around, that the obvious disconnect between players on field suddenly repairs and we see renewed/returned confidence in each other and the (ho ho) game plan is just so unrealistic at the moment. I do think the club needs to start looking at the next few years for this playing group. If hitting reset means moving unhappy players on then so be it.

3 minutes ago, Wrecker45 said:

Oliver on the pine. Surprising. I would have thought Petracca or Viney before him

Wait do people think that these announced team lineup positions are actually the definite positions they start at on the day/night? Its just slapped together really. I doubt Sparrow starts on a wing either...

1 hour ago, BW511 said:

Pretty tough ask to sit in the cold and watch for 3/4 and then have an impact?

haha sorry I had to laugh at the idea of an AFL footballer not having much impact because he had to sit in the cold. Reminds me of under 10's footy back in the day.

But if you said as a 19 yr old in his first game to come in and have an immediate impact in his first AFL game in just one quarter then I completely agree with you! Him not performing was understandable and wasn't my point.

Still think it was the right choice after only a quarter of football to go send him down to Casey and get a full game as lead midfielder where he could really get his confidence going.

57 minutes ago, adonski said:

Must've been a compelling week of development between round 2 and round 3 for him. Still can't over his sub debut and being dropped shortly after.

Really? I mean maybe starting as sub in hindsight now that we've seen him play more but he did very little to impact when he came on a sub in that first game.

So off the back of that first game instead of another try as sub they send him down the Casey where he played a full game in the midfield and starred which prepared him really well and gave him confidence to come in a play a big role in the midfield this week.

Thought it was great management from the club to build Harvey up to the game he had on the weekend.

Assuming the probables are playing here's my thoughts

I know folks are super keen to drop Fritsch but its not going to happen yet sorry guys. I think he had four scoring shots on the weekend, they'll be hoping he converts this week (Don't shoot me!)

Another one many on here are keen for is Tom Campbell to come in. Again I like the idea but not this week against two highly athletic rucks in Blitz and De Koning. TC is just not mobile enough to battle these guys around the ground. I thought AJ was possibly one of our worst on the weekend but they'll give him another go for his mongrel and ability to compete hopefully with their agile stalls.

Will be interesting to see what they do with Melk this week. Had to play a full game after XL went down which I'm sure was not the plan. Can see them sticking with him as sub.

IN: Koz, Windsor, Lever, Turner

Out: Lindsay, Henderson, Howes, Billings

Hopefully these guys are all fit and back in because it creates a few positives around the ground:

Windsor - Comes back to hopefully free up Rivers to play more midfield but Leb can also play some wing with Lindsay going down (Langdon better stick on that wing and forget about the inside mid [censored])

Lever - Gives Tmac a spell and you get a key leader back to manage the troops and moral.

Turner - Unless they drop another tall forward he'll come in and Trac (if fit enough) can play more midfield minutes than the last two weeks