dpositive

On 14/03/2026 at 17:08, whatwhat say what said:

no, it's a pro-racing industry proponent

it has vested interests, to say the least

meanwhile, fisherman's bend was first proposed as a conversion from industrial about 15 years ago - the tram line to / from it is at least 20 years away from being developed, with no business case proposed, as is the same with the bridge connecting it to the city

90% of the land in it is privately owned - good luck getting developers to commit to open space when they can make money on it instead

On 14/03/2026 at 17:08, whatwhat say what said:

You are dead right WWSW. It really needed some vision and forward planning years ago. The body tasked with implementing was ineffective and had no influence. With a destination entertainment business hub I have suggested there may have been support for improved transport. Communication failed previously. I hope it does not fail with Caulfield.

On 14/03/2026 at 17:08, whatwhat say what said:

Thank goodness someone can make sense of these statistics.

I was perhaps totally wrong . I felt in watching all games so far that pressure was high . I commented many times that you just could not afford to fumble as opponents were close checking and turnovers occurred. Turnovers also seemed to lead to chains that led to scoring.

The pace of the game looked faster as well, which affected the precision of disposal.

I will keep watching and hoping that we continue our winning results.

I dont want to down play the saints too much. I am hoping we beat a good side not a poor side.

WE had some great performances and some ordinary performances. Our good passages were very good. Roo and Max probably the difference.

The main thing I noticed was our [layers seemed closer to their opponents which appears to be a pattern of all games. No guarding ground and shepharding players into position but close checking and tackling. Chasing and putting players under pressure and off balance is what created so many turnovers.

I hope we look at our squad for next weeks selections and pick players who are suited to the opponents. Therefore we might rest some who played well and put in some more surprising picks, but in the light of today I dont know who that is.

Perhaps Sharp played his one out of the box, Kolt played a role scripted 3 weeks ago, really well. Langford did little but maybe needed that run. I think Petty is showing the ultimate swing man off the bench and maybe TMac can go into the defence who all played pretty well

Great problem to have. Looking forward to an exciting season.

29 minutes ago, Queanbeyan Demon said:

The boys should have colluded and nominated 23 Meatloaf tracks.

or Better still all nominated Grand ol Flag.

Perhaps the many different versions seen in this site

On 11/03/2026 at 22:34, No10 said:

I’ve seen Fisherman’s Bend mentioned a few times here...

Firstly, the school was a nightmare and has ended up with almost zero open space.

And also the area extends into industrial zones that are currently entirely disconnected from any community, which is where I imagine you’re suggesting?

I don’t see the appeal whatsoever. Caulfield is far superior and the multipurpose usage is all good planning and will work. They just need to get it done.

On 11/03/2026 at 22:34, No10 said:

I’ve seen Fisherman’s Bend mentioned a few times here...

Firstly, the school was a nightmare and has ended up with almost zero open space.

And also the area extends into industrial zones that are currently entirely disconnected from any community, which is where I imagine you’re suggesting?

I don’t see the appeal whatsoever. Caulfield is far superior and the multipurpose usage is all good planning and will work. They just need to get it done.

On 11/03/2026 at 22:34, No10 said:

I’ve seen Fisherman’s Bend mentioned a few times here...

Firstly, the school was a nightmare and has ended up with almost zero open space.

And also the area extends into industrial zones that are currently entirely disconnected from any community, which is where I imagine you’re suggesting?

I don’t see the appeal whatsoever. Caulfield is far superior and the multipurpose usage is all good planning and will work. They just need to get it done.

Its difficult to really summarize what has been a long debacle around the Fishermans Bend Site.

FB is a very large area with many different areas of activity.

It was established under Liberal Govt with private sector developer involvement. Labor inherited what was seen as land profiteering scheme. They set up an overseeing body to coordinate progress which for varying reasons did not occur.

The area is still projected by both parties to contain a population of 80,000 in a variety of housing models. Transport was a particularly fraught issue culminating in the proposed underground station not being included in the latest build. This combined with no tram route extension and poor road access has set back all progress. Melbourne Uni has delayed its Innovation campus which was a feature of original plans and all o[tions seems to have stalled with a project which is now overseen by the state Department of Transport.

No One seems to care about this vacant area at the moment. My proposal for training grounds with accompanying entertainment, retail, Corporate areas has also found little support,

Caulfield may well be our field of dreams if we can negotiate with a racing industry who dont really want us there. I fear Waverley is the Trojan Horse for Collingwood to move us out of the Melbourne city area.

I think we must make a positive of this issue.

WE have loved both our premiership players who provided not just the flag but great enjoyment and entertainment for our members and fans. Indeed they provided increased interest in footy to all followers and grew not only our club but the game.

As a strong club we are able to see that growth in our players and while disappointed when they leave we can farewell not only Trac and Ollie but ANB Jacko Maysie etc with all due respect and thanks. The club has always shown understanding and loyalty to our players and we have benefitted from their presence.

We now move on to an exiting new phase where the next generation of players will contribute with our remaining flag bearers to give sustained success to the club. Thats a success that does not always mean winning but being competitive, improving and being the best players and people as individuals. We believe that will bring club success and is why we urge our fans to become members and our members to welcome them and continue to provide the support they have, and of course we welcome people who have never supported a club to join us on our journey.

Dont know why the love for Petty, TMac has him covered in defence and has been really solid in praccies and training (from reports).

Petty can certainly play both back and forward and has shown he can be reasonably mobile. I reckon he makes an excellent emergency as he can fill most spots.

Im not sure how he goes as a burst player as he always seemed to need time to get used to patterns but i would be concentrating on that aspect in training.

15 hours ago, Demonsone said:

We’re in fisherman bend? I live in port melb and the whole redevelopment has stalled, port melb vfl has been spoken about which is need of redevelopment but it’s used as a cricket ground, with our relationship with Casey this would prohibit to form another vfl alliance.

Agree the whole development stalled, but still represents as a greenfield site for 80,000 people and could support housing shortage issues.

Is supported by both parties for different reasons but fails due to reluctance of both parties to publicly acknowledge developer profit taking.

Plenty of scope for a community facility including entertainment, retail and corporate destination for transport which would shift the intransience. A powerful AFL presence as training and club administration centre with internal and external areas could get the project back on track

But the club is focused on Caulfield.

On 27/02/2026 at 10:20, KozzyCan said:

Would have been an even bigger political minefield trying to take inner city parkland over. Not to mention the hare-brained idea of trying to build the HQ on top of the train tracks.

That we are trying to build a home base in the middle of a racecourse tells you how difficult it is to find enough available space to put a couple of ovals on that isn't an hour from the CBD.

Fishermans Bend can do.

On 27/02/2026 at 09:58, Diamond_Jim said:

Yep

those new stadiums they like to build are certainly well out into the boondocks. It's part of the model. Buy cheap industrial land and surround the arena with rent paying franchised restaurants.

Our arenas missed the boat on the surrounding revenue. (Docklands and MCG). Thank heavens

my proposal for FB was based on a commercial entertainment facility in a greenfield location,

included restaurants

Jefferson seems like a Fritsch clone. Wether he replaces him off the bench or in the side will depend on other selections.

On 13/02/2026 at 18:44, rjay said:

We have no cards to play if we move 'Distr'...the only cards we hold are if we stay.

If they are so interested in Gosch's let the Government push through the Caulfield deal & get it moving for us then we can shift to Waverley for the interim couple of years.

Everyone Happy...

it was one of the factors that i included in the early promotion of Fishermans Bend option.

Standard negotiating tactic.

13 hours ago, Stem Splitters said:

I totally hear any skepticism and views here - our AFL game is a game of heart, grit, and 'gut feel,' and the idea of a laptop coaching a team feels a bit sterile. But it’s worth looking at AI not as a 'replacement' for the likes of Sam Mitchell's soul, but as a high-powered pair of glasses.

Here’s why even the most old-school fan might find it interesting:

• It’s about 'Seeing' the Unseen: We’ve all been frustrated when a player looks 'off' or lethargic. Currently, coaches guess why. AI can look at the biometric data and say, 'He’s not lazy; his central nervous system hasn't recovered from last week's 12km load.' It protects the players we love from injuries that are currently 'invisible' until they pop a hamstring.
  
  

• The 'Vibe' vs. The 'Fact': A coach might feel like we are losing the clearances because our rucks are beaten. The AI can instantly point out, 'Actually, the rucks are winning the tap, but our rovers are positioned 2Mtrs too wide for this specific ground.' It turns a 'vibe' into an actionable instruction in seconds.
  
  

• Removing Bias, Not Humanity: Humans are prone to 'recency bias' as it's called. We remember the last mistake a player made or has made (usually on a subliminal level) and judge them accordingly. AI doesn't have a 'dog house.' It looks at the cold, hard efficiency of every involvement/interaction. This may lead to ensuring the best players stay on the ground based on output, not reputation. And the like.
  
  

• We truly are on the cusp of a new era of data management. One that takes sterility (and guess work) out of a knowledge-base. And turns it into actionable takes beyond what we may have perceived prior. i.e taking the data analysis that is gathered (since the likes of GPS and other metrics) and actually doing some things profound with the data. That's where AI enters the fray.
  
  

• The Sam Mitchell Factor: Coaches like Mitchell aren’t trying to turn players into robots. They are trying to find the 1% tactical gaps and advantages that the human eye misses when watching 36 players moving at 25km/ph.
  
  

At the end of the day, a computer can’t give a three-quarter-time speech that makes hair stand up on your arms. It can’t teach 'courage.' But it can ensure that when a player goes to show that courage, they are in the best physical condition and the best tactical position to win the ball.

It’s not 'Moneyball' taking over the game; it’s just making sure teams like us, have the sharpest tools in the shed. I’d rather we be the ones wielding the tech than the ones trying to catch up to it in two years' time. This Sam Mitchell snippet is really about the AFL telecasting/approving to the wider audience that AI is in use and the likes of Mitchell are being projected as frontier leaders. I'd be disappointed if the Dees were not adopting AI use.

As an extension to thoughts...

1. Pre-Season & Player Management (The "Optimizer")

In the AFL, pre-season is about the delicate balance between "loading" and "breaking."

• Hyper-Personalized Loading: While coaches use GPS data now, AI can cross-reference that with sleep data, heart-rate variability (HRV), and even psychological wellness scores to predict a "soft-tissue window" before it happens. It moves from "the group is doing 8km today" to "Player X’s biometric signature says he’s at 85% risk of a hamstring strain if he sprints today."

• Drafting & "Moneyball" 2.0: AI can analyze thousands of hours of minor League (U18) footage to find players whose "spatial awareness" or "decision-making speed" under pressure matches current AFL stars, identifying "diamonds in the rough" that recruiters might overlook.

2. Game-Day: Preparation & In-Game (The "Super Assistant")

This is where Sam Mitchell and others are likely looking for that 1% edge.

• The "Opposition Oracle": Imagine an AI fed with every game the opposition has played for three years. On game day, it can alert the bench: "When the opposition is 2 goals down in the 4th quarter, they increase corridor usage by 40%." * In-Game Tactical Shifts: In the heat of the game, a coach's bias can take over. AI acts as an "unemotional observer," suggesting structural changes: "The opposition’s spare man is intercepting 70% of entries; recommend moving a defensive forward to negate." It’s about processing 22 moving parts simultaneously - something the human brain struggles to do perfectly for 120 minutes.

3. Injury & Recovery (The "Predictor")

I'm drawing on the DeepMind's 'AlphaFold Project' here: As it really shines as an example.

• Biomechanical Analysis: AI can analyze a player’s kicking or running gait in real-time. If a player starts favouring one side by even 2-3 mms - unnoticeable to the human eye - the AI flags it as a fatigue-induced mechanical failure, allowing for an early rotation.

• The "Digital Twin": Some elite teams are moving toward creating a "Digital Twin" of an athlete - like a virtual clone or model that can "play" the game first to see how much stress their specific joints and tendons will take. That is where the State-of-the-art will take us (in coaching and all manners of Industry).
  

Some final thoughts:

On the "Human Element": AI doesn't "whinge." AI frees up coaches to do more "human" work. If AI is doing the heavy lifting on the data, the Coach has more time for the "soft skills" - like mentoring, empathy, and the psychological "rev-up" that an algorithm can't replicate.

Think of it like a pilot with a sophisticated heads-up display. The pilot still flies the plane and makes the final call on the landing, but the AI ensures they have every scrap of data they need to make that call perfectly. For a club like Hawthorn and Sam Mitchell - and hopefully Melbourne - integrating this isn't just about 'using tech'; it's about making sure players are the best-informed athletes on the field.

I'd invite any expansion on this topic, that the OP has raised.

Go Dees!

Same comment as to mfcrox. Hope you are are both not AI generated.

15 hours ago, mfcrox said:

Football is a very data rich sport... especially with Champion Data game-day statistics available. I also used to work in the high performance/ strength & conditioning space at TAC Cup level in the mid 2010s and even back then we would have a plethora of data to look at in regards to game-day and training loads, recovery, etc.

I could see AI being used to analyse Champion Data statistics for trends that the successful teams are using in regards to defending, ball movement, attacking chains, etc. I could also see AI being used to track player loads/recovery data in much greater detail than any human could ever devote time to.

I hope Melbourne are up to their eyeballs in AI to be honest... it is going to be an absolute game-changer in professional sport in the next decade.

Like you I hope the club is up to the eyeballs. Would be good to see such a statement from the club even in a modest acknowledgement as a recognition of innovation.

Also I am again impressed by the latent talent that resides in our supporters (Dland ) and disappointed that the club does not utilise this talent.

How can we get the club to engage.

6 minutes ago, Demonland said:

Some of the key features of the 2026 Smithy’s VFL season include:

• 40 matches featuring VFL standalone clubs against each other, with all eight VFL standalone clubs playing against each other at least once. Coburg, Frankston, Southport and Williamstown will play each other twice, while Port Melbourne, Sandringham, Tasmania and Werribee will play each other twice.

• 17 VFL/W double headers across the opening six rounds of the VFLW season.

• Tasmania Football Club to play its first match for premiership points when it hosts Coburg at North Hobart Oval on Saturday, March 21.

• St Kilda to mark its return to the VFL on the same day when it travels to Tom Wills Oval to take on the GWS Giants. The Saints last featured in the VFA/VFL in 2000.

• Footscray Bulldogs to unfurl the 2025 premiership flag against Casey Demons at Mission Whitten Oval in Round 1.

• Competition bye scheduled for the men’s and women’s State Games between the VFL and SANFL, which will be played at Glenelg’s Stratarama Stadium on Saturday, April 11 during the AFL’s Gather Round.

• Grand Final rematch between Southport Sharks and Footscray Bulldogs at Fankhauser Reserve in Round 6.

• Four matches on Good Friday in Round 3.

• Four matches on ANZAC Day in Round 5.

• Finals series to commence with Wildcard Finals on the weekend of August 22-23. The Wildcard Finals format remains unchanged, with the team that finishes seventh on the ladder to play against the team that finishes 10th, while eighth will take on ninth.

• Smithy’s VFL Grand Final to be played the weekend of September 19-20.

FULL 2026 FIXTURE HERE

some very interesting initiatives here. Especially like the double header VFL/W

12 hours ago, whatwhat say what said:

bad bunny is one of the most jingoistic america-first artists making music today; he just happens to be singing about his experiences in spanish as he was born and raised in puerto rico... which is part of america

he has NEVER burned a flag - just patently false

12 hours ago, binman said:

Total load of rot junior- the lot of it. In fact rot doesn't come close.

It's one thing not liking an artist, it's something completely different to make up a pack of lies about them.

And to be honest, i'm shocked. I'm hoping you somehow got your wires crossed, because your post is straight up disinformation, not to mention defamatory.

Bad Bunny has a history of burning the American flag? That's simply not true. I don't recall him burning the American flag once, let alone having a 'history' of doing so.

Bad Bunny hates America? You have to be joking.

One that's absolute rubbish, two did you watch his performance?

It was a total celebration of America for god's sake - he could hardly have been more patriotic.

During "Café Con Ron," near the end of his performance, he spoke his first and only English words of the entire show: "God bless America."

He closed his performance by showing the camera the words the words written on the gridiron ball he carried for most of his performance - "Together We Are America”

And what on earth are you talking about that his lyrics were 'disgusting' and that you would get banned if you were to post them?

A serious question - how did you come to that conclusion?

I'm guessing you are referring to his song Safaera, the recorded version of which has sexual, though certainly not 'disgusting', lyrics.

In any case the version he sung at the superbowl had different lyrics, with all explicit lyrics removed or muted to ensure it complied with the very strict American Federal Communications Commission standards and NFL broadcast rules.

These were the other songs he sang:

• "El Apagón" (The Blackout) - about Puerto Rico's power crisis and government corruption

"I don't want to leave here / Let them leave.

Puerto Rico is incredible / From the tip of the island to Ponce.

Now everyone wants to be Latino / But they lack the seasoning.

Damn blackout / Power goes out every day.

They are staying with what belongs to us / But the street is ours."

• "NUEVAYOL" - about the Puerto Rican diaspora in New York

  "From the sun of the island to the cold of the Bronx / Looking for the dollar that doesn't buy happiness.

  The 'guagua' (bus) takes a long time / The A-train is full of dreams and fatigue.

  I remember the neighborhood while walking through Times Square / Everything is bright but it feels dark.

  Puerto Rico is in the heart / Even if the physical body is in 'Nuevayol'."

• "DtMF" (Debí Tirar Más Fotos) - about cherishing moments before they're gone

"The phone stayed in the pocket / While life passed us by.

Now I look at the gallery and there is nothing / Only the echo of your laughter in my mind.

Time is a thief that doesn't return what it takes / I should have taken more photos.

To see your face when the sun hit you / To remember that we were happy for a second."

• "BAILE INOLVIDABLE" (Unforgettable Dance) - about lost love

"That dance was the beginning of the end / Between the smoke and the reggaeton.

You moved like you knew / That tomorrow you would be a memory.

The club is full but it feels empty / Seeking your silhouette in every corner.

An unforgettable dance / A scar that doesn't want to heal."

• "Café Con Ron" - the closing celebration

"The sun is rising and the party hasn't ended / Bitter coffee and sweet rum.

To forget the sorrows / To celebrate that we are still standing.

If the world ends tomorrow / Let it find us dancing.

From the mountain to the coast / This is the island that never sleeps."

10 hours ago, hardtack said:

Yeah, I know what you mean…there is a lot of grandstanding, which I’m not keen on, but really, I don’t mind the politicking of Springsteen, the Dropkick Murphys, early Midnight Oil, and a number of others as they have pretty much been political animals from the get go.

I think that current events around the world have ‘enticed’ politically minded musicians out of the shadows… to me that’s understandable, but I don’t expect others to agree with what I think.

Great to see the facts presented by Binman and wwsw.

I always enjoy the contribution BM makes and again am overwhelmed by the depth and perception of his comments. Thanks. Also include HT as his contribution on music is also always worthwhile.

I attend WOMAD every year and the world class artists sprinkled with Australian acts is always fantastic. Some of the best acts have been obscure and often the performances are inother languages. Its about the music and the performance.

And yes the Half time entertainment isabout marketing so the more controversy generated the better. Wether the viewer at homes actually watches it is just another one of the mythical mysteries of marketing. Personally im turning the sausages.

1 hour ago, DemonFrog said:

The old UnclevBitters would not stay so quiet after being challenged like this! 🙄 Hope the old fella is well 👍 and looking after all those Alpacas he has on his gentleman estate? Alternatively, has he become a Collingwood supporter and now actually like us, so he has nothing bad to say about us?

Agree unusual for him to ignore such comment

But cannot concede re would ever lower himself to become Collingwood supporter.

On 13/11/2025 at 14:40, Demon_spurs said:

Actually an acronym is only such if it creates a pronouncable word, i.e. SCUBA, ASCII or NASA. TLA is an initialism not an acronym. (sorry)

Sorry?

What does the word Nasa mean and what language?

Is Ascii a verb or noun?

Cant find either in my Oxford. But then again acronym isnt there either.

Ill check on google i guess.

On 04/02/2026 at 18:21, Six6Six said:

Today's training gallery.

This is most probably my last for the year as I'm heading out of the country for an extended period shortly. Hope you have all enjoyed these preseasons offerings from 6 as much as I have enjoyed putting them together. I'm not sure what this season will bring for our mighty Demons, most of the media have written us off.

Regardless it is a fresh new start. Onwards and upwards. Hope to be back for the 27 preseason, but God only knows.

Go Demons in 26. Enjoy. February Fire === > https://youtu.be/DsgGp6xHiaQ

thanks for all your presentations 666.

Hope everything goes well wherever you go and you continue a presence on Dland. Remember the emotion provided by following Dees provides a distraction and necessary diversion to maintain a balanced life.

Perspectives vary when you are remote so will look forward to your comments.

14 hours ago, whatwhat say what said:

is smith no longer at casey?

i'd expect him to be in their best back 6

Took my list from previous 46 of Werridee.

Very Early call for 46

Melbourne

B: Lever,McDonald, Lindsay

HB: Salem , Turner, Jiath,

C: Langford, Steele, Culley

HF: Chandler, van Rooyen, L.Pickett

F: Fritsch, Miocek, Jefferson

FOLL: Gawn, Rivers, K.Pickett

IC: Windsor, Langdon, Sparrow, Mentha, Heath

EMERG: ,Laurie, Howes, Tholstrup

Casey

B: L.Lual, Adams, Taylor

HB: Burgman, Petty, Bonner

C: Howes, Onley, Sharp

HF: Henderson, White, Matthews

F: Cross,Kentfield , Melksham

FOLL: Johnson, Tholstrup, Laurie

IC: Berry, Moniz-Wakefield, W.Lual, Hampton, Sinnema

Out: May, Viney, Bowey, McAdam, Campbell

Theres still plenty of scope for changes

Culley injury may open up for Howes

Im still optimistic.

Last season we began with 5 losses after pre season issues, Trac resuming with tentative movement after life threatening injury, Clarry with personal and physical issues.

I think the coach and players lost their way and confidence.

We did see improvements from unexpected sources, Disco, Langford,Culley.

We lost 5(?) matches by less than i kick. and we kicked atrociously all season. We did beat the premiers at their home, (a game they didnt want to lose)

While we have lost Trac and Clarry we have Steele and a good mix of potential replacements.

With a new coach and new game plans hopefully better use of JVR and and improvement from Jefferson plus some mature presence with Mihocek, Kozzie and Trelly producing magic, the rest of the squad just maintaining their levels I reckon we will surprise and finish top4. From there as Goody always said anything can happen in a new (finals)season.

All sides will change and we have a good squad , a mix of experience and youth, a great captain and plenty of variation with most positions with multiple options.

Its gonna be a great season

GO DEES.

32 minutes ago, Young Angus said:

Were they the cause of the dysfunction though that's the burning question??

That is a good question. But the coach and management must deal with that. That is what they are there for.

So much thanks to Demonland and all other trackwatchers.

On 02/02/2026 at 23:15, Carpe Dees Diem said:

Talking about boredom... and getting pumped up for an awesome fresh start in 2026... I've gone and written a new song... I hope you have a listen and see if you like it. I'm hoping Maxy & Kozzi do a bit 😅... maybe Andy & Binman might even play it on the Demonland Podcast. https://open.spotify.com/track/62BFWMeC940hmVrAsL8wtS?si=26105aa7f30743b8

or here https://music.amazon.com.mx/albums/B0GKD2JJ3Q

On 03/02/2026 at 04:50, hardtack said:

Not being a subscriber to either Amazon. Music or Spotify, I could only listen to the opening relatively few bars, but what I did hear was really REALLY good! To paraphrase Bob Hawke, any podcast operator who doesn’t play that, is a bum!

Would love to hear some more of your material.

Me also