Older demon

Clubs that off load high picks have recently done so when they have Academyplayers where they don't want to have to spend a high pick on one of them. This season we have Ka White and another academy lad. Could this be the strategyfor seasons end. In the last 2 seasons we have loaded up high end with Windsor, Tholstrup, Lindsay & Langford. That has been a pretty good return. On this basis I honestly don't think we have plans for recruitin any big fish this season.

6 Langford 5 Bowey 4 Langdon 3 Oliver 2 T MacDonald Clarry for having a go

I cannot remember a game where I have not felt 1 minute of enthusiasm or excitement in our execution. Too few great passages of play and a skill level not acceptable at AFL level. Lets be honest, running around with 4 first year players is an inducation that we don't have the cattle ( 5 if you include Jefferson last week. Is there a team with finals aspiration that bloods so many newbies. They have stable teams where they slowly add new blood to an existing structure. 2 from a VFL club and 2 first year players has not worked. The skill level today was deplorable. Is the transition to a new style of game showing that our players don't have the skill to execute it especially under pressure. We have been poor for the last 2 weeks. The run and yards gained by Noble and Rioli and others wasn't matched by us who are locked in a chip, chip possession game which is so slow. We are so slow and the years are catching up with Max & Viney. Our clearance work is shocking when it was once our weapon. Out tackled and unable to make one stick or pin the arms so they couldn't get of a handball. Nearly every goal we got was replied to at the next center bounce. I only hope that Windsor, Picket, McVee,Lever and Jefferson get back quick (and Lindsay isn't too serious) because their replacement are out of their depth or not up to AFL standard's. The midfiekd coaches have a huge mountain to climb to get things back on track. At no stage did we manage to lock down and stop the ball getting out the back and cleared.

On reflection I thought we did pretty well to still be in the game at thre quarter time. For 3 quarters we kept coming back which shouldn't be overlooked. The 6 goals in 7 minute burst has made everyone forget the effort put in for 3 quarters. We gifted goals from some awful turn overs, and on 2 occasions being to slow to kick and got run down. Its not Goody fault that Langdon kicks it over Claytons head to the opposition who goal or Bowser shanking a kick into the middle of the ground straight to 2 North players nor is it his fault when Woewodin butchers a bounce in the middle of the ground when all our players are running forward. It happened last week and again Sunday when players over run the ball, miss handballs or have the tackle broken. Non of this is Goodwins fault and it rests entirely with the playing group who should own it. Structurally we were too short. AJ was replaced by Spargo and when Jeffo busted his hand and is replaced by Woewodin we are too small. Small wonder Comben had 8 intercept marks, he was on a midget (not helped by not lowering our eyes when delivering the ball). It was error to expect Max to solely compete against Xerri . Last time they met he was out muscling Max and they had no plan B despite Campbell handling Xerri fairly well in the practice game. Windsor covers a lot of cracks with his blinding speed as will Picket on return. Howes was all Australian under 18 as a wing/half forward. He is to slighlty built to hold down a key back post. Fritch & Disco aren't strong enough to hold down key posts and I doubt they ever will The issue is our best 6 are very good but as stated by Adam Simpson our bottom 6 players is where the issue lies. Injuries happen and last year the Pies struggled untill they got their best side together. May, Windsor, McVee, Picket and to a lesser extent Melksham will make a big difference. The have backup ruckman in AJ and Campbell use them Windsor, Kolt, Lindsay & Langford are the class we need to develop but they are babies in the system but are part of the rebuild

It was a horrible day, stating the obvious. What was the medical report on Jefferson? Hand or wrist? Woewodin as sub was never going to end well having to cover a key forward. With May, Windsor, McVee, Picket, Melksham out we don't have the depth to cover. Spargo clearly underdone and perhapos the plan was to sub him out early and play Woewodin. I didn't see a lot at Casey who can step up except perhaps Langford Brisbane lost their first 4 last year when they couldn't get their best on the park. We have 2 first year players Lindsay & Henderson who have a go and weren't our worst. No AJ left us with sparse ruck options and JVR in the ruck left us undersized down forward. Its week 2 and last week we pushed the premiership favourites and this week struggled all day. WE know who the stragglers are and our turnovers were horrendous and amateurish but we can only improve

1. Chandler 2. Clayton 3. Salem 4 McDonald 5. Lindsay the rest were passengers

Seriously the kicking for goal is amateur standard and that isn't being fair to the ammo's. I can see a different style with more ball movement but not sure we have the skilss to play this style. So many turn overs. The best passage was Sestan kickout to a target and then 2 beautiful kicks to position and a goal. The 2nd quarter could get ugly though as the Roos will have the breeze . Despite months of training still too many skill errors from the same serial offenders. No names but Billings could not hit the side of a barn from 20 meters.

As a volunteer who handed out scarves for years I can tell no! All scarves are mailed out with memberships and I believe the option is a scarve or a demon shop gift voucher. We are no longer required to hand out thousands of scarves.

AJ IMO had a red hot go in his first game of AFL footy, cannot ask for more. Jeffo presented well and kicked 2 goals in his first game and JVR always presented. Note Buckley and Taylor their opponents are the best performed key backs in the game. We had 9 players contribute goals something we have needed, a spread of goal kickers. If anyone should be under the pump for under performing it is Fritch who has continued on his ordinary form from last season. Someone teach him how to tackle and chase please.

Yes the wind was diabolical down that end. In retrospect I wondered if a set play would have been to keep posession, kick backwards and chip it around to get a better angle. GWS wouldn't have expected that. I always thought a point was a bad option at that stage given their ability to transition from kickout to the other end without us touching it.. I would love to hear the coaches thoughts on our inability to lock the ball in with under a minute to go.

Agree! 2 shots out on the full and 3 missed set shots.

1. Gawn 2. Salem 3. Trac 4. X 5. Lever 6. TMac Fantastic first up game from Lindsay and his disposal is superb

At the pre Christmas captains run I had a chance to chat with him as he was standing alone with most sponsors unaware who he was. He is such a level headed athlete. He towers over me, as you can see and I am 180 cm. He is 200 cm and still growing, can jump 2 metres and signs autographs "Kal White #34". He was happy to talk about his dads exploits and was quick to point out he has his dad covered in all the metrics mentioned ie height (he is taller), leap(he can jump higher), athletics (state rep) and jumper number (draw from that what you will). He is currently playing as a key back and has a burning desire to play AFL . He did not look out of place training and was delighted that a supporter knew who he was. He is very much his own player and certainly not relying on his dads abilities.

Weatherzone predict 27 degrees with 80% chance of rain @ 10-20 mm. Not condusive to too many talls or having an F1 race at Albert park

OK a lot has been said. What is the benchmark. Lohman & Rayner are marking half forward, Bobby Hill as the speedy small and crumber and with Mihocheck the reliable marking forward and Elliot as a marking half forward. Cameron Stengle are proven goal kickers. Papley and Heeney or Curnow. Green at GWS All of the above are expereinced forwards, matchwinners and go to players when needed. Who in our forward line fits this description? Maybe Fritch and Trac when he plays forward. Chandler is a bit player as is Spargo or brown if he gets a game. Roo needs some class arounf him. Nibbler filled a role but perhaps we need a change in game plan where we rely less on a defensive forward and have play makers and goal kickers instead.

For a practise match in warm windy conditions where the pace was on. Lindsay and Langford both stuggled with the speed. I hope we don't rush them and don't think either is ready for round 1. Likewise Jed Adams could not get in the game and Howes looks too light on to man the big bodied forwards. We had lots of shots at goal and it was the usual suspects who contribute. I liked Johnson up forward but worry that Turner and Fritch in the same area are too similar and lightweight. And the few occasions I saw Wowodin he turned it over or didn't lower his eyes and look for the short option Given that it was the first real hitout for some of the players the rust was obvious. 14 days until our season starts and lots of room for improvement

Not quite a training report but the article in the Age re Picket and Trac features a very famous Demon Army stalwart. It looks like Trac is signing the back of her T-shirt. Shhh no names

Of course but the players all call Ollie Sestan "Ollie"

Great report, thank you. Sparrow was there, in civvies. In the player area in a black hoodie and dark sunglasses. Steven Smith was there and he caught up with Kelly O'Donnell whom he would have played with. Had a chat and found out he will be away for a few months in Europe for that family holiday. He loves this club. Also a shout out to Ghost writer, the snags were excellent.

That style of shirt was made famous by the character Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen) in Two and a half men, IMO

Gee it was humid there this morning and it was exhausting just watching them run up that slope. A lot od the players mentioned as not training rocked up later. Some had been in the gym others in the pool. FWIW I had a chat with Kalani. He confirmed he is 200 cm and can high jump 2 metres. He signs his autographs with the number 34 K White maybe that gives a hint where his loyalties lie. Had a great chat with Trac, I can understand why he was so traumatised by his injury and the confronting environment of an ICU with extremely ill people. and had a lot to do with the trauma unit. He was happy to talk. He is MFC thru and thru and don't believe all the [censored] you have read about him. He wants the best for the club and the players with everyone treated equally and with respect. In his words this group with the new guys are tight and all in. Max was surrounded by fans, Salo looks fit and well and was describing the families new dining outlet, TMac was in sandles having gone for a swim and is awaiting the impending arrival of their latest. May held court until whisked away by the demon Army but was describing his baby feeding exploits in the wee hours of the morning. Last but not least was the chat with Choco, such an interesting character. He is such a great mentor to the young guys and was seeing how they responded to having so many fans up close. He is a beauty

I know Brad, and he has had every treatment known to man on that knee. In his own words, the knee is no good (he did use a different adjective, but you get the idea). He triggered a clause for another year on his contract, which is why he may be moved to the rookie list, but his playing career is under extreme doubt.

There may be a subplot to this. It wasn't that long ago that it leaked out that Draper was not keen on the Crows after the way they treated Rochelle. Of course, he came out denying he said anything, but Houston was never going to leave Port and how did that end up? Maybe he doesn't want to go to Adelaide, and they are looking at Langford instead.

The latest from the Age is Richmond doesn't want to trade their pick-six and is less likely to do a pick swap with North. Most experts believe the Tigers will take Lalor at one, and the North will take Tauru. Carlton traded up to get FOS, and I cannot see Adelaide letting Draper go. Come on down, pick and go for the best Langford, Smith or Smillie. In Taylor we trust.

Can I remind everyone that both Bomba Thompson and Dimma survived external reviews at their respective clubs prior to winning flags? They weren't sacked, but changes were made around the existing coach. I expect the same with us. Whether you like him or not, Goodwin is a good head coach and man manager, but maybe not the best tactician. Yze admitted on his departure that he was coaching from the box, and Goody was on the boundary line managing the players. This was a transition year with, at times we had five new players in the lineup, some in their first season and others having less than ten games under their belt None of us has any idea what the board has set the coach to do. His job description, tasks, KPI's and performance skill set. He reports to the GM or board monthly, so I don't think they will be sacking him now, given they have followed his progress all season. Already, two assistants have gone, and the dynamic will change. Stop worrying about things that we have no control over. The external reviews will challenge the club, but I cannot see mass sackings. Are there ready-made replacements for the incumbents who cop so much vitriol? NO. It was stated elsewhere that Brisbane lost three senior players to ACLs and their ruckman for the granny. This is where they are better than us. Their second side played deep into the VFL finals, and they have great depth. Would Lohmann, Morris and Ah Chee have got the opportunity if not for the injuries? It worked out better for them, and they introduced new blood that lifted. The injured players ( McCarthy, Coleman & Gardner) probably aren't in the best 22 any more. Darcy Fort is an experienced ruck who played his role on Grand Final day, limiting the effect Grundy had on the game and covering McInerny's absence perfectly. Sydney got smashed in the midfield by Neale, Ashcroft, Berry, McCluggae, Dunkley & Bailey The return of Ashcroft mid-season also bolstered Brisbane. Having a Coleman medalist join the midfield mid-season was a pretty handy acquisition. As we saw, the cupboard was bare in our midfield at Casey, and there was no one to replace Trac and later Windsor and Oliver. Brisbane has a much better and deeper list than us and mids who kick goals.