Latest news with #Demons'
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
From premiership heroes to trade bait: The big calls looming at Melbourne
Melbourne president Brad Green insisted on Tuesday, when explaining why coach Simon Goodwin had been sacked, that the Demons have the capability to return to the finals next season. But the wider football world is split on this assertion. We break down the Demons' playing list and game plan, analysing what the new coach replacing Goodwin will inherit at Melbourne and what changes will need to be made in the hope of resurrecting a talent-laden team which sits in 12th spot with seven wins, having squandered what should have been a premiership era. What to do with Petracca, Oliver, May and Fritsch? Champion Data statistics show Clayton Oliver is ranked only average, and Christian Petracca above average, for their positions this season. Many in the football industry claim the Demons missed a trick last season when they should have traded Oliver – contracted until the end of 2030 – to the Cats when his value was high. Once the bull in the middle, Oliver's lack of pace – emblematic of the Demons' midfield – can be exploited, and he has even been used as a tagger this season. Loading Petracca, contracted until the end of 2029, was also disgruntled at the time after his career-threatening injury, and overall club cultural issues, and was also keen on leaving. Instead, the Demons held firm. It remains to be seen what the new coach wants, but competition sources expect the Demons this time to at least hear what any rival club may be willing to offer – should a call come. This could lead to salary-cap relief, and a first-round draft pick. However, as one rival club source said, Oliver and Petracca may not be keen on playing for the new coach, and could test the market themselves. Steven May is also a curious case. While his behaviour and unfiltered feedback on and off-field can be polarising – just ask Max Gawn after the King's Birthday clash – he remains a key defensive pillar, although rival club sources have questioned whether he has lost half a step when handling leading forwards. He is contracted until the end of 2026 but, at 33, could be worth a look by a club firmly in the premiership window. It hasn't also been lost that premiership forward Bayley Fritsch, with a modest 31 goals this season (ranked above average), is contracted to only the end of next season, when he will be a free agent. Goodwin had shut down speculation Fritsch could be traded.
The Age
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
From premiership heroes to trade bait: The big calls looming at Melbourne
Melbourne president Brad Green insisted on Tuesday, when explaining why coach Simon Goodwin had been sacked, that the Demons have the capability to return to the finals next season. But the wider football world is split on this assertion. We break down the Demons' playing list and game plan, analysing what the new coach replacing Goodwin will inherit at Melbourne and what changes will need to be made in the hope of resurrecting a talent-laden team which sits in 12th spot with seven wins, having squandered what should have been a premiership era. What to do with Petracca, Oliver, May and Fritsch? Champion Data statistics show Clayton Oliver is ranked only average, and Christian Petracca above average, for their positions this season. Many in the football industry claim the Demons missed a trick last season when they should have traded Oliver – contracted until the end of 2030 – to the Cats when his value was high. Once the bull in the middle, Oliver's lack of pace – emblematic of the Demons' midfield – can be exploited, and he has even been used as a tagger this season. Loading Petracca, contracted until the end of 2029, was also disgruntled at the time after his career-threatening injury, and overall club cultural issues, and was also keen on leaving. Instead, the Demons held firm. It remains to be seen what the new coach wants, but competition sources expect the Demons this time to at least hear what any rival club may be willing to offer – should a call come. This could lead to salary-cap relief, and a first-round draft pick. However, as one rival club source said, Oliver and Petracca may not be keen on playing for the new coach, and could test the market themselves. Steven May is also a curious case. While his behaviour and unfiltered feedback on and off-field can be polarising – just ask Max Gawn after the King's Birthday clash – he remains a key defensive pillar, although rival club sources have questioned whether he has lost half a step when handling leading forwards. He is contracted until the end of 2026 but, at 33, could be worth a look by a club firmly in the premiership window. It hasn't also been lost that premiership forward Bayley Fritsch, with a modest 31 goals this season (ranked above average), is contracted to only the end of next season, when he will be a free agent. Goodwin had shut down speculation Fritsch could be traded.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'Won't miss it': Demons remain without permanent home
It was the 10-word punchline that said everything. As a shocked Simon Goodwin articulated his sacking as Melbourne coach, he delivered a cheeky parting shot that broke the ice of a serious press conference. "Probably what I won't miss is driving down to Casey," Goodwin said when referencing the Demons' outer-suburban training facility. But Melbourne's lack of a permanent, singular home is no laughing matter. "Without a doubt it's a challenge," Goodwin said. "(Ex-Demons player and current scout) Kelly O'Donnell is probably the longest serving person here and he's been waiting since 1979. "Hopefully Caulfield will get up and running soon and everyone will be under one roof." Melbourne's football and administrative operations are split like no other club in the AFL. The Demons share their training between Casey Fields in Cranbourne East, about 53km from Melbourne's CBD, and Gosch's Paddock in the Olympic Park precinct. Melbourne's administrative staff operate out of AAMI Park, and some still out of offices at their long-time home ground of the MCG nearby. The Demons were based out of the Junction Oval in St Kilda from from 1986 until 2009, but moved because they were forced to train elsewhere in the off-season to accommodate cricket. Melbourne want to build a new home at the Caulfield Racecourse, but that is not guaranteed to be approved, nor is there any timeline on when it may happen. The Demons were able to end their 57-year premiership drought in 2021 when the whole competition was disrupted and unsettled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Melbourne president Brad Green was adamant the club had given Goodwin the best chance to achieve sustained success. "These last five or six years, Simon has been resilient through that period," Green said. "He's a leader. He's a great coach. "It's never easy when there's change. We don't shy away from that as a board." Goodwin's successor will deal with the same challenges, like trying to recruit star players without a secure and comfortable headquarters. Premiership coaches Adam Simpson and John Longmire, who exited their respective clubs West Coast and Sydney last year following long stints, are certain to be on Melbourne's wish list. Simpson and Longmire, former teammates at North Melbourne, will appear in their regular Wednesday night slot on Fox Footy's AFL 360 program. It was the 10-word punchline that said everything. As a shocked Simon Goodwin articulated his sacking as Melbourne coach, he delivered a cheeky parting shot that broke the ice of a serious press conference. "Probably what I won't miss is driving down to Casey," Goodwin said when referencing the Demons' outer-suburban training facility. But Melbourne's lack of a permanent, singular home is no laughing matter. "Without a doubt it's a challenge," Goodwin said. "(Ex-Demons player and current scout) Kelly O'Donnell is probably the longest serving person here and he's been waiting since 1979. "Hopefully Caulfield will get up and running soon and everyone will be under one roof." Melbourne's football and administrative operations are split like no other club in the AFL. The Demons share their training between Casey Fields in Cranbourne East, about 53km from Melbourne's CBD, and Gosch's Paddock in the Olympic Park precinct. Melbourne's administrative staff operate out of AAMI Park, and some still out of offices at their long-time home ground of the MCG nearby. The Demons were based out of the Junction Oval in St Kilda from from 1986 until 2009, but moved because they were forced to train elsewhere in the off-season to accommodate cricket. Melbourne want to build a new home at the Caulfield Racecourse, but that is not guaranteed to be approved, nor is there any timeline on when it may happen. The Demons were able to end their 57-year premiership drought in 2021 when the whole competition was disrupted and unsettled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Melbourne president Brad Green was adamant the club had given Goodwin the best chance to achieve sustained success. "These last five or six years, Simon has been resilient through that period," Green said. "He's a leader. He's a great coach. "It's never easy when there's change. We don't shy away from that as a board." Goodwin's successor will deal with the same challenges, like trying to recruit star players without a secure and comfortable headquarters. Premiership coaches Adam Simpson and John Longmire, who exited their respective clubs West Coast and Sydney last year following long stints, are certain to be on Melbourne's wish list. Simpson and Longmire, former teammates at North Melbourne, will appear in their regular Wednesday night slot on Fox Footy's AFL 360 program. It was the 10-word punchline that said everything. As a shocked Simon Goodwin articulated his sacking as Melbourne coach, he delivered a cheeky parting shot that broke the ice of a serious press conference. "Probably what I won't miss is driving down to Casey," Goodwin said when referencing the Demons' outer-suburban training facility. But Melbourne's lack of a permanent, singular home is no laughing matter. "Without a doubt it's a challenge," Goodwin said. "(Ex-Demons player and current scout) Kelly O'Donnell is probably the longest serving person here and he's been waiting since 1979. "Hopefully Caulfield will get up and running soon and everyone will be under one roof." Melbourne's football and administrative operations are split like no other club in the AFL. The Demons share their training between Casey Fields in Cranbourne East, about 53km from Melbourne's CBD, and Gosch's Paddock in the Olympic Park precinct. Melbourne's administrative staff operate out of AAMI Park, and some still out of offices at their long-time home ground of the MCG nearby. The Demons were based out of the Junction Oval in St Kilda from from 1986 until 2009, but moved because they were forced to train elsewhere in the off-season to accommodate cricket. Melbourne want to build a new home at the Caulfield Racecourse, but that is not guaranteed to be approved, nor is there any timeline on when it may happen. The Demons were able to end their 57-year premiership drought in 2021 when the whole competition was disrupted and unsettled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Melbourne president Brad Green was adamant the club had given Goodwin the best chance to achieve sustained success. "These last five or six years, Simon has been resilient through that period," Green said. "He's a leader. He's a great coach. "It's never easy when there's change. We don't shy away from that as a board." Goodwin's successor will deal with the same challenges, like trying to recruit star players without a secure and comfortable headquarters. Premiership coaches Adam Simpson and John Longmire, who exited their respective clubs West Coast and Sydney last year following long stints, are certain to be on Melbourne's wish list. Simpson and Longmire, former teammates at North Melbourne, will appear in their regular Wednesday night slot on Fox Footy's AFL 360 program.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
'Won't miss it': Demons remain without permanent home
It was the 10-word punchline that said everything. As a shocked Simon Goodwin articulated his sacking as Melbourne coach, he delivered a cheeky parting shot that broke the ice of a serious press conference. "Probably what I won't miss is driving down to Casey," Goodwin said when referencing the Demons' outer-suburban training facility. But Melbourne's lack of a permanent, singular home is no laughing matter. "Without a doubt it's a challenge," Goodwin said. "(Ex-Demons player and current scout) Kelly O'Donnell is probably the longest serving person here and he's been waiting since 1979. "Hopefully Caulfield will get up and running soon and everyone will be under one roof." Melbourne's football and administrative operations are split like no other club in the AFL. The Demons share their training between Casey Fields in Cranbourne East, about 53km from Melbourne's CBD, and Gosch's Paddock in the Olympic Park precinct. Melbourne's administrative staff operate out of AAMI Park, and some still out of offices at their long-time home ground of the MCG nearby. The Demons were based out of the Junction Oval in St Kilda from from 1986 until 2009, but moved because they were forced to train elsewhere in the off-season to accommodate cricket. Melbourne want to build a new home at the Caulfield Racecourse, but that is not guaranteed to be approved, nor is there any timeline on when it may happen. The Demons were able to end their 57-year premiership drought in 2021 when the whole competition was disrupted and unsettled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Melbourne president Brad Green was adamant the club had given Goodwin the best chance to achieve sustained success. "These last five or six years, Simon has been resilient through that period," Green said. "He's a leader. He's a great coach. "It's never easy when there's change. We don't shy away from that as a board." Goodwin's successor will deal with the same challenges, like trying to recruit star players without a secure and comfortable headquarters. Premiership coaches Adam Simpson and John Longmire, who exited their respective clubs West Coast and Sydney last year following long stints, are certain to be on Melbourne's wish list. Simpson and Longmire, former teammates at North Melbourne, will appear in their regular Wednesday night slot on Fox Footy's AFL 360 program.
7NEWS
28-07-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Steven May's ban upheld after failing to overturn rough conduct suspension at AFL appeals board
Star defender Steven May will still miss Melbourne's next two games after the Demons' bid to overturn his rough conduct suspension was rejected by the AFL appeals board. May was initially handed a three-match ban by the tribunal for rough conduct over the high-speed collision in the Demons' July 19 loss to Carlton that left Blues forward Francis Evans with concussion, a broken nose and a missing tooth. The All Australian defender maintained the ball was always his focus. May, who missed the Demons' demoralising loss to St Kilda on Sunday with his own concussion, will be suspended for games against West Coast and the Western Bulldogs. He was not involved in Monday night's appeal hearing. The Demons appealed on the basis the tribunal made an error of law and that no tribunal acting reasonably could have come to the decision it did. Melbourne's case, which was presented over more than an hour, hinged on the contention that no reasonable tribunal would expect a player to anticipate the trajectory of the ball's bounce. Melbourne noted after a handball went over Evans' head, the ball bounced four times. The first three bounces went away from the Carlton player, before the fourth took the ball into his hands, when May made contact. Jack Rush, acting for the Demons, contended the tribunal had put a 'sense of perfection on the reasonable player' in expecting May to anticipate the ball's trajectory. Melbourne also contended that the tribunal noting Evans had made a movement to avoid contact, while not taking into account May had extended his left leg in an attempt to also slow down, was 'the height of procedural unfairness' and demonstrated 'unreasonableness'. AFL representative Nick Pane quickly contended the tribunal's finding was not unreasonable before the appeals board of Stephen Jurica, Wayne Henwood and chair Will Houghton deliberated for 14 minutes. In rejecting Melbourne's appeal, Houghton said the board was satisfied May understood the case being put forward against him and he had every opportunity to put forward his own case. He concluded there was no lack of procedural fairness and no unreasonableness in the tribunal's decision. Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin had said on Sunday that May was 'devastated and shattered' by the tribunal's decision, having believed he had done the right thing in attacking the ball. Goodwin also predicted the case would shape the way players approach contests in future. He believed players would adapt with the more information they get from the AFL about how they are required to act in certain scenarios. Collingwood forward Brody Mihocek has avoided suspension for pushing Richmond's Nick Vlastuin into two oncoming players. The incident, in the second quarter of Sunday's match at the MCG, was graded low impact, careless conduct and body contact and Mihocek can accept a $1500 fine for rough conduct.
