If I were Ben Holland I'd quit the club

[paddo 0]

I'm sorry, I know Bailey is going down the youth lines but I think dropping Ben Holland is an absoute disgrace. I'm a huge wrap for the guy because he tries his guts out week in, week out whether it be at AFL or VFL level. He was our most potent forward when on the ground last Sunday and he should be in the team - bottom line.

But what really upsets me, and should upset Ben, is that it seems that he was given a place in the team only because he played plenty of footy with Neita and he wanted to see him off. If that is the case, then it's a disgrace and Ben should seriously consider whether he wants to commit to this footy club any longer.

[rpfc 28,736]

I'm sorry, I know Bailey is going down the youth lines but I think dropping Ben Holland is an absoute disgrace. I'm a huge wrap for the guy because he tries his guts out week in, week out whether it be at AFL or VFL level. He was our most potent forward when on the ground last Sunday and he should be in the team - bottom line.

But what really upsets me, and should upset Ben, is that it seems that he was given a place in the team only because he played plenty of footy with Neita and he wanted to see him off. If that is the case, then it's a disgrace and Ben should seriously consider whether he wants to commit to this footy club any longer.

He's retiring at the end of the season and we have won 6 of the last 32 games.

He was lucky to play on this season.

Selection is tough, but quit the club?

Come on.

[Bobby McKenzie 2,385]

I'm sorry, I know Bailey is going down the youth lines but I think dropping Ben Holland is an absoute disgrace. I'm a huge wrap for the guy because he tries his guts out week in, week out whether it be at AFL or VFL level. He was our most potent forward when on the ground last Sunday and he should be in the team - bottom line.

But what really upsets me, and should upset Ben, is that it seems that he was given a place in the team only because he played plenty of footy with Neita and he wanted to see him off. If that is the case, then it's a disgrace and Ben should seriously consider whether he wants to commit to this footy club any longer.

Ben is out of the team because of his shoulder injury. He wasn't dropped.

[Whispering_Jack 30,580]

Ben is out of the team because of his shoulder injury. He wasn't dropped.

Quite right Bobby. In fact I wouldn't even be surprised if the club snuck in another forward onto the emergency list just in case Robbo doesn't come up for tomorrow's game.

I believe that a similar thing was done earlier this year although not with great effect or impact.

[brey9186 102]

if DB put dutchy in, because of neita, dont you think yze and white you have been playing, as they have spent their whole career with the big fella, not just the last 4 years?

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,936]

Ben is out of the team because of his shoulder injury. He wasn't dropped.

Why would he be now on the Emergency list?

My tip is Holland to come in for Robbo. Bailey's playing ducks and drakes.

[Guest deua_demon]

The year is lost, so get on with weeding out the lame and the old and get the new leadership group performing - life's tough, life's not fair - let's get some results happening toward the end of the year - else sack Bailey as well!

[DemonDave 1,089]

It clearly states in the article he has been omitted:

"Shane Valenti, Ben Holland and Mark Jamar have all been omitted."

So he is not injured. An unbelievable selection gaffe for mine..

[Scoop Junior 3,513]

He can retire if he wants.

I want to see the club develop youth so that we can develop a premiership side. All players 30 and above would be well aware of where the club is at the moment and the future direction of the club. The club is bigger than the individual and while Holland might feel harshly treated, it is a reflection of where the club is at and I'm sure he'd be smart enough to understand what's going on.

That said, I can't understand Yze's selection.

[beelzebub 23,382]

That said, I can't understand Yze's selection.

me neither !!

I think Ben's in more injury related despite anything in the press...we all no how right they get it huh!! lol

anyhow..He is a servant of the club..has beeen a good one. Im sure he accpets the coaches decisions without grumbling

[Little Goffy 14,636]

Ben Holland should be damn excited that he got a game.

If he was at Essendon for instance, he would simply have a line through his name regardless of his form.

As for this week, my understanding is that he's hurt/sore and is being rested, and not really dropped at all.

Gotta freshen him up for Rocca in another weeks time

Actually, it might be more a case of two old heavy cruisers having a shootout at each end of the ground. I'd be stoked if, say, Warnock took Rocca and kept him to one or two while Holland notched up five at the other end of the ground.

The ultimate way to rub it in - "I kill you one on one and I'm better at your job than you are, too"

[deestroyers 0]

It clearly states in the article he has been omitted:

"Shane Valenti, Ben Holland and Mark Jamar have all been omitted."

So he is not injured. An unbelievable selection gaffe for mine..

How silly of us all, I forgot everything written in the media is always 100% correct and accurate.

Pigs also fly.

[TonyMelb 7]

me neither !!

I think Ben's in more injury related despite anything in the press...we all no how right they get it huh!! lol

anyhow..He is a servant of the club..has beeen a good one. Im sure he accpets the coaches decisions without grumbling

Ben Holland is a depth player as he was last year and was in the side because of injuries (Wheatley, Rivers Carroll etc) as well as probably plan B or C if Buddy had been starring against Garland and Matty Warnock,which didnt happen.

Adem Yze has been promoted on form as noted on MFC website - has done everything asked of him back and Sandy and in best players in last 5 weeks so "has forced his way back into the side". DB has set the benchmarks as not playing underdone players and selecting the side on form and merit and so that applies to ALL listed players! Trying to instill discipline and evan approach & we should support this.

[Nasher 33,617]

That said, I can't understand Yze's selection.

Because he has been in good form at Sandy. What's so hard to understand about that?

No side has ever, nor will they ever implement a "strictly youth only" policy; that's a myth created by fans. Coaches with youth policies never have two eyes firmly fixed on the future, there's always one eye on the "now" element as well, so if the coach believes a player will add to the side now, he'll be picked. I don't see what's so shockingly mortifying about that.

[paddo 0]

No side has ever, nor will they ever implement a "strictly youth only" policy; that's a myth created by fans. Coaches with youth policies never have two eyes firmly fixed on the future, there's always one eye on the "now" element as well, so if the coach believes a player will add to the side now, he'll be picked. I don't see what's so shockingly mortifying about that.

Fantastic point Nasher - and exactly why Holland is very stiff not to be in the team (unless he is injured but he was listed as omitted)

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,936]

That said, I can't understand Yze's selection.

Adem Yze is a required player on 300K a year. He owes us service in the seniors. Whats the point in having him star for a local suburban club?

[titan_uranus 25,042]

Because he has been in good form at Sandy. What's so hard to understand about that?

No side has ever, nor will they ever implement a "strictly youth only" policy; that's a myth created by fans. Coaches with youth policies never have two eyes firmly fixed on the future, there's always one eye on the "now" element as well, so if the coach believes a player will add to the side now, he'll be picked. I don't see what's so shockingly mortifying about that.

I agree, good form at Sandy warrants selection in the seniors IMO. A win this week would do wonders for our players' confidence leading into Queen's Birthday, a game that all Melbourne supporters want to see us win, so it's important DB looks for a team that can win for us over the next couple of weeks.

[Scoop Junior 3,513]

Because he has been in good form at Sandy. What's so hard to understand about that?

No side has ever, nor will they ever implement a "strictly youth only" policy; that's a myth created by fans. Coaches with youth policies never have two eyes firmly fixed on the future, there's always one eye on the "now" element as well, so if the coach believes a player will add to the side now, he'll be picked. I don't see what's so shockingly mortifying about that.

You and I obviously have different approaches. I look at what's best for the club going forward, not what's best for the team right now.

What is achieved by playing Yze in terms of the future of the club? He's not going to be there long term. Playing a young bloke instead will at least give that player some experience and development and even if that player doesn't make it, at least the coaching staff will have had the chance to assess that player at AFL level.

When you are having a crap year, you might as well get something out of it. And the best way to do that IMO is to develop your youth and hopefully pick up some high selections in the draft to rebuild your playing stocks.

If we happen to win five games like last year and cost ourselves a free top 20 pick, not to mention a very early first rounder, I'll be spewing. We already stuffed it up last year by beating the Bulldogs, hopefully we don't do it again.

Get ruthless.

[Mono 455]

You and I obviously have different approaches. I look at what's best for the club going forward, not what's best for the team right now.

What is achieved by playing Yze in terms of the future of the club? He's not going to be there long term. Playing a young bloke instead will at least give that player some experience and development and even if that player doesn't make it, at least the coaching staff will have had the chance to assess that player at AFL level.

When you are having a crap year, you might as well get something out of it. And the best way to do that IMO is to develop your youth and hopefully pick up some high selections in the draft to rebuild your playing stocks.

If we happen to win five games like last year and cost ourselves a free top 20 pick, not to mention a very early first rounder, I'll be spewing. We already stuffed it up last year by beating the Bulldogs, hopefully we don't do it again.

Get ruthless.

I don't think it's as simple as that, as black and white. A little while ago, Bailey was quoted as saying 'he wanted to establish a winning culture'. This is one of the best quotes I have heard from him.

A winning culture! Just imagine - we haven't had it since the early 60's. Its worth heaps more than a draft pick or two.

[Hards 2]

I reckon Holland will play.

There's a fine line between playing not enough youth and too much youth. Last week we had 6 guys with 10 games or less, and 16 with less than 50.

If all those kids are out there in a side getting smashed each week they won't learn anything. We have to be competitive, even if the final results are wins, and we have to have the structure in place that is going to take us forward

If Holland doesn't play and he is fit then we've dropped him with no one to replace his role in the side. So we kick to Robbo one out and three guys jump on him and we get smashed by 10 goals, what's the point?

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

Barring injury, Ben Holland should start every game for the rest of the year. Our forward line looks a lot better with him in it, as he brings Wona and Davey into the game. Unlike some other senior players, he also tries his guts out - and that's bloody important.

[Hards 2]

Just heard on 3AW that Holland was withdrawn from our squad yesterday due to a knee injury. They were reading from an MFC press release

[Scoop Junior 3,513]

If all those kids are out there in a side getting smashed each week they won't learn anything. We have to be competitive, even if the final results are wins, and we have to have the structure in place that is going to take us forward

Well they're getting smashed regardless. Might as well get smashed with more youth than smashed with blokes that won't be around next year.

As for winning culture, you won't be able to build a winning culture until you get the requisite talent on the list. Footy is cyclical these days, winning cultures come and go as your team goes up and down the ladder.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Well they're getting smashed regardless. Might as well get smashed with more youth than smashed with blokes that won't be around next year.

As for winning culture, you won't be able to build a winning culture until you get the requisite talent on the list. Footy is cyclical these days, winning cultures come and go as your team goes up and down the ladder.

Good points Scoop.

I am not sure how selecting Yze adds to a winning culture especially considering the other aspects Bailey has been championing.

[Jaded No More 68,972]

Good points Scoop.

I am not sure how selecting Yze adds to a winning culture especially considering the other aspects Bailey has been championing.

Did you enjoy Yze's game today?

I was really hoping something would change in him after his long absence from senior footy, but I guess a leopard doesn't change his spots.

You gotta hand it to him though, the man sure does know how to get those free kicks working for him!