Bailey again looking to develop our midfield by moving Junior to the back pocket (I've noticed it since the Hawks game v Rioli). This is a great move on many levels as it gives our inexperienced backline a 200+ player. It also means players like McLean, Jones and others are expected to lift their work rate now, rather then when junior retires (mclean dominating over the last 3 weeks BOG for Melb for me each week, which coincides with McDonald's move down back).

It may also extend the career of McDonald.

Bailey you are ticking all the boxes in my opinion, and with big Jim now backing us, we'll be alright.

I agree on the whole, however even with Mcdonald in the midfield Mclean and Jones have already been asked to take a major step-up, probably moreso than any other midfield combination of their age group in the competition.

I think Bailey realises Mcdonald will not help the development of these boys any further as he will not attract the best tagger, and as such feels the backline is a good spot for him

i agree it's good to give some kids in the middle some experience... but I think we should still be playing him in the middle...

it's ridiculous that Junior gets a run in the back pocket ahead of Matty Whelan... Wheels is a much better back pocket, younger than Junior I believe, and should be getting a game ahead of him if junior is playing in the back pocket...

i agree it's good to give some kids in the middle some experience... but I think we should still be playing him in the middle...

it's ridiculous that Junior gets a run in the back pocket ahead of Matty Whelan... Wheels is a much better back pocket, younger than Junior I believe, and should be getting a game ahead of him if junior is playing in the back pocket...

Yeah I agree, though I think one them could play off a flank. This could have a real stabilising effect on our backline and give it some much needed rebound.

Its all well and good to play the kids but you need some experience back there to show them the way.

If they are putting whelan out to pasture it is a bit too early for my reckoning. I hope he gets a game Sunday.

If they are putting whelan out to pasture it is a bit too early for my reckoning.

I agree.

Whelan was one of the a couple of guys Bailey made special mention of as possible inclusions at the after-match function on Monday.

McDonald in the back pocket is bloody terrible. he is lost down there.

Did you not see his game on Cyril Rioli?

Bailey again looking to develop our midfield by moving Junior to the back pocket (I've noticed it since the Hawks game v Rioli). This is a great move on many levels as it gives our inexperienced backline a 200+ player. It also means players like McLean, Jones and others are expected to lift their work rate now, rather then when junior retires (mclean dominating over the last 3 weeks BOG for Melb for me each week, which coincides with McDonald's move down back).

It may also extend the career of McDonald.

Bailey you are ticking all the boxes in my opinion, and with big Jim now backing us, we'll be alright.

Since when did the named line up line up as named, not since the 60's

I reckon Macca has about as much chance of playing Back Pocket...

...as many of the other players have of playing at their listed position.

Since when did the named line up line up as named, not since the 60's

I reckon Macca has about as much chance of playing Back Pocket...

...as many of the other players have of playing at their listed position.

if either of you had been paying any attention over the last month you would've seen junior has been playing a lot of footy on the half back flank and in the back pocket...

a position where he is wasted and Wheels is much better suited... if it's done to give the kids a better run in the middle, then so be it... but i don't think you should send an all australian midfielder to the backline, where he's not very well suited...

I reckon the reasoning behind it is good, and it does help the rest of the backline in terms of his experience, but I'd prefer Whelan down back to Macca. McDonald is a midfielder, not a defender.

I reckon Macca has about as much chance of playing Back Pocket...

...as many of the other players have of playing at their listed position.

As vanlo's pointed out, McDonald's already played down back this season (ie. Hawks game).