Bailey plans changes for consistency

Bailey noted that 21-year-old Stefan Martin may not be far away from making his AFL debut after some impressive performances.

“Stef’s progression has been good during the year…he’s been thereabouts… if I had to pick a top 30 at the moment, he’d be in there.”

What’s more, Bailey insisted that giving the potential debutant the job on superstar Jonathan Brown was not beyond the realms of possibility.

“Someone’s got to play on him. It’s been done before. Why wouldn’t he want to take up the challenge,” he said.

Valenti and Buckley also in the mix for a call up... who would make way? I think Bode seems a popular choice... who else? perhaps martin comes in for Frawley or Warnock?

he also highlighted lynden dunn's good game on the weekend...

Anyone who would like to hear it, have a crack at this.

http://sportal.com.au/mediaplayer/audio/AF...s-mistakes-2938

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/tabid/7415/D...px?newsid=62111

Valenti and Buckley also in the mix for a call up... who would make way? I think Bode seems a popular choice... who else? perhaps martin comes in for Frawley or Warnock?

he also highlighted lynden dunn's good game on the weekend...

I'm a big rap for Bartman, but he's struggling at the minute.

I'm a big rap for Bartman, but he's struggling at the minute.

personally i thought bartram had one of his best games of the year on the weekend...

personally i thought bartram had one of his best games of the year on the weekend...

i agree, i'd been calling for him to be dropped for most of the year...

but the last two games he's shown something... his hands have been much better, used the ball better and has gone hard at the contest...

It was good to see him recognise Dunn's great efforts over the last three games, although some of his decision making and disposal when he's got the resembles a certain former Melbourne tagger i think he's shown some great potential to tag some of the key players in the game.

I also liked the point he made about the young guns of the club trying to create their own history at the club, that 150 heroes dinner might have been the best thing that happened to these kids.

http://sportal.com.au/afl-news-display/dee...youngster-51119

check this link. I'd suggest a direct swap for James Frawley. I would have thought Carroll would have been preferred having said that, I'd love to see another Demon make his debut.

Out of interest, I'd suggest Valenti will come in Bode too.

In Martin and Valenti Out Bode and Frawley

I'd love to see Big Steff play, well deserved, a raelly exciting prospect, he's a big man with some speed and athleticism!

There is no way Warnock would be dropped!!

if Stef did come in, which he prob wont id say...

Out: frawley/Jamar, Bode, Bartram

In: Martin, Valenti, Buckley..

id be happy with that..

Frawley unlucky though!! thats why id say stef will be emerg..

UNLESS:

Jamr makes way, but Id doubt it as PJ was so good up forward, however, Jamar should not play just 4 that!!

So maybe Jamar out, PJ rests up forward..

http://sportal.com.au/afl-news-display/dee...youngster-51119

check this link. I'd suggest a direct swap for James Frawley. I would have thought Carroll would have been preferred having said that, I'd love to see another Demon make his debut.

Out of interest, I'd suggest Valenti will come in Bode too.

In Martin and Valenti Out Bode and Frawley

I'd be happy with those changes. Must say i'm surprised to hear DB throw Stef Martin's name into the mix, as reports have been he's been solid without being great. Wasn't expecting that one, but if he believes Stef is ready and can do a job, then I'd love to see him come into the side and get 2nd crack at J.Brown after Warnock.

Valenti keeps pressing for promotion, he's got to be close.

I'd be happy with those changes. Must say i'm surprised to hear DB throw Stef Martin's name into the mix, as reports have been he's been solid without being great. Wasn't expecting that one, but if he believes Stef is ready and can do a job, then I'd love to see him come into the side and get 2nd crack at J.Brown after Warnock.

Valenti keeps pressing for promotion, he's got to be close.

he seems to be good one on one, the type we have few of at Melbourne. Would like to see him played before the season ends.

Out Bode White In Martin Valenti Play Martin at Full Forward and give Valenti a job on Black he will learn quick and Martin just contain the Ball in the forward line Help Austin with spillages it will work .

I'd be happy with those changes. Must say i'm surprised to hear DB throw Stef Martin's name into the mix, as reports have been he's been solid without being great.

True, but it's hard to be outstanding as a full back/centre half back.

If he's showing signs that he'd be capable to handle his opponents, then give him a run with the Demons and see how he goes.

Out Bode White In Martin Valenti Play Martin at Full Forward and give Valenti a job on Black he will learn quick and Martin just contain the Ball in the forward line Help Austin with spillages it will work .

Yes, a brilliant idea.... Let's take the man being developed for full back, and throw him up front.....

I really hope Stef gets a run this week, or even just gets named. Will do wonders for his confidence, and from all reports his development so far this year is outstanding. With Stef being developed for full back, Garland, Warnock and Frawley running beside him, and the likes of Cheney filling the small back spot, our backline is looking pretty nice for the future.

Two topics on this subject, merge please

chuck grimes in ..jk

Easy Martin in, Jamar out, Martin plays back, Garland goes forward.

Easy Martin in, Jamar out, Martin plays back, Garland goes forward.

I worry about throwing Garland from one end to the other. He has been doing such a good job down back, and gaining a lot of confidence, we should probably let him play out the year there.

On the other hand, our forwardline is shite...

But are we robbing Peter to pay Paul?

Easy Martin in, Jamar out, Martin plays back, Garland goes forward.

I worry about throwing Garland from one end to the other.

Tricky situation.

I want Frawley to stay in also.

Both Garland and Frawley are quite athletic and have a bit of speed, Garland's played small earlier in the year on guys like Farmer with some success and everyone complains Frawley gets thrown around too much. Is it possible there is room for all 4, Martin & Warnock playing tall against Brown & Bradshaw and Garland & Frawley playing more as rebounding defenders?

I think it could work. Frawley 3rd tall against Brennan and Garland given the most freedom, possibly pushing forward for a goal or two. Garland has shown he may have the skills and pace to play this type of role, we shouldnt assume he has to play tall because of his size. This could also allow Wheatley to play further up on a wing and Green to play down forward.

I imagine if all 4 play Garland will be trialled down forward at some stage, depending on where the game is at in the later stages. I dont see any harm in him given the occassional pinch hitting role down there, I would be concerned if he lined up in the forward line for the whole match though.

Ins: Martin, Valenti

Outs: Jamar / White, Bode

Bode is stiff not to have one or two more weeks to prove himself but Valenti must come in, his form is better.

I would hate to see Buckley brought back prematurely, he needs to prove he has a defensive game for several weeks before he is considered for senior selection.

I was against Morton being dropped but now he's down there and we have the bye coming up I dont see any harm in him taking it easy until Round 15.

Frawley was a winger deep into his junior playing days, and does have a bit of pace. Then had a growth spurt and started playing key defence.

At least until he gets a bit of bulk, he might go ok playing on smaller forwards and being a rebound defender.

I want to see Maric and Meesen play. may as well play them against Brisbane.......why wait longer? Give them a taste.... The worst thing that could happen is (we win!) ......, sorry I mean end up with a win/loss ratio of 1 and 13.

I want to see Maric and Meesen play. may as well play them against Brisbane.......why wait longer? Give them a taste.... The worst thing that could happen is (we win!) ......, sorry I mean end up with a win/loss ratio of 1 and 13.

From the match and coaches reports it doesn't sound like they are showing sufficient form to warrant selection at the moment.

As much as I want to see the young blood coming on I don't think handing MFC games out like "a breakfast cereal freebie" will do our club culture any favours.

I don't think we need to play with 3 ruckman.

The problem is, that if we want a contest in the middle, we need to keep Jamar in the side. He is most suited to playing against Charman, who is very physical.

It would be a brave move to drop White, but a correct one. We can't afford to have one ruckman on the bench at all times, especially on the MCG. It significantly cuts down our midfield rotations and it keeps a deserving player like Valenti out of the side.

For me, it's time to drop White and bring in Valenti. That's the only change I'd make.

Poor Martin shouldn't have to play on Brown in his first AFL match. If he gets smashed, it will ruin whatever confidence he's gotten playing well at Sandy (remembering he is new to AFL).

Garland could play on Brown. He'll concede strength but Brown won't be able to stop him on the rebound. Alternatively the job goes to Warnock. At the end of the day, if Brown kicks less than 5, it's a win for us. If Bradshaw returns we're in deep shite.

Poor Martin shouldn't have to play on Brown in his first AFL match. If he gets smashed, it will ruin whatever confidence he's gotten playing well at Sandy (remembering he is new to AFL).

I think the AFL player's mindset works a bit differently than that. I'd bet that if you asked Stefan Martin if he wanted to play on Brown on debut, he'd be jumping at the opportunity.

That said, I agree that Garland is the man for the job at the moment.

I think the AFL player's mindset works a bit differently than that. I'd bet that if you asked Stefan Martin if he wanted to play on Brown on debut, he'd be jumping at the opportunity.

That said, I agree that Garland is the man for the job at the moment.

I think Stef would play on Jesus Christ, if it meant he was given a senior AFL match.

What players want and what players are capable of is a completely different story. Martin is new to the game of AFL. He has spent half a season playing FB. To go into his first match, against a team that is likely to annihilate us in the midfield, and play against the best CHF in the game (screw Buddy <_< ), is frightening and it's unfair.

The only worry I have with Garland playing on Brown, is that he is conceding 17kgs

We'll need to double-team Brown and give Garland help, because one-on-one he can't beat him. It's physically impossible!

Poor Martin shouldn't have to play on Brown in his first AFL match. If he gets smashed, it will ruin whatever confidence he's gotten playing well at Sandy (remembering he is new to AFL).

I think the AFL player's mindset works a bit differently than that. I'd bet that if you asked Stefan Martin if he wanted to play on Brown on debut, he'd be jumping at the opportunity.

Totally agree. Seems to a tad hypocritical to refer to a player as 'Poor Martin' then bang about managing their confidence.

I'd put Warnock on JB before Garland.