Whilst Bailey has won me over his disregard to continue to not play Dutchy is concerning. I'd have him in starting 22 in the first place but with inujuries to Robbo, the retirement of Neita and the weak heart of Newton I find it unfathomable how he is not at least providing a target in the forward 50. The only time all year we have looked dangerous up forward was against the Hawks when we had Dutchy directing play towards the goal square. Our strength is our crumbing and medium sized forwards e.g. Wonneamiri and Davey why not just plonk it on top of Ben's head and at least create a contest.

We need to bring him back into the team ASAP. Provides a forward target and some much needed leadership.

Surely he must be injured.

The big boy has been a pleasure to watch over the years. So many highlights to choose from shutting down Rocca on QBday 2007, getting us within a goal V the doggies 2006 and his efforts to get up and kick a couple for Neita V the Hawks this year.

Injured?

Does he even play for Sandringham anymore?

We need to bring him back into the team ASAP. Provides a forward target and some much needed leadership.

Holland couldn't provide leadership in the game "Follow the Leader!"

Yes he is still on the list. Unfortunately. De-list he is a list clogger.

Careful to malign the man.. he's shown more leadership in many games than our so called illustrious "group" If only half gave their all in the manner he does. Dont confuse ability with 'this is how you try " effort

Dont confuse ability with 'this is how you try " effort

Indeed. I read he's a great role model in terms of training etc.

Not sure about anything else, but - as you imply - does seem to give 100% when he's out there.

Careful to malign the man.. he's shown more leadership in many games than our so called illustrious "group" If only half gave their all in the manner he does. Dont confuse ability with 'this is how you try " effort

I agree. Ben gets a pretty tough gig by MFC supporters but I find it unfathomable how he is not at least playing one out of the sqaure at the moment.

I agree. Ben gets a pretty tough gig by MFC supporters but I find it unfathomable how he is not at least playing one out of the sqaure at the moment.

Ben has been a great servant and he was retained on the list for 2008 for depth purposes. He will retire at season's end or be delisted by us at the very least. He would be playing each week if we had last years' injuries again. But you have to ask - would you rather lose with a young player that is learning, or with Benny. I would rather focus on the future.

Whilst Bailey has won me over his disregard to continue to not play Dutchy is concerning. I'd have him in starting 22 in the first place but with inujuries to Robbo, the retirement of Neita and the weak heart of Newton I find it unfathomable how he is not at least providing a target in the forward 50. The only time all year we have looked dangerous up forward was against the Hawks when we had Dutchy directing play towards the goal square. Our strength is our crumbing and medium sized forwards e.g. Wonneamiri and Davey why not just plonk it on top of Ben's head and at least create a contest.

We need to bring him back into the team ASAP. Provides a forward target and some much needed leadership.

Surely he must be injured.

He is injured.

He is injured.

Thank god finally a rational explanation

Shoulder innit?

If we were trying to win games i`m sure he`d be in. But we`re not.

If we were trying to win games i`m sure he`d be in. But we`re not.

Poor statement mate. Look out how well we've been playing.

I love how we are starting to play. However we need to play the kids and ensure last spot

I love how we are starting to play. However we need to play the kids and ensure last spot

Sure, The number one pick would be nice but not under any circumstances should the playing squad/staff take a negative approach into a game.

Kids are being played anyway. Martin, Morton, Aussie and the type.

No need for the coaches to be negative. Just get games into any kid that is ready. To not come last this year would be a total disaster of a season.

Basically he's old and slow. Won't be around when Melbourne next play finals etc etc

Keep in the VFL and at training to guide the young players coming through but play him in the Red/Blue not

Ben gets a pretty tough gig by MFC supporters but I find it unfathomable how he is not at least playing one out of the sqaure at the moment.

After PJ's encouraging game out of FF against the Swan's, i'd imagine Holland is now even further away from getting a game.

Basically he's old and slow. Won't be around when Melbourne next play finals etc etc

Keep in the VFL and at training to guide the young players coming through but play him in the Red/Blue not

Will Jamar be in Melbourne's next finals side, I doubt it.

Even if we are trying to play the kids surely having a key forward target ableit it be Ben Holland is worth pursevering with.

Surely having someone like PJ who has 8 years left in him as a forward target would be more beneficial in the long run

I hope he gets into a coaching career, at any level.

Holland couldn't provide leadership in the game "Follow the Leader!"

Yes he is still on the list. Unfortunately. De-list he is a list clogger.

Your a forum clogger......you're posting too much and its boring me.

Over the last three seasons Dutchy has played more good games than bad. The problem is when he plays poorly he plays really poorly.

He is certainly injured because he was fantastic against Hawthorn and would have surely been given a game the following week.

Its great to blood youngsters but with Robbo and Neitz gone, an experience presence is needed in order to help the youngsters grow.

[quote name='do it 4 robbie'

"If we were trying to win games i`m sure he`d be in". But we`re not."

Spot on, Robbie. The only way you can minimise your chances of an upset win is at the selection table(or by coaching moves, but that's a bit obvious). Better to provide a young promising player with the experience, than play Dutchie, who might kick 4 goals, or quell a star.

Holland , Yze etc will not be in Melbournes next premiership

They are not the future

Thats the bottom line

Its great to blood youngsters but with Robbo and Neitz gone, an experience presence is needed in order to help the youngsters grow.

Very much agreed.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/football/full-t...4073149800.html

Different sport but same principle. Play only kids and they won't learn as much as if they have good, experienced players alongside them. I'm not sure Ben Holland is the answer, but there always needs to be a mix, not just blindly "playing the kids".

It won't happen, but it would be interesting to play PJ and Dutchy out of the square. PJ may get some pointers on how to outbustle your man and to take contested marks (however you'd think Neita should be doing this at training anyway).