The Miller Issue

[2014-Flag 0]

I think we all agree on here it is not our new recruits or young players who are the problem at the moment, it's the experienced brigade.

Take Brad Miller. When we were playing finals football consistently in the early part of this decade, Miller was a very valuable player. He continually provided a fast leading target and was well known for his hard work. Sure we had a problem with his kicking for goal, but complemented Neita very well and I think was for two or three years regarded as a high value late pick.

What has gone wrong? First, think his work rate has dropped off. He no longer seems to do the hard running needed as a good CHF. Secondly, the delivery forward is just shocking.In this i am not blaming Trengove or Scully, both of whom played serviceable first up games, i'm more pointing the finger at our experienced on-ballers: Jones (who i think is seriously underskilled for such a senior player), Davey who clearly is not fit yet, Maloney who just seems to blaze away with little thought as to team system, and to a lessor extent Junior and Brad Green, although i thought he was the best of the snior brigade on Saturday.

What if anything can we do about this. I think it comes down to our gameplan (or lack of it), and the individual coaching of the player and his group. Surely Miller could be coached to go back to what worked in the past,but that will also mean a plan about fast moving football - something we singualrly lack at the moment IMO. If we can harness BM as we have in the past, we have a valuable player and one who could complement Jack Watts when he gets up and going.

We need to put more coaching time into the older brigade to get the best out of them. We do not seem to be doing that,otherwise why are they all performing so badly?

[dee-luded 2,959]

I think we all agree on here it is not our new recruits or young players who are the problem at the moment, it's the experienced brigade.

Take Brad Miller. When we were playing finals football consistently in the early part of this decade, Miller was a very valuable player. He continually provided a fast leading target and was well known for his hard work. Sure we had a problem with his kicking for goal, but complemented Neita very well and I think was for two or three years regarded as a high value late pick.

What has gone wrong? First, think his work rate has dropped off. He no longer seems to do the hard running needed as a good CHF. Secondly, the delivery forward is just shocking.In this i am not blaming Trengove or Scully, both of whom played serviceable first up games, i'm more pointing the finger at our experienced on-ballers: Jones (who i think is seriously underskilled for such a senior player), Davey who clearly is not fit yet, Maloney who just seems to blaze away with little thought as to team system, and to a lessor extent Junior and Brad Green, although i thought he was the best of the snior brigade on Saturday.

What if anything can we do about this. I think it comes down to our gameplan (or lack of it), and the individual coaching of the player and his group. Surely Miller could be coached to go back to what worked in the past,but that will also mean a plan about fast moving football - something we singualrly lack at the moment IMO. If we can harness BM as we have in the past, we have a valuable player and one who could complement Jack Watts when he gets up and going.

We need to put more coaching time into the older brigade to get the best out of them. We do not seem to be doing that,otherwise why are they all performing so badly?

The guys a battler, not a superstar. But he's a genuine Hard Worker he works his arse off for the Team.

We expect too much from a limited player who's keeping the position whilst others come on.

[Lost Highway 31]

I'll just add that his best play was usually well out from goal where he'd mark at full tilt and handball very quickly to a player going the other way. BUT... we had players of the calibre of Yze, Johnston, even Rigoni, who could take it cleanly and deliver very well over the 50 line where Neita would mark or contest strongly. The only players capable of taking this kind of quick sideways handpass now and making good use of the ball are, believe it or not, Trengove, Scully and Davey. Forget the rest. Miller looked OK in a decent team before his confidence went south never to return.

[Summer Blease 0]

Miller at his best is nothing more than an athletic stop-gap of sorts. A get and give player, a mobile coat hanger. He is a link player, he can take a mark and dish off. He provides nothing more than that- will never be anything more than a third option in a decent forward line- let alone a good one.. He displays no leadership on field and I defy anyone to put forward an example of when/if he did.

Nice guy sure, gives his heart for the team sure.. can't play though. The mere fact we have Miller in our forward line says alot of our predicament. By rights he doesn't have the all-round skill to have a permanent spot in any forward line, let alone be considered a "target"

[Craig Drinker 179]

Way too much focus on the perennial "whipping boy" Miller! Seems some posters think that if the MFC moved Miller on that all MFC woes would be over and we would fly up the ladder somehow.

Miller certainly has his limitations however has many strong qualities that are of value to the MFC and that the coaching staff recognise.

There are just way too many threads about Miller ,filled with posters constantly bagging him. What is the value in this negative fixation with Miller? Move on!

[Guest Thomo]

Way too much focus on the perennial "whipping boy" Miller! Seems some posters think that if the MFC moved Miller on that all MFC woes would be over and we would fly up the ladder somehow.

Miller certainly has his limitations however has many strong qualities that are of value to the MFC and that the coaching staff recognise.

There are just way too many threads about Miller ,filled with posters constantly bagging him. What is the value in this negative fixation with Miller? Move on!

Agree, well said. If 22 players put in the work that Miller does we would be a much better team.

[pitmaster 3,578]

Miller showed promise, and was at his best when Neitz was at FF.

That meant the big fella took the strongest defender - sometimes two, at times three.

So Miller had a much lesser opponent than he faces now. This is one reason I'd like to see Johnson given a go at FF. Big body, can build up a head of steam although needs to learn to use his weight.

But that's a side issue right now. The reason for Miller's slump I think is that he is a genuine number two or three forward, at his best pushing up field and leaving space for a genuine key forward. Now BM's is being asked to do more than he is capable of - I just wish he'd laid a couple of decent shepherds last week. There was no-one keeping Campbell Brown or Lewis honest.

Anyway, that's your answer - no Nieta, no Miller.

[Lost Highway 31]

Anyway, that's your answer - no Nieta, no Miller.

Dead right. Agree with most of your comment - my own was heading in the same direction.

But Johnson, mentioned earlier, has shown no ability or inclination to take marks overhead, nor to use his considerable body weight purposefully.

Miller merely lacks the ability.

Edited March 30, 2010 by Lost Highway

[Jarka 767]

Way too much focus on the perennial "whipping boy" Miller! Seems some posters think that if the MFC moved Miller on that all MFC woes would be over and we would fly up the ladder somehow.

Miller certainly has his limitations however has many strong qualities that are of value to the MFC and that the coaching staff recognise.

There are just way too many threads about Miller ,filled with posters constantly bagging him. What is the value in this negative fixation with Miller? Move on!

There are so many threads about Miller because over the last five seasons he hasn't improved from being an honest, average battler. In fact, if anything he's gone backwards. It's just sad that we don't have anyone to replace him.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

'when he used to give so much'

sorry, when was that?!

[RalphiusMaximus 6,088]

The difference is the game plan. Simple. Miller was a focal point of Daniher's plan where we would kick long out of defence to the leading CHF and he would dish off quickly to a running mid who could either take a shot himself or hit one of Robbo, Neitz or Schwartz (before he retired). Miller's deficiencies were hidden because he very rarely kicked the ball, almost never took a shot on goal and because of the rapid transit from the back 50 rarely had to take a contested mark.

Now we have a different coach, different plans and no dominant target in the forward 50. Suddenly Miller is the only experienced KPF we have left and every weakness in his game is being exposed. We discover that he can't hold his ground, is weak in contested marking and obviously can't kick a goal to save himself.

[sylvinator 96]

Our problem lies in our lack of quality players.

How good would Medhurst be at Melbourne? How about Mooney at the demons? Mitch Hahn? Daisy Thomas? They'd all be crap as the number 1 forwards.

These players are able to flourish b/c they are mid-tier players who are able to play as mid-tier players. Our mid-tier players are crap b/c they are forced to play as top line players in key positions!

I have no doubt that Jones, Pettard and Bate would be outstanding players if they were surrounded by quality players. Even Miller and Dunn would be servicable if they were the 21st and 22nd best players.

Our only hope of improving is to develop Sylvia, Frawlye, Garland, Scully, Trengove, Grimes, Morton, Jurrah and Watts in to genuine top-liners. Then, players like Pettard and Bate will be great foil.

The real problem is that MFC has a HORRENDOUS history of failing to turn talented players into top liners

[Rogue 585]

I think it's clear that Miller's current role isn't ideal.

However, given our lack of forward options it's probably forced upon us a little.

I'd still prefer to see him playing the push-up role - he looks best giving us a rebound target while on a long lead up the ground.

[stueyspencer no12 73]

Miller showed promise, and was at his best when Neitz was at FF.

That meant the big fella took the strongest defender - sometimes two, at times three.

So Miller had a much lesser opponent than he faces now. This is one reason I'd like to see Johnson given a go at FF. Big body, can build up a head of steam although needs to learn to use his weight.

But that's a side issue right now. The reason for Miller's slump I think is that he is a genuine number two or three forward, at his best pushing up field and leaving space for a genuine key forward. Now BM's is being asked to do more than he is capable of - I just wish he'd laid a couple of decent shepherds last week. There was no-one keeping Campbell Brown or Lewis honest.

Anyway, that's your answer - no Nieta, no Miller.

PERHAPS an answer as to why Miller looked so out of it on Saturday.[The group of supporters I sit with have never seen him play such an ANAEMIC game-forget his capabilities, at least he gives it a red-hot go week after week]

After digesting all that was written about our disastrous efforts in the Sunday Age my attention wandered to the coverage of the Grand Prix, where there was a reference to Ms Pia Miller--wife of Brad, who had some official hosting role at the G.P--she had been looking after Richard Branson.

She said that she was there by herself as her husband, Brad, had a stomach upset.

Just a possibility that he wasn't well on Saturday--that's exactly the way he played, like a sick man.

[Prof 15]

I blame Pia for Miller's demise. Remember how he use to at least play with some aggression? Now he runs around like a contented bull.

[loges 6,767]

Of course with Jurrah,Wonna,Sylvia and Watts missing, all possibly in our best forward line it was always going to be difficult to kick any sort of score. Bate (underdone) and Miller have never been big goal kickers.

[H_T 3,049]

I think it's clear that Miller's current role isn't ideal.

However, given our lack of forward options it's probably forced upon us a little.

I'd still prefer to see him playing the push-up role - he looks best giving us a rebound target while on a long lead up the ground.

In this regard I agree. I think it's essential that if he is to be utilised in the team, it's better to play to his strengths which is a lead up role target. That goes for everyone really ~ playing to their strengths; match-ups permitted otherwise.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Our problem lies in our lack of quality players.

How good would Medhurst be at Melbourne? How about Mooney at the demons? Mitch Hahn? Daisy Thomas? They'd all be crap as the number 1 forwards.

These players are able to flourish b/c they are mid-tier players who are able to play as mid-tier players. Our mid-tier players are crap b/c they are forced to play as top line players in key positions!

I have no doubt that Jones, Pettard and Bate would be outstanding players if they were surrounded by quality players. Even Miller and Dunn would be servicable if they were the 21st and 22nd best players.

Our only hope of improving is to develop Sylvia, Frawlye, Garland, Scully, Trengove, Grimes, Morton, Jurrah and Watts in to genuine top-liners. Then, players like Pettard and Bate will be great foil.

The real problem is that MFC has a HORRENDOUS history of failing to turn talented players into top liners

Well done mate.

[ICU2 Jerry Jerry 257]

Garland comes back then you whack miller at CHB and Warnock at FB Frawley and garland second and 3rd up with grimes and bennell the smalls and the back half looks almost A grade. At least we will have fixed one 3rd of the footy field. Remember Miller has done good jobs on KPF types before eg: Hall

Maybe try Rivers forward?

Edited March 30, 2010 by Clay Sampson

[Ungarie boy 233]

Miller plays best as a lead up forward creating space behind him - something Robbo & Neitz took full advantage of. Thats his big trick; and any side with quality deep forwards would love him in their side. The "dish off" to a running midfielder with good foot skills only enhanced this.

Unfortunately Melbourne "currently", no longer has the forward structure or running midfielders to take advantage of this asset. Till we do (it may be weeks, or months or years away - think of the return/development of Jurrah, Watts, Trengove, Scully, Gysberts, Grimes); I would like to see him play with more aggression, be the protector/enforcer presence supporting our young kids (Their confidence will multiply 10 fold with this type of onfield support). I would also like to see him practice the Jonathon Brown "Mark, wheel and kick" to a one on one - obviously when he's not lining up for goal.

[Summer Blease 0]

Miller showed promise, and was at his best when Neitz was at FF.

That meant the big fella took the strongest defender - sometimes two, at times three.

So Miller had a much lesser opponent than he faces now. This is one reason I'd like to see Johnson given a go at FF. Big body, can build up a head of steam although needs to learn to use his weight.

But that's a side issue right now. The reason for Miller's slump I think is that he is a genuine number two or three forward, at his best pushing up field and leaving space for a genuine key forward. Now BM's is being asked to do more than he is capable of - I just wish he'd laid a couple of decent shepherds last week. There was no-one keeping Campbell Brown or Lewis honest.

Anyway, that's your answer - no Nieta, no Miller.

Anyone else notice that Miller used to be alot "tougher" with Neitz around, or is that just my memory playing up on me? I seem to remember him flying the flag/ basically being tougher when the Neitztar was around.. In anycase I definately feel his deficiancies have been bought to the fore seeing as he is now probably only 1 of 2 forward options currently available.

Miller is a whipping boy because people expect more from him- and why shouldn't we. He is supposedly tough and has leadership qualities, where the bloody hell are they? He is one of our seniors- a senior who plays forward at that- and seeing how he's ment to show the way to the youngsters is just bloody scary.

Yeah he puts in an effort endurance wise, good for him. He is only a third option up forward at the VERY BEST.. and seeing as we have no options 1 & 2 currently playing him there isn't doing squat for us, we'll be better off trying him CHB- one thing is clear, the guy DOESN'T BELONG ANYWHERE WITHIN SCORING RANGE because he has no confidence scoring whatsoever. He displays a quiters attitude infront of goal which subconciously says to the kids "if you feel you can't kick it, look for a handball to someone else who can"..hardly displaying leadership or initiative at all!

Don't let the fact that Miller is a nice guy or whatever cloud your judgement on his game. The fact that he is in our 22 says so much about where we are at unfortunately. Your fooling yourself if you think Miller is anything more than an athletic lemming.

[Miracle 89]

There are so many threads about Miller because over the last five seasons he hasn't improved from being an honest, average battler. In fact, if anything he's gone backwards. It's just sad that we don't have anyone to replace him.

"don't have anyone to replace him"

Anyone can replace him. Miller will never improve and would never get a game in a premiership team.

So i say give his spot to anyone with potential as we won't be worse off

eg. Martin still shows potential

[2014-Flag 0]

The difference is the game plan. Simple. Miller was a focal point of Daniher's plan where we would kick long out of defence to the leading CHF and he would dish off quickly to a running mid who could either take a shot himself or hit one of Robbo, Neitz or Schwartz (before he retired). Miller's deficiencies were hidden because he very rarely kicked the ball, almost never took a shot on goal and because of the rapid transit from the back 50 rarely had to take a contested mark.

Now we have a different coach, different plans and no dominant target in the forward 50. Suddenly Miller is the only experienced KPF we have left and every weakness in his game is being exposed. We discover that he can't hold his ground, is weak in contested marking and obviously can't kick a goal to save himself.

Agree with the analysis, not the conclusion.

My point in the original post is we should be able to use him more effectively. Right now, we are getting nothing out of him. Even if we move him down back and bring Garland forward, at least we might get more out of both of them. Miller is NOT the worst player in our side. We are not getting out of him what he is capable of. We can do better.

that is my point

[2014-Flag 0]

Miller plays best as a lead up forward creating space behind him - something Robbo & Neitz took full advantage of. Thats his big trick; and any side with quality deep forwards would love him in their side. The "dish off" to a running midfielder with good foot skills only enhanced this.

Unfortunately Melbourne "currently", no longer has the forward structure or running midfielders to take advantage of this asset. Till we do (it may be weeks, or months or years away - think of the return/development of Jurrah, Watts, Trengove, Scully, Gysberts, Grimes); I would like to see him play with more aggression, be the protector/enforcer presence supporting our young kids (Their confidence will multiply 10 fold with this type of onfield support). I would also like to see him practice the Jonathon Brown "Mark, wheel and kick" to a one on one - obviously when he's not lining up for goal.

Spot on. Good post. Thoroughly agree. My thoughts entirely

[Summer Blease 0]

"don't have anyone to replace him"

Anyone can replace him. Miller will never improve and would never get a game in a premiership team.

So i say give his spot to anyone with potential as we won't be worse off

eg. Martin still shows potential

Agree 100%. We need to take the 'rose couloured glasses' off for once! He is a third tall at BEST, the fact he is in our 22 and has been for the last couple of years says alot about the state we are in. Lets be honest for once- if we were supporting a stronger club Miller wouldn't be the whipping boy- he wouldn't even be on our list!