Forward line

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

After the initial indiscretion in the first quarter when Melbourne had no players in the forward line which allowed Richmond to get a good start, the forward line looked the best it has been for a long time.

The combination of Bate, Dunn, Petterd, Green and Sylvia was potent and offered a lot of variety. Jurrah would have been the icing on the cake, but so long as these five players spend solid periods of time up forward then Melbourne look much stronger.

Green and Sylvia are both very good from set shots, Petterd has great hands, knows where the goals are but his action means he will fluff a few. Dunn looks at home across the half forward line and is also a decent set shot and Bate is good enough to pop up for two or three goals per game.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

Watts, Morton, Jurrah all to come in.. plus Ozzie, Maric and Jetta as smalls, then maybe Martin or PJ spending time in there. I'm not worried about what we have in the cupboard, over the next couple of years we will get it sorted well

[sylvinator 96]

Tapscott could add to the forward line fire-power as well.

2012 forward line...

Green Bate Jurrah

Pettard Watts Wona

Plus, Sylvia, Tapscott, Morton, Maric, Jetta and others able to go through the forward line as well.

I like!

[Lost Highway 31]

After the initial indiscretion in the first quarter when Melbourne had no players in the forward line which allowed Richmond to get a good start, the forward line looked the best it has been for a long time.

The combination of Bate, Dunn, Petterd, Green and Sylvia was potent and offered a lot of variety. Jurrah would have been the icing on the cake, but so long as these five players spend solid periods of time up forward then Melbourne look much stronger.

Green and Sylvia are both very good from set shots, Petterd has great hands, knows where the goals are but his action means he will fluff a few. Dunn looks at home across the half forward line and is also a decent set shot and Bate is good enough to pop up for two or three goals per game.

Good observations, particularly about Petterd's kicking action - the ball hangs for a long time in the air before boot makes contact. Too much room for error I think. Dunn did look OK across half forward, but I'm not sure Bate is all that good. He gets a couple, but doesn't impose himself on the game like Sylvia can.

I worry that this short forward line will be impotent against a top side. I hope no one suggests Newton as the answer this week, as the players who are there now are at least cohesive. Morton might make a good option when he returns, but let's hope Watts isn't rushed in against the second top side. The one thing that could be tried is bringing in Spencer to give Jamar some time up forward.

[Akum 2,660]

Good observations, particularly about Petterd's kicking action - the ball hangs for a long time in the air before boot makes contact. Too much room for error I think. Dunn did look OK across half forward, but I'm not sure Bate is all that good. He gets a couple, but doesn't impose himself on the game like Sylvia can.

I worry that this short forward line will be impotent against a top side. I hope no one suggests Newton as the answer this week, as the players who are there now are at least cohesive. Morton might make a good option when he returns, but let's hope Watts isn't rushed in against the second top side. The one thing that could be tried is bringing in Spencer to give Jamar some time up forward.

It all depends on how the ball comes in. If it's just bombed in aimlessly, or even if it's a long kick to position, they'll be in trouble. Unless, that is, they can manage to get it to the ground and hold it in.

But if it comes in quickly, either to a lead or into space, or being run down the ground, they'll be very dangerous against a taller defence. If delivery into the forward 50 is under too much pressure for this, then we'll need to have Martin around as forward option "Plan B"

It all depends on midfield clearances and ball use out of defence. These are the hallmarks of the best sides, and Brisbane has been one of the best in 2010 so far.