Essendon - OUR game for 2010.

[Red Sox 2]

Like to hear what everyone thinks about our upcoming game against Essendon this week.

For the most part I think the majority would have been ok with our efforts against St Kilda but our overall performance for the past two months has dropped away and we have traded back many of the returns we had made early in the season.

Essendon is a team who’s players seem to suffer as many doubts on the field as our boys. Both teams when playing at their best this year play exciting footy to watch but are easily pressured into mistakes when the heat is on.

The fact that we play this game at the ‘G gives us much heart and we should go into the game with plenty of confidence in our abilities to win the game. It will come down to who is harder at the ball but as in most games it will come down to which of these two teams are willing to run and work hard when they don’t have the ball as when they do. I thought we dropped off in this area against the saints after going ok in an area they thrive for 3 qtrs. If we can apply ourselves in a similar fashion this week we should go well.

We have the possibility to add some qualities to a forward line that has been lacking opportunities but also lacking a spark. Liam Jurrah I would suggest has done enough for Casey to come back and hopefully the coaching staff have the foresight to bring him in. That is some spark alone!! Bail has had an interrupted season but if he is right to go I would have him straight back in the side. He is a guy that just brings an almost intangible quality to the side and knocks up being around the ball. Sylvia is bound to return after a good game at Casey and hopefully plays as well as his first game for 2010. Watts is doing better things each week, another pre-season in the gym and more aggression at the contest is what he needs, other than that his kicking especially for goal is a joy to watch. Many people will be sorry they went early at Jack. Bennell, Dunn and Green together with the above really make for a good group of forwards. Would be nice to see some continuity in the forward line for the remainder of 2010.

Our defence continue to hold up fairly well considering the increasing amount of ball they are seeing and should be well equipped to back themselves against Essendon.

I reckon our midfield should be backed this week to go out and play attack minded football without any heavy tags and back themselves in. Of course they are expected to work back hard when we don’t have the ball and be accountable but I see that we have more quality in this area.

A win this weekend would no doubt return some confidence to the group. Confidence that has seemingly dropped away a bit of late excluding Queens B’Day. With remaining games against Sydney, Nth & Richmond at the ‘G a return of some of that early season confidence could see us win another couple of our remaining games and finish outside that bottom four and what I would consider good improvement for the year.

A loss could see us struggling to get away from the bottom two which I would consider a very disappointing season.

It is a massive game for the dees!

Edited July 4, 2010 by Demon Jack 16

[Eth 4]

Can't agree more.

Early on I tipped that Liam Jurrah would return in Round 15 and he should - with Fletcher, Pears and Hooker out, we could potentially kick a big score.

[praha 11,227]

Can't agree more.

Early on I tipped that Liam Jurrah would return in Round 15 and he should - with Fletcher, Pears and Hooker out, we could potentially kick a big score.

We need a functioning forward line to kick a big score my friend. Even with Jurrah in the side, we won't kick more than 15 goals in a game for the rest of the season.

Edited July 4, 2010 by calabreseboy

[Eth 4]

We need a functioning forward line to kick a big score my friend. Even with Jurrah in the side, we won't kick more than 15 goals in a game for the rest of the season.

It was functioning better today. Jurrah will provide another target. Essendon have conceded 126 points a game in their last three.

Where's the optimism? If you were coach I'd expect a thumping every week.

[jabberwocky 2,301]

We need a functioning forward line to kick a big score my friend. Even with Jurrah in the side, we won't kick more than 15 goals in a game for the rest of the season.

Our forward line was as or more efficient, we didn't get it inside fifty.

I do agree that our forward set up was messy, Jurrah would have made little difference today IMO.

[e25 5]

MUST? Hahaha

It'd be nice. It would help keep the panic merchants at bay for a week.

I hope we do, but "must" is rubbish.

[Red Sox 2]

Wanting to see improvement for the year, I would hardly put in the realm of being a panic merchant.

[Hobbits's 17]

Even with Jurrah in the side, we won't kick more than 15 goals in a game for the rest of the season.

Ha. we'll be small odds to do it next week.

[demons27 1]

Nice post Demon Jack

Would like Bailey to persist with Watts and encourage him to back himself for some contested marks. Bail and Jurrah should add some class and spark to the team. Would like them to continue with Spencer as a back up to Jamar. He showed enough to be given more opportinites. The loss of Grimes will hurt especially since he can create some nice run from the HB line. We were too stagnant in the backline today (partly due to the Saints pressure) and too often kicked to contests which created turnovers. We also reverted to bad habits of HB to another player under pressure leading to turnovers. Fingers crossed against the Bombers, but we cannot feel too confident with only 4.5 wins for the season which appeared to offer more promise.

BTW did you notice the negative body language on the coverage today between Bailey and Connolly - during a break in the play with the team under pressure they were sitting next to each other arms crossed and ignoring each other. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but I would have thought they should have been plotting some moves to turn things around??

[Red Sox 2]

Nice post Demon Jack

Would like Bailey to persist with Watts and encourage him to back himself for some contested marks. Bail and Jurrah should add some class and spark to the team. Would like them to continue with Spencer as a back up to Jamar. He showed enough to be given more opportinites. The loss of Grimes will hurt especially since he can create some nice run from the HB line. We were too stagnant in the backline today (partly due to the Saints pressure) and too often kicked to contests which created turnovers. We also reverted to bad habits of HB to another player under pressure leading to turnovers. Fingers crossed against the Bombers, but we cannot feel too confident with only 4.5 wins for the season which appeared to offer more promise.

BTW did you notice the negative body language on the coverage today between Bailey and Connolly - during a break in the play with the team under pressure they were sitting next to each other arms crossed and ignoring each other. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but I would have thought they should have been plotting some moves to turn things around??

Watched the replay last night and yes did notice them sitting together and not saying a word. Not sure that any conclusion could be drawn by it though. Might just be Connolly paying Bailey regard and letting him do his work.

No doubt that Connolly would get frustrated at times and want to say something but I'm sure he gets his message across when he has something to say, hopefully he does anyway because we need all the helpful advice we can get.

[titan_uranus 24,966]

The last time Essendon was embarrassed (ANZAC day), they came out the next week with renewed vigour, smashed Hawthorn, and began a 5 week period of 4 wins, including Hawthorn, St Kilda and the Bulldogs.

Should be an interesting game for both teams.

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

Can't agree more.

Early on I tipped that Liam Jurrah would return in Round 15 and he should - with Fletcher, Pears and Hooker out, we could potentially kick a big score.

Will he play though?

They said he needs 3-4 good weeks to force his way back in. He's only had 1 good week. Though that's all it took for Watts to get a game and he hasn't been dropped.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see him, but not if he plays, gets 10 touches, no goals and 3 frees against.

[Red Sox 2]

Will he play though?

They said he needs 3-4 good weeks to force his way back in. He's only had 1 good week. Though that's all it took for Watts to get a game and he hasn't been dropped.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see him, but not if he plays, gets 10 touches, no goals and 3 frees against.

Dappa if he is fit enough I would throw him in there. We have gone backwards a little and we really need to get some continuity into the forward line group.

People are getting into Matt Bate something chronic when he was 3 on 1 for most of the day - yeah he had a shocker but he didnt have much of a chance.

Adding in Jurrah, Sylvia & Bail would add something to the mix of Bate, Green, Dunn, Bennell and an ever improving Watts.

It would be nice to see this group play out the year with hopefully a glimpse of Tapscott late in the year

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

Dappa if he is fit enough I would throw him in there. We have gone backwards a little and we really need to get some continuity into the forward line group.

People are getting into Matt Bate something chronic when he was 3 on 1 for most of the day - yeah he had a shocker but he didnt have much of a chance.

Adding in Jurrah, Sylvia & Bail would add something to the mix of Bate, Green, Dunn, Bennell and an ever improving Watts.

It would be nice to see this group play out the year with hopefully a glimpse of Tapscott late in the year

Yes, but can you play all that in one forward line?

Grimes' injury is one name, but who else do you drop? Sylvia should come in I think, as he's had less time off, and might be needed in the midfield.

Maybe if they consider this game might be a shootout? Personally I'd be bringing in Warnock to take the tall timber.

I just don't think there's room unless you drop one or both of Jetta and Bennell.

Conundrum.

[Red Sox 2]

Yes, but can you play all that in one forward line?

Grimes' injury is one name, but who else do you drop? Sylvia should come in I think, as he's had less time off, and might be needed in the midfield.

Maybe if they consider this game might be a shootout? Personally I'd be bringing in Warnock to take the tall timber.

I just don't think there's room unless you drop one or both of Jetta and Bennell.

Conundrum.

I'd like to see Bail, Sylvia, Jurrah return and given some time together in the forward line with Bate, Watts etc.

I see your point on Warnock - they have played him on a needs basis and looking at Essendon he may be needed. Rivers could be in danger? I like Riv and with Grimes out as a spare floater he can do well but he is not close to being able to run and struggles in one on ones, more and more..CmoN Riv!

I'm thinking Jones could do with a go back at Casey if Junior was to return but Junior is unlikely.

[Demon3 2,541]

There is one blatantly obvious move that will help our chances to beat Essendon. That is Drop Spencer. I'm sorry to Jake but he may be one of the worst players in the comp at the moment (and he is not even from Ireland).. he may get better and i hope he does, i know big men take a while longer to develop but he is shocking. We played with 21 men yesterday, and have every time he has played. he offers nothing.

I am sure people will shoot me down, but he is not the answer, and if he gets another game then i will be shattered.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

This game should be a real test of our slow starts this year.

Knights was talking up Essendon's important month starting with the Adelaide game. They squibbed it.

I would have thought he would have been stinging them hard this week. He would be telling them we start slowly so he will have them primed for a rebound.

No easy game at all for MFC.

(Alternatively, Essendon could roll over and play dead 2 weeks in row then the heats on them B))

[jayceebee31 759]

This game should be a real test of our slow starts this year.

Knights was talking up Essendon's important month starting with the Adelaide game. They squibbed it.

I would have thought he would have been stinging them hard this week. He would be telling them we start slowly so he will have them primed for a rebound.

No easy game at all for MFC.

(Alternatively, Essendon could roll over and play dead 2 weeks in row then the heats on them B))

There is no easy game anymore- however we stand a good chance. However I agree a big test.

[Hobbits's 17]

BTW did you notice the negative body language on the coverage today between Bailey and Connolly - during a break in the play with the team under pressure they were sitting next to each other arms crossed and ignoring each other. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but I would have thought they should have been plotting some moves to turn things around??

not sure if you've been a part of the inner sanctum. I've seen tha same with Hardwick, Roos, Malthouse and Clarkson - all on the boundary. seriously, bailey has the headphones on to those up in the box and he's concentrating on the game. Connolly has his job to do down on the bench and is watching other such things as the interchange, etc.

just because they're watching aspects of the game, doesn't mean they are ignoring each other.

you're right, you're reading too much into it.

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

(Alternatively, Essendon could roll over and play dead 2 weeks in row then the heats on them B))

It kind of sucks that we read it this way. Our winning depends on whether or not they take a 4 quarter nap.

I think there's a lot of very good reasons to be positive this week. certainly a lot more than in the last month or two where I've gone into most games expecting a loss.

They have no midfield, besides Watson. Get Jones to run with him, and let the others do what they do.

They move the ball fast, but against the Saints who are also quick, we showed we can combat that. Bring Warnock in to play on their talls and we have the defensive set up to strangle them.

Two things, on the downside, make me nervous. Our forwards are still doing next to nothing when push comes to shove. And Grimes out is massive. His mopping up in defence is going to be sorely missed. Could even be the difference.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

It kind of sucks that we read it this way. Our winning depends on whether or not they take a 4 quarter nap.

I dont think I meant it that way.

Knights made some grand statements of the importance of the next 4 weeks. They fell badly at the first hurdle. If they fall again they will have the blow torch on them internally and externally for not standing up towards the business end of the season.

My comment on their possible rebound is not to think they will be easy touch. If we are on our game we should be able to account for Essendon even if Essendon go hard for 4 quarters. But its the "if" word.....

Its also a good chance for us to overcome the slow starts.

[Demon Stalwart 255]

WIN

WIN

WIN

WIN

WIN

ANOTHER WOODEN SPOON IS NOT A OPTION

[Dinosaur Rover 197]

There is one blatantly obvious move that will help our chances to beat Essendon. That is Drop Spencer. I'm sorry to Jake but he may be one of the worst players in the comp at the moment (and he is not even from Ireland).. he may get better and i hope he does, i know big men take a while longer to develop but he is shocking. We played with 21 men yesterday, and have every time he has played. he offers nothing.

I am sure people will shoot me down, but he is not the answer, and if he gets another game then i will be shattered.

The HUN reports Jamar as having hammy soreness - hardely surprising given the workload. If that is the case then to not have backup would not be wise. Maybe given the Bombers tall defensive outs (Pears / Fletcher) and the combination of Bellchambers (didnt do well against Adelaide)and Ryder having two rucks makes some sense with Jamar spending more time as a marking option forward.

[robsey24 0]

Dappa if he is fit enough I would throw him in there. We have gone backwards a little and we really need to get some continuity into the forward line group.

People are getting into Matt Bate something chronic when he was 3 on 1 for most of the day - yeah he had a shocker but he didnt have much of a chance.

Adding in Jurrah, Sylvia & Bail would add something to the mix of Bate, Green, Dunn, Bennell and an ever improving Watts.

It would be nice to see this group play out the year with hopefully a glimpse of Tapscott late in the year

Jack Watts is just starting to find his confidence in the forward line, IMO he stepped up against st kilda big time. The team are also beginning to trust him more as well. To play Jurrah against essendon, i believe, will not allow watts to grow in his position as fast because the team will be willing to find Jurrah each time we get the ball down the midfield.

[Red Sox 2]

Jack Watts is just starting to find his confidence in the forward line, IMO he stepped up against st kilda big time. The team are also beginning to trust him more as well. To play Jurrah against essendon, i believe, will not allow watts to grow in his position as fast because the team will be willing to find Jurrah each time we get the ball down the midfield.

Mmmm...yeah that's a reasonable point of view. Well put....but I think the sooner the better that they start to play together it will be more a benefit.