2011 Intraclub Match

[Demonland 66,630]

[Demonland 66,630]

[bananas 428]

MORE INFO:

When they switched to the 1's vs 2's in the second half, the seniors defence was:

FB Strauss Garland Bartram

HB Grimes MacDonald Rivers

Add in Warnock if necessary, with Frawley obviously still to come as well. Strauss' performance was a big positive, and everyone else looked comfortable.

Bartram's disposal does let him down, but he also provided the individual highlight of the day: receiving at a sprint on the half-back flank he tore through the centre square on a diagonal and shaped to kick to the opposite pocket, then cut back inside, throwing every defender off balance, and hit Jake Spencer for an uncontested mark 30 metres out, directly in front. It was gold. More please, Clint!

The second-half seniors forward line was:

FF Martin Watts Dunn

HF Maric Bate Howe

Obviously that forward line is further from the ideal than the backline is. Martin was probably playing there to simulate the 'resting ruckman' structure ... his spot will be taken by Jamar or (gulp) Spencer in the real stuff. (Another poster has said they saw Martin in defence in the second half, but I'm pretty sure he started forward.)

Equally, Maric was filling the spot that will belong to Wonna or Bennell, and Howe, though pretty impressive, will step aside for Green, Petterd and Jurrah. Bate, too, could well make way. Maric was busy, seeing a lot of the ball all day, but he never seemed to use it very well.

Dunn is gonna be a very good 'defensive forward', because not only can he lockdown a rebounding defender, but he's getting more and more dangerous as an attacking option himself. He's one to watch for sure.

It seems to me that Green, Jurrah, Watts, Dunn, Petterd, Bate, etc. will all continually switch between playing at half-forward and leading to the wings, and staying deep inside the fifty, depending on their match-ups at any given moment. It'll make for a very fluid forward line and, when it's working, will look sublime. When it's not working, however ...

[Demonland 66,630]

[Demonland 66,630]

All 193 photos cans be found here: http://www.flickr.co...57625839610663/

[DemonoidNumber9 7]

Were any players particulary good at bringing others into game? Ie., Cam bruce was great at this (sorry to re-open an old wound)...grimes has shown he can be the play maker off half back.

Was Watts beating his opponent? Who played on Watts? Reports on Watts are great! I read a report saying Watts looked like a deliberate target when the team was attacking today? did watts look at best when playing the link up player?

based on todays comments and reading preseaons reports i'm going to have a flutter on slyvia for brownlow. I think i'm a year early but col should offer some good value this year.

Watts was good....but we still can't paint an entirely rosey picture. the purple patch he had during the match where he almost kicked 3 goals in succession were while he was playing on Gus Patti (Casey div.2 MVP). Yes he did create the space for himself and kicked a good goal in congestion. but lets not get too carried away

[Keyser Söze 0]

Early in the match he was pushed up forward on the wing, and it was fairly congested.

This seemed to be by design (not the congested part)

I don't think his purple patch was entirely due to his opposition.

The quality of delivery was better and he was able to find space much closer to goal.

He was impressive.

[DemonoidNumber9 7]

Another observation I really liked....did anyone else notice Lukey Tapscott (fire truck) sitting next to James Frawley. on the 50 in the 'all star' defensive line...

both of the boys were sitting their taking stats, offering directions, mostly to guys like Jack Grimes/Col Garland....sitting right behind them i saw a lot of times Tappy would point and ask a question or two to Frawls, Frawls would laugh....then get a very seriously 'teacher' look on his face...and the lesson begun!

was good to see that even without being on the park guys like tappy seem to be very keen in learning as much as they can!

[H_T 2,941]

I reckon this is a poor decision.

First reason is personal and selfish. I live only 20 minutes from Casey Fields and enjoy the summer training period to get up close to the players, and introduce my two young boys to their superstars. I am married with 4 kids and all 6 of us were planning on going. Now it is just me.

Secondly, I reckon it is a short-sighted view of what an intra-club match can achieve. Last year at Casey Fields was packed with Dees fans and lots of kids. Yes, Casey Fields is a long way away for many but the Saturday made it achievable for most who wanted to attend. It was great for PR, for merchandising, for all the talk and gossip that appear on websites like this. It was more than just a match - it was an event. I have no problem with it being at Gosch's paddock and will probably be able to get along for an hour or so, but we have been so far behind other AFL clubs in making out players accessible to the fans and I thought we had improved. This is a backward step.

I understand the purpose of the intra-club match, and that it needs to focus on player develpoment, performance and readiness but the MFC may have let a great chance slip by here.

Totally disagree. I don't think it was a backward step at all given the circumstances. I'm with the club on this one. The players were just as accessible to the fans at Gosch's paddock, despite near busy roads. I don't see it as personal and selfish either. The club and it's players take precedence firstly with it's preparation for the double header next weekend in Adelaide. It allows an extra 2 days recovery.

There are plenty of other opportunities to mix with the players from a kids perspective !

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

has anyone ever seen Tapscott do anything with a football or is he just famous for his gigantic neck? What's the story with him?

[Hannabal 4]

He was impressive.

Watts doesn't look close to taking contested high marks in the forward line. He struggles to get in the right position and ends up flinging one arm in the air in a forlorn attempt.

I want Watts to be a star. He was recruited to be a star. Until he's able to take strong contested overhead marks against good opposition he won't come close.

[H_T 2,941]

At the moment Watts isn't getting himself into the right positions, and in my opinion whilst I have said he was ok today, the workrate needs to be better too. I agree regarding the overhead marks. He needs to get himself into position to take the overhead mark and roll with the punches (absorb the blows from contested opp.). I think he can get there.

[Red Sox 2]

Watts doesn't look close to taking contested high marks in the forward line. He struggles to get in the right position and ends up flinging one arm in the air in a forlorn attempt.

I want Watts to be a star. He was recruited to be a star. Until he's able to take strong contested overhead marks against good opposition he won't come close.

Was he recruited to be a star????????

[Skipper3 7]

Watts doesn't look close to taking contested high marks in the forward line. He struggles to get in the right position and ends up flinging one arm in the air in a forlorn attempt.

I want Watts to be a star. He was recruited to be a star. Until he's able to take strong contested overhead marks against good opposition he won't come close.

Gee, I didnt know you were such an expert! Maybe you could drop down to the club & teach him where he should be..........

He will be a star - but, bloody hell he is still bloody young! He is still learning a hell of alot............

[Hannabal 4]

Was he recruited to be a star????????

Absolutely. This club hasn't had a genuine AFL star for 30 years. When you're afforded pick one in the draft there are no guarantees, but rest assured the club knows we needs stars and the expectation is that you'll get one with pick one.

Not too hard to comprehend is it ?

[Hannabal 4]

Gee, I didnt know you were such an expert! Maybe you could drop down to the club & teach him where he should be..........

He will be a star - but, bloody hell he is still bloody young! He is still learning a hell of alot............

Every key forward star I've ever seen in the AFL has been fantastic by the age of 21. That doesn't mean that they didn't continue to improve, but they were border line star by 21.

Kernahan, Carey, Lockett, Brown, Riewoldt, Brereton, Lloyd, Franklin to name a few.

I expect Watts to be at worst a very good player, but naturally I'd prefer a star. But typical of Melbourne supporters you'll make every excuse under the sun to protect expectations.

He'll show quite a bit this year. He needs to. 2012 will be his real test.

[Freak 100]

Ok i was at the game here was my take

Moloney, Sylvia and Scully were BOG's. And I dont care if Moloney goes long all the time. It's what I want from players anyway. Better long then stuffing it up trying to overuse the footy and short passes that gain no advantage.

Stef Martin is massive. i believe that he has to be played in defence, especially with Frawley gone, but oh well I'd still like him in the 22. More coordinated than Spencer will ever be and a lot bigger too.

Bate's kicking has had no changes to it, still the awkward drop and after today, i think Howe should replace him.

Strauss, Blease and Maric should all be played in the 22. All have great foot skills and it was refreshing to see Strauss kicking a few torps. Most of the time it was a neutral ball about 65m out, instead of a neutral ball 40metres out (Hint to Grimes, dont try and be fancy).

Maric was good.

Morton has got 'thicker', but simply no muscle tone to his body. He looked so skinny wearing his 'basketball' shorts and I didnt like his game today. Takes too long to dispose of the ball.

Watts has bulked up about 6kg I reckon and is looking more of an afl footballer. He has improved in his attack on the footy. Rarely saw him in the forward line though. I don't want him to develop a high half forward flanker mindset. We drafted him for goals, goals goals. That said, he was good today, just want him to develop something special more than 'can hit a target inside 50m'. Pessimism aside, he was a good player today.

Lucas Cook was pleasing. Nothing amazing but got a few nice marks and neat disposal.

Dunn was unlucky not to have 3 goals. He got a few posters.

Cameron Johnston and Nicholson were probably our better youngsters. I dunno about the other reports here but his disposal under pressure was great, neat and executed quickly. Felt more than comfortable with the ball in his hands. Re:Nicholson, I heard 'Nicko' being yelled out a lot and he is pretty nippy. His kicking is good, just lacks a bit of penetration.

[FitZ 0]

You're listing Bates kicking as a negative? I would say he is one of our best kicks

[Red Sox 2]

Absolutely. This club hasn't had a genuine AFL star for 30 years. When you're afforded pick one in the draft there are no guarantees, but rest assured the club knows we needs stars and the expectation is that you'll get one with pick one.

Not too hard to comprehend is it ?

Rob Flower says hi and played a fair amount of his career within the 30 years you mention there. But besides that yep your right.

He can still be a fine player without being 'labeled a star'. Especially looking to see that from the 1st intra club of the season...geez!!

[Keyser Söze 0]

Watts didn't play like a star, but was still impressive in pieces.

He'll never be the same as the players you listed; he doesn't play the game like them and likely never will.

But it is a different game today and this is a tired argument.

It's a bit unfair to the kid to be demanding he play like a star at his age and stage of development.

And he's not 21 yet.

I'm all for setting the bar high, but I couldn't say he has been disappointing.

[Akum 2,660]

What I think is on all of our minds is: where is the best hope for improvement this year?

From these reports, although it sounds like it was pretty scrappy, there were some good (though indefinite) signs.

[jabberwocky 2,301]

My two cents from the notes I took today. I don't sugar-coat too much so please don't suppose I hate said player because I make a negative comment. I only took notes on players that did something that took my interest. i haven't read the other reports so as not to skew my perceptions.

Syvlia - would have won nearly half of the stop play clearances today and that is not an exaggeration. Was dominant in that situation whether in the white or blue team. Played out the four quarters well so fitness is good.

Maric - has obviously worked very hard at his fitness and won a lot of the footy as a midfielder who put hiself in good spots, the few nice things he did were good however he overcooked the ball on many occasions trying to do too much and was iffy at best by foot. Still a big step in the right direction.

Jetta - really liked his showing. Got himself involved a lot, his grunt work was terrific, tackling was a feature, very hungry footballer. His knock today as it always has been was his field kicking. Just let himself down with poor kicking skills. I don't think it is a decision making issue just and inability to execute at times.

Watts - Agility,skills and decision making a feature. Kicked some goals, presented well and played smart. Was allowed a lot of latititude by the Casey player who had him in the 2nd half. He will need to get used to body pressure from Afl backs. Still did not get himself into contested situations be it aerial or ground but he showed some signs today of taking some steps forward in self belief. Never, ever does Watts kick in hope, always backs his skills and sometimes (not often) it doesn't come off.

Scully - busy at times with some breathtaking breaks from the guts. Still missed a couple of kicks but hit quite a few lace out too. His hands were also a feature.

Morton - bigger stronger and looking more confident. Took some good marks and did some nice things. Solid.

Bail - Got involved at times and is great to watch. Hits the ball hard and at pace. Has a nice shimmy and shake. Is in the 22 for mine if fit. Hopefully his body allows him a good run at it this season.

Cook - Did a couple of nice smart things. Will get more involved. Will end up a solid unit. Has a good frame.

Martin - Presented, bit fumbly. Took one clunker only to spray the kick at goal. Very attractive man though.

Spencer - Toiled hard, took some strong one grab marks and competed well. Has the 2nd ruck spot at the moment. Obvious limitations but he dished off a few handballs and short kicks and was able to be dispose of it effectively. Liked his game.

Beamer - In everything but decision making and disposal let him down today.

Gawn - I walked away really impressed by this guy. I watched him do a one grab pick up of a moving ball below his knees at pace in the forward pocket and was amazed. Got a goal in the 2nd from a free when the defender? just could not get into the contest to spoil legally. If his body can withstand the rigours of being an afl ruck he will be a player.

Bate - Typical "good" Bate game. Worked hard, presented, spilled a couple of marks, took a couple of strong ones, kicked some good goals. A solid showing. Is a very strong, fit unit and may have slimmed a little.

Howe - Looks a smart and capable footballer. What I saw of him he got himself into good position, picked good options and backed himself. The blue forward line functioned very well with Watts, Howe, Jamar, Dunn and Bate.

Trengove - Very nice in close and around the ground. He will really impact games as he starts to touch the footy more. Really brings class to the strong inside mids that we need.

Dan Nicholson - a couple of nice things, struggled to get into it or to be fair he may not have got a lot of game time.

Michael Evans - Impressed with this kid, best performed of the rookies. Had a crack, was not overawed and got himself involved in the 2nd quarter particularly. Decisons and skills good and good courage.

[DeeZee 6,885]

Absolutely. This club hasn't had a genuine AFL star for 30 years. When you're afforded pick one in the draft there are no guarantees, but rest assured the club knows we needs stars and the expectation is that you'll get one with pick one.

Not too hard to comprehend is it ?

I believe we will have 5 genuine A grade stars - Scully, Watts,Grimes,Frawley and Jurrah, maybe 6 if you include Sylvia.

[Hannabal 4]

I believe we will have 5 genuine A grade stars - Scully, Watts,Grimes,Frawley and Jurrah, maybe 6 if you include Sylvia.

If we end up with 3 bona fide stars of the competition then you'll see flags. I've seen one bona fide star at Melbourne in my lieftime, so 6 in the one team would be incredible and highly unlikely.

To win a flag we'll need roughly 10 players to become genuine A graders in that flag year. I say "that year" because a player can slip out of A grade status quickly.

[Hannabal 4]

Rob Flower says hi and played a fair amount of his career within the 30 years you mention there. He can still be a fine player without being 'labeled a star'.

Especially looking to see that from the 1st intra club of the season...geez!!

Yes, he's the one. Say hi to him too. Started in '73 and finished in '87. He became a bona fide star in the late 70's, which is 30 odd years ago.

Who said that they expected a star performance today ? Are you reading between invisible lines ?