JUDGEMENT DAY 2011

[Demonland 73,163]

JUDGEMENT DAY 2011 by The Oracle

They've done it again. For the second week in a row they have lost an eminently winnable game, mostly for the fact that they cannot avoid inflicting the wounds upon themselves. 

 Forget about the fact that the team was undermanned and lost another player to injury in the opening minutes of the game. The Saints were ripe for the plucking and Melbourne gifted them a game of football through playing to a game plan that it could not only not perform properly but one of which the opposition was awake to and prepared to exploit.

After watching the game from the night before between Geelong and Carlton it was painful and embarrassing to watch these teams going through their routines. 

The Saints were down on confidence and played no better than they have for most of the season - a team shattered, lost and lacking in self-respect and confidence. Melbourne won statistically in nearly every aspect with the exception of the one that mattered - on the scoreboard. They also lost the inside 50 count although they were well ahead at half time and led at every break until a final quarter 9-21 put them behind. This was because the team insisted on playing laterally across the ground and in a game that devolved into a matter of which team would make the most mistakes this spelled disaster and, for that ...

Take a bow, Demons!

I wrote earlier this year (after the NAB Cup game against Essendon) that Melbourne has gone backwards since last year and I was criticised for this. Let me say now that the team has gone further backwards and the trend appears to irreversible as long as they are coached to do the things that were done yesterday.  

Unlike last year when it was shaping as a strong unit under Sean Wellman, the defence simply has no clue. It's regular default position is to switch play, then switch it back again until the inevitable brainfart occurs and results in an opposition goal. How many times did that happen yesterday? Enough to make a difference in the result of the game.

The forward line has no focal point, particularly when Liam Jurrah is out of form or out of sorts. He kicked three goals but two of them were in junk time. (although the cynics will say that every minute of a Melbourne game these days is "junk time"). There was little pressure to keep the ball inside 50 and once it was swept out, Melbourne made things easy for the opposition by providing inadequate coverage on opposition playmakers, particularly Stephen Milne in the first quarter and Brendon Goddard and Leigh Montagna all day.

The midfield actually held up reasonably well with Martin winning in the ruck and getting the ball down to Brent Moloney, Jordan Gysberts, Nathan Jones and Colin Sylvia.

However, when you overuse handball and do it sloppily in defence then you really don't give yourself much of a chance. Rather, you play people like Goddard and Montagna right into form.

The game will long be remembered for a series of classic clangers. Michael Newton's failure to convert when running loping into an open goal is one that comes quickly to mind, especially given that the Saints ran the ball down the ground to punish the Dees with a goal immediately thereafter.

But the cake was taken in the first play of the final term. With Melbourne trailing by two goals, St. Kilda got the first clearance only to see Joel Macdonald take a solid mark on the 50 metre line. Inexplicably, he played on with an opponent on his hammer, was tackled and penalised. Aaron Davey, who was having a shocker of a game, threw the ball to Macdonald and gave away a 50 metre penalty to deliver yet another gift goal at such a crucial stage of the game.

Disaster.

And speaking of Davey and disaster, he is so far out of form that a trip to Casey or a week off beckons. I'd recommend a trip to the club psychologist but I understand that he's fully booked up this week treating traumatised Demon fans in the wake of the past two weeks.

There are always some rays of light and I would nominate Jack Watts who is really turning into a quality footballer, Jordan Gysberts who keeps on improving from week to week and Michael Evans for his fine 27 possession debut. Jordie McKenzie's return from injury was also a boon. On the strength of Evans' return, I believe it's time to bring more youth into the team in the coming weeks.

Saturday 21 May 2011 was supposed to be Judgement Day - the end of the earth. It seems however, that most of the planet came out of the day unscathed but not the Melbourne Football Club. Nothing will cover the club's deficiencies now.  It has a third world coaching set up and therefore other developing sides will do a leapfrog over Melbourne unless it can start playing a more positive and purposeful style of football.

Melbourne 5.1.31  7.5.47 10.7.67 13.8.86

St. Kilda 5.4.34 9.5.59 12.6.78  16.10. 106

Goals

Melbourne Jurrah 3 Green Maric Newton Watts 2 Gysberts Petterd

St Kilda Milne Riewoldt 3 Cripps  Montagna 2, Jones Peake Polo  Ray Schneider Siposs

Best

Melbourne Gysberts Watts Evans Sylvia Moloney Martin

St. Kilda Montagna Riewoldt Goddard Gilbert Fisher Gwilt

Injuries

Melbourne Tapscott (hamstring)

St. Kilda Nil

Changes

Melbourne Nil

St. Kilda Nil

Reports

Melbourne Nil

St. Kilda  Jason Blake for striking Clint Batram 

Umpires Stevic Dalgleish Pannell

Crowd28,863 at Etihad Stadium

[DeeZee 7,445]

Stkilda are there lowest and most vulnerable.

If we couldnt beat them then we are not going to beat many sides this year, especially with our injuries.

We have to blood the kids and identify who is not going forward with us.

At the moment we are resorting to playing Goofballs,Newton,Warnock and Bartram.(These 3 cost us the game today with their stupid mistakes)

Bate another i am now convinced is not part of it, probably Macdonald too.

Lets now get games into Blease,Tom McDonald,Howe,Cook.Strauss,Gawn and co , as we realistically will not make the finals this year with teams like, Nth Melb.,Stkilda,maybe even Richmond ahead of us.

Its no good saying we are better than these teams or will be better than them beacause they are beating us now and the future is always incertain.

Thought Watts and Green were good today.

[praha 11,240]

I agree. Today was saving grace for both sides. Melbourne just couldn't get over the line.

[Deetective Sgt. Taggert 389]

I agree. Would much rather have seen Howe out there stuffing things up than Bate or Newton. At least he would have had the 'its my first day' excuse to fall back on

Edited May 21, 2011 by Ascobar

[Kento80 83]

Stkilda are there lowest and most vulnerable.

If we couldnt beat them then we are not going to beat many sides this year, especially with our injuries.

We have to blood the kids and identify who is not going forward with us.

At the moment we are resorting to playing Goofballs,Newton,Warnock and Bartram.(These 3 cost us the game today with their stupid mistakes)

Bate another i am now convinced is not part of it, probably Macdonald too.

Lets now get games into Blease,Tom McDonald,Howe,Cook.Strauss,Gawn and co , as we realistically will not make the finals this year with teams like, Nth Melb.,Stkilda,maybe even Richmond ahead of us.

Its no good saying we are better than these teams or will be better than them beacause they are beating us now and the future is always incertain.

Thought Watts and Green were good today.

Agree with all, but am confused about criticism of Bartram. I thought he was very good today. The way Milne started, it looked like Bartram was going to get slayed, but for my money he fought back and definitely earned his place.

[Footynut 302]

Agree with all, but am confused about criticism of Bartram. I thought he was very good today. The way Milne started, it looked like Bartram was going to get slayed, but for my money he fought back and definitely earned his place.

Agree i think Bartram is actually the sort of player we need around the club. At least he tackles, goes in, runs hard.

There are plenty worse.

Agree on the other players mentioned though.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

We have to blood the kids and identify who is not going forward with us.

You mean we have not been doing that.

It would be nice if we could keep our best kids on the paddock to get game time and experience.

This was always going to be a development year and a few supporters are having to adjust their expectations.

[Kento80 83]

Agree i think Bartram is actually the sort of player we need around the club. At least he tackles, goes in, runs hard.

There are plenty worse.

Agree on the other players mentioned though.

Exactly. Bartram today = K 14 H 8 D 22 M 7 HO 0 T 3 FF 7 FA 1 G 0 B 0 DT 95

[DeeZee 7,445]

Exactly. Bartram today = K 14 H 8 D 22 M 7 HO 0 T 3 FF 7 FA 1 G 0 B 0 DT 95

Bartram is too loose.

He was standing 5 metres away from Milne on 3 seperate occasions when he got 3 goals kicked on him. Got us off to a very poor start.

But agree he did improve later.(damage was done)

[Jordie_tackles 354]

Bartram is and will continue to be ONE OF THE FIRST PICKED EVERY WEEK.... you must have no idea

Season over???, we lost with a heap of injuries to a team that lost by a kick to Carlton 2 weeks ago

We won alot of KPI's contested possession and tackling a believe at least until 3QT

Today had a heap of good signs

[Kento80 83]

Bartram is too loose.

He was standing 5 metres away from Milne on 3 seperate occasions when he got 3 goals kicked on him. Got us off to a very poor start.

But agree he did improve later.(damage was done)

Read the stats mate, they don't lie. He had a better game than lots of our "better" players. He is just like Jonesy, workmanlike and only gets noticed when he makes a mistake. Fact is he goes about his job in an exceptional manner. He will never be a superstar, but superstars need these guys to get there.

[Guest Rojik of the Arctic]

Read the stats mate, they don't lie. He had a better game than lots of our "better" players. He is just like Jonesy, workmanlike and only gets noticed when he makes a mistake. Fact is he goes about his job in an exceptional manner. He will never be a superstar, but superstars need these guys to get there.

Yep. I quite liked most of his game today. He gives us a lot more than some fellas with a crapload more talent manage.

[Geddy Lee 582]

I'm a big Bartram fan, and have said as much before, but he was directly responsible for 4 goals today, and did not have a good game, at all.

[Deeflated 0]

Bartram's had a really solid year, you can't have 22 stars - you need roll players. Does his role week in week out.

[DeeZee 7,445]

Read the stats mate, they don't lie. He had a better game than lots of our "better" players. He is just like Jonesy, workmanlike and only gets noticed when he makes a mistake. Fact is he goes about his job in an exceptional manner. He will never be a superstar, but superstars need these guys to get there.

Theres stats and theres damn lies.

The amount of times he turned it over and gave up goals was too much in my book.

I know he tries hard and gets it a bit but gives it up far too often for mine

[Tricky 341]

Rename this thread - "Unrealistic expectations over".

Phew, that would be a relief.

[Maldonboy38 6,406]

Disagree. The season is not over. We are struggling, and our injury list grew again today but we always have something to play for - the jumper.

Agree about MacDonald and Newton.

Disagree about Bate, Bartram and Warnock.

Strauss Blease, Howe, T MacDonald and Cook and perhaps Gawn need game time and am prepared to rest senior layers to give them a run.

Just think about who we will have available after round 11/12 - Jamar, Scully, Trengove, Tappy (hopefully), Bail (hopefully).

Chin up - there's always next week/season/decade!!!

.

[Lil_red_fire_engine 11,234]

Exactly. Bartram today = K 14 H 8 D 22 M 7 HO 0 T 3 FF 7 FA 1 G 0 B 0 DT 95

Do these numbers show is turnovers and goals against?

[Lil_red_fire_engine 11,234]

We need to use this opportunity to blood Blease and Strauss who may improve our deficiencies in disposal and run from back half.

[jackaub 1,402]

Agree i think Bartram is actually the sort of player we need around the club. At least he tackles, goes in, runs hard.

There are plenty worse.

Agree on the other players mentioned though.

Could not agree more

Bartram is alwyas paid out on we should be looking harder at our stars?

Bartram rarely goes missing Gets beaten sometimes BUT DOES NOT GO MISSING

[timD 994]

We need to use this opportunity to blood Blease and Strauss who may improve our deficiencies in disposal and run from back half.

WE'd lose nothing.

[jumbo returns 6,741]

Stkilda are there lowest and most vulnerable.

If we couldnt beat them then we are not going to beat many sides this year, especially with our injuries.

We have to blood the kids and identify who is not going forward with us.

At the moment we are resorting to playing Goofballs,Newton,Warnock and Bartram.(These 3 cost us the game today with their stupid mistakes)

Bate another i am now convinced is not part of it, probably Macdonald too.

Lets now get games into Blease,Tom McDonald,Howe,Cook.Strauss,Gawn and co , as we realistically will not make the finals this year with teams like, Nth Melb.,Stkilda,maybe even Richmond ahead of us.

Its no good saying we are better than these teams or will be better than them beacause they are beating us now and the future is always incertain.

Thought Watts and Green were good today.

Aren't most of these blokes injured as well? Blease is still struggling, Gawn is developing, Strauss has been tried and found wanting....I agree with the desperation of your post but I'm worried where the improvement will come from.

[daisycutter 29,743]

Could not agree more

Bartram is alwyas paid out on we should be looking harder at our stars?

Bartram rarely goes missing Gets beaten sometimes BUT DOES NOT GO MISSING

Barts had a real Jeckyl and Hyde day today

His bad was very costly, his good shows up in his stats. He certainly tried his guts out all day as he usually does.

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

Theres stats and theres damn lies.

The amount of times he turned it over and gave up goals was too much in my book.

I know he tries hard and gets it a bit but gives it up far too often for mine

Totally agree.

Often unmanned once the opposition loses possession. Such a poor disposal when under little pressure and a panic player when under medium pressure, the opposition are often happy to just let him run around racking up stats (when he's down back) as they know in most cases he'll just turn it over and they can play off him and spread for the receive and/or kick on goal.

Best to try close to goal for 3 - 4 weeks, where he MUST look to moving the ball forward ie., hand balling/short passing to a forward in a better position/lead or shooting for goal. Instead of automatically, without even looking up the field in most passages of play, passing/hand balling the ball backwards to an easy option in last line of defence or sideways to try the switch (usually poorly and too late putting his team mate under pressure) or when under pressure, panic hand balling (eg., to Chip today in one passage that ended up in another costly turnover/goal).

If he can't cope up forward as a crumber/goal kicker/applying forward pressure/turnovers etc , then best to trade while he still has some value out there IMO.

There is one other alternative where i'd like to see him given a further opportunity, but only up forward or maybe pushing into the middle on occasions, and that's under a new (top rated) coach. He just might be under instruction (with this auto backwards first option mode of play) when in defence. If so, what does this say about Bailey's coaching style/ability? Sorry, did Bails say something about, "we gotta take the game on" a few days ago?

And yes....he does try....real hard. Happy to give credit there. Davey could learn from that at least. Sadly i don't think he will.

Edited May 21, 2011 by Rusty Nails

[jabberwocky 2,301]

Really looking forward to

Michael Evans backing up and settling

Jordie Gysberts continuing development

Trengove and Scully's return

Jeremy Howe's Debut

Jordie McKenzie getting some games under his belt

Aaron Davey's response.

Possibly reloading mid-season with a fit-ish list.