MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM SELECTION

[DemonOX 8,681]

I'm hoping Melbourne win well as I will be taking my 19 month old to his 1st game. His Melbourne jersey with number 4 on the back arrived last week. Looking forward to our family outing.

At worst sydneydee, at least your 19 month old will be to young to remember the game.

Based on the form of both teams that will probably be a good thing.

[DemonOX 8,681]

I have this sinking feeling in my gut that we are gunna get done.

We have had incredible lows during this season but I fear worse is yet to come unfortunately.

The season can get worse.

[DEELIRIOUS 156]

Taggert and Tynan. Why the hell not?!??!!??!

[McQueen 17,864]

I'm hoping Melbourne win well as I will be taking my 19 month old to his 1st game. His Melbourne jersey with number 4 on the back arrived last week. Looking forward to our family outing.

Don't stress mate. He's too young to remember.

[Robbie57 2,001]

I'm hoping Melbourne win well as I will be taking my 19 month old to his 1st game. His Melbourne jersey with number 4 on the back arrived last week. Looking forward to our family outing.

See you there, you should be easy to spot amongst the "crowd" of GWS supporters.

[The heart beats true 17,734]

I'm genuinely surprised at the level of angst about this game. We were disgraceful last week with a team that was probably only missing Mitch Clark from our best. We go in as underdogs against a side that hasn't won a game all year. Surely that's both a record, and a sign of just how bad we are. I'd honestly be surprised if we win.

On the upside, a loss all but guarantees a priority pick. A priority pick entices an experienced coach, an experience coach brings self belief and some hope and in turn we can all look forward to the future.

It'll be interesting viewing but in my opinion we are already at rock bottom so we have nothing to lose.

[What 18,810]

Pedersen in the side... dear lord.

Why not give Troy Davis a shot?

[Pates 9,623]

Massive amount of pride on the line for us here. GWS don't really have too much to loose, if they loose then everyone shrugs their shoulders and say they'll be good in a few years, they win and they're smelling of roses.

BUT despite what Craig has said I reckon he will be drilling the players big time for this game and I really hope the boys are up for a fight because the Giants will be.

[RalphiusMaximus 6,012]

I know I make jokes about the knee-jerk coach-sackings but I think in this case it may actually be time to sack the coach. Looking at the teams he's picking, it's clear that Craig is totally unwilling to be proactive and try to win matches and is instead trying to limit damage (bolster his chances?). Continuing to play Pedersen defies logic as does his refusal to reward those who are playing well at Casey. By continually playing the same group regardless of the results he is sending a terrible message to the rest of the squad and giving us little or no chance of actually pulling a win out of the last five rounds.

[Hellaintabadplacetobe 4,282]

Round 19 Melbourne teamB: Lynden Dunn, Cameron Pedersen, Dean TerlichHB: Colin Garland, Tom McDonald, Mitch ClisbyC: Jack Viney, Jack Trengove, Jack GrimesHF: Matt Jones, Jack Watts, Jeremy HoweF: Dean Kent, Max Gawn, Jack FitzpatrickFOLL: Jake Spencer, Colin Sylvia, Nathan JonesI/C: Jimmy Toumpas, Shannon Byrnes, Aaron Davey, Luke TapscottEMG: Jordie McKenzie, Daniel Nicholson, Troy DavisIN: Dean Terlich, Colin Garland, Jake SpencerOUT: James Frawley (hamstring), Chris Dawes (calf), Sam Blease

I know this has been mentioned several times this year but........this is possibly the worst MFC side in living memory!

[Rob Mac...... 635]

Though nervous without Frawley, I'll tip a narrow win for us:

Our greater desperation to win knowing it will be difficult.

Another week since the Darwin energy drainer.

I'm not saying they'll tank, but we'll look worse (to fans and AFL) if we lose than they will, plus I suspect they're more cognisant of possible draft time ramifications than we are (their not wanting us to get a PP).

[DeeSpencer 24,669]

Though nervous without Frawley, I'll tip a narrow win for us:

Our greater desperation to win knowing it will be difficult.

Another week since the Darwin energy drainer.

I'm not saying they'll tank, but we'll look worse (to fans and AFL) if we lose than they will, plus I suspect they're more cognisant of possible draft time ramifications than we are (their not wanting us to get a PP).

I think the AFL would prefer GWS to not go winless through a season. We are already a basket case getting help. The AFL are meant to be convincing us all is well in Western Sydney.

As for the PP I think you'll find GWS would be the one club who doesn't much mind, it's not like they are short on top draft picks. In fact taking away the decision on Tom Boyd would probably do them a huge favour especially if they really are going to get Franklin.

[Rob Mac...... 635]

I think the AFL would prefer GWS to not go winless through a season. We are already a basket case getting help. The AFL are meant to be convincing us all is well in Western Sydney.

As for the PP I think you'll find GWS would be the one club who doesn't much mind, it's not like they are short on top draft picks. In fact taking away the decision on Tom Boyd would probably do them a huge favour especially if they really are going to get Franklin.

Absolutely agree with your first line master. Hope you're right about the PP, but fear GWS may want all they can get, so don't want us getting a PP (and they're the last team the AFL would accuse of tanking).

[Pates 9,623]

I know I make jokes about the knee-jerk coach-sackings but I think in this case it may actually be time to sack the coach. Looking at the teams he's picking, it's clear that Craig is totally unwilling to be proactive and try to win matches and is instead trying to limit damage (bolster his chances?). Continuing to play Pedersen defies logic as does his refusal to reward those who are playing well at Casey. By continually playing the same group regardless of the results he is sending a terrible message to the rest of the squad and giving us little or no chance of actually pulling a win out of the last five rounds.

I think Craig realistically doesn't see himself coaching us next year, and we will not be sacking him as that would just make us more of a laughing stock (is it possible??). I also think the players have responded to him to a degree. You mentioned Cam Pederson playing but mention that we don't reward those with good VFL form. Well Pedders had consistently good VFL form before he got picked, and I can understand the reasoning of leaving him in to give him another chance to prove himself. I agree there are players at Casey that should get a run before the years out, but why not play him, especially given we've lost a tall him Chip.

[rjay 24,567]

I think Craig realistically doesn't see himself coaching us next year, and we will not be sacking him as that would just make us more of a laughing stock (is it possible??). I also think the players have responded to him to a degree. You mentioned Cam Pederson playing but mention that we don't reward those with good VFL form. Well Pedders had consistently good VFL form before he got picked, and I can understand the reasoning of leaving him in to give him another chance to prove himself. I agree there are players at Casey that should get a run before the years out, but why not play him, especially given we've lost a tall him Chip.

I think Peders is a good VFL level player but lets see, give him a run at it and let him sink or swim. Cameron would sink him but I don't think we're that stupid...are we?

[DeeSpencer 24,669]

I think Peders is a good VFL level player but lets see, give him a run at it and let him sink or swim. Cameron would sink him but I don't think we're that stupid...are we?

If he can't do a half decent defensive job on a resting ruckman (Giles or Brogan) or young Tomlinson then he probably never will. The other thing I'd be looking for him to do is use his strong marking ability to take some rebound marks. And it would make me happy if he actually looked like he wanted to work for the 3 year contract we gave him and not like it was all such hard work for him.

[Ted Lasso 18,720]

Surely Tom Mcdonald plays on Cameron, match up one of the emerging defenders of the comp with the forward

[Je Roos Salem 661]

To not see Magner in the team, yet again, surely it has to be something disciplinary-related that's keeping him out. We clearly lack midfielders (especially hard ones), after surprisingly not playing for the first 7 rounds, he came in and played two games, both in which he was in our better handful of players. Only to not be sighted again, and only once as an emergency? It's been odd to say the least, especially since he played 17 games last year and dominated preseason games against Port Adelaide and St.Kilda and looked set for a year in the guts. Or have we surrendered him to be an important part of Casey's premiership plans? Is he a bad influence on younger players?

Also, putting McKenzie in would've been the next best thing to aid our midfield. Does he have much of a future at the club if he can't get a game?

Can't see Spencer-Gawn-Fitzpatrick working, but I'm glad Spencer's in and I'd love to see what he can do. Gawn and Fitzpatrick have both showed enough form to retain their spots. We'll miss Dawes' toughness at half forward and his good marking ability and forward thinking, even if he has been beaten a bit too easily. I think Watts will need to kick 5 for us to win. Bit sad Blease won't be out there, not denying he was very disappointing last week, but I think he could get a hold of GWS.

Considering we've lost our toughest forward and back, there will need to be a huge step up output from Trengove and Grimes, and I'm talking 25 touches and 2 goals from Trengove, 30 disposals and 10 marks off half back for Grimes. They have to step up and get out of autopilot, or their status should seriously be questioned for next year

[jackaub 1,402]

Sportsbet has us $2.18 v $1.92 Line is at 5.5

If we play like lat week we could lose by 6 or 7 goals

We must compete for 4 quarters and show some fight

Danger Danger Danger

[Whispering_Jack 29,074]

Disappointing team selection and a lack of innovative coaching spells doom and disaster.

The sooner the season's over and we have new blood leading the club and directing the team's fortunes, the better.

[old dee 23,459]

Disappointing team selection and a lack of innovative coaching spells doom and disaster.

The sooner the season's over and we have new blood leading the club and directing the team's fortunes, the better.

Amen to that WJ

This football year cannot end quick enough for me.

I have got to the who cares stage

[S.R.J 418]

Gws to win by 37pts...god i hope i am wrong. Surely the guys will be wanting to make things right. If not then i think we must seriously consider moving on majority of the list and start fresh

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,297]

Can't work out the rationale behind playing 3x 200+ cm giraffes in Gawn, Fitz and Spencer.

GWS are full of running midfielders while we've fielded the tallest team in history.

I suppose with Dawes out, i expect Fitz to play 100% up forward, and Gawn to swap with Spencer in the ruck and forward pocket.

It's still too tall for my liking.

Edited August 1, 2013 by Bring-Back-Powell

[rjay 24,567]

Surely Tom Mcdonald plays on Cameron, match up one of the emerging defenders of the comp with the forward

Pretty sure this will happen

If he can't do a half decent defensive job on a resting ruckman (Giles or Brogan) or young Tomlinson then he probably never will. The other thing I'd be looking for him to do is use his strong marking ability to take some rebound marks. And it would make me happy if he actually looked like he wanted to work for the 3 year contract we gave him and not like it was all such hard work for him.

I would like to see him working in defence and not just jogging around then making a token effort. He's been given another chance and I think he doesn't deserve it but let him sink himself.

Disappointing team selection and a lack of innovative coaching spells doom and disaster.

The sooner the season's over and we have new blood leading the club and directing the team's fortunes, the better.

It's looking like it. I would be more excited about the game if we had of played Taggert, Davis and Tynan. Let's not play the same heads that have let us down.

[CHAMP 347]

I know this has been mentioned several times this year but........this is possibly the worst MFC side in living memory!

Yeah-nah, it needs Gillies and one of Rodan or Nicholson.