GASP by The Oracle

Whilst it's true that Richmond was in red hot form coming off a 79-point shellacking of Brisbane a week earlier, this week's opponent is absolutely white hot having demolished all before it this season including the Swans last week after a withering opening half. Before that, Ross Lyon's charges had beaten Port Adelaide in the season opener, Geelong at Simonds Stadium and crushed the Eagles in the local derby. That's a pretty comprehensive record against solid opposition in three of last year's finalists.

Melbourne's task this week looks even more daunting when one looks at its incredibly dismal recent record against Fremantle. There was a time not all that long ago, when these teams had a reasonably even record in games against each other but since their meeting at the G in mid-2011 when Melbourne demolished an injury-depleted opposition by 79 points, it's been a one way street in favour of the purple army with five consecutive routs, the closest game being a 34 point win to the Dockers at Etihad in 2012.

Since then, the Dees' highest score in four matches has been ... wait for it ... 40 points. For the record, here is the list of the last four strangulations inflicted upon them by Freo, the last three while Lyon has been the coach:

R16, 2014, Fremantle 15.7 (97) d Melbourne 4.10 (34) at TIO Stadium

R21, 2013, Fremantle 20.13 (133) d Melbourne 5.8 (38) at the MCG

R9, 2013, Fremantle 19.16 (130) d Melbourne 6.4 (40) at Subiaco Oval

R23, 2012, Fremantle 14.17 (101) d Melbourne 5.10 (40) at Subiaco Oval

That's an incredible average of 5 goals 8 behinds 38 points a game at three different venues against a team that boasts one of the biggest, strongest and best midfields in the game, to say nothing of its defence which kept last year's grand finallist, a team with Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett in its forward line, down to one goal in the first half last week.

Gasp.

THE GAME

Melbourne v Fremantle at the MCG Sunday 3 May 2015 at 1.10pm

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall: Melbourne 13 wins Fremantle 19 wins

At MCG: Melbourne 7 wins Fremantle 5 wins

Last Five meetings: Melbourne 0 wins Fremantle 5 wins

The Coaches: Roos 0 wins Lyon 1 win

MEDIA

TV - Fox Footy Channel at 1:00pm (live)

Radio - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand

THE BETTING Melbourne $4.85 to win Fremantle $1.15 to win

LAST TIME THEY MET

Fremantle 15.7.97 defeated Melbourne 4.10.34 at TIO Stadium, Round 16, 2014

The Demons were at a low ebb in terms of confidence and self-belief and put in a shocker against the Dockers managing only a single goal in the opening half at TIO Stadium. Looking at the match stats, it was little wonder that the defeat was so comprehensive - Freo won the disposal count (392-315); marks (95-71) and inside 50s (60-32).

TEAMS

MELBOURNE

B: Colin Garland, Tom McDonald, Jeremy Howe

HB: Christian Salem, Lynden Dunn, Jack Grimes

C: Heritier Lumumba, Bernie Vince, Daniel Cross

HF: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Jay Kennedy-Harris

F: Jack Watts, Cameron Pedersen, Angus Brayshaw

FOLL: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson

I/C: Jordie McKenzie, Viv Michie, Ben Newton, Aaron vandenBerg

EMG: Aidan Riley, Jake Spencer, Billy Stretch

IN: Jack Grimes, Jordie McKenzie, Cameron Pedersen

OUT: Chris Dawes (calf), Neville Jetta (concussion), Dean Kent (hamstring)

FREMANTLE

B: Cameron Sutcliffe, Luke McPharlin, Lee Spurr

HB: Garrick Ibbotson, Michael Johnson, Nick Suban

C: Paul Duffield, Nat Fyfe, Matt de Boer

HF: Danyle Pearce, Matthew Pavlich, Matt Taberner

F: Zac Clarke, Chris Mayne, Michael Walters

FOLL: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Stephen Hill

I/C (from): Hayden Ballantyne, Michael Barlow, Lachie Neale, Clancee Pearce

EMG: Hayden Crozier, Jack Hannath, Tendai Mzungu

IN: Hayden Ballantyne

OUT: Tendai Mzungu

This year the Fremantle Dockers have been the AFL's wrecking machine, taking all before them often with sneering contempt for any weakness in their opposition.

Unlike, the dour Freo sides of recent years they have been far more attacking this year but nevertheless are fully capable of suffocating the opposition when necessary as the Swans found out in the first half last week.

Freo has a midfield that is virtually peerless in the competition and they are certainly not dependent upon their superstar mid, Nat Fyfe. They have a combination of size and speed in Michael Barlow, Stephen Hill, David Mundy and Lachie Neale and the onballers get great service from their ruck division of Laurie Sandilands and Zac Clark. And that's not all, because they are great in all key positions as well as the flanks and wings.

So what chance is there then for Melbourne this week as it comes of the Anzac Eve high and returns to its more familiar territory in terms of time slots of a Sunday afternoon?

The Demons were solid in their last outing against Richmond but have been forced to make three changes due to injuries. The result is that despite having recruited well and with some promising youngsters finding their way in the game, they will have to produce a mighty effort to beat the top-of-the-ladder Dockers.

I think it would be premature to expect them to win this week.

Fremantle by 25 points.

I would go with this

B: Cross Dunn Salem

HB: Garland Tom Mc GRIMES

C: Lumumba Vince Newton

HF: vandenberg Dawes Howe

F: Garlett Hoges Watts

Ru: Jamar N.Jones Michie

Int: TERLICH, RILEY Brayshaw, JKH (sub)

With Jetta, Kent and probably Tyson all out injured.

It appears that Grimes could play in the back half , thus releasing Howe to play forward, Riley comes in for a bit of toughness around the ball, Terlich might start on the ground minding a small forward in a lock down role ( possibly Ballantyne) I wouldn't ordinarily play him but he has got pace!

That's my take

Jordy( Nup)

Bail (No but possibly concussed from last week anyway)

Toumpas (No not ready)

Others (...) insert for a variety of reasons not this game we need a some grunt and pace I think I have addressed like for like in changes?

Gonna get smasherated.

GASP by The Oracle ...

Since then, the Dees' highest score in four matches has been ... wait for it ... 40 points. For the record, here is the list of the last four strangulations inflicted upon them by Freo, the last three while Lyon has been the coach:

R16, 2014, Fremantle 15.7 (97) d Melbourne 4.10 (34) at TIO Stadium

R21, 2013, Fremantle 20.13 (133) d Melbourne 5.8 (38) at the MCG

R9, 2013, Fremantle 19.16 (130) d Melbourne 6.4 (40) at Subiaco Oval

R23, 2012, Fremantle 14.17 (101) d Melbourne 5.10 (40) at Subiaco Oval

That's an incredible average of 5 goals 8 behinds 38 points a game at three different venues against a team that boasts one of the biggest, strongest and best midfields in the game, to say nothing of its defence which kept last year's grand finallist, a team with Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett in its forward line, down to one goal in the first half last week.

Gasp.

Well, we were above average in the NAB Cup against Freo last month when we kicked a mammoth 6.7.43, weren't we?

WE need another tall to cover their rucks, particularly as they tend to float forward quite a bit. JKH is a must to start on the ground, Melbourne have scored heaviest this year with 3 smalls in the forward line.

We all know how strong and deep Fremantle’s midfield is, and that they have quality tall’s – but there is a chance these tall’s could also be exposed for mobility – Pavlich doesn’t cover as much ground as he used to, Dawson and McPharlin tend not to go up the ground and Sandilands is not known for speed.

I would look at bringing in Fitzpatrick to assist in the backline with their resting ruck (who else has the height to do it), play McDonald on Pavlich (who he can also run off), Dunn on the young tall forward (and provide a bit of niggle to try and put a kid of his game – Hogan should expect the same from Freo) while Grimes is an obvious choice for Jetta; but consideration needs to be given to Freo’s small forwards and an injection of pace may be needed. Mitchie should come in for Kent and I like the idea of Riley (particularly if Tyson is injured) – but Terlich may be needed as cover for Freo small forwards.

So -

B: Fitzpatrick (on the resting ruck) Dunn Salem

HB: Garland Tom Mc Grimes

C: Lumumba Jones Vince

HF Vandenberg Dawes JKH

F: Garlett Hoges Howe

Ru: Jamar Tyson Cross

Int: Brayshaw, Mitchie, Newton Watts (Sub) Terlich and Riley (emergencies)

Cross should go to Barlow who is not quick (and for his size not renowned for marking), Jamar to tag Sandilands (Vince/Dangerfield style) – not sure why we don’t see rucks copping a hard tag but Sandilands would be the ideal candidate (someone that size and stage of their career will not like continually getting of their bum or being belted) – In fact I would tell Jamar and Fitzpatrick to follow their players all over the ground, to the bench, and if they go to the toilet follow them there as well – and then lock the door and guard the window.

If Freo goes tall in their forwards then Howe can be swung back to defence, with Newton playing HFF. I would explain to Watts that his sub role is not about form but team dynamics.

A glaring weakness though is how do we cover Freo’s tough tall marking midfielders (Fyfe and Mundy) – maybe Howe or Lumumba in a run with role, or dare I say it Jordie (does he have the height).

In theory though this team should allow for Grimes to run through the midfield if needed (with coverage provided by Howe or Lumumba), whilst Brayshaw, Mitchie and Newton can all run through the midfield and paly forward. Okay I wouldn’t have Watts as sub, but acknowledge he is going to be in the team and can’t think of a suitable replacement regarding team structure (a third tall size, with endurance to cover all the ground – Garland could play this role, so could Howe, but they already have positions)

Edited April 29, 201510 yr by Ungarie boy

Tipping stretch to be a surprise inclusion

On another forum I predicted the possibility of Stretch being "Blooded" But was howled down by some!

Not against this action!

I'd go with:

FB: Fitzpatrick, Dunn, Salem

HB: Garland, T. McDonald, Grimes

C: Lumumba, Vince, Tyson

HF: Vandenberg, Hogan, Kennedy-Harris

FF: Watts, Dawes, Garlett

FOLL: Jamar, Cross, N. Jones

INT: Brayshaw, Howe, Michie

SUB: Newton

EMERG: Harmes, Reilly, Spencer

If tyson doesn't get up i'd start newton and give harmes a debut as the sub. Fitz to play on the resting ruckman and can give jamar a chop out.

Well, we were above average in the NAB Cup against Freo last month when we kicked a mammoth 6.7.43, weren't we?

On the other hand there were periods during the game when we stood up quite well to them and but for some poor kicking for goal, could have had them.

They didn't have Fyfe that night. I wonder who takes him on?

Dees by 4 goals.

The win against ninthmond I'm counting as a 11 goal win. 5 posters and 2 goals from poor umpiring were given to ninthmond.

8 day break, no travel after 2 interstate games. Freo bashed and bruised by Sydney.

Watts to kick 4.

Time to get the public frothing about the MFC

Dare to dream

On another forum I predicted the possibility of Stretch being "Blooded" But was howled down by some!

Not against this action!

i don't think anyone's against it, but it would go against what Roos and co have been saying, and what they've done in the past. Seems very early in the kid's career to be throwing him into the firsts against one of the best bunch of (mature) mids in the comp.

Would have thought Toumpas, Jones, Riley and Bail would be ahead of him at the moment - though all of those are different types of players.

On another forum I predicted the possibility of Stretch being "Blooded" But was howled down by some!

Not against this action!

Had the same experience

Just watching a replay of the game and Kent stood out as really important until he went off. his chasing and pressure was superb.

25 cents on the win for me.

On another forum I predicted the possibility of Stretch being "Blooded" But was howled down by some!

Not against this action!

There's ANOTHER forum?

GASP by The Oracle

MELBOURNE

B: Colin Garland, Tom McDonald, Jeremy Howe

HB: Christian Salem, Lynden Dunn, Jack Grimes

C: Heritier Lumumba, Bernie Vince, Daniel Cross

HF: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Jay Kennedy-Harris

F: Jack Watts, Chris Dawes, Angus Brayshaw

FOLL: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson

I/C (from): Jordie McKenzie, Viv Michie, Ben Newton, Cameron Pedersen, Aidan Riley, Jake Spencer, Aaron vandenBerg

IN: Jack Grimes, Jordie McKenzie, Cameron Pedersen Aidan Riley, Jake Spencer

OUT: Neville Jetta (concussion), Dean Kent (hamstring)

FREMANTLE

B: Cameron Sutcliffe, Luke McPharlin, Lee Spurr

HB: Garrick Ibbotson, Michael Johnson, Nick Suban

C: Paul Duffield, Nat Fyfe, Matt de Boer

HF: Danyle Pearce, Matthew Pavlich, Matt

F: Zac Clarke, Chris Mayne, Michael Walters

FOLL: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Stephen Hill

I/C (from): Hayden Ballantyne, Michael Barlow, Hayden Crozier, Jack Hannath, Tendai Mzungu, Lachie Neale, Clancee Pearce

IN: Hayden Ballantyne, Hayden Crozier, Jack Hannath

Not sure if Spencer can fit in, notwithstanding Freo's tall rucks.

My guess - Jordie and the Pigdog have been named for encouragement, but the real decision is between Pedo and Spencil.

My bench - Michie, Pedo, vandenBerg, Newton (sub).

Do will think Dyson will actually play?.....(looking at the bench)...

Do will think Dyson will actually play?.....(looking at the bench)...

I prefer Hoover to clean up the crumbs

Do will think Dyson will actually play?.....(looking at the bench)...

kevin Dyson would be very handy on sunday!!

Remember number 50?

kevin Dyson would be very handy on sunday!!

Remember number 50?

Opps typo!! meant Tyson of course.....by the way WYL when is Fargo screening?? second series

Edited April 30, 201510 yr by Wadda We Sing

Opps typo!! meant Tyson of course.....by the way WYL when is Fargo screening?? second series

Series 2 is being edited right now i think

Should go to air in spring via internet pages mate

Are we playing for the Colin Sylvia trophy on Sunday?

Are we playing for the Colin Sylvia trophy on Sunday?

"the inaugural"

Not sure if Spencer can fit in, notwithstanding Freo's tall rucks.

Well Vanderthing, Michie, and Newton are "Shoe ins"

I reckon Pedo might well be the other!