This is a really good example of a player doing what coaches ask. He would get a lot of praise from coaches because that role of Toumpas vs McV is the most team oriented play of most - sacrifice own game for the team. He will not be accused of 'selfish/hero' football. It just goes to show that not all on-ballers need to be inside, get own ball type players. Hope that Saturday answered Toumpas critics on here re being outside only.

If he continues following instructions (whatever his role) he will be in the team for a long time

What I really like is that both Vince and Toumpas have been successful in these shutdown roles on elite players of the game. Great development. Up there with playing Salem in the backline.

If Toumpas becomes a shut down player, it rare that those types are great users of the ball. I think with more confidence and exposure to AFL level he will only get better. I'm not as worried about Toumpas as I am about someone like Howe.

What the hell happened to the team from round one? Attacking, fast, dangerous. Could cover up our mistakes and poor skills because we kept the ball moving forward to our crumbers.

The moment we face good opposition we disintegrate into the Neeld team.

No, the Neeld team would have played like that in round 1 and lost by 100+ the last two weeks.

Edited May 11, 201510 yr by Dr. Gonzo

Did you go to the game or watch it on TV ? (I'm not having a go at you either way). I know some people saw it on TV that thought we competed ok, but I was at the game and watched numerous times where multiple Swans streamed downfield with no Demon near them. Interesting how different people watch the same game and have totally different opinions on the match. I thought the game was disappointing from a Melbourne point of view, but that's just the way I saw it.

TV - my dad had his 60th on Saturday so it was on in the background at the venue but didn't really watch it til yesterday so knowing the result may have had an effect too.

McDonald should be moved to CHF, like Neatz, All Australian CHB, was the making of him, McDonald CHF, Hogan FF, doubt if Roos has the flair to see beyond Cross and Lamumba, he has a let's not lose it attitude on the game instead of a let's win it, I won't miss Paul Roos.

Good pick i didn't know that.

Just finished watching replay again.

Toumpus was close to mcveigh all second. Saw that too. Even got a coupl e of his own touches. One of mcveighs touches was a kick to himself from a kickin too. I thought to myself good job toump, then it was gone.

Didn't note Toumpas playing on McVeigh then either. If so, I'm impressed. Already felt Toumpas had a pass mark, perhaps his game was even better than that?

Problem is that people watch Toumpas game differently to everyone else's. Similar to Watts, people watch a game with a giant #4 Pick floating above his head which clouds them from seeing anything else. If he was just seen as the developing 21 year old he is, we would be stoked with the progress he is making.

McDonald should be moved to CHF, like Neatz, All Australian CHB, was the making of him, McDonald CHF, Hogan FF,

T Mac kicking for goal? You sure you want that?

Not saying he wont be good at it, his kicking has improved and he seems to work very hard on all aspects of his game.

And there is the is the slight problem of who becomes our big key back to play on the gorillas? Sam Frost maybe....

I enjoy your thinking Bluey. Something about a Hogan T Mac combo up forward is exciting.... but the midfield must be sorted first

Edited May 11, 201510 yr by hogans_heroes

McDonald should be moved to CHF, like Neatz, All Australian CHB, was the making of him, McDonald CHF, Hogan FF, doubt if Roos has the flair to see beyond Cross and Lamumba, he has a let's not lose it attitude on the game instead of a let's win it, I won't miss Paul Roos.

Comedy gold

That's how the Giants beat the Hawks, play on at all costs. You stop, you're dead.

Didn't you say the Giants were no good?

I'm sure it was you....

McDonald should be moved to CHF, like Neatz, All Australian CHB, was the making of him, McDonald CHF, Hogan FF, doubt if Roos has the flair to see beyond Cross and Lamumba, he has a let's not lose it attitude on the game instead of a let's win it, I won't miss Paul Roos.

give it a go, whats the worst that can happen.

Although I think T. Mac would go alright at CHF it won't work, he stops more goals than he would kick.

T Mac kicking for goal? You sure you want that?

Not saying he wont be good at it, his kicking has improved and he seems to work very hard on all aspects of his game.

And there is the is the slight problem of who becomes our big key back to play on the gorillas? Sam Frost maybe....

I enjoy your thinking Bluey. Something about a Hogan T Mac combo up forward is exciting.... but the midfield must be sorted first

He was drafted as a forward...

Having said that, I agree it would be a huge mistake to move him now.

Although I think T. Mac would go alright at CHF it won't work, he stops more goals than he would kick.

its hard to argue against that he does stop a lot of goals, without him Roos would be on par with Neeld

give it a go, whats the worst that can happen.

You play someone out of form... it's a ridiculous idea. It sounds pretty trollish to me.

McDonald should be moved to CHF, like Neatz, All Australian CHB, was the making of him, McDonald CHF, Hogan FF, doubt if Roos has the flair to see beyond Cross and Lamumba, he has a let's not lose it attitude on the game instead of a let's win it, I won't miss Paul Roos.

Your a visionary Bluey and obviously don't stick to the status quo. Hulk and Macca combo up forward is exciting. Tommy Mac to be moved up forward deserves it's own thread.

It's quite clear Dunn is struggling with having to take the second tall - like Tippett. Taking McDonald away from the backline would leave us seriously exposed, especially next week with Roughnut, McEvoy, Gunston etc.

Frost needs to be fast tracked as a key position back as soon as he recovers from his current injury.

Watching Fitz on Saturday I really doubt he has the ability to step up to the next level.

It's quite clear Dunn is struggling with having to take the second tall - like Tippett. Taking McDonald away from the backline would leave us seriously exposed, especially next week with Roughnut, McEvoy, Gunston etc.

Frost needs to be fast tracked as a key position back as soon as he recovers from his current injury.

Watching Fitz on Saturday I really doubt he has the ability to step up to the next level.

It is a shame if Fitzy cannot step up because at 200cm he (along with Frost) could allow Roos to look at Tommy up forward by giving us height on the backline. Dunn made the transition down back successfully and Frawley was serviceable forward, although Tommy Mac has the same star quality as Hogan. Pederson is versatile, as is Garland, should we need depth.

Edited May 11, 201510 yr by CBDees

Did you go to the game or watch it on TV ? (I'm not having a go at you either way). I know some people saw it on TV that thought we competed ok, but I was at the game and watched numerous times where multiple Swans streamed downfield with no Demon near them. Interesting how different people watch the same game and have totally different opinions on the match. I thought the game was disappointing from a Melbourne point of view, but that's just the way I saw it.

An interesting point. I just watched the replay and thought we played vert similar to them in the first half. The only thing missing was we weren't scoring. They did get some gimme goals and we missed opportunities by centimetres. We still have a few to many passengers however.

Also I don't know why our guys take so much [censored] from their opponents. Anyone else observe this?

Yes I noticed Garlett left to do the stir...

Tippett well looked after by the umps. Happens every time we play Sinners.

That being said can't quite put my finger on it yet but feel things are a little different so far this year. We're getting to pace of game a little better and staying with it and our fitness is having

an effect. Small thing like that make it a little bit more enjoyable even in a loss.

An interesting point. I just watched the replay and thought we played vert similar to them in the first half. The only thing missing was we weren't scoring. They did get some gimme goals and we missed opportunities by centimetres. We still have a few to many passengers however.

Also I don't know why our guys take so much [censored] from their opponents. Anyone else observe this?

The scoring wasn't the only thing we were missing. We were missing inside 50's and a midfield.

Didn't you say the Giants were no good?

I'm sure it was you....

I don't know, maybe? I've said a lot of things can you be more specific.

Edited May 11, 201510 yr by Dr. Gonzo

You play someone out of form... it's a ridiculous idea. It sounds pretty trollish to me.

Bluey is a clear troll from back in the old Demonology days. I can't believe people haven't figured it out here yet.

Your a visionary Bluey and obviously don't stick to the status quo. Hulk and Macca combo up forward is exciting. Tommy Mac to be moved up forward deserves it's own thread.

How about Watts? He kicked 3 in Round 1 as our 2nd tall, 1 in the past 5 games. Yet Dawes has only kicked 3 in 4 games as the 2nd forward

How about Watts? He kicked 3 in Round 1 as our 2nd tall, 1 in the past 5 games. Yet Dawes has only kicked 3 in 4 games as the 2nd forward

Dawes is over rated by Dees supporters.

The guy was an average player in a premiership team at the pies.

Now he is the same average player in a poor team

Don't expect more

Dawes is over rated by Dees supporters.

The guy was an average player in a premiership team at the pies.

Now he is the same average player in a poor team

Don't expect more

Good to hear from you 'old dee', by the time line you must be o/s at the moment.

How about Watts? He kicked 3 in Round 1 as our 2nd tall, 1 in the past 5 games. Yet Dawes has only kicked 3 in 4 games as the 2nd forward

What about Watts? He is a dud.