2 hours ago, JV7 said:

Anyone else been frustrated by Bernies 2nd half of the season ? Once upon a time when ever he had the ball I wasn't squirming in my seat, knew he'd make the right decision & execute it... Now I can't bear to watch him take the kick ins. So many uncharacteristic mistakes his made week in week out the last couple of months.. Don't know if his relaxed a bit since signing his new deal or his just getting old or hopefully just a form slump

He seems to have no confidence and awareness at the moment. Dumps the ball when he gets it. When he took on Dangerfield in last year's game against Crows, he was up and about and full of confidence and bravado - even early stages this year. Today, no sign of that man. Maybe it has something to do with the shin he injured and it is affecting his run. Hard running and work rate usually leads to form and confidence.

I think Bernie is playing the role of enforcer and he's flown close to the wind several times this year, I'm surprised he hasn't  been suspended, at least once.

Perhaps he needs a break, playing in such a young group puts extra pressure on the senior players. 

Another thing his form seems to have dropped off since he let his hair grow, shave it off Bern.

I would be happy to play Bernie only 12-15 games a year if it prolonged his career and made our season last into Sept.

I reckon this is the way to treat the older guys who have the skills and ability.

 

22 minutes ago, Biffen said:

I would be happy to play Bernie only 12-15 games a year if it prolonged his career and made our season last into Sept.

I reckon this is the way to treat the older guys who have the skills and ability.

 

I'd like him to get to 100 games so we can claim his offspring.

 

I still think Vince is a much better mid than a half back and that's where we should be playing him, as a midfield rotation, i'm sure if Hibberd comes on board he'll slot back into the midfield mix

 

43 minutes ago, Dante said:

I'd like him to get to 100 games so we can claim his offspring.

 

Next week will be 64 games for Bernie with us, so will need at least 2 more years, to make us follow his male offspring. He will be 31 in October.

21 minutes ago, Abe said:

I still think Vince is a much better mid than a half back and that's where we should be playing him, as a midfield rotation, i'm sure if Hibberd comes on board he'll slot back into the midfield mix

 

Agree Abe, thought he'd be terrific at half back with his kicking skills but it just doesn't seem to suit him, made some horrendous decisions the last few weeks.  Plays his best footy in the middle.

Melbourne now has Petracca, Oliver & Brayshaw to rotate through the midfield so they can learn the game which has meant that Bernie has to play back.  Agree that his second half of the season has been poor.

12 hours ago, Dante said:

I think Bernie is playing the role of enforcer and he's flown close to the wind several times this year, I'm surprised he hasn't  been suspended, at least once.

Perhaps he needs a break, playing in such a young group puts extra pressure on the senior players. 

Another thing his form seems to have dropped off since he let his hair grow, shave it off Bern.

Did you consider that he is, leading by example.  That he is showing the way being aggressive, to the younger players.  Take it to the limit, but not beyond it.  A fine balance.  And perceived pressure.

12 hours ago, Dante said:

I'd like him to get to 100 games so we can claim his offspring.

It looks a long way off atm but that would be a fantastic thing to see.

I want to see him play a final in a Melbourne jumper. I'm pretty sure that would be his aim as well. It may require going him on for a couple more seasons.