What's Nev worth to the team, say in terms of net goals per average match? I reckon that he could be worth as much as 3 goals per game, partly in recognition of just how good he is as a small, shutdown defender and partly due to having no real replacement. 

For instance, Le Cras scored 2.2 (unknown assists) in the JLT match with no Nev. and Eddie Betts, for one, always struggles against our Nev.

I'd even go so far as suggesting that he may scrape into our 5 most valuable players in terms of his affect on the score line. What do other Demonlanders think.

i ask as I was chatting to a footy loving friend at a BBQ tonight and he was surprised that I rated Nev so highly  

 

Edited March 17, 20178 yr by Traja Dee

I cannot see the logic in not selecting him for round 1.

He's our premier small defender and St Kilda have some dangerous small forwards in Gresham, Lonie and Weller.

 

If he hasn't been injured, it's fair to say he is no chance for round one. 

He has attributes that will nullify an opponent- no question. I'm not sure he can make the 22 week in-week out but there's no doubting he's a neat player.

Can't see a rd 1 position for him.

He has been one our best and most consistent players for three years.  Truth be told, I am completely baffled by his omission. I haven't worried about a small forward cutting us up for years.

one of the first picked every week for mine.

really hoping he kick starts 2017 with a ripper game against the saints.

I'm pretty sure I remember reading in a recent AFL article that he had a calf niggle over the JLT series. If he's playing for Casey this weekend then he's still right in the frame for round 1.

In regards to his value to the team, his ability to play against both small and tall forwards makes him extremely versatile. He's a solid decision maker as well rarely makes terrible errors. I find the prospect of him being left out of the team incredibly hard to believe. Saying that, I'm sure Goodwin knows what he's doing.

Coincidently enough, our win against Adelaide back in 2014 happened to pop up in my YouTube subscriptions the other day. Nev was nearly best on ground for us that day after keeping Betts goalless. It could be considered as his 'break out' game. Overall, it's still one of the best Melbourne performances of the last decade.

 

Individual defending: A-
Team defending: B-

Individual attacking: C+
Team attacking: C-

Here's what I mean by that. One on one he's very good but not great, players can kick goals on him. But when it comes to the team defending his limited athleticism and size means he can't switch and rotate with other defenders and he doesn't cover the ground up and back in the zone. He also flies for too many marks/spoils when he should stay down but that's a team wide thing.

When he has the ball he doesn't turn it over and has a great little side step and short kick to get in to the corridor. But he only gets 15 or so touches so as an individual he's only a C+ grade rebound defender. He doesn't take up the load as a rebounder to take pressure off his team mates nor does he run to receive or break lines (or kick goals) so in terms of being part of the team attack he doesn't contribute a lot there.

Melksham might be his direct competitor for a spot and Melksham isn't a great one on one defender, but he has the height and fitness to be a great part of the zone that moves all over the field at pace. Individually the guy is a bit of a liability in that he has terrible brain fades but he's also shown a willingness to get 20+ possessions and run the ball and take on challenging kicks. 

The question is whether Nev  has the tank and two way intensity to warrant a spot or whether the team will function better with a less stable and calm defender who can bring far more run. 

Personally I think the thing the McDonald's and other young defenders need is a mature head who plays within his limits but I can see why the coaches want to try guys who offer more athletically. 

1 hour ago, Demon Jack said:

In regards to his value to the team, his ability to play against both small and tall forwards makes him extremely versatile. He's a solid decision maker as well rarely makes terrible errors. I find the prospect of him being left out of the team incredibly hard to believe. Saying that, I'm sure Goodwin knows what he's doing.

Coincidently enough, our win against Adelaide back in 2014 happened to pop up in my YouTube subscriptions the other day. Nev was nearly best on ground for us that day after keeping Betts goalless. It could be considered as his 'break out' game. Overall, it's still one of the best Melbourne performances of the last decade.

 

If I recall correctly, Jack Grimes had a bit to do with that win as well.

8 hours ago, Rodney (Balls) Grinter said:

If I recall correctly, Jack Grimes had a bit to do with that win as well.

Indeed he did. Chris Dawes also proved to be quite handy as well.

I love Nev but I think his height works against him in the zone defence.  Because he isn't an attacking option he tends to play deep and he's too easily isolated in a big marking mismatch.

I'm a huge Nev Jetta fan. He has been sensational for the club on and off field.

But like Watts and a few others I am willing to let Goody do his thing....... Trust the process.

I just care if we're winning not whos playing in those sides.

As long as players are given a chance and there is pressure for spots and we're winning - IDGAF

12 hours ago, McQueen said:

He has attributes that will nullify an opponent- no question. I'm not sure he can make the 22 week in-week out but there's no doubting he's a neat player.

Can't see a rd 1 position for him.

I can. 

What's he worth to the team - not much when he's not in it.

Was available for 3/3 JLT games and played 0/3 when we were apparently having dress rehearsals. Anyone who has picked him for round 1 fancies themselves as a better coach than Goodwin.

1 hour ago, Unleash Hell said:

I'm a huge Nev Jetta fan. He has been sensational for the club on and off field.

But like Watts and a few others I am willing to let Goody do his thing....... Trust the process.

I just care if we're winning not whos playing in those sides.

As long as players are given a chance and there is pressure for spots and we're winning - IDGAF

not working out so well for philadelphia...

35 minutes ago, Nasher said:

What's he worth to the team - not much when he's not in it.

Was available for 3/3 JLT games and played 0/3 when we were apparently having dress rehearsals. Anyone who has picked him for round 1 fancies themselves as a better coach than Goodwin.

He was available for 0/3 games due to a quad injury as mentioned in a recent Dave mission article. Most people seem to have missed that one although injury news from the club has been poor recently.

He is playing with Casey this week so hopefully he is fit for round one as St kilda have some dangerous small forwards.

P.S. for all I know he may also be out of favour with the coaches as well.

54 minutes ago, DemonAndrew said:

not working out so well for philadelphia...

Haha you clearly dont follow that closely DA

While philly dont have the wins on the board in 16/17. Philly has a very exciting young list with 2 potential ROTYs

Edited March 18, 20178 yr by Unleash Hell

6 minutes ago, Unleash Hell said:

Haha you clearly dont follow that closely DA

While philly dont have the wins on the board in 16/17. Philly has a very exciting young list with 2 potential ROTYs

talk to me when they play more than 31 combined games in a season.

or are you talking saric and okafor?

3 minutes ago, DemonAndrew said:

talk to me when they play more than 31 combined games in a season.

or are you talking saric and okafor?

Nah Embiid and Saric

Im unsure about Okafor and we still need a good pg.

Still they're very exciting and have had some good wins this yr.

1 hour ago, Redleg said:

I can. 

If fit , definitely

boston-philly rivalry could be huge for years to come.

can kawhi take the spurs past gw$ in the west this year?

as awesome as it would be to see cavs-gw$ again, i'd personally be just as happy with celtics-spurs final series.

i'm personally hoping spurs can pip gw$ for the top spot in the west, okc claim 7th, and first round of playoffs sees kd back in okc with westbrook going mental for 7 games.

I think he is very valuable (and I'd have him in each week) but I'm not sure he has all the attributes that Goodwin is looking for in his defenders given his slingshot game plan out of defence.

 

I think our backline under pressure is better with Nev in it.
A few years ago I wouldn't have said that.
I believe he is best 22. He is more consistent than Garlett and most would have him in their best 22.

People have short memories, he's a star.