Match Preview and Team Selection - Round 1

[Richard Tionary 145]

20 hours ago, Deemania since 56 said:

Hoges close to goal, Pedo at HF. Kicking distance is important.

Do you think? Always thought Hoges played best roaming up around the middle of the ground, providing a chop out target coming out of the backline. Seeing that he has one of the best tanks at the club I think it should be utlised, then working back inside 50. 

If only we could have two of him. 

[Gator 17,449]

Ratugolea, Stanley, Hawkins all selected.  Will Stanley drop out from the 18 ?

I never choose Frost in my best 22 when I pick the side in my mind, but I wonder what MC will do.

Hibberd as a third tall will have his work cut out for him if Frost isn't chosen.  And if he is someone I'm expecting to play won't make the team.  I won't have time to rejig my Fantasy side, so I'm hoping it won't be Brayshaw.

And you can be a "wet blanket", Paul ^^, but if you venture onto Geelong forums they say it's the worst round one side in over a decade.

If Melbourne are serious players in 2018 they certainly shouldn't lose this game.  And round 23 of last year has no bearing whatsoever.  None at all.  

[Wiseblood 24,637]

4 minutes ago, PaulRB said:

Geelong are the preliminary finalist from last year, Ablett in Danger out... reckon we’re (and the odds) getting way ahead of ourselves if we think we’re actualy more likely to win this game. 

Our last performance in a real AFL season game was kind of disappointing if I recall correctly...

sorry to be the wet blanket.

They've had a few retirements out from the side as well, though.  Lonergan and Mackie, two very important cogs in their side for over a decade, are gone.  This means their backline looks a little thin (especially with Henderson missing as well) and you would be right to question how they will kick a winning score.  Without Danger, Ablett may have to spend more time in the guts than resting forward.

Having said all that, we would be silly to take this side lightly and I'm not expecting us too.  They'll be tough to beat.

[Richard Tionary 145]

21 hours ago, Watts the matter said:

I like it, but it sounded like Maynard will be getting a gig on the Melbourne podcast.

I like Maynard in if Viney is out, replaces some of the grunt/tackling that is missing. 

[sisso 2,580]

We will be the older and more experienced side by the looks of it which is surprising.

Not that I'm overly confident, still scarred from rd 23 last year when Collingwood had Pendlebury out and a bunch of kids in and we choked....still we *should* win (shudder)

[brendan 3,437]

I think we (myself included) need to let go of round 23 debacle, this year for me just has a different feel about it I just don’t think we will stuff this year up, injuries permitting 

[sisso 2,580]

14 minutes ago, brendan said:

I think we (myself included) need to let go of round 23 debacle, this year for me just has a different feel about it I just don’t think we will stuff this year up, injuries permitting 

Maybe when we finally make the 8, I'll be able to let it go

[The Swimming Dee 1,904]

Does anyone know when the final team is announced?

Edited March 23, 2018 by The Swimming Dee

[brendan 3,437]

6 minutes ago, The Swimming Dee said:

Does anyone no when the final team is announced?

I think this afternoon sometime 

[Gator 17,449]

14 minutes ago, The Swimming Dee said:

Does anyone no when the final team is announced?

5pm

[M_9 2,091]

I reckon there are a couple of Cats that are going in underdone. Cory Gregson (HFF) has been out for 18 months with a navicular injury and played the first JLT match only.

Rhys Stanley is returning from a calf injury and Cats (and Saints) supporters will tell you he ain't much good anyway.

[The Swimming Dee 1,904]

Thanks ProDee.

For what it is worth I think the bench should be Tyson, Melksham, Brayshaw and Hannan.

All of these players provide more flexibility than Maynard, Bugg, Frost or Wagner. Saying that, it is a great problem to have - we finally have real depth.

[DubDee 26,117]

Will be very surprised if Frost gets named. He lacks football smarts and kicking / decision making. O Mac on Hawkins with lever drifting across as needed  very few 1-1s in today’s footy 

On another note, who provide the fwd pressure for Geelong, some skilful small medium fwds but we should have time in the back half to attack in a meaningful way. That should win us the game 

[Redleg 41,413]

1 hour ago, The Swimming Dee said:

Thanks ProDee.

For what it is worth I think the bench should be Tyson, Melksham, Brayshaw and Hannan.

All of these players provide more flexibility than Maynard, Bugg, Frost or Wagner. Saying that, it is a great problem to have - we finally have real depth.

Agree on Dom, Jake and Gus, but I think assuming not too much rain, that Frost might get the nod ahead of Hannan, as insurance and because of his pace and ability to play a few positions. 

Then again Goody hasn't rung me yet and team has to be in by 5.00. 

[Hot as Hell 466]

Reading the preferences of posters, I think we may end up with too many forwards on the interchange if we entertain Milkshake (a certainty) Bugg or Mitch then Tyson and Gus. 

We are very lightweight in the backline and l am certain Tom H is licking his lips with the selected side. 

Frosty is a must play to add some strength and speed down there if it all goes pear shaped. 

Mitch may be the unlucky one. 

 

Edited March 23, 2018 by Hot as Hell
Typo

[Vagg 2,439]

6 minutes ago, Redleg said:

Then again Goody hasn't rung me yet and team has to be in by 5.00. 

Crumbs!  He's cutting it fine, Redleg!  I sure hope you are near your phone when he calls!  Otherwise we'll all be rooned...!

[The Swimming Dee 1,904]

5 minutes ago, Redleg said:

Agree on Dom, Jake and Gus, but I think assuming not too much rain, that Frost might get the nod ahead of Hannan, as insurance and because of his pace and ability to play a few positions. 

Then again Goody hasn't rung me yet and team has to be in by 5.00. 

You might be right Redleg but I just think Frost is a bit one dimensional and does not ruck. We do already have some good runners down back with Hibberd and Hunt. I think they like Hannan’s Ability to go through the middle also.

We will know soon. It is a genuinely tough call. I would not even be surprised if Wagner was picked 

[Neitz the Great 555]

Big Calls, would 100% have preferred Gus and Dom to Wagner and maynard

Wagner is ordinary IMO, and doesn't add much to our team.

[Ethan Tremblay 30,962]

Maynard in and Tyson out is an interesting one that I didn’t see coming. Tyson normally gets a bit of the ball, I think we may miss him. I cringe whenever I see Wagner with the ball, his turnovers can be a momentum killer. I would have picked Frost over Wagner, especially given Geelong’s height in their forward line. 

Edited March 23, 2018 by Ethan Tremblay

[FarNorthernD 5,861]

Ok so that is big, Maynard over Tyson.  I’m not upset by this but am surprised. 

Wagner over Brayshaw, not as big but still a surprise too

Edited March 23, 2018 by fndee

[PaulRB 6,411]

Brayshaw out, given he had wisdom teeth removed during week, does not surprise. Tyson dropped below Maynard, hmmm I guess we'll see.

Good there's healthy competition for spots.

All four interchange are capable of playing several spots...

 

Edited March 23, 2018 by PaulRB

[Grimes Times 1,278]

Didnt see that bench being named. 

Also looking at Geelong team, They have moved Stanley to the Emg and have named Ratugolea at CHF

[binman 43,719]

Let me be the first to say i got it completel6 wrong on Tyson.

[buck_nekkid 6,046]

2 minutes ago, fndee said:

Ok so that is big, Maynard over Tyson.  I’m not upset by this but am surprised. 

If Viney was in, it would have been the other way round.  Big crash and bash boy.

[Wiseblood 24,637]

Very, very interesting selections.  The one surprise is the omission of Tyson, but maybe they feel he needs another run at Casey... ?  I'm not a huge fan of Wagner but I'm happy to back him in for a good game on the weekend.