Pre-season I thought Viney was our biggest loss in the first third of the season, but the past two matches suggest I was wrong. Running Hogan far beyond forward 50 is robbing us of forward structure. It worked last year when T Mac was playing forward even though he seemed to be missed from defence. The strength of the strategy is that both T Mac and Hoges are running machines that can alternate in the forward 50 with the other pushing upfield.
With O Mac growing into his role and Lever at his fifth attempt really contributing it's apparent that T Mac as permanent forward is a real prospect.

The weird thing is that with our forward line not working at all that we keep playing as though we have serious targets up there. My guess is that Goodwin is trying to ingrain a method of play that will work once T Mac returns. Unfortunately that does not explain why we played down the line against Richmond, but it's my optimistic guess that this season will recover once we regain our structure.

Maybe a more experienced coach (Clarkson) would come up with a strong alternative short term approach but I hope what's going on is what I said above...teaching the players an aggressive forward approach that will hold up long term.

 

 

32 minutes ago, pitmaster said:

Pre-season I thought Viney was our biggest loss in the first third of the season, but the past two matches suggest I was wrong. Running Hogan far beyond forward 50 is robbing us of forward structure. It worked last year when T Mac was playing forward even though he seemed to be missed from defence. The strength of the strategy is that both T Mac and Hoges are running machines that can alternate in the forward 50 with the other pushing upfield.
With O Mac growing into his role and Lever at his fifth attempt really contributing it's apparent that T Mac as permanent forward is a real prospect.

The weird thing is that with our forward line not working at all that we keep playing as though we have serious targets up there. My guess is that Goodwin is trying to ingrain a method of play that will work once T Mac returns. Unfortunately that does not explain why we played down the line against Richmond, but it's my optimistic guess that this season will recover once we regain our structure.

Maybe a more experienced coach (Clarkson) would come up with a strong alternative short term approach but I hope what's going on is what I said above...teaching the players an aggressive forward approach that will hold up long term.

 

 

Clarkson coaching Melbourne is just the Messiah complex. Clarkson is just a naughty boy. We absolutely need TMac, Jay Viney, Jack and Todd Viney back on the pitch.

Feeling vindicated about this today especially that line in italics: Goodwin is trying to ingrain a method of play that will work once T Mac returns.

Of course, we'll only know as the year unfolds but as TMac gains more match fitness I suspect (hope?) those panicky posts about game plans start to disappear. Add Viney into the mix and anything is possible.

I am amazed at the lack of recognition TMac's absnce received in the media, most recently from W Carey's piece in the Hun on Friday.

BTW bush demon, Clarkson was only an example of a more experienced coach; not for one moment was I suggesting he would come over to the red and blue.

Edited April 30, 20186 yr by pitmaster

straightened us up beyond recognition now Fristchy, Hannan, Spargs will get 4th,5th defenders and exploit them big style and tear them a new one.

6 minutes ago, Win4theAges said:

straightened us up beyond recognition now Fristchy, Hannan, Spargs will get 4th,5th defenders and exploit them big style and tear them a new one.

Certainly agree that our forward structure will be hard to man up against - two talls (Hogan TMcD Weed in rotation with the occasional Max) and 4 crumbers three of whom can grab a mark as well (Milk, Hannan, Fritsch) and Spargo (maybe Jeffy if can find form and enthusiasm at Casey).   Difficult to match. 

PS forgot about DogFood (CP5).

Edited April 30, 20186 yr by monoccular

3 minutes ago, monoccular said:

PS forgot about DogFood (CP5).

That's funny, Mono!!  Maybe it will catch on!

12 minutes ago, monoccular said:

Certainly agree that our forward structure will be hard to man up against - two talls (Hogan TMcD Weed in rotation with the occasional Max) and 4 crumbers three of whom can grab a mark as well (Milk, Hannan, Fritsch) and Spargo (maybe Jeffy if can find form and enthusiasm at Casey).   Difficult to match. 

PS forgot about DogFood (CP5).

jeffy plays better when its warm and humid. not so good when it cold wet and slippery.

given that, he might be a good chance for the gcs game in 2 weeks (and the alice in rnd 10) if there isn't rain forecast. also probably better suited to etihad than mcg in winter. 

Edited April 30, 20186 yr by daisycutter

3 hours ago, monoccular said:

Certainly agree that our forward structure will be hard to man up against - two talls (Hogan TMcD Weed in rotation with the occasional Max) and 4 crumbers three of whom can grab a mark as well (Milk, Hannan, Fritsch) and Spargo (maybe Jeffy if can find form and enthusiasm at Casey).   Difficult to match. 

PS forgot about DogFood (CP5).

Yes The cat whisperer Milkshake and Jeffy [censored] me. I just barred up ??????????? 

3 hours ago, monoccular said:

 

PS forgot about DogFood (CP5).

Much prefer 2 Dogs as a monicker,   very old joke

Defo had a presence that we've missed. Bloody loves a goal too, does TMac. Smile so big, if he was a pies supporter it'd be a black hole.

Yep. I'm happy he's back.