Jump to content

Changes v Fremantle

Featured Replies

1 hour ago, MudDogs Gawn Win.. someday said:

If ever there was a time to swing the axe now is that time!

This would be my team this week if I wanted to shake things up and get some speed back in the side!!

B. Lewis OMac Jetta

HB. Hibberd Frost Salem

C. Stretch Viney Jones

HF. Melksham Tmac Fritsch

F. Garlett Hogan Spargo

Foll. Gawn Oliver Brayshaw

Int Harmes Petracca Bugg Baker

 

OUT Petty Weid ANB Tyson J Smith Hannan

IN (SPEED) Frost Stretch Spargo Bugg Baker Garlett

 

That is a great option Mud.  Although i'm not sure Bugg is needed as another medium small or is any better than ANB at this point in terms of what either of them contribute.  Possibly worth trialing over a few weeks though.

Stating the bleeding obvious (and already brought up for weeks) but we are lacking goal kicking crumbers / speed (pressuring opponents / finding space for the receive or on a lead) up forward through the middle of wider grounds.  As a result we are unable to shut down the switch / spread at the wider expanses like the G and put decent pressure on the opp's HBs and speedy mids.  Your Ins'/Outs go some way (at least on paper) to resolving some of the above.

The only tweak i would make to the actual line up is bringing Jones out of a starting mid field role and to the bench.  Replaced with Gus who needs to start in the middle.  Jones has lost half a yard and unable to escape congestion very often now, Gus more evasive through there.  We can no longer afford to keep playing the regular (tried / tested and failed on the wider grounds) 3 meat & potato options in Clarry, Jones & Viney at the same time through the middle.  If we do we will continually get taken apart on the outside spread on the bigger ovals.

Gus , Viney, Clarry ... Viney, Jones, Gus ... Tracc, Clarry, Viney ... even Jones / Clarry & Jeffy as a change up etc but certainly not the three potatoes as standard.

Fritschkrieg goes to the other wing NOT running off the back of square and certainly never played at FB like last week!  Stretch on the other.  We finally have some options out wide with toe and decent finish (Stretch an unknown at this point i realise).  In the case of Fristchkrieg, on both sides of the body!  He won't have the tank to last long though and will need lots of flipping to assist here (below)

Jones/Tracc rotate off the bench through the middle and off both HFFs sharing this between themselves, Melk and Brayshaw (Tracc/Jones, Brayshaw sharing the HF/Mid Field roles between them in a constant rotation when one is resting or on the bench).   Occasionally flipping Fritschkrieg to HF or FP with Tracc / Jeffy to allow Fritschy to rest / maybe impact the scoreboard and throw the opp a different (slightly taller / marking) set up.

Goody needs to adjust big time for speed / class / finish / crumbers both up forward and through mid field as well as a taller speedy general in Frost (at least trial him for 2 to 3 weeks) at CHB as per your option.  If he truly thinks last week's result was mostly as a result of effort (which it might have been to a degree) then he will only tweak a little meaning we are in for a very ugly finish to what promised to be an improvement on last year and a very good chance at playing finals.

Edited by Rusty Nails

 
 

The main thing that needs changing is a lift in intensity, running and pressure.  Jeffy is not the answer as he has been back in the twos for 8 weeks now and not put in a full shift once.

Frost could be worth a look, once he has worked on his game sense and positioning as he was terrible last time he was in the AFL

I think Spargo and Stretch should certainly come in, at the expense of the players that put in the least on sunday 

15 hours ago, titan_uranus said:

Genuine question: why?

How is he impacting games at the moment?

When was the last time he played well in a game we lost or didn't win by a massive margin?

One of the few players who consistently covers a lot of ground with his two way running. 

He actually was very poor this weekend, so may actually get dropped, but generally he is one of the hardest game day runners, so he fits into the defensive mindset we are trying to get to. 

I wish his skills matched his endeavour. 


32 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

That is a great option Mud.  Although i'm not sure Bugg is needed as another medium small or is any better than ANB at this point in terms of what either of them contribute.  Possibly worth trialing over a few weeks though.

Stating the bleeding obvious (and already brought up for weeks) but we are lacking goal kicking crumbers / speed (pressuring opponents / finding space for the receive or on a lead) up forward or middle of wider grounds.  As a result we are unable to shut down the switch / spread at the wider expanses like the G and put decent pressure on the opp's HBs and speedy mids.  Your Ins'/Outs go some way (at least on paper) to resolving some of the above.

The only tweak i would make to the actual line up is bringing Jones out of a starting mid field role and to the bench.  Replaced with Gus who needs to start in the middle.  Jones has lost half a yard and unable to escape congestion very often now, Gus more evasive through there.  We can no longer afford to keep playing the regular (tried / tested and failed on the wider grounds) 3 meat & potato options in Clarry, Jones & Viney at the same time through the middle.  If we do we will continually get taken apart on the outside spread on the bigger ovals.

Gus , Viney, Clarry ... Viney, Jones, Gus ... Tracc, Clarry, Viney ... even Jones / Clarry & Jeffy as a change up etc but certainly not the three potatoes as standard.

Fritschkrieg goes to the other wing NOT running off the back of square and certainly never played at FB like last week!  Stretch on the other.  We finally have some options out wide with toe and decent finish (Stretch an unknown at this point i realise).  In the case of Fristchkrieg, on both sides of the body!  He won't have the tank to last long though and will need lots of flipping to assist here (below)

Jones/Tracc rotate off the bench through the middle and off both HFFs sharing this between themselves, Melk and Brayshaw (Tracc/Jones, Brayshaw sharing the HF/Mid Field roles between them in a constant rotation when one is resting or on the bench).   Occasionally flipping Fritschkrieg to HF or FP with Tracc / Jeffy to allow Fritschy to rest / maybe impact the scoreboard and throw the opp a different (slightly taller / marking) set up.

Goody needs to adjust big time for speed / class / finish / crumbers both up forward and through mid field as well as a taller speedy general in Frost (at least trial him for 2 to 3 weeks) at CHB as per your option.  If he truly thinks last week's result was mostly as a result of effort (which it might have been to a degree) then he will only tweak a little meaning we are in for a very ugly finish to what promised to be an improvement on last year and a very good chance at playing finals.

I definitely agree with you Re Jones and Brayshaws positions I must of typed wrong. I just think ANB need a a rocket up him. Looks content out there.

Bugg will play as a small and bring the pressure and mongrel we lacked last week.

they need to get hungry. From what I’ve seen of Baker the kid has confidence and pace. Let’s give him a go. He may be another Hunt.

Frost has to come in to straighten us up and structure up defence. I like Fritsch closer to goal because he is a good user and can kick!

spargo and Garlett in. Because it is always a quick and greasy game up north..

36 minutes ago, timbo said:

Big wrap on this nickname.

Having a fabulous debut year so far Timbo.  A joy to watch on either side.

34 minutes ago, DubDee said:

The main thing that needs changing is a lift in intensity, running and pressure.  Jeffy is not the answer as he has been back in the twos for 8 weeks now and not put in a full shift once.

Frost could be worth a look, once he has worked on his game sense and positioning as he was terrible last time he was in the AFL

I think Spargo and Stretch should certainly come in, at the expense of the players that put in the least on sunday 

Not sure Petty put in an AFL worthy shift either before getting a cal up Dub.

We need to find speed and pressure up forward.  Worth a roll of the die this week up north,  where he will probably enjoy the atmosphere also and plenty of local support to egg him on.

Last roll of the die for the year for Jeffy and potentially us in terms of finals.

Ser him some goals and if he gets near them we (and Jeffy) just might be away.

Sometimes a player just needs motivating and Goody might need to work on and find the button here.  It can sometimes define a very good coach and his career (and the players") vs an ordinary one and potential fail ( maybe for both!)

Edited by Rusty Nails

 
8 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

Not sure Petty put in an AFL worthy shift either before getting a cal up Dub.

We need to find speed and pressure up forward.  Worth a roll of the die this week up north,  where he will probably enjoy the atmosphere also and plenty of local support to egg him on.

Last roll of the die for the year for Jeffy and potentially us in terms of finals.

Ser him some goals and if he gets near them we (and Jeffy) just might be away.

Sometimes a player just needs motivating and Goody might need to work on and find the button here.  It can sometimes define a very good coach and his career (and the players") vs an ordinary one and potential fail ( maybe for both!)

Is that because you watched his games at VFL or are you just assuming?

Do you think he got the call up because he was tall?

The three or four games I went to I thought we was terrific reader of the ball, getting himself in good positions to mark and performed consistently in one on one contests.

26 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

Not sure Petty put in an AFL worthy shift either before getting a cal up Dub.

We need to find speed and pressure up forward.  Worth a roll of the die this week up north,  where he will probably enjoy the atmosphere also and plenty of local support to egg him on.

Last roll of the die for the year for Jeffy and potentially us in terms of finals.

Ser him some goals and if he gets near them we (and Jeffy) just might be away.

Sometimes a player just needs motivating and Goody might need to work on and find the button here.  It can sometimes define a very good coach and his career (and the players") vs an ordinary one and potential fail ( maybe for both!)

I disagree. From the reports I've read from reliable posters and the reports from the club, Petty put together many consistent week of footy. Doing the team things and performing well

Jeff was dropped for not doing the team/roles things so Goody can't bring him back after he has been average at Casey. 

The Petty upgrade didn't work and he will go back.  Each debut is a risk, some players like Spargo just take to the spotlight and others need some time.


16 minutes ago, Yung Blood said:

Is that because you watched his games at VFL or are you just assuming?

Do you think he got the call up because he was tall?

The three or four games I went to I thought we was terrific reader of the ball, getting himself in good positions to mark and performed consistently in one on one contests.

Based on what i saw in his game against Coburg before the call up and about 3 other matches earlier YB.

I also thought it was a huge error from Goody at the time bringing in another debutante just after Joel into what was an already very inexperienced team.  I think we went from 15 players under 100 games to 16 and under 50 gamers from i think 7 to 8.  I recall a champion data guy saying that once you go beyond 7  (maybe 6!?) under 50 gamers the odds of winning in any scenario (unless the opposition matches you) drops considerably against.

4 minutes ago, DubDee said:

I disagree. From the reports I've read from reliable posters and the reports from the club, Petty put together many consistent week of footy. Doing the team things and performing well

Jeff was dropped for not doing the team/roles things so Goody can't bring him back after he has been average at Casey. 

The Petty upgrade didn't work and he will go back.  Each debut is a risk, some players like Spargo just take to the spotlight and others need some time.

Fair enough DD.  I certainly didn't see an AFL worthy performance against Coburg that justified a 200 plus gamer in Vince being dropped for a debutante.  Not arguing he didn't put a good VFL level performance block together.

From Guthrie on the AFL site (Hi Ben)

Disagree with two first gamers coming into an already struggling defence. That'd be complete f'wittery but probably in line with current selection thinking.

Melbourne

Get them in: Billy Stretch (23 disposals, two goals) is in a good patch of form and is pushing his claim for a recall. Speedy youngster Oskar Baker is a chance to debut after a season-high 34 touches, Dean Kent, Jeff Garlett and Charlie Spargo will all be in contention as small forwards and tall defenders Sam Frost, Cameron Pedersen and Declan Keiltywill also be considered.

Under the pump: Dom Tyson, Mitch Hannan andfirst-gamer Harrison Petty all struggled against the Saints. Does Melbourne make another statement and drop Jordan Lewis, Christian Salem or Christian Petracca?

Medical Room: No fresh injury concerns out of the weekend. Did Kent (hamstring) do enough in the VFL after a big stint on the sidelines?

Verdict: Stretch for Tyson, Keilty for Petty, Spargo for Hannan and Baker for Lewis. – Ben Guthrie

19 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

Based on what i saw in his game against Coburg before the call up and about 3 other matches earlier YB.

I also thought it was a huge error from Goody at the time bringing in another debutante just after Joel into what was an already very inexperienced team.  I think we went from 15 players under 100 games to 16 and under 50 gamers from i think 7 to 8.  I recall a champion data guy saying that once you go beyond 7  (maybe 6!?) under 50 gamers the odds of winning in any scenario (unless the opposition matches you) drops considerably against.

Fair enough we differ on opinion of his form at VFL level. I do think it was tough bringing in another 19 yr old KPD player. Like I said in another post its easier for someone like Spargo who can get involved in and around the contest with tackling and getting his hands on the ball to build confidence. Due to our lack of pressure poor Harry was left in really vulnerable positions one on one. Like Oscar if our midfield applies the pressure it makes it a lot easier for KPD's to impact the contest. I also agree that the combination of J.Smith/Omac and Petty are just too inexperienced when the game is of high pressure or going against us dramatically.

 

15 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

Fair enough DD.  I certainly didn't see an AFL worthy performance against Coburg that justified a 200 plus gamer in Vince being dropped for a debutante.  Not arguing he didn't put a good VFL level performance block together.

As Vince noted after the game the justification was more that the team needed more height for this contest and Vince admitted he had been down on form. Not that I agreed with this justification but its where the FD justified a 200 plus gamer being dropped for a debutante.

5 minutes ago, McQueen said:

From Guthrie on the AFL site (Hi Ben)

Disagree with two first gamers coming into an already struggling defence. That'd be complete f'wittery but probably in line with current selection thinking.

Melbourne

Get them in: Billy Stretch (23 disposals, two goals) is in a good patch of form and is pushing his claim for a recall. Speedy youngster Oskar Baker is a chance to debut after a season-high 34 touches, Dean Kent, Jeff Garlett and Charlie Spargo will all be in contention as small forwards and tall defenders Sam Frost, Cameron Pedersen and Declan Keiltywill also be considered.

Under the pump: Dom Tyson, Mitch Hannan andfirst-gamer Harrison Petty all struggled against the Saints. Does Melbourne make another statement and drop Jordan Lewis, Christian Salem or Christian Petracca?

Medical Room: No fresh injury concerns out of the weekend. Did Kent (hamstring) do enough in the VFL after a big stint on the sidelines?

Verdict: Stretch for Tyson, Keilty for Petty, Spargo for Hannan and Baker for Lewis. – Ben Guthrie

Thats actually good analysis and his changes are good, though its hard to see Lewis being dropped when Vince is already out and with Tyson possibly dropped too.


There's no magic bullet at VFL level as we all know.

The answer is the game plan and getting players to perform to their potential. We have a decent list and now is the time.

Sure do a little trading and try some other players at the right time but make no mistake this is a coaching department issue.

48 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

Based on what i saw in his game against Coburg before the call up and about 3 other matches earlier YB.

I also thought it was a huge error from Goody at the time bringing in another debutante just after Joel into what was an already very inexperienced team.  I think we went from 15 players under 100 games to 16 and under 50 gamers from i think 7 to 8.  I recall a champion data guy saying that once you go beyond 7  (maybe 6!?) under 50 gamers the odds of winning in any scenario (unless the opposition matches you) drops considerably against.

Super interesting about the data. Does the FD use data like this to help drive the decision making process?

25 minutes ago, McQueen said:

Baker for Lewis

Worst call I've seen. Lewis has supreme kicking and hand skills and sets us up. He is not the problem. 

11 minutes ago, MudDogs Gawn Win.. someday said:

Worst call I've seen. Lewis has supreme kicking and hand skills and sets us up. He is not the problem. 

Especially as it means they would probably have to play Baker across half back instead, especially with Lewis and Vince out and Stretch coming in to play off a wing.  Doesn't make much sense.

The other change I'd like to see is with Salem.  Can we use him further up the ground?  Is he quick enough to potentially play a wing role for us?  He's good defensively and could use his great foot skills further up the ground.  Not sure if it's the answer, but I think he is under utilised across half back.

7 minutes ago, Wiseblood said:

Can we use him further up the ground?

I could see him playing on a wing high half forward, has a great kick and loves a goal!


Just now, MudDogs Gawn Win.. someday said:

I could see him playing on a wing high half forward, has a great kick and loves a goal!

I agree, in that I'd love to see him used further up the ground.  He has something we need more of - good foot skills - yet he's finding it hard to get his hands on it as he's being asked to play a defensive role in the back half.  I just think he could be used to greater effect.

19 minutes ago, MudDogs Gawn Win.. someday said:

Worst call I've seen. Lewis has supreme kicking and hand skills and sets us up. He is not the problem. 

Is this the same Lewis that kicked out from Full Back straight to a St Kilda player, the same Lewis the centered the ball straight to a St Kilda player.  We need to stop thinking what Lewis was but what he is.

On changes, we need to keep some players in reserve for the following week

Frost is a must, Spargo as well.  No point going with three tall forwards in Darwin the last half the ball is always like soap.

For me

In Frost, Stretch, Spargo

Out Weiderman, Petty and Tyson

We need Garlett and Kent to find form really quickly at Casey

 

1 minute ago, Wiseblood said:

I agree, in that I'd love to see him used further up the ground.  He has something we need more of - good foot skills - yet he's finding it hard to get his hands on it as he's being asked to play a defensive role in the back half.  I just think he could be used to greater effect.

His pass to Fritsch in the first quarter, exhibit A.

 

 
Just now, Dee Zephyr said:

His pass to Fritsch in the first quarter, exhibit A.

 

It was an absolute beauty.  How good would it be to have him doing this numerous times during a game, rather than just a cameo performance?

Salem and Melksham delivering into the 50 from the HFF is exactly what we need and should be looking at.


Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Featured Content

  • PREVIEW: Carlton

    Good evening, Demon fans and welcome back to the Demonland Podcast ... it’s time to discuss this week’s game against the Blues. Will the Demons celebrate Clayton Oliver’s 200th game with a victory? We have a number of callers waiting on line … Leopold Bloom: Carlton and Melbourne are both out of finals contention with six wins and eleven losses, and are undoubtedly the two most underwhelming and disappointing teams of 2025. Both had high expectations at the start of participating and advancing deep into the finals, but instead, they have consistently underperformed and disappointed themselves and their supporters throughout the year. However, I am inclined to give the Demons the benefit of the doubt, as they have made some progress in addressing their issues after a disastrous start. In contrast, the Blues are struggling across the board and do not appear to be making any notable improvements. They are regressing, and a significant loss is looming on Saturday night. Max Gawn in the ruck will be huge and the Demon midfield have a point to prove after lowering their colours in so many close calls.

    • 0 replies
  • REPORT: North Melbourne

    I suppose that I should apologise for the title of this piece, but the temptation to go with it was far too great. The memory of how North Melbourne tore Melbourne apart at the seams earlier in the season and the way in which it set the scene for the club’s demise so early in the piece has been weighing heavily upon all of us. This game was a must-win from the club’s perspective, and the team’s response was overwhelming. The 36 point win over Alastair Clarkson’s Kangaroos at the MCG on Sunday was indeed — roovenge of the highest order!

    • 4 replies
  • CASEY: Werribee

    The Casey Demons remain in contention for a VFL finals berth following a comprehensive 76-point victory over the Werribee Tigers at Whitten Oval last night. The caveat to the performance is that the once mighty Tigers have been raided of many key players and are now a shadow of the premiership-winning team from last season. The team suffered a blow before the game when veteran Tom McDonald was withdrawn for senior duty to cover for Steven May who is ill.  However, after conceding the first goal of the game, Casey was dominant from ten minutes in until the very end and despite some early errors and inaccuracy, they managed to warm to the task of dismantling the Tigers with precision, particularly after half time when the nominally home side provided them with minimal resistance.

    • 0 replies
  • PREGAME: Carlton

    The Demons return to the MCG as the the visiting team on Saturday night to take on the Blues who are under siege after 4 straight losses. Who comes in and who goes out?

      • Clap
      • Haha
      • Love
      • Like
    • 222 replies
  • PODCAST: North Melbourne

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 14th July @ 8:00pm. Join Binman & I as we dissect the Dees glorious win over the Kangaroos at the MCG.
    Your questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show.
    Listen LIVE: https://demonland.com/

    • 29 replies
  • POSTGAME: North Melbourne

    The Demons are finally back at the MCG and finally back on the winners list as they continually chipped away at a spirited Kangaroos side eventually breaking their backs and opening the floodgates to run out winners by 6 goals.

      • Haha
      • Like
    • 253 replies