if hogan is not 100% i'd rest him. we need him firing on all cylinders for the last 3 games and (hopefully) finals

no need to risk him on an easy game if he has any niggles

if so, replacement out of pedo, weids or bull smith

Spargo will be a very good player but he struggles to win 1-on-1 just because he lacks strength.  He is a smart player and a hard worker so he stays in.

I was alarmed at Jeff Garlett's inability to stick a tackle.  I think we lack competitive strength with both Spargo and Garlett in the forward line.  I'd have Kent for Garlett.

JKH had his good moments, the pass to Jones and his follow up goal, but I'd definitely prefer VBD.  Jay played reduced minutes anyway 69% - so Vanders limited preparation is not a factor there if he is also on limited minutes.  I'm far from taking GC easy but vs them is just as good a hit-out for Vanders as another game at Casey.  It's probably unlikely to happen though.

Two of my whipping boys Frost and ANB have been very good in the last two weeks.

Tyson has his critics but he was OK, won some critical around the ground clearances and had 2 goal assists.  He's probably out when Viney comes in though.

When Hibberd is fit he'll come in for Bernie or Joel Smith - it's a toss up but it's probably Bernie.

I think Joel Smith will make it but I'm not sure he adds more than Hunt if Jayden can find some form.. There's no way I could see all of Frost, Hibberd, J.Smith and Hunt in the same backline.

So for me this week: In: Kent, VDB.  - Out: Garlett, JKH

There'll probably be more injuries so this wont stack up, but in an ideal world in the run in to end of the season.

In: Hibberd, Viney, Hunt - Out: Vince, Tyson, J.Smith

If we have a good run with injuries that would ultimately give us something like:

B: Jetta OMac Hibberd Salem Frost Lewis
M: Gawn Oliver Viney Jones Brayshaw Harmes 
F: ANB Hogan Petracca Kent TMac Melksham
I: Fritsch Hunt VDB Spargo

That's a pretty scary combo that can go all the way.

Edited July 31, 20186 yr by Fifty-5

18 hours ago, Demon17 said:

We can't carry smith in defence . His clangers were terrible on saturday. As garry lyon said this morning. Hes ok just don't alllow him to kick. But the game is called football for a reason.  I like spargo because at least he can hit a target. 

I'm starting to really warm to Spargo. A player that small is going to have to do incredible things with the 15 touches he gets in order to have a positive influence... and so far in his debut season he's doing exactly that. Always makes good choices and forces contests when he seems out of position. Having said that, Hannan is similar with a bit more marking power, so I wouldn't be massively surprised or disappointed to see him included.

Smith is an athlete, not a disposer. I suspect it's not even his disposal that would have Goody nervous.... but moreso the disposal skills of the entire defence. If you have Salem, Hibberd, Jetta, Lewis and Vince kicking out from defence you're on ok shape. But with Smith and Frost in there, and Hunt going forward, that has got to raise Goody's anxiety levels massively.  I daresay in a final, which is almost what we're playing in these last few weeks, oppo teams would love to see Frost and Smith with the ball.

Injuries may dictate Smith plays again, but I think he's first dropped when Hibbo comes back.

1 minute ago, Dappa Dan said:

 If you have Salem, Hibberd, Jetta, Lewis and Vince kicking out from defence you're on ok shape.

And Omac. Our most reliable kick down back. Dr Cool rarely misses a target.

From MFC website / AFL Media.  No mention of Vanders 

"Get them in: After a VFL bye and with no fresh injuries from a strong win on the road against Adelaide, Melbourne will be reluctant to make too many changes to the side. However, Cameron Pedersen, Dean Kent and Mitch Hannan may come into consideration.

Under the pump: First-year forward Charlie Spargo may need a rest soon after a long stretch of games, while Jay Kennedy Harris and Joel Smith are others who wouldn't be feeling safe.

Medical room: Changes could be on the horizon in the next fortnight, with the Demons hopeful Jack Viney (foot) and Michael Hibberd (quad) will be ready to resume in round 21 or round 22. Jayden Hunt (ankle) will return via the VFL this week.

Verdict: The Demons may consider Kent or Hannan, if he has overcome a jarred knee, for Spargo, but otherwise no change."

Edited July 31, 20186 yr by Deeoldfart

VDB and Kent are close...

If Hogan needs a rest I think Pedo is ideal replacement forward and to chop out Max. VDB is the other with T Mac chopping Max but maybe another week for Casey.

JKH game was good against Adelaide. He stays in for mine. He deserves some consistency in the senior side with his efforts against the Crows. He had some very important touches and decision making was good. ✅

Tyson’s game was good also! Some important touches. He can build on his game. ✅

Kent for Spargo is a possibility but team to be most likely unchanged for mine...

Great effort and team win by all against the Crows! ✅✅✅✅✅

 

 

Sam Weiderman has been the in form forward of the VFL over the past 4 odd weeks.  If Hogan is in Doubt he needs to come in.  With May out would almost bring in Pederson as well.

Out Hogan, Spargo

In Weiderman, Pederson

If Hogan is right would still bring in a tall for Spargo

6 hours ago, Devil is in the Detail said:

The bottom trio look more like Dangefield, Ablett and Selwood

 

19 hours ago, DV8 said:

   

    triumvirate ?



actually I was thinking

Fine'y far right

E'dy far left

Robbo in the middle

?

Melbourne $1.02 Gold Coast $15.00 have we ever been this short in history!?

4 hours ago, Fifty-5 said:

Spargo will be a very good player but he struggles to win 1-on-1 just because he lacks strength.  He is a smart player and a hard worker so he stays in.

I was alarmed at Jeff Garlett's inability to stick a tackle.  I think we lack competitive strength with both Spargo and Garlett in the forward line.  I'd have Kent for Garlett.

JKH had his good moments, the pass to Jones and his follow up goal, but I'd definitely prefer VBD.  Jay played reduced minutes anyway 69% - so Vanders limited preparation is not a factor there if he is also on limited minutes.  I'm far from taking GC easy but vs them is just as good a hit-out for Vanders as another game at Casey.  It's probably unlikely to happen though.

Two of my whipping boys Frost and ANB have been very good in the last two weeks.

Tyson has his critics but he was OK, won some critical around the ground clearances and had 2 goal assists.  He's probably out when Viney comes in though.

When Hibberd is fit he'll come in for Bernie or Joel Smith - it's a toss up but it's probably Bernie.

I think Joel Smith will make it but I'm not sure he adds more than Hunt if Jayden can find some form.. There's no way I could see all of Frost, Hibberd, J.Smith and Hunt in the same backline.

So for me this week: In: Kent, VDB.  - Out: Garlett, JKH

There'll probably be more injuries so this wont stack up, but in an ideal world in the run in to end of the season.

In: Hibberd, Viney, Hunt - Out: Vince, Tyson, J.Smith

If we have a good run with injuries that would ultimately give us something like:

B: Jetta OMac Hibberd Salem Frost Lewis
M: Gawn Oliver Viney Jones Brayshaw Harmes 
F: ANB Hogan Petracca Kent TMac Melksham
I: Fritsch Hunt VDB Spargo

That's a pretty scary combo that can go all the way.

 

Spargo I think is a bit tired... and the missed tackles are partly physical strength, and also partly mental tiredness (intensity). I agree we should rest Spargo for 2 matches;  I'd play him at Casey on a limited time scenario off interchange for the two weeks.   Prior to bringing him back in.

Play Kent with both Garlett, but both from interchange.   While Spargo recoups.  We'll need Spargo in September...  a little point guard.

Garlett just does not commit to full on tacklers;  he doesn't want to get hit hard; and avoids this.

 

JKH is a fully committed player and after replay,,, I was very happy with him.   A breath of fresh air.

 

Frost is improving isn't he... but he needs to stay composed in his 'minds-eye', when he has the footy in hand.  He has a huge upside if he gain control over his racing mind. (Russel 'rhino' Richards Mk11)

 

agree with your comparison Re jSmith and Hunt.

 

Too soon IMO for AVB.   Couple more games with Casey, at least,  for me.

55 minutes ago, drdrake said:

Sam Weiderman has been the in form forward of the VFL over the past 4 odd weeks.  If Hogan is in Doubt he needs to come in.  With May out would almost bring in Pederson as well.

Out Hogan, Spargo

In Weiderman, Pederson

If Hogan is right would still bring in a tall for Spargo

Its time to try out Weide with TMc.... and Hogan out, rested. 

Bring Hogan back into the mid rotations, on his return...  He should be high half-forward, and midfielder, IMO.  not deep forward.

8 hours ago, Red and Blue realist said:

I actually think he could turn into a Mathew Boyd type backman, Boyd played the majority of his games for the doggies in the middle until the last 3 or 4 years of his career when he went to the backline, even winning All Aust selection there. 

 

There is a reasonable comparison, there. Jones would make a great hbflanker - as mentioned, going in to get his own ball, spoiling, linking with run and handball, and passing when he plays with eyes up and is prepared not to bomb the football for distance. Run and carry, possession and retention gain more distance.

2 hours ago, sisso said:

Melbourne $1.02 Gold Coast $15.00 have we ever been this short in history!?

Ridiculous odds when you think about it.

Yes Gold Coast will be playing a very young team and be missing May, Lynch, Martin and maybe Swallow..  but they beat the Swans two weeks ago and we lost to St Kilda recently.

 

 

http://m.afl.com.au/news/2018-07-31/doubt-grows-over-key-demon-pairs-return

My understanding is Viney is a long shot to play again this year. Sad but true.

Garlett is our only small forward that gets to the right spots from an attacking POV. I would do all we can to keep him in there.

33 minutes ago, 1964nowMORE said:

My understanding is Viney is a long shot to play again this year. Sad but true.

Viney is unfortunate but Re-watching replay convinced me midfield is fine although can't afford to loseoliver brayshaw tyson petracca or harmes. And gawn obviously.

My worry is looking after hogan who is sore but still putting in like last 30 seconds on saturday. And spargo. If finals spargo must play

3 hours ago, sisso said:

Melbourne $1.02 Gold Coast $15.00 have we ever been this short in history!?

I don’t like this. I don’t like this at all. 

Would be very Melbourne to lose this. 

MFCSS is alive and well. 

34 minutes ago, Demon17 said:

Viney is unfortunate but Re-watching replay convinced me midfield is fine although can't afford to loseoliver brayshaw tyson petracca or harmes. And gawn obviously.

My worry is looking after hogan who is sore but still putting in like last 30 seconds on saturday. And spargo. If finals spargo must play

It was reported that Hogan had gastro all week, that’s why I assume he was off. 

He is not the most free flowing footballer at the best of times. 

9 hours ago, Fifty-5 said:

That's a pretty scary combo that can go all the way.

Don't agree with everything, but like the post.

I reckon Garlett offers more than Spargo at the moment. Even though he was far from his best against Adelaide, Garlett finally found some touch. He's just got far better goal sense and forward smarts than any of our forwards, and think if we can get him up and about, he could make a difference.

1 hour ago, 1964nowMORE said:

My understanding is Viney is a long shot to play again this year. Sad but true.

Source??

17 minutes ago, Demons11 said:

It was reported that Hogan had gastro all week, that’s why I assume he was off. 

He is not the most free flowing footballer at the best of times. 

Gastro should have made him free flowing.

19 minutes ago, Rogue said:

Don't agree with everything, but like the post.

I reckon Garlett offers more than Spargo at the moment. Even though he was far from his best against Adelaide, Garlett finally found some touch. He's just got far better goal sense and forward smarts than any of our forwards, and think if we can get him up and about, he could make a difference.

Garlett doesn't,do physical contact...

1 hour ago, Demon17 said:

Viney is unfortunate but Re-watching replay convinced me midfield is fine although can't afford to loseoliver brayshaw tyson petracca or harmes. And gawn obviously.

My worry is looking after hogan who is sore but still putting in like last 30 seconds on saturday. And spargo. If finals spargo must play

Who would have thought Harmes would be on that list as most important player in our side right now.

Just shows how far hes come over the journey, from inconsistent player to now one of our general stoopper of the side. 

And we forget he was a rookie gem selection by Jason Taylor!

While we wait for this weeks game, thought Id put together a Melbourne Under 23 team. I knew we had impressive young talent, but I had no idea how many were still in that age bracket.  The cutoff was all players must still be 23 at the end of 2018.

          

B:         Hunt     -   O.McDonald      -   J.Smith

HB:      Baker    -      Lever             -    Salem

C :      Harmes -     Petracca         -   ANB   

HF:     Fritsch   -    Hogan          -      Stretch

F :         JKH        -  Weideman  -       Spargo

R:          King        -     Oliver    -      Brayshaw

Bench :     Keilty   -  Petty    -  Balic  -  Johnstone

 

This team would beat Gold Coast, Carlton, Freo, Doggies and more.

Edited July 31, 20186 yr by Petraccattack