3 players who could be our wildcards if we are to go deep into finals in my opinion.

All 3 have barely played this year and yester showed their ruthless and ferocious attack and speed in our front half.

Vanders for me was the one who set the benchmark for the game with his attack at the contest and pressure in the 1st qtr. Faded a bit as the game wore on, but hes building match fitness with each game and come week 1 of finals his pressure and tackling ferocity will come in hand big time. Amazing he bounced back up like a cat after that contest! This bloke is as tough as they come.

Hannan is such a hardworking forward with his speed and pressure. I thought he had some crucial one on one contests with Hurn and was able to burn him the other way. A player in my opinion with x factor that could kick you quick 2 to 3 goals in a qtr.

Kent only had 3 disposals in the 1st half but then came to light in the 2nd with some big tackles and pressure! Unlike Garlett, he hits the contest hard and adds good forward pressure when ball is on the deck.

Kicked probaby one of if most important goals in 12 years.. big call, but if he had miss, WC potentially take it down the other end and kick a goal and scores are level.

If he keeps himself fit then who knows what he can produce come September!?

 

Just a quick mention to Sam Frost also. Quitely going under the rader for me. Has been HUGE since he's been bsck into the side and has held the backline up well. Another who could really help this club drive forward deep into September. 

2 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

3 players who could be our wildcards if we are to go deep into finals in my opinion.

All 3 have barely played this year and yester showed their ruthless and ferocious attack and speed in our front half.

Vanders for me was the one who set the benchmark for the game with his attack at the contest and pressure in the 1st qtr. Faded a bit as the game wore on, but hes building match fitness with each game and come week 1 of finals his pressure and tackling ferocity will come in hand big time. Amazing he bounced back up like a cat after that contest! This bloke is as tough as they come.

Hannan is such a hardworking forward with his speed and pressure. I thought he had some crucial one on one contests with Hurn and was able to burn him the other way. A player in my opinion with x factor that could kick you quick 2 to 3 goals in a qtr.

Kent only had 3 disposals in the 1st half but then came to light in the 2nd with some big tackles and pressure! Unlike Garlett, he hits the contest hard and adds good forward pressure when ball is on the deck.

Kicked probaby one of if most important goals in 12 years.. big call, but if he had miss, WC potentially take it down the other end and kick a goal and scores are level.

If he keeps himself fit then who knows what he can produce come September!?

 

Just a quick mention to Sam Frost also. Quitely going under the rader for me. Has been HUGE since he's been bsck into the side and has held the backline up well. Another who could really help this club drive forward deep into September. 

No one wanted Sam Frost in the team an oversight by the Coaching Panel by necessity he was bought in.

He wasn't in earlier and i dont know why, especially a man that size and his closing speed. His distribution has improved out of sight, on ya Frosty.?

Vanders is just a beast at the ball. If you need a lad to tackle someone and Nev Jetta ain't available Vanders is the guy you go to.

7 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Just a quick mention to Sam Frost also. Quitely going under the rader for me. Has been HUGE since he's been bsck into the side and has held the backline up well. Another who could really help this club drive forward deep into September. 

 

1 minute ago, Win4theAges said:

No one wanted Sam Frost in the team an oversight by the Coaching Panel by necessity he was bought in.

He wasn't in earlier and i dont know why, especially a man that size and his closing speed. His distribution has improved out of sight, on ya Frosty.?

As most will know I haven't been a Frost fan but I acknowledge what he brings to the team and he's been a real plus.

Something that I also noticed was how teammates are using/not using him.

He's obviously been instructed to play to his abilities and I think his teammates have also been instructed not to call him to switch.

Either that or they know not it's not a good percentage play.

One in particular against WC I noticed Tyson almost start to call for a ball in the corridor then decided against it.

He's still going to make mistakes and be caught out in the wrong positions but they can be limited if he sticks to basics and teammates understand his limitations.

Frost has improved out of sight.   Even his kicks have been hitting targets and hes lowering the eyes.    Looks like a new player.

Edited August 20, 20186 yr by Petraccattack

30 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

3 players who could be our wildcards if we are to go deep into finals in my opinion.

All 3 have barely played this year and yester showed their ruthless and ferocious attack and speed in our front half.

Vanders for me was the one who set the benchmark for the game with his attack at the contest and pressure in the 1st qtr. Faded a bit as the game wore on, but hes building match fitness with each game and come week 1 of finals his pressure and tackling ferocity will come in hand big time. Amazing he bounced back up like a cat after that contest! This bloke is as tough as they come.

Hannan is such a hardworking forward with his speed and pressure. I thought he had some crucial one on one contests with Hurn and was able to burn him the other way. A player in my opinion with x factor that could kick you quick 2 to 3 goals in a qtr.

Kent only had 3 disposals in the 1st half but then came to light in the 2nd with some big tackles and pressure! Unlike Garlett, he hits the contest hard and adds good forward pressure when ball is on the deck.

Kicked probaby one of if most important goals in 12 years.. big call, but if he had miss, WC potentially take it down the other end and kick a goal and scores are level.

If he keeps himself fit then who knows what he can produce come September!?

 

Just a quick mention to Sam Frost also. Quitely going under the rader for me. Has been HUGE since he's been bsck into the side and has held the backline up well. Another who could really help this club drive forward deep into September. 

Amazing contribution from those 3. We all felt it with Kent's shot, he had to dob it and he did!

And Frosty, man he actually hit some targets when we needed to!

I've mentioned before how Frosty was done in by Jordy and the precise ball movement set, but the loss to the pacey Pies I think made Goody realise that you need a mix of players to be successful.

The topic was about the other three.

Hannan's first half was as good as any medium forward we have had - including Robbo and Brad Green and further back to Yze and Gerard Healy (circa 1982). Obviously it will be hard to repeat, but provided he attacks the pill like that, he will be an asset during the finals - possibly a bit like Warren Dean of 1987 finals series.

Vanders is the most dangerous player at the club - with Viney out, he's the one player you don't want to draw in team tackling drills. He a different personality to others on our team, but he's got some amazing abilities and he's been a part of all our big wins in the past four years (except last year when he was out). That includes BOG v Richmond in our first ever Anzac Eve night game and on Hodgey v Hawthorn in 2016. And people don't realise this but with Jayden injured, he's the fastest straight-line sprinter in the team over distance from 40m to 75m - Frosty can get to him by 80m.

Kent is a bit of an enigma and has lacked confidence and smarts at times, but his second half yesterday was huge. Unfortunately after what has happened to him under Goody, I had written him off playing such a key role, but there he was - back to the talented left-footer with the thumping kick that he showed us all in 2016. 

 

Re: Hannan

Comparing him to Yze and Healey is an outrageous call, even for one half of a game. Nothing like Dean who was a classic key forward in the days when key forwards were important. On the other hand, Mitch offers pace, skill, marking ability, football smarts and a nose for a goal and can be hard to match.

Re: Frost

If it is true that the players have been instructed to let him play to his strengths ie hard attack on the ball, solid marking and exciting pace and to avoid calling him to switch or attempt any other "cutesy" play, then it reminds me of 2006 Swannie LRT who was treated similarly by Roos. In the GF he played his role at CHB to frustrate his opponents and his teammates were there to back him up and win the ball. Finally some thoughtful and considered coaching. Frosty can be a real weapon and can demolish opponents with his strength and run. Let him alone in that role and let his teammates back him up.

We have been crying out for a long time for a team where 22 players have a ferocious attack on the ball. We are getting pretty close and the pressure for spots will now intensify even more.

Great stuff.

I thought we were done when Hannan and Kent missed easy goals in final quarter, but they were instrumental and vital in last 10 minutes.

Wasn't overly impressed with Kent's game to be honest.  Yes, he kicked the sealer, but he should've kicked the left foot snap from the goal square a few minutes earlier.

I like Hannan, but I'm starting to learn not to look at his total possession game, and look at the goals scored and tackle count.  I do find he can drift in and out of games a bit.

This is where we are up to our ears with this year's finals series.  Our bottom 6 do contribute a lot more than most other teams' bottom 6. I rate our bottom 6 as the 3 mentioned above, plus ANB, Tyson and Spargo.  We bat very deep.

All three add a lot to our team, more so Vanders but Hannan and Kent always seem to be in the right spots and are constantly dangerous inside 50.

Kent's first half was not great but he worked his way into it and showed us why he was selected. 

looking forward to seeing all three at the G against GWS. 

Hannan and AVB were revelations yesterday.  

I've never seen Hannan attack the ball and contest the way he did; his pace and aggression went to the next level and he showed he can play finals football very well if called upon.  

AVB is a brute.  He is big, strong and mean, and when he tackles you, it hurts.  Likewise, when others try to tackle him he is very, very difficult to bring down.

 

1 hour ago, tiers said:

Re: Hannan

Nothing like Dean who was a classic key forward in the days when key forwards were important.

Are you getting confused with Warren Ralph who played for Blues and elsewhere?  

Warren Dean was a ranging half forward with a constant ability to kick long torpedoes at will on the run. Never saw him play as a key forward. Best torpedo kicker I've seen. Diamond Jim could kick them longer when he got on to them but not as consistently as Dean. 

Sorry to get off topic.

Loved the games from these three. Stepped up when it mattered. Goody and match committee finally got their selections both In and Out right for the first time in a while. Certainly compared to last week which was a fiasco. 

Hannan probably had his career best game and his best game since his debut. And I reckon he hurt his knee in his second ever game and has struggled with it at times since. Hannan has a heap of speed, it's a matter of channelling his speed, less high step running and more charging at the ball and in to space. He's a mature age recruit but he's going through the first, second and third year blues kind of all at once and it's matter if he can come out the other side a better player. Nailing his set shots - with a lower ball drop - will help.

Kent - still not sold whether he's clean enough in traffic and nails his tackles, always been a smart runner to space. Hoping he keeps building from here. So far this year his set shots have been far better. He would've been 10-1 to kick that goal last year. Still missed from the top of square earlier! Wait and see.

Vanders - he doesn't mind a fumble or scrappy kick but he's a genuine warrior. Tackles, bumps, fends and he's so quick for his size. Time will tell if he can build on his fitness for next year and if he can clean up his skills but he's the type of player that every good team has at least 1 of. I really think he was a key component to our turn around at the start of 2015. The first Melbourne player since the Daniher years who has a mean streak.

3 minutes ago, It's Time said:

Are you getting confused with Warren Ralph who played for Blues and elsewhere?   

 

No. Carlton's Ralph was a shooting star. Did nothing.

Dean got injured and lost a career. Look at how he starred in the 87 finals. Could kick long but could also take a mark at CHF and could move at ground level..

2 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

3 players who could be our wildcards if we are to go deep into finals in my opinion.

All 3 have barely played this year and yester showed their ruthless and ferocious attack and speed in our front half.

Vanders for me was the one who set the benchmark for the game with his attack at the contest and pressure in the 1st qtr. Faded a bit as the game wore on, but hes building match fitness with each game and come week 1 of finals his pressure and tackling ferocity will come in hand big time. Amazing he bounced back up like a cat after that contest! This bloke is as tough as they come.

Hannan is such a hardworking forward with his speed and pressure. I thought he had some crucial one on one contests with Hurn and was able to burn him the other way. A player in my opinion with x factor that could kick you quick 2 to 3 goals in a qtr.

Kent only had 3 disposals in the 1st half but then came to light in the 2nd with some big tackles and pressure! Unlike Garlett, he hits the contest hard and adds good forward pressure when ball is on the deck.

Kicked probaby one of if most important goals in 12 years.. big call, but if he had miss, WC potentially take it down the other end and kick a goal and scores are level.

If he keeps himself fit then who knows what he can produce come September!?

 

Just a quick mention to Sam Frost also. Quitely going under the rader for me. Has been HUGE since he's been bsck into the side and has held the backline up well. Another who could really help this club drive forward deep into September. 

Great post.

Considering his form had been up n down not to mention injury, Hannan stepped up big time in the clubs biggest and most important win in a long time.

But AVB is my surprise packet. I thought many had gone past him in the past 2 years and doubted he would get back in the team. He comes across as one of those guys that everyone in the team loves having out there on the ground with them, they know how much work it has taken to get back playing footy. He is great at revving the boys up too.

He is actually a little quicker than I thought, did some impressive chasing yesterday when it looked like he`d get burnt off but kept at it.

1 hour ago, tiers said:

No. Carlton's Ralph was a shooting star. Did nothing.

Dean got injured and lost a career. Look at how he starred in the 87 finals. Could kick long but could also take a mark at CHF and could move at ground level..

Never happened, Dean played on a wing, Earl Spalding played at CHF.

I have to eat my hat on hannan. In the team selection i questioned his year, and that he drops out of games and doesnt offer enough defensively. Perhaps he was trying to play through something because his game was great attacking and running the other way. Its good when your wrong about something like that.

2 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

The first Melbourne player since the Daniher years who has a mean streak.

Viney?

4 hours ago, Petraccattack said:

Frost has improved out of sight.   Even his kicks have been hitting targets and hes lowering the eyes.    Looks like a new player.

And (better still) we got him from GWS!

5 hours ago, Petraccattack said:

Frost has improved out of sight.   Even his kicks have been hitting targets and hes lowering the eyes.    Looks like a new player.

learning his own limits.

2 hours ago, tiers said:

No. Carlton's Ralph was a shooting star. Did nothing.

Dean got injured and lost a career. Look at how he starred in the 87 finals. Could kick long but could also take a mark at CHF and could move at ground level..

Warren Dean.  Yep.   He played mostly on the flank, But i think he did play at chf for periods in games, or one or two games.

6'-3" tall and wiry thin.  A very mobile and running tall, who could drift across packs. And a long kick of the footy.

A good marking player around the ground. 

Prone to injury.  Came in with Spalding, and Ray ????

5 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

3 players who could be our wildcards if we are to go deep into finals in my opinion.

All 3 have barely played this year and yester showed their ruthless and ferocious attack and speed in our front half.

Vanders for me was the one who set the benchmark for the game with his attack at the contest and pressure in the 1st qtr. Faded a bit as the game wore on, but hes building match fitness with each game and come week 1 of finals his pressure and tackling ferocity will come in hand big time. Amazing he bounced back up like a cat after that contest! This bloke is as tough as they come.

Hannan is such a hardworking forward with his speed and pressure. I thought he had some crucial one on one contests with Hurn and was able to burn him the other way. A player in my opinion with x factor that could kick you quick 2 to 3 goals in a qtr.

Kent only had 3 disposals in the 1st half but then came to light in the 2nd with some big tackles and pressure! Unlike Garlett, he hits the contest hard and adds good forward pressure when ball is on the deck.

Kicked probaby one of if most important goals in 12 years.. big call, but if he had miss, WC potentially take it down the other end and kick a goal and scores are level.

If he keeps himself fit then who knows what he can produce come September!?

 

Just a quick mention to Sam Frost also. Quitely going under the rader for me. Has been HUGE since he's been bsck into the side and has held the backline up well. Another who could really help this club drive forward deep into September. 

Vanders - Only 12 effective disposals but running at a DE% of 85.7% seemed to make every involvement a winner.   A fair way off being fully AFL match fit as you say but another game this week and a rest the week after.  Might be just the tonic needed to take it to another level again.

Kent - Only 8 effectives & running at a low DE% of only 57.1% but his first game back in months.  But sometimes the numbers tell other stories in terms of effort and involvement also... 5 inside 50s, 6 tackles (2 inside 50) and 7 score involvements along with the sealer!  Plenty of upside pending.

Hannan - Didn't think he was the right selection over JKH but how wrong i was.  10 effectives @ 76.9% with 4 marks inside 50, 7 score involvements and 3 goals to cap all the hard work/running off.

Frost - Probably his 2nd best game for the year behind the Suns match.  11 effectives @ 100% DE%.  2 contested marks, Five 1%ers, two R50s, two tackles, 3 score involvements, 3 intercepts and only 1 turnover (free against?)!

Edited August 20, 20186 yr by Rusty Nails

10 minutes ago, DV8 said:

learning his own limits.

That was very noticeable DV.  On at least one occasion i saw him initially get a rush of blood when he saw an opening ahead and ran a little only to check himself and give the ball off quickly to someone open on the angle.

Kudos to Troy Chaplin here