The Writing Was/Is on the Wall

[Skin Deeamond 339]

17 hours ago, Demonsone said:

Hogan wanted to go back so his decision

Watts well enough said he's struggling at Port

Howe been gone now 3 years

Kent  I agree 

Howe was played in the backline in his last year at Melbourne. 

[rjay 24,939]

8 hours ago, A F said:

It seems I'm not quite as pessimistic (?perhaps that's not fair?) as you seem to be. This post makes it seem like we're in more trouble than I think we are. Although, I do see what you mean about Hibberd and Jetta, and having to replace them soon. Agree completely with the forward problems.

But I reckon we've got our inside midfield set. We need to get some leg speed like Collingwood and now even Carlton have. If Lever recovers, which I think he will long term, we've got a real general there and someone to build a defence around. I'm more excited by Petty than you seem to be, but time will tell. I also think Weideman will be a good player, but there's no doubt that we have some holes at both ends of the ground and through our midfield given the lack of pace through there.

Not pessimistic, just a hard look at the list.

You could find holes in all teams lists, no team is or ever will be complete.

I have hopes for Weideman too but he really needs to get a wriggle on, he's not a kid any more...

A bit of class around the ball, fix the forward situation and we're back in the running.

5 hours ago, scarlett said:

The set ups are horrible. The quick kicks out of contest or centre clearances are predictable and easy to read. Once we have clean possession we never seem to work the angles and try to use all forwards to make defence accountable. Its always on the head to the forward straight down the line.

The set up at centre bounces in the forward half is appalling to my way of thinking. We have 6 players bunched in a line down the centre as a starting position.

We've just taken out any advantage we might get from 666 by creating a situation where all 6 defenders are bunched up with 6 forwards.

Surely we spread the starting positions and give ourselves an opportunity to create one on ones with our key forwards making it impossible at least for the first 15/30 secs for defenders to double team us...

It's a losers position...and we're losing.

Edited April 21, 2019 by rjay

[rjay 24,939]

That's 6 games plus 2 preseason games & the Prelim now & not much has changed.

Big review at the end of this season...

New look football department

...and we're going to have to trade hard & smart to get back in the game.

There's only 2 players I wouldn't put on the table.

Gawn & Oliver, the rest are up for grabs...

I guess we will have to keep May & Lever, but hey if a good offer came.

[Adam The God 30,266]

1 hour ago, rjay said:

That's 6 games plus 2 preseason games & the Prelim now & not much has changed.

Big review at the end of this season...

New look football department

...and we're going to have to trade hard & smart to get back in the game.

There's only 2 players I wouldn't put on the table.

Gawn & Oliver, the rest are up for grabs...

I guess we will have to keep May & Lever, but hey if a good offer came.

We played a far less aggressive zone tonight and it kept us in the game.

The ball use coming out of our defence was atrocious and gave away at least 2 or 3 goals (if not more) and we don't lay any tackles in our forwardline (that's work rate and positioning).

That said, I mentioned in a thread the other day that we'd play an extremely aggressive zone, be in it at quarter time and then lose by 7-8 goals. It was so predictable and kicking 2 goals after quarter time is unacceptable.

The coaching is terrible, the game style needs a complete revamp, our leaders are non-existent and we're looking at a number one draft pick at this rate, because we simply don't play four quarters.

Oliver, Brayshaw and Lever are the untouchables for me. I rate Harmes nowadays too. But as for the rest, we've got a lot of very average players.

[DeeSpencer 25,717]

1 minute ago, A F said:

We played a far less aggressive zone tonight and it kept us in the game.

The ball use coming out of our defence was atrocious and gave away at least 2 or 3 goals (if not more) and we don't lay any tackles in our forwardline (that's work rate and positioning).

That said, I mentioned in a thread the other day that we'd play an extremely aggressive zone, be in it at quarter time and then lose by 7-8 goals. It was so predictable and kicking 2 goals after quarter time is unacceptable.

The coaching is terrible, the game style needs a complete revamp, our leaders are non-existent and we're looking at a number one draft pick at this rate, because we simply don't play four quarters.

Oliver, Brayshaw and Lever are the untouchables for me. I rate Harmes nowadays too. But as for the rest, we've got a lot of very average players.

I thought our forwards worked their backsides off defensively. Lockhart/ANB/Hunt/T Smith in particular. 

It's the quality of forward entries and the ease of the defenders to win the ball back that created very little at ground level.

Bombs to 2 on 1's for easy intercepts for Grimes/Vlastuin, or lowering the eyes then kicking it straight to a Richmond player because our forwards are all leading back and in to each other instead of a mix that involves some of them presenting up and keeping their opponents honest. The few times we did have forwards coming up at the ball the mid/backs were then under pressure and hacked a kick to where their team mate had just led from.

Of course a lot of that comes because our midfield has no forward momentum, we can't get the ball to someone in the clear from stoppages and we can't do it in general play because the backline offers no drive or rebound.

[Adam The God 30,266]

37 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

I thought our forwards worked their backsides off defensively. Lockhart/ANB/Hunt/T Smith in particular. 

It's the quality of forward entries and the ease of the defenders to win the ball back that created very little at ground level.

Bombs to 2 on 1's for easy intercepts for Grimes/Vlastuin, or lowering the eyes then kicking it straight to a Richmond player because our forwards are all leading back and in to each other instead of a mix that involves some of them presenting up and keeping their opponents honest. The few times we did have forwards coming up at the ball the mid/backs were then under pressure and hacked a kick to where their team mate had just led from.

Of course a lot of that comes because our midfield has no forward momentum, we can't get the ball to someone in the clear from stoppages and we can't do it in general play because the backline offers no drive or rebound.

Don't get me wrong. I thought our forward entries after quarter time were woeful, but our forwards simply don't tackle. Even in the first quarter there was a moment where four of our guys could have chased and Hunt was the only one who chased. Setting a longer zone enabled us to defend the ground better when Richmond tried to slingshot.

Aside from his good goal, Lockhart was like a headless chook when he moved into midfield. I thought he was a liability at times. But so was our decision making across the board.

[rjay 24,939]

10 minutes ago, A F said:

We played a far less aggressive zone tonight and it kept us in the game.

The ball use coming out of our defence was atrocious and gave away at least 2 or 3 goals (if not more) and we don't lay any tackles in our forwardline (that's work rate and positioning).

That said, I mentioned in a thread the other day that we'd play an extremely aggressive zone, be in it at quarter time and then lose by 7-8 goals. It was so predictable and kicking 2 goals after quarter time is unacceptable.

The coaching is terrible, the game style needs a complete revamp, our leaders are non-existent and we're looking at a number one draft pick at this rate, because we simply don't play four quarters.

Oliver, Brayshaw and Lever are the untouchables for me. I rate Harmes nowadays too. But as for the rest, we've got a lot of very average players.

 

2 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

I thought our forwards worked their backsides off defensively. Lockhart/ANB/Hunt/T Smith in particular. 

It's the quality of forward entries and the ease of the defenders to win the ball back that created very little at ground level.

Bombs to 2 on 1's for easy intercepts for Grimes/Vlastuin, or lowering the eyes then kicking it straight to a Richmond player because our forwards are all leading back and in to each other instead of a mix that involves some of them presenting up and keeping their opponents honest. The few times we did have forwards coming up at the ball the mid/backs were then under pressure and hacked a kick to where their team mate had just led from.

Of course a lot of that comes because our midfield has no forward momentum, we can't get the ball to someone in the clear from stoppages and we can't do it in general play because the backline offers no drive or rebound.

In the first Q we used the ball forward quite well & it showed on the scoreboard. Part of that was due to Melksham playing up the ground, he is our best field kick. Also the forwards moved and created targets, this is a bit of a catch 22 though.

After that it was everyman for himself...

We bombed the ball in & played right into the Tiges hands...

Either the coaching is terrible or they can't get their message across which in effect means the coaching is terrible.

While we're talking coaching, there's some stuff that used to be taught when I was playing at primary school that we don't do. Maybe it's old fashioned but surely when you take a set shot at goal you have a tall in the square to try and stop the opposition from touching the ball on the line.

Happened a couple of times, cost us one maybe two goals.

...and why do we have multiple players flying for the same ball. This is football 101...and we don't get it.

4 players up against 1 = 3 opposition players scouting the pack waiting for an easy goal...

[Adam The God 30,266]

34 minutes ago, rjay said:

 

In the first Q we used the ball forward quite well & it showed on the scoreboard. Part of that was due to Melksham playing up the ground, he is our best field kick. Also the forwards moved and created targets, this is a bit of a catch 22 though.

After that it was everyman for himself...

We bombed the ball in & played right into the Tiges hands...

Either the coaching is terrible or they can't get their message across which in effect means the coaching is terrible.

While we're talking coaching, there's some stuff that used to be taught when I was playing at primary school that we don't do. Maybe it's old fashioned but surely when you take a set shot at goal you have a tall in the square to try and stop the opposition from touching the ball on the line.

Happened a couple of times, cost us one maybe two goals.

...and why do we have multiple players flying for the same ball. This is football 101...and we don't get it.

4 players up against 1 = 3 opposition players scouting the pack waiting for an easy goal...

It's literally happened for close to a decade. No one down, everyone up. That goal Ellis kicked was a classic example of this.

[rjay 24,939]

33 minutes ago, A F said:

Oliver, Brayshaw and Lever are the untouchables for me.

If Fremantle came with Langdon & Cerra for Brayshaw would you take the deal?

As good as Brayshaw is I don't think he has the upside of Oliver & I always fear he's one big hit away from being finished...

[olisik 4,060]

Jason Taylor has only nailed 1 late pick (Harmes) whose a walk up in our 22 in 5 years between 2013-2017. 2018 isn’t looking much better. Explains why we have no depth...

[Graeme Yeats' Mullet 6,778]

Just now, olisik said:

Jason Taylor has only nailed 1 late pick (Harmes) whose a walk up in our 22 in 5 years between 2013-2017. 2018 isn’t looking much better. Explains why we have no depth...

Agreed. Call it how it is!

We've had some draft success, but with low round picks. We've not had anything but "average" results from the rest. Backslapping requires more than that!

[What 18,810]

On 3/24/2019 at 3:31 PM, rjay said:

You're right 'Goody', it's no reason to overreact but that's now 4 poor games in a row.

That's a trend.

I think we can now put some things into perspective and act to fix what we can.

From my post after the JLT games...

"A lot of people wanting to put things into perspective from my readings....

...so here's my perspective.

We're not good enough to cruise through preseason games just yet...if these games are meant to tweak the game plan and fine tune for the first game then heaven help us.

That was a dogs breakfast.

No amount of perspective can change that."

In another post earlier in the year I also said that our continued improvement will be harder this year.

We've been on a steady upward climb and logic would see us drop off a bit somewhere.

Is this the year we drop back a bit? do we miss finals?

A bit early to call but on the evidence of the last 4 games we've got work to do.

I think our list is overrated by the media and of course us fans...there are holes and I'm sure the FD know this.

We lack quality small forwards, Jeffy is the only class one we have and he's super flakey...

Spargo is not up to it yet and I don't think he has the tricks to ever be. At his size he needs them big time.

ANB can fill a role but at the moment that's what all our small forwards are trying to do...he must hit the scoreboard to hold his place.

We had Sparrow in there yesterday for his first game and at least he put some pressure on but he's not a small forward.

Hunt's been tried but he's not one either.

So our small forwards are about pressure but none bring scoreboard pressure except Jeffy at times.

Our defence..Frost, should have been delisted.

Omac...the experiment is over. Time to put development into Petty alongside May & Lever.

Hibberd hasn't been the player he was in 2017, he's drifting by and not working anywhere near hard enough.

We miss Lever big time but I think we overpaid for him, one of those draft kids running around now adding a bit of class could have been handy.

Tommy Mac worries me, he's had a good season as a forward but has been very average as of late.

History shows he had a really good season and a bit as a defender then dropped off dramatically.

Let's hope it's just an aberration and he's up and firing again soon but the trend is remarkably similar.

Is Tommy getting ahead of himself or have the opposition worked him?

A big call but maybe Tommy could do with some Casey time with his brother.

Weid is a kid and he will get a bit more time. Expect him to be up and down but he needs to work harder when down.

Trac...undecided on him. I get the feeling he will never be the player we wanted but still be a good player. Just not a great one.

It's time to deliver young Trac, no more teasing.

The mids are a good group but they are believing their own publicity.

Thanks Gary Lyon, we all know Oliver is a star but he doesn't need to drink his own bathwater and he has recently.

Time for them to grow up and also time for Max to focus on his game, he's being pushed around too easily.

You're a big boy Max and you don't need everyone to like you.

Outside run, yeah we all know that. KK may provide some if he gets back to early career form but there's no guarantee there.

Being out of the early picks in the last 2 drafts has hurt and we need to pick some more talent.

Fritsch is class but is only a fringe player at the moment so he needs to give us more this year.

A side note to yesterday...they were up and about.

Did anyone notice how many players ran to Sparrow when he kicked his first AFL goal in his first game? not enough for my liking.

We weren't up for it.

So the question remains...the writing was on the wall for yesterdays game. Is it on the wall going forward?

Will we drop off this year?

 

 

 

You're a prophet , rjay

[Adam The God 30,266]

48 minutes ago, rjay said:

If Fremantle came with Langdon & Cerra for Brayshaw would you take the deal?

As good as Brayshaw is I don't think he has the upside of Oliver & I always fear he's one big hit away from being finished...

Nope. I'd argue Brayshaw is our most complete inside,outside player. He's a good player who is only going to become a very good player.

Langdon is a butcher too.

I take it you'd do the deal?

Edited April 24, 2019 by A F

[rjay 24,939]

1 minute ago, A F said:

Nope. I'd argue Brayshaw is our most complete inside,outside player. He's a good player who is only going to become a very good player.

Langdon is a butcher too.

I take it you'd do the deal?

Would seriously consider it, I think Cerra has a huge upside & Langdon gives us some real run & carry...

I worry about the concussions with Gus.

[Adam The God 30,266]

37 minutes ago, rjay said:

Would seriously consider it, I think Cerra has a huge upside & Langdon gives us some real run & carry...

I worry about the concussions with Gus.

Fair enough. Gus is the perfect compliment to Clarry IMO. They both need better defensive games though and need to be able to kick to the advantage of their forwards a lot, lot better.

[DeeSpencer 25,717]

20 hours ago, rjay said:

If Fremantle came with Langdon & Cerra for Brayshaw would you take the deal?

As good as Brayshaw is I don't think he has the upside of Oliver & I always fear he's one big hit away from being finished...

Even last year I wasn't a huge Brayshaw fan. Great hands around the contest and can rack the ball up but I'll forever be concerned he's slow and can't kick. Runs with the ball but can't break free and then kicks under pressure = turnover = struggling to transition. I'd absolutely weigh up off load him for line breaking speed and skill if it were on offer. 

Moving Gus to a wing last night was an indication they are concerned about his defensive running and/or defensive pressure at the contest and ball use. The Oliver, Viney, Brayshaw combination doesn't seem right for where the game is going with multiple midfielders who have elite endurance and speed. 

That said, I'd like to know just how fit Clarrie, Gus and Viney are, if they are all at 80% then the easier thing to do is get them fit.

[Superunknown 4,217]

20 hours ago, rjay said:

If Fremantle came with Langdon & Cerra for Brayshaw would you take the deal?

As good as Brayshaw is I don't think he has the upside of Oliver & I always fear he's one big hit away from being finished...

In a heartbeat 

[Sorry kids 635]

Keep Gawn, Oliver, Brayshaw, Salem, Lever, May Meksham, Jetta, T Mac, Wiedemann,. Harmes, Viney

I am in a surprisingly positive mood but mindful of our history in losing player trades.

[Flemo56 396]

Groundhog Day, nothing’s changed as far as MFC suck at this game of footy. It has made me wonder why none of the so called experts, who all put us in the top 4, haven’t really sunk the boots in and called us for what we are as a team, hopeless turnover skill less bath water drinking clueless unfit little league downhill skiers............SO I DID HERE, outta sheer weight of disappointment ova the decades ? 

So that’s how smart they are in the media, keep building us up because they no eggsactly that the Dee’s will drink it as usual and so we shall fail again and stay the laughing stock of the AFL. 

Seriously where is our so called talent and leaders that we all THOUGHT we had disappeared too. Every other team looks so much more physical and skilful than us, sure we can look ok for a 1/4, maybe. 

WTF is going on at this club FFS.

 

Sorry this rant was bought on by barracking for that team too beat the druggies today. I wish our team could play with that intensity and physicality and win and lose and I wouldn’t have to vent in this way.

Boy it’s gunna be hard to watch our team for ???? 

 

Wow big text

Edited April 25, 2019 by Flemo56

[DV8 2,271]

42 minutes ago, Flemo56 said:

Groundhog Day, nothing’s changed as far as MFC suck at this game of footy. It has made me wonder why none of the so called experts, who all put us in the top 4, haven’t really sunk the boots in and called us for what we are as a team, hopeless turnover skill less bath water drinking clueless unfit little league downhill skiers............SO I DID HERE, outta sheer weight of disappointment ova the decades ? 

So that’s how smart they are in the media, keep building us up because they no eggsactly that the Dee’s will drink it as usual and so we shall fail again and stay the laughing stock of the AFL. 

Seriously where is our so called talent and leaders that we all THOUGHT we had disappeared too. Every other team looks so much more physical and skilful than us, sure we can look ok for a 1/4, maybe. 

WTF is going on at this club FFS.

 

Sorry this rant was bought on by barracking for that team too beat the druggies today. I wish our team could play with that intensity and physicality and win and lose and I wouldn’t have to vent in this way.

Boy it’s gunna be hard to watch our team for ???? 

 

Wow big text

While your at it 'Flemo56'... look at the Demonland banner.

 

We started making some changes late last year,  and what did we do.    We put a recruit in the centre, smack bang... who hadn't even played a game for us.

May has been a major disappointment,  to date.

 

These little things are OUR one percenters,  supporters One percenters,  that WE give out...  sometimes they're undeserved.

 

I think we should alter the banner by the Queens Birthday match... shifting some players. 

So Gawn is front and centre... with Oli Viney, Gus, Nev, Harmes flanking him... And Nev should Never be put outside, alone in the dark.

He deserves much much more,  than be way outside, on the outer.

 

.

[rolling fog 1,207]

20 hours ago, olisik said:

Jason Taylor has only nailed 1 late pick (Harmes) whose a walk up in our 22 in 5 years between 2013-2017. 2018 isn’t looking much better. Explains why we have no depth...

 

20 hours ago, Graeme Yeats' Mullet said:

Agreed. Call it how it is!

We've had some draft success, but with low round picks. We've not had anything but "average" results from the rest. Backslapping requires more than that!

Yep good calls. We seem to put our energy into improving our draft position through each trade period with mixed success in recent years while other clubs have yielded strong results from later picks

[Demons11 7,030]

On 4/25/2019 at 12:36 AM, rjay said:

Would seriously consider it, I think Cerra has a huge upside & Langdon gives us some real run & carry...

I worry about the concussions with Gus.

Yeah let’s trade a kid who is a gun for 2 developing players who might be guns or duds. 

 

[Engorged Onion 10,215]

10 hours ago, Flemo56 said:

So that’s how smart they are in the media, keep building us up

Erm, are you suggesting a media conspiracy? 

[rjay 24,939]

2 hours ago, Demons11 said:

Yeah let’s trade a kid who is a gun for 2 developing players who might be guns or duds. 

 

No, lets just sit on our hands & get more of the same...

[Demons11 7,030]

20 minutes ago, rjay said:

No, lets just sit on our hands & get more of the same...

Brayshaw is a point of difference, outside skill and pace which we have very little of and you want to trade him.

God give me strength