PREGAME: Rd 02 vs Geelong

[Adam The God 30,220]

3 hours ago, Drunkn167 said:

Knew Kolodjashnij was coming in, he is a good player. 

Great to see Lockharts dream come true.

Keilty emergency again, thought he was a chance this week but at least he is still in contention. If he keeps his good form cor a couple of VFL games, hopefully he gets a go sooner rather then later.

I wouldn't be surprised to see your bro get a go soon. You'd know more than me, but I wouldn't be surprised if he played as a back up ruckman and a KP swingman when he gets his go.

[Adam The God 30,220]

3 hours ago, DeeZee said:

I hope Viney is fully fit and not taking the spot of someone who is.

Frost could be used on a wing or up forward is my guess 

There's absolutely no way Viney goes from what he delivered last week to fully fit this week. Not going to happen. But I hope he delivers a bit more this week. It wouldn't be difficult. It was potentially his worst game ever last week.

[ignition. 1,466]

O.McDonald and Frost very lucky to hold their spots.

With the addition of May, Preuss should have replaced one of them.

Would reduce the targetting of Gawn, as well as allow him to float forward and back more freely.

[WERRIDEE 5,472]

4 minutes ago, Bonkers said:

Whilst he isn't the most talented I'd rather him in the side over OMac at Geelong. OMac lost us the game in the space of 10-15 minutes when playing on Hawkins last year. Frost has some pace and size to negate Hawkins. May or Oscar can then zone off with one or the other to play on Ratugolea.

May will play on Hawkins. Frost is a spud and it will be interesting how they use him, should not be in the side. Petty or Keilty should have been ahead of him. Frost could play on Rohan and Oscar will play on Ratugolea last chance surely?

[Adam The God 30,220]

2 hours ago, Wiseblood said:

I floated the idea of him rucking as well, simply because it's the only logical explanation. 

No it's not. Oscar was thrashed down there in the regular season last year. Frost is a better bet on Hawkins if May can't get the job done. (Yes, yes, I know that's why we brought May in, but Frost is quicker, so as an alternative, he's handy.)

I wouldn't have played Oscar, who I now concede may well not make it. But I'd probably take Oscar's experience over Hore.

It feels a bit like shuffling the deck chairs circa 2013 after last week's performance. I know it's not that dire, but I can't see us being able to run this game out either. You don't gain fitness as drastically as we clearly need to, within a week. It just doesn't work that way.

2 hours ago, Wiseblood said:

Maybe we want to play Tom and Weid as permanent forwards this weekend, with Frost playing a third tall and giving Max the chop out in the ruck?  It's not ideal, but they may see Frost as being a little more athletic and strong through the body to go with Ratugolea?  I don't know.

This is more likely IMO.

2 hours ago, Wiseblood said:

But I can't see us playing May, Oscar AND Frost together in the backline as outside of Hawkins and Ratugolea they don't have a great deal of height.

I can. Frost can take a small forward and/or so can May. Ablett's too clever for Frost, but Frost would have him for pace. 

Ultimately though, I think we'll see May to Hawkins; Frost will start on Ratugolea; and Oscar will play interceptor. FWIW, I'd play Oscar on Ratugolea to start with (even though it's a dangerous move) and play Frost on a small, and use his rebound. I'd play Hibberd as the third tall/interceptor. 

It'll be interesting to see what we do though.

2 hours ago, Wiseblood said:

And what of Preuss?  If Frost does ruck, isn't this the reason why we traded for Preuss?  Or don't they believe he has the mobility to go with Ratugolea?

Too many questions, not enough clear answers.

Preuss' tank must be a concern for the FD. Given it's a night match though and it'll be cooler down in Geelong, he may well get a look in. When we beat Geelong down there in 2015 (a long time ago, I know), we played Max (in his break out game) and Spencer. We could well do something similar, because with the dimensions of the ground, we may not get exploited for pace as badly as we would on the G.

2 hours ago, Demon Premonition said:

Sam Frost – 7
As expected, Frost had the job on Tom Hawkins and the much-improved defender was very solid. The Cats forward booted two goals, but both majors came from set-shots where Frost's teammates did not do a good enough job of supporting him. Crucial to Melbourne's finals hopes.

i think we are overlooking the simple explanation on Frost, he was more than solid on Tom Hawkins in final last year. As we all know we have been on the wrong side of Hawkins more than a few times over the year. I think Frost will have first crack, he has excellent physical attributes to go with him and allows May to be play more of a Lever type role which was clearly missing last week.

This could well happen too. Good post.

1 hour ago, Clint Bizkit said:

Lockhart intrigues me, I would have kept Wagner instead of one of Frost or O. McDonald.

Spargo and Hore had to go.

I thought Wagner could hold his head high, but he obviously didn't meet KPIs, otherwise he'd still be in the team. Players at Casey weren't exactly pounding the door down to get in the senior team.

[Bonkers 994]

3 minutes ago, WERRIDEE said:

May will play on Hawkins. Frost is a spud and it will be interesting how they use him, should not be in the side. Petty or Keilty should have been ahead of him. Frost could play on Rohan and Oscar will play on Ratugolea last chance surely?

Petty is injured and correct me if I'm wrong but Keilty has not played a game of senior AFL footy? Selecting him would mean we have 3 MFC debutants in our back 6 at Geelong and 4 MFC debutants in the team. Whilst it could pay off to play Keilty, Frost did play some decent footy last year. All defenders can look ordinary when the ball is coming in 60 times a game so I'm prepared to give him some slack based off last week. The midfield is where we lost the game last week. I'm prepared to accept Frost as limited footballer in terms of his skills and awareness, but a player with great speed, strength and leap who can play a defensive role given the right protection in front of him. In time he's not a first 22 player but at the moment he's what we have got.

Yes May can take Hawkins, but then if you drop Frost Ratugolea can potentially get a hold of Oscar in that match up. Oscar has improved a lot over time but he is still a weak point in our side physically which opposing teams can isolate and target 1 on 1.

[WERRIDEE 5,472]

1 hour ago, Bonkers said:

Petty is injured and correct me if I'm wrong but Keilty has not played a game of senior AFL footy? Selecting him would mean we have 3 MFC debutants in our back 6 at Geelong and 4 MFC debutants in the team. Whilst it could pay off to play Keilty, Frost did play some decent footy last year. All defenders can look ordinary when the ball is coming in 60 times a game so I'm prepared to give him some slack based off last week. The midfield is where we lost the game last week. I'm prepared to accept Frost as limited footballer in terms of his skills and awareness, but a player with great speed, strength and leap who can play a defensive role given the right protection in front of him. In time he's not a first 22 player but at the moment he's what we have got.

Yes May can take Hawkins, but then if you drop Frost Ratugolea can potentially get a hold of Oscar in that match up. Oscar has improved a lot over time but he is still a weak point in our side physically which opposing teams can isolate and target 1 on 1.

How bad is Petty's foot?

I don't think it matters how many debutants you have it's weather they can provide more than the player they replaced. Keilty could arguably provide more than Frost or Oscar.

If an ordinary player like Ratugolea gets a hold of Oscar then that's it for me dropped never to play again. I personally think Oscar has stagnated he's not the only one Petracca is one and I personally think he is a bust. 

[Beetle 4,652]

1 hour ago, Brownie said:

Chicken twisties

Good point. Cheese are way out of his league.

[DV8 2,271]

B Henry, Blicavs, Stewart 

F Spargo, Weide, Tracca,

HB JKolod, Taylor, Duncan 

HF ANB, TMc, Melksham

C Selwood, Dangerfield, Clark 

C Harmes, Oliver, Lockhart

FOLL Stanley, Kelly, Atkins 

Foll Gawn, Salem, Viney

 

HF Dahlhaus, Ratugolea, Parfitt 

HB Jetta, Frost, KKolod

F Ablett, Hawkins, Rohan 

B Jones, May, Hibberd,

 

B OMc Hunt, Sparrow Keilty

[WERRIDEE 5,472]

6 minutes ago, DV8 said:

B Henry, Blicavs, Stewart 

F Spargo, Weide, Tracca,

HB JKolod, Taylor, Duncan 

HF ANB, TMc, Melksham

C Selwood, Dangerfield, Clark 

C Harmes, Oliver, Lockhart

FOLL Stanley, Kelly, Atkins 

Foll Gawn, Salem, Viney

 

HF Dahlhaus, Ratugolea, Parfitt 

HB Jetta, Frost, KKolod

F Ablett, Hawkins, Rohan 

B Jones, May, Hibberd,

 

B OMc Hunt, Sparrow Keilty

Don't understand the side there Keilty and Spargo aren't playing.

[Drunkn167 5,093]

6 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

How bad is Petty's foot?

I don't think it matters how many debutants you have it's weather they can provide more than the player they replaced. Keilty could arguably provide more than Frost or Oscar.

Just FYI Keilty doesn’t play back anymore 

[WERRIDEE 5,472]

10 minutes ago, Drunkn167 said:

Just FYI Keilty doesn’t play back anymore 

They can still play him there.

[SPC 3,549]

Frost will go to Rohan, May to Hawkins and Oscar to Ratugolea. I think Jetts will go to Ablett or Dalhuis and Hibberd will take the left over.

I think KK and Salem will play on either wing.

[beelzebub 23,348]

Team looks a bit better...hoping we play with something approaching interest.

So far it's been somewhat lackluster .

Not expecting any joy at Whiskasville.

Geelong probably a 2 goal a QTR better side there. Am expecting a spirited fightback during junk time of the last QTR when game beyond doubt

Cats by 40

Yes it's scathing. We have NO form going into this game at a venue eternally hostile.

Loved to be proven wrong.

Kudos to any when go down the highway.

Go Dee's ( but not expecting much.   maybe the noobs might inspire..)

 

[In Harmes Way 7,766]

11 hours ago, grey wolf said:

The fat fella gets another chance ...... ???

Where am I playing?

[Bitter but optimistic 22,237]

Not ecstatic about the changes

 

I’ll agree with them if we win!

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,750]

12 hours ago, Laughing Goat said:

Wonder what Preussey is thinking now....... & If ever Max needed a hand, its right now.

Feel for C Wagner & M Hore who's parents went through the elation of watching their sons being presented with their guernsey's last week & this week, their whole world's just caved in.

Good job Goodwin.

Hyperbole much! If I was a parent of Wagner or Hore, sure, I'd be disappointed, but I'd still be buzzing that my son had actually played a game at the highest level.

As to the team selected, I have no idea what Lockhart brings...but I suspect Geelong doesn't either. May for Hore was (I thought) predictable. Frost staying in the side is no surprise to me. Geelong play a lot of pacy forwards (Ablett, Rohan, Dallhouse, Parfitt). Frost could play on one of them, although I suspect he'll take one of Hawkins or Ratugolea. Based on last week's game, though, if the midfield and forwards don't apply pressure, it won't matter who plays on whom in defence.

And Spargo and Wagner going out are hardly surprising.

Edited March 28, 2019 by La Dee-vina Comedia

[grazman 7,432]

For the first time in a long time I look at the lineup and think that's probably how they'll start on Saturday night.  I've got no doubt that I'm wrong.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,750]

Just now, grazman said:

For the first time in a long time I look at the lineup and think that's probably how they'll start on Saturday night.  I've got no doubt that I'm wrong.

I'm not convinced that Jones will start on the half back flank. While he was named there last week, he started on the wing.

And I don't expect Viney to start on the half forward flank, although I actually like the idea if he's still working his way back to full fitness. 

[Redleg 40,895]

10 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Hyperbole much! If I was a parent of Wagner or Hore, sure, I'd be disappointed, but I'd still be buzzing that my son had actually played a game at the highest level.

As to the team selected, I have no idea what Lockhart brings...but I suspect Geelong doesn't either. May for Hore was (I thought) predictable. Frost staying in the side is no surprise to me. Geelong play a lot of pacy forwards (Ablett, Rohan, Dallhouse, Parfitt). Frost could play on one of them, although I suspect he'll take one of Hawkins or Ratugolea. Based on last week's game, though, if the midfield and forwards don't apply pressure, it won't matter who plays on whom in defence.

And Spargo and Wagner going out are hardly surprising.

You do know that Corey Wagner player for the Roos?

[The Chazz 4,077]

This game will be won, or lost, in the midfield.

Geelong's backs are poor.  Stewart is the only one that I rate to some capacity, but you beat him by isolating him deep.  Weed and TMc should be too good for Taylor and Blicavs.

Their forward line isn't much better.  If we can stop Hawkins from dominating, then it puts pressure on their smaller forwards to play well. Their smaller forwards (ie Dahlhaus and Rohan) have proven throughout their careers that they are inconsistent.

The concern will be that their midfield get on top and bring their forwards in to the game by providing them great service, which will then in turn starve our forwards of decent opportunities as we will be making our play from the half back line, which isn't great against Geelong.

Never thought I'd say this, but I am going to miss AVB this week.

[Redleg 40,895]

We seem to be devoid of pacy, goal kicking forwards.

Garlett is injured and possibly past it. Melksham is good, but more a marking mid size forward. JKH is not really one .ANB is not one.

I think it is an area we need to address at the end of the season.

[beelzebub 23,348]

4 minutes ago, Redleg said:

We seem to be devoid of pacy, goal kicking forwards.

Garlett is injured and possibly past it. Melksham is good, but more a marking mid size forward. JKH is not really one .ANB is not one.

I think it is an area we need to address at the end of the season.

Oh I get it.   We need DeGoey !!!

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,750]

11 minutes ago, Redleg said:

You do know that Corey Wagner player for the Roos?

Yeah, I know. I was a bit lazy with that post. I thought about how to phrase it in a way that talked about them playing their first game for Melbourne, but the sentence became too clunky. Nevertheless, if I were Wagner's father, I'd still be thrilled every time he played a game, whether it is with Melbourne or any other team and, quite frankly, whether it was in the seniors or at any other professional level. I also wouldn't feel like my whole world had caved in if he was dropped.

[Redleg 40,895]

9 minutes ago, beelzebub said:

Oh I get it.   We need DeGoey !!!

Wouldn't hurt.

They have a few others as well. That Elliott can play.

I would think their mids also kick more goals than ours.