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12 minutes ago, america de cali said:

It always looks like a player is playing for the free when the ball is kicked to the top of their heads. Teammates don’t kick to advantage. That’s happened a lot with Melksham. He has to stand there and grapple with opponents that apply octopus interference. His threat makes him an obvious target for very close checking. He is never allowed space. Melksham has been unlucky to not get some very obvious frees. He could try to lead up and lose his marker  a little more though. 

I think you're in denial as well. The ball comes, Jake reaches for contact with the defender first, misses the mark and then complains about interference. I can back it up with footage.

(although I agree with you in some respects and am going to bed).

Edited by Skuit

there's good and bad with Melksham. he's not overly quick, plays up a bit for frees, doesn't chase very hard/puts in token efforts at times when the oppo has the ball, and can be a bit hungry around goals.

but he is also very good 1 on 1, a good decision maker, doesn't get sucked into the contest like most our guys, and is our best user of the footy going inside 50 in a team full of bang it on the boot specialists. as long as he's getting the ball and using it well he stays in the team imo.

 
1 hour ago, Skuit said:

I watched the replay for the first time in yonks - and I'm afraid I have to agree with a few of the disagreeable folk on here; we were mostly [censored] and Jones was actually horrible despite providing on-field inspiration for the first time that I can recall. Omac on the other hand wasn't as bad as I thought, although him spending a massive chunk of time off the ground probably helped as to this perception.

This however is possibly what you want most from a third-string defender - simply to not see them during the match, and maybe Oscar has found his true calling as a bench-warmer. Stretch, in a similar sense, was a revelation, in largely going unnoticed rather than getting in the way and [censored] it up a la ANB. (Please note: I love ANB, in the same way I loved Fitzy).

Otherwise, I'll be first to admit that I have no real idea of which Wagner is which when the ball is in play - especially when one or more of them share a Hitler youth haircut with Spargo - but the most [censored] of them can give way for Jetta, while the other less [censored] one of them can come out for Garlett, although I suspect one of them had a relatively decent game.

Out: the entire Wagner family

In: Garlett and Jetta.

Lucky: Jones and Omac and Hibberd and Stretch and Spargo (the new Pedo with a 75% W/L record)

Not lucky but needs a rev-up: Melksham and still Tmac

Unlucky: Keilty and Lockhart

Not unlucky: ANB and Petty

Can wait: Lewis and May

Fair assessment to say the least. 

2 hours ago, Skuit said:

I watched the replay for the first time in yonks - and I'm afraid I have to agree with a few of the disagreeable folk on here; we were mostly [censored] and Jones was actually horrible despite providing on-field inspiration for the first time that I can recall. Omac on the other hand wasn't as bad as I thought, although him spending a massive chunk of time off the ground probably helped as to this perception.

This however is possibly what you want most from a third-string defender - simply to not see them during the match, and maybe Oscar has found his true calling as a bench-warmer. Stretch, in a similar sense, was a revelation, in largely going unnoticed rather than getting in the way and [censored] it up a la ANB. (Please note: I love ANB, in the same way I loved Fitzy).

Otherwise, I'll be first to admit that I have no real idea of which Wagner is which when the ball is in play - especially when one or more of them share a Hitler youth haircut with Spargo - but the most [censored] of them can give way for Jetta, while the other less [censored] one of them can come out for Garlett, although I suspect one of them had a relatively decent game.

Out: the entire Wagner family

In: Garlett and Jetta.

Lucky: Jones and Omac and Hibberd and Stretch and Spargo (the new Pedo with a 75% W/L record)

Not lucky but needs a rev-up: Melksham and still Tmac

Unlucky: Keilty and Lockhart

Not unlucky: ANB and Petty

Can wait: Lewis and May

Skuit daddle, you're too tough....and there is no way most of this is going to happan.


MCC expecting a crowd of 34,000. Even though it is going to be a bugger to get there from the Eastern suburbs with the lack of trains you’d think it would get to 40,000

I’ll be there with ten other Melbourne supporting family members. 

3 hours ago, Skuit said:

I watched the replay for the first time in yonks - and I'm afraid I have to agree with a few of the disagreeable folk on here; we were mostly [censored] and Jones was actually horrible despite providing on-field inspiration for the first time that I can recall. Omac on the other hand wasn't as bad as I thought, although him spending a massive chunk of time off the ground probably helped as to this perception.

This however is possibly what you want most from a third-string defender - simply to not see them during the match, and maybe Oscar has found his true calling as a bench-warmer. Stretch, in a similar sense, was a revelation, in largely going unnoticed rather than getting in the way and [censored] it up a la ANB. (Please note: I love ANB, in the same way I loved Fitzy).

Otherwise, I'll be first to admit that I have no real idea of which Wagner is which when the ball is in play - especially when one or more of them share a Hitler youth haircut with Spargo - but the most [censored] of them can give way for Jetta, while the other less [censored] one of them can come out for Garlett, although I suspect one of them had a relatively decent game.

Out: the entire Wagner family

In: Garlett and Jetta.

Lucky: Jones and Omac and Hibberd and Stretch and Spargo (the new Pedo with a 75% W/L record)

Not lucky but needs a rev-up: Melksham and still Tmac

Unlucky: Keilty and Lockhart

Not unlucky: ANB and Petty

Can wait: Lewis and May

One coach gave Jones the 5 votes, the other gave him 4.

Oscar has been shocking this year can't get near it and make a contest. I realize that part of this problem is the gameplan but we have no plan B and should.  If Lewis is fit he should take Oscar's place. Lewis makes contests and is a safe pair of hands. Oscar is not able to do the job of a lockdown defender, he is just too slow. Oscar needs to get better at this and will get more chances. Spargo was OK but does not offer enough. He is young and underdevelopment, he will get plenty of chances. Garlett has earnt it at Casey and should take his place. Garlett is playing for his career and is the best natural forward on the list.

 

 

Dear Mr Skuit,

It appears you are expecting some high drama of operatic proportions come this Saturday Eve. Shades of the Ring-cycle (AFL season) perhaps. Heroic outsiders, wondering in the wilderness, responding to the siren's song. We're getting visions of Air Calvary (MFC) thunderously arriving from the sky at the 'G' to the tune of *Ride of the Valkyries to smite down the (s)aints. 

* Pulls the pants down on Hell's Bells!

Your allusions to grimmer earlier times perhaps reflect your living circumstances in a post-colonial quasi-democratic semi-totalitarian state led by a formerly charismatic leader with a lust for longevity.

"Otherwise, I'll be first to admit that I have no real idea of which Wagner is which when the ball is in play - especially when one or more of them share a Hitler youth haircut with ......" 

Back to more mundane matters, of those to be 'purged' from the victorious round four side re: "Out: the entire Wagner family" does that include Richard and Siegfried as well?

Yours etc 

R&G

Edited by Tarax Club
add bold


5 hours ago, Skuit said:

Melksham to me has been lucky over the MFC journey with respect to frees, and in my opinion is now looking to engage one-on-one contact to draw such frees rather than going to meet the ball - in which marking respect he's been incredibly fumbly this year as well. He still contributes, but is not playing with the intensity and running he should. Also, in no way whatsoever did I say Petty should come in.  Putting him back in the Saints would amount to mental cruelty, as he was pretty much the difference in our loss against that mob last year. Lewis I cared about before last week - but we showed last week that our defence can stand up with midfield leadership.

I think the Melkshake suffered a little in the first 3 weeks being used as a deep forward when that should be the change up, the pressure of being the goal kicker led to some ordinary efforts. He played for a free against Hurley, dropped the mark, then was hit high, held and shoved in the back and didn't get any of those 3 free kicks either! I've always said his defensive pressure is poor but I think his overall work rate and running is good to get the ball. Was nice to see him back to playing as a connecting half forward who can then take a spell deep rather than the other way around. 

He's always been the fake tough guy type who can fumble or go half hearted when he feels pressure from behind, at this stage that's probably who he is. If the mids and half backs can improve he'll keep getting better, especially if we can start to get the ball to him in space with angled kicks across half forward. A lot of teams would love a player like Melksham.

3 hours ago, FarNorthernD said:

MCC expecting a crowd of 34,000. Even though it is going to be a bugger to get there from the Eastern suburbs with the lack of trains you’d think it would get to 40,000

I’ll be there with ten other Melbourne supporting family members. 

That is a pathetically low crowd if it eventuates. Particularly for 2 Melbourne clubs on a Saturday. This would mean our rd 1 against Port drew a bigger crowd. As a club, I think we need to start pumping up our games a bit more and stressing the importance of attendance. 

1 hour ago, Leoncelli_36 said:

That is a pathetically low crowd if it eventuates. Particularly for 2 Melbourne clubs on a Saturday. This would mean our rd 1 against Port drew a bigger crowd. As a club, I think we need to start pumping up our games a bit more and stressing the importance of attendance. 

I find the Marvel stadium tenants of North, Dogs and Saints do not really turn up to our MCG home games, so 34K is pretty realistic.

6 hours ago, willmoy said:

Skuit daddle, you're too tough....and there is no way most of this is going to happan.

What - Wagner & Wagner for Jetta and Garlett? Seems reasonable to me.

5 hours ago, loges said:

One coach gave Jones the 5 votes, the other gave him 4.

They likely voted before watching the replay. I thought he had played well as well. I was wrong. Watch the third quarter again - almost every possession was turned over or a missed opportunity.


4 minutes ago, Skuit said:

They likely voted before watching the replay. I thought he had played well as well. I was wrong. Watch the third quarter again - almost every possession was turned over or a missed opportunity.

The cap was our matchwinner.  Slotted two crucial, momentum shifting goals in the second and then had the calmness to kick the sealer in the last.  Full votes from me.

17 minutes ago, Skuit said:

They likely voted before watching the replay. I thought he had played well as well. I was wrong. Watch the third quarter again - almost every possession was turned over or a missed opportunity.

His work rate looked exceptional, the left foot goal and the sense to draw the free and kick a clutch goal both commendable, otherwise yeah he butchered it consistently. The only question I have is who was better? Clearly Gawn, otherwise it was a game with a lot of lousy players. Plenty of hard running and a little bit of class in front of goal was worth recognising by the coaches.

14 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

His work rate looked exceptional, the left foot goal and the sense to draw the free and kick a clutch goal both commendable, otherwise yeah he butchered it consistently. The only question I have is who was better? Clearly Gawn, otherwise it was a game with a lot of lousy players. Plenty of hard running and a little bit of class in front of goal was worth recognising by the coaches.

If I was a set of coaches the coaches' votes this week wouldn't be far off (but with Petracca ahead of Salem). So I agree. And I would take that from Jones every week. But that may be due to lower expectations or the desire for someone to provide some sort of leadership in a team-lifting sense. Although the response to his first goal was actually quite ugly.

39 minutes ago, Skuit said:

If I was a set of coaches the coaches' votes this week wouldn't be far off (but with Petracca ahead of Salem). So I agree. And I would take that from Jones every week. But that may be due to lower expectations or the desire for someone to provide some sort of leadership in a team-lifting sense. Although the response to his first goal was actually quite ugly.

Why @Skuit? Why on earth do they need to be '[censored]-a-hoop' visually... as though that is the only discernible way to show they care, and that winning matters? Why can't they just get on with the job?

Matter of fact from this exhibit itself - there is no correlation (and/or causation) between how hard you choose to celebrate or not,  and whether you keep on kicking goals...

Kicking goals is passé, when you've got a job to get on with, from process minded :goody:

*nb hee hee - censorship for cockahoop

Edited by Engorged Onion


Spargo only got five touches and no tackles... stretch is far more valuable at this stage. Gartlett is dangerous small which we dont really have. He will worry any defense. Spargo doesnt really worry anyone. So garlett a straight swap for Spargo. 

8 minutes ago, Ugottobekidding said:

Spargo only got five touches and no tackles... stretch is far more valuable at this stage. Gartlett is dangerous small which we dont really have. He will worry any defense. Spargo doesnt really worry anyone. So garlett a straight swap for Spargo. 

You've said this, or something similar, three times in this thread.  We get it.  You want Spargo out for Garlett.

5 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

I think the Melkshake suffered a little in the first 3 weeks being used as a deep forward when that should be the change up, the pressure of being the goal kicker led to some ordinary efforts. He played for a free against Hurley, dropped the mark, then was hit high, held and shoved in the back and didn't get any of those 3 free kicks either! I've always said his defensive pressure is poor but I think his overall work rate and running is good to get the ball. Was nice to see him back to playing as a connecting half forward who can then take a spell deep rather than the other way around. 

He's always been the fake tough guy type who can fumble or go half hearted when he feels pressure from behind, at this stage that's probably who he is. If the mids and half backs can improve he'll keep getting better, especially if we can start to get the ball to him in space with angled kicks across half forward. A lot of teams would love a player like Melksham.

Melk is a space man; put ball in space and Melk will goal. 

 
12 hours ago, Skuit said:

I watched the replay for the first time in yonks - and I'm afraid I have to agree with a few of the disagreeable folk on here; we were mostly [censored] and Jones was actually horrible despite providing on-field inspiration for the first time that I can recall. Omac on the other hand wasn't as bad as I thought, although him spending a massive chunk of time off the ground probably helped as to this perception.

This however is possibly what you want most from a third-string defender - simply to not see them during the match, and maybe Oscar has found his true calling as a bench-warmer. Stretch, in a similar sense, was a revelation, in largely going unnoticed rather than getting in the way and [censored] it up a la ANB. (Please note: I love ANB, in the same way I loved Fitzy).

Otherwise, I'll be first to admit that I have no real idea of which Wagner is which when the ball is in play - especially when one or more of them share a Hitler youth haircut with Spargo - but the most [censored] of them can give way for Jetta, while the other less [censored] one of them can come out for Garlett, although I suspect one of them had a relatively decent game.

Out: the entire Wagner family

In: Garlett and Jetta.

Lucky: Jones and Omac and Hibberd and Stretch and Spargo (the new Pedo with a 75% W/L record)

Not lucky but needs a rev-up: Melksham and still Tmac

Unlucky: Keilty and Lockhart

Not unlucky: ANB and Petty

Can wait: Lewis and May

Hmm, have Skuit and Titus O'Riley ever been seen in the same room at the same time?

Not sure if Lockhart and Garlett will come in, but I'd love to see them and Hunt all in the same team.


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