Do we have a new Plan A

[Redleg 41,484]

If you have a look at the players we had in our midfield rotation, versus the players Hawthorn had in theirs, you might be able to answer your own question.

Green, Bruce, McDonald, Jones and Godfrey were the only bona fide mids we had in the squad. The rest were kids (and Jones is still a kid). Bring the likes of McLean, Johnstone, Pickett, Sylvia and Moloney into the mix and you'll find the fitness won't be such an issue.

Conversely, Hawthorn basically had its full midfield mix out there (I can't recall seeing Vandenberg, but he's the only one).

When you are writing about fitness being added I don't think I would throw in the name Pickett.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

I thought I saw Vandenburg out there.

Godfrey will not be a bona fide mid this year.

But Mikey you are right with your other comments.

Also Hawthorn are further developed in their pre season with the stated aim of trying to win the NOB (er I mean NAB) Cup.

MFC had a 60 minute intraclub prior to this game on Tuesday.

[Redleg 41,484]

I thought I saw Vandenburg out there.

Godfrey will not be a bona fide mid this year.

But Mikey you are right with your other comments.

Also Hawthorn are further developed in their pre season with the stated aim of trying to win the NOB (er I mean NAB) Cup.

MFC had a 60 minute intraclub prior to this game on Tuesday.

Vandenburg didn't play.

[MikeyJ 60]

When you are writing about fitness being added I don't think I would throw in the name Pickett.

Touche, Redleg I had considered omitting him from that list, but he does give us another option to run through the midfield.

And Rhino, Godfrey fits the description of bona fide midfielder for the purposes of this discussion, in that he is a seasoned player with the running ability required to rotate through the centre. Skills and vision (fortunately for Godders' sake!) don't come into it.

Like you and many others, I won't be disappointed if he doesn't play for Melbourne this year.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Vandenburg didn't play.

Thanks Redleg. I stand corrected.

[Redleg 41,484]

Thanks Redleg. I stand corrected.

You are welcome.

I saw some good signs in Simon Buckley. He was able to get the ball, many can't.

I think he needs some help in learning to give it off quickly and not trying to beat the pack every time. He does have ability though.

I also liked what I saw of James Frawley. Given time I think he will develop into a good player.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

You are welcome.

I saw some good signs in Simon Buckley. He was able to get the ball, many can't.

I think he needs some help in learning to give it off quickly and not trying to beat the pack every time. He does have ability though.

I also liked what I saw of James Frawley. Given time I think he will develop into a good player.

I agree with your comments. I thought Buckley may have been getting used to "run and carry". He did look good though.

[Whispering_Jack 30,674]

When you are writing about fitness being added I don't think I would throw in the name Pickett.

Unless you're writing about the fitness or otherwise of Pickett's direct opponent after the match.