Herald Suns review of the game from a Supercoach perspective. 

MELBOURNE

ANGUS BRAYSHAW ($452,400 MID)

In his first official appearance of the pre-season, Brayshaw started at half-forward, before pushing up to the contest, and had little impact in the first-half.

He failed to attend a centre bounce in the opening two quarters, but after moving to an inside-midfield role the 24-year-old was there at almost every one after halftime, finishing the game as one of the most-influential players on the ground.

TOM SPARROW ($182,500 FWD)

The strong-bodied 19-year-old did start at the first centre-bounce, however, and he was an early standout at the contest for the Demons, going head-to-head with fellow rookie-price option Bonar.

It follows the second-year midfielder’s impressive 77-point performance, on the back of 17 disposals, eight contested possessions and seven tackles in the opening week of Marsh Series action.

TRENT RIVERS ($117,300 DEF-MID)

The Demons had two kick-ins in the first quarter and the 18-year-old draftee took both. And, more importantly for SuperCoaches, played-on twice.

Despite an early turnover in front of goal, as he did for WA last year, Rivers used the ball well from the back-half.

Late in the first term, the classy rebounding-defender took on the man on the mark and opened up the game by finding a teammate in the corridor with a pinpoint 40-metre pass, with the play resulting in a Demons’ shot-at-goal.

KYSAIAH PICKETT ($157,800 FWD)

Despite failing to have a big impact, the excitement machine made North Melbourne defenders nervous and was a threat all game.

Pickett, who almost nailed a left-foot checkside shot for goal from the boundary line in the third quarter, might not be a big SuperCoach scorer in 2020, but he’ll be exciting to watch.

BAYLEY FRITSCH ($413,900 DEF-FWD)

The strong-marking swingman played forward against North Melbourne and starred, presenting strongly on the lead and delivering with precision.

He might be worth some thought in SuperCoach Draft, especially with dual-position status.

TOBY BEDFORD ($123,900 FWD)

Melbourne’s NGA Academy member struggled in his first VFL season last year, but he impressed on Friday morning.

In form reminiscent of his junior career, the 19-year-old’s forward pressure was a highlight as was his long-running goal in the last quarter – his second major for the day.

  On 28/02/2020 at 06:10, Dee Zephyr said:

Anyone know why they were calling O Mac ‘Porter’? 

Well, you couldn't call him stout.  Maybe because he makes the odd gaffe?

AFL Review of the game https://www.afl.com.au/news/378990/melbourne-midfielder-emerges-unscathed-from-practice-game

90% of the article is about the Dees ?

Interestingly, it says that Gus played the first half in the forward line which may explain why he was quiet and not sighted at center bounces. 

No injuries reported.

  On 28/02/2020 at 07:20, Lucifer's Hero said:

Interestingly, it says that Gus played the first half in the forward line which may explain why he was quiet and not sighted at center bounces.

Not too concerned by his first half no show. As per last year, he is lost when not in the middle. His dalliance forward no doubt would've been to give others time in the middle no doubt, as match goers will probably testify.

  On 28/02/2020 at 06:28, WERRIDEE said:

There was no 49. 48 was Briggs.

Ah yes, 48. Cheers. 

  On 28/02/2020 at 07:07, Reader said:

Appreciate the correction, I remember all the experts telling us we should take Hayden Young ahead of Jackson lol

Well I mean, there’s still plenty of time to see if they were right or not. About three or so years. But let’s do hope they were wrong. 

 Brayshaw eyes round one after elbow passes first big test

  On 28/02/2020 at 06:04, DeeSpencer said:

Backline: Lockhart the standout, too good for this inbetween VFL/AFL level. Josh Wagner was very solid and took a great mark. Rivers had his moments in the 3rd term, think he's got work to do to get a game but there's something there.

Mids: Was nice to see Baker back and showing some of the upside with pace and some nice kicks. Sparrow and Jordon cracked in all game. Brayshaw a cut above when he got rolling.

Forwards: Impressed by Brown up against some good opponents apart from his bad set shots. Fritsch dropped some easy ones, missed a few shots but always had signs to his class. Kossie had his moments and he clearly has the most class of the 4 smalls who played today. Spargo was very solid all game. Bedford had some awful shots on goal and field kicks but he very much outperformed what I expected with getting involved in the play and smart determined pressuring. 

What's the situation with Joel Smith, Hannan and Petty

  On 28/02/2020 at 06:10, Dee Zephyr said:

 

Anyone know why they were calling O Mac ‘Porter’? 

Pretty sure OMac's nickname is Porterhouse. Brayshaw especially has called him that on social media (for example, the Instagram takeover for team photos).

No idea why.

Did Lockhart play down back?

  On 28/02/2020 at 06:41, Dr.D said:

Not sure what game you were watching.  Bradtke got smashed in the ruck. even the vfl fill in did a much better job.

Have you seen Bradtke play previously?

Didn’t say he won the ruck, didn’t compare him to another player... he showed significant improvement vs the games I saw him play last year....

Is he AFL ready to ruck? Not a chance. Not many cat B rookies are.....

  On 28/02/2020 at 07:40, DemonLad5 said:

Did Lockhart play down back?

He did and was very good again. Looks a likely replacement for Jetta in a few years. In fact, both Lockhart and Rivers look like good long term options in the backline.

Good problem to have but Trac, Gus and Clarrie all thrive as the main man on ball....Christian can go forward but it’ll be interesting how we fit the 3 young alpha males into the one midfield. 

  On 28/02/2020 at 04:55, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Do we ignore the Essendon scratch match because it doesn't suit the upbeat narrative?

Yes that side had 6 AFL list players, it should be classed as a VFL practice match playing a AFL side, if you count it then you are a a fool

From AFL.com

At one stage, after a late Tarrant spoil on Bayley Fritsch – another standout in his first pre-season hitout – Pickett physically remonstrated with the North Melbourne backman.

Love it!

  On 28/02/2020 at 07:28, Demon Disciple said:

Not too concerned by his first half no show. As per last year, he is lost when not in the middle. His dalliance forward no doubt would've been to give others time in the middle no doubt, as match goers will probably testify.

Problem is he might have to find a role outside the middle and still be effective, Our starting 3 mids will probably be Viney, Oliver and Petracca. Harmes and Brayshaw will probably only get a gig when one of them is resting 

Edited February 28, 20205 yr by Garbo

  On 28/02/2020 at 08:20, Garbo said:

Problem is he might have to find a role outside the middle and still be effective, Our starting 3 mids will probably be Viney, Oliver and Petracca. Harmes and Brayshaw will probably only get a gig when one of them is resting 

75% game time in the middle for each of 4 is plenty of room for Gus.

The threats to him not playing midfield are:

1. Vanders a better option on ball

2. Melksham playing regular minutes on ball

3. Sparrow as a tagger 

  On 28/02/2020 at 08:20, Garbo said:

Problem is he might have to find a role outside the middle and still be effective, Our starting 3 mids will probably be Viney, Oliver and Petracca. Harmes and Brayshaw will probably only get a gig when one of them is resting 

definitely wouldn't have him on a wing, maybe have on a hff? Although Nut has shown a liking at nullifying the opposition and would be my got to in curbing the influence of the opposition's play-maker from half back.

  On 28/02/2020 at 06:45, DeeSpencer said:

On Fritsch - I think he should play to his match up. Obviously played a fair bit deep today as he was the 2nd tallest forward but when he's used as the 3rd or 4th tall option he should aim to exploit the match up. Dropped a few but struggled to get a lot of room against big key defenders today but if we can get him isolated deep on small/medium types he'll be very dangerous.

Agree, that's why I see him as a floater.

He will get blocked if he starts deep too often, but I can see him floating in and out a bit like Lynch at Adelaide but better overhead which means he can create those mis matches you are talking about...

  On 28/02/2020 at 04:32, khodder said:

Saw Harley Bennell at the ground. Biggest takeaway, he looks happy.

massive smile on his face

He was eating takeaway?

  On 28/02/2020 at 07:40, DemonLad5 said:

Did Lockhart play down back?

 

  On 28/02/2020 at 07:45, Lord Travis said:

He did and was very good again. Looks a likely replacement for Jetta in a few years. In fact, both Lockhart and Rivers look like good long term options in the backline.

 

I'd like Lockhart to play a round 1. 

Can Lockhart & Jetta play in the same team?

Replay (such as it is) seems to be up on Youtube:

 

 

2nd quarter: 

 

3rd quarter: 

 

 

4th quarter: 

 

that third quarter was really good

decision is - do i watch this hit n giggle state of origin or do i watch the dees' seconds?

  On 28/02/2020 at 04:26, Rodney (Balls) Grinter said:

Confidence still isn't really there at the moment.  He dropped a bit of a sitter last week as well.  Hopefully he can find some confidence again, because when he's on, I think he can make a useful contribution.

Agree I think he's good depth and I'm sure it's not all he did in the game but people see what they want to see and ignore the rest