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Very sadly, you are correct. 

Goodwin is not an AFL quality coach however he has a squad of players many of whom are not AFL level footballers.  Combine the two and the recipe will fail most times.  As suggested within the thread, some very harsh calls need to be made re the playing list but in turn, Goodwin needs to be on the receving end of an arze kicking too.  What is/has happening/happened at our club from a team/coaching perspective would not be tolerated in a country league.

I first started supporting the Club in 1966 when at age 14, I came down to Melbourne from Brisbane when my father was relocated with his work.  I had played junior rugby league for the Norths Devils so the Demons were a logical choice to support.

54 years later and I have seen every other club in the former VFL win a flag except us (I count Fitzroy as Brisbane and South Melbourne as Sydney) not to mention SA and WA teams enjoy success in the AFL.

It is only in the past two years that I have been genuinely embarassed to support the MFC.  In particular, the past 2 weeks have gutted me. Yeah, we have had some terrible years but I'd always hang my hat onto something to remain positive.  Not now.

We have star players in Petracca, Gawn, Oliver and May supported by, at least on paper, a fair supporting cast.  We should be reasonably  competitive. Against Sydney, watching those guys walking after a Swans player running with the ball towards goal made me ill.  There is no excuse for that and no excuse for the utter rubbish that we have served up in the past two games. 

I guess the idea of me seeing my demons win a premiership is no longer a pipe dream. In fact, the exact opposite is the truth.  I cannot see it happening anytime soon.  As I am not in the greatest of health, that really, really stings and to be quite frank, leaves this old mans heart sickened and sad.  

 

I've said it before, but the best thing that the ATO could do for us is to cut list sizes to 35 or less. That would force us to be absolutely ruthless with our delistings at the end of this season.

Retirements: Jones, Jetta, Kolodjashnij

Delistings: Spargo, Bedford, Hannan, Jordon, Nietschke, Hunt, Chandler, Brown, C.Wagner, J.Wagner, Smith, Bradtke, Dunkley

Potential Trades: Salem, Melksham, Fritsch

Surviving due to contracts only: Vandenberg, Neal-Bullen, Baker

One year deals: Hibberd, Bennell, O.McDonald, Hore

Two year deals: Petty, Sparrow, Fritsch (if not traded). Viney presumably gets a longer deal if he wants to stay.

Bring in at least six players from trades and the draft, even though some morons decided to trade out our first round pick for a small forward who gets about three kicks a game.

 
6 hours ago, Half forward flank said:

Its scary stuff as none of that lot have been regulars starting 18 this year. So leaves a heap of regulars who constantly let us down, Melksham, ANB and battlers like AVB and other.

Yep! We tend to overate non-performers and our list in general.

can anyone find a link to the article last october when we resigned 8 players... cant remember who the 8 were all on 1 or 2 yr deals, would love to see it for reference

 

*found it*

https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/melbourne-lock-away-eight-young-players-for-2020-season/4uk11ik6qbgt1ir5l4go0a934

Edited by Turner


10 hours ago, bing181 said:

Going to be an interesting end of the year. Apart from some of the names already mentioned, could see players like Hannan, Hunt, ANB, VDB all being on the chopping block. Some of the younger players could be cut some slack, but we can't go on carrying the 6-8 possessions per match rotating door players.

I'd like Hunt to stay, think he's a versatile squad option.

But he's been out of the team for large chunks of the season, writing may be on the wall for him or he may be may want to seek other opportunities 

it's all deckchairs on the titanic unfortunately

our list is bereft of quality outside the top half dozen or so players, and our coaching department is clearly substandard

On 9/5/2020 at 1:35 PM, Ethan Tremblay said:

He does some good things when we’re up and about but goes missing far too often. I’m 50/50 at the moment, depending on who else is likely to get cut. Here’s the current list with OOC date, with thanks to @Lucifer's Hero

image.png.a1be417cea47536c957a26f408331464.png

Looking at this list realistically based on contracts etc..

Bedford, Smith, Wagner x 2, Jones, Spargo and OMc all should go, no features to suggest they are going to make it. J Wagner, plays a role, but just hasn't improved his skill or decision making to a level that justifies retaining him any longer. I'd put Fritsch, Hunt and Hannan on the table for trade and see what is offered. If no reasonable offers, they are offered 1 year.

1 year offers for Hibberd, Jordon and Hore. Hibberd has had a pretty good year which is a credit as he was poor last year and has obviously had a difficult year personally. Deserves another year. Jordon and Hore, juries out still, I'd give both a year to make a call.

Nietschke - rookie spot. I have no idea, but the club has promised to keep him on, so a rookie spot is reasonable.

Petty, Viney and Sparrow I'd offer 2 years. I think all have shown enough despite flaws in Viney and Sparrow. Petty also looked very good at the end of last year, so if you are trying to stop him looking at S.A offers, need to offer what may be a slight overs offer.

Rookies; Keep Bennell see if he improves with a pre-season, upgrade Lockhart to the main list, the rest have probably had their chance so replace most if not all (No idea on Bradtke though?).

2021 contracted

Baker will have no currency and is contracted. Try to make him useful and see if he can do a hard run with role. He has some size and speed, but seems to have no footy nous and poor skills. It's paramount to try and make these type of players fit a role, whereas at present we seem to allow them to continue playing a role they clearly don't have the talent for!!

KK retires, Jetta considers retiring and a role at the club or captains Casey, contracted and his leadership is needed (just about our only genuine leader)?

ANB, Preuss - offered on the trade table  to see what is available. Preuss can stay if nothing meaningful, but is aware he only plays if Gawn is injured.

ANB if he doesn't get an offer (take any offer), most likely plays out season at Casey.

The rest stay, but AVB is advised he can stay beyond only with a good year and if so is signed year on year (no more multi year for him).

2022 and beyond

Brayshaw, Melksham, T McDonald and Harmes all on trade table, see what is offered? They obviously stay if no real interest or offers are unders. Not saying they all get traded, just see what is offered and if one or 2 get offers that warrant consideration or a move, so be it.

We will still have NQR players

The good sides still have NQR's, but their skill is making them still fulfil a role, whether they are good tacklers and pressure players or very good defensively in the air or whatever it may be, they find a way for them to play to their limitations. Our issue is the NQR still try to be ball users and outside type players with little defensive skills and little to hurt the opposition if they do in fact get it.

Like probably others here, I have coached senior footy for a fair few years and the first thing you assess with a list is how you can best utilise each player for the benefit of the team. What role can this player do that is within their skill set that will assist the side to win matches? With the cattle available, what game plan will allow us to be the most competitive we can be each week to win games. That should carry through at all levels and it isn't rocket science.

We don't seem to do this do we? Blokes like Baker, Bedford (probably slightly harsh but still 2 years on a list) ANB and Hunt etc.., they just don't seem to have a real purpose. They don't show any real consistent defensive aspects, they aren't skilful enough to hurt from an attacking aspect, therefore they're just filler and not the good waterproof stuff either! 

If we keep Baker, ANB, Hunt etc... they just have to be turned into role players to try and get some value from them, at the moment they really don't fit any category. (not offensive, not defensive, not creative nor aggressive).

The reality is you can't get rid of everyone in one fell swoop, so if you have to keep some of the players, work out their limits and try to find a viable purpose. Again, every team has these blokes, its just that the better clubs, seem to be able to find the roles for NQR, (remember even Townsend at Richmond played in a premiership a few years ago as a cog in the game plan and the list of similar is endless) while others try to get them to become players and fill roles that their skill level is incapable of.

End Rant!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both McDonalds trade.  Go and spend the dollars on a key forward, and speed with kicking skills.

finally Goodwins brand and game style does not suit the list he has recruited.  Goodwin is all over the shop, apart from players, this dumb club should go after a proven coach, proven footy dept head and leadership advisor.

if they can be lured, I would get Lyon, Yze, Balme and Hodge.

clear out the failed ones.

5 minutes ago, Soidee said:

Both McDonalds trade.  

Do you think the list manager at Richmond is calling Oscar’s manager for a highlight reel?

You can’t trade what doesn’t have value. 


In a year where football scouts haven't been able to see players in the NAB league, school footy, VAFA, VFL, WAFL, NEAFL etc. It would be foolish IMO to let go of so many players without knowing what talent we could bring into the club. It would have to have been based off 2019 form. Therefore I don't see us getting rid of many players. It will also depend on the list sizes for next year, from what i've read it will be reduced to a list size of 40. 

7 minutes ago, Caligula's cohort said:

In a year where football scouts haven't been able to see players in the NAB league, school footy, VAFA, VFL, WAFL, NEAFL etc. It would be foolish IMO to let go of so many players without knowing what talent we could bring into the club. It would have to have been based off 2019 form. Therefore I don't see us getting rid of many players. It will also depend on the list sizes for next year, from what i've read it will be reduced to a list size of 40. 

I agree to some extent, so while I would be willing to put many on the table, you would only accept a trade where the terms are decent.  I would say 2-3 trades if the value was there would be the max. You also have to offer something to get something, hence a Brayshaw or Fritsch who have value but seem to have regressed may attract a good offer. If not, you hope they improve and retain them.  The trade can be for future year picks too to remove some of the speculative nature or for listed players that meet a need?

I think the bottom of the list though has been tried, and just no good. Cutting 6 players plus the majority of rookies is probably too many in one season, but if lists are cut, that may not be far from the mark with a minimum 2-3 picks + plus rookies to come in and any traded selections?

Can we renogiate Lever's salary.

His last 2 seasons at Adelaide he averaged close to 6 marks and 16 disposals a game.

This year in 15 games for us that has dropped to just under 10 disposals and 4 marks. His tackle count has gone down as well.

I suppose May has been doing the most of the work.

I recall that game in Nt where he had a ripper but that hasmt been the norm.

I know he does a lot of spoiling but is supposed to be the bloke  taking hold and springing from the backline and setting up our mids.

Hasnt happened.

Chopping block both Wagners, Hunt, Smith, O McDonald, Hannan, Hiddered, Dunkley   and Chandler.

Rookie  Bedford and Neiz

Retire Jones kk and jetta.

Trade for peanuts Pruess, T McDonald, and ANB 4th rounder 

Trade Table Brayshaw,Top 2nd rounder sparrow peanuts  Hames  3rd rounder 

Gus is a great  inside mid playing on the wing. 

Weidman  could be moved if Collingwood were interested.  2nd rounder

Oliver would snapped up  with  2 top 1 st rounders

Trac likewise 

Gawn too 

1 1 st rounder for May 

Imagine the  possibility 

 

23 hours ago, Krackered said:

Chopping block both Wagners, Hunt, Smith, O McDonald, Hannan, Hiddered, Dunkley   and Chandler.

Rookie  Bedford and Neiz

Retire Jones kk and jetta.

Trade for peanuts Pruess, T McDonald, and ANB 4th rounder 

Trade Table Brayshaw,Top 2nd rounder sparrow peanuts  Hames  3rd rounder 

Gus is a great  inside mid playing on the wing. 

Weidman  could be moved if Collingwood were interested.  2nd rounder

Oliver would snapped up  with  2 top 1 st rounders

Trac likewise 

Gawn too 

1 1 st rounder for May 

Imagine the  possibility 

 

We could rename ourselves to the 2020 Draftmons and target 2028 as our year.


23 hours ago, Krackered said:

Chopping block both Wagners, Hunt, Smith, O McDonald, Hannan, Hiddered, Dunkley   and Chandler.

Rookie  Bedford and Neiz

Retire Jones kk and jetta.

Trade for peanuts Pruess, T McDonald, and ANB 4th rounder 

Trade Table Brayshaw,Top 2nd rounder sparrow peanuts  Hames  3rd rounder 

Gus is a great  inside mid playing on the wing. 

Weidman  could be moved if Collingwood were interested.  2nd rounder

Oliver would snapped up  with  2 top 1 st rounders

Trac likewise 

Gawn too 

1 1 st rounder for May 

Imagine the  possibility 

 

??‍♂️??‍♂️??‍♂️Troll!

On 9/8/2020 at 7:01 PM, Krackered said:

Chopping block both Wagners, Hunt, Smith, O McDonald, Hannan, Hiddered, Dunkley   and Chandler.

Rookie  Bedford and Neiz

Retire Jones kk and jetta.

Trade for peanuts Pruess, T McDonald, and ANB 4th rounder 

Trade Table Brayshaw,Top 2nd rounder sparrow peanuts  Hames  3rd rounder 

Gus is a great  inside mid playing on the wing. 

Weidman  could be moved if Collingwood were interested.  2nd rounder

Oliver would snapped up  with  2 top 1 st rounders

Trac likewise 

Gawn too 

1 1 st rounder for May 

Imagine the  possibility 

 

There is a word or 2 for you.

I don't see wholesale changes and hope there aren't. If this club is to move forward the admin must stick to their plan for now and the future and adjust it as necessary. This year is a mess due to COVID and we must stay the course. I am not surprised that 3 teams that have endured and are ready for finals are the Cats, Eagles and Tigers as they have mature lists, with structure and good systems in place. I am not convinced Port and the Lions will do well in the finals.

The fact that 3 first year players, Picket, Jackson and Rivers have had such an impact is good, but also reflects badly on the existing troops. I don't think that the club thought Jones, Jetta, T Mac and to a lesser extent Melksham would have their form fall away so dramatically and we haven't had troops step up to play at their level at their best. This can be seen in last years draft strategy.

I like that some posters have listed rucks, forwards, backs and mids as this is what recruiters do looking who is out of contract and who is ageing and what do we need. I repeat this does not entail a mass cleanup at the end of season. 

Jones o.o.c probably won't get another, Jetta has a year to run and Mac & Melk have longer term contracts and I hope KK retires for his own good. Hopefully Petty is available next year. I expect if lists are reduced that many of the ooc players will not be renewed ie Oscar, Bedford, Brown and maybe both Wagners so that is 7. Viney if he wishes to exercise his RFA right. We may only have 4 draft selections to bring someone new in anyway.

 

  • Author

2021 TEAM

B: SALEM, MAY, LEVER

HB: RIVERES, TOMLINSON, HIBBERD

C : LANGDON, PETRACCA, WILLIAMS\ATKINS (FREE AGENT)

HF: MELKSHAM, JACKSON, FRITSCH

F: PICKETT, WEIDEMAN, BENNELL (ROOKIE)

FOLL: GAWN, OLIVER, VINEY

IC: BRAYSHAW, HARMES, SPARROW, VANDENBERG

 

RESERVES

B: JETTA, SMITH, LOCKHART (PROMOTE)

HB: KOLODJASHNIJ (ROOKIE), HORE, NEITSCHKE (ROOKIE)

C : BAKER, JORDON, DRAFT PICK

HF: HANNAN, PETTY, NEAL-BULLEN

F: BEDFORD, T.MCDONALD, SPARGO

FOLL: PREUSS, DRAFT PICK, DRAFT PICK

IC: BRADTKE (ROOKIE), DRAFT PICK, ROOKIE, ROOKIE

 

4 PICKS IN THE DRAFT AND LOCKHART PROMOTED

4 ROOKIES KEEP BRADTKE AND BENNELL ROOKIE KOLODJASHNIJ AND NEITSCHKE

DELIST JONES, O.MCDONALD, HUNT, J.WAGNER 

DELISTED ROOKIES CHANDLER, BROWN, C.WAGNER, DUNKLEY

Edited by WERRIDEE


  • Author
9 minutes ago, WERRIDEE said:

2021 TEAM

B: SALEM, MAY, LEVER

HB: RIVERES, TOMLINSON, HIBBERD

C : LANGDON, PETRACCA, WILLIAMS\ATKINS (FREE AGENT)

HF: MELKSHAM, JACKSON, FRITSCH

F: PICKETT, WEIDEMAN, BENNELL (ROOKIE)

FOLL: GAWN, OLIVER, VINEY

IC: BRAYSHAW, HARMES, SPARROW, VANDENBERG

 

RESERVES

B: JETTA, SMITH, LOCKHART (PROMOTE)

HB: KOLODJASHNIJ (ROOKIE), HORE, NEITSCHKE (ROOKIE)

C : BAKER, JORDON, DRAFT PICK

HF: HANNAN, PETTY, NEAL-BULLEN

F: BEDFORD, T.MCDONALD SPARGO

FOLL: PREUSS, DRAFT PICK, DRAFT PICK

IC: BRADTKE (ROOKIE), DRAFT PICK, ROOKIE, ROOKIE

 

4 PICKS IN THE DRAFT AND LOCKHART PROMOTED

4 ROOKIES KEEP BRADTKE AND BENNELL ROOKIE KOLODJASHNIJ AND NEITSCHKE

DELIST JONES, O.MCDONALD, HUNT, J.WAGNER 

DELISTED ROOKIES CHANDLER, BROWN, C.WAGNER, DUNKLEY

 

1 hour ago, WERRIDEE said:

2021 TEAM

B: SALEM, MAY, LEVER

HB: RIVERES, TOMLINSON, HIBBERD

C : LANGDON, PETRACCA, WILLIAMS\ATKINS (FREE AGENT)

HF: MELKSHAM, JACKSON, FRITSCH

F: PICKETT, WEIDEMAN, BENNELL (ROOKIE)

FOLL: GAWN, OLIVER, VINEY

IC: BRAYSHAW, HARMES, SPARROW, VANDENBERG

 

 

 

 

 

Hope we can get Zac Williams.

 

1 hour ago, WERRIDEE said:

 

Seriously if Petty and Lockhart are not in the best 22 there is very little hope of a better season AND Jordan, Bedford or Baker would be better Options surely than AVB who sadly is only a shadow of his best.

At least a couple of strategic trades Viz Zac Williams and say Narkle or similar would benefit the team.

Very little culling of the list also looking at Reserves. Smith KK Jets (retire) ANB Hannan have proved this season that They are not up to it.

Abd the one big addition that would solve many problems is a new Coach IMO the best available by far is Ross Lyon And he can bring his assistants!! All of them.

Then maybe 2021 could be the season we all crave for.

 
13 minutes ago, 58er said:

Seriously if Petty and Lockhart are not in the best 22 there is very little hope of a better season AND Jordan, Bedford or Baker would be better Options surely than AVB who sadly is only a shadow of his best.

At least a couple of strategic trades Viz Zac Williams and say Narkle or similar would benefit the team.

Very little culling of the list also looking at Reserves. Smith KK Jets (retire) ANB Hannan have proved this season that They are not up to it.

Abd the one big addition that would solve many problems is a new Coach IMO the best available by far is Ross Lyon And he can bring his assistants!! All of them.

Then maybe 2021 could be the season we all crave for.

Yes thats more like it.   Would have Petty and Lockhart in my round 1 team and hope we will have replaced Melksham, AVB and Hibberd  with better options...   whether from our list or via recruiting.

Edited by Pickett2Jackson


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