CHANGES: Rd 07 vs Hawthorn

[binman 37,992]

27 minutes ago, rjay said:

If you think Smith was a headless chook playing back, have you seen him in a real game playing forward.

I reckon the headless chook routine can work for forwards. I have said all along we should play him up there.

He will attack the ball in the air and support Weed with this. Might even snag a few contested marks.

His athleticism, speed and leap makes him hard match up in the forward line and makes these attributes more of weapon than down back where they are useful, but not potentially game changing.

He tackles hard and having spent some time down back and preparing for that role the defensive side of his game will have improved. So he would provide good pressure inside our 50 metre arc (something we have lacked) and could even play a defensive role on attacking defenders, for example on Sicily this week.

It was pre season game, so not a real one per se, but the last time he played forward was against the lions in the 2019 preseason and he was dynamic. Kicked four from memory and was an aerial threat until he got hurt.  

If goody calls me this week to ask my advice on selection i'm going to suggest he drop Melksham and replace him with Smith. And put Smith on Sicily and tell him his job is to stop Sicily getting a single intercept mark, fly for the ball, bring it ground and crunch every hawk he can.

I might also suggest he put him on Frost for a bit just troll Demonland  

Edited July 13, 2020 by binman

[dimmy 1,114]

"Brayshaw didn't get a lot of it but again did his job, what I like about him is when in the centre bounces he knows how to spread and create space. He's knows how to get a clean clearance from the middle. I was looking for all that dejected, head down stuff that I read and saw none of it. He can do more but sometimes when Trac, Oliver and Viney are getting a lot of it there's not as much to go around. "

Petracca (bless him ) had a funny night Disposal efficiency wise, but has been our most effective player under 200cm.

Exactly , the problem is with our most prolific ballgetters is they do not spread which utilises Brayshaw. He cannot be expected to put another ball grabber in the midst of things. Once we get back to distributing the ball away from the stoppage, we will be firing.

OMac does his job in a low key way so it was good to see positives from people.. Not everyone gets 25 possessions etc. Can you name the whole of RIchmond's 2 premiership sides or Hawthorns/BL . No, because there were a lot of role/team players.

[DemonOX 8,530]

You watch the Hawks play keepings off just like the cats did.

It will be very interesting to see if Goody react this time rather than not being prepared for it.

Big test this week.

[rjay 23,895]

43 minutes ago, binman said:

I reckon the headless chook routine can work for forwards. I have said all along we should play him up there.

He will attack the ball in the air and support Weed with this. Might even snag a few contested marks.

His athleticism, speed and leap makes him hard match up in the forward line and makes these attributes more of weapon than down back where they are useful, but not potentially game changing.

He tackles hard and having spent some time down back and preparing for that role the defensive side of his game will have improved. So he would provide good pressure inside our 50 metre arc (something we have lacked) and could even play a defensive role on attacking defenders, for example on Sicily this week.

It was pre season game, so not a real one per se, but the last time he played forward was against the lions in the 2019 preseason and he was dynamic. Kicked four from memory and was an aerial threat until he got hurt.  

If goody calls me this week to ask my advice on selection i'm going to suggest he drop Melksham and replace him with Smith. And put Smith on Sicily and tell him his job is to stop Sicily getting a single intercept mark, fly for the ball, bring it ground and crunch every hawk he can.

I might also suggest he put him on Frost for a bit just troll Demonland  

What happened last time he was tried there (In real games, and not just one) was that he jumped all over Tommy & Hoges/Weid spoiling their marking attempts.

He also ran to the wrong places blocking their leading patterns.

So rather than support, he gets in the way.

The same as when we tried Frost forward, both are great athletes but don't have the football smarts as forwards nor as defenders in all honesty.

Edited July 13, 2020 by rjay

[Fat Tony 4,403]

34 minutes ago, binman said:

I reckon the headless chook routine can work for forwards. I have said all along we should play him up there.

He will attack the ball in the air and support Weed with this. Might even snag a few contested marks.

His athleticism, speed and leap makes him hard match up in the forward line and makes these attributes more of weapon than down back where they are useful, but not potentially game changing.

He tackles hard and having spent some time down back and preparing for that role the defensive side of his game will have improved. So he would provide good pressure inside our 50 metre arc (something we have lacked) and could even play a defensive role on attacking defenders, for example on Sicily this week.

It was pre season game, so not a real one per se, but the last time he played forward was against the lions in the 2019 preseason and he was dynamic. Kicked four from memory and was an aerial threat until he got hurt.  

If goody calls me this week to ask my advice on selection i'm going to suggest he drop Melksham and replace him with Smith. And put Smith on Sicily and tell him his job is to stop Sicily getting a single intercept mark, fly for the ball, bring it ground and crunch every hawk he can.

I might also suggest he put him on Frost for a bit just troll Demonland  

In offence, AFL footy is about finding space and having the ball kicked to advantage.

In defence, AFL footy is about coordinating as a team, so that space is covered equally, and particularly so the dangerous space is covered.

These changes have elevated the importance of having a good game sense for defenders and increased the importance of a leap for forwards, so that they can elevate and protect the marking contest.

Smith potentially has a bit of Jarred Waite about him and would be much better suited up forward.

[binman 37,992]

2 minutes ago, rjay said:

What happened last time he was tried there (In real games, and not just one) was that he jumped all over Tommy & Hoges/Weid spoiling their marking attempts.

 

Maybe. But given we barely take a mark, contested or other wise inside 50 that is not really a worry. Particularly if Smith can clunk some.

[binman 37,992]

8 minutes ago, Fat Tony said:

These changes have elevated the importance of having a good game sense for defenders and increased the importance of a leap for forwards, so that they can elevate and protect the marking contest.

Smith potentially has a bit of Jarred Waite about him and would be much better suited up forward.

You make a good point about his leap.

Funny because i was thinking watching the the games over the weekend that so often the ball is kicked inside 50 to huge packs and what team really need in those circumstances is not so much the big strong key forward who's strength is one on one marking but a player who can leap up and over packs. 

The ability to leap and if not able mark at least ensure the intercept players that are so key these days don't.

[BW511 2,243]

1 minute ago, binman said:

You make a good point about his leap.

Funny because i was thinking watching the the games over the weekend that so often the ball is kicked inside 50 to huge packs and what team really need in those circumstances is not so much the big strong key forward who's strength is one on one marking but a player who can leap up and over packs. 

The ability to leap and if not able mark at least ensure the intercept players that are so key these days don't.

Jeremy Howe is the ultimate example. Is now considered a very important member of the pies and widely regarded across the league.

He just floats around taking marks 90% of the time

[Wunders 385]

I also don't think smith on Sicily is a good idea, smith get's lost / suckered in, goes when he shouldn't and doesn't go when he should. I'd bring Brown in to man up on sicily if that's the way people want to play it. Plus brown can hurt sicily as a lead up forward and weid stays back.

I also think people forget that Howe sucks as a forward. Whoever plays him just bodies him and doesn't let him jump. So Smith would have to be able to judge the flight of the ball better than his defender (doubtful) and be given a clear run up to jump (doubtful).

The idea is a good one, but requires space otherwise it falls short (i.e. how often is a forward given space to position himself and then run and jump over a pack to mark? Never in the melbourne forward line.

Edited July 13, 2020 by Wunders
Responding to recent comments

[Demon Dynasty 15,404]

2 hours ago, picket fence said:

You must be joking ?? Weeds OUT?? What game were you watching ? he competed, did what was asked, crunched a few packs, presenting crumbing opportunities and when Tommy was out was our only tall, kicked 2 vital goals, and will get better with confidence AND GAMES.

He stays in for the rest of the year in my book unless his form drops right of!

I don't know about the rest of the year PF but agree with the rest.

Much room for improvement when the ball hits the deck though.

[DeePressed 114]

OUT: Lockhart, Tmac

IN: Jones, Tomlinson

 

[daisycutter 28,494]

any news on tmac's eye injury?

[Bitter but optimistic 21,238]

2 minutes ago, daisycutter said:

any news on tmac's eye injury?

No serious damage and a chance to play according to The Sin 

[deelusions from afar 1,608]

2 hours ago, ben russell said:

Nev got annihilated by a first gamer and Lockhart was basically unsighted for 3 quarters.

Team changes don’t have to be like-for-like. 

They don't have to be - but that's the way the FD tends to go (remember Goodwin talking about Harley only getting a game against Carlton as the others that play the same role not being fit / ready / available).

Obviously it will come down to matchups but Hawthorn have the potential to have multiple dangerous small forwards (depending on where they play eg Wingard and Puopolo etc).  If not Jetta who would you feel comfortable doing this?  And I know May can do it, but if he doesn't take a key tall, then it means Lever does and we all know that's not ideal!

And when you say Nev got annihilated by a first gamer... he won't be the first one to be by that player.  And do you know who Lockhart played on?  Being unsighted as a defender is not necessarily a bad thing if his dangerous opponent is equally unsighted.

[Diamond_Jim 11,743]

1 hour ago, DemonOX said:

You watch the Hawks play keepings off just like the cats did.

It will be very interesting to see if Goody react this time rather than not being prepared for it.

Big test this week.

Think they may try and take the game on a little more but there is no doubt that they will pack our fifty metre area and  then quickly precision kick out.

The gameplan needs a scalpel approach to our foward fifty entries rather than the usual sledgehammer. Would be nice to have a 55 metre goal kicker.

[buck_nekkid 5,479]

43 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Think they may try and take the game on a little more but there is no doubt that they will pack our fifty metre area and  then quickly precision kick out.

The gameplan needs a scalpel approach to our foward fifty entries rather than the usual sledgehammer. Would be nice to have a 55 metre goal kicker.

Hawks put so many behind the ball it is ridiculous.  I saw footage of an oppo entry a few weeks ago and there were 6 deep dorks just choking things up.  Fast ball movement has to be key.

[BScotti 112]

If TMac is out why not consider Tomlinson as CHF,?  Tall, mobile, can grab and not a bad kick.  Otherwise Melk out for Brown

 

 

[YesitwasaWin4theAges 5,795]

2 hours ago, DemonOX said:

You watch the Hawks play keepings off just like the cats did.

It will be very interesting to see if Goody react this time rather than not being prepared for it.

Big test this week.

I'd be staggered if we have not prepared sufficiently for this possible scenario.

Tomlinson to CHF an interesting prospect if no Tmac this week.

 

 

Edited July 13, 2020 by Win4theAges

[Ethan Tremblay 28,362]

Out(s): TMac (injured), Lockhart (omitted).

In(s): Brown, Rivers/Jordon

On notice: Melksham. 

[binman 37,992]

2 hours ago, daisycutter said:

any news on tmac's eye injury?

Went to hospital. No major damage, though nasty. Will assess this week.  A chance to play.

Source:

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/742687/injury-report-darren-burgess?videoId=742687&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1594615442001

 

[picket fence 15,127]

4 hours ago, binman said:

You make a good point about his leap.

Funny because i was thinking watching the the games over the weekend that so often the ball is kicked inside 50 to huge packs and what team really need in those circumstances is not so much the big strong key forward who's strength is one on one marking but a player who can leap up and over packs. 

The ability to leap and if not able mark at least ensure the intercept players that are so key these days don't.

Gawwwd it must be obvious to a lot of LANDERS but I'll say it again aqnd Simon I DO hope u are paying attention...

Before SMITH was crucified by keeping him on in a practice match at Casey in 2019 he was playing up forward and kicked about 4 goals with a bustedd Groin, Ok I'll say this he is a pure fly for it mark like his ol man, He does things on instinct, HE IS A FORWARD play him there with Weeds AND T Mac, drop Milkshake for a while and see what a Forward 6 of Harley, Smith, Fritschkrieg, The picket Fence MRK 2 T MAC and one other!!

Go on Goody U know it just might work!!

Edited July 13, 2020 by picket fence

[Razza13 13]

I watched the replay today.

I can't believe people are saying Brayshaw to be dropped. Yes he had limited possessions however he isn't an inside mid. He plays an outside mid where two of Oliver/Viney/Petracca plays in the guts while Brayshaw sits back waiting for the handball receive so he can launch it long and also if suns wins the clearance, Brayshaw will apply pressure trying to stop them breaking through the lines.

In 2nd quarter, Brayshaw applied pressure on two players resulting their kick out on the full. He also is a great interceptor, he times it well and intercepted beautifully punching the ball away which could've been an easy kick into their forward line. He has also intercepted again by marking it however he kicked the post. Brayshaw mans up when suns have the ball running into their forward line. I would be very surprised if he gets dropped. When Brayshaw rests, Melksham takes the centre bounces.

We certainly do have an predictable kick ins where May kicks it to Gawn. No need to complain about that, all teams kick to the same spot 90% of the time as i watched all 9 games every weekend. Only once of those kick ins, suns won the ball. As long as we have Gawn and T-Mac there with mids at their feet to crumble, we should win 80% of the time.

Rankine will be a future superstar. Lockhart was on Rankine when he snapped his 1st goal but it was melbourne's fault due to their fumble.
2nd goal, Lever gave Rankine too much space. The third goal, Jetta failed to put a block on Rankine. Also Jetta didn't put the block on rankine at the same contest however luckily, Langdon smothered Rankine's kick.
Jetta didn't have a good game but i can give him another chance only if he goes on Puopolo.

T-mac was pretty good in the 1st quarter, Just after centre bounces, he runs up, dragging his defender out of the forward line giving Weideman space. T-mac is a good runner, so he will continue play high up the ground while Weideman stays back.

Bennell played beautifully, he has plenty of time and space to make decisions. He needs to play centre in Brayshaws role while brayshaw rests on the bench. Bennell helps us move the ball forward, he opens the game out.

Hannan was clearly top 5 best players against suns. He made 3 important passes that resulted in goals.

Weideman was very solid, he stood tall. He crashed packs when he knew he couldn't mark to allow the ball to drop to ground for the dees to crumble. That resulted in VIneys pick up and leads to demon goal. Another one was just before where Pickett tapped it to Fritchch who then kicked the goal. Weideman should've gotten 3 frees, he was pushed out of contests 3 times.

Viney/Oliver/Petracca did a lot of great things and some of bad things. Few mistakes, bad kicking etc however they played their role.

 

[Pates 9,536]

3 hours ago, binman said:

Went to hospital. No major damage, though nasty. Will assess this week.  A chance to play.

Source:

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/742687/injury-report-darren-burgess?videoId=742687&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1594615442001

Jeez that's lucky, Dr. Browny was worried his retina was damaged. ?

Seriously though that is really good to hear, will be interesting to see how they play it with him. It's not exactly an injury you can deal with other than waiting.

If they decide not to go with TMac I think Brown comes in, possible switch up is bring Smith in and play him as a forward. I just worry they will get in each others way. Brown's experience I think will combine better with Weiderman.

[Diamond_Jim 11,743]

Not many players really crunched their game against the Suns but each probably did enough to go round again.

Melksham and Lockhart would be the two I would look at but I would be fine if they stayed.

Would be looking for a greater contribution from AVB.

I thought Brayshaw showed touches of class....

If we are playing Salem on the wing we need a good kick on the backline. Is Rivers as a replacement for Lockhart that person? (I'm not sure.)

[Farmer 683]

On 7/11/2020 at 9:45 PM, dazzledavey36 said:

Jetta is cooked, but who would we bring in to replace him? Not sure I'd be bring back Rivers yet.

Brayshaw might be under the gun. He is a huge worry and unfortunately he just plodded around tonight. Does a Sparrow or Tomlinson come in?

Jetta cooked? First game back, ran into something special. Surely he deserves another match .