Goodwin emphasized in his latest interview that players will be selected on form. I think he was setting the scene for the non-selection of TMac. Jones and/or Tomlinson would be the likely inclusions methinks.

12 minutes ago, binman said:

opinion or fact?

Opinion 

15 hours ago, Rob Mac...... said:

Every time I see Fritta I think of Eraserhead

Frosty?

Always thought Clayton Oliver looked like the identical twin of Brienne off Game of Thrones.

Interesting insight into selection here:

Melbourne do not intend to rest players during the compressed fixture period, having prepared their team for four-day breaks when the AFL was postponed in between April and June.

The Demons' conditioning coach Darren Burgess used his experience with the English Premier League – where short breaks between games are common – to ready the players for the demands of playing games in shorter time frames.

...

Goodwin said they were yet to determine whether they would play three tall forwards given that Sam Weideman and Luke Jackson played so well against Hawthorn, and revealed they were even considering using McDonald on the wing.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/no-rest-for-demons-as-they-contemplate-playing-tom-mcdonald-on-a-wing-20200723-p55eog.html?fbclid=IwAR3LTx6WUzOv6KAOZfiMtM_VXRLr8usqBtFu_pt5KnR9A7ZOXecnkgdnYGk

With the unfortunate need to fill the gap of AVB, the most obvious attempt at a like-for-like sub would be Tomlinson. 
 

Curious though, have folks basically committed The Nibbler to the too-hard basket? He doesn’t get mentioned around these parts very often lately, but he’s our best two-way runner in the team. Not enough perhaps? 

Still wondering why the people that wanted Oliver dropped aren't still wanting him dropped?..oh he's fixed his kicking and decision making in 2 weeks? LOL. People are so dumb

1 hour ago, deelusions from afar said:

Always thought Clayton Oliver looked like the identical twin of Brienne off Game of Thrones.

Interesting insight into selection here:

Melbourne do not intend to rest players during the compressed fixture period, having prepared their team for four-day breaks when the AFL was postponed in between April and June.

The Demons' conditioning coach Darren Burgess used his experience with the English Premier League – where short breaks between games are common – to ready the players for the demands of playing games in shorter time frames.

...

Goodwin said they were yet to determine whether they would play three tall forwards given that Sam Weideman and Luke Jackson played so well against Hawthorn, and revealed they were even considering using McDonald on the wing.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/no-rest-for-demons-as-they-contemplate-playing-tom-mcdonald-on-a-wing-20200723-p55eog.html?fbclid=IwAR3LTx6WUzOv6KAOZfiMtM_VXRLr8usqBtFu_pt5KnR9A7ZOXecnkgdnYGk

So, Goodwin's been reading Demonland again.

1 hour ago, Mel Bourne said:

With the unfortunate need to fill the gap of AVB, the most obvious attempt at a like-for-like sub would be Tomlinson. 
 

Curious though, have folks basically committed The Nibbler to the too-hard basket? He doesn’t get mentioned around these parts very often lately, but he’s our best two-way runner in the team. Not enough perhaps? 

We've seen Nibbler on the wing before at it isn't pretty. We could try Harmes/Bennell or Fritsch on the wing and give Nibble a go at half forward again, but at the moment we've managed to get forward pressure out of Kossie, Hannan and Harmes/Petracca resting forward.

I think he'll get a go during the shorter break times, that's where his endurance will be of most value especially against a team with tired legs.

1 hour ago, Dr.D said:

Still wondering why the people that wanted Oliver dropped aren't still wanting him dropped?..oh he's fixed his kicking and decision making in 2 weeks? LOL. People are so dumb

but not you?

3 hours ago, deelusions from afar said:

Always thought Clayton Oliver looked like the identical twin of Brienne off Game of Thrones.

Interesting insight into selection here:

Melbourne do not intend to rest players during the compressed fixture period, having prepared their team for four-day breaks when the AFL was postponed in between April and June.

The Demons' conditioning coach Darren Burgess used his experience with the English Premier League – where short breaks between games are common – to ready the players for the demands of playing games in shorter time frames.

...

Goodwin said they were yet to determine whether they would play three tall forwards given that Sam Weideman and Luke Jackson played so well against Hawthorn, and revealed they were even considering using McDonald on the wing.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/no-rest-for-demons-as-they-contemplate-playing-tom-mcdonald-on-a-wing-20200723-p55eog.html?fbclid=IwAR3LTx6WUzOv6KAOZfiMtM_VXRLr8usqBtFu_pt5KnR9A7ZOXecnkgdnYGk

The only really big advantage I could see with TMAC on the wing is to change up our one dimensional approach from our kick in. Always went to Gawn last week. Opposition will surely focus on countering this.

Could we spread Brisbane thin by running a marking option on both sides of the field?

I'd be worried about TMACs lack of pace against Brisbane playing on the wing unless we really felt we were after aerial domination.

Fair bit of rain coming through over next few days too.

I think TMAC was starting to get some touch back before his injury. Just not sure where he would fit.

17 hours ago, M_9 said:

I'm getting nervous thinking what Charlie Cameron could do to us. I'm not sure Salem or Hibberd have the pace. I know Hunt's form is down but I'd be tempted to play him or Rivers to 'wear' Cameron. Another option would be Werridee's line up but swapping Harmes and Salem.

Lockhart will get him I think.  

1 hour ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

So, Goodwin's been reading Demonland again.

Demonland is now the club’s unofficial selection panel.

2 hours ago, Dr.D said:

Still wondering why the people that wanted Oliver dropped aren't still wanting him dropped?..oh he's fixed his kicking and decision making in 2 weeks? LOL. People are so dumb

Why do you keep harping on about this?  We get it - people wanted Oliver dropped, which was a classic Demonland overreaction.  No need to mention it in every post you make.

21 minutes ago, Demons11 said:

Lockhart will get him I think.  

Jetta will get him he's not done and dusted yet struggled against Rankine but his form on Wingard was good.

2 hours ago, Dr.D said:

Still wondering why the people that wanted Oliver dropped aren't still wanting him dropped?..oh he's fixed his kicking and decision making in 2 weeks? LOL. People are so dumb

That’s about as useful as saying all Dr’s are arrogant know it alls. Oh, wait.....

If TMac plays on the wing he will be on Robinson or McCluggage both very good at playing the wing role.  I fear Tom may be a bit at sea in that position.

Would think the Lions will attack thru his side of the ground.

Edited July 23, 20205 yr by Lucifer's Hero

Just now, Lucifer's Hero said:

If TMac plays on the wing he will be on Robinson or McCluggage both very good at playing the wing role.  I fear Tom may be a bit at sea in that position.

It's a big pity old "bruise-free" Robinson is going to miss his date with VDB.

3 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

If TMac plays on the wing he will be on Robinson or McCluggage both very good at playing the wing role.  I fear Tom may be a bit at sea in that position.

My thoughts although if you play through him and force them to be accountable that's an option but personally I would bring in Tomlinson 

T.Mac should play CHF running to the wings and half back line to chop out Gawn.

One play could be to sub McDonald for Vanders, play McDonald and Weid up forward with Jackson on a wing (subbing in for Gawn in the ruck and Weid/McDonald). 

Jackson seems to have a few more dimensions to his game than McDonald, so might be better in a wing role than McDonald. I'd be worried about having someone run off McDonald if he's used in a midfield role.

1 hour ago, Brownie said:

The only really big advantage I could see with TMAC on the wing is to change up our one dimensional approach from our kick in. Always went to Gawn last week. Opposition will surely focus on countering this.

Could we spread Brisbane thin by running a marking option on both sides of the field?

I'd be worried about TMACs lack of pace against Brisbane playing on the wing unless we really felt we were after aerial domination.

Fair bit of rain coming through over next few days too.

I think TMAC was starting to get some touch back before his injury. Just not sure where he would fit.

Wasnt that one of the reasons we got Tomlinson? He can actually take a grab and his endurance is very good.

Doesn't seem to like body contact tho.....hmmm. That could be a GWS thing that we have to train him out of..

Weather forecast for Gold Coast

Friday up to 35mm rain

Saturday up to 25mm rain

Sunday up to 35mm rain

I'm tipping we don't want 3 talls in the fwd line.....!

 

I think it's down to one of three options:

1. TMac comes in.  As Brownie said he was definitely improving each week prior to getting injured.   Wouldn't mind seeing Fritsch / Bennell / Melksham get some time on the wing if TMac is considered not agile enough for the role (clearly no doubt about his tank) and then TMac is another forward target.  The downside for TMac is that weather reports indicate the extra height at the expense of a runner might not be preferable.

2. Tomlinson.  Surely it's what he's recruited for?  I thought he was decent in some of the matches he's played but certainly doesn't have the hurt factor that VDB has and for his size doesn't seem to make the most of it in marking contests. 

3. Is Jones a chance?  Unfortunately I think he's not in our best 22 (prob not even top 25) anymore - there is no clear position for him.  However surely this is his week if there ever was one.  Would love to see him get to 300 as he has carried and bled for us for so many years... but it appears they don't want to be carrying anyone any more.  Would be a huge team lifter if he could come in and kick a few goals.

Was thinking TMac could be some insurance if Weid or LJ can't back up last weeks form, but if it's going to be wet not so sure. A lot of thought needs to go into selection.

17 minutes ago, jnrmac said:

Weather forecast for Gold Coast

Friday up to 35mm rain

Saturday up to 25mm rain

Sunday up to 35mm rain

I'm tipping we don't want 3 talls in the fwd line.....!

 

I'm in between Brisbane and Gold Coast and just starting to have light rain now. Forecast for GC on Sunday is 8-15mm mainly morning and early afternoon with some sunny breaks so hopeful by 6pm it will be OK. In any case better playing in rain than a heavy dew.