Geelong v. Melbourne at Skilled Stadium 17.3.07

[maximum bob 462]

Staying healthy for round 1 sounds like a good option to me. Less than 2 weeks now to get the side right. Most of them should be cherry ripe. Considering the expectations of both sides this year, a crowd of 55,000 - 65,000 isn't out of the question come Friday week. This seems to be one of the most 'eagerly expected' seasons for a while if I'm picking the vibe correctly.

[maximum bob 462]

I'm worried about Rivers... the kid has a knack for getting injured at the worse possible time. <_<

Apart from that, great to hear everyone got through the match. Very lucky to avoid injuries this pre-season.

Couldn't care less about the scores, especially since we don't play in Geelong this season, but always happy to hear Miller playing well.

I hope everyone who played today spends the next week in cotton wool, and then bring on Round 1.

Edit: disappointing to hear that Pickett didn't play, and the fact that Carroll was a no-show makes me thinks that the reports of injury from last week may be true!

I missed that about Carroll. Was it against the Tigers & what was the injury (or rumoured injury)?

[Jaded No More 68,903]

I missed that about Carroll. Was it against the Tigers & what was the injury (or rumoured injury)?

Apperantly a couple of people reported that he fell or copped a big hit, and was icing his collar bone?!

Him not playing today could mean that either:

- He was rested after a minor injury scare

- He is not 100% and they didn't want to risk him

- He has a serious injury they are not telling us about.

A knock to the collar bone could mean anything from a bruise, to a break....

[Hulett Packard III 166]

7. Brad Miller - was consistent with his efforts, kept leading hard, attacked the contest with ferocity, tackling was good too. Made a few skill errors (crappy handpasses, drop marks) but second efforts were good. Caused a bit of havoc when he moved closer to the goals; his pressure caused good turnovers, and a very nice mark and goal in the third - will line up at CHF round 1.

9. David Neitz - besides being molested by Matthew Scarlett (cheat), Neitz had a quiet game, his presence was always felt, but it was hard work against Scarlett - dunno about round 1 (haha)!

Anyone know what happened to # 8?

[Slartibartfast 17,257]

Here's my view:

Buckley: I like the look of Simon. Got a bit of the ball and looks comfortable on the field. He won't play round one and he didn't really impact the game, but as a second year player he's shown a great deal of improvement which is very encouraging.

Jones: I was slow to warm to Jones but now I'm converted. He was fantastic today doing a lot of heavy in and under stuff and lots of running. Another in his second season and we have a winner in this kid. Easily one of our best IMO.

Bizzell: The Biz really started well in the first quarter but faded a bit as the game went on. I think he will play round one subject to a suitable matchup.

Holland: Benny was good on Ottens in the first half but got towelled by Mooney in the third. Didn't see much of him in the last but appeared to give away an obvious free in the goal square. I think Benny will push to make the team round 1 on that form.

Brock: Very out of it early but got a little bit of it later. Needed the run and I reckon he'll get another for Sandy next week.

Bate: Good first half? I didn't see it. I thought as the game went on he got into it but it wasn't the game I was hoping for. Bater's just going at the moment and wouldn't be a certain starter for round 1.

Miller: Thank heavens. I've stood behind this guy and will continue to do so. His form today was very good. Ran hard, held his marks, was clean and strong. He got plenty of it and I think now he is over his OP his kicking has improved with some really good long kicks to position, particularly to Robbo in the second. The Dunn v Miller debate has been decided, at least for now.

Neita: not one of his better games but didn't get many opportunities.

Ward: Did what Ward does. He played a good Ward game.

Petterd: Is courageous and when he gets the ball is composed, but really found it hard to get into the game today. I really like him but he won't play seniors soon.

TJ: BOG for mine for us. He just got it all the time. Flattened Chapman with a completely fairly hip and shoulder.

CJ: Continued on his good form. Played loose in the backline in the third quarter. Copped a terrible knock in the second that might put a father son pickup in doubt but fought back well.

Garland: Struggled to get into the game and really can't draw any conclusion from this game.

Belly: VG early and his opponents on the day failed to trouble the scorer. Tackled really hard and at one stage in the last seemed to move up the field. He's getting more composed on the ground. Solid game.

Moloney: Another big plus for the day. Very solid and strong in the packs and ran hard. Put him in for round 1 and welcome back Brent.

Robbo: Lots of opportunities and was wasteful, but to be honest I was just glad to see him get the opportunities. A promising game from Robbo.

Brown: A doggy game. Full of run and courage and sprinkled with disposal errors.

Rivers: I didn't realise how good a job he did until he wasn't there. Played on Mooney in the first half and both were pretty much unsighted. When he didn't play the second half Mooney ripped us to pieces.

White: Quiet game and seemed to get a bit frustrated at times.

Ferg: Was solid until he was put onto Mooney who gave him a footy lesson. Played on Nathan Ablett a bit early and did well.

Davey: Our biggest worry and on form would not play R1 IMO. Terrible today. In a game where the ball was running free on the ground a fair bit he was nowhere to be seen.

Jamar: Liked his game. Competitive in the ruck and took a couple of good marks around the ground. A better Russian game.

Whelan: Solid but not spectatular.

The game was played in very windy conditions which meant the skills were shabby with lots of kicks missing there marks. We played run and carry but we didn't get it into the forward line with any confidence. We had a bit of class out, but all our forwards were there other than Pickett and we struggled to score. Whilst it's not slash wrists time we are not in top form either. Having said that there were plenty of rotations and we didn't try and win. In the last with the game in the balance (if a practice match is ever "in the balance") we had Brock, White, TJ, CJ and Moloney on the bench.

Take from that what you may. All in all an enjoyable day and some really nice positives with Miller and Moloney heading the list.

[rusty_corner 0]

Just got back from Nuff-Nuff land (Geelong)

Agree with most things said

Moloney, TJ and Brock our best

Miller had one of his better games

Davey and Holland had ones to forget

[maximum bob 462]

'Not getting it into the forward line with any confidence' says more about the deliverers rather than the receivers. It was a windy day and it was the Cats home ground. I see no cause for the pessimistic view at this stage. If we get flogged by the Aints in round 1, then I'll be worried.

I still see this pre-season as one of the smartest our club has embarked on contrary to popular opinion.

[Wrecker45 3,378]

Positives:

Brent Moloney was outstanding

Miller showed plenty today, lead, marked and kicked long. He'll never be Wayne Carey but there is hope. Will definately be CHF come round 1 (I was doubtful about his spot in the side up until today)

Nathan Jones is a machine

Beer is at cheaper at Kradinia than at the MCG

Whelan played like Whelan

Negatives:

Trav was only kicking on his left boot

Brock just went today

Pickett didn't get a run

Aaron Davey was quiet. IMHO he is best suited to the forward line. In the midfield when he is continually running, his pace drops to lightning fast. In the forward line when his chases are slightly less regular he is explosive and catches the oponent or puts more pressure on them. He's not a bad crumber either.

In the first half if we were trying to play 'run and carry' it looked more like 'duck and cover'

When Rivers went off injured Mooney kicked 4 goals

Rivers went off inured

Bate was quiet

[deesfan22 3]

Was a worthwhile exercise making the trip to Geelong.

Jones was definitely best on ground for Melbourne along with Travis Johnstone.

Davey was not playing a forward role, (except for 10 mins) he was playing a half back flank role so it's all good. Just experimenting but a few more possessions would be handy at this stage.

[discworld demon 0]

Went down to Geelong today. Pretty ordinary game. To be perfectly honest the Dee's were, well, underwhelming.

I was however most impressed with N. Jones, the kid tried all day and I think was just about our most consistent player. Also Chris Johnson: CJ still has the figure of an anorexic fashion model but he's fast, intelligent and most importantly finds the ball and uses it to advantage.

McLean needed the run. In the first half he was hardly sighted. But he came good in the third quarter, as if the rust and cobwebs had been slowly blown away and he again felt confident in his body.

I must say when he ran onto the ground I wondered who he was. Baldness has (to my eyes at least) changed his appearance considerably. Personally and not having much myself on top, if I had it I'd flaunt it!

Miller also played quite well. Again he took time to find his feet, but his second half was good lifting his game from a C to a B+. And he kicked a goal.

Brent Moloney played quite well and was certainly not disgraced. Whelan was serviceable, as were Bell and Jamar. But Bate's game was just OK. And from time to time our skipper, unable to receive very much supply up forward was forced to run around from the half back line to the forward line looking for the pill. Robbo generally stayed at home, tried to take a couple of spekkies (one - about half a minute too early) but was finally rewarded with (I think) 3 goals.

Having praised N. Jones, I must say that Travis Johnstone was for me almost his equal. Johnstone came into the game more in the second half and as ever made opposition players look foolish. His two sidedness is a gift few other players at this elite level possess. He looks stronger and fitter and (I hope) ready for a big, big year.

However Geelong won the day, and in the end quite comfortably with Mooney shining after half time on the hapless Ryan Ferguson.

But as I told the jeering Geelong supporters as I tried to slip away just on the full time siren - it's only a practice match, don't get too excited just yet.

[astrodee 0]

Also travelled down the highway to watch a scrappy match. We had 23, th cats had 25 - so we were always going to tire more on the last quarter. Things I noticed were:

Goldy was the emergency umpire and looked sore

Nathan Jones, apart from some poor disposal, was terrific. He manages to get from contest to contest, be in and under and then present to receive a handball. If he keeps improving at the rate he has been - he will be a beauty.

CJ - oozes class, his vision and decision making are improving, his kicking is sublime.

Miller - took some marks, presented well, spilt plenty, kicked a good goal, has no football brain, no vision, and is an appalling decision-maker. The jury is still out.

Brock - rusty, but had a great patch in the 3rd quarter. Can only get better.

Moloney - best game to date this pre-season. Is almost there.

Bate - good second half

TJ - TJ

Biz - smart footballer, was great early, did less as the game wore on. I think his brain and creativity are important to the team. Rarely made a bad decision.

Furgs - pantsed by Mooney.

Jamar - took a couple of good grabs. Bidn't do enough, but what's new.

Garland - has good timing, knows where to run - needs a bit of time at Sandy.

Pettard - brave, kicking let him down. Presented well. Needs time at Sandy.

Buckley - fast, courageous, presented well, but needs more time at Sandy.

Wheels was good. Davey chased but did nothing creative. Neitz ran hard, but did little else. Robbo was good in parts.

Is River's injured? - in tracksuit pants after half time but looked ok.

Big Ben - Big Ben

White - was ok.

[classy dees 42]

Is River's injured? - in tracksuit pants after half time but looked ok.

http://melbournefc.com.au/Season2007/News/...px?newsId=39695

"Jared Rivers had done a good job containing Mooney in the first half, but was then rested after complaining of soreness."

good news.

appreciate the reports guys.

I am really looking forward to a key midfield contingent of mclean, moloney, TJ, jones, bruce and junior this year. It should make us very competitive given the mix of players there.

[Jaded No More 68,903]

http://melbournefc.com.au/Season2007/News/...px?newsId=39695

"Jared Rivers had done a good job containing Mooney in the first half, but was then rested after complaining of soreness."

good news.

appreciate the reports guys.

I am really looking forward to a key midfield contingent of mclean, moloney, TJ, jones, bruce and junior this year. It should make us very competitive given the mix of players there.

Very smart move to take yourself off with the first sign of soreness. It pays to be soft in pre-season games

Now if we can only get some equally reassuring news about Carroll!

[DEES 0]

Don't mind about the lost, but it's good to see the youngsters get a game and see the improvement of Jones and CJ.

Also it's good to see McLean get back and i hope bate can find the consistency he needs. Can't wait for round 1 and how the best 22 will look.

It looks as if Yze might not be in the best 22 - YZE STREAK UNDER THREAT: DANIHER

And does anyone know what happen to Dunn today? I thought he was in the team and haven't heard anything about him.

[Demon15 0]

Watching todays game after 1/4 time, the highlight was the 3rd quarter efforts of Jones, Moloney and McLean dominating at the centre bounces.

A very strong trio, and seeing them line up with Jeff White, I wondered if Daniher was signalling something for Round 1.

Many a Geelong supporter around me complained about losing Moloney - again.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Thanks and well done to the eye witness reports and those that provided updated scores and its a pity you were all not treated to a better quality game.

Bring on the season proper.

[Jarka 767]

Many a Geelong supporter around me complained about losing Moloney - again.

Every time I hear that it brings a smile to my face

[Elwood 3184 1,301]

And does anyone know what happen to Dunn today? I thought he was in the team and haven't heard anything about him.

Dunn is listed to play for Sandy tomorrow.

[brey9186 102]

starting combo in the centre square was brock, jones and moloney, i liked it very much

[astrodee 0]

Forgot to add (interrupted by my daughter) :

Doggie was Doggie - courageous, reasonably pacy, some good, some bad. Should not be in our starting 22

Ward was Ward - lots of ball, some fast runs, kicks went anywhere, turnovers aplenty.

Bell was Bell - as above. Only braver and stronger.

Of the above 3, only Bell would be in my best 22 - and only just.

[Whispering_Jack 30,019]

Anyone know what happened to # 8?

Sorry to have to break the news to you Chip but, according to today's HUN, Frawley didn't play due to a suspected stress fracture in the foot.

[Slartibartfast 17,257]

Forgot to add (interrupted by my daughter) :

Doggie was Doggie - courageous, reasonably pacy, some good, some bad. Should not be in our starting 22

Ward was Ward - lots of ball, some fast runs, kicks went anywhere, turnovers aplenty.

Bell was Bell - as above. Only braver and stronger.

Of the above 3, only Bell would be in my best 22 - and only just.

Bell? You've got to be kidding.

Bell has his shortcomings but one of them is not his kicking. Bell started on Chapman in the first and kept him kickless and when Chapman was moved into the midfield he played on Djerrkura and Varcoe. He kept them goalless. His game was in tight where he got the ball in contested situations and handballed to the likes of Ward. Belly would have had about 15 possessions of which only 4 or 5 were kicks. And I don't recall a turnover.

You can't compare Bells game to Ward and Brown. The latter two play as unaccountable running HBF whereas Bell is always given the oppositions best small forward and asked to shut him down.

Bells opponents this preseason have included Williams (Hawks), Brown (Richmond), Chapman (Geelong), Burton and McLeod (Adelaide).

Guess who Daniher thinks is our best medium back?

[Jaded No More 68,903]

Bells opponents this preseason have included Williams (Hawks), Brown (Richmond) and Chapman (Geelong).

Guess who Daniher thinks is our best medium back?

Don't worry Fan, I think our faith in Bell has payed off.

He is now firmly in our best 22, and will continue to make people eat their words. He has no direct competition, in fact, Whelan can finally have a much-needed helping hand.

Go Belly! :D

[Damo 3,355]

He is now firmly in our best 22, and will continue to make people eat their words. He has no direct competition, in fact, Whelan can finally have a much-needed helping hand.

Go Belly! :D

OK. I am ready to eat mine.

And I will have fries with that thanks, if I have to... as it will be good news to me for the club (but obvious to the Bell band wagon)

But put up...BellBandWagoners

What is a reasonable outcome in the Saints game for Bell and say, Ward?

Assuming, and I am, that both will play?

Its not good enough to disparage everything one player does, and heap praise on another.

Im not saying Ward is the same type of player BTW, Im just of the opinion he is a better footballer and his positives outweigh the negatives.

Go Wardy.

[Demon15 0]

Bell? You've got to be kidding.

Bell has his shortcomings but one of them is not his kicking. ..... And I don't recall a turnover.

You can't compare Bells game to Ward and Brown. The latter two play as unaccountable running HBF whereas Bell is always given the oppositions best small forward and asked to shut him down.

Fully agree Fan.

Bell played a good solid defensive game and will/should be in for Rd.1.

Ward's game, esp when kicking with the wind in the 2nd and 4th quarters was like the past, get it, run, and bomb it long. Very difficult for the forwards.

BTW, my other oustanding player was Chris Johnson. Beautiful skills close in and weaved some magic in the second quarter to set up Robbo.