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CHANGES: Rd 09 vs Port Adelaide

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titan_uranus
in Melbourne Demons

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15 minutes ago, binman said:

We obviously see that one differently. Happy to agree to disagree on that one

For mine,  no way was kicking it off the ground the right play. Very low percentage and high risk for almost no reward. Particularly because if he had picked it up he could have still got it to Langdon. And also would have the choice to milk a free, force a ball up or hit it through for a point. As it was he cost us a goal. 

On Cameron you right he was pretty quiet up til then (though it is worth noting that by games end he was their leading scorer with 2.2) but it has to be said jetts spent a fair bit of time off the ground in the first half.

And it was instructive that immediately after the choice not to pick it up and gifting Cameron a goal they moved him off him and put Hibberd on him. And i don't think he player don him again for the rest of the match. Given that goals was in the fits half (i think?) he didn't actually spend much time on him.

The old rule of never kick the ball off the ground in the backline is still a good one. Unless you're running out over the 50 and there's a mountain of space out on the wing to get the ball to.

Langdon was pushing back hard and it was a 3 on 2, Jetta just had to trust his legs to get to the ball first and fire off a handball to space and we would've been fine.

We all love Nev but the legs just haven't looked strong this year or last and he's a player that relies upon tremendous agility and courage to win contests he shouldn't even be in. 

With Hibbo being at the stage of his career to move back to a deeper role it really is time to get fresh legs up on the back flanks. Be it Rivers, J Smith or even Chandler or Josh Wagner.

    • Like 3
     
    4 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

    The old rule of never kick the ball off the ground in the backline is still a good one. Unless you're running out over the 50 and there's a mountain of space out on the wing to get the ball to.

    Langdon was pushing back hard and it was a 3 on 2, Jetta just had to trust his legs to get to the ball first and fire off a handball to space and we would've been fine.

    We all love Nev but the legs just haven't looked strong this year or last and he's a player that relies upon tremendous agility and courage to win contests he shouldn't even be in. 

    With Hibbo being at the stage of his career to move back to a deeper role it really is time to get fresh legs up on the back flanks. Be it Rivers, J Smith or even Chandler or Josh Wagner.

    And I don't think he has the same flexibility in his spine, either, hence choosing not to bend at the waist. That could be why he's ducking his head too often, too.

    • Like 1
     

    Unless anyone is too sore to get up for Thursday I'd be looking at minimal changes for this one. Harley seems to be playing within himself right now (understandably) so perhaps it's an opportunity to bring in Nibbler for his pressure acts and good engine as a replacement for this week. 

    I still think a side needs 10 wins to be guaranteed of a place in the final eight and not have to rely on percentage tipping them in. There's also that drawn game that makes things messy. This makes the Port game a high stakes clash in that sense so I'm expecting us to go with our strongest side. If our best isn't good enough then we could still go 6 - 3 in our last nine games and make sure we totally rinse Adelaide, North, Freo and Sydney to get our % up. 

    Collingwood aside all the other games are just potential banana skins at worst based on our most recent form. Lots to play for yet. 

    • Like 1
    12 minutes ago, whatwhatsaywhat said:

    todd marshall out for minimum of 6 weeks with a busted hand; jack watts' comeback begins this thursday?

    Westhoff will get a reprieve from being dropped and go forward and bag some stupid amount of goals as per usual

    • Like 2
    • Shocked 1
    • Sad 3

    15 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

    And I don't think he has the same flexibility in his spine, either, hence choosing not to bend at the waist. That could be why he's ducking his head too often, too.

    Nev gets his head over the ball brilliantly but has always been prone to keeping it down and charging through, if the legs work he can turn his body at the same time and ride the bumps. 

    That's the issue with the current bump stuff. The best position to get yourself in is head down low and hard, get over the ball and then once you've got it make an evasive manoeuvre with your hips, either up, side to side or even just going down through an opponent (now banned due to slide rule).

    Nev's spine works fine, but he isn't hitting the contest with enough speed to make a move so is getting stuck with the head down. It's really dangerous. Doesn't excuse McStay being very poor but a younger Nev would've turned and bounce off or through McStay.

    • Like 2

    I feel like some people are jumping the gun on a few to be dropped - e.g. Hannan who was instrumental in our previous two wins.

     

    I felt like we played well but didn't play the conditions overly well especially in the centre square.  How many times did max tap it to one of our players who then fumbled (or the ball slipped out) and then the Lions swooped in on the loose ball?  I think we need to improve our centre square work but feel like the conditions cost us (and well done to the Lions for being able to adjust in this area of the game).

     

    Also think that the Weid is normally a pretty reliable kick.  Going up against the form backman in the comp, he took a number of marks and showed a desperation to make a contest which is exactly what we want.  Let's see how his kicking goes in less slippery conditions.

     

    I'd make no changes other than anyone who needs to be rested due to fitness / soreness.  Would love to see Rivers again but query whether he is suited to a lock down role - we already have Lever, Salem and Hibberd that play as attacking defenders.  For that reason I think Smith would be more of a chance to come in if Jetta was dropped. 

    Also think Brayshaw should be given a bit more time in the centre square over the next month by rotating Oliver and Petracca forward.

    I've just finished watching the replay. If ever there was a game we should have won!

    I liked the work of the backline, they are more coordinated now that Oscar is playing. Jetta is not playing as well as he has and I'd reluctantly give him a rest. Lockhart will be an asset.

    Brayshaw is a worry, as is Pickett.Pickett simply isn't getting enough of the ball.  I really liked Weidmann's attack on the ball, hated his kicking - no doubt, he hated it even more. I liked Jackson. He is looking like a player. Hannan was quiet, Fritsch was quiet.

    Harmes was awful.

    Out: Harmes, Pickett, Jetta

    IN: Tom Mac, Neale Bullen and Rivers.

    • Like 2
     

    Really afraid Weid will go into his shell after those misses. Happened to him after the Darwin game last year. Give Harmes back his tagging role, would prefer Hunt over ANB for his run if either are being considered.

    Is there any reason why Jackson couldn't play HFF with his pace and agility?

    • Like 2

    9 minutes ago, loges said:

    Really afraid Weid will go into his shell after those misses. Happened to him after the Darwin game last year. Give Harmes back his tagging role, would prefer Hunt over ANB for his run if either are being considered.

    Get him out kicking 100 shots 10m out aiming for a target behind the goals, same routine each time Kicking through the football.  Best thing for him is we have a change of grounds.  His first shot yesterday was the same spot he missed his last shot V hawthorn and tried to guide the kick rather that kick through the goals.  Same with his last shot, tried to guide the kick rather than hit a target behind the goals.

    Look at Kennedy from WCE, IMO the best set shot for goals in the league.  He has the same routine every kick outside the snaps, his little stutter steps are more for his timing and focus than the actual kick but it gets everything moving forward through the kick.  

    1 hour ago, whatwhatsaywhat said:

    todd marshall out for minimum of 6 weeks with a busted hand; jack watts' comeback begins this thursday?

    Also I believe pendles out or 4 weeks so beat Port Thursday and we have a great chance to win the next 3 in Adel, Nth & Maggies. For me I want Tom Mac and Tomlinson in for possibly Jetta to be rested after his knocks and Bennell. Go big in forwards with Kozie, Fritta and Hannan to say down and at bottom of packs, not in them. 

    6 hours ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

    Just to add a comment about Oliver. I was delighted to see him chasing Cameron, even if he didn't catch him. The biggest weakness up to know in Oliver's game has not been his disposal but his willingness to run hard both ways. This year he's improved his kick to handball ratio and improved his two way running. Two big ticks from me.

    Spot on. Silly example from me. His effort was awesome in that example. Was busting a gut.

    He has been fantastic the last two weeks.

    Good doctor if you reading this i'm well on board the oliver train.

    How about you give a one off amnesty to all the non believers. I'll join your crusade against any future doubters.

    If you need a reference, please see my history of impassioned defense for number 28 (who i do note you are pretty harsh on - but believe me you will come around).

    Now about that gus fella.....

    Edited by binman

    • Haha 1
    2 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

    Westhoff will get a reprieve from being dropped and go forward and bag some stupid amount of goals as per usual

    Haha. Westhoff always saves his best game for us, bit like Membrey, Mason Cox. 

    • Like 2
    • Sad 1
    1 hour ago, Nelo said:

    Haha. Westhoff always saves his best game for us, bit like Membrey, Mason Cox. 

    Kent Kingsley and Beau Maister say hi !!!

    • Like 1

    2 hours ago, drdrake said:

    Get him out kicking 100 shots 10m out aiming for a target behind the goals, same routine each time Kicking through the football.  Best thing for him is we have a change of grounds.  His first shot yesterday was the same spot he missed his last shot V hawthorn and tried to guide the kick rather that kick through the goals.  Same with his last shot, tried to guide the kick rather than hit a target behind the goals.

    Look at Kennedy from WCE, IMO the best set shot for goals in the league.  He has the same routine every kick outside the snaps, his little stutter steps are more for his timing and focus than the actual kick but it gets everything moving forward through the kick.  

    It's amazing how some kick at the goals rather than through the goals, that pick a target behind the goals actually works.

    The selections for the Port game will really depend on how the players pull up after the game on Sunday.

    However, if selection was on form in the game, there would be a couple of changes. 

    In defence, I saw Jetta as as weakness. He just does not seem to be able to track fast enough to a contest or his reading of the play is not what it used to be. After his head knocks, I could see him getting a rest and possibly brought back for the game after Port. I like the way the rest of the backline is playing. May, OMac, Lever, Salem and Hibberd are developing a good understanding and Lockhart, much to my surprise, is slotting in there well. Who gets a game in place of Jetta? well the obvious one would be Rivers but I would not be surprised to see Josh Wagner get  run.

    Midfield did not perform up to standard at Max's feet. Not sure what the problem was? Caoching or players? If all have pulled up ok I would not change any in there. Petracca, Oliver and Viney on the inside with Brayshaw rotating there and Harmes used in a tagging role on an opposition key mid would be the way I would go. Langdon on one wing and a few, including Jones to rotate through the other. I do not see Jones getting dropped after one game. 

    In the forwards o would definately retain Wiedeman, Jackson, Melksham combination at the heart of the attack. Fritsch is there sa well but I would be looking to use him up the ground a bit more on an HFF as I like his mobility and delivery. Hannan had just a game on Sunday but I would retain him. One of Bennell or Pickett I would replace. I would be tempted to give Pickett a rest. I would like to see Sparrow given a run in his place.

    With regard to TMac, well, I do not see any great reason to get him back in just yet. He was not in form in all the games he played prior to his eye injury and I don't think it is necessary to have a third tall against Port.

    So, for me... 

    Out: Jetta, Pickett

    In: Wagner, Sparrow

    These players need to managed - Jetta, Bennell, Jones, Pickett, Jackson.

    I can't see Bennell playing this week with his history - way too risky.

    Risky too, playing Jones in 4 days.

    Jetta's conking out.

    Pickett needs a break this game or next.

    Hannan was [censored] and didn't look to handle the conditions. Brayshaw bollocks and Harmes horrendous.

    Out: Bennell, Jetta (managed or head knock) Brayshaw

    In: ANB (not a fan but fills a need ), Tomlinson (ditto), Rivers or Smith

    Harmes can tag Gray and stop taking on the god dam tackler.

    • Like 1
    21 hours ago, Jack Russell said:

    Rivers in for Jetta

    get games into Jackson very impressive mobile big man

    McDonald in for Fritch

    Tomlinson or Sparrow for Harmes

    I should say I’m a fan of all of the outs but they are all passengers at the moment 

    Agree with most but

    out Jones

    in Tomlinson 

    Most of Jones kicks were up and under and to no advantage. He did kick a good goal but unfortunately it looks like the game has passed him by. 

    Edited by DemonOX

    • Sad 1
    17 minutes ago, Roger Mellie said:

    Harmes can tag Gray and stop taking on the god dam tackler.

    send him to boak for mine

    aints set steele for trav and it worked a treat

    • Like 2

    32 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

    TMac, ANB, Spargo and Hunt could all be in the frame going by Richo's report on the scratch match.

    Good to hear Sparrow impressing too, I like him, and could see him getting a chance at some stage during the short break games.

    Richardson reviews Round 8 practice match

     

    Many many melts, if Spargo even gets listed as an emergency methinks...

    Edited by Engorged Onion

    9 hours ago, Grimes Times said:

    Jetta dropped?

    I must have missed the the 6 goals that Cameron kicked??

    Cameron kicked 2.2 out of 7.10 and as much as I like Jetta he struggled. Perhaps it was due to nearly knocking himself out 3 times!

    • Sad 1
     
    7 hours ago, Laughing Goat said:

    Goodloss won't drop Brayshaw Pickett

     

    His name is Kysaiah. 

    Sheesh

    • Like 2
    • Haha 1

    I’m thinking Bennell may be rested and one of Spargo or ANB will come in for him. 
     

    Wouldn’t mind Rivers in for Jetta to give him a rest after a couple of big knocks. 
     

    Keen to get AVB back as well. Hopefully he will be good to go v the Crows. 

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