POSTGAME: Rd 11 vs North Melbourne

[FarNorthernD 5,861]

I know Hannan will probably always be in the bottom half dozen players in the side but, for his size, Mitch must have close to the best hands in the comp. 

[rjay 24,991]

2 hours ago, Rusty Nails said:

I think you were meaning more time 'forward' rjay?

Yes to this balance though.  It's whatever is best for the team and Viney playing a mix biased towards pressure forward and some relief burst stuff in the middle for Gus sounds about right whether it''s 60/40 70/30 etc.  Play this mix with Sparrow relieving one of Clarry and Tracc and we should roll into finals.

No, I did mean more team midfield.

I think Jack often takes on too much to the detriment of the team.

Jack always goes at the ball and there are times when he should block rather than go.

Leave it to a teammate in a better position.

Jack also often tries to barge through opponents when his better option is to give off to a player out and running.

If he and we learn to use his strengths to our advantage we will be a lot better off.

[dazzledavey36 55,001]

43 minutes ago, Dee Zephyr said:

Pleasing to see Hibbo in some great form the last few weeks. Seems to have slowed his game down a bit and is making smart decisions with ball in hand. Thought he was really solid last night with some important rebounds. 

Based on form I'd happily give him a 1 year contract.

[TRIGON 4,783]

1 hour ago, Redleg said:

The big change I have noticed in Oliver, is that he is not getting rid of the ball the second he gets it, but taking players on, running, balancing and then disposing.
He is getting back to his best, which is sensational footy, from one of the best, contested ball players in the game.

Good observation, previously he has been kicking off one or two steps and across his body; a dodgy technique that led to quite a few scrubber kicks. Now he looks far more purposeful.

[Wiseblood 24,637]

59 minutes ago, titan_uranus said:

Before making any calls on Brayshaw vs Viney, I'd like to see a few things:

1. Brayshaw's TOG and centre bounce attendance stats for last night compared to previous games (I don't know where to find these); and
2. whether Brayshaw can perform like that against a stronger midfield than North's.

No idea about centre bounces, but he has 80% TOG.

[Wiseblood 24,637]

1 hour ago, Redleg said:

The big change I have noticed in Oliver, is that he is not getting rid of the ball the second he gets it, but taking players on, running, balancing and then disposing.
He is getting back to his best, which is sensational footy, from one of the best, contested ball players in the game.

And he is making better decisions.

One of the times I saw him give off the handball straight away was in the centre when Trac flicked him a handpass, he assessed the situation and flicked it back to him almost straight away, which allowed Trac to break free and goal from 50.

That quick handpass can still be deadly, and it seems as though he is choosing the right time to give it, rather than it being his first instinct every time.

[Cards13 9,117]

19 minutes ago, FarNorthernD said:

I know Hannan will probably always be in the bottom half dozen players in the side but, for his size, Mitch must have close to the best hands in the comp. 

Has he got Donald Trump sized mini me hands?? Extraordinary if true! 

[binman 43,137]

1 hour ago, Nasher said:

I think the improvement in spread has come from Oliver participating in it more as much as Brayshaw’s return to form. That’s an aspect to Oliver’s game that has noticeably changed in the last few weeks. I think you’re underselling Viney’s capacity in that regard too, he’s definitely capable of breaking away from a contest when required.

To me I think the Petracca-Oliver-Viney midfield is stronger than Petracca-Oliver-Brayshaw, but the conundrum is that Brayshaw can’t play anywhere else. Can Viney? If Viney could play as a half forward in the role Jones is currently playing, even though it takes our midfield down a peg, the team may still be better off.

Agree.

I agree the Petracca-Oliver-Viney midfield is the optimal line up but it seems seems it is mid field or nothing for brayshaw and he is too good player not to be in the side. And one thing brayshaw as on Viney is that if does get centre clearance he gets more penetration and depth with his kicks inside 50.

I like Viney up forward, bu like TRIGON like him deep. That goal he kicked on his right sharking a tap out against the crows shows his natural roving skills and nose for a goal. And i love the idea of him and Kozzie smashing players inside 50 with tackles.

Also he is so fit that playing forward he could play big minutes and take his tune in the middle when brayshaw and oliver is off or swapping with Tracc. So maybe 70% forward and 30% on the ball. With that mix we always have super dangerous midfield.

[leave it to deever 17,511]

1 hour ago, Mazer Rackham said:

Yes they do. They say they don't. How many times have you seen games, not just ours, where the free kick count is way out of whack at half time and has mysteriously evened up by full time.

Probably related to the Sportsbet halftime pay out.

[drdrake 3,178]

Great to get the win, it was a must win game and have to admit the confidence wasn't that great until half way through the third quarter.  We had our chances to kill the game a lot earlier than we did and that is something we need to improve for the next 7 games.

I can't understand the Viney v Brayshaw debate, you need more than 3 midfielders in your side and in form Viney and Brayshaw both in the team will only make us better.

I like Rivers, composed when he adjusted to the pace attacked the footy and has some speed about him

[Brownie 5,981]

2 hours ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

I wonder if they took offence at Goodwin's comments about not enough protection for Max from them and they 'decided' to show whose boss!

It may be a long bow but one has to wonder.  The umpiring seemed very one sided.  Not just the soft frees but all the ones they didn't pay to us.

I don't think so because they were absolutely rubbish and biased from the get go in the Crows game.

There's no consequence for poor form for those blokes. They were horrible in the first game and then they all get to line up again for the second. (I'm looking at you especially no. 31)

[Dee Dubya 220]

14 hours ago, Unleash Hell said:

Don't bag the umpires Mr Mac, Gil and his cohorts will be after you.

 

Also the "AFL Lack of Integrity Unit".

[Brownie 5,981]

44 minutes ago, Wiseblood said:

And he is making better decisions.

One of the times I saw him give off the handball straight away was in the centre when Trac flicked him a handpass, he assessed the situation and flicked it back to him almost straight away, which allowed Trac to break free and goal from 50.

That quick handpass can still be deadly, and it seems as though he is choosing the right time to give it, rather than it being his first instinct every time.

Clarries body language seems to have really changed since the start of the season.

He really was jogging and walking at times and delivering the ball backwards.

Both he and Trac just seem to be really enjoying themselves now. It's a real turn around and just a joy to watch.

Another unmeasured KPI is watching our key players just grow in confidence and enthusiasm. Really hope it spreads throughout the team.

Also, on Kossie Pickett, I reckon one other factor that is so impressive about him is his two way running. He covers a huge amount of ground with both defensive and offensive running. Yes he's going to incredibly exciting but his work rate is pretty bloody good too.

[old dee 23,801]

My Dad told me a long time ago that poorly skilled sides can match it with better teams by determination and effort but by the time the last quarter rolls around they get tired and superior skill takes over.

IMO that is what has happened the last two weeks. 
Now for the pies! 

[DistrACTION Jackson 8,772]

14 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Jackson, Kozzie, Pickett, Sparrow.

Injecting some serious talent into our side once again.

Spargo was back to his best. Kept it simple and used the ball well. Courageous going in for that ball against Daw and bounced up like nothing happened.

Lever was our best backman by a mile. Kept everything in check. 

I also thought Tomlinson was good. He rarely wasted the footy and gave us some good drive.

Langdon is a ridiculously hard worker. His running ability and workrate to create space and option on the outside cannot be faulted. 

Petracca, Oliver, Brayshae.. all simply brilliant.

Hands up who think our midfield functions when Gus is in there full time instead of Viney?

Add Rivers and Spargo.

That's 5 guys 20 or under.

Edited August 10, 2020 by Action Jackson

[nosoupforme 3,085]

You can only play what is in front of you. No Gawn  and no Viney it is time for the team to step up and take the responsibility.

And they did it with 3 teenagers in the side. Jackson Rivers and Pickett total combined games,18  Our future was on display.

We also have Jordon at 19 who hasn't played yet and wouldn't be surprised to see him play sometime this year.

Then there are the 20 year olds in Petty,Chandler, Bedford,  Dunkley and the other 2 that played against the Roos in Spargo and Sparrow and also did well.

Yes the future is bright and there is no doubt .

[Diamond_Jim 12,598]

Solid win with so much to like. One of the more pleasing aspects is that it was a four quarter performance even if not reflected on the scoreboard in the first half.

One thing I noticed was that the ball was rarely out of bounds which gave the game the appearance of space.

Finally North were putrid and tactically nowhere near the team that beat GWS for example.

Now for Collingwood

[old dee 23,801]

4 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Solid win with so much to like. One of the more pleasing aspects is that it was a four quarter performance even if not reflected on the scoreboard in the first half.

One thing I noticed was that the ball was rarely out of bounds which gave the game the appearance of space.

Finally North were putrid and tactically nowhere near the team that beat GWS for example.

Now for Collingwood

North were down to 20 players for most of the last half, but ten goal wins are good under any conditions.

[old dee 23,801]

Well having only seen the highlights it is hard to judge but as much as it embarrasses me to say it Spargo earned his spot last night it would appear. 

[picket fence 17,181]

14 hours ago, Bitter but optimistic said:

Well, we did the job in fine style.

Petracca Really owned the title bull. Showed terriffic breakaway strength.

Jackson - last week was no fluke

Kossi - Jeez this kid will an Eddie Betts!!!

PS Silly me. Thoyght last weeks umpiring was [censored]

PPS. Has the over the shoulder too high rule been removed?

PPPS I'll let @picket fence comment on Spargos" game.

Go dees

BTW I made some good money on the punt today

Credit where due, Spargo did some good things yesterday,however, lets see him back it up next week.

I thought the umpiring was amongst the worst I have ever seen in any footy!!

One other thing Melksham as captain was less than inspirational. He might be dropped next week.

Edited August 10, 2020 by picket fence

[pinkshark 950]

10 hours ago, ding said:

Watched most of the game at work in real time and thought it was a bit "Meh" until the last QTR blowout.

After looking at the replay after i got home, a few things stood out for me.

 

1: Oliver.   Yes i already thought he played a good game, but i missed the amount of times he burst out of a pack at good speed and opened the game right up. The difference this part of his game makes to our team is massive, and a big change-up from the lightning 1m handball to the first static Dees jumper he sees in a contest. The last 2 games his improvement to our whole game style is off the charts.

2: Spargo.  Didnt think i saw much of him during the game, but it was probably my own bias. Dont rate him highly but he played well today, and did far more good stuff than i recognised live. Hands in close still his best asset. The contest with Daw with 2 mins to go in the last QTR was one where many would have backed out. Courage shown was 1st class. Humble pie eaten. (But he needs to keep it up)

3: Weideman.  His work-rate was huge. Lead after lead and never seemed to sulk if one wasnt honored. If he had the confidence of Brayshaw he would be a match-winner already. Developing beautifully since his recall. 

4: Sparrow.  Kid simply HAS to get more games. Perfect replacement for the Jones boy. Nuggety lad who isnt huge, but wont be easily knocked off the ball. Good vision and seemed to spread well. 

5: Recruiting team.  Genuinely believe they cleaned up in last years draft. Jackson will be an INSANE talent in a few years. Kosi is the next Eddie Betts... (well, maybe next in line after Charlie Cameron) and Rivers is showing plenty already.

6: Langdon.  The amount of times he was there for the get-out play at half back was amazing. I knew he had a tank, but his run, run,run was incredible. Kicking needs work though.

7: Goodwin.  Seemed much more assured during the post match presser. Only had 4 left leg-scratches which is a BIG improvement on recent efforts. Looking forward to the Breakout interview when he doesnt touch himself once. There will be no turning back once he manages that IMO.

 

Anyone else see much during replay they missed live? 

Hilarious.  Me and my boys lose it over this.

[Deemania since 56 6,658]

14 hours ago, Deemania since 56 said:

All class ... undisputed.

You know, I'd really like to take this opportunity to congratulate Gus. His last two games - playing in his rightful position and penetrating the field as he has done -  has been more than inspirational for the whole football team. He is a class act doing what he knows best, the equal of anyone else in the League from the midfield. If he played for one of the glamour teams, he'd be classed as 'great', a 'champion' and one of the few with 'top of the rung talent'. Played out of position, his skillset was not required and he struggled more often than not. The rise of impact on games by Petracca and Clarrie has assisted Gus to blend with the midfielder's role more fully, to better effect and with more team confidence for him to access.  Wonderful time of this season to hit his straps again; his potency is something of which the MFC should be proud and respectful. He is not a backline 'fixer', he is an attacking midfielder par excellence.

[old55 23,625]

Spargo is a good footballer but without any outstanding traits and at 173cm and 70somethingkg his body size will always count against him.  If he was 180cm/82kg he'd carve out a solid AFL career but unfortunately I think he's unlikely to make it.

[Melb-A-Toast 257]

1 hour ago, rjay said:

No, I did mean more team midfield.

I think Jack often takes on too much to the detriment of the team.

Jack always goes at the ball and there are times when he should block rather than go.

Leave it to a teammate in a better position.

Jack also often tries to barge through opponents when his better option is to give off to a player out and running.

If he and we learn to use his strengths to our advantage we will be a lot better off.

Interesting analysis. I will look at his game style from that viewpoint. Thank you

[old dee 23,801]

27 minutes ago, picket fence said:

Credit where due, Spargo did some good things yesterday,however, lets see him back it up next week.

I thought the umpiring was amongst the worst I have ever seen in any footy!!

One other thing Melksham as captain was less than inspirational. He might be dropped next week.

He captained a 10 goal ( well almost ) win!!!!!!

Yes as I said earlier Spargo earned his keep.

Edited August 10, 2020 by old dee