CHANGES: Rd 18 vs Essendon

[loges 6,767]

Goodwin seems to be more effective coaching from the bench.

[Vineytime 854]

Hunt ANB Jetta need to go. 
Jackson Sparrow Hibbo in. 

[Pates 9,660]

18 minutes ago, loges said:

Goodwin seems to be more effective coaching from the bench.

I really liked seeing him down there, it looked like a football (soccer) manager type thing where he was able to give directions to the players immediately when they came off/on. I’d like to see him stick with it this week and have Richo upstairs watching for patterns and structures. 

[DeeSpencer 26,057]

11 hours ago, leave it to deever said:

I agreed with your comment when I read it.

Now I am trying to reconcile how 2 seasons ago we were 1 win away from a Gf.

Yes we got thumped in the pf but we were well above this uear and especially last years standard.

If we are really only a 8 or 9 spot team how did we finish 2 two years ago?

This is a genuine question.

It really is pretty much the same team as 2018 so I think its reasonabke to assume they are better than our present ladder situation.

 

1. Players:
a) Forward: Tom Mc was one of the best CHF's in the comp, that made it easy for Hogan to flat track 50 goals at FF, or even better when Weid came in and delivered at the end of the year. Petracca, ANB, Spargo, Hannan, Melksham had a very nice balance in the forward line around 2 big talls. Melksham isn't the same player, Petracca is needed in the midfield and hasn't found the forward/mid balance yet, ANB hasn't found that form. Spargo is just getting back to it. 

The additions since then in Pickett, Fritsch and Jackson are really just finding their way. Weid has taken a while to get back to the same form and belief.

b) Mids: Tyson, Jones, Vanders gave us a wing rotation that worked against most sides. Gus was in career best form. Harmes was great. Gawn, Viney, Oliver doing their thing. I'll talk about the midfield more later.

The additions since then: Langdon and Petracca. Handy, but not enough to cover other weaknesses.

c)Backs: Frost and Oscar weren't asked to do much. Jetta and Hibberd were in All Aus form. Lewis was in the best role to get the most out of him. Fritsch was handy as an intercepting flanker. Salem was Salem.

The additions since then: At the moment it's Tomlinson for Frost, May for Oscar,  Lever for Fritsch. May's a huge upgrade but the others not so much. Hibberd isn't the same. Jetta and Lewis are been replaced by Lockhart/Rivers/Smith etc. We just don't have a settled backline yet.

2. Game plan:
The 2018 game plan was incredibly simple. Go hard to win the ball in the middle, often with coverage with 2 extra off the back flank for bounces. Push up really hard to lock the ball in forward. Pray other teams don't get out the back. Use the corridor to counter because with so much open space back we always had room to counter.

It wasn't the worst plan. Port are still doing a version of it now. But I think our coaches rightfully looked at teams like Richmond defending with a spare dropping back to get easy intercepts and stop quick over the top goals as well as full ground pressure and said we need to set up more like that.

And other teams like West Coast had had success (especially against us) sitting deeper, kicking the ball around and adding a lot more midfield run and speed to power that game plan and counter teams like Richmond. The Eagles got rid of Mitchell and Priddis pre 2018, meanwhile our midfield was still young and lazy defensively and our wings were slow.

The change of defensive gameplan also meant a change in ball movement because you can't just aggressively flood numbers forward if you're trying to defend the full ground and keep a drop back defender. So the bomb it in approach of 2018 - which was never pretty - got very ugly in 2019/2020 when our forwards had to think more than just converging on the top of the goalsquare and seeing what happened from there.

In summary we've had to take a step back with the game plan to hopefully take a few steps forward. And whilst the overall list is probably in a similar situation we've lost experience. Other players who excelled in the simplicity of the 2018 plan have struggled. We aren't too far off 2018's results and we're yet to see exactly the changes to the game plan in person, although our best footy this year has looked promising. At some stage next year we'll know if the game plan looks up to the level, we'll know if the recruiters have found some of the missing depth and we'll know if our players can start to show some onfield leadership.

 

[Lord Travis 10,763]

29 minutes ago, loges said:

Goodwin seems to be more effective coaching from the bench.

This may be because we have poor onfield leaders who aren’t capable of directing players during the game. Perhaps him being able to direct the players from the bench lessens the negative impacts of our poor onfield leadership?

[58er 6,538]

3 hours ago, bing181 said:

a) Tom McDonald. We've lost his 2-3 goals/7 odd marks/15 odd possessions per game

b) Jordan Lewis. Hard, ruthless, experienced. Just having him out there made a difference and the players walk taller.

c) Bernie Vince. See Lewis (though to a lesser extent.)

d) Nathan Jones. See Vince

That's  not very convincing.

what about Harmes ANB AvB Frost Angus etc etc going backwards !! Which has much to do with Our fir and depth!

[DubDee 26,107]

2 hours ago, Lord Nev said:

Ok, so going by 64%, which was our winning percentage in 2018, we would have to be 11-6 this year to equal that. So yeah, 2 more wins, but also 2 less losses, if you get what I'm saying? If this year was a normal amount of games our record would be 11.6-10.4... My brain is wrecked too now!

Also, our percentage is telling:

2018 - 131.4

Currently - 106.2

sorry mate you've lost me!  

[cantstandyasam 700]

1 hour ago, Vineytime said:

Hunt ANB Jetta need to go. 
Jackson Sparrow Hibbo in. 

I like Hunt in the side, he competes really well in the forward line. I wouldn't rush Sparrow back, let his injury really knit.

[58er 6,538]

2 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

B: SALEM, MAY, LEVER

HB: RIVERS, TOMLINSON, HIBBERD

C : LANGDON, PETRACCA, BAKER

HF: MELKSHAM, JACKSON, FRITSCH

F: PICKETT, WEIDEMAN, SPARGO

FOLL: GAWN, OLIVER, VINEY

IC: HUNT, NEAL-BULLEN, JETTA, VANDENBERG

EMRG: SMITH, BROWN, SPARROW, HARMES

Jetta not fit don't think Locky in Hibbo also keep Smith In for Forward  line 

Two of ANB AVB  or Hunt should be dropped and Smithy Still in 

ie IN  Jackson Lockhart Hibberd 
OUT   Nev (inj) Hunt And ANB (omitted) 

[Docs Demons 1,792]

Not sure if you can read much into it but in today's training gallery (picture 10/14) on clubs website there seemed to be 2 different squads. One with Goody talking to in what appeared to be the team to play this week and whilst you can't see them all Jackson was in it.

[deanox 9,985]

25 minutes ago, Docs Demons said:

Not sure if you can read much into it but in today's training gallery (picture 10/14) on clubs website there seemed to be 2 different squads. One with Goody talking to in what appeared to be the team to play this week and whilst you can't see them all Jackson was in it.

They also tweeted a photo of Jackson's mullet in full flight today with the caption "marvellous isn't it?". He's in. 

 

If he passes the fitness test. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/814091

[kev martin 10,374]

Do Melksham and Hibberd play well against the old team?

 

I'd like to see Sparrow in for either Melksham or AVB, (probably Vanders out).

Jackson in for Fritsch, Hunt or ANB. Probably Fritsch out, so to keep the structural balance.

Hibbs in for Jetta.

 

On the fox daily sports news I noticed that Dogs are training on the Gold Coast while Freo are already in Cairns getting acclimatised. 

 

Edited September 16, 2020 by kev martin

[Pates 9,660]

39 minutes ago, deanox said:

They also tweeted a photo of Jackson's mullet in full flight today with the caption "marvellous isn't it?". He's in. 

 

If he passes the fitness test. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/814091

If he’s fit I guess it’s a good opportunity for his development to play in a do or die match. I just hope they are taking to long term approach with him as I’d hate for anything to muck up his preparation for 2021. 

[Pickett2Jackson 3,904]

42 minutes ago, deanox said:

They also tweeted a photo of Jackson's mullet in full flight today with the caption "marvellous isn't it?". He's in. 

 

If he passes the fitness test. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/814091

 

  Wacko Jacko looks to be returning!   Great news.

[CHF 2,768]

I have to admit that I am having a bit of trouble getting enthusiastic  about this match. Besides the fact that it starts at 6.10am my time we should just not be in the position we are. having to rely on other results after being in the position we were in is all a bit debilitating.

In most games to date I have had a stab at the changes I wold like to see but when the team comes out i can just not fathom some of the decisions. There seems to be a number of games that we have lost at selection I just shake my head.

I think last week we should not have had Jetta there and I do not want to see him in this week evenif he is fit. bring in Hibberd if he is fit. if not, Lockhart. Tomlinson to cover in defence. 

Midfield went ok and I would give that group another run.

In the forward 50 ( I hesitate to call it "The forwards" or "the Attack") we need to find some effective tall targets - we have none at the moment. Brown went ok but Wiedeman was blanketed. I would look to bring in Jackson but retain both Brown and Wiedeman. Coaches play mix and match in the forwards with those three to see if we can get some effective matchup. I would be tempted to 'rest' Melksham.

My prediction? GWS to beat Saints by not very much and we win by not enough. Bulldogs kick a point after the siren to win it and leave us tearing our bleeding hearts out. 

[Pates 9,660]

13 minutes ago, CHF said:

I have to admit that I am having a bit of trouble getting enthusiastic  about this match. Besides the fact that it starts at 6.10am my time we should just not be in the position we are. having to rely on other results after being in the position we were in is all a bit debilitating.

In most games to date I have had a stab at the changes I wold like to see but when the team comes out i can just not fathom some of the decisions. There seems to be a number of games that we have lost at selection I just shake my head.

I think last week we should not have had Jetta there and I do not want to see him in this week evenif he is fit. bring in Hibberd if he is fit. if not, Lockhart. Tomlinson to cover in defence. 

Midfield went ok and I would give that group another run.

In the forward 50 ( I hesitate to call it "The forwards" or "the Attack") we need to find some effective tall targets - we have none at the moment. Brown went ok but Wiedeman was blanketed. I would look to bring in Jackson but retain both Brown and Wiedeman. Coaches play mix and match in the forwards with those three to see if we can get some effective matchup. I would be tempted to 'rest' Melksham.

My prediction? GWS to beat Saints by not very much and we win by not enough. Bulldogs kick a point after the siren to win it and leave us tearing our bleeding hearts out. 

You’re London aren’t you? If so try 5:10am! ?

This time slot we’re in is easily the worst for everything, low drawing and low interest, always on Fox Footy. Ironically I would’ve thought this match would have relatively high interest given it’s a final 8 determining match. 

As for my enthusiasm, I’m going to struggle to be up for the start of the game. Will probably watch the second half if the scores look good. 

And your prediction would be the most appropriate thing to happen this year. To add to it, we be in front and have the percentage with 2min so go and concede two late soft goals, one after the siren after a soft 50m penalty. 

[58er 6,538]

3 hours ago, kev martin said:

Do Melksham and Hibberd play well against the old team?

 

I'd like to see Sparrow in for either Melksham or AVB, (probably Vanders out).

Jackson in for Fritsch, Hunt or ANB. Probably Fritsch out, so to keep the structural balance.

Hibbs in for Jetta.

 

On the fox daily sports news I noticed that Dogs are training on the Gold Coast while Freo are already in Cairns getting acclimatised. 

 

Lockhart fir Jetta 

Hibbs for ANB 

Jacko for Hunt

Seruously Jacko is good Below his knees and Fritsch is due a clinker so stays in.  Is our leading goal kicker !

Should get job done hopefully by enough if GWS can beat Saints.

Go Dees 

[58er 6,538]

5 hours ago, 58er said:

Jetta not fit don't think Locky in Hibbo also keep Smith In for Forward  line 

Two of ANB AVB  or Hunt should be dropped and Smithy Still in 

ie IN  Jackson Lockhart Hibberd 
OUT   Nev (inj) Hunt And ANB (omitted) 

Locky should mind Tippa 

I didn't mention that in my comments in a post further in 

[CHF 2,768]

1 hour ago, Pates said:

You’re London aren’t you? If so try 5:10am! ?

This time slot we’re in is easily the worst for everything, low drawing and low interest, always on Fox Footy. Ironically I would’ve thought this match would have relatively high interest given it’s a final 8 determining match. 

As for my enthusiasm, I’m going to struggle to be up for the start of the game. Will probably watch the second half if the scores look good. 

And your prediction would be the most appropriate thing to happen this year. To add to it, we be in front and have the percentage with 2min so go and concede two late soft goals, one after the siren after a soft 50m penalty. 

Not the UK.... in Europe so it is an hour better for me. Still Not a good time to knock the top off a bottle. Look around for a wine from Domaine Rouge Bleu. A red called Lunatique from the vineyard. Without a doubt it should be the MFC club drink for the name only at least.

i still have a few bottles of the 2011 to drink during the Freo/Bulldogs game if we are still alive.

[old55 23,687]

15 hours ago, bing181 said:

a) Tom McDonald. We've lost his 2-3 goals/7 odd marks/15 odd possessions per game

This is the difference. If we have that we're fighting for top 4 this year, not top 8.

[old55 23,687]

14 hours ago, Darkhorse72 said:

The amount of coaching Goodwin was doing from the bench at the end of the GSW games, indicated to me that the players are not able to make them themselves on the field.  From what I could tell from the tv he was having to direct players to positioning etc.   Lack of a true leadership to organise the troops during games.  Hence why they can't stop run on's. 

Love Demonland ..

Goodwin vs Swans - too passive, vs GWS - too active.

[Demons11 7,046]

11 hours ago, Vineytime said:

Hunt ANB Jetta need to go. 
Jackson Sparrow Hibbo in. 

Jetta was brilliant last week, his attack on the ball was enormous. 
The only was he goes out if he is injured 

[Pickett2Jackson 3,904]

9 hours ago, Docs Demons said:

Not sure if you can read much into it but in today's training gallery (picture 10/14) on clubs website there seemed to be 2 different squads. One with Goody talking to in what appeared to be the team to play this week and whilst you can't see them all Jackson was in it.

 

Edited September 16, 2020 by Pickett2Jackson

[dazzledavey36 55,302]

3 minutes ago, Pickett2Jackson said:

 

Noticed this too. Thought it was very interesting. 

[Engorged Onion 10,223]

6 minutes ago, Pickett2Jackson said:

 

Weiderman looks confused at the 'messaging'... he's gone