Maybe it all depends on the Mystery Injury of the Week.

Although if there are no injuries, I would still contemplate switching Jetta for Hibberd, but only if Hibberd is truly fit. Otherwise, I can't see the need for any further changes.

Melksham for Gus for mine.

Hibberd maybe for Hunt.

19 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Maybe it all depends on the Mystery Injury of the Week.

Although if there are no injuries, I would still contemplate switching Jetta for Hibberd, but only if Hibberd is truly fit. Otherwise, I can't see the need for any further changes.

Lever had some sort of issue in the second half of the Saints game - is he confirmed 100% ok?

GWS are ordinary, mainly due to not having anything resembling a game plan at all. They have some talent still. Hopefully we come into this game with better execution going inside 50, and also improved accuracy to goal. Two simple things, because we need to make the most of our ruck dominance. I’d like to perhaps see Salem trialed in the middle for this game, see if we can penetrate some long low kicks out of the center deep inside 50. Open the forward line up a bit. Won’t happen but last weeks 19 behinds was an embarrassment. Lucky we played an undermanned St Kilda.

1 hour ago, JimmyGadson said:

Melksham at his best is an obvious inclusion and if he's deemed fit enough this week (aerobically), I'd put him in for Sparrow. 

The speed of the game suits his attributes and if he can bring intensity and a willingness to hunt and hit like Sparrow, I think he gets the nod due to the strengths he possesses. Footskills inside 50, an attacking mentality once in possession from a mark and great goal sense. All things we need more of if we're going to start challenging better oppo over the next few weeks and I think this is a good game to bring him in.

He's a senior player and would provide a better balance for us.

Melksham for Sparrow, hope it happens.

 

That's the problem, though.

Can we trust Melksham to chase, defend, gut run and put his body on the line?

His skills are something that will make us better, I agree with that. His ability to nail 45-degree angle passes from the wing through the corridor, and to hit targets on a lead, is essential.

But if he can't/won't defend and work hard, he cannot play. 

44 minutes ago, titan_uranus said:

That's the problem, though.

Can we trust Melksham to chase, defend, gut run and put his body on the line?

His skills are something that will make us better, I agree with that. His ability to nail 45-degree angle passes from the wing through the corridor, and to hit targets on a lead, is essential.

But if he can't/won't defend and work hard, he cannot play. 

Given Melky’s poor 2020 I have no hesitation about keeping him at Casey until he puts in multiple performances that indicate that he is back to his best and willing to do the team requirements. 

2 hours ago, JimmyGadson said:

Melksham at his best is an obvious inclusion and if he's deemed fit enough this week (aerobically), I'd put him in for Sparrow. 

The speed of the game suits his attributes and if he can bring intensity and a willingness to hunt and hit like Sparrow, I think he gets the nod due to the strengths he possesses. Footskills inside 50, an attacking mentality once in possession from a mark and great goal sense. All things we need more of if we're going to start challenging better oppo over the next few weeks and I think this is a good game to bring him in.

He's a senior player and would provide a better balance for us.

Melksham for Sparrow, hope it happens.

 

Big ifs re his intensity and willingness to hunt and hit. Also rarely tackles. Must be made to earn a recall 

4 hours ago, Better days ahead said:

Our womens team are playing a final on Saturday afternoon. You should check it out. It'll help you pass the time while you wait for the mens game.

Good idea, I will tune in. 

For mine,  no change, reward the winners, just hope we can bring the intensity and manic pressure to GWS. 
 

many times we had two blokes tackling the oppo ball carrier, reminded me of our play in 2018.  Pressure all over the ground. It was good stuff, loved it. 
 

in reality we had no passengers, Tomlinson as the third tall looks as good.  No better than Omac, lever and may. The backs played really well. 
 

it’s not going to be a walk in the park, but if we start well we will run over them in the last.  Only change should be the medical sub.   Go Dees !!

18 hours ago, JimmyGadson said:

Melksham at his best is an obvious inclusion and if he's deemed fit enough this week (aerobically), I'd put him in for Sparrow. 

The speed of the game suits his attributes and if he can bring intensity and a willingness to hunt and hit like Sparrow, I think he gets the nod due to the strengths he possesses. Footskills inside 50, an attacking mentality once in possession from a mark and great goal sense. All things we need more of if we're going to start challenging better oppo over the next few weeks and I think this is a good game to bring him in.

He's a senior player and would provide a better balance for us.

Melksham for Sparrow, hope it happens.

 

Yes, I'd like to see Melksham come into the wing and Brayshaw go to Sparrow's role.

Sparrow's goal against the Saints was all class and he will get his turn.

At this stage Baker is more of a winger than Gus, still need more fire power in the team. 

2 hours ago, COOLX said:

At this stage Baker is more of a winger than Gus, still need more fire power in the team. 

was that a red head joke

Edited April 1, 20214 yr by Turner

22 hours ago, 640MD said:

For mine,  no change, reward the winners, just hope we can bring the intensity and manic pressure to GWS. 
 

many times we had two blokes tackling the oppo ball carrier, reminded me of our play in 2018.  Pressure all over the ground. It was good stuff, loved it. 
 

in reality we had no passengers, Tomlinson as the third tall looks as good.  No better than Omac, lever and may. The backs played really well. 
 

it’s not going to be a walk in the park, but if we start well we will run over them in the last.  Only change should be the medical sub.   Go Dees !!

I'm not a fan of having two of ours tackling one of theirs. It means the opposition has a spare player somewhere, usually nearby, and if the ball does get released, that spare player may be off to the races before we know it.

17 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

I'm not a fan of having two of ours tackling one of theirs. It means the opposition has a spare player somewhere, usually nearby, and if the ball does get released, that spare player may be off to the races before we know it.

agree but in 2018 that is how we beat them. Crowd the ball carrier, cause a fumble and we took it away.

It was the one of those times when an opposition team didn't get the handball out to the running player.

GWS  at their best were exquisite at getting the overlap going.

In 2020 many teams were successful against them by forcing them to the boundary line and protecting the area say 15 metre in from the line.

Who will we play on Toby G I wonder?

It amazes me how little people get that Gus is playing the skinny side defensive wing and is actually playing it well and still learning, The right way to continue to reinforce that we are rewarding team footy and role footy wins is to maintain an unchanged side. If there is no VFL practice this week just take Milkshake and he could get time as medisub if needed. Which if you consider he offers good flexibility forward, back and mid if required.

13 minutes ago, big_red_fire_engine said:

It amazes me how little people get that Gus is playing the skinny side defensive wing and is actually playing it well and still learning, The right way to continue to reinforce that we are rewarding team footy and role footy wins is to maintain an unchanged side. If there is no VFL practice this week just take Milkshake and he could get time as medisub if needed. Which if you consider he offers good flexibility forward, back and mid if required.

So, in this apparent role of 'defensive winger' where he's rated so far as below average for pressure acts, tackles and one percenters, he's 'playing it well'? Can't say I agree mate.

But at least he's going at 50% by foot hey.

Edited April 1, 20214 yr by Lord Nev

7 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

So, in this apparent role of 'defensive winger' where he's rated so far as below average for pressure acts, tackles and one percenters, he's 'playing it well'? Can't say I agree mate.

But at least he's going at 50% by foot hey.

I didn’t think I would need to educate you  but here it goes. 

Defensive wingers are about structure and being a step away from the ball and the contest. It’s to stop the oppo doing something quickly or not at all. 

Kamden McIntosh one of the best in the business had a 13 possession 1 tackle and 8 pressure act game last week. Richmond will probably give him high B&F votes like his top 5 finish last year. 

Gus is a work in progress in the role but he is doing it a hell of a lot better than people get. This is why we are not even looking to rotate him on ball at all and preferring Sparrow and Jones and others.

Carry On. 

 

Edited April 1, 20214 yr by big_red_fire_engine

40 minutes ago, big_red_fire_engine said:

I didn’t think I would need to educate you  but here it goes. 

Defensive wingers are about structure and being a step away from the ball and the contest. It’s to stop the oppo doing something quickly or not at all. 

Kamden McIntosh one of the best in the business had a 13 possession 1 tackle and 8 pressure act game last week. Richmond will probably give him high B&F votes like his top 5 finish last year. 

Gus is a work in progress in the role but he is doing it a hell of a lot better than people get. This is why we are not even looking to rotate him on ball at all and preferring Sparrow and Jones and others.

Carry On.

So you're happy with us having a highly paid former pick 3 playing as a defensive winger, who kicks it badly, doesn't tackle much or apply pressure, and plays 70% game time; because a different player at a different club did well in their BnF last year?...

Find it strange how quickly people look to make excuses for Gus. He's under performing. Simple as that. No pressure, poor delivery, but apparently he's going better than anyone thinks because he's, what, filling space? Come on.

2 tackles and 10 pressure acts a game for a former pick 3 'defensive winger'. Who says Dees fans accept mediocrity hey...

PS - McIntosh didn't get any coaches votes, so not totally sold on your 'high B&F votes' theory.

Edited April 1, 20214 yr by Lord Nev

On 3/31/2021 at 4:03 PM, titan_uranus said:

That's the problem, though.

Can we trust Melksham to chase, defend, gut run and put his body on the line?

His skills are something that will make us better, I agree with that. His ability to nail 45-degree angle passes from the wing through the corridor, and to hit targets on a lead, is essential.

But if he can't/won't defend and work hard, he cannot play. 

There is very little chance of any of those three happening TU.

And in today's more open game, one on one defending has become even more crucial, especially inside 50 to avoid slingshot rebound goals.

Less opportunity to hide amongst the team defence style of yonder from now on.  Players who refuse to pressure/man up when we lose possession will be even more exposed defensively and the team will pay a heavy price when playing this type of player.

One on one accountability is back.

2 hours ago, Lord Nev said:

So you're happy with us having a highly paid former pick 3 playing as a defensive winger, who kicks it badly, doesn't tackle much or apply pressure, and plays 70% game time; because a different player at a different club did well in their BnF last year?...

Find it strange how quickly people look to make excuses for Gus. He's under performing. Simple as that. No pressure, poor delivery, but apparently he's going better than anyone thinks because he's, what, filling space? Come on.

2 tackles and 10 pressure acts a game for a former pick 3 'defensive winger'. Who says Dees fans accept mediocrity hey...

PS - McIntosh didn't get any coaches votes, so not totally sold on your 'high B&F votes' theory.

I just look at the role a player is playing and whether he is doing his job. I dont look at his dream team points, draft -position or pay packet on the weekend to evaluate it. If we have 22 guys doing the job we need them to do we will be a lot better than 22 guys getting high dream team points and individually playing to their draft pick or pay packet. 

No excuses from me. Gus has been poor for two seasons other than a game here and there. Gus is learning a role and whilst developing is doing it better than anyone we have seen at MFC in the last 3 years at least. I suggest that makes it well worth persevering with. 

McIntosh averaged 13 disposals and less then 2 tackles a game last year and finished 5th in Richmonds B&F

 

Edited April 1, 20214 yr by big_red_fire_engine

2 hours ago, Lord Nev said:

So you're happy with us having a highly paid former pick 3 playing as a defensive winger, who kicks it badly, doesn't tackle much or apply pressure, and plays 70% game time; because a different player at a different club did well in their BnF last year?...

Find it strange how quickly people look to make excuses for Gus. He's under performing. Simple as that. No pressure, poor delivery, but apparently he's going better than anyone thinks because he's, what, filling space? Come on.

2 tackles and 10 pressure acts a game for a former pick 3 'defensive winger'. Who says Dees fans accept mediocrity hey...

PS - McIntosh didn't get any coaches votes, so not totally sold on your 'high B&F votes' theory.

Well there must be a reason our first 2 opponents of the season couldn't get any connection from defence...

If Gus was playing his role so poorly then surely they would have just waltzed through his wing.

...they didn't.

Let's watch a few more games and see if our structure holds up, it's certainly looking a lot stronger than it has in an age.

Edited April 1, 20214 yr by rjay

12 minutes ago, big_red_fire_engine said:

I just look at the role a player is playing and whether he is doing his job. I dont look at his dream team points, draft -position or pay packet on the weekend to evaluate it. If we have 22 guys doing the job we need them to do we will be a lot better than 22 guys getting high dream team points and individually playing to their draft pick or pay packet. 

No excuses from me. Gus has been poor for two seasons other than a game here and there. Gus is learning a role and whilst developing is doing it better than anyone we have seen at MFC in the last 3 years at least. I suggest that makes it well worth persevering with. 

McIntosh averaged 13 disposals and less then 2 tackles a game last year and finished 5th in Richmonds B&F

 

Fair enough mate. I agree he's learning a new role, I guess we just differ on our perception. Understand what you're saying about roles, I personally just think Gus is a far better player than what he's shown so far this year and he deserves as much heat as anyone else would get in that situation.

Again, no coaches votes for McIntosh last week so I don't agree he will feature highly in their BnF votes in that ones.

6 minutes ago, rjay said:

Well there must be a reason our first 2 opponents of the season couldn't get any connection from defence...

If Gus was playing his role so poorly then surely they would have just waltzed through his wing.

...they didn't.

Let's watch a few more games and see if our structure holds up, it's certainly looking a lot stronger than it has in an age.

Agree the structure is overall looking better, disagree that Gus deserves the credit for that.

1 hour ago, Lord Nev said:

Agree the structure is overall looking better, disagree that Gus deserves the credit for that.

Not saying he deserves the credit for it...just saying he is a part of it & playing his part.

He should get better as the year goes on.

3 hours ago, Lord Nev said:

So you're happy with us having a highly paid former pick 3 playing as a defensive winger, who kicks it badly, doesn't tackle much or apply pressure, and plays 70% game time; because a different player at a different club did well in their BnF last year?...

Find it strange how quickly people look to make excuses for Gus. He's under performing. Simple as that. No pressure, poor delivery, but apparently he's going better than anyone thinks because he's, what, filling space? Come on.

2 tackles and 10 pressure acts a game for a former pick 3 'defensive winger'. Who says Dees fans accept mediocrity hey...

PS - McIntosh didn't get any coaches votes, so not totally sold on your 'high B&F votes' theory.

Some good points Nev!
Why Gus in this role - I don’t understand. Can’t he be used in the guts to deliver more impact. Use a less damaging player as defensive winger?