CHANGES: Rd 04 vs Geelong

[Cheesy D. Pun 1,762]

6 hours ago, Pickett2Jackson said:

The Cats breaking our win streak would be awful.  They will throw everything at us and try every dirty trick to take us down, including injuring our players and going for the head.

This is the big test, make no mistake.

I hope they keep trying to play their possession game and let our backs set up.

If they don't change tact, they may struggle this season.

That said, I agree. This is our first real test.

Edited April 5, 2021 by Cheesy D. Pun

[dee-tox 4,835]

One thing I have noticed with Sparrow is his willingness to shepherd, block, tackle and do the one percenters. 

Any replacement in the midfield needs to do the same.

[daisycutter 29,343]

6 minutes ago, Cheesy D. Pun said:

I hope they keep trying to play their possession game and let our backs set up.

If they don't change tact, they may struggle this season.

That said, I agree. This is our first real test.

quite agree re the cats possession game. don't know why they persist with it

[jnrmac 19,910]

18 hours ago, Little Goffy said:

I'm just going to contribute a quick observation on Tom McDonald.

At the end of the game, with the camera lingering on him for what seemed like eternity, he looked seriously unhappy with his effort.  That made perfect sense after the number of times he just didn't get it right tonight.

BUT

Many have cited that in the last couple of years we have been seriously deficient for tackles inside 50 and it was a key reason we we so keen on Pickett.

Tom McDonald is the current AFL leader for tackles inside 50 after picking up 4 tonight.

He made a contribution tonight even if he had a bad game.  Most importantly he didn't drop his head and he kept working and working.

You don't drop a player for one bad game when their attitude is still intact and team-first.  Especially when they've shown some signs of regaining their better form in the previous couple of weeks.

GWS threw loads of players back so it was never going to be a night for TMac or any tall other than Max when they bombed the ball in.

But he did compete by tackling and bringing the ball to ground and his game was serviceable IMO.

[picket fence 16,708]

2 hours ago, Diamond_Jim said:

now that is left field

I actually dont mind that move at all!! T Mac had a "Mare" last night, might Majak provide some spark and excitment??

Possibly Hibbo for Nev, is about it. Still not convinced Spargo does enough, but will rewatch the replay, Both Jordan and Sparrow should continue to be played! Melksham a big NO from me at this stage. Needs to really earn it in my book! Also Fritta responed well to my criticisms of his goal kicking last night! More like that please.

Edited April 5, 2021 by picket fence

[titan_uranus 24,704]

3 hours ago, Rodney (Balls) Grinter said:

The royal blue retro isn't exactly my first preference MFC jumper, but it's a vast improvement on any predominantly white jumper the AFL made us wear for way too many seasons, so I'm not going to complain about it.

Next weekend is a MFC home game, so I'm assuming they will wear the traditional red and navey blue and hopefully the following weekend against Hawthorn as well.

I have no issue with the royal blue jumper as our clash jumper. I like it.

The question is why were we wearing it vs GWS, a side with whom we don't clash?

If this is the start of a new "policy" whereby we wear the clash jumper in all our away games, I'm not interested. We should wear the home jumper with white shorts in any away game which doesn't involve a clash (which, IMO, are away games to Brisbane, Collingwood, Geelong, Gold Coast, GWS, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, Richmond, Sydney, West Coast and the Dogs).

[Lord Nev 13,512]

1 hour ago, dee-tox said:

One thing I have noticed with Sparrow is his willingness to shepherd, block, tackle and do the one percenters. 

Any replacement in the midfield needs to do the same.

As far as the AFL ratings go, this year he's rated as 'elite' for one percenters, tackles, pressure acts, intercept possessions and spoils. He has a crack and is in it for the team for sure.

[Pickett2Jackson 3,904]

The Geelong cheats won another game by under a goal

Lets belt them by 100 and end their season, I am sick of them and their charity

[Damo 3,257]

So they have Cameron, Rohan and now Higgins out?

[titan_uranus 24,704]

4 minutes ago, Damo said:

So they have Cameron, Rohan and now Higgins out?

Dangerfield and Rohan are suspended. Menegola didn't play today, not sure if he'll be fit next week.

Higgins did a hamstring I think.

[Redlagged 806]

21 hours ago, Clint Bizkit said:

Sparrow will come out.

McDonald would want to find his early season form quickly.

Lever will never be dropped but his brain fades and skill errors cost us a few goals directly each week.

Yeah made one or two errors. Did countless good things.

 

[Damo 3,257]

I cant believe I forgot Danger!

[kev martin 9,514]

Just watched the cats. Lots of backward kicking and ball possession by them.

Bring in Bowey for Jetts and blood him early. Need the close down speed and chase from him, when cats have it.

Hoping Goody can win the strategy game.

They are a control team against us, with our dynamism. 

[Redlagged 806]

21 hours ago, Lord Nev said:

I really like Sparrow, but that's a fair enough call. He put in his usual effort but didn't have much impact.

Wonder if we could have Gus go into Sparrow's role and play Melksham more on the outside? Gus' disposal has been really poor so far.

Agree Brayshaw is now fit enough to play more centrally. Makes Sparrow vulnerable. But then we need a winger. Melksham? Ideally should be in, but at half forward. But then Jones' place is shaky.

[Dee Zephyr 19,178]

1 hour ago, dee-tox said:

One thing I have noticed with Sparrow is his willingness to shepherd, block, tackle and do the one percenters. 

Any replacement in the midfield needs to do the same.

Protecting the ball carrier, love it!

#FiredUp https://t.co/AfmuBZ0mxt 

 

[Redlagged 806]

21 hours ago, big_red_fire_engine said:

Whilst a good win we need a freshen up. I would have Sparrow (no impact), Jetta (cooked) and Jones (selfish and no defensive actions) in the gun.

I would have Hibberd and Melksham in for Jetta and Sparrow and have Jones as the sub (for those obsessed with getting him to 300).

.

 

What is this rubbish about players being 'cooked'? Jetta played well I thought. Got caught out a couple of times - it happens. Good opposition. I suspect the coaches agree with me.

[Damo 3,257]

I hope we use the same tactic that saw Oliver drag his tagger away from the drop of the Centre square ball in the 2nd yesterday. We should win the inside ruck and contest without all our mids in the same 10 metre square zone. Guthrie is a problem though.

The cats will be using the bottle it up and then play their possesion game. If we can get it into an open running game we should be faster and last longer in the quarters.

[Redlagged 806]

Just now, Damo said:

I hope we use the same tactic that saw Oliver drag his tagger away from the drop of the Centre square ball in the 2nd yesterday. We should win the inside ruck and contest without all our mids in the same 10 metre square zone. Guthrie is a problem though.

The cats will be using the bottle it up and then play their possesion game. If we can get it into an open running game we should be faster and last longer in the quarters.

Agree Geelong has looked on the slow side when put to the pressure test (manic ball movement) in the last two games. Can Melbourne exploit that?

[Damo 3,257]

We also have to deal with Geelongs oiling of their upper arms and shoulders to better employ their ducking. I tip Selwood for at least 4 ducks.#its[censored]cheating

[drysdale demon 4,703]

1 hour ago, picket fence said:

Also Fritta responed well to my criticisms of his goal kicking last night! More like that please.

I am quite sure he reads demonland, he would not want to miss any  of your tips.

[Redlagged 806]

5 minutes ago, Damo said:

We also have to deal with Geelongs oiling of their upper arms and shoulders to better employ their ducking. I tip Selwood for at least 4 ducks.#its[censored]cheating

I tend to agree. Selwood - terrific player, charmed life. But their most irritating player is Cameron Guthrie. Can't stand him.

[Demon Dynasty 17,098]

I think we really need to try and go as  quick as possible early and try run the pants off this mob to give our forwards a fair crack at posting a score early and get a decent break on them.  Their general pressure rating isn't that high early in a game as they are probably looking to do the same to their opp for Nev.

Rivers covering one HBF nicely and providing a bit of speed there on the counter but we need to take it up a notch again.  I would be adding Hibb to the other HBF here for 

The only other spot up for grabs at the wide expanse of the G imv is TMac.  However, is he worth another roll of the die or do we risk bringing in MD for a fresh change up?  I'm not sold on either at this point and one could probably flip a coin here for a likely similar output on the day.

I'm a bit if a gambler though so i'd probably throw Majak into the mix to give a different look / modus to our forward line and see if we can find a more lethal KF option prior to BB returning.

No other changes imo.

Edited April 5, 2021 by Rusty Nails

[Turner 1,489]

1 hour ago, Damo said:

I cant believe I forgot Danger!

who?

45 minutes ago, Redlagged said:

I tend to agree. Selwood - terrific player, charmed life. But their most irritating player is Cameron Guthrie. Can't stand him.

guthrie? just about their only midfied who is honest and all grit, would never shirk the contest

[chook fowler 19,269]

Hope Duncan is still injured- he normally kills us

[whatwhat say what 22,242]

2 minutes ago, chook fowler said:

Hope Duncan is still injured- he normally kills us

he returned today