The weather has turned so looks like it’ll be a slog. If so, not sure Melks will be able to show his silky skills. Maybe Sparrows grunt is preferable on a day like today?

Anways, this decision won’t be the winning or losing of the game. Melks needs a run so lets see if he has shaken off his putrid 2020 form and can be a contributor this year. 

9 hours ago, Pates said:

Melksham at his best is pure quality, 2020 was poor from him but so it was for others who have been good over the first few rounds. Here's his chance at redemption.

Sparrow will be back.

Thinking about the Sparrow rest period and the re-ignition of Melksham despite game evidence, it has been a tough call before the game against the Cats by those who oversee what might be possible. Perhaps, just perhaps, training and preparation for the game against Geelong has established some good links between Melksham's accurate - at times, deadly - foot passing into the forwards and the exploitation of Fritta, for example, leading straight through the midline - instead of the wider pockets. This may apply to other forwards, as well, of course. 

There might be something brewing ... there might not be something brewing. At any rate, it will be a distraction for the Cats working against their 'slow' game in the backline, chipping and wide-ranging in defence to give their midfield/forwards time to re-set.

Some neat Demon passing by foot would greatly assist the interruption of Geelong's geriatric progression of the ball from defence.

 

 

11 hours ago, hardtack said:

Then couldn’t you be chair man of selectors?

Perhaps you could table your suggestions

10 hours ago, Roost it far said:

I could table that at the next meeting

Surely you can dovetail the two careers?

1 hour ago, Better days ahead said:

The weather has turned so looks like it’ll be a slog. If so, not sure Melks will be able to show his silky skills. Maybe Sparrows grunt is preferable on a day like today?

Anways, this decision won’t be the winning or losing of the game. Melks needs a run so lets see if he has shaken off his putrid 2020 form and can be a contributor this year. 

The weather will fine. So to speak.

Rain will have cleared. Ground will have drained.

It will be cold and a touch windy but conditions will be pretty good.

21 minutes ago, binman said:

The weather will fine. So to speak.

Rain will have cleared. Ground will have drained.

It will be cold and a touch windy but conditions will be pretty good.

My weather app says rain most of the day turning to a mixture of sunshine and showers around game time with the potential for heavy rain again towards the end of the match.

Hope you're right though. I think I’m in an exposed seat and don’t fancy a soaking.

9 minutes ago, Better days ahead said:

My weather app says rain most of the day turning to a mixture of sunshine and showers around game time with the potential for heavy rain again towards the end of the match.

Hope you're right though. I think I’m in an exposed seat and don’t fancy a soaking.

Ticketek  must have known something my computer selected seat is high and dry at the back of level 1 Thank you!!

 

31 minutes ago, Better days ahead said:

My weather app says rain most of the day turning to a mixture of sunshine and showers around game time with the potential for heavy rain again towards the end of the match.

Hope you're right though. I think I’m in an exposed seat and don’t fancy a soaking.

My left knee is tingling so will be dry all day.

I think I'll hold fire on the Melksham decision until after the game.  Think its harsh on Sparrow but a fit and firing Melksham (2018 version) gives us another weapon that the opposition have to put time into.  He's quick, capable of great ball use that most in our side are not and a goal kicker. 

He hasn't had to fight for his spot the last 2 years but if plays how he has in 2019-2020 then I can't see him staying in the side.  Will be interesting to see how he approaches this.

The fact that its wet today doesn't bother me - often the highly skilled players skills stand out in the wet.

The Melksham/Sparrow change was  one of two selections most could see could possibly occur, the other being Jetta out for Hibberd. Most are weighing up their thoughts (as am I) on factors that are hard to judge outside the club. I love the idea of unchanged sides but I dont understand the nuances of below inside the club to have a strong view on this decision.

Firstly, where is the line as a mid between getting the ball and what you do without the ball. Sparrows off ball work has been excellent as shown in his pressure stats but surely a mid/half forward needs to get more than 4 touches. 

Secondly what is the Melksham we are getting in 2021?  The one that lacked any offensive or defensive impact in 2020 or the 2018 jet who whilst weak in defensive run played some top negating roles one half backs and was one of the most offensive weapons in the league I believe leading goal assists across the comp. I have noted that the whole team has an improved defensive mindset and the new man on mark rule lends to a guy who can kick darts on the angle off either foot.  

It really depends what bias you put on any story but as others have mentioned the decision on these two as our 22nd player should not be the difference between a win or loss. I would assume an improved defensive Melksham who with his ability to hit targets forward of centre would be the likely choice.

16 hours ago, Demonland said:

Just quietly. A 100 point win puts us on top of the ladder.

very quietly

4 hours ago, Biffen said:

Surely you can dovetail the two careers?

I’m not sure I can fix the joint

2 hours ago, Roost it far said:

I’m not sure I can fix the joint

You might have to go against the grain.They'll probably say you lack polish.

8 hours ago, Biffen said:

Surely you can dovetail the two careers?

That’s a plane crazy notion.

3 hours ago, Roost it far said:

I’m not sure I can fix the joint

Nailed it!

22 hours ago, buck_nekkid said:

May also be load managing young sparrow.

Nice try ( actually a pathetic try BN.) 

Havent you seen the word "managed ""next to The player?  If it is managed.
 

Back to the drawing board! 

2 hours ago, hardtack said:

Nailed it!

Time to bench this conversation