1 hour ago, binman said:

We are the best contested team in the AFL - the numbers and watching us tell us that.

Winning contested ball is arguably the very foundation of our game plan and goodies philosophy.

Yes but we finally worked out that it’s not clearances that matter as much as post clearance contested ball and the quality of the clearances. We set up defensively at stoppages and our aim is to win big or lose small. I’m not convinced Dunstan helps that philosophy as he’s more of a win small type player compared with our big 3 and even Harmes and Sparrow who have power to push through a pack. I’m sure the idea is he helps with the lose small part by chasing and tackling and can get first hands on to help win. Can he learn our quick hands and feet from congestion game?

1 hour ago, binman said:

As is the fact we are happy to kick for territory, as opposed to  hitting a target, so our games are always going to involve lots of contests and the ball being in dispute a lot - particularly in finals.

All of which places an even greater emphasis on the need for players like Dunstan who can win contested ball. 

I suspect it is why Sparrow got the nod ahead of JJ come finals.

 

I think our quick long slightly in board of the square direct kicks to talls on the flanks sets up our vital contest, then springs deep forwards open. That we can score and defend that kick is really our attacking game plan. And it’s the power and speed of our mids to get to those drops and retain possession that powers us. We win the contest, chain a few handballs then we’ve got forwards open.

Apart from contested work I think Sparrow just has more of a forward game than JJ. So he got the nod where Harmes got the mid/forward/wing covered.

Our defensive game plan is all about a whole lot of midfield and forward spread. One players pressures and 17 cover the outlets. They must think that Dunstan has that level of tank and can follow the instructions. But his lack of speed is a worry. I guess we’ll find out 

29 minutes ago, Yarra Valley Demon said:

Are we missing something in the senior team? 🤔

We don’t need followers in the senior team. What have our midfield down for us this year anyway?

30 minutes ago, Yarra Valley Demon said:

Are we missing something in the senior team? 🤔

Only way other teams stand a chance is if we play 15 on the field. Who needs an onball brigade anyway?

 

If we are going to challenge again next year pressure needs to be on those making the 22 every week. Dunstan will help keep our mids on their toes as well as provide cover for injuries and form drops. Provides experience and is a good age for the list..

Who knows he may just get a chance to play finals.

Good pick up.

 

18 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

Yes but we finally worked out that it’s not clearances that matter as much as post clearance contested ball and the quality of the clearances. We set up defensively at stoppages and our aim is to win big or lose small. I’m not convinced Dunstan helps that philosophy as he’s more of a win small type player compared with our big 3 and even Harmes and Sparrow who have power to push through a pack. I’m sure the idea is he helps with the lose small part by chasing and tackling and can get first hands on to help win. Can he learn our quick hands and feet from congestion game?

I think our quick long slightly in board of the square direct kicks to talls on the flanks sets up our vital contest, then springs deep forwards open. That we can score and defend that kick is really our attacking game plan. And it’s the power and speed of our mids to get to those drops and retain possession that powers us. We win the contest, chain a few handballs then we’ve got forwards open.

Apart from contested work I think Sparrow just has more of a forward game than JJ. So he got the nod where Harmes got the mid/forward/wing covered.

Our defensive game plan is all about a whole lot of midfield and forward spread. One players pressures and 17 cover the outlets. They must think that Dunstan has that level of tank and can follow the instructions. But his lack of speed is a worry. I guess we’ll find out 

Agree with all. But Dunstan doesn’t need to be best 22 for the pick-up to be a win. 

In all likelihood we won’t have the same luck with injuries next year - and Dunstan be a critical depth player to replace injured mids, and ensure we don’t need to change our game plan too much when we cop an injury or two. 

good to get Jordon, Sparrow, Harmes, Viney fighting a bit harder for their spots, and also be nice to have the luxury of giving Clarry & Norm a rest from time to time. 
 

 

7 hours ago, Demonland said:

 

WTF?!?!?! Sorry someone is saying Melbourne is a successful club and has a great culture?!?!? Blow me down with a feather. 

Great decision get around him!! Smells like a dynasty!

I must admit I'm a big wrap for this pick. Not only now but dating back to his draft year in 2013.

At the time we had just signed up Paul Roos as coach and I remember he made mentioned that he wanted to bring in some strong contested players through the trade period and draft as he believed that ypu build from the contest out.

At our pick 9 my two desired options were Luke Dunstan and Nathan Freeman. I remember watching his under 18's championships for SA and he reminded me so much of Ollie Wines. He was also captain of SA and I thought he was simply the perfect fit for what we desperately needed at the time. Even when he first started at St Kilda there was talk already that he was a future captain in waiting. To see Tim Lamb say, and I quote "cultural fit" into our side excites me even more.

He was a contested midfield beast who was already playing senior footy for his SANFL club at the time and he had the body frame to slot straight into our midfield. 

Come draft night I was deeply disappointed we had overlooked him and Freeman (who I thought was a Luke Shuey clone) and instead chose some kid called Christian Salem. Fast forward 8 years and Christian Salem would now be rated top 5 in that draft and has become one of the games best half backs going around. What amazing humble pie I've eaten over the past few years!!

To be honest I don't think Luke Dunstan is coming over here to fill in numbers for Casey. I genuinely think under our strong culture and leadership he could emulate the same pathway as what Jarryd Lyons has at Brisbane. The same criticism of Lyons was exactly what Dunstan is copping now. Slow, can't kick, and has no outside game. 

Dunstan is a big time accumulator who's had the horrid luck of playing at a club where they've had zero finals success, and a poor losing culture with no leadership. Also taking into account he was playing under a coach who's already been sacked in the AFL system before.

Dunstan wants to feel valued like he said in an interview few weeks back and he's coming to a club where our mantra of "Just be us" has made our players being able to express themselves on the footy field and also off field. Simon Goodwin drives this culture alongside Max Gawn extremely hard I can personally see Dunstan thriving amongst this culture. 

He'll certainly have a chip on his shoulder to prove the doubters wrong.

Probably been posted earlier but stats for Dunstan this year:

12 Matches Played. 184CM, 85KG 

DISPOSALS

25.3

ABOVE AVG

KICKS

14.1

ELITE

HANDBALL

11.2

ABOVE AVG

MARKS

4.3

ABOVE AVG

TACKLES

4.9

ABOVE AVG

TOTAL CLEARANCES

5.8

Elite

2 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

He won't be in my best 22.

Good lad. 

1 hour ago, Yarra Valley Demon said:

Are we missing something in the senior team? 🤔

So desperate not to include Dunstan that he forget the followers. Not to worry. Only a couple of AAs there.

Insurance, have to believe the club sees an upside in him, look at how much ANB's disposal has improved under our coaches.

7 hours ago, Redlagged said:

Harmes's disposal 'terrible'? Harsh. Superb kick in the 3rd in the GF put us back in the game.

That’s just what i was thinking!!

superb kick…

1 hour ago, DeeSpencer said:

Yes but we finally worked out that it’s not clearances that matter as much as post clearance contested ball and the quality of the clearances. We set up defensively at stoppages and our aim is to win big or lose small. I’m not convinced Dunstan helps that philosophy as he’s more of a win small type player compared with our big 3 and even Harmes and Sparrow who have power to push through a pack. I’m sure the idea is he helps with the lose small part by chasing and tackling and can get first hands on to help win. Can he learn our quick hands and feet from congestion game?

I think our quick long slightly in board of the square direct kicks to talls on the flanks sets up our vital contest, then springs deep forwards open. That we can score and defend that kick is really our attacking game plan. And it’s the power and speed of our mids to get to those drops and retain possession that powers us. We win the contest, chain a few handballs then we’ve got forwards open.

Apart from contested work I think Sparrow just has more of a forward game than JJ. So he got the nod where Harmes got the mid/forward/wing covered.

Our defensive game plan is all about a whole lot of midfield and forward spread. One players pressures and 17 cover the outlets. They must think that Dunstan has that level of tank and can follow the instructions. But his lack of speed is a worry. I guess we’ll find out 

All good points.

I see Dunstan as cover for viney, so very much an inside defensive mid.

The way we play must be super taxing, and no more taxing a role than that aged by Jack.

It's a long season. Sparrow is in rbe best 22 and JJ is better on the outside.

Good to have a jack back up.

19 minutes ago, A F said:

Good lad. 

So desperate not to include Dunstan that he forget the followers. Not to worry. Only a couple of AAs there.

Missed the followers again damn, just gives me an excuse to do the best 22 again.

B: RIVERS, MAY, LEVER

HB: BOWEY, PETTY, SALEM

C: LANGDON, PETRACCA, BRAYSHAW

HF: NEAL-BULLEN, JACKSON, SPARROW

F: PICKETT, B.BROWN, FRITSCH

FOLL: GAWN, OLIVER, VINEY

IC: HUNT, SPARGO, HARMES, MCDONALD

SUB: TOMLINSON

EMERG: JORDON, DUNSTAN, HIBBERD

 

CASEY

B: HORE, TURNER, J.SMITH

HB: HIBBERD, TOMLINSON, D.SMITH

C: BAKER, DUNSTAN, DECLASE

HF: MELKSHAM, M.BROWN, ROSMAN

F: BEDFORD, WEIDEMAN, CHANDLER

FOLL: DAW, JORDON, LAURIE

IC: DRAFT PICK, DRAFT PICK

9 minutes ago, binman said:

All good points.

I see Dunstan as cover for viney, so very much an inside defensive mid.

The way we play must be super taxing, and no more taxing a role than that aged by Jack.

It's a long season. Sparrow is in rbe best 22 and JJ is better on the outside.

Good to have a jack back up.

I wouldn't mind an Oliver back up in Tom Mitchell. 😉

I hope Luke gets a good run at it. I don’t think he’s been happy for a while at the Saints, and he probably watched Ben Brown in the finals and thought ‘I’ll have a bit of that’. 

Cost us nothing, covers a hole in the list perfectly. Well done all.

13 minutes ago, WERRIDEE said:

Missed the followers again damn, just gives me an excuse to do the best 22 again.

B: RIVERS, MAY, LEVER

HB: BOWEY, PETTY, SALEM

C: LANGDON, PETRACCA, BRAYSHAW

HF: NEAL-BULLEN, JACKSON, SPARROW

F: PICKETT, B.BROWN, FRITSCH

FOLL: GAWN, OLIVER, VINEY

IC: HUNT, SPARGO, HARMES, MCDONALD

SUB: TOMLINSON

EMERG: JORDON, DUNSTAN, HIBBERD

 

CASEY

B: HORE, TURNER, J.SMITH

HB: HIBBERD, TOMLINSON, D.SMITH

C: BAKER, DUNSTAN, DECLASE

HF: MELKSHAM, M.BROWN, ROSMAN

F: BEDFORD, WEIDEMAN, CHANDLER

FOLL: DAW, JORDON, LAURIE

IC: DRAFT PICK, DRAFT PICK

I really wouldn't be surprised if Weideman secures a spot in the starting lineup early next season in lieu of McDonald. I have a feeling Mcdonald re-signed knowing he was first choice this season but likely back-up after that, and Weideman ultimately stayed because he was told he'd be given every opportunity to land a starting gig with a full pre-season and promising form...

27 minutes ago, WERRIDEE said:

Missed the followers again damn, just gives me an excuse to do the best 22 again.

B: RIVERS, MAY, LEVER

HB: BOWEY, PETTY, SALEM

C: LANGDON, PETRACCA, BRAYSHAW

HF: NEAL-BULLEN, JACKSON, SPARROW

F: PICKETT, B.BROWN, FRITSCH

FOLL: GAWN, OLIVER, VINEY

IC: HUNT, SPARGO, HARMES, MCDONALD

SUB: TOMLINSON

EMERG: JORDON, DUNSTAN, HIBBERD

 

CASEY

B: HORE, TURNER, J.SMITH

HB: HIBBERD, TOMLINSON, D.SMITH

C: BAKER, DUNSTAN, DECLASE

HF: MELKSHAM, M.BROWN, ROSMAN

F: BEDFORD, WEIDEMAN, CHANDLER

FOLL: DAW, JORDON, LAURIE

IC: DRAFT PICK, DRAFT PICK

Great cover in most positions.

very happy Weid signed. Brown/TMac/Weid all to work their backsides off all summer knowing 3 doesn’t go into 2 - perfect!!

Only change I have to your team is Tomlinson plays if he is fit - not sure how he fits in, but he just plays. Didn’t loose a one on one contest for the games he played this year. 

Edited October 6, 20213 yr by 1964_2

27 minutes ago, WERRIDEE said:

Missed the followers again damn, just gives me an excuse to do the best 22 again.

B: RIVERS, MAY, LEVER

HB: BOWEY, PETTY, SALEM

C: LANGDON, PETRACCA, BRAYSHAW

HF: NEAL-BULLEN, JACKSON, SPARROW

F: PICKETT, B.BROWN, FRITSCH

FOLL: GAWN, OLIVER, VINEY

IC: HUNT, SPARGO, HARMES, MCDONALD

SUB: TOMLINSON

EMERG: JORDON, DUNSTAN, HIBBERD

 

CASEY

B: HORE, TURNER, J.SMITH

HB: HIBBERD, TOMLINSON, D.SMITH

C: BAKER, DUNSTAN, DECLASE

HF: MELKSHAM, M.BROWN, ROSMAN

F: BEDFORD, WEIDEMAN, CHANDLER

FOLL: DAW, JORDON, LAURIE

IC: DRAFT PICK, DRAFT PICK

far out brussel sprout. Casey would beat Suns easily I recon. 

Reminds me of Stephen Powell the way he moves.  Might be the left side bias but I reckon he's got a bit of Powell about him.  If he turns out as good as that I'll be pretty happy.

37 minutes ago, WERRIDEE said:

Missed the followers again damn, just gives me an excuse to do the best 22 again.

B: RIVERS, MAY, LEVER

HB: BOWEY, PETTY, SALEM

C: LANGDON, PETRACCA, BRAYSHAW

HF: NEAL-BULLEN, JACKSON, SPARROW

F: PICKETT, B.BROWN, FRITSCH

FOLL: GAWN, OLIVER, VINEY

IC: HUNT, SPARGO, HARMES, MCDONALD

SUB: TOMLINSON

EMERG: JORDON, DUNSTAN, HIBBERD

 

CASEY

B: HORE, TURNER, J.SMITH

HB: HIBBERD, TOMLINSON, D.SMITH

C: BAKER, DUNSTAN, DECLASE

HF: MELKSHAM, M.BROWN, ROSMAN

F: BEDFORD, WEIDEMAN, CHANDLER

FOLL: DAW, JORDON, LAURIE

IC: DRAFT PICK, DRAFT PICK

That's ok, you never fail to disappoint .

Dunstan will have to be able to play a HFF role to be able to get games in the midfield rotation. He would back himself to be better than all mids we have outside of the holy trinity.

The desire to ‘play Sparrow over him’ holds no water with me. Why? You want to win? Or are we still gifting games?? Why can’t Tom win his spot against Luke.

Just now, rpfc said:

Dunstan will have to be able to play a HFF role to be able to get games in the midfield rotation. He would back himself to be better than all mids we have outside of the holy trinity.

The desire to ‘play Sparrow over him’ holds no water with me. Why? You want to win? Or are we still gifting games?? Why can’t Tom win his spot against Luke.

Any thoughts on who be better resting HFF out of Dunstan vs Harmes? 

haven’t watched Dunstan closely enough