6 hours ago, hardtack said:

Is it possible that the club is giving us a hint as to who will come in on the weekend?

Possibly. Harmes’ hammy and 6 day break. I love our ‘Melbourne Way’ resilience mantra but great teams have been resting players since the beginning of time. So there is a place for it.

15 hours ago, deelusions from afar said:

That's normally true.  But I don't see the harm in saying something like "Well done X, you're making your debut this week.  As you know there's best 22 players due back in the coming weeks so we're not expecting you to stay in the side in the short term.  But you've earnt your place this week - you hit your KPIs and be the best team player you can and who knows where it can lead you.  This is exactly what we told Bowey last year and he hasn't left the team".

I just think its important to keep blooding young players and see how they go.  It's not intended to judge them - we all remember how Petty went in his first game... I'm sure that experience helped him understand the level he had to get to.  Similarly for Sparrow when playing his first games in 2020.

We've got great depth - if not this week, then I don't know when these guys will get a go with a tougher run in the second half of the year.

Good point, the worry is too, if these guys don't get a run they will start to look elsewhere,  and you couldn't blame them. It's a real juggling act.

Edited May 16, 20223 yr by Demon_spurs

5 hours ago, hardtack said:

Is it possible that the club is giving us a hint as to who will come in on the weekend?

I recall Dom Barry getting a gig in the NT after a one disposal debut. And then doubling his pb. 

I was at the WCE game and MAY looked a little tender at a few stages. Still played well but would a rest help him in the long run.

Worth giving him a rest and run Lever / Petty / Thomo  ??

Salem not available until after the bye unfortunatly 

OUT - Harmes, Chandler, May

IN - Bedford, Milkshake (Sub), Thomo

 

18 hours ago, Lil_red_fire_engine said:

If Harmes is out then I would look to Bedford in with ANB/Sparrow more midfield rotation time.

 

That is exactly what will happen.

Why?

Because Bedford is next in line.

That is how goody had used the medi sub role.

And given they are clearly  following last year's successful template for all manner of things, then that is how he will continue to use the medi sub role.

I find it perplexing when posters who have followed us in the last 18 months suggest we will do things like rest players, drop nibbler (or kozzie, or spargo) because they are not kicking enough goals, change our approach when playing bottom of the ladder teams (eg by giving some young players a shot) etc etc etc.

(Note: a caveat on the comment above, I acknowledge there is sometimes some grey between what people think should happen and what they think will happen. I'm referring to what people think WILL happen).

By the by i think Bedford might also do some midfield minutes too, as he has been splitting his time at Casey between the midfield and high half forward.

 

25 minutes ago, binman said:

That is exactly what will happen.

Why?

Because Bedford is next in line.

That is how goody had used the medi sub role.

And given they are clearly  following last year's successful template for all manner of things, then that is how he will continue to use the medi sub role.

I find it perplexing when posters who have followed us in the last 18 months suggest we will do things like rest players, drop nibbler (or kozzie, or spargo) because they are not kicking enough goals, change our approach when playing bottom of the ladder teams (eg by giving some young players a shot) etc etc etc.

(Note: a caveat on the comment above, I acknowledge there is sometimes some grey between what people think should happen and what they think will happen. I'm referring to what people think WILL happen).

By the by i think Bedford might also do some midfield minutes too, as he has been splitting his time at Casey between the midfield and high half forward.

 

I have been impressed with his improvement...his ball handling was hit and miss in the past but looked very sharp on the weekend and in his previous outing with the senior team.

There's something to be said about a good attitude and good development coaching.

You don't have to look much further than ANB to see that.

Yes assume Bedford is next in line if Harmes is out.  
 

Bedford shouldn’t be medi sub for a while. I think it was about 5-6 weeks of medi sub within a run!!!  

25 minutes ago, binman said:

Because Bedford is next in line.

That is how goody had used the medi sub role.

And given they are clearly  following last year's successful template for all manner of things, then that is how he will continue to use the medi sub role.

The only complicating factor is the Harmes role.

We saw exactly what Goody did with the 5 covid absences being covered as like for like as possible. 

Harmes is the 3rd wingman, an on baller, a pressure forward and a marking forward. No one can cover all of those roles Harmes plays.

I think it will be Bedford primarily forward and we’ll see Sparrow or even Fritsch play some wing, and ANB and even Bedford on ball for stints.

But there is a case for Dunstan in to fill the midfield minutes and to fill the wing and forward minutes with the resting mids

36 minutes ago, rjay said:

I have been impressed with his improvement...his ball handling was hit and miss in the past but looked very sharp on the weekend and in his previous outing with the senior team.

There's something to be said about a good attitude and good development coaching.

You don't have to look much further than ANB to see that.

ANB is an excellent example. 

I am still truly amazed at how far he has come over the last 1-2 years. His skills and split second decision-making/creativity has been great to watch. On top of that, he gets in the right places, applies a ton of pressure and generally kicks the goals. Results.

1 hour ago, DeeSpencer said:

But there is a case for Dunstan in to fill the midfield minutes and to fill the wing and forward minutes with the resting mids

That's a good point.

He was excellent too against the roos.

So perhaps 'that's exactly what will happen' was a bit strong.

That said I think Bedford is still a better option because he can cover the roles you note that harmes plays ie on ball minutes, high half forward who can snag a goal and up and down the ground running as a quasi winger.

Not sure Dunstan has the same flexibility - particularly forward craft.

Think I read on here that Dunstan had ice on his quad at the end of the game?

16 hours ago, Deedubs said:

Lever has missed the season with injury. No need for a rest for him.

Fat Tony

Nor Viney a rest. Is running on top of the ground never been fitter and playing his best most confident and cleanest footy ever. When on a roll stick to it. 

Also if without Harmes why would you rest another mid who is similar ?

27 minutes ago, Nascent said:

Think I read on here that Dunstan had ice on his quad at the end of the game?

That's true actually 

23 hours ago, Deedubs said:

Oh, I'm not saying Ben Brown deserves to be dropped or the JVR. You've taken what I've said out of context. I'd just like to use this very  rare opportunity to blood a kid. Otherwise it likely won't be until 2023.

World won't end if JVR does'nt debut till 2023.  What's most important is his improving confidence and skills snd experiencing  the Melbourne brand while learning his craft and adding to his very wide skill base for a young forward. 

Giving debuts for debuts sake was exactly the problem with Petty that day. In 2018.

Even when he played Hawthorn in Round5 last year replacing Maysie he was very nervous and was dropped for Anzac round and Kangas in Hobart Round7 then when Tommo injured himself Harry was mentally and physically ready for his third coming and he hasn't  looked back since.

JVR is 5th in line for a tall forwaRd spot and is putting the hard yards in learning and pressuring the other 3 plus resting rucks to play to their role and standards. 

Our forward setup is different to Blues as we have about 8/10 players that can Bob up with multiples and another half dozen who add to the scoreboard as the match progresses. No one is irreplaceable probably only Fritsch is close to that as he is so skilled and gets goals from spots no one else can on so many occasions and against any opponents.

JVR is going nicely no need to hasten at this stage he will get his chance when the right time occurs as will Laurie probably only sooner if Bedford does  not take his chances when they arrive. 

At some stage maybe  Laurie might go past Bedford but that is another tale for another time. 

 
 

It won't happen but it would be interesting to see one of Turner, D. Smith or Rosman get a go at Brayshaw's role and Brayshaw take Harmes role

3 hours ago, stinga said:

It won't happen but it would be interesting to see one of Turner, D. Smith or Rosman get a go at Brayshaw's role and Brayshaw take Harmes role

A big no

7 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

The only complicating factor is the Harmes role.

We saw exactly what Goody did with the 5 covid absences being covered as like for like as possible. 

Harmes is the 3rd wingman, an on baller, a pressure forward and a marking forward. No one can cover all of those roles Harmes plays.

I think it will be Bedford primarily forward and we’ll see Sparrow or even Fritsch play some wing, and ANB and even Bedford on ball for stints.

But there is a case for Dunstan in to fill the midfield minutes and to fill the wing and forward minutes with the resting mids

Yes Dunstan is possibly the most “like for like” option but I seem to remember reading that he was injured.  
Bedford is the most likely “next in line”: pity about Chandler who looked comfortable when he came on Sunday v WCE. 

10 hours ago, binman said:

That is exactly what will happen.

Why?

Because Bedford is next in line.

That is how goody had used the medi sub role.

And given they are clearly  following last year's successful template for all manner of things, then that is how he will continue to use the medi sub role.

I find it perplexing when posters who have followed us in the last 18 months suggest we will do things like rest players, drop nibbler (or kozzie, or spargo) because they are not kicking enough goals, change our approach when playing bottom of the ladder teams (eg by giving some young players a shot) etc etc etc.

(Note: a caveat on the comment above, I acknowledge there is sometimes some grey between what people think should happen and what they think will happen. I'm referring to what people think WILL happen).

By the by i think Bedford might also do some midfield minutes too, as he has been splitting his time at Casey between the midfield and high half forward.

 

Look I agree 100% with all your comments BUT my main concern is we are losing one of the sides best taggers, so I ask is Bedford the best :IN 

What about Dunstan ? Just asking !!!

 

Anyone want a free ticket to the footy on Saturday? I have a spare reserved seat on the 3rd level wing that I got for myself before anyone else told me they wanted to come, and I needed to buy more. 

As an added bonus you’re not sitting anywhere near me now, so you don’t have to worry about small talk. PM me if you’re keen. 

Guys and girls, I love the confidence but can we remember round 7 last year when we were down by 20 points to North at half time? North were just as bad last year.  If we start talking of blooding young players or giving someone a rest, we can mentally switch off and we could lose the game. Or at least lose some momentum and confidence.

Do not tinker! we will lose games this year and most likely to average teams

The one change I would like to see is Petracca.

 

I wish he would change his boots. Watched his highlights package and he slipped over on at least 4 occasions whilst kicking. I mean WTF is that? Its infuriating.

 

1 minute ago, jnrmac said:

The one change I would like to see is Petracca.

 

I wish he would change his boots. Watched his highlights package and he slipped over on at least 4 occasions whilst kicking. I mean WTF is that? Its infuriating.

 

Stops - bring them back

21 hours ago, stinga said:

It won't happen but it would be interesting to see one of Turner, D. Smith or Rosman get a go at Brayshaw's role and Brayshaw take Harmes role

I could see the second half of this happening, that is, Brayshaw taking Harmes's role. He can do everything Harmes does (onball, wing, marking forward etc) and probably better than any of the alternatives. But with Salem, J Smith and Hibberd all unavailable, who would take his place in the backline? Would Tomlinson make us too top heavy? So, while Brayshaw seems a perfect replacement, I can't see how the Match Committee can make it happen.

Edited May 18, 20223 yr by La Dee-vina Comedia