Seems our entire philosophy is around "exposure" to the elite level rather than "easing" in. We haven't really been conservative with anyone over the past two years, Brown excluded at the start of last year.

Still, bringing in Salem who has played 10 minutes in the past 8 months, in freezing and potentially wet conditions... I really don't get why we wouldn't have kept Bedford in, especially given he was probably our best small last week, whilst having Salem ease back in via the twos.

I really can't help but think we are slowly grinding to the bye here. Internally they must surely be content with a few loses now before a huge drive at the end of the year. Just seems to be like we are "managing" things to the extreme, maximise exposure, accept a few loses, and then we're ready for a huge push.

I'm really indifferent about the result for the next two weeks. 

11 minutes ago, Demon17 said:

Spot on. But I do have a soft spot for Hibberd in defence.

Was very happy he was in the PF 22 when May went down

I'd personally prefer Hibberd to Hunt in defence but not unless he's full fit and that'll mean a couple of games at Casey. 

One of the umpires is No. 26 (Fleer or Freer or something). While I generally don't get as upset these days by umpires, IIRC, that guy has prompted me to throw bricks through the TV screen in the past.

Other than that, Bedford is stiff. If Rivers needs a rest, I wouldn't be surprised to see him as sub rather than running around in the two's. Bedford needs a bit of continuity.

Fingers crossed 🤞 no setbacks & we’ll have our best 22 back next week against the Pies.

May to replace Tommo.

Salem to start on the halfback flank with Harmes going to the bench.

Kozzy back up forward & Trac into the middle.

Neal-Bullen to start on the forward flank with Jackson going back to the bench.

 

I think instead of having the same emergency player each week you rotate them so players stay match fit but my hope is that Bedford’s our medical sub every week in the finals. 

With the exception of the Covid round against Hawks that’s quite a shake up. Almost a selection coup by recent MFC standards. May put a few others on notice too, perform or your spot is in jeopardy. Plus gives some of the young guys playing for Casey, some real incentive for promotion to the senior side.

Some huge ins. I didn't really appreciate what the team was missing until you see the names coming back. 

I think Trent Rivers has a huge future so hoping he can find a role back within the team. Should probably get the Sub role this week. No doubt Brayshaw needs to stay back and JJ has effectively taken Riv's spot in simple numbers terms

5 is a lot of changes for us but they are good changes. My excitement levels of Salem playing again is excruciating.

38 minutes ago, praha said:

Seems our entire philosophy is around "exposure" to the elite level rather than "easing" in. We haven't really been conservative with anyone over the past two years, Brown excluded at the start of last year.

Still, bringing in Salem who has played 10 minutes in the past 8 months, in freezing and potentially wet conditions... I really don't get why we wouldn't have kept Bedford in, especially given he was probably our best small last week, whilst having Salem ease back in via the twos.

I really can't help but think we are slowly grinding to the bye here. Internally they must surely be content with a few loses now before a huge drive at the end of the year. Just seems to be like we are "managing" things to the extreme, maximise exposure, accept a few loses, and then we're ready for a huge push.

I'm really indifferent about the result for the next two weeks. 

I remember mid 2021 there was a bit of doom and gloom here .... but come the business end of the season, bang, bang, bang etc.

I have faith in Demons.

30 minutes ago, Roger Mellie said:

One of the umpires is No. 26 (Fleer or Freer or something). While I generally don't get as upset these days by umpires, IIRC, that guy has prompted me to throw bricks through the TV screen in the past.

Other than that, Bedford is stiff. If Rivers needs a rest, I wouldn't be surprised to see him as sub rather than running around in the two's. Bedford needs a bit of continuity.

I have a rolling account at JB Hi Fi RM. Razar Ray, Nichols, Fleer, Mollison. Brick. Brick . . . brick . . . brink. 

1 hour ago, Jaded No More said:

Swap May with Tommo and that’s our best 22 right there. 

Not necessarily.  Hunt will need to fire this week and/or against the filth or Hibbo (assuming he gets through another VFL game or two unscathed and hits some form) might be knocking on his door for the QB match or, failing that, post the buy.

1 hour ago, BDA said:

Been a long time since we made 5 changes but other than Thommo for May, the incomers all improve the side

 

 

Yeah, it has been a long 4 weeks since we played the Saints.

46 minutes ago, 4_Kent_Watts said:

I'd personally prefer Hibberd to Hunt in defence but not unless he's full fit and that'll mean a couple of games at Casey. 

Hunt has some credits, and obviously FB is not his role, but I too would prefer Hibberd. Hunt needs a good game this week or else give Hibberd a go, he is a good negating defender as well. 

Salem is simply not a VFL player 

If he his match fit and available he is in the team. Simple as that.

 

He will probably take time to build up to 100% match fitness but it will happen in the firsts. 

9 minutes ago, drysdale demon said:

Yeah, it has been a long 4 weeks since we played the Saints.

I should have been clearer. its been a long time sine when made 5 non-covid enforced changes

Trust he club with bringing back Salem from injury, obviously wish him well.

Feel for Bedford as he deserves another go.

1 hour ago, rpfc said:

Salem is a HBF. If he is right to play he should play for Melbourne.

Not sure what to make of this RP.

If he was a BP or HFF he should play for Sydney??? Seems odd

10 minutes ago, DEE fence said:

Hunt has some credits, and obviously FB is not his role, but I too would prefer Hibberd. Hunt needs a good game this week or else give Hibberd a go, he is a good negating defender as well. 

Hunt's role is the small opposition forward.

That's not Hibberd's go - last season he took the dusty type ie strong, medium size.

Hunt will likely go to papley.

1 hour ago, old dee said:

I am astounded Salem is in. 5 mins in first game the ten weeks on the side lines with a knee injury a large part of which would involve no running. Hope to God they have this right as he is our best kick and we have sorely missed him the last 10 weeks. 

Must agree OD it surprised me. These days however with closed training sessions we see little of what is happening.

There is also the problem that the VFL standard is so low it does little to hone the skills.

Trust the Force Luke !!

39 minutes ago, Demon Dynasty said:

Not necessarily.  Hunt will need to fire this week and/or against the filth or Hibbo (assuming he gets through another VFL game or two unscathed and hits some form) might be knocking on his door for the QB match or, failing that, post the buy.

Disagree. Hunt has done a superb job locking down small forwards. Hibbo is unfortunately on his last legs. 

41 minutes ago, Sideshow Bob said:

Not sure what to make of this RP.

If he was a BP or HFF he should play for Sydney??? Seems odd

If he was playing on the footy, his match conditioning may mean playing for Casey.

2 hours ago, jnrmac said:

5 changes

Rivers Out with Melk and Weid.

 

Salem Thommo, Harmes,TMac and Ed Langdon all back

 

Riv has been quite poor for a while. Deserves a spell

 

2 hours ago, Demonland said:

𝗜𝗡𝗦: Harmes, Langdon, McDonald, Salem, Tomlinson 

𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗦: May (concussion), Bedford, Melksham, Rivers, Weideman (omitted), Dunstan (used medi-sub)

 

SYDNEY

𝗜𝗡𝗦: N.Blakey, J.Amartey
𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗦: L.Franklin (suspension), M.Roberts (omitted), B.Campbell (omitted)

Last week's sub: R.Fox (unused)

 

How The Furg Melksham still gets a potential gig as Emergency /Medical sub to me is Mystifying he was Very Average last Week!

Edited June 2, 20223 yr by picket fence

31 minutes ago, Jaded No More said:

Disagree. Hunt has done a superb job locking down small forwards. Hibbo is unfortunately on his last legs. 

I don't think he's done and dusted just yet Jaded.  Looked pretty agile against the Dolphins on Sunday albeit a fair bit of ground to make up before he gets a call up just yet me thinks.

Regardless it means we have another premiership player chomping at the bit.

Competition for spots is always healthier than the opposite imv.

44 minutes ago, Jaded No More said:

Disagree. Hunt has done a superb job locking down small forwards. Hibbo is unfortunately on his last legs. 

People have been saying that about Hibberd for 3 years. And yet he has a medal around his neck and notwithstanding the fact he was injured has had a hell of a time recovering from that this year, he deserves a shot to get back in the team and begin showing everyone what a surprisingly effective footballer he is once more.

50 minutes ago, Jaded No More said:

Disagree. Hunt has done a superb job locking down small forwards. Hibbo is unfortunately on his last legs. 

Maybe even his last leg ?

Has been a great contributor, especially in the finals 2021,  but surely must be nearing retirement. 

52 minutes ago, picket fence said:

 

How The Furg Melksham still gets a potential gig as Emergency /Medical sub to me is Mystifying he was Very Average last Week!

Yeh that's sending the wrong message imv.  His last two weeks were a mile off AFL level.