gut feel, trac wont play, for some reason I think Spargo wont play either.

 

we are a bit banged up for this game.

If we are dropping it ion the forwards heads in the pocket, for me, it means we are not being creative enough= game over.

Sydney did well to keep May occupied, I think Brisbane will try the same this week. At least Harmes will be able to tag.

Is Gawn playing more forward because he is carrying an injury? I hope to [censored] that we are not going with Grundy, spend the money on a forward coach that can create a connection with the midfield. 

 

Hope we smash them.

Outs Melksham, Tracc, Spargo

Inns Bedford, Dunstan and one of Mc Donald or Smith with Chandler as sub

6 minutes ago, poita said:

Absolutely zero chance of any unforced changes this week. Goodwin has hitched his wagon to this group, and will work them into the ground before changing his mind. I'm also expecting us to err (yet again) on the side of taking unnecessary risks with injured players, rather than taking 22 fit players into this week's game. 

I'd be happy to see Spargo miss, Melksham take his role across half forward and another tall forward come in (McDonald preferably if fit). I'd also like to see Brayshaw back to the wing and Dunstan into the midfield, particularly if Petracca doesn't play. I don't think Harmes' positioning is good enough to play what is such a specialised role in our setup. Sparrow to miss if Petracca is fit.

I could make a very strong case for both Jackson and Salem to be dropped, but the chances of either happening are so miniscule that I won't bother.

Spargo was a great link player into the fwd line, all his possesions were damaging.

Unfortunately he doesnt get enough of it, not his fault being effectively played out of position on the wing at times, but I miss Brayshaw on the wing..... him and Langdon had it covered and its what won us a premiership

3 minutes ago, Mel Bourne said:

I don’t subscribe to the theory that medical staffs always make the right decision. AFL history is littered with stories of quite the opposite. Medicos are always trying to mitigate other factors that aren’t exactly in the player’s best interests. Strangely, one of the biggest forces that go against the welfare of the player is the player themselves. 

Didn't you know that this forum is the best predictor of a players readiness to perform?!

For mine, the more interesting selection dilemma is whether Tmac is ready enough. We desperately need another tall forward who is a forward, not a ruck. If he's ready, ANB or Melk might be omitted, unless Spargo cannot get up

As good and irreplaceable as Tracc is, we have others that can fill that role. Not a great fan of Dunstan, but he is a hard bodied player that could come in

 

Bring in Chandler for ANB,

Dunstan for Tracc,

JVR or Smith for Melksham.

And i'd like to get Bowey back in, but not sure who go out.

 

Edited September 5, 20222 yr by Neil Crompton

Any update on Spargo's and Fritsch's injuries?

8 minutes ago, picket fence said:

Outs Melksham, Tracc, Spargo

Inns Bedford, Dunstan and one of Mc Donald or Smith with Chandler as sub

Yes, Smith hasn’t been mentioned much in this discussion, but he was the medi sub on Friday. If another marking forward comes in, then it could, probably should, be Smith

I think what we desperately need to see is a second tall up forward. Ben can’t do it on his own, he isn’t good enough.

Tmac or JVR for melksham would be a start. ANB probably should go but no one we have to replace him inspires me. Harmes can stay because I’d like to see him on Neale. 
 

I’m confident we’ll turn it around and beat Brisbane again, but not so much for the week afterwards. Having said that, this group has surprised me many times before and who knows, maybe that Sydney game is the kick up the a** we need. 

Edited September 5, 20222 yr by Smokey

15 hours ago, McQueen said:

If Tmac is still too risky I’d give Joel Smith a crack at Melksham’s role. 
 

The way Melksham carries himself on the field is so depressing to watch. 
 

And Bedford for ANB. 

Steve, Smith was out longer than Tmac and starts off with less skill. Play Tmac at 90% he is better than Smith and I like Smith.

Smith has had two games at Casey and Tmac one. Not much difference.

23 minutes ago, bobby1554 said:

Yes, Smith hasn’t been mentioned much in this discussion, but he was the medi sub on Friday. If another marking forward comes in, then it could, probably should, be Smith

Smith will fly against BBB, Gawn and LJ. He is not a leading forward. It would have to be Weid or Tom.

8 minutes ago, Redleg said:

Smith will fly against BBB, Gawn and LJ. He is not a leading forward. It would have to be Weid or Tom.

So Tom or no one!

38 minutes ago, Mel Bourne said:

I don’t subscribe to the theory that medical staffs always make the right decision. AFL history is littered with stories of quite the opposite. Medicos are always trying to mitigate other factors that aren’t exactly in the player’s best interests. Strangely, one of the biggest forces that go against the welfare of the player is the player themselves. 

Oh totally, understand a player will do/say what he can to play a final, weigh up risk vs reward.

I'm no medical practitioner but from what i've heard seeing its a non-weight bearing bone it should be ok for him to play (Pending recovery from other issues and assessment of pain)

But i am sure there are other medical opinions that may differ, so who knows aha

 

 

 

I will try this.

Out- Trac, Melksham, ANB

In- Bowey, JVR, Dunstan.

Salem to play Wing/Forward, Bowey to defence. 
Harmes to play a lot more midfield time.

No point playing Weid as he is always caught out of position, JVR reads the ball better and hits the pack harder, experienced or not- he is our best option other than Mitch Brown who has been tried.

JVR has to be considered…surely. We need another tall and at least he is fit. From what I understand he is a real competitor.

Jye Amiss played in Freo‘s final on Saturday night and was excellent in what was only his second game. No reason JVR can’t do the same

It's more about roles than players. Assuming Petracca is out of the midfield, I expect Brayshaw to play his role leaving Harmes to take up the tagging role on Neale. That leaves a spot on the wing available, but with no Jordon, we have to find someone. I'd expect Bedford to get that role. 

If Petracca plays permanent forward, it depends on the fitness of Melksham and Fritsch as to who goes out. If Fritsch is OK, then Melksham has to go . If Spargo isn't fit, I expect Chandler to take his place, not Petracca.

So, I expect Bedford in for Melksham (unless Fritsch is not fit). And Chandler for Spargo, if Spargo doesn't come up. Of course, if Petracca doesn't play, I expect Melksham to keep his spot in the side.

 

Melksham played 3-4 good games. His final was average but I don’t think you should drop a player on one game unless there is someone better to come. Which there isn’t in my view. In finals you need experienced big bodies so I wouldn’t consider a kid coming in or an underdone T Mac. Anyone suggesting Smith go and take a look at the Casey game last week. He was average at VFL level

3 minutes ago, DubDee said:

Melksham played 3-4 good games. His final was average but I don’t think you should drop a player on one game unless there is someone better to come. Which there isn’t in my view. In finals you need experienced big bodies so I wouldn’t consider a kid coming in or an underdone T Mac. Anyone suggesting Smith go and take a look at the Casey game last week. He was average at VFL level

He hurts our structure. He didn’t tackle. He did kick goals from marks. He feel over. We need a 2nd tall in. 

18 hours ago, Ugottobekidding said:

Hard call. We really only have brown to replace milkshake. Tmac is underdone 

That's  not right, we have Weideman  and Brown.

3 minutes ago, Kick_It_To_Pickett said:

He hurts our structure. He didn’t tackle. He did kick goals from marks. He feel over. We need a 2nd tall in. 

He had a poor game. Still had more tackles than Pickett and the same as Spargo

2 weeks ago he kicked 4.2 and took 4 contested marks. We don’t have anyone at Casey that can do that

1 hour ago, bobby1554 said:

Yes, Smith hasn’t been mentioned much in this discussion, but he was the medi sub on Friday. If another marking forward comes in, then it could, probably should, be Smith

My opinion is Smith was sub for his versatility. His final for Casey was poor, especially his kicking. He has little form so I would doubt he plays unless forced through injury

I’m predicting no change. Goody will have convinced himself we’ll be able to repeat the Gabba performance without changes.

As for those saying ANB, Salem or Spargo should be dropped it will NEVER happen.

The past four years have convinced me that they are Goody’s favourites.

1 hour ago, Lucifers Hero said:

Any update on Spargo's and Fritsch's injuries?

Angus on radio this morning said Spargo is good to good Oliver is fine. Trac would need his leg to fall off before he would miss.

Link -- https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/1215187/on-the-radio-angus-brayshaw-sen?videoId=1215187&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1662333924001

 

 

 

Match Committee have been out of form.

Sydney beat us just like they did in Round 12.

We need to move the ball quicker. The only way we're currently moving the ball quick onto our forward 50 is when we win the ball out the front of a centre bounce.

So we need speed that can run and carry  and/or by kicks that open the game up.

Nibbler has to be under pressure. His current role appears  to be absorbing tackles inside 50 which is a tad niche. Bedford in for mine. Speed and more likely to score.

Hunt and Rivers need to provide more run out of defence. Salem needs to lift and start making kicks that open the game up.

Presume Tommy Mac in to support Brown who moves at time like in need of a zimmer frame. Didnt look 100 percent for Casey but should come in for Melksham. JVO should have been given a regular season debut in case needed in finals.

Would still like more speed of ball movement. Bowey can hit targets that open game up. Smith super quick and versatile. Maybe for Sparrow.

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Lucifers Hero said:

Any update on Spargo's and Fritsch's injuries?

lever-backs-star-teammate-to-push-through-and-face-lions

Answers to above question:  Lever played down fitness concerns over Charlie Spargo, who spent Friday night in hospital after a hit to the throat, and Bayley Fritsch, who played through a knee issue.  Both players were only walking laps on Monday morning, with Fritsch's left knee strapped.

Other fitness news:

• Lever was on a modified program and trained inside instead of with the main group, but Melbourne officials said he would be fit to face Brisbane.
• Petracca completed a light session with his teammates at Gosch's Paddock on Monday morning, albeit with a slight limp and with tape around his right calf.  Lever:  "I think he'll have a bit of a lighter week. But he'd have to tick off a fair few things".
• The defender was confident forward Tom McDonald could make an impact if called on, despite having just one VFL game to his name after a long-term foot injury.
• Melksham also had a knee issue.

Add those to BB and Jackson's bandaged knees, Oliver's thumb and Max looking so so we seem to be a team of the 'walking wounded'.

Edited September 5, 20222 yr by Lucifers Hero

I fear Goody/match committee has become wedded to current approach/structure but I’ve wanted to see this for months:

- JVR in for Melk;

- Bowey in for whoever;

- Brayshaw to defensive wing; and

- Max as starting ruck (always), and playing more ‘kick behind play’ than up forward.

None of this is likely to happen, however, as we’ll probably go with what worked in R23.