On 9/23/2022 at 1:17 PM, Winners at last said:

3 years is a long time.

Needs a Melbourne based serious partner.

6 hours ago, YesitwasaWin4theAges said:

You can just tell he played Forward as a junior, the way he attacks the ball at its highest point is very unique.

Try telling Goody though.

He was player of the carnival thing for SA in his under 18s year his a backman 

You would be the worst poker player.

On 9/20/2022 at 11:42 AM, Sydee said:

I'm all in on Petty being our new KPF in 2023 - probably at the expense of BBB 

If JVR has a very big summer and gets super fit and puts on more size there is no reason why he doesn't get AFL games next season

With the addition of these two I think our forward structure would be way more potent both in terms of competing in the air but also at ground level - both have also shown that when given a look they are very capable at set shot conversion 

Begs the question who replaces Petty in the backs

Problem is Petty is our tallest defender so we don't have an automatic replacement that can easily take the big gorillas or resting rucks of opposition teams

Options

Turner - I rate him highly and he is an AFL tall back in waiting - 2023 could be the year he cements a starting position. But probably needs to muscle up more - probably doesn't have the height to replace Petty's role

TMac - yep he could go back and provide a solution to help cover Petty's move forward. But is he physically able to be the player he once was - big risk IMO

Weid - seems to have found a role as a mobile ruck - personally don't think his ruck work is that great and he is particularly vulnerable near opposition goals where he gets out bodied far too easily. He also can't hold marks in general play. Some have suggested trialing him as a KPD - it could be worth a try as he has the height and is reasonably mobile - I remain skeptical due to lack of aggression but who knows

Tommo - I don't think he plays tall enough and lacks mobility so its difficult to find a suitable matchup on a regular basis - like him as a footballer and you know he is going to give 100% but I just don't think he's a KPD

J Smith - not the height of Petty but with his leap he is probably best suited to defending the oppositions tallest forward if Petty went forward. His biggest issue as we all know is injuries - he just can't stay on the park

Corey Ellison - Casey tall that IMO has shown enough to be given some consideration as a rookie listed player - not sure of his height (193cm ?) but is a late developer that could really grow in statue quickly in an AFL system   

New recruit - yes I know we all think we need another tall forward but if Petty goes forward as I believe he should we may actually be better looking for a tall back - arguably easier to find than a tall KPF 

Love this post and reading between the lines of Tim Lamb's presser last week, I believe there is a strong chance this happens. 

I can't remember his exact words but in response to a question on why we weren't targeting tall forwards, he suggested they had an unorthodox or suprise move planned for the our forward line.

I still think a healthy Joel Smith can fill the back line role if Petty goes forward.

On 10/10/2022 at 7:29 PM, JJ Haydos said:

Petty played as a forward in juniors...  Can pack mark better than most (better than anyone else at MFC except perhaps for Gawny when in form).  I say try him early on in the season.  T Mac can play wing with his engine.  Get Turner in.  Looked good in his first game before the concussion.  JVR can be given some more time.  IMO he plays 10-12 games in 2023.  

Another illogical "Tmac can play wing" comment. We have just seen half a season of Tmac being missed at CHF and our forward line a mess when it's counted. Other than the fact that Tommy only played "cameos" for 5/6 minutes in 2018(5 years ago and 2or 3 ankle/foot/leg issues since !!!) starting on the wing before he went to forward to Play CHF successfully. But to say he can play wing because of his engine is a very long bow. Five years on his turning circle ( not small in any time or position) and pace will not be the answer. In 2021 and half of 2022 he again played a pivotal role at CHF providing a strong marking presence kicking goals ( around 50 ) and a reliable strong competitiveness bringing the ball to the ground for the crumbers  and smalls to goal. That's what we missed last part of last season. Tmac still to play For Pocket / FF/ CHF role in 2023 and rotate with Petty ( and JVR).

Agree with Petty forward and marking potential. Necessary experiment to start in beginning of the season. Turner definitely replacement if not Tommo but Disco is potentially a strong chance to succeed. 

To complete the trio JVR starts as FF to straighten us up and compete. Use his leading and marking prowess and gain experience simultaneously using his strong  team skills and ethos he has shown in his one VFL season. 

The smalls Kossie Spargs ANB Chandler and maybe Laurie should all benefit along with The 50 goals plus Fritta and Gawny and Brodie stints down forward. 
As has been proven this mix will test all defences with a more consistent game plan and mix of skills needing a very good defensive plan to keep all in check. 

Nothing is assured but this seems to me to be the plan we need to compete again with Geelong and any other forward line in the AFL. 

 

6 hours ago, Cheesy D. Pun said:

Love this post and reading between the lines of Tim Lamb's presser last week, I believe there is a strong chance this happens. 

I can't remember his exact words but in response to a question on why we weren't targeting tall forwards, he suggested they had an unorthodox or suprise move planned for the our forward line.

I still think a healthy Joel Smith can fill the back line role if Petty goes forward.

Both Cheesy and Sydee also make so much sense re Petty and our defence / forward mix in 2023. Back up/s can be Tmac Petty and JVR who can all play in defence when needed. 
Another tall in each area ( BBB maybe) would be great for the injury crisis  situation that may occur. Very good reason to keep Weid for 3rd ruck/ forward and also new defence training. 

MFC moving Petty forward in 2023.

 

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2022/10/19/can-petty-become-the-real-deal-as-a-forward-melbournes-burning-questions-for/

Sure, Petty could probably go forward. But we have one of if not the best back line in the league, and Petty is an integral part of that. Joel Smith or Tomlinson as permanent third tall, at least until Turner develops? Not so sure.

Surely between BBB, Tom Mac, JVR and Schache we coud cobble together a half decent forward line. Though does depend on injuries, especially to the first two.

Also worth noting in the Tim Lamb comments is a bit of a knock on our mids and our delivery into the forward line - which is why we wanted Hunter. No point putting whoever our saviour to be is down there if delivery and smarts don't improve.

Edited October 20, 20222 yr by bing181

On 10/12/2022 at 5:28 AM, MadAsHell said:

MFC moving Petty forward in 2023.

 

Yes that's the go and  a brick in the wall for the Flag. Also proves Goody and cohorts have looked at 2022 snd are serious for change enough to bridge the gulf on Cats 5/7 goal scoring ability on every other 17 Club in the AFL in 2022. 

We can handle small or moderate improvements in  Swans Pies Dogs Tigers ( a little more than moderate for Lions and Port ) but Cats  are another case again. 

Ruck is also very important in this scenario and far too many "experts" can't get their head around how Brodie can make us a better side. Simple he's a better footballer at 29 than Jacko at 20 and about as near him in style we will get other than Biclavs who is the existing Jacko who is making all Clubs life miserable with his mobility and versatility around the ball and ground. 

We must develop some pressure on ball for Geelong to enable us to at worst break even in the packs. 

 

Petty going forward is about as known as Smith playing on the ball..

12 minutes ago, bing181 said:

Surely between BBB, Tom Mac, JVR and Schache we coud cobble together a half decent forward line. Though does depend on injuries, especially to the first two.

JVR provides hope but the other 3 are possibly worse than 2022 versions. The veterans another year older and Schache inferior to Weid. North thought Brown was cooked 2 years ago, we can’t pretend he’ll bounce back to 2021 levels. 

We don’t have to go with it for round 1 but we have to make sure Petty is at least comfortable with set ups and roles.

Personally, I’d go with it providing May, Lever and Turner look good. 

Let’s find out if Petty is a genuine option in April. If the answers a hard no then we can settle the backline and don’t have to try it at a more crucial part of the season. If the answers yes we’ve got a key forward in his physical prime. That’s incredibly valuable. If it’s a maybe at least it’s a card up our sleeve and Petty is more prepared for it. 

6 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

JVR provides hope but the other 3 are possibly worse than 2022 versions. The veterans another year older and Schache inferior to Weid. North thought Brown was cooked 2 years ago, we can’t pretend he’ll bounce back to 2021 levels. 

We don’t have to go with it for round 1 but we have to make sure Petty is at least comfortable with set ups and roles.

Personally, I’d go with it providing May, Lever and Turner look good. 

Let’s find out if Petty is a genuine option in April. If the answers a hard no then we can settle the backline and don’t have to try it at a more crucial part of the season. If the answers yes we’ve got a key forward in his physical prime. That’s incredibly valuable. If it’s a maybe at least it’s a card up our sleeve and Petty is more prepared for it. 

Is there any reason why either Joel Smith or Schache cannot play Petty's role in the backline and to play Petty forward? We probably need to prepare for our next batch of KPF's by only playing one of Ben Brown or TMac in the side along with a younger KPF. Also happy for JVR to get a run noting that he would likely struggle as our key target and would benefit through a TMac/Ben Brown and Petty to occupy their key best defenders.

2 hours ago, chookrat said:

Is there any reason why either Joel Smith or Schache cannot play Petty's role in the backline and to play Petty forward?

Is there any reason why we can't play Joel Smith or Schache forward and keep Petty playing his role in the backline?

In defence, Petty is a realistic prospect for sneaking an All-Australian selection in 2023, that's how good he could be.

Up forward he might be excellent but I can't imagine him being quite that outstanding.

Yes, we need the role filled for team structure reasons, but I'd argue it is an even balance given how much Petty's presence allows May & Lever to play their best roles.

I'm bullish about van Rooyen and McDonald delivering the power of blondeness next season. Plus, I think our draft selections will be tall and mobile types which could give some further flexibility to work on the problem.

4 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

JVR provides hope but the other 3 are possibly worse than 2022 versions. The veterans another year older and Schache inferior to Weid. North thought Brown was cooked 2 years ago, we can’t pretend he’ll bounce back to 2021 levels. 

We don’t have to go with it for round 1 but we have to make sure Petty is at least comfortable with set ups and roles.

Personally, I’d go with it providing May, Lever and Turner look good. 

Let’s find out if Petty is a genuine option in April. If the answers a hard no then we can settle the backline and don’t have to try it at a more crucial part of the season. If the answers yes we’ve got a key forward in his physical prime. That’s incredibly valuable. If it’s a maybe at least it’s a card up our sleeve and Petty is more prepared for it. 

Agree with this but the PTB must think he's got it, one would think.

Will need to bulk up a bit, and still have pace, he is smart and will need maybe even Neita there for support.

5 hours ago, chookrat said:

Is there any reason why either Joel Smith or Schache cannot play Petty's role in the backline and to play Petty forward? We probably need to prepare for our next batch of KPF's by only playing one of Ben Brown or TMac in the side along with a younger KPF. Also happy for JVR to get a run noting that he would likely struggle as our key target and would benefit through a TMac/Ben Brown and Petty to occupy their key best defenders.

I reckon they are going to try Shaq down back, with Turner and Tommo providing adequate back line coverage, especially with either Gawn or Grundy playing a kick behind play surering up our defence.

This could be the key to releasing Petty Forward.

Disco lcan play back.  Petty is the best tall forward on our list by a milw

1 minute ago, Wrecker46 said:

Disco lcan play back.  Petty is the best tall forward on our list by a milw

Petty has shown absolutely nothing up forward except for taking some strong marks and kicking goals in late 2019 and then playing for the last 5 minutes of 2022 and taking strong marks and goal.  

Narrow minded coaching that it wasnt at least tried in 2022. When something isnt working you try things that might. I dont see how people can suggest its robbing peter to pay paul when it hasnt even been tested yet.  Make that comment after the evidence is presented.   Its ok to give it a shot and be wrong. Eg. Fritta at half back.  

2 minutes ago, Jjrogan said:

Petty has shown absolutely nothing up forward except for taking some strong marks and kicking goals in late 2019 and then playing for the last 5 minutes of 2022 and taking strong marks and goal.  

Narrow minded coaching that it wasnt at least tried in 2022. When something isnt working you try things that might. I dont see how people can suggest its robbing peter to pay paul when it hasnt even been tested yet.  Make that comment after the evidence is presented.   Its ok to give it a shot and be wrong. Eg. Fritta at half back.  

How many goals has he kicked per minute in the forward line? Could be more than Neitz

 

 

 

7 hours ago, Wrecker46 said:

How many goals has he kicked per minute in the forward line? Could be more than Neitz

 

 

 

Which is who he’s reminded me of since he swung forward in 2019. It’s a no-brainer, particularly as key forwards are harder to secure, groom, sustain than key backs. Might have to eat my words of course, but there’s no doubt to me that Petty’s our next gun forward. 

12 hours ago, chookrat said:

Is there any reason why either Joel Smith or Schache cannot play Petty's role in the backline and to play Petty forward? We probably need to prepare for our next batch of KPF's by only playing one of Ben Brown or TMac in the side along with a younger KPF. Also happy for JVR to get a run noting that he would likely struggle as our key target and would benefit through a TMac/Ben Brown and Petty to occupy their key best defenders.

Because they’re both not good enough & Smith will unfortunately probably get injured again

I can see the merits of moving him forward for sure but on balance i'd leave him where he is.

Defensively, I think he can be our lynchpin in due course. May is 30 so hasn't many years left and Rick is an interceptor as we know. It won't be long before Petty will be taking the opps most dangerous KPF

Great option to swing forward if needed though

and meant to say, Smith is in no way and adequate replacement for Petty down back. the suggestion is laughable (and i'm not a Smith hater, he can do a job for us)

Initially i liked this idea but the more i think about it, we've had the best backline 2 years running, Petty is the natural successor to May, why break up a good thing? 

I'd rather back a combination of JVR, brown, Schache, McDonald and resting rucks to be able to play roles down there and hopefully we can find a developing key forward in the draft or lure Ben King in 2023