with a bit of luck we might see a van ruination of the swans and a reminder of their non-appearance in last year's grand final

  On 30/03/2023 at 02:27, DeeSpencer said:

I don’t agree with you on the speed of Tracc, Viney and particularly Sparrow. All are plenty fast enough it’s just a matter of getting them in positions to run and use the ball and cover off defensively.

I was in favour of 1 key forward when we had peak Gawn, peak LJ, peak T Mc and they could all play big minutes and I could live with Fritsch being outmaked at times.

Nowadays we have Grundy who isn’t at 100% match fitness, JVR on debut and an ageing BBB who needs manageing.

We have to play Tommy or go with a medium marking target like Melk or Joel Smith. 

If/when JVR settles in to afl level we can really consider a medium option, heck I’d even consider Smith this week. But it’s more like we give the kid a chance before we up the load he has to carry.

Fritsch's role should not be in marking contests with the other forwards he should be separating from them, Fritsch is a good mark one on one.

I still disagree on the pace issue, but least we can have a discussion about it.

Tmac in my opinion is to slow, and all it does is gives your opponent a free reign in the backline to create a loose man, that's just a fact you only have to watch him trying to run back, I would even play Smith instead of Tmac.

  On 30/03/2023 at 02:40, demon3165 said:

Fritsch's role should not be in marking contests with the other forwards he should be separating from them, Fritsch is a good mark one on one.

I still disagree on the pace issue, but least we can have a discussion about it.

Tmac in my opinion is to slow, and all it does is gives your opponent a free reign in the backline to create a loose man, that's just a fact you only have to watch him trying to run back, I would even play Smith instead of Tmac.

Tmac is slow but he does drag his man up to the wings create a contest and leave space for bbb , Fritsch and others to work into 

  On 30/03/2023 at 02:31, binman said:

I'm all in on Van Ruin

Nope binny

https://youtu.be/aHMvi-Y_KVY

  On 30/03/2023 at 00:22, Lucifers Hero said:

We will miss Max's towering presence but reckon we have his role covered.

No, Max cannot be covered. HIs talents are more than just his playing onfield; he is a true leader and statesman for his players; hell, when he is on the field, he is the perpetual role model and standard-bearer for the whole MFC. Let's hope that on his return from injury, both Max and JVR can play together as teammates. At the same time, hearty congratulations to young JVR for (finally, possibly too finally) making the team at AFL level - an outcome long-awaited and long-desired by us, the humble fans. You must be rapt, Jacob - we are so affected in support of your talents - go out an make yourself smile on gameday and the week that follows. 

  On 30/03/2023 at 01:58, DeeSpencer said:

7 disposals, 2 marks, 1 behind.

He’ll be a handy workhorse forward or a good key defender in a couple of years but he’s a still a fair way off.

Schache would’ve played if he didn’t manage to get himself concussed in a very Schache way.

I agree with your first line.  It's always hard for a young key forward in the firsts to get much of the ball when they're outnumbered in the air and always have a decent backman on them. 

If he was playing a loose man in the defence or up and round the midfield all game I'd be more worried (with that stat line) but as he'll most likely be deep forward, I'd just like to see him contest hard and clunk a few.

Disagree with your next line however.  The kid is far more talented from the games I saw last year to not exceed the rating of 'handy workhorse' level as a player.  I do think he'll surprise a lot.

50/50 on the last point.  I always think you need to reward the blokes playing best but I really think that Schache is literally the 'break glass in case of emergency' player.  He's had so many chances at the top level in multiple roles across different teams and still failed to really own a position long term.

The moment a big went down this year I've always thought JVR would be next in line.  You have to give him a taste at some stage and see where he's at and I think a lot will be pleasantly surprised. 

The energy that youth bring is always infectious and it's a good time, early in the year for a taste for a few games.  If it doesn't click, he can return to the mid day show with the knowledge of what's required in the ones.

Edited March 30, 20232 yr by Deeko2

Congrats Ted

Can someone with editing skills (ie not me) do up a Van ROOYENATOR photo

(Obviously replacing the Arnie part of the cyborg)

And ps baggsing it and the name as a new avatar on here 

 

 

 

Edited March 30, 20232 yr by Sideshow Bob

  On 30/03/2023 at 01:58, DeeSpencer said:

7 disposals, 2 marks, 1 behind.

He’ll be a handy workhorse forward or a good key defender in a couple of years but he’s a still a fair way off.

Schache would’ve played if he didn’t manage to get himself concussed in a very Schache way.

Has James Webb sent back new photos this morning?

  On 30/03/2023 at 02:39, No. 31 said:

Looking forward to watching JVR in his debut. He should have been blooded in 1 or 2 games last season, better late than never.

 

Clearly the FD have no idea what they're doing.

  On 30/03/2023 at 02:48, In Harmes Way said:

Nope binny

https://youtu.be/aHMvi-Y_KVY

Since when does a good nickname have anything to do with how said person want their name pronounced!

Van RUIN it is!!

  On 30/03/2023 at 00:44, bush demon said:

This is what I'm talking about!   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpYCGws5V6E

Hope Sunday is reminiscent of the legendary Greg Parke's first game.

That was Parke's 7th game, not his debut game.

Great mark Parke.  Pity he couldn't kick straight.

  On 30/03/2023 at 02:44, Bates Mate said:

Tmac is slow but he does drag his man up to the wings create a contest and leave space for bbb , Fritsch and others to work into 

But his man is able to run off to make position that's the problem, father time and injuries catch up with us all might not like it but the side has to evolve.

  On 30/03/2023 at 03:27, Gator said:

That was Parke's 7th game, not his debut game.

Great mark Parke.  Pity he couldn't kick straight.

He often would miss 10 yards out, Ross Dillon a partner in crime did the same thing.

  On 30/03/2023 at 03:44, demon3165 said:

But his man is able to run off to make position that's the problem, father time and injuries catch up with us all might not like it but the side has to evolve.

Correct. TMac at his best is a dangerous forward, and a reliable shot for goal. To say that his role is solely to create space for others, is setting the bar low.

  On 30/03/2023 at 03:49, mo64 said:

Correct. TMac at his best is a dangerous forward, and a reliable shot for goal. To say that his role is solely to create space for others, is setting the bar low.

TMAC's best has long gone.

  On 30/03/2023 at 02:59, Sideshow Bob said:

Can someone with editing skills (ie not me) do up a Van ROOYENATOR photo

(Obviously replacing the Arnie part of the cyborg)

And ps baggsing it and the name as a new avatar on here 

 

 

 

Will try my best if I get the chance. No doubt someone quicker and better out there though.

“Cover yourself in Glory Son…”

In the Casey game last week, the Bulldogs 206 cm 106 kg ruckman, Jordan Sweet, No. 41 was roughing up one of the Casey players as he was making his way to interchange...really bullying/intimidating...fair enough...Casey player changed with JVR, who went straight to the said 41 and gave it right back, with plenty of interest. 41 seemed surprised and definitely did not like it. Me, I loved it. Good luck JVR. Well deserved.

  On 30/03/2023 at 02:31, binman said:

I'm all in on Van Ruin

Look out for @binman arriving at the MCG in this.

  On 30/03/2023 at 04:04, Demon Disciple said:

TMAC's best has long gone.

I think TMac's foot is still an issue - wouldn't be surprised if he misses this week, so the JVR call is a no-brainer with Max out - the bonus being that JVR will have the second ruck duties. He'll be right in the thick of it! Big test.

Good luck young fella! 💪

  On 30/03/2023 at 04:56, Hawk the Demon said:

I think TMac's foot is still an issue - wouldn't be surprised if he misses this week, so the JVR call is a no-brainer with Max out - the bonus being that JVR will have the second ruck duties. He'll be right in the thick of it! Big test.

This week he has a job to do:  help JvR and Grundy even if it is off the bench.

He can rest after this week when we play Eagles, Ess, Hawks and North.

Give it everything Roo Boy

  On 30/03/2023 at 00:44, bush demon said:

This is what I'm talking about!   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpYCGws5V6E

Hope Sunday is reminiscent of the legendary Greg Parke's first game.

Some great names mentioned by the commentary team, Hassa Mann resplendent in #29, John Townsend #16, Ray Groom #31 and Frank Davis #6. Now they seem like distant echoes of an earlier almost primeval Big Bang time. When the footy universe was dominated by MFC. 

Loved going to the footy back then, when the centre square was a ‘sea’ of black Merri Creek mud. Greg Parke was of course a favourite player, young, blonde locks flying, rising in the pack to take a big speccie. Although his kicking could be wayward, looking at his ball drop now, it appears a little awkward. 
  
Yes, young Jacob’s approaching debut is probably the most anticipated debut since Christian Petracca’s. Excited! If we can get a signal on Sunday shall be watching. Go well young fella, expecting an emphatic response to last week’s bunker mishaps. Get out the 2-iron. Go Demons!

Edited March 30, 20232 yr by Tarax Club
Going for the one.