1 hour ago, A F said:

This is what I was implying in my post.

When Channel 9 used some data from one of our recent games, they didn't compare it to our shots across the entirety of the season, they used one game earlier in the year as a comparison. That's not a big enough sample size, and they basically used a small data sample to fit the narrative that we're suffering forward connection and taking harder shots from more difficult angles, hence inaccuracy. It's a really shallow, lazy analysis. 

Further, many Demonlanders have bought the line that we don't go central and are too safe with our ball movement.

Our problem in these situations I believe (as you say above), is that we go too slowly to the central hot spot, but we're still taking risks by going centrally. As you and @WheeloRatings have pointed out, there are more exits for the opposition to expose on turnover in these situations.

Compare this to last year in the second half of the season, and I reckon the data would tell us that we went to the pockets far more often than this year. Therefore, I'd argue Goody has changed this too up, but managed to maintain defensive integrity behind the ball even when we do go centrally. Part of this is likely allowing the opposition the +1 at the contest and using our player as an interceptor across the forward 50 for dump kicks, and to potentially prevent the opposition chaining out.

I don’t think we are as bad as last year when it was obvious (to me at least) that we were kicking long to the near side pocket to protect our beaten up and beaten down mids and half forwards and minimise the sieve that we were for most of last year. 

So we are not as bad but you can’t argue our entries are anything but troublesome atm. We rarely spot up 65m out and go to 20m with a quick direct kick, we rarely hit to a lead after some forward movement and craft, and at our best we get a few transition ‘lollipop hands into the square’ goals.

On the forward structure; the MC is putting its faith in the smaller and older brigade to provide that lead up and movement and I can’t blame them for moving in that route - for example, JVR was being ‘trained’ to the slow play pack form movement and it’s hard for kids to lead into spots the ball never goes…

As for our defensive structure; it’s great, we can rarely turn the screws, but that’s when you need smart delivery and forward craft even more, when the ground is smaller because you made it smaller.

7 hours ago, daisycutter said:

i can't work out where ga seating is at marvel tonight. the marvel site and ticketmaster are hopeless for ga seating and it seems to vary depending on event. i believe there is supposed to be some near the goals on l1 with most on l3. trying to avoid wasting time wandering around that cold concrete jungle.

so, does anyone know or have a link

I generally head for the level 1 bays either side of where we run out. Somehow there is always seating there that is either GA or with no-one enforcing restrictions. Try that first.

The confidence going into the game, is simply that it's inside and not raining.  If we can't kick straight in perfect conditions heads should roll in our skills coaches. 

Joel Smith the sub.....That's really interesting

 

2 hours ago, Sydee said:

Most important game of the season to date IMO - we really need a win here otherwise too 4 looks extremely unlikely 

correct  our waterloo stand 2023  no win no play top 4  (for real this week)     Must win and brisbane at the g next week

I am very glad the Tour, Wimbledon and the Ashes are available as alternatives in case things go south in the first 5 mins. Just in case of course. 

Is there a team announcement video of woewodin’s debut announcement? Can’t see in any other threads 

6 minutes ago, Demon_spurs said:

Joel Smith the sub.....That's really interesting

Good choice, in years to came the sub will become as an important position as any other on the field. Almost to the point where clubs will draft player to become subs. ie can play forward back and even ruck a little.

1 minute ago, Superunknown said:

Is there a team announcement video of woewodin’s debut announcement? Can’t see in any other threads 

https://www.youtube.com/@MelbourneFCOfficial/videos

2 minutes ago, Superunknown said:

Is there a team announcement video of woewodin’s debut announcement? Can’t see in any other threads 

 

https://twitter.com/melbournefc/status/1676538913488531456?s=20

 

Joel Smith sub tonight. Interesting choice. But might be good if we aren't kicking many goals

I would be nervous about this game if St Kilda weren't so sihthouse.

Go Dees - slot them through the big sticks!

My guess is Joel Smith will come in for either Melksham or Spargo depending on whether we feel we need more height or not. Or will be subbed in for a mid if we want to push Trac back into the middle. 
 

Of course injuries could throw that whole plan out. 

Blessing in disguise this game being at Marvel tonight. It's so cold, I can see through time.

I wouldn't have dropped Joel Smith but I think he is a good choice as the sub.

 Ross Lyon v Simon Goodwin.
This game could get very ugly ..... To watch.

1 minute ago, Fork 'em said:

 Ross Lyon v Simon Goodwin.
This game could get very ugly ..... To watch.

Jeez fork em I am already feeling very apprehensive about this game then you mention Ross Lyon I nearly chucked up.!!!

I reckon Lyon will tag Viney tonight.

36 minutes ago, Demon_spurs said:

Joel Smith the sub.....That's really interesting

Anything was gonna be better than Spargs as sub imho.

This actually might suit Joel as he has tended to shine at Casey for a few quarters before going pretty quiet in the remaining two or so.

Does umpire #22 have a monopoly on destroying our games? Ffs why him again?!  😭

38 minutes ago, Demon_spurs said:

Joel Smith the sub.....That's really interesting

I think he'll be permanent sub from now on as he can play back or forward.

1 minute ago, Gorgoroth said:

I reckon Lyon will tag Viney tonight.

He'll never keep up with him, Lyon's gotta be 60 or so

We been mentioned in the 7 coverage yet?

Saints sure love that indigenous jumper.