On form it seems strange but with Grundy's future tenure in doubt it probably makes sense.

Just now, 3183 Dee said:

I guess we have to see how TMac gets on, but with Melksham out (or possibly finishing), BBB probably retiring, Schache at least gives some back up to our already stretched forward line.

A chap who sits behind me at the footy (maybe he posts on here?) has a theory that the coaching staff really rate Schache's ability and are trying to make him hungry. Not sure about that, but a theory nonetheless!

He has the talent, it was why he was a top draft pick. He doesn't have the mongrel.

To be a key position player, or any player really, you need to be physical and at least be ok with body contact. 

Not everyone is Viney or May, but you have to really be willing to put your body on the line to make it.

Schache is very timid and I can't see it changing. 

I want to see Schache break out and become an absolute animal...talent is there, just needs to be poked and prodded and [censored] off a bit...would love to see him but with a temper!

7 minutes ago, Jaded No More said:

He has the talent, it was why he was a top draft pick. He doesn't have the mongrel.

To be a key position player, or any player really, you need to be physical and at least be ok with body contact. 

Not everyone is Viney or May, but you have to really be willing to put your body on the line to make it.

Schache is very timid and I can't see it changing. 

His body isn't really built for contact .

He's not exactly the Hulk .

 

1 hour ago, Demonland said:

We really need to go hard shopping for a key forward for the medium term in the off season.

Should have last year better late than never.

6 minutes ago, Jaded No More said:

He has the talent, it was why he was a top draft pick. He doesn't have the mongrel.

To be a key position player, or any player really, you need to be physical and at least be ok with body contact. 

Not everyone is Viney or May, but you have to really be willing to put your body on the line to make it.

Schache is very timid and I can't see it changing. 

It is scary how similar Schache and Weideman are.

Am I thrilled with this? No 

Am I disappointed with this? No

Need cover and he's probably as good as we're gonna get.

48 minutes ago, 3183 Dee said:

A chap who sits behind me at the footy (maybe he posts on here?) has a theory that the coaching staff really rate Schache's ability and are trying to make him hungry. Not sure about that, but a theory nonetheless!

I do not think this is something you can teach someone.

37 minutes ago, Clint Bizkit said:

It is scary how similar Schache and Weideman are.

Probably why every description of the trade for Schache was that he was a like for like replacement.

1 hour ago, 3183 Dee said:

A chap who sits behind me at the footy (maybe he posts on here?) has a theory that the coaching staff really rate Schache's ability and are trying to make him hungry. Not sure about that, but a theory nonetheless!

They couldn’t do it for Sam W unfortunately, what makes him think they can do it for Josh?

Edited August 31, 20231 yr by Neil Crompton

1 hour ago, Clint Bizkit said:

It is scary how similar Schache and Weideman are.

At least Weideman can say that we had a dominant 2018 finals season. 

Are the blokes that talk about Schache the same ones that talked about Melksham.

1 hour ago, leave it to deever said:

His body isn't really built for contact .

He's not exactly the Hulk .

 

Neither is Bowey’s or McVee’s… both are hard as nails. 
 
Jefferson is much lighter than him and I’ve seen him happily split packs at Casey. 

Strange one. He is not a capable AFL ruck so gives us zero back up for Gawn at senior level.  But does give some tall fwd/def cover

I would imagine there are not many talls available to be traded in

So sad but you would think Melksham and Brown will retire at years end

7 minutes ago, Jaded No More said:

Neither is Bowey’s or McVee’s… both are hard as nails. 
 
Jefferson is much lighter than him and I’ve seen him happily split packs at Casey. 

I don't want to be disrespectful but I have seen every Jefferson game at Casey and the only thing I have seen him split is a vanilla slice with his aunty. Certainly not a pack.

But, I think he will get there. Schache has had lots of chances, has ability and has to start imposing himself. I'm glad it is one year. 

A while back I joked that Jye Amiss was having the career Bailey Fritsch would have had if he had been 8cm taller.

Josh Schache is doing exactly the same, except the comparison is being 8cm taller than Michael Newton!

59 minutes ago, Jaded No More said:

Neither is Bowey’s or McVee’s… both are hard as nails. 
 
Jefferson is much lighter than him and I’ve seen him happily split packs at Casey. 

I'm not saying Schache can't but for a key fwd it would be better if he had more bulk. 

With medium to tall forwards going down like nine pins this season. Who knows? Last man standing Josh Shache, may have his Steven Bradbury moment sooner than some folk think.

In the meantime we suggest he billets with the aforementioned Steven May for ‘intensity’ training over next summer. Plus engage the ‘personal training services’ of Brent Moloney’s Gym  (bring your on punching bag). All invitations though to socially fraternize with those two gentlemen should however be respectfully declined.

Edited August 31, 20231 yr by Tarax Club
Entrecôte edit

1 hour ago, Bystander said:

I don't want to be disrespectful but I have seen every Jefferson game at Casey and the only thing I have seen him split is a vanilla slice with his aunty. Certainly not a pack.

But, I think he will get there. Schache has had lots of chances, has ability and has to start imposing himself. I'm glad it is one year. 

lmfao vanilla slice...

I'm finding this thread an interesting warm-up for when Ben Brown, Tom McDonald, Brodie Grundy, James Harmes and/or James Jordon are confirmed as 2024 starters 😉

2 hours ago, Willmoy1947 said:

Are the blokes that talk about Schache the same ones that talked about Melksham.

Chalk and cheese. JM has always been a competitor even if some have said that he chose his contests.  JS seems to avoid contests.

1 hour ago, leave it to deever said:

I'm not saying Schache can't but for a key fwd it would be better if he had more bulk. 

JVR isn't exactly the hulk but he is a fierce competitor.  

Not thrilled with this. Have been thinking he was an easy delist option. As I think some of the juniors at vfl level need more time.

2 hours ago, Little Goffy said:

A while back I joked that Jye Amiss was having the career Bailey Fritsch would have had if he had been 8cm taller.

Josh Schache is doing exactly the same, except the comparison is being 8cm taller than Michael Newton!

Must have missed Josh's great mark then!

Good re-signing I think. We definitely need the depth. We can’t rely on Tmac/BB while Grundy’s mgmt will seek a trade it seems.

With another pre-season under his belt at Melbourne, who knows, maybe he’ll surprise us and grab an opportunity in 2024.

Edited August 31, 20231 yr by At the break of Gawn

A piece for the folk who bang on about Josh's 'lack of hunger'.

Cause it really [censored] me to tears.

It's lazy, myopic, set in the past and not even slightly nuanced at looking at at the attributes that need to come together to make up the myriad of humans that become AFL players.

A common narrative among spectators, both seasoned and amateur, is that a player who doesn't showcase an obvious burning desire is "not hungry" enough for the game. These players, by this definition, lack the aggression or motivation that the sport supposedly demands.  Let's dissect this notion and understand the myriad factors that shape an AFL player's disposition on the field.

1. Personality and Inclination
It's essential to recognize that every individual is unique. Just as two people might approach a problem differently in an office, two players might approach a ball or an opponent differently on the field. Some are naturally aggressive; some are calculative, and others might be more observant. Labeling someone as "not hungry" based on a single trait discounts their unique contributions and strategies, that you the pundit can't actually see.

2. The Pressures of Professionalism
When you're 16 and surrounded by peers who dream of sporting glory, the concept of professional AFL seems alluring. The fame, the fans, the fortune—it's easy to be blinded by the shimmer. However, the reality of professional sports is grueling. The intense scrutiny, the physical and emotional toll, the constant pressure—it's not always what they signed up for. Not everyone thrives in such an environment, no matter how "gifted" they are.

3. The Complexity of Motivation
Just because a player isn't the loudest on the field or isn't always gunning for a fight doesn't mean they aren't motivated. Some might be driven by the love of the game, others by the camaraderie with teammates, and some might find purpose in proving naysayers wrong. The spectrum of motivation is broad and intricate, and it diminishes as time progresses...

4. Changing Dynamics of the Game
AFL, like any other sport, evolves. Today's game emphasizes strategy, skill, and teamwork more than ever. Not every position or strategy requires raw aggression. The game needs thinkers, planners, and those who can keep a cool head under pressure just as much as it needs the fiercely combative.

I for one am glad Tom Boyd chose to be proactive, exit the game and look after his mental well being.

Edited August 31, 20231 yr by Engorged Onion