16 minutes ago, Whispering_Jack said:

We went out hard and failed to capitalize with our forward 50 entries - a single goal from the first 29 entries was poor reward for our hard work while the Swans crowded our forward line. And we completely misread the conditions which led to some costly turnovers, particularly in the first half. As a consequence, by the final break, we had used our petrol tickets and they overran us in the final quarter. Very un Melbourne like and the exact opposite of what we usually expect from the team. I think much the same happened last night to the Brisbane Lions except for the fact that they managed to kick accurately for goal in the first quarter.

As to Grundy, the club completely mismanaged the situation by putting him completely off side when he was dropped, ostensibly to learn his forward craft. As a consequence, he wasn’t played in the finals and, as Thursday night showed, he would have been handy in the qualifying final and certainly, no worse than Josh Schache in the semi final. I get that the view inside the club was that he wasn’t selected because he had probably “checked out” but it should never have gotten to that stage. We lost a perfect opportunity to win a flag.

Worse still was the fact that the public humiliation and alienation of a two time All Australian resulted in our trading him far more cheaply than had we managed things better. The consequence is that we have egg on our faces for the moment and potentially more embarrassment to come.

 

Nicely put. I wonder if anyone answers for what really is a monumental stuff up. Dare I say it but clubs with a strong culture don’t do this. Just add it to the list of post and pre season howlers.

Edited March 8, 20241 yr by Roost it far

8 hours ago, Whispering_Jack said:

We went out hard and failed to capitalize with our forward 50 entries - a single goal from the first 29 entries was poor reward for our hard work while the Swans crowded our forward line. And we completely misread the conditions which led to some costly turnovers, particularly in the first half. As a consequence, by the final break, we had used our petrol tickets and they overran us in the final quarter. Very un Melbourne like and the exact opposite of what we usually expect from the team. I think much the same happened last night to the Brisbane Lions except for the fact that they managed to kick accurately for goal in the first quarter.

As to Grundy, the club completely mismanaged the situation by putting him completely off side when he was dropped, ostensibly to learn his forward craft. As a consequence, he wasn’t played in the finals and, as Thursday night showed, he would have been handy in the qualifying final and certainly, no worse than Josh Schache in the semi final. I get that the view inside the club was that he wasn’t selected because he had probably “checked out” but it should never have gotten to that stage. We lost a perfect opportunity to win a flag.

Worse still was the fact that the public humiliation and alienation of a two time All Australian resulted in our trading him far more cheaply than had we managed things better. The consequence is that we have egg on our faces for the moment and potentially more embarrassment to come.

 

It takes time for most to realise the actual impact of decisions. Still early days but if Grundy is able to continue that run of form then the footy dept are culpable in letting him walk. 

Gawn now has to deliver- no ifs or buts, humidity, loading or whatever. Get it done. 
 

23 hours ago, adonski said:

Goodwin certainly has pushed the Snooze button in my opinion  

 

 

Why 

1.  Why is our conversion rate from inside 50 opportunities so low? (Midfield delivery poor or forwards lacking ability) 

2. why did Goodwin abandon his Gawn-Grundy experiment so quickly ? (To then jettison Grundy to a competitor) 

2. Continued … why didn’t the Dees look for an experienced 2nd string ruckman to backup Gawn when Jackson left? 
 

3. why do players like Spargo, Laurie and Schache get games after constant poor performances? (Surely they all get dropped this week) 

And no answer sought but

4. Number 29 why? A career ruined by injury and now this ?

 

Don't people understand? The club knew that Grundy is a good player, which is why we took him - but like most top ruckmen, he is best when he is number one. We had Gawn. So it didn't work, and never would.

For those that don't remember, exactly the same thing happened to him at Collingwood.

11 hours ago, Whispering_Jack said:

We went out hard and failed to capitalize with our forward 50 entries - a single goal from the first 29 entries was poor reward for our hard work while the Swans crowded our forward line. And we completely misread the conditions which led to some costly turnovers, particularly in the first half. As a consequence, by the final break, we had used our petrol tickets and they overran us in the final quarter. Very un Melbourne like and the exact opposite of what we usually expect from the team. I think much the same happened last night to the Brisbane Lions except for the fact that they managed to kick accurately for goal in the first quarter.

As to Grundy, the club completely mismanaged the situation by putting him completely off side when he was dropped, ostensibly to learn his forward craft. As a consequence, he wasn’t played in the finals and, as Thursday night showed, he would have been handy in the qualifying final and certainly, no worse than Josh Schache in the semi final. I get that the view inside the club was that he wasn’t selected because he had probably “checked out” but it should never have gotten to that stage. We lost a perfect opportunity to win a flag.

Worse still was the fact that the public humiliation and alienation of a two time All Australian resulted in our trading him far more cheaply than had we managed things better. The consequence is that we have egg on our faces for the moment and potentially more embarrassment to come.

 

Is that just a very nice way of saying we [censored] up Jack ?

And by we i mean the club and by the club i  mean ...'where the buck stops' ?? 

16 hours ago, Ollie fan said:

Don't people understand? The club knew that Grundy is a good player, which is why we took him - but like most top ruckmen, he is best when he is number one. We had Gawn. So it didn't work, and never would.

For those that don't remember, exactly the same thing happened to him at Collingwood.

No, Collingwood offloaded him as a salary dump. He was always the better ruckman at the filth but McCrae's view was that you don't need a gun ruckman to win a flag.

On 09/03/2024 at 07:06, Whispering_Jack said:

We went out hard and failed to capitalize with our forward 50 entries - a single goal from the first 29 entries was poor reward for our hard work while the Swans crowded our forward line. And we completely misread the conditions which led to some costly turnovers, particularly in the first half. As a consequence, by the final break, we had used our petrol tickets and they overran us in the final quarter. Very un Melbourne like and the exact opposite of what we usually expect from the team. I think much the same happened last night to the Brisbane Lions except for the fact that they managed to kick accurately for goal in the first quarter.

As to Grundy, the club completely mismanaged the situation by putting him completely off side when he was dropped, ostensibly to learn his forward craft. As a consequence, he wasn’t played in the finals and, as Thursday night showed, he would have been handy in the qualifying final and certainly, no worse than Josh Schache in the semi final. I get that the view inside the club was that he wasn’t selected because he had probably “checked out” but it should never have gotten to that stage. We lost a perfect opportunity to win a flag.

Worse still was the fact that the public humiliation and alienation of a two time All Australian resulted in our trading him far more cheaply than had we managed things better. The consequence is that we have egg on our faces for the moment and potentially more embarrassment to come.

 

well said @Whispering_Jack

On 08/03/2024 at 11:18, Redleg said:

 I am getting sick of seeing this, where are our players?

 

Gawn said it was one of the toughest nights of his career due to the humid and sweaty conditions and the physical buffeting he copped from the Swans’ players at the SCG.

“The Sydney boys did well targeting me around the ground and credit to them.

“and credit to them” Why did you say this Max? Or will encourage other teams to do the same - if they are not already doing it.

It's pretty clear the roadmap to beat Melbourne this year has been paved and it's bump, block and harass Gawn at every opportunity.

In 2021 when we were at the peak of our powers if Oliver or Petracca were being tagged they would strategically just let the other one get it. We were making a mockery of defencive midfields.

How do we protect Gawn away from the ball? Our season depends on it.

On 09/03/2024 at 08:06, Whispering_Jack said:

We went out hard and failed to capitalize with our forward 50 entries - a single goal from the first 29 entries was poor reward for our hard work while the Swans crowded our forward line. And we completely misread the conditions which led to some costly turnovers, particularly in the first half. As a consequence, by the final break, we had used our petrol tickets and they overran us in the final quarter. Very un Melbourne like and the exact opposite of what we usually expect from the team. I think much the same happened last night to the Brisbane Lions except for the fact that they managed to kick accurately for goal in the first quarter.

As to Grundy, the club completely mismanaged the situation by putting him completely off side when he was dropped, ostensibly to learn his forward craft. As a consequence, he wasn’t played in the finals and, as Thursday night showed, he would have been handy in the qualifying final and certainly, no worse than Josh Schache in the semi final. I get that the view inside the club was that he wasn’t selected because he had probably “checked out” but it should never have gotten to that stage. We lost a perfect opportunity to win a flag.

Worse still was the fact that the public humiliation and alienation of a two time All Australian resulted in our trading him far more cheaply than had we managed things better. The consequence is that we have egg on our faces for the moment and potentially more embarrassment to come.

 

Yep, Brodes could have come on and played the winning minutes that action Jackson played that won us a flag.

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Wrecker46 said:

It's pretty clear the roadmap to beat Melbourne this year has been paved and it's bump, block and harass Gawn at every opportunity.

In 2021 when we were at the peak of our powers if Oliver or Petracca were being tagged they would strategically just let the other one get it. We were making a mockery of defencive midfields.

How do we protect Gawn away from the ball? Our season depends on it.

There are only a handful of ruckman who trouble Max as they don't like to wrestle but jump into him, it also his fault for not changing the angles and that's the problem.

And speaking of ruck play it's a disgrace they have aloud this grappling before the ball is thrown in or ball ups I know it suits us but it's a blight on the game time to weed it out.

 

On 08/03/2024 at 12:51, DeeSpencer said:

Petty is a physical player at CHF (or CHB) who helps, although his head was elsewhere for a lot of last year after whatever happened in Brisbane.

JVR will get there.

Pickett is vital to fire them up.

But we never replaced Vanders on the list with someone with genuine mongrel. And Viney can’t do it all.

Spargo has been one of our best at blocking and working for team mates. Melksham too. Guys like Chandler and ANB need to make that part of their games too.

Unfortunately we are getting younger, smaller and slighter with guys like Windsor, Howes and McVee replacing Harmes, Gus and Hibberd from our flag team.

And carrying the likes of Tomlinson, Billings, Laurie who are classic upper or middle class gents who belong in the MCC watching more than on the field.

Unfortunately when you start the year of -5 in list spots to Gus, J Smith, Melksham (until mid year) BBB and T Mc  you lose the flexibility to add fringe players who bring size, speed and mongrel.

Plus Max, you’re 7 foot tall, 110+ kg. Stick up for yourself man. Or ditch the captaincy. 

Billings has literally played one half of football for us, give the guy a proper chance.

13 hours ago, JJR said:

Billings has literally played one half of football for us, give the guy a proper chance.

Dee your memory is fading. Didn’t we win a flag by 12 goals plus without Vanders. 

Next you will be saying we miss Dean Kent from our forward line !!! 

Unfortunately McAdam is too much looking like a Kent clone getting 2 sorts  of injuries pre season and unavailability already. Ring a Kent ball anyone??? 

 

14 hours ago, Wrecker46 said:

It's pretty clear the roadmap to beat Melbourne this year has been paved and it's bump, block and harass Gawn at every opportunity.

In 2021 when we were at the peak of our powers if Oliver or Petracca were being tagged they would strategically just let the other one get it. We were making a mockery of defencive midfields.

How do we protect Gawn away from the ball? Our season depends on it.

Again that is Stafford’s baby Yhe forwards and now ruck issues. Why is he still a Coach  at our Club? Another Goody fave? 

16 hours ago, Dingo said:

“and credit to them” Why did you say this Max? Or will encourage other teams to do the same - if they are not already doing it.

Max is guilty by TMInfo!!! Button up and play Quit the press for a couple of weeks Max Let JV go and confuse us all with his brogue I  can hardly understand. 

3 hours ago, 58er said:

Dee your memory is fading. Didn’t we win a flag by 12 goals plus without Vanders. 

Next you will be saying we miss Dean Kent from our forward line !!! 

Unfortunately McAdam is too much looking like a Kent clone getting 2 sorts  of injuries pre season and unavailability already. Ring a Kent ball anyone??? 

 

Was this response meant for me or someone else? Haha

We all love Max for the way he plays when we win, then some will come here after a loss demanding he changes his entire demeanor to become a Mumford type. 
 

Can’t have it both ways. Max is entitled to not completely dominate a game from time to time. 
 

Point your pitchforks elsewhere people. 

12 minutes ago, Smokey said:

We all love Max for the way he plays when we win, then some will come here after a loss demanding he changes his entire demeanor to become a Mumford type. 
 

Can’t have it both ways. Max is entitled to not completely dominate a game from time to time. 
 

Point your pitchforks elsewhere people. 

That would be great if we didn't base our game plan on Max dominating and taking marks forward and back

28 minutes ago, Kent said:

That would be great if we didn't base our game plan on Max dominating and taking marks forward and back

Our game plan isn’t based on Max taking marks. Our game plan is actually based on ball coming to ground and contested possession, of which Max’s ruckwork is the starting point. The marks are a bonus.

Edited March 10, 20241 yr by The Jackson FIX

On 08/03/2024 at 12:00, 58er said:

Sorry does matter.  TMI no matter what  and it’s presented in such a polite and easy manner!!’ 

Stop  being the nice guy and bare a claw or two Maxy. Let your actions speak and not your words for a while! 

yes I agree 100% he seems to mellowing a bit much for my liking, do they know he's not going to get much support either from his mates or the Umps

I thought the rule change this year that allows ruckmen to use a straight arm fend-off at center bounces would be perfect for Max. So why didn’t he use it when Grundy was charging him at the centre bounces? He appeared to just meekly accept Grundy’s actions. I think he has now, by his inaction, just shown to every other opposition ruckman how to counter Gawn. Unless he finds a way to counter this action, I think he is doomed to be monstered every week at the centre bounces.

Lots of criticism of Max here which personally I feel is unfair 

The conditions in the Sydney game certainly favoured Grundy and he played the conditions well. I still think Grundy is past his best and I think we will witness a drop off as the season progresses 

Max took 1 mark for the entire game which is unheard of and reflects not only the conditions but the tactics used to negate him which imo are or should be bordering on illegal. We now have a situation in AFL where it seems fine for some players to be physically targeted , held without possession, blocked etc without any consequences

Its a difficult game to umpire but there seems to my eye at least a lot of stuff that is happening that should not be allowed to happen 

Max will be fine, he’s never been a tough guy and never will be. Our problems lie elsewhere 

19 hours ago, JJR said:

Billings has literally played one half of football for us, give the guy a proper chance.

First game of his AFL career was it?