Goody is facing a huge week to decide whether he resorts back to bash-and-bang clearances style with the kick down the line safety option as the cornerstone of our game or whether he sticks with his run-and-gun mantra that looked good pre-season, but has been destroyed by turnover howlers and the unavailability of our three quickest players - Pickett, Windsor and McVee.

I'd expect our midfielders to really lift after being blitzed by the Roos, but Gold Coast's strength is their midfield clearance ethic that comes from Witts, Rowell, Miller, Anderson, Graham and the emerging Humphrey. 

Personally, and I said it before Gawny took on his nemesis Xerri, that we need to play Tom Campbell in most games so that we can win clearances and not have to rely on the weaker (because of height) second ruck option like JVR (Rd 2) or Johnson (Rd 1). Gold Coast has Ethan Read as back up and he's 202cm tall and developing quickly but he's still a kid so imagine if he has to ruck against a fresher Gawny. That's where we can get an advantage. So why we would throw Johnson in against him is beyond me?

We still need to take a chance with our run-and-gun through the middle, but the other area that needs a rethink is our forward structure.

Can we afford the class of Fritter when he doesn't get a chance to show it, can we continue to go with three small forwards even without Pickett, can we keep backing in JVR, who came to us as a potential key defender but is yet to be played there? Is Turner good enough?

I have to say I was shocked that we again threw Spargo in so quickly - as we did in the clash against Sydney in Rd 1 last year. He's barely played a game in two year, missed our practice matches this year, had a VFL practice game and then comes straight in? Sure he was great in 2021, but is he worthy of that amazing loyalty by Goody? Now that he's in do we stick with him and young Jack Henderson - another player that was rushed in with barely a practice game. Ironically the one player I wanted to be tried out as a small forward this year is Jack Viney because when he tackles, they stick and he's actually a good mark for his size. But that won't happen this week.

And making it harder for Goody is that both Laurie and Billings, who did the entire pre-season, did not dominate in the VFL which makes it hard to bring them in, although I suspect Laurie may have been taken off late, just in case he was a last minute call up to be sub at Marvel. Can anyone confirm that? 

Then there are so many questions from the game about individuals.

Does Sharp's lack of awareness spell the end of his career? Or do we try and use his incredible running ability to tag players like Bedford is now doing at GWS? Is Sharp tough enough to be effective in that role?

Has Rivers totally lost his way as a midfielder, meaning he has to be dropped or be sent back to defence, in turn meaning we don't need Howes as the fourth tall down back?

Is Petty that much better than T-Mac as a key defender. I've always liked Petty as an interceptor, but Lever has that role and as we saw with Petty on Larkey, he doesn't have the game awareness and defensive skills in that role? T-Mac sticks to his man, but he's not as quick, although he is a smart player generally (his second-quarter howler excepted). But if I had a say, I'd drop them both and send JVR or Turner back because they both can provide run.

Wow it's tough for Goody.

The only wish I have is that Tom Campbell plays because anyone who saw him train all pre-season knows he's a meat-and-potatoes goer who can win hitouts. He did really well on Xerri in our practice game against North and I could not believe he was left out on Sunday for that same role. And unlike when we stupidly kept starting Grundy on the bench, he needs to be in the middle at the very first bounce with Gawny playing from the goal square - yes I know he's captain and wants to win another AA, but the team has to come first. Then at three-quarter time, Campbell is  subbed out and a fresher Gawny has a chance to be the match winner.

11 minutes ago, Deespicable said:

Goody is facing a huge week to decide whether he resorts back to bash-and-bang clearances style with the kick down the line safety option as the cornerstone of our game or whether he sticks with his run-and-gun mantra that looked good pre-season, but has been destroyed by turnover howlers and the unavailability of our three quickest players - Pickett, Windsor and McVee.

I'd expect our midfielders to really lift after being blitzed by the Roos, but Gold Coast's strength is their midfield clearance ethic that comes from Witts, Rowell, Miller, Anderson, Graham and the emerging Humphrey. 

Personally, and I said it before Gawny took on his nemesis Xerri, that we need to play Tom Campbell in most games so that we can win clearances and not have to rely on the weaker (because of height) second ruck option like JVR (Rd 2) or Johnson (Rd 1). Gold Coast has Ethan Read as back up and he's 202cm tall and developing quickly but he's still a kid so imagine if he has to ruck against a fresher Gawny. That's where we can get an advantage. So why we would throw Johnson in against him is beyond me?

We still need to take a chance with our run-and-gun through the middle, but the other area that needs a rethink is our forward structure.

Can we afford the class of Fritter when he doesn't get a chance to show it, can we continue to go with three small forwards even without Pickett, can we keep backing in JVR, who came to us as a potential key defender but is yet to be played there? Is Turner good enough?

I have to say I was shocked that we again threw Spargo in so quickly - as we did in the clash against Sydney in Rd 1 last year. He's barely played a game in two year, missed our practice matches this year, had a VFL practice game and then comes straight in? Sure he was great in 2021, but is he worthy of that amazing loyalty by Goody? Now that he's in do we stick with him and young Jack Henderson - another player that was rushed in with barely a practice game. Ironically the one player I wanted to be tried out as a small forward this year is Jack Viney because when he tackles, they stick and he's actually a good mark for his size. But that won't happen this week.

And making it harder for Goody is that both Laurie and Billings, who did the entire pre-season, did not dominate in the VFL which makes it hard to bring them in, although I suspect Laurie may have been taken off late, just in case he was a last minute call up to be sub at Marvel. Can anyone confirm that? 

Then there are so many questions from the game about individuals.

Does Sharp's lack of awareness spell the end of his career? Or do we try and use his incredible running ability to tag players like Bedford is now doing at GWS? Is Sharp tough enough to be effective in that role?

Has Rivers totally lost his way as a midfielder, meaning he has to be dropped or be sent back to defence, in turn meaning we don't need Howes as the fourth tall down back?

Is Petty that much better than T-Mac as a key defender. I've always liked Petty as an interceptor, but Lever has that role and as we saw with Petty on Larkey, he doesn't have the game awareness and defensive skills in that role? T-Mac sticks to his man, but he's not as quick, although he is a smart player generally (his second-quarter howler excepted). But if I had a say, I'd drop them both and send JVR or Turner back because they both can provide run.

Wow it's tough for Goody.

The only wish I have is that Tom Campbell plays because anyone who saw him train all pre-season knows he's a meat-and-potatoes goer who can win hitouts. He did really well on Xerri in our practice game against North and I could not believe he was left out on Sunday for that same role. And unlike when we stupidly kept starting Grundy on the bench, he needs to be in the middle at the very first bounce with Gawny playing from the goal square - yes I know he's captain and wants to win another AA, but the team has to come first. Then at three-quarter time, Campbell is  subbed out and a fresher Gawny has a chance to be the match winner.

Yes to Campbell, 

I’d try Sharp in a role as you suggest or back pocket.

only bc we have to try and get the best out of the talent we have at the Club.

I will revise my thinking once I know whether either of May or Windsor are available but assuming they are not. A statement needs to be made but also players outside the team need to earn a position. There is no point swapping players for those not showing VFL form We also need to continue to hold the line on the game style they are trying to play and at least give it a chance to stick with May, Pickett, Windsor, McVee. 

Statement needs to be Fritsch that 100% effort and pressure is the minimum need.

Langford is deserving of a role mid/half forward at the expense of Sharp who has lacked impact offensively or defensively with his run.

AJ back in for Jefferson's injury.

I would also like Howes (does not impact) and Sparrow (cant have both he and Viney bombing endlessly regardless of effort) but Im realistic about how much change we will make unless May/Windsor also available. 

 

 

If any of you are the supporter who hung over the players race on Sunday and bagged the players out you’re a clown. I’d suggest you go follow Carlton. I hope someone who hangs over the race on match days gives you some sound and firm advice. 

Edited March 24Mar 24 by Roost it far

39 minutes ago, Lil_red_fire_engine said:

I would also like Howes (does not impact) and Sparrow (cant have both he and Viney bombing endlessly regardless of effort) but Im realistic about how much change we will make unless May/Windsor also available. 

Assume these fellas are safe until McVee and the Kolt are back. 

Made a post in the other thread about the bombing in 

I know its only round 2, but I'm looking at the Kicking Efficiency % season average so far

Viney - 44.8%
Petracca - 40%
Sparrow - 38.5%

All 3 are quite high in the metres gained component - is it just the long bomb or do we have too many butchers?

18 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

B: Sharp, May, Adams

HB: Sestan, Turner, Windsor

C: Langford, Petracca, Lindsay

HF: Chandler, Petty, Henderson

F: Fritsch (last chance), Johnson, van Rooyen

FOLL: Gawn, Sparrow, Viney

IC: Campbell, Fullerton, Langdon, Salem

SUB: Laurie

Nup had PLENTY OF CHANCES DROP HIM!

Out: Howes, Jeffo, Woey

In: Hore, Johnson, Langford

Happy for Sharp to go out if Windsor is fit and I'm open to bringing in Campbell but note he will make us slower again.

I didn't mind Fullerton's game at Casey (only as a KPF) but Adams was back to being invisible. Sestan had excellent ball use but didn't often find the pill.

Gold Coast Suns are a team improving and, on the way, up. Melbourne FC are a stagnant team. The Suns will be looking for a scalp. The Dees look shaky,

21 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

B: Sharp, May, Adams

HB: Sestan, Turner, Windsor

C: Langford, Petracca, Lindsay

HF: Chandler, Petty, Henderson

F: Fritsch (last chance), Johnson, van Rooyen

FOLL: Gawn, Sparrow, Viney

IC: Campbell, Fullerton, Langdon, Salem

SUB: Laurie

I prefer Langdon on the wing and where’s Clayton, surely Langford on the bench?

5 minutes ago, DeeZone said:

I prefer Langdon on the wing and where’s Clayton, surely Langford on the bench?

I've had it with Clayton he does nothing with ball. I left him out of the team to make a statement. Langford in the middle for mine because Langdon has been disappointing for a while now. We just have no one playing the football that we know they can play.

Point 1: We are badly missing the powerful presence of May, the positional awareness of McVee and the X-factor of Pickett.

Point 2: Howes has now had enough chances for the call to be made that he is not an AFL-standard defender. Maybe Rivers needs to provide cover there until the injury situation eases.

Point 3: Shifting Langdon from his specialist position on the wing seemed daft before the North game and would be even dafter if persisted with.

Point 4: Spargo looks as if he needs at least a couple of runs in the VFL after such a long layoff.

Point 5: Are we going to run Gawn into the ground again this season without providing a proper backup ruck? Hard to swallow as it is, he was outplayed by Xerri.

Point 6: Yes, it was a terrible day at the office, but wholesale changes are a non-starter, given the injuries we have. However, Langford surely deserves a chance in the starting lineup this week.

Point 7: With the honourable exception of Oliver, some of last week's flops need to take a long, hard look at themselves.

 

 

Two games into the season and we are under the pump.

Understandable given the game our team dished up on Sunday. Our game fell apart in all areas. Team structures failed with little teamwork or team support shown at all across the ground. Our leadership on the ground failed to have any effect on the performance. It is the first time I can recall in recent times that we have been so bad at the fundamentals. 

I do not see the coaching team changing course in any significant way at this stage of the season. It would be madness to do that after spending the off-season training to the developed game plan. 

We have an extensive list of players that are unavailable and there is nothing we can do about that except work through their recoveries and each week put out a best team we can.

Mind you, that is where things get interesting as there are  hell of a lot of opinions about the best team.

My take on this weeks best team is a follows:

B: Lever, May/TMac, Rivers

HB: Bowey, Petty, Salem

C: Langdon, Oliver, Lindsay

HF: Sparrow, Turner, Henderson

F: Fristch, JVR, AJ

Fol: Gawn, Petracca, Viney

IC: Campbell, Windsor/Sestan, Langford, Chandler

Sub: Spargo

 

Defence

If May gets up and is available he comes in for Tmac, other wise I think Tmac gets another run. Lever and Petty to stay there this week but I would look at Howes spot very critically. Without McVee we lack a number of options and flexibility. It may be necessary to have Rivers spend more time as a full time defender to cover Howes position. Bowey and Salem with Windsor, if available to cover the running defender options. If not Windsor then it may be time for Sestan to get a run. it must be time for a look at him by now. There are a few others on the list that are there abouts. Mentha, Brown and Woewodin could all get the nod in place of Sestan.

Midfield:

Gawn is there but with Campbell on the bench as ruck support. Both of them to be used at times forward to give the Suns defence something to think about. Viney, Oliver and Petracca as midfield back bone with Langdon on one wing and Lindsay on the other. Langford, Sparrow and Rivers to rotate through there at times with possible cameos in there of Chandler and I would give Henderson a couple of runs in there at center bounces. He is fast and elusive with a good footy brain. I would also give AJ a visit to the center just to disrupt things. (yeah, I know, it will not happen but I do like a bit of out-of-the-box thinking).

Forwards:

AJ in for Jefferson. I liked his first up game. He was strong at the contest, and gave good second and third efforts. JVR and Turner to get another game together but I want to see both of them commit to the contest with both hands. I do not want to see them run in at the fall of the ball with their hands in the air waiting for a push in the back. I want to see Henderson, Chandler and/or running mids crumbing properly at the forward contests. 

Sharp to get a run at Casey as a pressure forward kicking goals, or, at least attempting/practicing to kick a few.

B: Lever, May,  Bowey

HB: Rivers, Petty, Salem

C: Langdon, Oliver, Windsor 

HF: Sparrow, Johnson, Sharp

F: Fritsch, JVR, Chandler

Fol: Gawn, Petracca, Viney

IC: Campbell, Lindsay, Langford, Chandler

Sub: Henderson

in. May. Windsor. Johnson. Campbell. Langford. 
outs. Tmac. Howes.  Woey jnr. Spargo. Jefferson 

on thin ice … Fritsch, 

unavailable.  Pickett (suspended)

Edited March 24Mar 24 by spirit of norm smith
SupportForMaxy

In last week’s injury report Selwyn hinted that Melksham will be available for selection this week.

So there’s a chance he returns. We diabolically need to inject someone of his class into our forward like, albeit he alone isn’t going to change our fortunes.

3 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

In last week’s injury report Selwyn hinted that Melksham will be available for selection this week.

So there’s a chance he returns. We diabolically need to inject someone of his class into our forward like, albeit he alone isn’t going to change our fortunes.

This isn't a blight on Melksham at all but we are in serious trouble if we are pinning our forward hopes on a 33 year old half forward who's body has let him down all summer..

Doesn't matter whose in the backline if the number of unforced errors is as great as against North. Or the forward line for that matter.

Virtually every player made uncharacteristic howlers - Bowey, Langdon, Salem, Petracca, Henderson. And how many were slow to release the ball.

Reminded me of the Neeld days.

This side is much better than that. I believe Sunday was an aberration.

Having said that, Turner and Jefferson aren't good enough. Johnson will put spine in the forward line. And Tommy Mac forward and Adams down back.

Edited March 24Mar 24 by Mono

I forecast 6 changes this week Out: McDonald, Howes, Bowey, Woewodin, Jefferson (inj), Lever (inj)

In: May, Windsor, Langford, Hore, Johnson, Campbell

B: Hore, May, Rivers

HB: Salem, Petty, Windsor

C: Langdon, Petracca, Lindsay

HF: Chandler, Johnson, Sparrow

F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Spargo

FOLL: Gawn, Oliver, Viney

IC: Campbell, Sharp, Langford, Henderson 

SUB: Turner

I'd be backing a relitlvley unchanged lineup, save for the obvious changes like May and Windsor slottingin if fit. 

We play the G well and Sun's are learning to win away from home. Let most of the same guys have a crack at redeeming themselves imo.  

The way we got beaten but at centre bounce in the last,  was like the last game of the season in 21 when the cats put us to the sword early from centre bounce too. No one remembers getting smacked around like that when they look back at 2021.  Clearly we won that game after the siren, bit the point is we're weren't Invincible when we won the flag. We just had a collective buy in and team 1st ethos. Hopefully the negativity galvanises the group like it did for the Saints and Power who both bounced back from heavy losses 

 

29 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

This isn't a blight on Melksham at all but we are in serious trouble if we are pinning our forward hopes on a 33 year old half forward who's body has let him down all summer..

He come back through the 2's with his interrupted summer.

2 minutes ago, WERRIDEE said:

He come back through the 2's with his interrupted summer.

He hasn't played any competitive footy this year and that's including practice games.

5 minutes ago, DemonWA said:

I'd be backing a relitlvley unchanged lineup, save for the obvious changes like May and Windsor slottingin if fit. 

We play the G well and Sun's are learning to win away from home. Let most of the same guys have a crack at redeeming themselves imo.  

The way we got beaten but at centre bounce in the last,  was like the last game of the season in 21 when the cats put us to the sword early from centre bounce too. No one remembers getting smacked around like that when they look back at 2021.  Clearly we won that game after the siren, bit the point is we're weren't Invincible when we won the flag. We just had a collective buy in and team 1st ethos. Hopefully the negativity galvanises the group like it did for the Saints and Power who both bounced back from heavy losses 

 

Since when??

Okay, so the vibe I'm getting is that Tom Campbell (verified cousin of Bruce Campbell vs the evil dead) is someone a lot of people want to see out there, and all I want to know is;

Can we get Cam Pederson to present the jumper? Because the spirit must be passed on!

3 minutes ago, Little Goffy said:

Okay, so the vibe I'm getting is that Tom Campbell (verified cousin of Bruce Campbell vs the evil dead) is someone a lot of people want to see out there, and all I want to know is;

Can we get Cam Pederson to present the jumper? Because the spirit must be passed on!

I know a couple of players were ill leading up to the game. I’m wondering if something went through the club? Just a thought. Or, we’re just a rabble once again 🤷‍♂️. 

In: May, Windsor, AJ, Langford. 

Out: Howes, Woewodin, Fritz, Jefferson (inj.).

Please play Langdon and Sharp as pure wingmen. 

Edited March 24Mar 24 by Ethan Tremblay

Melksham would almost certainly be our 2nd best forward when he returns (behind Chandler)

The rest are non contributors (JVR, Turner, Fritsch, Jeffo) AJ is unproven as well

We are bereft of talent up forward

So even a 33yo veteran like Melksham improves our embattled forward line

If our 2023 finals forward line was rated as C- what is it right now?  E?

Once Kozzie, AJ, Melk & Tholstrup return along with some cameo's from Petracca & Langford, we'll be way better off up forward.  Not great, but certainly an improvement on what we've got right now