2 hours ago, 58er said:

Whatever do you think it’s a knee injury? If at all it is his ankle. Unless you have any updated info!!!???

Despite the Club claiming no news here we have been mislead previously with injuries and concussions that bring about changes in Thursday or late withdrawals occasionally.

Only JV for Spargs needs a reality check despite his team ethos and courage. Also would dearly love either Pup or Sestan given a chance In the future or when deemed best available option or need.

Further to my JV for Spargs change which is a no brainer as long as JV is totally over any symptoms of the dreaded C.

Equally the FOR or AGST opinions to drop or retain AJ.

Surely any MFC fan could not seriously retain AJ solely on his form and impact over his 4 matches and disregard JV’s total decade more of much of the same attack on the ball PLUS goals, tackles ferocity and nous gained in his seriously valuable multi seasons experience and his enormous competitive instincts.

One of our best on ballers we’d Jo yes is not the greatest disposer but really he offers a package far greater to our footy than AJ at present can promise or muster.

Only response is that another tall could/should be chosen instead with a far greater potential CV for the job on our forward line, naturally playing up to time form or potential.

Just trying to get the AJ freaks a perspective on what we really need at the pointy end of our game plan.

We cannot survive on Spargs plus AJ ‘S total output long term if we wish to keep the scoreboard ticking over under all big matches now or later in the year.

Going well but needs a reality check NOW or SOONER rather than LATER in the journey in 2025.

Is it beyond the realm of possibility that May gets omitted (managed) and TMAC takes his place, might be a good time to rest the big Fella

3 hours ago, binman said:

It's worth watching the analysis vid by Jeff White that has been referenced quite bit in the last week or so. A big part of it is highlighting the importance of structures and players carrying out their assigned role.

As i noted in another thread, Spargo is the new Nibbla - surely, we've all learned from the Nibbla experience the importance of looking past old school stats like disposals and goals to assess the performance of players with distinct roles.

The KPIs for his role would prioritize defensive running, pressure and tackles inside 50, assists and score involvements. Yes, he's a forward but goals are a bonus.

I'm not saying he's been brilliant (though he's been way better than many have suggested) but he has played his role, is presumably meeting his KPIs and is clearly an important part of our forward line structure and system. That's why he is selected each week.

Finally.

I think Spargo has been playing ok in the sense of performing his role. When he does have a kick they are generally very good. Think he is a bit of a whipping boy unless he kicks bags.

3 hours ago, binman said:

It's worth watching the analysis vid by Jeff White that has been referenced quite bit in the last week or so. A big part of it is highlighting the importance of structures and players carrying out their assigned role.

As i noted in another thread, Spargo is the new Nibbla - surely, we've all learned from the Nibbla experience the importance of looking past old school stats like disposals and goals to assess the performance of players with distinct roles.

The KPIs for his role would prioritize defensive running, pressure and tackles inside 50, assists and score involvements. Yes, he's a forward but goals are a bonus.

I'm not saying he's been brilliant (though he's been way better than many have suggested) but he has played his role, is presumably meeting his KPIs and is clearly an important part of our forward line structure and system. That's why he is selected each week.

I think Langdon is playing the Nibbler role and Spargo is playing the Spargo role.

I watched Spargo closely yesterday, he's a very disciplined defensive runner and he offered some aggressive medium range corridor attacking options on turnover which were universally ignored in favour of shorter diagonal passes - probably because of a combination of our players lacking the confidence to make the difficult kick and Spargo's aerial limitations.

He's a nice creative kick when he gets it, but he doesn't get it much. Other alternatives could win more ball but they'd turn it over more.

Selection too difficult for me.

Some wanting AJ out for Jvr.

Consensus from the reports I read seemed the latter played well at Casey. Especially marking which has been an issue for him.

But you've gotta love Ajs entertainment factor and the fear he puts into young defenders with all his bulk coming ful tilt at them.

He certainly helped KP get his bag of goals.

Hard to determine who is better to help out Max. I certainly think Jvrs marking would be his biggest criteria for selecting as well as his better kicking at goal than AJ.

If fit Viney comes in as it always should be. We need him fit and firing for Kings birthday. To give a bit of his aggression back to those thugs.

Probably Spargo goes out under a cloud of concussion doubt maybe.

But that's it and that's all. Definitely one and maybe the other. Just always been a fan of Roo so this is a bias post. Maybe Jvr will play under less pressure. I've noticed with his body language he gets really down on himself after an error. I'd just like to see him enjoying a game this round and see if it makes a difference.

Edited May 26May 26 by leave it to deever

7 hours ago, Fat Tony said:

It will be interesting how they bring back Viney. Petracca, Kossie and Rivers have been playing more midfield minutes the last three weeks and I think we may look a better side without Viney.

It does,play him in the forward 50 only,Spargo posi

1 hour ago, 58er said:

Further to my JV for Spargs change which is a no brainer as long as JV is totally over any symptoms of the dreaded C.

Equally the FOR or AGST opinions to drop or retain AJ.

Surely any MFC fan could not seriously retain AJ solely on his form and impact over his 4 matches and disregard JV’s total decade more of much of the same attack on the ball PLUS goals, tackles ferocity and nous gained in his seriously valuable multi seasons experience and his enormous competitive instincts.

One of our best on ballers we’d Jo yes is not the greatest disposer but really he offers a package far greater to our footy than AJ at present can promise or muster.

Only response is that another tall could/should be chosen instead with a far greater potential CV for the job on our forward line, naturally playing up to time form or potential.

Just trying to get the AJ freaks a perspective on what we really need at the pointy end of our game plan.

We cannot survive on Spargs plus AJ ‘S total output long term if we wish to keep the scoreboard ticking over under all big matches now or later in the year.

Going well but needs a reality check NOW or SOONER rather than LATER in the journey in 2025.

58er imo the reason that Johnson is playing is because the replacements are not there at present JVR is a shadow of his first year and we saw how poor he was in the first half dozen games. Neither Jefferson or Fullerton after being tried look the goods. None of that three add any respect, anger or determination to the forward line. If they don’t mark then it is over for them. It’s simple imo there is no one better.

14 hours ago, picket fence said:

Why don't you go stuff up ur cistern with ur own garbage you old shheeit a brick!

14 hours ago, picket fence said:

Caàryyyst read the post, bullocking role?? THIS AINT AN EPISODE OF BONANZA, CARRYST! Possesions 10 in 2 games..... you are in fantasy land!

22 hours ago, bing181 said:

In a team that kicked the equivalent of 20 goals, AJ didn't manage a single score, even though he was mostly played up forward. He also only had 6 disposals - to go with his previous 5 and 5. And took zero marks.

Hard to see how he's "getting better at playing his role". He has to do more than throw his weight around and give away free kicks.

For some reason we just look a better side with AJ in it, the evidence is undeniable now. @bing181

He just crashes in and takes bodies with him, gives it his all. sometimes that's all you need to clear the way for the technicians in the side.

It's working for us atm, until it's broken no need to try and fix it.

Lets just keep rolling with it.

2 hours ago, Adam The God said:

It depends if Adams is up to the level this year.

True - needs to bulk up a bit.still though hecwants to be a gorilla hunter.

Training times in for this week.

Another main session, Friday at Gosch's.

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times

TIO Traeger Park

📆 Saturday, May 31

⏰ 9:30am - 10:15am

📍 TIO Traeger Park

🏃‍♂️ Session type: Pre-Game Captain's Run

✍️ Signing session post-training

Gosch's Paddock

📆 Tuesday, May 27

⏰ 1:45pm - 2:15pm

📍 Gosch's Paddock

🏃‍♂️ Session type: Light recovery

📆 Friday, May 30

⏰ 9:15am - 10:45am

📍 Gosch's Paddock

🏃‍♂️ Session type: Main Training

📆 Tuesday, June 3

⏰ 1:30pm - 2:00pm

📍 Gosch's Paddock

🏃‍♂️ Session type: Light Recovery

3 hours ago, old dee said:

Sadly he is a long way from nibbler binman. I will admit he is courageous and gives 100% .

Not sure what you mean OD.

The comparison to nibbla is spargs preparedness to play a distinct role, one that is wholly team first and completey underappreciated by most fans - but 100% appreciated by teamates because they understand what the role is and how hard it is.

You might remember that for several seasons nibbla was the demonland whipping boy for much the same reason spargs is now- because his value to the team is difficult to identify in 1995 stats like disposals and goals.

It still amuses me how when announcing he was leaving it was as if we were losing Nick Daicos.

16 minutes ago, binman said:

Not sure what you mean OD.

The comparison to nibbla is spargs preparedness to play a distinct role, one that is wholly team first and completey underappreciated by most fans - but 100% appreciated by teamates because they understand what the role is and how hard it is.

You might remember that for several seasons nibbla was the demonland whipping boy for much the same reason spargs is now- because his value to the team is difficult to identify in 1995 stats like disposals and goals.

It still amuses me how when announcing he was leaving it was as if we were losing Nick Daicos.

Aside from the hard work, I think a few of us were worried about the leadership he brought to the team, something that was already needed after Gus' departure and the Trac & Oliver dramas.

23 hours ago, adonski said:

Sharp full game for SparGod

JVR for AJ

We will be disadvantaging ourselves if we pick JVR. The forward line is functioning much better since he has been absent.

I counted five direct score involvements from AJ on Sunday - clever taps to advantage. He is also more mobile than JVR.

JVR should be required to string several games together at high level for Casey before any suggestion of coming back into the senior side. That might take us into the trade period (hopefully).

I would keep AJ and tell him to go out a rip Milne's head off.

41 minutes ago, William said:

We will be disadvantaging ourselves if we pick JVR. The forward line is functioning much better since he has been absent.

I counted five direct score involvements from AJ on Sunday - clever taps to advantage. He is also more mobile than JVR.

JVR should be required to string several games together at high level for Casey before any suggestion of coming back into the senior side. That might take us into the trade period (hopefully).

Garry Lyon tonight pointed out the difference in our scores from inside 50 since Fritta and JvR were replaced with Petty and AJ. We've moved from 18th to 4th.

AJ may not have kicked a goal yesterday*, but neither did JvR in his last two appearances.

No change for mine unless Spargypants is rested. I'd give JV7 another week off.

* AJ dropped a 'sitter' that he would have goaded from. Get some games under his belt to give him some confidence.

Edited May 26May 26 by M_9

3 hours ago, old55 said:

I think Langdon is playing the Nibbler role and Spargo is playing the Spargo role.

I watched Spargo closely yesterday, he's a very disciplined defensive runner and he offered some aggressive medium range corridor attacking options on turnover which were universally ignored in favour of shorter diagonal passes - probably because of a combination of our players lacking the confidence to make the difficult kick and Spargo's aerial limitations.

He's a nice creative kick when he gets it, but he doesn't get it much. Other alternatives could win more ball but they'd turn it over more.

The other thing to add about Spargo's game is that he regularly blocked Kossie’s opponent at forward 50 stoppages which was influential.

3 hours ago, YesitwasaWin4theAges said:

For some reason we just look a better side with AJ in it, the evidence is undeniable now. @bing181

He just crashes in and takes bodies with him, gives it his all. sometimes that's all you need to clear the way for the technicians in the side.

It's working for us atm, until it's broken no need to try and fix it.

Lets just keep rolling with it.

I counted at least 4 goals as a direct result of AJs work including the hand off to Sharp.

BTW Sharp was the super sub of the week and perfrmed well when he came on....

1 hour ago, M_9 said:

Garry Lyon tonight pointed out the difference in our scores from inside 50 since Fritta and JvR were replaced with Petty and AJ. We've moved from 18th to 4th.

AJ may not have kicked a goal yesterday*, but neither did JvR in his last two appearances.

No change for mine unless Spargypants is rested. I'd give JV7 another week off.

* AJ dropped a 'sitter' that he would have goaded from. Get some games under his belt to give him some confidence.

He's only played 4 games. People's expectations are out of whack

Outcome based is complete bs. On that basis, the Hawthorn player who got a week for collecting Viney should still be on the sidelines because HV is still out due to concussion.

It’s just the AFL covering their backsides for the future concussion based class action coming their way rather than administering a fair and just (and consistent) system that looks after the game.

7 hours ago, Ghostwriter said:

He doesn’t dye or even tint his hair. The sun brings out a ranga-type hue. Yesterday however, it looked as though he’d OD-ed on hair product. Nothing nor no one was messing up that bouffant 😆

He’s going to knock someone out with that thing one day and then his hair will get suspended

1 hour ago, Queanbeyan Demon said:

I would keep AJ and tell him to go out a rip Milne's head off.

Or save that for Maynard

3 hours ago, YesitwasaWin4theAges said:

For some reason we just look a better side with AJ in it, the evidence is undeniable now. @bing181

He just crashes in and takes bodies with him, gives it his all. sometimes that's all you need to clear the way for the technicians in the side.

It's working for us atm, until it's broken no need to try and fix it.

Lets just keep rolling with it.

Watch the highlights again.. he actually does a few clever things.

Skill wise...maybe not A grade... but a player with footy nouse... I'm calling it... he's OK.

Remember the club has had tabs on him for years. Not without reason imho

10 hours ago, sisso said:

Agree, Ross Lyon is too good a coach to just let us walk all over them, and the Saints have had some excellent performances this season as well as average ones. We should win but it wont be a walk in the park.

Not to mention, Saints have lots of negative press this week. Suspect that in reaction they'll come out firing on all cylinders.

Could be a challenge.

Edited May 26May 26 by bing181

I do hope we keep AJ in the side.

He is not a great player. Well not yet, might never be. But he is physical. And we gave not had a physical player since the we’d went to essenscum

Sorry I will have my pill now.