Just thought everyone had a real dip in defeat yesterday and it's very hard to make changes.

Against that is the fact that we will be coming off a six-day break so a few boys will be a little sore I reckon.

The one compulsory change is that Viney comes in if deemed fit and I suspect that means one of Lindsay or Tholstrup should get a rest with a view that they come straight back in after the bye.

Then we have to have a really close look at our ageing group to make sure that they are all fully recovered and the one player who seems to be struggling the most as he regains fitness is Lever. With T-Mac coming off an 8-day break, it should be a straight swap if Jake's remotely sore. That way Jake can get a couple of solid weeks preparing his knee for the run home.

The Power are still playing fairly small by their usual standards - Visentini in the ruck with Georgiades and Finlayson (he'll probably be dropped), Aliir, Ratugolea and Zerk-Thatcher their talls. They may add Sweet to try and combat Gawny or Lord to extend our defence.

But our hardest job will be deciding who to use on negating Butters - I imagine Jack will get the job if fit, if not it will be tempting to go Ed again. Trac will be tagged again by Drew, but just has to stick at it.

If we play like we did on Monday we will win, but it's hard backing up from your grand final.

As to JVR, he deserved his spot on Monday after a couple of solid weeks in VFL and like Petty he found the going tough against Moore and Howe, who are elite. But if you seriously think Jefferson is ready for that kind of mauling-style defence, then you have not been at training.

4 minutes ago, Deespicable said:

Just thought everyone had a real dip in defeat yesterday and it's very hard to make changes.

Against that is the fact that we will be coming off a six-day break so a few boys will be a little sore I reckon.

The one compulsory change is that Viney comes in if deemed fit and I suspect that means one of Lindsay or Tholstrup should get a rest with a view that they come straight back in after the bye.

Then we have to have a really close look at our ageing group to make sure that they are all fully recovered and the one player who seems to be struggling the most as he regains fitness is Lever. With T-Mac coming off an 8-day break, it should be a straight swap if Jake's remotely sore. That way Jake can get a couple of solid weeks preparing his knee for the run home.

The Power are still playing fairly small by their usual standards - Visentini in the ruck with Georgiades and Finlayson (he'll probably be dropped), Aliir, Ratugolea and Zerk-Thatcher their talls. They may add Sweet to try and combat Gawny or Lord to extend our defence.

But our hardest job will be deciding who to use on negating Butters - I imagine Jack will get the job if fit, if not it will be tempting to go Ed again. Trac will be tagged again by Drew, but just has to stick at it.

If we play like we did on Monday we will win, but it's hard backing up from your grand final.

As to JVR, he deserved his spot on Monday after a couple of solid weeks in VFL and like Petty he found the going tough against Moore and Howe, who are elite. But if you seriously think Jefferson is ready for that kind of mauling-style defence, then you have not been at training.

Thought lever was really sound, wouldn’t be leaving him out.

31 minutes ago, D Rev said:

I understand fellow DLs being upset after yesterdays game, but I really don't think it's time to swing the axe. As mentioned above, we lost to the top team by 1 point.

In regards to the pile on for Petty and JVR, I don't think it was a great day for tall forwards, and while Howe did beat Petty, Petty did get to a lot of contests and got on the scoreboard. As mentioned above, JVR only played 60% of the game, which is probably a question for another thread, but worked harder than earlier in the season where he was unsighted.

It should be remembered that he's been playing in front of 4 blokes and a dog in the magoos, then goes out in front of 80,000 with questionable confidence.

As for the rest of the changes, Viney should come in if he's fit. I'd give Kolt a spell and really try and work up some form and fitness.

The big issue for me is Windsor. They're clearly trying to get him to be a HBF, but it's really not working at this point. Given we have Bowey and Salem, I'd argue it probably isn't pressing. I'd give him back the wing and let Lindsay learn.

LOL only the dogs go to the VFL games.

But I get your point, coming in and out of the team must be unsettling.

I say we keep JVR and Jeffo for the rest of the season? Free hit now that finals are gone.

1 hour ago, ElDiablo14 said:

LOL only the dogs go to the VFL games.

But I get your point, coming in and out of the team must be unsettling.

I say we keep JVR and Jeffo for the rest of the season? Free hit now that finals are gone.

I'd definitely give JVR an extended run, is definitely worth it.

I'm still unsure about Jeffo, I dont think there is harm in keeping him in the magoos to develop more intensity, rather than just kicking bags on park footballers.

Given we don't have a strong draft hand and are going to have to get creative to keep Koz and bring Jackson home, I dare say a lot of the blokes in the twos aren't going anywhere for a while so will get a go.

2 minutes ago, D Rev said:

I'd definitely give JVR an extended run, is definitely worth it.

What an extended run around the places on the ground where he has no impact, no scoring chance and just looks lost all the time?

That is a strange concept of ‘worth’.

At some point, MFC supporters will concur that JVR is not a viable AFL prospect in his present incarnation as a forward. Perhaps he could make it as a defender but I doubt it given his immobility and his lack of marking ability.

As a forward though he doesn’t contribute and we have had plenty of sample observations over the last 18 months of that fact.

Give some of the other prospects a chance to show what they have to offer is a more ‘worthwhile’ strategy IMHO at this stage of the ‘lost’ season and add JVR to the trade list.

The defence was outstanding yesterday, we should persist with that setup as much as possible for the rest of the season.

JVR didn't impact enough but seemed to do better in the second half, persist.

Lindsay was quiet but laid a couple of brutal tackles, if fit persist.

Langford had a good game in my view, if fit persist.

Viney the only 'must include'. Most likely for Windsor, Tholstrup or Lindsay and ideally in a forward pressure role with some time on ball.

Keen to have another look at Jeffo but he may need to wait for an injury or for JVR not to take his chance (2 more games?), whichever comes first.

Edited Tuesday at 06:032 days by Dee*ceiving
Spelling

Port played their good game for the month last week so we should be able to get over the top of them.

20 hours ago, Random Task said:

Just what I would consider but not expecting this to be the actual changes/set-up.

Out: Lindsay, Langford

In: Viney, Laurie

FB: McVee May Lever

HB: Bowey Turner Salem

C: Langdon Oliver Windsor

HF: Chandler Petty Sparrow

FF: Pickett JvR Fritsch

R: Gawn Petracca Rivers

I: Melksham Viney Laurie Howes

S: Tholstrup

Love both Langford and Lindsay and they will both be critical parts of our team moving forward. However it's a long year and it looks like they're starting to tire after nearly 3 months of senior footy. I know the bye is after the next game but feel they could benefit from a break now.

Tholstrup had a good first half but only had two touches in the entire second half. Like the energy he brings but not sure he's ready to run out full games yet after an interrupted pre-season. Should have a good impact coming on as sub.

I didn't mind the move of Windsor to half back to start the year but feel it's not a move that's working for us. Howes coming into the back half allows Windsor to be released back to the wing where he can be more damaging. Langdon has been playing well as a high half forward line and evidently a tagger is part of his kit as well. Would like him to move back to a wing to fill the absent spots created by Lindsay and Langford's omission. Either that or we consider bring Billings in for that role who has good form at Casey. I'd prefer Langdon though.

Viney (if fit and able) back to his tagging role on ball and Laurie to play as a high half forward.

Jefferson on the cusp but surely we don't throw JvR out again after one week.

@Random Task Love this. Give the kids a good rest.

If Viney comes into the side, Rivers needs to shift back.

I see Langdon playing another tagging role on Butters and Petracca and Kossie playing centre bounces and then cheating forward.

Howes likely makes way for Viney (even though he played a solid game).

I think one of Langford or Lindsay starts as sub.

Dees by 35.

does anyone know if there will be an open training this weekend like they did in perth earlier this year?

12 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Does it every.single.game but yet never gets dropped even for his lack of defensive efforts.

He'll play next week.

You don't drop forwards who kick 3 goals. Especially when your forward line stinks

Trade JvR !!

Couldn't muster one goal yesterday and he's our big hope up forward? Nope!!

Needs to return home to Perth

Maybe as part of Jackson deal

Wishing and Hoping just doesn't do it.

Enough chances.

Time to cut the losses!!!

Edited Tuesday at 13:572 days by DeeBlood

3 hours ago, Deez21 said:

You don't drop forwards who kick 3 goals. Especially when your forward line stinks

Never said he would get dropped but this year he was omitted after kicking 2 goals the week prior.

Dont really care the ins and outs. Not like its made any real difference for the past 3 years why would it this week? Unless the FD department realise its time for real change. Send May to FF and Petty to full back. See how it looks. What have you lost if it doesnt pay off. Doing the same thing every week is just tiresome.

Out: Lindsay (managed), Langford (managed), Melksham (managed)

In: Viney, Culley, Jefferson

7 hours ago, DeeBlood said:

Trade JvR !!

Couldn't muster one goal yesterday and he's our big hope up forward? Nope!!

Needs to return home to Perth

Maybe as part of Jackson deal

Wishing and Hoping just doesn't do it.

Enough chances.

Time to cut the losses!!!

Happy for him to be part of a Jackson trade for sure!

Edited Tuesday at 21:172 days by picket fence

18 hours ago, D Rev said:

I understand fellow DLs being upset after yesterdays game, but I really don't think it's time to swing the axe. As mentioned above, we lost to the top team by 1 point.

In regards to the pile on for Petty and JVR, I don't think it was a great day for tall forwards, and while Howe did beat Petty, Petty did get to a lot of contests and got on the scoreboard. As mentioned above, JVR only played 60% of the game, which is probably a question for another thread, but worked harder than earlier in the season where he was unsighted.

It should be remembered that he's been playing in front of 4 blokes and a dog in the magoos, then goes out in front of 80,000 with questionable confidence.

As for the rest of the changes, Viney should come in if he's fit. I'd give Kolt a spell and really try and work up some form and fitness.

The big issue for me is Windsor. They're clearly trying to get him to be a HBF, but it's really not working at this point. Given we have Bowey and Salem, I'd argue it probably isn't pressing. I'd give him back the wing and let Lindsay learn.

Thought Salem was bg ordinary no intensity any more going through motions

I doubt anyone would be looking at dropping any of the collingwood forward line but we want to drop all of ours when you read the comments. When you look at he stats, our forwards did as well or better than theirs. Its just that we kicked too many points, and their players upfield deliver the ball better.

Disposal count

Elliot 7 McStay 6 Membrey13 Hill 10 Mihocek 6 McCreery17

Fritsch 17 Melksham 8 Petty 9 Pickett15 Tholstrup 9 JVR 8 Sparrow 15

Will be interesting to see our Energy levels this week. Will they be mentally spent after losing that game? I know I am.

Edited yesterday at 02:161 day by Pipefitter

19 hours ago, Dee*ceiving said:

The defence was outstanding yesterday, we should persist with that setup as much as possible for the rest of the season.

JVR didn't impact enough but seemed to do better in the second half, persist.

Lindsay was quiet but laid a couple of brutal tackles, if fit persist.

Langford had a good game in my view, if fit persist.ol

Viney the only 'must include'. Most likely for Windsor, Tholstrup or Lindsay and ideally in a forward pressure role with some time on ball.

Keen to have another look at Jeffo but he may need to wait for an injury or for JVR not to take his chance (2 more games?), whichever comes first.

I would keep Th

4 hours ago, jackaub said:

Thought Salem was bg ordinary no intensity any more going through motions

I’ve thought the same for a long time . Is he contracted?

5 hours ago, Lil_red_fire_engine said:

Out: Lindsay (managed), Langford (managed), Melksham (managed)

In: Viney, Culley, Jefferson

Interesting, why does Melk need to be managed.

10 minutes ago, Pipefitter said:

Will be interesting to see our Energy levels this week. Will they be mentally spent after losing that game? I know I am.

Should we list you as "managed" this week, so you won't have to watch the next game?

20 hours ago, Fat Tony said:

If Viney comes into the side, Rivers needs to shift back.

I see Langdon playing another tagging role on Butters and Petracca and Kossie playing centre bounces and then cheating forward.

Howes likely makes way for Viney (even though he played a solid game).

I think one of Langford or Lindsay starts as sub.

Dees by 35.

Midfield rivers is frustrating but there’s signs it might all click soon, I think it’s imperative not to change it.

Similarly I’m a huge Howes skeptic but it seems like his manager is sniffing around for someone to give him a deal. If we have any desire to keep him he needs to play and earn a contract.

If Lindsay needs a rest just flip him with to sub Caleb.

Unless he’s in to tag Butters and Tracc, Koss and Langdon play forward more I just can’t see the need for an underdone Viney. That’s the kind of move that people hammer Goodwin for. In Jack’s prime - sure. But now - nah, let him go back to Casey.

9 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

Midfield rivers is frustrating but there’s signs it might all click soon, I think it’s imperative not to change it.

Similarly I’m a huge Howes skeptic but it seems like his manager is sniffing around for someone to give him a deal. If we have any desire to keep him he needs to play and earn a contract.

If Lindsay needs a rest just flip him with to sub Caleb.

Unless he’s in to tag Butters and Tracc, Koss and Langdon play forward more I just can’t see the need for an underdone Viney. That’s the kind of move that people hammer Goodwin for. In Jack’s prime - sure. But now - nah, let him go back to Casey.

Viney will play AFL if he is fit.

Shifting Rivers back is not about his form in the middle. He has been solid in the midfield recently. But Viney needs to play midfield if he plays. I think the roles of Petracca and Kossie are going well (with Langdon essentially playing on ball after the centre bounce).

There are only 240 playing minutes for midfielders to go around.

I don't mind Howes but this is the most logical solution IMO.

Not sure I'd be playing Jeffo over JVR or Petty given Port's talls in Aliir and Ratugolea would simply push Jeffo aside.