I know this probably does not need a new thread but it's worth noting yesterday's contrast with Round three this year.

Ok, so yesterday was a total reversal of our last game against North Melbourne.

Not just in scores.

In many ways.

Our delivery into our forward line. Fast and direct, allowing for much space for players to lead and crumb.

Not the usual quagmire where players couldn't swing a cat ( that's not a footy pun).

It's was encouraging to see young Jefferson play his best game and he's obviously improving. I mean he really could only go up unless he started kicking goals for the opposition.

I wonder if that is a thing. I think unlike soccer they are counted as points and not goals.

I digress ( as usual) but last time Jeffo played v NM he didn't get one disposal. I can't recall if he was injured. He was subbed off though.

But he made competitions frequently and l managed four strong grabs. He kicked a goal and realistically could have kicked three with some sad, atrocious kicking where he let his good work down.

Anyway from what I've been led to believe this is usually not a weakness of his game.

Our quality i50 delivery was due to Tracc and co winning quite a few CC and other players on the wing lowering their eyes frequently.

And it helped not a few take some solid grabs including Melksham and Fritta.

The former( Milkshake) didn't play the last time we played NM ( round three) where we were belted 125 to 66.

Yesterday was our best fwd line in action attaining our highest score.

This time with a quality fwd in the team in Melksham and KP back as well ( suspended in round three) it was night and day 119 to 83. With Kozzie adding only one major but creating a few goals assists with some classy i50s . But he unusually didn't dominate.

Good teams usually have at least one great key forward that strikes fear into the opposition and is reliable for an average these days of 2 to 3 goals per game. Most of our leading goal kickers are under half this. And great teams have a couple of these.

Yesterday we had Fritta and Jake the Snake that kicked five and three with a total that equalled our total tally of all players goals in round three.

As mentioned Jeffo could have kicked three quite easily and Roo chipped in with a goal as well but was more instrumental in playing further up the ground as well as giving Max a well deserved chop out. So I imagine he wouldn't have kicked more sausages if he didn't have to ruck.

We started off kicking wobbly but really straightened up. By golly by jingo ( sorry BT) but gee whiz what a difference it makes.

This is thread is about our forward line coming together so I won't mention how poor our backline was at times. Thank goodness Tmac was back as our leading marker because without Maysie we looked bad with Lever a shadow of his old self. And I'm not going to mention names but Mcvee is a concern recently and didn't lay a single tackle.( Unlike Viney the beast who threw down nine of them. Wowee. Boy oh boy.

The only blight with our leading goal kickers was Fritta back to his zero tackles. It's not a good look but he's forgiven for his three goals. Although Milkshake kicked five and managed two tackles. And when Jake tackles your goooooone.

So what does it all mean?

I have no idea.

But I think we are better not playing Petty in the mix. He should take over Lever's role for sure. Last time we played NM, Harrison kicked zippo, zilch, dot....nothing. A sum total of seven touches for the day and one paltry tackle.

As lacklustre I was in my playing days whenever I couldn't get my hands on the pill I did the only thing I could and get my hands on the opposition. It's one thing to have a rough day but to not do your best and have no tackles reflects poorly in my limited knowledge and experience of the game. You can get beaten in so many ways but the one area you can control when your opponent is outgunning you, is chasing and crunching and holding on for dear life. Every player has bad days but players that have stinkers and corresponding low pressure ratings show they don't have enough mental fortitude or appetite for competition. Not always but there are some alarming stats at times. Fritta has been one of these offenders this year

Speaking of which, it was great to see him back to his best. His has been our leading goal kicker for a while and his slump has been telling.

Jake was out for a good deal of the year and that's been just as telling.

Now we have Jeffo and Roo. The latter too ...the slump from hell after showing in his first year great talent and promise. Now for two years we've all been waiting for the breakout year. Hmmm. Not yet that's for sure. Gone the wrong way, truth be told. But at least yesterday showed glimpses of what he can do. Enough to give hope he.might still make it. Maybe just as a decent serviceable and reliable chf. I think if we stopped him rucking his footy will get better

Now that brings us to Jeffo.

Finally a good game from the kid. And he is a kid who has been struggling big time in the transition from secs to the big show.

But he finally proved he's good enough. Or least on his way.

These two are so important because Melksham may only have one more year and what a massive win if Jeffo can be another Melksham. Although body types are not like for like.

And Fritta is getting on a bit but still has a few seasons for sure. He's not a comparison to either of the youngsters though. My concern with him is his inconsistent form and lack of pressure applied and sometimes selfishness.

But that's often the nature of the beast of frequishly talented players.

The MFC desperately needs to recruit two more forwards. One to replace Milkshake and one because we don't really know where Jvr and MF are going to turn out.

Plus another experienced ruck that can kick goals

I know I know I know I'm.not asking for much but if we are serious this is just the start.

Anyway what a delight to see a functional fwd line for once.

Edited July 14Jul 14 by Previously known as LITD.

“Fixed” is a big word. Some positive signs, yes, and love your optimism and positivity. Jeffo just needs some more game time and hopefully is a lock for the remaining games playing alongside JVR. Then needs a big preseason in the gym. He showed a few good signs in the second half but just baby steps forward. Jury still well and truly out for mine. Still think we tended to bomb the ball in too many times and when we started lowering the eyes and looking for short options, no coincidence that we then started to kick clear. Also need to consider Nth has probably the worst backline going around.

Let’s see how the “fixed” forward line goes the next few weeks.

39 minutes ago, Previously known as LITD. said:

I know this probably does not need a new thread but it's worth noting yesterday's contrast with Round three this uear.

Ok so yesterday was a total reversal of our last game against North Melbourne.

Not just in scores.

In many ways.

Our delivery into our forward line. Fast and direct allowing for much space for players to lead and crumb.

Not the usual quagmire where players couldn't swing a cat ( that's not a footy pun).

It's was encouraging to see young Jefferson play his best game and he's obviously improving. I mean he really could only go up unless he started kicking goals for the opposition.

I wonder if that is a thing. I think unlike soccer they are counted as points and.not goals.

I digress ( as usual) But last time Jeffo played v NM he didn't get one disposal. I can't recall if he was injured. He was subbed off though.

But he made competitions frequently and.managed four strong grabs. He kicked a goal and realistically could have kicked three with some sad atrocious kicking where.he let his good work down.

Anyway from what I've been led to believe this is usually not a weakness of his game.

Our quality i50 delivery was due to Tracc and co winning quite a few CC and other players on the wing lowering their eyes frequently.

And it helped not a few take some solid grabs including Melksham and Fritta.

The former( Milkshake) didn't play in the last time we played NM ( round three) where we were belted 125 to 66.

This time with a quality fwd in the team in Melksham and KP back as well ( suspended in round three) it was night and day 219 to 83. With Kozzie adding only one major but creating a few goals assists with some classy i50s . But he unusually didn't dominate.

Great teams usually have at least one great key forwar

I think you undèrated Kossie. In the last quarter him, Max and Pteracca took North apart in the second half particularly in the last quarter.

If we are relying on Melksham we may have a problem with Father Time.

Other than Turner I can't see anyone in the team or at Casey coming near filling his role

12 minutes ago, old dee said:

I think you undèrated Kossie. In the last quarter him, Max and Pteracca took North apart in the second half particularly in the last quarter.

Thanks old Dee. I defer to your esteemed opinions in these parts.

I did drift in and out of the game watching it. Was trying to cook for ten people. But I did think Kozzie was really good. I just meant in terms of him kicking a lot of goals. In fairness I thought I mentioned that he contributed to helping goals come about quite a bit.

But he uncharacteristically didn't bag his usual quota of three himself for once...and that is what I was trying to say.

To be honest my interest in most games these days is simply the electrifying skills of KP.

And to get angry about Petty playing fwd and Sparrow being gifted games every single time.

That and recently watch Tmac stick it up Goody by being our best defender. Our leading marker yesterday and despite his age looks super fit.

I was onboard a little about wanting lever back in. Last week in Adelaide,he was quite good and I think despite his injuries it's easy to forget what a star of the game he used to be. Sadly that is past tense and I'm not sure where he fits in. As long as,Goody stubbornly plays Petty as a forward then I guess maybe Lever gets a gig. Well maybe not after the North game.

There is no way Tmac can get dropped.

If May is out for a while then Lever gets in but for me only by default.

Turner is a must in. May and Tmac are better than Lever. I still think If Goody really wants Lever in then May fwd is an option. It's certainly a better call than Petty.

And despite me constantly potting Petty I believe he is a very gifted player. BUT ONLY AS A DEFENDER. He is a very athletic and reasonable quick for a bloke his size. He's certainly better below the knees than May is and he turns faster than Jake who lately reminds me of the turning circle of an old front wheel drive Magna I once had.

Boy o boy....talk about your ten point I turn.

Sheesh.

But yea Kozzie is a delight to watch and worth every penny.

Probably go close to winning a Coleman in a top four team. Props to the club for locking him down. Shame we haven't closed some forwards with the same determination.

Thanks OD for the correction.

Cheers.

Edited July 14Jul 14 by Previously known as LITD.

The solution to our forwardline issues.

35 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

If we are relying on Melksham we may have a problem with Father Time.

Other than Turner I can't see anyone in the team or at Casey coming near filling his role

In the trade thread I floated Buku Khamis as a potential trade target. He’s 190cm tall, quick, can take a mark and from the litter times I’ve seen him a reasonable set shot. Limited opportunities at the Dogs but can play and shouldn’t cost much in terms of a trade. We need to be realistic about our options considering where we currently find ourself.

Ahhhh, the comforting embrace of low expectations…

2 hours ago, Previously known as LITD. said:

I have no idea.

Thanks

Fixed until our next loss, then talk will open up for a trade for McKay, Lord, Harvey Jnr, etc etc.

Add in Jeffo not having enough mongrel, being weak and VFL standard only…

On a serious note, I tend to believe Jeffo is the type who needs time to settle into higher leagues before he impacts. Similar to when he eased into VFL level. Belief is this young man’s issue, he has footy smarts. Yesterday was an improvement and he needs more improvement moving forward.

He is young and will improve if managed well by our coaches. Keep on playing him to give him his taste on what is needed to perform with the big boys.

Another big pre season is needed prior to the 2026 season.

3 hours ago, Previously known as LITD. said:

I know this probably does not need a new thread but it's worth noting yesterday's contrast with Round three this year.

Ok, so yesterday was a total reversal of our last game against North Melbourne.

Not just in scores.

In many ways.

Our delivery into our forward line. Fast and direct, allowing for much space for players to lead and crumb.

Not the usual quagmire where players couldn't swing a cat ( that's not a footy pun).

It's was encouraging to see young Jefferson play his best game and he's obviously improving. I mean he really could only go up unless he started kicking goals for the opposition.

I wonder if that is a thing. I think unlike soccer they are counted as points and not goals.

I digress ( as usual) but last time Jeffo played v NM he didn't get one disposal. I can't recall if he was injured. He was subbed off though.

But he made competitions frequently and l managed four strong grabs. He kicked a goal and realistically could have kicked three with some sad, atrocious kicking where he let his good work down.

Anyway from what I've been led to believe this is usually not a weakness of his game.

Our quality i50 delivery was due to Tracc and co winning quite a few CC and other players on the wing lowering their eyes frequently.

And it helped not a few take some solid grabs including Melksham and Fritta.

The former( Milkshake) didn't play the last time we played NM ( round three) where we were belted 125 to 66.

Yesterday was our best fwd line in action attaining our highest score.

This time with a quality fwd in the team in Melksham and KP back as well ( suspended in round three) it was night and day 119 to 83. With Kozzie adding only one major but creating a few goals assists with some classy i50s . But he unusually didn't dominate.

Good teams usually have at least one great key forward that strikes fear into the opposition and is reliable for an average these days of 2 to 3 goals per game. Most of our leading goal kickers are under half this. And great teams have a couple of these.

Yesterday we had Fritta and Jake the Snake that kicked five and three with a total that equalled our total tally of all players goals in round three.

As mentioned Jeffo could have kicked three quite easily and Roo chipped in with a goal as well but was more instrumental in playing further up the ground as well as giving Max a well deserved chop out. So I imagine he wouldn't have kicked more sausages if he didn't have to ruck.

We started off kicking wobbly but really straightened up. By golly by jingo ( sorry BT) but gee whiz what a difference it makes.

This is thread is about our forward line coming together so I won't mention how poor our backline was at times. Thank goodness Tmac was back as our leading marker because without Maysie we looked bad with Lever a shadow of his old self. And I'm not going to mention names but Mcvee is a concern recently and didn't lay a single tackle.( Unlike Viney the beast who threw down nine of them. Wowee. Boy oh boy.

The only blight with our leading goal kickers was Fritta back to his zero tackles. It's not a good look but he's forgiven for his three goals. Although Milkshake kicked five and managed two tackles. And when Jake tackles your goooooone.

So what does it all mean?

I have no idea.

But I think we are better not playing Petty in the mix. He should take over Lever's role for sure. Last time we played NM, Harrison kicked zippo, zilch, dot....nothing. A sum total of seven touches for the day and one paltry tackle.

As lacklustre I was in my playing days whenever I couldn't get my hands on the pill I did the only thing I could and get my hands on the opposition. It's one thing to have a rough day but to not do your best and have no tackles reflects poorly in my limited knowledge and experience of the game. You can get beaten in so many ways but the one area you can control when your opponent is outgunning you, is chasing and crunching and holding on for dear life. Every player has bad days but players that have stinkers and corresponding low pressure ratings show they don't have enough mental fortitude or appetite for competition. Not always but there are some alarming stats at times. Fritta has been one of these offenders this year

Speaking of which, it was great to see him back to his best. His has been our leading goal kicker for a while and his slump has been telling.

Jake was out for a good deal of the year and that's been just as telling.

Now we have Jeffo and Roo. The latter too ...the slump from hell after showing in his first year great talent and promise. Now for two years we've all been waiting for the breakout year. Hmmm. Not yet that's for sure. Gone the wrong way, truth be told. But at least yesterday showed glimpses of what he can do. Enough to give hope he.might still make it. Maybe just as a decent serviceable and reliable chf. I think if we stopped him rucking his footy will get better

Now that brings us to Jeffo.

Finally a good game from the kid. And he is a kid who has been struggling big time in the transition from secs to the big show.

But he finally proved he's good enough. Or least on his way.

These two are so important because Melksham may only have one more year and what a massive win if Jeffo can be another Melksham. Although body types are not like for like.

And Fritta is getting on a bit but still has a few seasons for sure. He's not a comparison to either of the youngsters though. My concern with him is his inconsistent form and lack of pressure applied and sometimes selfishness.

But that's often the nature of the beast of frequishly talented players.

The MFC desperately needs to recruit two more forwards. One to replace Milkshake and one because we don't really know where Jvr and MF are going to turn out.

Plus another experienced ruck that can kick goals

I know I know I know I'm.not asking for much but if we are serious this is just the start.

Anyway what a delight to see a functional fwd line for once.

Epic post, during our glory years “year” Tommy Mac was CHF, a big body, sweet hands and a thumping kick.

Tommy would hold up a pack leaving Fritsch to play a peripheral role.

Now Tommy has been semi retired, JVR rucks, or tries to in between part time forward duties, it leaves Frittata exposed, as a not a very key target.

You are so right ! He’s 34 yo Is injury prone , only played 8 games last year . He’s scored 25 goals this year out of 13 games played . A couple of goals per game . A big improvement from 8 goals in 8 games last year. That doesn’t even place him in the top 30 goal scorers this year . I love the guy and he gives his all. However , the Club is in very big trouble if he is the future of our forward line. It reminds me of how we continued to rely on Ben Brown ( another great guy) for about two years when he was finished at an AFL level due to age and injury. He probably has earnt an extension to his contract , despite the above but he’s no saviour of our very real forward line problems .

3 hours ago, Diamond_Jim said:

If we are relying on Melksham we may have a problem with Father Time.

Other than Turner I can't see anyone in the team or at Casey coming near filling his role

I believe the forward line functioned better because we played 2 tall key forwards even if Roo & Jeffo didn't set the world on fire. It freed up Melk & Fritch to be able to run free and keep the forward lione open. For all the criticism of Jefferson he at least moves and plays like a forward and is prepared to lead and move up the ground. Petty is IMO a backman playing forward who doesn't have the leading patterns of a creative forward.

1 hour ago, bluey said:

Epic post, during our glory years “year” Tommy Mac was CHF, a big body, sweet hands and a thumping kick.

Tommy would hold up a pack leaving Fritsch to play a peripheral role.

Now Tommy has been semi retired, JVR rucks, or tries to in between part time forward duties, it leaves Frittata exposed, as a not a very key target.

When did TMac semi retire? Last I looked he is still full time.

Serious question

Edited July 14Jul 14 by Nietaphart

34 minutes ago, bluey said:

Epic post, during our glory years “year” Tommy Mac was CHF, a big body, sweet hands and a thumping kick.

Tommy would hold up a pack leaving Fritsch to play a peripheral role.

Now Tommy has been semi retired, JVR rucks, or tries to in between part time forward duties, it leaves Frittata exposed, as a not a very key target.

Yep Tmac was epic as a forward.

He started going downhill in the role in the middle of our premiership year but was definitely instrumental in ten wins we had early in.

And thereafter even if he didn't clunk them bought the ball to a comp where a plethora of sharp shooters in Kozzie( starting to find his feet)...Nibbler and Spartacus. Harmes chipped in with a few others including Viney. BBB was also there so while Tmac dominated with his size and sheer power, BBB had some extra height and leap . It was almost as good as Tmac and Hogan. Better because we had more crumbers and other players hitting their straps like Tracca.

I think Tmac was our leading goal scorer that year but we had so many kicking twenty plus for the year. Much more than our current lead tall in Petty this year. I think currently Fritta...Melksham and are at about 30 each. But in 21 we had about six players over this.

As better as our fwds were then our mids were at their peak with some precision delivery as opposed to the later game plan of that she blows

I wish we tried May fwd line we did with Tom instead of Petty. Because as I keep repeating...and now boring myself...Petty is the perfect defender. And while some players like Tmac can do both...some just can't. It's not a blight on Harrison. I feel sorry he's been thrown into the job when he is one of our best defenders. I think people have forgotten. Far better than Lever these days at least.

Anyhoo, the days of Tmac, BBB ( a leading comp home and away goal scorer for three years in a row), Jackson and Fritta combined with all the smalls mentioned and our minds and wingers always chipping in was why we won a flag.

In 22 BBB played while Tmac was injured. I think BBB may have been too or just fading away because he kicked only one goal for both those finals....0.5 a final. Not good. Given that Tmac was out . Jackson never really a prolific goal scorer kicked zip for both. I think he had already checked out. Well he certainly played like he had. Melksham despite his recent surge of current form kicked one goal for both finals.

As much as I love Jake the truth is he has always been a very inconsistent forward. I know I will get flack for this but it's footy Gospel. Our leading goal scorer was Fritta with two and three.

And our inaccuracy reared it's ugly head.

Take two in 23..Jackson was gone...not that it mattered....this time Tmac was in for BBB who was cooked. Actually they both were and Tmac did the same as BBB with 0.5 goals for the finals series.

Sadly Milkshake went down before the finals. Fritta was again our best with two goals per final with Kozzie and Joel Smith helping out. Despite no talls firing again...if Melksham was playing we may have made it. The 23 finals were both low scoring encounters plagued again with our shocking shooting at goal. Especially against against Carlton which was atrocious.

Any way it's been the same ever since except for a glimpse yesterday which was interestingly without any domineering tall. Melksham and Fritta. The first with strength and the second with his leap do play tall in some aspects.

But yep our failure to replace...

Joel Smith

Luke Jackson

Grundy

Tmac ( just rotated)

BBB

Has led to where we are currently and it's not good.

I get mistakes are made. But four years of poor recruiting or non recruiting of fwds and poor kicking is not what you want from a professional outfit.

As supporters who pay good money for membership and going to games...the club has let many down.

Goody should do the right thing and own some of the responsibility. If he stays he should at least put his hand up and say... Mia Culpa.

Why has Goody been so stubborn and kept Petty forward when it has not worked,? And 0.7 goals per game has to be a bust. And before any troll states he brings the ball to ground...he often fails to do so. He is athletic enough to get to a competition when the ball is delivered poorly but he lacks of core strength and is often out marked before he can punch the ball.

As a defender he frequently playing fwd he frequently gets caught behind the ball and then it's too late to spoil. He's not bad below his knees for his size but he's bumped away too often . He is a tall player but needs more mass and muscle to play as a forward. Let him play in the backline Simon. He deserves it.

Why not try Turner or May or Lever fwd. We've tried Tmac and it was a huge success. Win us a flag.

Are these three options so incredulous or indispensable in their current roles?

May actually used to be a forward.

If you give Petty two years with very limited results why not a few weeks each for the others?

We don't have much to lose.

Oh wait just two double finals chances and then two years floating on the bottom of the ladder.

What's that old saying about the definition of insanity?

Something like following this club with Goody coaching.

Edited July 14Jul 14 by Previously known as LITD.

18 minutes ago, FabDemon said:

You are so right ! He’s 34 yo Is injury prone , only played 8 games last year . He’s scored 25 goals this year out of 13 games played . A couple of goals per game . A big improvement from 8 goals in 8 games last year. That doesn’t even place him in the top 30 goal scorers this year . I love the guy and he gives his all. However , the Club is in very big trouble if he is the future of our forward line. It reminds me of how we continued to rely on Ben Brown ( another great guy) for about two years when he was finished at an AFL level due to age and injury. He probably has earnt an extension to his contract , despite the above but he’s no saviour of our very real forward line problems .

You couldn't see an association between the different delivery into our forward line and a Melksham like player (ie Fritch/Kossie being able to play one on one.

North are the worst backline in the comp. I still saw plenty of poor delivery inside 50. People were saying we'd fixed our issues after we smashed Sydney then we lost our next 5 games. Might be worth keeping your powder dry.

1 minute ago, Willmoy1947 said:

You couldn't see an association between the different delivery into our forward line and a Melksham like player (ie Fritch/Kossie being able to play one on one.

Clearly better entry into the Forward 50 assists our Forwards. We did improve in that area , but remember we were play one of the weakest teams in the competition with a very average backline. I’ve seen Roo’s ranked 12-14 th in the competition . However, entries into the forward 50 is only part of our problems up forward. So is the form and skills of many of our Forwards. JVR is no where near the level of a key forward . We don’t have any reliable talls . Petty is sub AFL forward standard , playing only the occasional decent game. Fritsch is scoring at a 1.3 goal average and his accuracy is 46 % - his set shot accuracy is very pedestrian. These are form problems of our Forwards.

28 minutes ago, Nietaphart said:

When did TMac semi retire? Last I looked he is still full time.

Serious question

Tom McDonald is 33 yo and has done a fantastic job from recovering from injury that could have ended his career one or two seasons ago. Of course he’s considering retirement and life after football. I remember him discussing retirement with me a couple of seasons back and his career direction. I love Tom McDonald , a terrific Club man , but he’ll only ever be a short term fix.

56 minutes ago, Nietaphart said:

When did TMac semi retire? Last I looked he is still full time.

Serious question

And playing like a gun.

37 minutes ago, FabDemon said:

Clearly better entry into the Forward 50 assists our Forwards. We did improve in that area , but remember we were play one of the weakest teams in the competition with a very average backline. I’ve seen Roo’s ranked 12-14 th in the competition . However, entries into the forward 50 is only part of our problems up forward. So is the form and skills of many of our Forwards. JVR is no where near the level of a key forward . We don’t have any reliable talls . Petty is sub AFL forward standard , playing only the occasional decent game. Fritsch is scoring at a 1.3 goal average and his accuracy is 46 % - his set shot accuracy is very pedestrian. These are form problems of our Forwards.

True but last time we played them about 13 weeks ago....they smashed us by 130 off to 66 or something like that.

Yesterday was almost the opposite.

So yea things are better.

But that's the thing about this club you don't know what they'll do.

Just like a reversal yesterday we were. Killed by the Saints...beat the Lions at the Gabba...lost to gws and Cwood by points. In fact notwithstanding the worst display of umpiring I think I've ever seen...we actually beat Cwood.

Fritta is someone who sums this club up and apologies to those who give their best each week but Fritta is on or off. Chased or doesn't. Tackles then doesn't. Kicks straight or poor.

It was encouraging to see him play a solid four quarters again but more so to see young Jefferson play his best game

I think the kid has been intimidated on the big stage but once he moves past it may be our best fwd moving fwd so to speak.

Unless Jvr gets back and beyond his previous form which have us all so much hope./

5 hours ago, Big Gun said:

“Fixed” is a big word. Some positive signs, yes, and love your optimism and positivity. Jeffo just needs some more game time and hopefully is a lock for the remaining games playing alongside JVR. Then needs a big preseason in the gym. He showed a few good signs in the second half but just baby steps forward. Jury still well and truly out for mine. Still think we tended to bomb the ball in too many times and when we started lowering the eyes and looking for short options, no coincidence that we then started to kick clear. Also need to consider Nth has probably the worst backline going around.

Let’s see how the “fixed” forward line goes the next few weeks.

I say we play In Jeffo and Roo rain hail or shine.....zero marks or ten....goals or none.

Same with three or four other youngsters and other 100 odd gamers like Sparrow who haven't set the world alight.

Let's see what they can do or can't. Sure well take a lot of hits but what does it matter.

Even if we win a spoon, we will discover who to keep.

And let's follow through on this plan and be ruthless come resigns.

I mean as happy as I was to see our highest score and a solid win, Melksham isn't the future. Although he's a must lock in for a coaching role. Absolutely.

Frittas still got a few good years in him thank goodness but he plays hard and well or gets dropped. We know what he can do but if he won't tackle he's out. I know he's an awesome talent but in truth his tally and effort have been well down all year. And again as good to see him firing it's a.must he maintains this intensity for the rest of the season.

If someone is coming out of contract then nobody is safe if we are determined to win another flag.

1 hour ago, FabDemon said:

Clearly better entry into the Forward 50 assists our Forwards. We did improve in that area , but remember we were play one of the weakest teams in the competition with a very average backline. I’ve seen Roo’s ranked 12-14 th in the competition . However, entries into the forward 50 is only part of our problems up forward. So is the form and skills of many of our Forwards. JVR is no where near the level of a key forward . We don’t have any reliable talls . Petty is sub AFL forward standard , playing only the occasional decent game. Fritsch is scoring at a 1.3 goal average and his accuracy is 46 % - his set shot accuracy is very pedestrian. These are form problems of our Forwards.

Yes I agree. You know positive spin on.

It really goes back to the mid set up, doesn't it.

8 hours ago, FabDemon said:

Tom McDonald is 33 yo and has done a fantastic job from recovering from injury that could have ended his career one or two seasons ago. Of course he’s considering retirement and life after football. I remember him discussing retirement with me a couple of seasons back and his career direction. I love Tom McDonald , a terrific Club man , but he’ll only ever be a short term fix.

Therefore at his age he is thinking of retirement, not semi-retired. TMac gives his all on field and the training track.

@bluey likes put out of date jam on most things.

His forward days are over, but his impact down back is not.

9 hours ago, Previously known as LITD. said:

And playing like a gun.

Did someone temporarily hijack your account? 😉