Those who think he's a forward are Davey 'apologists'?

I just wonder if those same crazy "apologists" also think that McLean should be played in the midfield?

Those who think he's a forward are Davey 'apologists'?

Oh dear. Hyperbolic.

No. The apologists are those that think that because Davey cant win a contested ball in the midfield somehow miraculously will star if left in the forward line. Amazing. As has been shown all through the year and alot of last year, opposition teams are going to play hard tags on Davey week after week when he is either forward or midfield. He is going to have to learn to overcome this sort of pressure.

But you seem to have Bizkit fooled.

On Melbournefc.com.au this article - SENIOR PLAYERS WILL GET THEIR CHANCE: RILEY

"The two players returning are skipper David Neitz and Daniel Bell, but Riley said Cameron Bruce would miss the match against the Kangaroos as he continued his rehabilitation of a hamstring complaint."

My guess is that this week's changes will be:

In: Bell Neitz

Out: Davey (suspended) Garland (omitted)

In: Bell Neitz

Out: Davey (suspended) Garland (omitted)

That sounds like the most likely scenario.

Assuming Neita plays every game from now until Round 20, he'll play his 300th against Collingwood. What a game that'll be!

No. The apologists are those that think that because Davey cant win a contested ball in the midfield somehow miraculously will star if left in the forward line. Amazing. As has been shown all through the year and alot of last year, opposition teams are going to play hard tags on Davey week after week when he is either forward or midfield. He is going to have to learn to overcome this sort of pressure.

Fair enough.

You're right in that Davey needs to lean how to cope with being tagged.

Playing as a small forward is a different ball game to playing as a mid though.

[quote name='condemned 84'

"Leave him out for 2 more and play it v carlton in round 22",

Oh NO, "condemned", what a shocking match for a milestone! The winner misses a top 3 draft pick. The "Tank-match" of the century! Perhaps we should play him if his injury is career-ending. It would be handy to be "one short" in this match.

It is concerning that Davey would be surprised he acted that way against St Kilda as he is readily upset in games where decisions go against him. His petulant behaviour could have cost us a final and if not the deeds of others we would not have won. He came back and performed when the game was already won.

For mine, McLean, Bate, Rivers and Jones strike me as more leaders than Davey.

You claims of scapegoating are wrong and the small mindedness may actually be yours.

- No... Davey's behaviour in his breakout year and subsequent year was exemplary. His attitude was nigh-on the most adrenalised and focussed at the club. He never got in fights, and never caused them early on in his career. His surprise at his own behaviour in the Saints final cropped up because it was just about the first time someone had gotten under his skin. His petulant behaviour has only been a factor within the last 12 months. He did not come back and perform when the game was already won. His drive and focus to baulk, fool, and outrun 3 Saints to deliver to Neita's chest in the square earned us the lead. He did not kick or set up goals in dead time.

- Yes. At this stage, I'd say McLean, Rivers and Jones all show excellent capabilities at a VERY early age. Rivers is probably a standout for a leadership role, but not necessarily as captain.

- My claims of scapegoating are not directed at you, and the small-mindedness... Why don't you enlighten me and tell me where I have appeared small-minded, RR, instead of taking a chance to throw in a feeble cheap-shot, as you so often do. As far as I can see, I've given a player a chance to redeem himself in my eyes. A chance that he has earned many times over BEFORE the last 12 months in which his behaviour has deteriorated.

Maybe it's as simple as Aaron being too confident for his own good. When he first started out and could barely string a sentence together in front of a camera, he brought a modesty and humility to his game, that in turn made him a better team-player. What I'm saying is that he has not yet turned into Jeff Farmer. Will he head in that direction? If he does, then I'll bag him, and no longer support his leadership credentials. But until he does, he is STILL a future leader in my eyes. One bad year does not a terrible player make. Not if he can LEARN.

No mention of Brad Green returning even though he's supposed to be tested?

I would like to see Neita play his 300th in Round 1 next year, what a way to begin the year. A new coach, the 150th year of the club, Neita's 300th (an hopefully still playing it as Captain), what a way to begin the season!!

Look at it the other way. Neita's 300th this year would be a massive highlight in a bleak season.

Look at it the other way. Neita's 300th this year would be a massive highlight in a bleak season.

Yes....Neita's 300 th THIS YEAR would be a real fitting way to finish. ( AND A WIN TOO!!!).

Yeah that's the way to go. Then finish to year with the Best and Fairest Night, which is always a real buzz.

BRING IT ON, this is the most (footy) excited I've been for months. :lol:

Look at it the other way. Neita's 300th this year would be a massive highlight in a bleak season.

I'm totally with you Gouga.

Imagine he plays his 300th against Collingwood on a Friday night in front of 60,000 (surely dee fans would make it), the players play out of their skins out of respect to Neita, and we win another game against the Filth, and knock them out of the top 4.

Now that is what I call shine in an otherwise bleak season !!!!!!

Melbourne Squad

Backs: D.Ward, N.Carroll, J.Frawley

Half backs: P.Wheatley, B.Miller, N.Brown

Centreline: B.Green, J.McDonald, C.Bizzell

Half forwards: S.Godfrey, R.Robertson, M.Bate

Forwards: C.Sylvia, D.Neitz, P.Johnson

Followers: J.White, B.McLean, N.Jones

I/C From: B.Moloney, C.Johnson, L.Dunn, S.Buckley, M.Newton, B.Holland, C.Garland

In: D.Neitz, B.Green, B.Moloney, B.Holland

Out: A.Davey (suspended)