Me:

It’s February, calm down folks.

Also me:

Snapping up the 34/1 on offer for Cuzzy Pickett to win the Norwich Rising Star

My take on yesterdays game.

Whilst it was only a practise games against one of the worst AFL teams of this decade then yes, just have to temper expectations.

At the same time, there are many positives and glimpse you can still take from yesterdays performance.

Finally for however long I can remember, we are actually going to be fun and exciting to watch this year. The speed on the ball was something we haven't seen in a long time.

We will leak goals fairly easily this year but I thought our defence was rock solid at times yesterday. I do agree with a previous comment that we will miss having a big bodied defender like Steven May just to take the bigger 198-201cm type forwards.

Quick summary on a few players:

Mihocek - A pity he was out early. Hes got such a big presence up forward and put that alongside JVR and Kentfield/Jefferson then I think we will be fine in that department.

Kentfield - exceptional game. Really surprised me once again with his ruckwork and ability to work hard around the ground. Just an old fashioned tough bastard who doesnt take a backwards step. 3 goals in the 'Pederson' role has him pretty much locked in for a round 1 debut.

Heath - Similar to Kentfield. Just another hulking angry [censored]. He was getting stuck into that thug Xerri and was laying blocks for his teammates. I have always like this pick up the moment we showed interest. What I didnt realise was his incredible leap at the centre bounce and ability to palm it in front of his teammates. Something Gawn isn't good at. He is a round 1 lock imo.

Howes - i am surprised not much has been made about his performance. I thought he was exceptional and would have easily had over 20 plus disposals off half back. His ball use was neat and he actually provided run which we havent seen from his game before. Players like Howes will thrive under the King regime because the shackles have been finally released and it showed yesterday.

Lat Pickett - my god we're in for a ride with this kid. Can I say its heart warming to see the #33 out there dazzling away at half forward. Interestingly he was playing the high half forward role Similar to how ANB use to use. His work rate was exceptional, just needed to tidy his disposal but that will come with experience. Get the ball in this kid hands in the wide open spaces of the G and let him cook. I was thinking of player comparisons.. Nas Wanganeen with a touch of Lewis Jetta?

Koz Pickett - Enough said. He was going at 70% and taking the [censored].

Laurie - I really liked his game. Working hard up the ground and provided some really good deft touches with his ball use. Once again, played the role imilar to the ANB which Laurie is more then capable of locking that position down if he badly wants it.

Steele - Was so clean and neat with his disposal with the added bonus of providing on field leadership and guidance.. something Oliver and Petracca didnt do. Everytime I saw him side of the screen he was pointing away at teammates just marshalling them around. No fuss and just goes about his business well.

CJ - Another who is going to be a bargain pick up. His ability to leap and spoil is going to be an asset down in defence plus we saw the glimpses of the run and dash down back. Him and Bowey down there will provide us with the quick sling shot and rebound.

Langford - he is good on a wing but he is a gun as an inside mid. Leave him there.

Special mentions to Fritta, Chandler, Langdon and Sparrow.

Lastly, North are an absolute shambles.. I'm not one to feel sympathy for opposition supporters but it must be demoralising for them to sit and watch that with the amount of talent they have on their list being coached by a 4 time premiership coach.

Something stinks down at Arden.

Edited 19 hours ago19 hr by dazzledavey36

1 hour ago, Dee Zephyr said:

Geez, what a great problem to have when Petty can’t even get a gig as an emergency.

There are probably 20 locks. If Jefferson doesn’t get a kick against Richmond then he doesn’t even get into the emergencies. Petty could replace McDonald but McDonald has been in such great form it’s unlikely, Melksham could replace Kentfield or Jefferson if he plays better than them against Richmond depending if he’s over his injury Culley could replace either Tholstrup, Windsor or Howes. I think Howes has done enough to keep his spot, Tholstrup is always on the fringe and Windsor better perform better against Richmond than he did against North

5 hours ago, bing181 said:

I never predicted 0 and 6.

You did offer up those figures as an outcome scenario. Worded in a way where that outcome is likely

Rumour has it that the reason why KENTFIELD was wearing a mask was because he wanted to audition for Phantom of the Opera.

Stats from yesterday.

Kentfield will get another shot against Richmond next week with Mihocek’s concussion. If he outplays Jefferson and JVR again he has to play round 1 imo. Better prospect.

14 hours ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

How did Dovaston go for North?

I only ask because he was thrown up as option instead of Pickett.

Dovaston: 3 kicks, 7 handballs, 0 goals
LP: 12 kicks, 1 handball, 0 goals

14 minutes ago, Coolx2 said:

Rumour has it that the reason why KENTFIELD was wearing a mask was because he wanted to audition for Phantom of the Opera.

A mysterious entree to the high theatre of AFL football. Our understudy forward emerges from his facial carapace to assume the key lead forward role. Bravo fortissimo!

25 minutes ago, Greg Schneider said:

Kentfield will get another shot against Richmond next week with Mihocek’s concussion. If he outplays Jefferson and JVR again he has to play round 1 imo. Better prospect.

Agree!

14 hours ago, Rab D Nesbitt said:

If the AFL had relegation North Melbourne would now be in the WFNL 2nd Division. Their best player is a recycled dwarf.

Their coach?

1 hour ago, dice said:

Dovaston: 3 kicks, 7 handballs, 0 goals
LP: 12 kicks, 1 handball, 0 goals

you forget the 12 bounces for kuzzy pickett 🤣

very exciting to see him in red and blue for the first time

what i liked about kentfield playing in the seniors is that he was capable of taking jvr's spot as the spare ruckman, leaving roo up forward as the 'true' chf

it will be interesting to see what king's plans are for max the elder and max the younger, and whether they can play together in the best 23 - i struggle to see how given that gawn is clearly at his best when able to utilise his incredible around-the-ground workrate to grind his oppo ruck into the dust

Did the Casey hit out take place, I thought it was meant to be on after the main game but haven't seen any mentions of it?

Best think about yesterday we didnt play like robots, the boys played fast exciting football, not that boring predictable garbage.

No blind handballs to get stats, a lot of run from behind and speed.

If that is they way we play win or lose we will be entertained and enjoy watching.

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

My take on yesterdays game.

Whilst it was only a practise games against one of the worst AFL teams of this decade then yes, just have to temper expectations.

At the same time, there are many positives and glimpse you can still take from yesterdays performance.

Finally for however long I can remember, we are actually going to be fun and exciting to watch this year. The speed on the ball was something we haven't seen in a long time.

We will leak goals fairly easily this year but I thought our defence was rock solid at times yesterday. I do agree with a previous comment that we will miss having a big bodied defender like Steven May just to take the bigger 198-201cm type forwards.

Quick summary on a few players:

Mihocek - A pity he was out early. Hes got such a big presence up forward and put that alongside JVR and Kentfield/Jefferson then I think we will be fine in that department.

Kentfield - exceptional game. Really surprised me once again with his ruckwork and ability to work hard around the ground. Just an old fashioned tough bastard who doesnt take a backwards step. 3 goals in the 'Pederson' role has him pretty much locked in for a round 1 debut.

Heath - Similar to Kentfield. Just another hulking angry [censored]. He was getting stuck into that thug Xerri and was laying blocks for his teammates. I have always like this pick up the moment we showed interest. What I didnt realise was his incredible leap at the centre bounce and ability to palm it in front of his teammates. Something Gawn isn't good at. He is a round 1 lock imo.

Howes - i am surprised not much has been made about his performance. I thought he was exceptional and would have easily had over 20 plus disposals off half back. His ball use was neat and he actually provided run which we havent seen from his game before. Players like Howes will thrive under the King regime because the shackles have been finally released and it showed yesterday.

Lat Pickett - my god we're in for a ride with this kid. Can I say its heart warming to see the #33 out there dazzling away at half forward. Interestingly he was playing the high half forward role Similar to how ANB use to use. His work rate was exceptional, just needed to tidy his disposal but that will come with experience. Get the ball in this kid hands in the wide open spaces of the G and let him cook. I was thinking of player comparisons.. Nas Wanganeen with a touch of Lewis Jetta?

Koz Pickett - Enough said. He was going at 70% and taking the [censored].

Laurie - I really liked his game. Working hard up the ground and provided some really good deft touches with his ball use. Once again, played the role imilar to the ANB which Laurie is more then capable of locking that position down if he badly wants it.

Steele - Was so clean and neat with his disposal with the added bonus of providing on field leadership and guidance.. something Oliver and Petracca didnt do. Everytime I saw him side of the screen he was pointing away at teammates just marshalling them around. No fuss and just goes about his business well.

CJ - Another who is going to be a bargain pick up. His ability to leap and spoil is going to be an asset down in defence plus we saw the glimpses of the run and dash down back. Him and Bowey down there will provide us with the quick sling shot and rebound.

Langford - he is good on a wing but he is a gun as an inside mid. Leave him there.

Special mentions to Fritta, Chandler, Langdon and Sparrow.

Lastly, North are an absolute shambles.. I'm not one to feel sympathy for opposition supporters but it must be demoralising for them to sit and watch that with the amount of talent they have on their list being coached by a 4 time premiership coach.

Something stinks down at Arden.

Agree with all of this.

Tempered reactions and all that, but Mihocek will earn his money this year and next shouldering the burden of that forward line and JVR and Kentfield look to be our best bet to help him in different ways. Heath is the wildcard for the fwd line this year because he is going to spend an hour in there otherwise we won’t waste the bench spot and just play Gawn with a fwd doing back up. The smalls are wxcellent with Chandler and the picketts with depth the only concern.

The backline has holes but are full of professionals who can mitigate risks and a couple of young guns to help execute his helter skelter game plan of half back. This will be the line that determines how well we go in games.

The midfield doesn’t have to win much, just not allow easy pill, and Steele does not allow easy footy.

I think we will be an early season surprise before the better teams exploit our HB line.

The Dees ran harder in support of the ball carrier than Norf run in chasing

That was fun to watch.

Latrelle looked really good, the speed is obvious but delivering to the best option rather than just blazing away really impressed.

Moose looked good if Max needs to be managed, looks like we have one there for the forseeable future.

Koz looks like he has another level he can go to this season, which is mind blowing to me as he's already brilliant.

Langford off a few steps, nice.

If this is how they are going to play, even if consistent it will be enjoyable to watch this year

Those bloody whistles on the stream though!

Kentfields ruck work was great, I’d say he is a perfect 2nd ruck/ forward. He jumps well and times his leap.

Dare I say it, he could be a Pederson type ‘Mr Fixit’

Does anyone know who was acting captain yesterday?

Just now, Neil Crompton said:

Does anyone know who was acting captain yesterday?

Ed Langdon tossed the coin and lost.

MELBOURNE SCOUTING NOTES

CALEB WINDSOR
The summer standout started in the middle and won the first clearance but wasn’t as impactful as some of his midfield teammates. Only played midfield as he transitions to become a full-time onballer.

JACOB VAN ROOYEN
Presented often but didn’t trouble the scorers until late in the final term and wasn’t needed for the Dees to rack up a big score.

BRODY MIHOCEK
Kicked two opportunistic goals in the first term before being ruled out of the rest of the game with concussion.

MATTHEW JEFFERSON
Quiet day for the young forward and was outshone by Kentfield.

HARVEY LANGFORD
Plenty of inside midfield minutes for the onballer, who showed no signs he will slow down after a very impressive debut season. Bagged a monster goal in the final term.

MAX HEATH
The ex-Saint looks a winner of the new era of jumping rucks as he took it up to Tristan Xerri at ball ups, including a glorious tap to Kysaiah Pickett for a goal. With Tom Campbell injured, Heath is clearly the No.2 ruck. Courageous effort in the first part of scenario play secured the win.

LATRELLE PICKETT
There is not much to him physically he is just full of talent. Knew how to get involved in link play and create some space, and will play for the Dees early. Already Dees fans get up whenever Pickett wins the ball and can run into space.

XAVIER LINDSAY
Had a heap of ball coming off half-back and could be one player to benefit by the loss of Judd McVee and Jake Bowey.

XAVIER TAYLOR
Only came on in the final term and had a couple of moments. Dees didn’t appear to miss him in defence so his chances of a round 1 debut may have taken a step back.

CHANGKUOTH JIATH
Turned into Nedd Brockman as he ripped through a long running session when pulled out of the match at half-time, even doing laps while the game was being played. Took one excellent intercept grab and tried to add run out of defence.

KYSAIAH PICKETT
With ball in hand he was as vicious as a drunk bride at a MAFS dinner party. A genuine class above as he sent a serious warning to the league with five goals.

LUKER KENTFIELD
Wearing a Phantom of the Opera mask to protect a facial injury, came from the shadows to put a hand up for an AFL debut. The big man showed some good glimpses, kicking three goals and jumping hard in the ruck.

JACK STEELE
Has all the markings of being the shrewdest pickup of the trade period. Steele did all the basics right, directed the midfield at stoppages and looked the part in his new colours. Kicked two final term goals.

KOLTYN THOLSTRUP
Playing a new role at half-back this year and performed well, added some rebound will doing enough defensively. Floated forward for a nice goal.

TOM MCDONALD
Absolutely rock solid at full-back and worked well in tandem with Jake Lever.

DANIEL TURNER
Keep buying stocks in the defender. Positioning was superb and he is on track to take another leap towards the better defenders in the game.

BLAKE HOWES
A forgotten man outside of Melbourne’s fan base, played an integral role as a hybrid tall defender in a structure where the Dees were clearly desperate to create a loose man.

I was pleasantly surprised by that performance although the opposition seemed sub AFL level imho. Love to think it's because we are a top 4 side, but I think we all know its more to do with how crud Norf where/are

Quick take on players

JVR - tried hard and presented well - looks faster and fitter than previous seasons and think his output will improve this season

Salem - cameo performance but looked solid and assured when he came into the game

HL - iffy disposals early but showed some real class as the game wore on

XL - see above

Duke - pretty disappointing tbh looked like he was running with lead weights in his boots - hopefully no injury

Lever - played well and his kicking was more assured, and decision making was faster than last year - hopefully back to his best

Steele - great first up game in new colors - Mr reliable, no fuss, hard at it and arguably our best field kick

Disco - Pretty good game, still think he and Lever play the same role so not sure two of them in the back 6 is ideal. Disco still looks a bit vulnerable as slightly bigger opponents

Tholstrup - started very shakily then improved as the game went on - still not convinced he is best 22 but he is improving

CJ - looked good while on the ground, has great speed and leap - if his disposal and fitness holds up will be a great addition to our back six

Langdon - great run, what we have come to expect

Laurie - good game without being outstanding, not sure he is best 22

XT - Only on for the last qtr but showed exactly why we recruited him, has dash , courage, can dispose well - likely a lock in the back six by the end of this year

Jefferson - disappointing game and failed to have any real influence, I haven't been a huge fan but I do feel his attack on the ball and speed has improved - hopefully can get on the end of a few next week as his confidence would have taken a belting yesterday

Howes - really good effort, like his height, speed and tidy kicking, might be one of our big improvers this year

Rivers - solid game - does the hard stuff well and gives 100%

TMac - pretty solid game looked a bit iffy when trying to move the ball quickly, still our best bet at FB if May is out and Petty unavailable

Adams - brief appearance think he has a way to go before he plays AFL seniors

Moose - finally we seem to have a genuine back up for Max, would have been an outstanding debut but for a couple of poor shots on goal. Super impressive though from the young fella

Mihocek - looked to be going well until concussed - will make us much more dangerous up forward this season

Sharp - did some nice things not sure he's best 22

Fritsch - liked his game he will benefit greatly with Mihocek in the F50 imo

Sparrow - good game from Tom he is tough, fast and has a decent kick on him he will be better for getting more midfield time

Latrelle - loves a bounce ! great first up game, will make mistakes as he learns to adjust but will also deliver some great highlights - loved the interaction with kozzy

Kozzy - BOG by a fair margin - please don't get suspended I'm long on a brownlow victory

Chandler - excellent game a super hard worker

Kentfield - repeat that effort and lock yourself in for a round debut imho, good hands, decent pace, can kick, happy to got involved in a bit of rough stuff