On the bright side

[beelzebub 22,368]

people may wish to have a read of..............

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/Default.aspx...mp;newsId=55353

Here Bails explains the day !!

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

people may wish to have a read of..............

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/Default.aspx...mp;newsId=55353

Here Bails explains the day !!

Oh my gaaawd...

I liked most of what I read... Well, most of it was fairly non committal...

But he says he liked what he saw from Jamar...

God help us.

[warren dean 193]

Just finished watching the tape - not overly inspiring stuff and made to look much better than it was by Geelong's attempts to be far too clever in the second half. My bigger concern is the fact that we currently have the lowest paid up membership figures for the season and I am struggling to see how an effort like yesterdays will garner more signatures. Great that a few youngsters got some game time -history says most of them won't last two to three seasons. Important that we can find out who might be able to play though. Obviously a lot of our best side were unavailable (as some were for much of last year). The skill level and decision making of our more senior players was a worry and I think this is where most of the criticism should be directed. This has been a major issue for a number of years now and if yesterday is anything to go by, it hasn't improved at all.

I'm not prepared to panic yet - wait at least four rounds before that!!

[Deeoldfart 7,821]

Baileys methode championshipe was to get some kids off the bench and onto class players. To see what they did. A babtism of fire ?? well we're Demons are we not!! lol

We live to fight another day.. a little wiser..a little more experienced. Some genuine talent was simmering near the surface today.

Its February.. worry only if we are floundering come Sep !!

Totally agree. It's only mid-February for God's sake, and some of our brothers and sisters seem to be writing-off the season. I saw enough from a few of the kids today, to suggest that they might push for senior selection by season's end ..... and as they grow out of their teenage bodies in the years ahead, I'd be surprised if they don't become very good 150+ game players for the MFC.

[Deeoldfart 7,821]

Yesterday's result is no indication of where we're going this season... unless of course Bailey wants to field a VFL line- up each week.

I also wouldn't be surprised if Bailey is keeping his cards close to his chest in regards to implementing a specific game plan. No point revealing your hand before the season has even begun.

Yep. I have that gut-feeling as well.

[AlphaDee 17]

Like so many others I am trying hard to stay positive and when I look at the team we had against Geelong then look at the missing players I feel a lot better.

Here is my team anaylsis that I also posted on Big Footy (sorry if I am repeating some of what others have already said):

- 3 rookies: Zomer, Wonaeamirri, Valenti = Average 0 games

- 5 others with 0 games: Martin, McNamara, Weetra, Cheney, Maric = Average 0 Games

- 6 with 10 games or less: Bode (2), Garland (2), Warnock (4), Bode (4), Buckley (6), Newton (10) = Average 4.6

- 6 with 11 to 52 games: PJ (27), Jonesey (29), Bate (33), Bell (45), Jamar (52), Sylvia (52) = Average 40

- 6 experienced players: Holland, White, JMac, Yze, Green, Robbo

Missing:

- Likely starters round 1 if available: Clint Bartram, Cameron Bruce, Nathan Carroll, Aaron Davey, Lynden Dunn, Brock McLean, Brad Miller, Brent Moloney, David Neitz, Ricky Petterd, Jared Rivers, Paul Wheatley, Matthew Whelan = 13 players

- Possible other inclusions: James Frawley, Chris Johnson = 2

- Unknowns: 2 early draft picks = Cale Morton, Jack Grimes

Looking at this list, they couldn't have all been injured so it looks like Bailey decided to give all the new boys a taste of the big time.

For round 1, I would expect most of the missing players to be available and many to be included. We will definitely see a far more experienced team out there with a sprinkling of our younger talent also getting a go. Here's hoping!.

[furious d 447]

I'm not overly concerned about yesterday. Bailey has talked about not putting limits on the players and I think he'll give everybody who's fit enough a run in the preseason to show the players he means it. Not a bad idea to throw a young team out in the spotlight of the NOB cup and see how they go, then ease your better players into it away from the glare. I'd rather use early practice matches to experiment and later one's to prepare for round 1. Hopefully we can surprise a few teams early now that the perception of us as a bottom 4 side has been "confirmed".

[beelzebub 22,368]

I also wouldn't be surprised if Bailey is keeping his cards close to his chest in regards to implementing a specific game plan. No point revealing your hand before the season has even begun.

I missed this aspect in this post but it certainly has a ring about it...Taken with some of Bail's post game comments you sort of get the idea we were trialling...this bloke...that bloke and a few others ..in this position that poosition or on that opponent . We were going to use this and that aspect of the newly learned game segments.

Basically its a contol experiement...put it out there and se what happens... Look at results and file it away.. Most likely different aspect and player combinations will be used over the next few NAB ( other comp , whateveits called..lol ) games.

I agree Jaded...and good pick up...he's a bit cleverer than to show all his cards

[mo64 5,262]

I missed this aspect in this post but it certainly has a ring about it...Taken with some of Bail's post game comments you sort of get the idea we were trialling...this bloke...that bloke and a few others ..in this position that poosition or on that opponent . We were going to use this and that aspect of the newly learned game segments.

Basically its a contol experiement...put it out there and se what happens... Look at results and file it away.. Most likely different aspect and player combinations will be used over the next few NAB ( other comp , whateveits called..lol ) games.

I agree Jaded...and good pick up...he's a bit cleverer than to show all his cards

The result of the game was a reflection of the talent gap of the 2 teams on the park yesterday.

What I don't understand is why we wouldn't be playing our senior players in a trial game designed to practice our new game plan? Surely that's the point of practice matches. Quite frankly, do we have a full deck to be in a position not to show our cards?

So unless we had 17 players who were unfit and unavailable yesterday, based on last year, we are not in a position to be easing in our senior players, and expecting them to fire come round 1. Either way, we are going to be underdone come round 1, and by midseason we'll hear the age old excuse of players having an interupted pre-season.

The result of the game doesn't concern me, but the reasons for the result is a concern.

[beelzebub 22,368]

I'll ask you this in return.... why wouldn't you blood some kids when it doesnt matter..i.e no H&A prem points., with the opportunity of class opposition ?

Wasnt easing our seniors...it was giving the kids a run with little downside.

Our first fair dinkum game is March the 23rd.. Plenty of time to get up to speed.

Practice matches always are practice matches.. yesterday in a manner it was fair dinkum....just what the newbies needed.

[mo64 5,262]

I'll ask you this in return.... why wouldn't you blood some kids when it doesnt matter..i.e no H&A prem points., with the opportunity of class opposition ?

Wasnt easing our seniors...it was giving the kids a run with little downside.

Our first fair dinkum game is March the 23rd.. Plenty of time to get up to speed.

Practice matches always are practice matches.. yesterday in a manner it was fair dinkum....just what the newbies needed.

Based on last year, our senior players need all the match practice they can get!

[Jerry Lundergard 392]

What I don't understand is why we wouldn't be playing our senior players in a trial game designed to practice our new game plan? Surely that's the point of practice matches. Quite frankly, do we have a full deck to be in a position not to show our cards?

So unless we had 17 players who were unfit and unavailable yesterday, based on last year, we are not in a position to be easing in our senior players, and expecting them to fire come round 1. Either way, we are going to be underdone come round 1, and by midseason we'll hear the age old excuse of players having an interupted pre-season.

I would think that implenting a new game plan would be far easier for the players away from the cameras and perceived pressure of needing to win for the $$$'s if we had of remained in the cup.

We go away to Cairns now, there is no pressure(everyone thinks we suck now anyway) and we can work on the new game plan and hopefully fly under the radar a little.

[Jarka 767]

Pre-season results are meaningless, what does count though is blooding players and trialling game plans, especially when you have a new coach and you're rebuilding the list.

A couple of things concerned me about the game but I saw some positives as well. I'll wait until later in the year before passing judgement but honestly I'm not expecting a great year, more of a transitional season.

[Al`s DEMONS 0]

We had 8 first game players today. Weetra, Martin, Valenti, Cheney, Maric, MacNamara, Aussie, Zomer. Add Garland, Bode, Meesen, Buckley, Warnock, and Newton who've played less than 10. That's 14 players to have played less than 10 games of footy.

I thought the "outcome" was amazing under the circumstances. Many of these young players won't make the grade, but Bailey has already shown me that his players will have a read hot crack. We virtually played Sandy Seconds today.

My best team out: Neitz, Rivers, McLean, Moloney, Petterd, Davey, Bartram, Carroll, Dunn, Bruce, Whelan, and possibly Wheatley, Frawley, or Miller. Half the bloody team.

I found your post far more "pathetic" than today's effort.

spot on. 14 players to have played less than 10 games compared to 14 players from last years premiers. Rivers,Miller. Mclean, Moloney( i think), Petterd , Davey, Batram, Dunn and Frawley all 24 years old or younger. must get used to life without Neitz. not deterred by loss 1 iota

[beelzebub 22,368]

Based on last year, our senior players need all the match practice they can get!

quite possibly...but then again youd think theyd have an idea by now !!

The Geelong game wasnt so much about 'today" as it was about "tomorows"

[Diablo 1]

Diablo, have you seen Zomer play at all besides today's game?

No I haven't mate, I was just observing that he didn't do anything that made me jump out of my seat. He had 6 touches, kicked a straightforward goal and missed one from the goalsquare. Fair play to him, our forward line got killed for most of the match, but you couldn't get too excited about him based on his game yesterday. The fact that he's a rookie means he's up against it already. He might make it, but I certainly won't be down at the TAB making Brownlow bets just yet.

I'm not trying to be negative, but some people are clutching at straws here trying to find positives. Let's face it, we got thumped by a far superior side, but some of the players, including some new boys, had likeable games. Saying 6 touches and a goal from Zomer is a real positive is drawing a very, very long bow, however.

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

No I haven't mate, I was just observing that he didn't do anything that made me jump out of my seat. He had 6 touches, kicked a straightforward goal and missed one from the goalsquare. Fair play to him, our forward line got killed for most of the match, but you couldn't get too excited about him based on his game yesterday. The fact that he's a rookie means he's up against it already. He might make it, but I certainly won't be down at the TAB making Brownlow bets just yet.

I'm not trying to be negative, but some people are clutching at straws here trying to find positives. Let's face it, we got thumped by a far superior side, but some of the players, including some new boys, had likeable games. Saying 6 touches and a goal from Zomer is a real positive is drawing a very, very long bow, however.

I understand your view, and generally I think it's a good policy to follow because it prevents 4-6 type disappointments.

I would like to add this however:

No-one has said Zomer is going to be a superstar just yet; they have simply payed comment to their liking of the way he moved and presented himself on the lead (foxtel commentators included)

To go first pick in the rookie draft (#3), you would have to think he has shown some good qualities to recruiting people, and those with an eye to see it. And that is really all that myself, and others have seen in Zomer (his potential)

I'll say this as succinctly as I can: Zomer and Martin, with their Basketball background, height and athleticism - will be invaluable for us. They were to me, apart from Valenti, Garland and Buckley, the shining light from the Geelong game. Maybe that's because I had a long Basketball career myself, and could always see how useful those skills were when playing football (if you were talented like me )

I also believe that CAC and Co, had done their homework well on these blokes, and had a fairly good idea that they could get them both in the pre-season and rookie drafts, and thus they recruited for midfielder types at the National draft. I don't think it was a pure fluke that they landed with us, because they had their eyes on them from a fair way out (the proof being their similar backgrounds)

Good bang for you buck - anyone for Pendelbury, Brogan?

Mark my words, Zomer will be promoted to the list before the year is out (barring injury)

[Diablo 1]

I understand your view, and generally I think it's a good policy to follow because it prevents 4-6 type disappointments.

I would like to add this however:

No-one has said Zomer is going to be a superstar just yet; they have simply payed comment to their liking of the way he moved and presented himself on the lead (foxtel commentators included)

To go first pick in the rookie draft (#3), you would have to think he has shown some good qualities to recruiting people, and those with an eye to see it. And that is really all that myself, and others have seen in Zomer (his potential)

I'll say this as succinctly as I can: Zomer and Martin, with their Basketball background, height and athleticism - will be invaluable for us. They were to me, apart from Valenti, Garland and Buckley, the shining light from the Geelong game. Maybe that's because I had a long Basketball career myself, and could always see how useful those skills were when playing football (if you were talented like me )

I also believe that CAC and Co, had done their homework well on these blokes, and had a fairly good idea that they could get them both in the pre-season and rookie drafts, and thus they recruited for midfielder types at the National draft. I don't think it was a pure fluke that they landed with us, because they had their eyes on them from a fair way out (the proof being their similar backgrounds)

Good bang for you buck - anyone for Pendelbury, Brogan?

Mark my words, Zomer will be promoted to the list before the year is out (barring injury)

Haha, I was actually thinking of mentioning 426 when I responded.

All your points are perfectly valid DC. I could definitely see Martin's background coming into his game a couple of time when he evaded Cats players and in particular that one moment when he spun through a tackle beautifully. I definitely agree that he was a big positive to come out of the match, especially seeing as he displayed barely any of the rawness that some have noted. As for Zomer, well I can't say that he IMPRESSED me, but as I said first up, he certainly didn't do anything wrong.

I would love for him to succeed, but the very sobering reality is that, statistically speaking, less than half of our draftees this year will have 100 game careers, and the rookies (by virtue of not being able to play without a major injury to a senior player) have it even tougher. Good luck to him though, and I hope you're right.

[Bring-Back-Powell 13,434]

Does anyone think Chris Johnson is a poor mans Simon Buckley.

These two remind me of each other, except I reckon Buckley will make it.

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

Does anyone think Chris Johnson is a poor mans Simon Buckley.

These two remind me of each other, except I reckon Buckley will make it.

I agree that they are similar players in the way they move etc.

C.J has a bit of pace, he should learn from what Bucks is doing and make good use of it.

At least give him a chance to prove himself this year

[Little Goffy 12,786]

[quote name='Chooka for Charlie' date="Another bright side to the game was that we didn't risk a clash between the red and blue and white and blue, so we wore white and blue with a stripe of red.

Wasn't it incredible Charlie.!

Normally there's no confusion between Geelong and Melb jumpers, but they managed to design a "clash strip" that was indistinguishable(on TV) when the play was in bright sunlight(most of the time). For a start, both jumpers were all white on the back. But white dominated in the bright sunlight, such that TV viewers were left in doubt about which side had the ball.

It's brilliant, and gets better. Next week (had we won) it would have been St. Kilda, possibly the only team we would have clashed with more.

But back to the bright side - Valenti did look alright. Buckley looked alright. Meesen had his moments. A lot of the really young kids looked like they will become alright. Come on, we played a premiership team which seemed to be working as efectively as ever, and while there was a blowout they were close to full strength while we were resting 11 of our best 22.

This was the kind of [censored] cup performance you'd expect from a team aiming for a big home and away season and finals...