Changes for next week

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

IN: Petterd (if fit), Whelan, Moloney (if fit), Bate

OUT: Robertson, Sylvia, Garland, CJ

[Jaded No More 68,913]

Bate hasn't played in over a month. He needs a run with Sandy before coming back into the side.

With that in mind:

Out: Garland

In: Whelan

Robbo and Sylvia = thin ice.

They have 2 more rounds to change their attitude or they can go and win Sandy another flag.

[bjgc 0]

B: WHEATLEY, MARTIN, BELL

HB: BRUCE, RIVERS, WHELAN

C: MORTON, JONES, DAVEY

HF: WONEAMIRRI, MILLER, BATE

F: ROBERTSON, NEITZ, GREEN

FOLL: WHITE, MCLEAN, MCDONALD

IC: BARTRAM, DUNN, SYLVIA, P.JOHNSON

EMERG: CARROLL, GARLAND, C.JOHNSON

Carroll has lived off '06 for too long. There were no excuses for mistakes that he made for someone so experienced. His decision making was appauling as it has been all year. I would rather see a youngster make mistakes than see the mistakes Carroll makes week in week out. Whelan will come in for sure and hopefully Bate will be fit enough.

[gOLLy 401]

Very easy

In : Bate, Wheels

Out : Garland, CJ

[titan_uranus 25,016]

Bate hasn't played in over a month. He needs a run with Sandy before coming back into the side.

With that in mind:

Out: Garland

In: Whelan

Robbo and Sylvia = thin ice.

They have 2 more rounds to change their attitude or they can go and win Sandy another flag.

Sounds good to me, though I think Sylvia and Robbo only deserve one more go. I also say CJ out for Moloney

[btdemon 482]

I think he does, when you see him out on his own he is quick but he doesnt have that hunger to chase people down like he used too...

I don't think Davey lacks hunger. I think he was still suffering from his rolled ankle. We also know that he played most of last year with a dodgey knee. IMO Davey is our most creative player. He will get back to his best. Half-forward is his best position. It allows him to drop deep and crumb and make creative plays from the midfield.

[Scoop Junior 3,471]

B: WHEATLEY, MARTIN, BELL

HB: BRUCE, RIVERS, WHELAN

C: MORTON, JONES, DAVEY

HF: WONEAMIRRI, MILLER, BATE

F: ROBERTSON, NEITZ, GREEN

FOLL: WHITE, MCLEAN, MCDONALD

IC: BARTRAM, DUNN, SYLVIA, P.JOHNSON

EMERG: CARROLL, GARLAND, C.JOHNSON

Carroll has lived off '06 for too long. There were no excuses for mistakes that he made for someone so experienced. His decision making was appauling as it has been all year. I would rather see a youngster make mistakes than see the mistakes Carroll makes week in week out. Whelan will come in for sure and hopefully Bate will be fit enough.

I'm with you bjgc. I don't see a future with Carroll as a key defender. Defensively, he's too short. He does battle hard and is tough, but he gives away too much height every week. It was a joke seeing him try to stretch to spoil Tom Hawkins, he was just dwarfed by him. But worse than that is his decision making. Carroll panicks when he gets the ball and doesn't assess the situation quickly enough. His rushed behind effort was not a one-off, I've seen him do it before and in fact he did a similar thing against the Dogs last week.

At best there's a role for him on a mid-sized forward as he just doesn't have the size to take on the big boys. Hopefully a bigger FB can develop for us this year.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

Hopefully a bigger FB can develop for us this year.

Not likely.

IMO Carroll has a done a pretty good job this year. He's never going to be the number one defender but with a few decent players around him he is more than capable.

[youami 54]

i doubt they'll drop CJ. This is what Daniher did to him throughout his career. Granted he's no superstar but to continually give him one game then drop him is no good for his confidence. Im sure Bailey would have said to him, you've got 3 weeks, show me what you can do.

As for ins and outs, although I am a big Garland fan, it's probably time for him to get some confidence playing for Sandy, remember he was taken in the same draft as Frawley and Petterd so ease up on the kid.

In Whelan Out Garland.

Moloney, Petterd and Bate all need games for Sandy, we should be raring to go Round 5 v the Blues.

[mfc4ever 0]

Not likely.

IMO Carroll has a done a pretty good job this year. He's never going to be the number one defender but with a few decent players around him he is more than capable.

I totally agree. The problem is not that Carrol is necessarily a bad defender, it is just he is undersized.... A larger key back would allow Carrol to play on a smaller forward... He has quite good speed and does use the ball pretty well.... Hopefully Martin will be our man!

[Jaded No More 68,913]

i doubt they'll drop CJ. This is what Daniher did to him throughout his career. Granted he's no superstar but to continually give him one game then drop him is no good for his confidence. Im sure Bailey would have said to him, you've got 3 weeks, show me what you can do.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

This has been CJ's story for 5 seasons. Gets a game, doesn't pick up 400 disposals and kicks 10 goals, gets dropped never to be seen again.

He deserves as much time as any other underperforming player is getting at the moment. As with Bartram last week, he hasn't played in a while so he does need a week or two just to get back up to the pace of AFL.

We were apperantly offered a trade for him (a very low draft pick I believe), and we chose to keep him. I'm glad we did, because after getting rid of so many NQR depth players, we needed to keep some players who could fill gaps when injuries strike. Better CJ than some 12 year old kid who will get demolished.

Give him a run this year (a decent run, not 4 disjointed games), if he shows nothing, goodbye and so long. Who knows, maybe some confidence from the coach will help him find his feet at last?

Would it be worth trying CJ up forward in a crumber/defensive role?

[Gouga 569]

I agree Bate, Moloney and Petterd will have to come back via Sandy although it is hard to get info on where they are at.

If Garland can be given three weeks surely CJ can get two? He was ok on Sunday.

I like the idea of throwing Martin on Thompson. Is he ready? Surely more ready than Garland and Weetra (who I noticed couldn't get a kick in the VFL this weekend).

Sylvia always looks like he is ready to rip the opposition a new one but never delivers. I don't wanna give up on him but his application is currently lacking. Robertson needs to perform to avoid losing his spot to Bate next week.

In: Martin, Whelan

Out: Garland, Sylvia

B: Bell, Carroll, Whelan

HB: Bartram, Martin, Rivers

C: Green, McDonald, Wheatley

HF: Davey, Miller, Wonaeamirri

F: PJ, Neitz, Robertson

R: White, Bruce, McLean

I/C: Dunn, Jones, C Johnson, Morton

[stueyspencer no12 73]

C'mon Billy, who is Holland going to play on? What purpose would it serve bringing him in, as far as I am concerned Holland like Yze has played his last game in melbourne colours, if we dont have a young'un that could do the same job as him then we are in real strife.

[paddo 0]

Ins Bate Whelan S Martin

Out Garland Robbo B Miller

As I prevoiusly stated we are desperate for height in the Backline and Forward I would like to see Newton in but until he improves his seacond efforts you cant afford another Miller who cant play .

Please, enough with the Miller bashing. I've had a gutful as I'm sure most other people have. He's a real competitor who gives it his all and he was far from the worst on the weekend. Let's leave it at that.

As a side not, where's Juice Newton??? Late withdrawal against Bulldogs, did not kick any goals or rate a mention in the Sandy game on Saturday (he was named but did he play??). I'd like to see him back ASAP.

[youami 54]

Newton apparently didnt play for Sandy on the weekend, played the week before and was ordinary. There is speculation, that both Newton and Moloney have had a run in with the coach (ie both have told Bailey where to go after being critiqued after pre season and again after the hawthorn loss). This was reported on demonology so take that as you like. But it is the only reason i have heard why neither are playing. No speculation was passed on Petterd, however if he's not injured why is he not playing?

[stueyspencer no12 73]

Well Steven Strtch, who is going to play on Thomson, Hale, McIntosh, with Edwards and Petrie also available to take a mark on the forward line? Why SHOULD Holland have played ghis last game--thrashed Rocca last year, and against Footscray [Round 19? ] went forward and was leading goal kicker.
If he's our best tall defender just play him! Fancy Bell on Hale?

C'mon Billy, who is Holland going to play on? What purpose would it serve bringing him in, as far as I am concerned Holland like Yze has played his last game in melbourne colours, if we dont have a young'un that could do the same job as him then we are in real strife.

[Paul Gardner 6]

I agree Bate, Moloney and Petterd will have to come back via Sandy although it is hard to get info on where they are at.

I like the idea of throwing Martin on Thompson. Is he ready? Surely more ready than Garland and Weetra (who I noticed couldn't get a kick in the VFL this weekend).

In: Martin, Whelan

Out: Garland, Sylvia

B: Bell, Carroll, Whelan

HB: Bartram, Martin, Rivers

C: Green, McDonald, Wheatley

HF: Davey, Miller, Wonaeamirri

F: PJ, Neitz, Robertson

R: White, Bruce, McLean

I/C: Dunn, Jones, C Johnson, Morton

I'd like to try Bell up Forward & rest Robbo.

In: Martin, Whelan, Jamar

Out: Robertson, White

B: Carroll, Martin, Whelan

HB: Bruce, Rivers, Wheatley

C: Morton, McLean, C Johnson

HF: Davey, Miller, Sylvia

F: Bell, Neitz, Jamar

R: PJohnson, Jones, McDonald

I/C: Bartram Green Dunn Wonaeamirri ////Robertson, White

[Dee*ceiving 1,674]

Not ideal playing Holland but I would consider him this week to play on Thomspon allowing Carrol to play on Jones. Much better match-ups and gets Carrol out of the defensive goal square where is undersized and panicky

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

This has been CJ's story for 5 seasons. Gets a game, doesn't pick up 400 disposals and kicks 10 goals, gets dropped never to be seen again.

He deserves as much time as any other underperforming player is getting at the moment. As with Bartram last week, he hasn't played in a while so he does need a week or two just to get back up to the pace of AFL.

We were apperantly offered a trade for him (a very low draft pick I believe), and we chose to keep him. I'm glad we did, because after getting rid of so many NQR depth players, we needed to keep some players who could fill gaps when injuries strike. Better CJ than some 12 year old kid who will get demolished.

Give him a run this year (a decent run, not 4 disjointed games), if he shows nothing, goodbye and so long. Who knows, maybe some confidence from the coach will help him find his feet at last?

Would it be worth trying CJ up forward in a crumber/defensive role?

Jaded,

The truth is he struggles to get 4 possessions and shows the same characteristics as bunny in the car headlights at AFL level. In his 22 games at AFL level he has underwhelm and has made some fundamental errors reflecting confidence and belief that only he like other footballers can address. MFC cant afford to carry someone at AFL level who after 22 games in 4 seasons has yet to show anything that he belong. He deserves the opportunities that he has earned like any other player.

So what was the trade for him? If it was better than a 3rd rounder we may rue not taking advantage of that deal. Its telling that after 4 years as a much vaulted FS selection that he is there to cover injuries. Valuable types those players. Dime a dozen. If you think CJ's woes are the fault of the previous coach he wont get any sympathy from DB.

I guess you would put CJ in with Robbo in your rose coloured bag. How are they going against Bruce ATM?

[Guest MFC4Life]

Jaded,

The truth is he struggles to get 4 possessions and shows the same characteristics as bunny in the car headlights at AFL level. In his 22 games at AFL level he has underwhelm and has made some fundamental errors reflecting confidence and belief that only he like other footballers can address. MFC cant afford to carry someone at AFL level who after 22 games in 4 seasons has yet to show anything that he belong. He deserves the opportunities that he has earned like any other player.

So what was the trade for him? If it was better than a 3rd rounder we may rue not taking advantage of that deal. Its telling that after 4 years as a much vaulted FS selection that he is there to cover injuries. Valuable types those players. Dime a dozen. If you think CJ's woes are the fault of the previous coach he wont get any sympathy from DB.

I guess you would put CJ in with Robbo in your rose coloured bag. How are they going against Bruce ATM?

St. Kilda I believe offered a third round pick in the early 40's last year for him. However there is obviously this inherent fear that the club holds against the notion of him further developing into a great player at another club. No one wants egg on their faces. We obviously rate him as he is in the seniors but at this stage of his career he's not up to AFL standard IMO.

[Dee*ceiving 1,674]

I agree with CJ not being up to it so far, but a couple more weeks playing seniors in a year we aren't even going to threaten to play finals let alone a flag is not too much to expect. Like a previous poster i would allow him the luxury of 3-4 games in a row before throwing him on the scrap heap. Its a long season and there will be oppurtunites to blood more players as we go.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

St. Kilda I believe offered a third round pick in the early 40's last year for him. However there is obviously this inherent fear that the club holds against the notion of him further developing into a great player at another club. No one wants egg on their faces. We obviously rate him as he is in the seniors but at this stage of his career he's not up to AFL standard IMO.

If the club are worried about that with CJ then they should cut or trade anyone off the list. This might explain but not justify why we kept players like Yze. If two coaches dont pick him as best 22 week in and week out and they fear he will be a great player then there is a huge disconnect in logic. I was a huge fan of his father Alan who unfortunately had many of the attributes that CJ does not have and lacks to be an AFL footballer. I dont think MFC rates him too highly at all and his season is on the line.

I would have thought the MFC footy committee had a pretty good assessment of CJ's capabilities enough to have to charity him 3 or 4 AFL games over other players.

[Weedster 174]

i would like to see chris johnson get more than one game and play him again this week....

this season will be about who can and cannot play - he looks as though he cannot but hard to tell when pressure is on just to get a kick...

robbo would be the one for matthew bate.... if bate is fit, then he could play that leadup role too... i think robbo needs a wakeup call....

whelan in for garland - looks out of his depth at the moment but some experience wont hurt the young man!!

I agree - CJ deserves his chance - personally I think he shows more than several others who he is competing with. Bate is a must if fit..

[Guest MFC4Life]

If the club are worried about that with CJ then they should cut or trade anyone off the list. This might explain but not justify why we kept players like Yze. If two coaches dont pick him as best 22 week in and week out and they fear he will be a great player then there is a huge disconnect in logic. I was a huge fan of his father Alan who unfortunately had many of the attributes that CJ does not have and lacks to be an AFL footballer. I dont think MFC rates him too highly at all and his season is on the line.

I would have thought the MFC footy committee had a pretty good assessment of CJ's capabilities enough to have to charity him 3 or 4 AFL games over other players.

Yes Alan was a fantastic player. Would you have traded CJ for St.Kilda's offer?

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Yes Alan was a fantastic player. Would you have traded CJ for St.Kilda's offer?

Yes if I believed that I could identify with reasonable assurance another player with the assessed quality of Cheney or McNamara.

I think the issues the CJ has are his issues not any present or past coach and I dont believe he will make it as a great player.....certainly not at St Kilda!