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there is no place on this forum for rubbish articles like this one. what the hell would Carey know versus the posters on this site

Nothing wrong with giving the kid a taste. If he gets badly beaten or overwhelmed, he then has a clear idea how hard he still has to work. If he plays a good game then he knows next year is a real chance.

Sometimes I think I'm a negative poster, but then I read threads like these and it's an eye opener. Viney at his best is easily in our top 5 most important players. At his best, his intensity, pressure and tackling ability at the coalface are simply unmatched and that is why he is so important to our side. The issue for Viney is that if he doesn't bring his one wood to every game, he can look second rate due to his limitations in other areas of his game. Adding to this is the fact that ballistic and one-dimensional players like Viney who are really only suited to play one (extremely important) role absolutely need to complete a full pre-season load. And that is the major hurdle he faces going forward. Posters calling for him to be traded are 'ignore' button worthy.

Yeah, hope it doesn't cost us a home final...

This clip perfectly illustrates our primary issue this year . . . injuries, immaturity, and underdone players. Brayshaw isn't on Pendlebury - Melksham is. In his second week back after a three-month injury. Three months, in-season. Although I concede that the footage has been framed to suit a media narrative, that shouldn't be a huge surprise. I also concede that the highlighted issues do exist - but that's not the point: Brayshaw has been called out on national TV and chastised on here for something that simply isn't true. Brayshaw is not on a bloke called Pendlebury, thanks Gerald Healy. Watch closely. Brayshaw enters the fray from the centre-square and Pendles from the forward area. Freeze at 0.11 if you like and you will see Melksham trailing Pendlebury. Gus then puts a check on a loose Pendlebury but is concerned about his own man (I can't work out who it is from my fuzzy screen) setting up in space up-field. You can see the player moving away from the pack and Gus looking back. Melksham has meanwhile been sucked into the contest, not unreasonably but puts in what I do consider a fairly lazy effort (albeit briefly getting his hands on the ball), and can't cover when Pendles later breaks forward - ironically, for those calling out Gus for 'cheating' - before the Pies have clearly won control. The numbers around the contest are actually fairly even (despite one misleading freeze-frame). The biggest issue, besides Melksham losing touch of his opponent and Lewis probably guarding too close, was Jones allowing Sidebottom off the hook due to a lack of leg-speed, or possibly inexperience at half-back (and then Lewis not holding) - granting the Pies an extra number on the unprotected forward-boundary side and then free inbound receivers. If you watch the game-day footage it shows the behind-the-goals angle, and it's crystal-clear that Melksham is following Pendlebury. In fact he gave away a free on him following a stoppage at around the 16 minute mark of the third-quarter countdown (the incident highlighted was at the 14 minute mark). Just prior to the ball-up, Brayshaw, who was at the time next to Pendles, hurriedly runs away (presumably to the interchange bench, or at least under direction), calling someone in. Players can easily be made to look lazy when there's a lack of cohesion, but if you want to lay blame for this single goal, you should look at precisely our three most senior players on the field on the weekend - Jones, Lewis and Melksham - but not Brayshaw. Jones is new to half-back (thanks in part to Jetta's injury absence) and Lewis is about fifteen days from retirement after close to the same number of years in the game. Melksham, meanwhile, has been injured for three months, and I imagine sent to follow Pendles for periods (and subsequently exploited due to a lack of match fitness, getting dragged up and down the field ) just to get his hands on the ball. TLDR: it's the injuries, stupid - and that Angus deserves a serious apology from Healy and co. and many on here, many in turn who I imagine will be too stubborn to concede that they were genuinely unfair, at least on this occasion. I will await such reversals of opinion, and will judge posters accordingly. #freeangusbrayshaw #fightfakenews.

It's easy to forget how dominant Viney has been in big games over the past few seasons. Our big win over WCE where TMac kicked winning goal right before siren and even the finals last year. He will be better for this year and I reckon he will dominate next year.

Great news. I look forward to more member discounts. And I don't need to throw away my current gear.

Well done Kade on your debut. A great kid who is small (174 cm) but quick. Noted at U18 for his forward defensive pressure so I can see why he is being tried even if others cannot. Early season at gate 3 handing out scarves we were swamped and the players who came to just to meet and greet actually hopped in and assisted. If my memory serves me well It was Kade, Billy, Oscar Baker and Jordon or Walker (memory failing). Kade was first to put his hand up and took up a role immediatly at the table with many a supporter being handed their scarve by this young man. Similarly Oscar Baker was assisting organising the queue with Stretch & Jordon was behind the counter unpacking. They stayed way past their scheduled time and impressed me greatly with their character and willingness to work. Kade looks so young but will now have payed at least 1 game of AFL more than I ever did.

Give him a taste and get that potentially horror debut out of the way and isolated from next season. Petty had probably the worst debut in history in R15 last year, possibly premature, he went away to work on things and has come back looking the goods.

To be fair, it may still be coming. A lot quicker and easier to make the little social gif than to put together a proper video and get it up on the website. Holding judgment for now.

I am one of Viney's biggest critics. My criticism is based on what I see is him trying to do too much at times when he should be bringing teammates into the game, not getting in the way, clearing space, understanding his limitations. I don't think he should have been made captain and said so at the time. I believe he should step down and concentrate on his game. However, you would think he can't play, doesn't deserve to be on the list, the worst player to pull on a boot for the club....etc...if you read a lot of the posts on this thread. Jack can play, he's obviously hampered by injury and that's effecting his game. If we can get Jack fit, harness his ferocity at the ball, get him to play as part of a team and use him in bursts then he will be a valuable team member. Currently I think Goody and the FD are not helping him by not using his strengths...they also didn't seem to learn from the errors made with the other Jack (Trengove), let's hope it's not too late.

In one post people demand persistence and desire to die for the jumper. The bets example of that is Viney and people want to trade him. Love watching Viney play, yes he's been injured and not properly prepared for the season like many players. I expect him to bounce back after two injury interrupted years. He's not a silky player nor should he try to be. As for his eloquence in language not all great captains have been. It is dedication, desire and blood for the club which elevates him as someone to follow, as we lack that from many of our players. Looking forward to a better 2020 from Jack.

That team on paper looks very good until you realise you are not in the Casey thread

let's not have preconceived ideas and give him ago. Plenty of players have stepped up when given an opportunity. He must have showed something at training. Good luck to him.

I have no idea whether he's ready or not, but the last couple of games in a meaningless season are a good place to give debut games. It gets rid of nerves so that when they next play (which should be when it really matters) they are better prepared, and rewards them for persistence (ie, for training hard all year). It would be even better if the promotion is merit-based on performance at Casey, but rounds 22 and 23 are for us as much a part of the 2020 preseason as are JLT games in February and March.

Good point. They are my favourite type of videos. Either the candid camera type where they surprise/trick the newbie or the tear jerking ring your mum to tell them you're playing your first game. I'll even watch a non-Dees video like this. Missed opportunity for some type of feel good video for the supporters.

Richo will give us great intel in how to beat ...well....Melbourne.

Jordon will make it, they’re just building him up. I reckon he’ll replace Hibberd. Good luck to Chandler, we/he has nothing to lose so why not give him a crack against the Swans? His debut is the only reason I’ll watch some of the game now.

Names I've heard enough noise about for it to be an actual possibility... Langdon - Can pretty much lock him in from what I've heard. 85% chance. Zak Jones - Not saying I want him necessarily, but there is noise. 50% chance. Ryan Schoenmakers - Apparently we've been keen in the past, not a big chance, but being looked at. 20% chance. Alex Keath - Not "chasing" him, but keeping an eye on proceedings. The belief has been the rumours have been more manager tactic. 10% chance. The 'chances' are just my guess so don't take that as gospel at this stage. There's been plenty of other rumours (Hill, Tomlinson etc), but I haven't heard much about anything else as yet.

Best article I've read. Absolutely no guarantees but the hyperbole that has been spoken and written is generally is laughable.

Some players play better in the seniors than the 2s.. this may be the case.

Has some zip about him... saw one Casey game that was televised and Chandler stood out from the rest of the small forward newbies. I thought Chandler and Jordan have what it takes to make the grade in future... don't mind that they have given him an opportunity a bit earlier.

Darren Burgess should be all over this.

If he is injured then DONT PLAY HIM

I think Goody's been copping it more for the "after match" pressor responses EG. Not sure he even deals with the standard injury stuff during the week. In fact i can't recall who does down there. You certainly haven't seen / heard any of that the from myself. The whole pressor scenario is a complete sham/circus with pretty much the same inane questions every week. Don't really care how Goody handles them. What he's doing/saying within the four walls is all that matters IMV.

I don't subscribe to the idea that these elite sports people are tanking. They have a mind set of wanting to win otherwise they wouldn't be in the top tiers of AFL. The club would have plans much more complicated than my interpretations. Giving players a go at this time of the year and given our predicament on the ladder, I can see the benefits of the shuffles. Especially on a Friday night. It is good for them and I hope they play well. They want to feel good with a win and I think they hurt more than us spectators when they lose. (Basic psychology). Ps. I enjoy the humour.

The changes look odd on their face but look a bit deeper. May, OMac and Petty are all forced outs. Preuss and Keilty have stunk in the seniors this year. We don't have an obvious second ruck, but Sydney barely have an obvious first ruck (they're playing a rookie, Hayden McLean, who's played four games). I'm not sure I agree with ANB/Stretch/Spargo over Baker/Hunt, but it's not like Baker or Hunt played well last week. Indeed, both were pretty poor. Looks to me to be a bit horses for courses when it comes to the talls, and maybe a last chance saloon sort of thing for ANB and Stretch.

Gives the midfield no other option but to lower their eyes. They won't be able to see anyone up there.

Highest nimber of missing starting 22 games by a mile. With a developing list and coach this was alwa6us the issue. Gus didn't fluke 3rd on the Brownlow last year. Just needs a good professional pre season like most of his mates. All the rest of the commentary is fugazi with media needing to produce content no matter how shallow.

Bullocky good pace, eye for a goal, talent to snap early at goal, confident and accurate kick over acceptable distances. Tough tackler. Small, but hopefully resilient. Well done young man to get a game due to ball movement.

You must be fun to talk footy with.

who said we want to win?

Before even contemplating who we need to trade for and bring in, let's consider the following two important points: * The Darren Burgess factor. One can only imagine that Goodwin and Darren's number one priority will be having as many players as possible ready to go from November for a full and uninterrupted pre-season (@Satyriconhome). Over the last few weeks and even month, we've seen certain players listed as 'season' for injuries. It seems obvious that some of those names will be having surgery now in order to be ready for November. Without even looking at list tinkering and needs, a full pre-season with one iota of 'injury luck' going our way from November through to February will have a significant impact for the following reasons and I'll stress that all of these reasons are interconnected: - Our most important and key players completing full- loads. Oliver, Brayshaw, Petracca, Salem, Viney, Tom Mac, Weed, Melksham, Lever, May, Gawn. Completing a full load allows for players to play at their best (see my Jack Viney thread post) and just as importantly allows them to get through the rigours of an AFL season. - Equally as critical, full numbers on the track allows for and builds: morale, cohesion, comfortability, accountability and confidence within the group. It allows for players to learn how one another play. Steven May and Jake Lever for instance. What kind of an impact will a full pre-season and training in the same backline together over a summer have? - Then there's the coaches and the importance of having a full and healthy list to run full squad drills and plays, line plays, craft days, game plans etc. Obviously this goes hand-in-hand with the above in regards to what kind of impact this is having at an individual level. * The second point is the Goodwin factor. What we know right now is that he has survived and the assistants have payed the ultimate price. One can only hope to assume that this year will have felt like a giant slap in the face for him and will force him look introspectively and with that, learn from his own mistakes this year and change some of his ways for the better. Just like Buckley and Hardwick before him, this is now his chance to grow as a coach, leader, player manager, people manager, strategist, etc etc. He must embrace it and cop the criticism that has been more than fairly dished his way. That is the silver lining in this utterly disgraceful year. The opportunity for us to bring in some new assistant coaches will give rise to fresh ideas that may perhaps challenge Goodwin's. Whenever new leaders (coaches) are brought in to an organisation, it more often than not generates a new wave of positive habits for employees wanting to impress. There are a multitude of positive outcomes and flow-on effects that new group of coaches can bring and I believe that we've done the right thing. I'll post my list changes at a later time, but the two points above will have a hugely positive effect on the club, (providing it all goes to plan) and we get some luck.

Personally I don’t see the appeal. Goody doesn’t know how to set up and play at the ‘G. We need a coach who has come from a successful club who’s home ground was the same as ours.

I actually don't mind what they've done with the socials this year, it's had a lot more personality and been more active than previously IMO. I just consider the website pretty much a write off tbh, so I'm not too bothered by it. They have done videos though. They did one for Dunkley with his brother and the one they put together for Baker with his Dad was absolutely sensational. Jay Lockhart debut video https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2019-03-29/debutant-jay-lockhart Marty Hore debut video https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2019-03-27/access-melbourne-marty-hore Oskar Baker debut video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFyqkHQeFwo Declan Keilty debut video https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2019-05-06/declan-keilty-jumper-presentation Kyle Dunkley debut video https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2019-07-05/kyle-dunkley-debut-surprise

It's gone to [censored] since Burgo left. They haven't even done one for any of our debuts this year. Its a good feel stpry for supporters and unfortunately our media department in my opinion has been a debacle.

Good luck young fella!!

I'm not in favour of Ellis, he has attractive attributes but he won't put his body on the line.

The other assistants in that interaction appear to be in Goody's ok box. Each of them gets an acknowledging /friendly pat, back slap or in the case of one, even a hand shake (somewhat closer than the others?). but there still doesn't appear as if there's a "relaxed/genuine" open camaraderie there in a general sense. Alot of tension IMV. As for Jennings and Goody WOW! A slap on any part of the head from another dude, particularly over the back of the head like that (across or on the face also) a huge no no / put down and a massive red flag that there was/is no love lost between the two. Very aggeessive response by Goody and indicates a major breakdown of trust/openness between them at some point IMV. I'm surprised Jennings didn't move on earlier after seeing that vision. According to reports, some senior players were very fond of Jennings. Jones very keen on Jennings also. I wonder if this incident and the fall out between the two (Goody & Jennings) was part of a catalyst that's slowly spread right through the playing group from the Captain down following the Adelaide win (earlier?)... Extract Courtesy of AFL Nation: ..." Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones endorsed Jennings last year as a senior coach-in-waiting, praising his tactical nous and ability to present ideas in a "refreshing" manner. "He's one of the best minds in footy I've seen," Jones told AFL Nation. "He is quite quirky, particularly in the way he educates and teaches players, which is terrific, really." P.S. You would have thought we'd win a prelim or better the way Goody reacted to that. Just a regular H&A win.

That’s what no pre season does to ya. He and many others just haven’t got going. 2 years ago before the foot blew up we were talking about him winning the Brownlow. He was influential, tough and racking them up. The final wins we had last year demonstrated how important he is when in form. Let’s wait and see after he gets a full preseason in and then judge him.

Had a less than great couple of years after the major injury interruption which appears to have kept on pestering him through 2018 and 2019. Personally I still rate him, especially because he is a player who has proven in the past that he has an instinct for hunting opponents to get a tackle rather than just waving his arms at whoever comes near. Real question marks on him right now but I am confident of his resurgence. (touching wood regarding any further injury problems or complications). I do like the idea of using him a bit as a trouble-maker in the forward line. He has a deceptively good first few steps of acceleration and I'm sure would make a few opposition defenders a little nervous.

I would like to see him played as a tagger. Harmes is a better user of the ball and better when resting forward and I believe he is past his tagging days save for a special occasion. We saw Viney in the early days thrive when given specific jobs on Ablett, Dangerfield and Selwood. He is a natural tackler and hunter of the ball, so tagging seems to be right for him. His ball use is simply trash when left to his own devices.

I’m not ready to give up on Viney, but I think he will need to play a tagging hff role from time to time, Brayshaw is better in the mid than Viney and should have more time as an inside mid which prob pushes Viney out abit.

Huh... did Jack employ his Dad? Did Todd get his son the gig? Is the need to grow up referring to the poster?

You certainly implied it with your "but Goody's the man" comment. What did you mean by that if not a snide comment at his future prospects? There seems to be a level of anger behind your posts, I hope you're not this miserable in the real world. We all love the club but at the end of the day it's only a game, your teams performance is not a reflection on you.

He is not big enough, strong enough, fast enough or clever enough to play the inside game that he thinks he should or that is expected of him. Coaches please find him a role that matches his endeavour, effort and skill set. Perhaps defensive HFF, outside runner or tagger. Too committed and too valuable to waste.

Yes, Shepp area was in our zone back then. I believe Les Bamblett was from that zone too.

No we are this bad.