Leaderboard

I think most of these lists in the lead up to the season will have Petracca as #1, but I think if you polled Melbourne fans most would have Oliver as our best. Is his dominance somehow underappreciated amongst the football media?

I am tiring of the under-estimation of what Hibberd brings through comparison to dissimilar types. Hibberd is a Bull Hibberd wins one-on-ones Hibberd is quick Hibberd is a raking left-footer Hibberd runs and carries

It's funny that he has Papley at 23 and he kicked 43 goals last year, where Pickett kicked 40 and isn't even in the top 50. Not sure how Fritsch doesn't make it either, after kicking 59 goals for the season.

I reckon Dangerfield is massively overrated

Christian Salem still underrated.

I thought Harmes was excellent yesterday with 3.1. Goal kicking midfielders are gold.

So is Nic Nat

But he's done his ratings based on the body of work from the past 12 - 18 months. Not who's the most talented in the AFL. If he was going off talent alone then buddy Franklin would be sitting top 10 comfortably. Fritsch 2021 year alone year blows away DeGeoy's 2021 and 2020. I think you're also underselling Fritsch. Anyone that kicks 6 goals in a grand final off the back of a 60 goal year performance is a top 20 player of thr competition in my eyes.

I think Smith completely shutting down Zurhaar yesterday puts him right in the frame for round 1. It's obvious the coaches rate Smith very highly and like his versatility and speed. I've been critical of Smith in the past but I am lead to believe this is the first pre season he's completed without any injury niggles. It showed yesterday as I thought he was pretty impressive. I think the club has a difficult decision to make come round 1. There is one element that Tomlinson could play the lockdown role on the number 1 forward like Naughton which sets a domino effect with May taking the 2nd or 3rd best forward and Lever being able to take the more smaller forward but utilise his intercept marking ability. The other element is that Smith can play tall and small with his mix of speed, power and leap. Smith could take someone like Cody Weightman or even Jamarra Ugle Hagan if he plays. Hard choice for me. Lucky that's the coaches headache and not mine.

Good Morning Mr.Phelps, The Team you are looking at on the Screen is known as the Melbourne Football Club. This team went 57 years without winning the penultimate prize in the Australian Football League that being a Premiership! (Think Superbowl but a thousand times better and more breathtaking with complex plays and Superfit Athletes) This Team has built slowly but surely over the past 5 years under a Person called Paul Roos and now Coached by a Guy that goes by the name of Simon "Goody" Goodwin ... Your Mission Jim should you decide to accept it to find out all you can from todays Practice match and report back to I.M with reports, an international attaché by the name of Picket Fence will be your main ally and you can use every element of your specialist forces to assist in surveillance of today’s game. As usual if any of your force are caught the secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds … Good luck Jim MATCH REPORT P.F “Can't Stop The Music" Everyone you meet, the children in the street Are swayin' to the rhythm, there's somethin' movin' in them. There's no place to hide, so, why even try? Can't you hear it coming your way, it's here to stay. Music in our walk, music when we talk. It's really something magic, to lose it would be tragic. Can't you feel the sound movin' through the ground? Music makes the world go around. You can't stop the music, nobody can stop the music. Take the cold from snow, tell the trees, don't grow, Tell the wind don't blow, 'cause it's easier. No, you can't stop the music, nobody can stop the music. Take the spark from love, make the rain fall up 'cause that's easier to do. Lovely day at Casey Fields today for what turned out to be an excellent day for Footy, Gentle breeze was blowing towards the City End but that in no way reflected the inability to kick goals at the southern end. A crowd of about 2, 000 turned out and the cacophony of the same old same old music pregame dulled the senses into something like an acquiesced state of perennial insensibility thus rendering conversations with others as Difficult. Those who were there now know what I mean about the music interludes at training. No Slitheras were seen, However, a Giant Blue Tongue lizard was seen flicking helpless flys and other crawlies into a cavernous blue abyss never to be seen again. A bit like the hapless Shinboners who came up against a Red Hot DEES outfit hellbent on inflicting more pain to this struggling outfit. Not that the effort was not there but alas too much was left to too few on the Boys in Blue and White. Anyway that''s their problem MATCH VIEWS, PLAYERS REVIEWS AND POST MORTEM COMMENTS Clearly from the start Norf had a plans to curtail the ruck dominance of Max and the Midfield brilliance of Clarry and Tracc. Tagging Clayton Oliver is the hardest job in footy and the negating tactics might work occasionally but when he gets the after burners on and has single minded obsession for the leather its like that Judas Priest song "Hellbent for leather" Nothing stands in his way. Norf were clearly going to have a dip and they did but skill, class, fitness and just too many options curtailed their brave efforts. CLAYTON OLIVER Started a little rustily and was hobbling for while after an incident but then, WHOOSH became the Clarry we know so well. Exhilarating tour de force runs, precise handballs, very clean disposal and the Goal of the Day where he got contested ball in the middle, dished of ran forward, got it back and kicked a similar goal to his blistering goal in the 2021 GF. Dislocated a finger but came back bigger and better than ever. This guy is a freak!! MAX GAWN Was not that far behind Clayton and his presence, his ground running, his ability to get to contest after contest and take mark after mark was just breathtaking. A great couple of goals, just added Icing to an already rich cake! A real Captain’s Game. Just a Champion BBB Embarrassed Norf today Kicked 5 Goals and was a focal point in attack. He has sticky fingers and just loves clunking marks and uses his footy smarts to work up and down the ground. Could kick 80- 100 Goals this year. JAMES HARMES Has really improved his output and is now repaying the coaching fraternity with a sett of running, ablity to create space and canny ball use. Great game today ED LANGDON Just runs up and down the ground all day gathering possession after possession and spoon-feeds his forwards, a great ball user , no one can keep up with him and he was a great catalyst to many a launch into attack. JOEL SMITH Our most improved player, he seems to now have the confidence and footy nous to know when to spoil and when to mark. Was dynamite out of the back half and this is the sign that maybe after a few stops and starts this could be his year. ADAM TOMLINSON Ditto run out of defence and into attack, never seems flustered and nearly always creates opportunities with canny use of the ball and then running forward to create an overlap option. Great to see him so confident and ready to fire. ANB Another whose improved form has coincided with his confidence and devotion to his training regime and dedication to improving his game, his run , carry, unselfish team orientations make him one of the first picked every week. played very well today. CHRISTIAN SALEM Well I for one will be astounded if he isn't All Australian this year. He just ooozes class in all that he does whether it be gaining ground ball gets, Doubling back for intercept marks, Clever precise disposals, he has just got it all. Destroyed his opponent today T MAC Hard to match up on now that he covers a lot of ground, is physically imposing and clunks some great marks AND clears the way for Fritta (who didn't play today) and BBB was instrumental today doing just that! Others to do well were GENERAL MAY down back TOM SPARROW who is also brutal in his attack on the ball and the ball oppo carrier, CHANDLER kicked 2 Opportunistic goals but not much else, and I thought JAMES JORDAN was ok without being prolific. DOGGA was good in the ruck and got his hands on the ball but missed a couple of marks. CHARLIE SPARGO Kicked a lovely goal and was creative and used the ball really well. I also thought KOSSY was elusive and damaging setting up many opportunities with his lightning speed and footy smarts. FINAL COMMENTS. The Dees easily defeated a somewhat injury depleted Norf outfit, but Norf still had plenty of experience in their team and were just Obliterated. Weeds, Toby Bedford, and I think Hunt got runs late but did not have time to establish themselves. The most telling thing from my perspective were 2 main pionts. 1 Viney, Lever, and Fritta and possibly Dunstan will come in for … ??? 2 As I have iterated you train a you play and the drills I have seen are replicated in match conditions and this makes for a team that KNOWS how to play, what to play, and how each person in the team has a role to play and they play it beautifully. This is what makes successful teams even more successful and end up in creation of DYNASTIES! A lot to like today. Your Casey Correspondent P.F

Melbourne being the Premiers skews the list a fair bit. (Sorry, I just wanted to type ‘Melbourne being the Premiers’. 🥳)

Long time reader, first post. I finally decided to join and post for two reasons, firstly to thank Mr Fence for his fantastic reports, I'm looking forward to see if Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin get a mission at Casey, and secondly after watching the practice match and seeing Tom Sparrow's new haircut he very much reminds me of a younger Todd Viney. Didn't notice last year as the hair was longer but with the haircut, is it just me? When posting I will always try and be respectful of ohers opinions, even if they are wrong. Go dynasty.

Hibbo gives 100% every week. Love the Pig.

Because it's Tomlinson's spot to lose, Tomlinson is a better footballer than Smith and if Tomlinson isn't an automatic replacement with Petty out I'd question what his role is in the team.

did everyone think the video stream was nearly unwatchable, or should i be booking into specsavers?

Isn't it refreshing that we have a midfielder rated as the best player in the league and he isn't even the best one at Melbourne.

Pretty offensive to Oliver.. Oliver is 10 times above the talent of Cripps. Other then that, a good summary.

Jordan DeGoey at 46 but no Bayley Fritsch... Have a spell Callum Twomey and stick to reporting on the draft.

past laurels for sure.

Hello hibbo

I wasn't really that surprised at all. If you look at how we've approached practice matches under Burgess, the empahsis is on approaching it as if it were a home and away match and not about excessively rotating players to ease them into things. I forget what the squad numbers are for practice games, but as far as the MFC is concerned, it's almost as if it a squad of 22 players and additional emergencies to avoid risks with niggles and injuries that develop during the game, that you would take during the home and away, but not a practice match for no points. Players not fit enough to run out the 4 quarters, don't play starting 22 or even make the squad. While I think there is a desire from our supporters (myself included) to see others given a go at the top level to see where they're at, that's not the priority of our coaching group who are in the mindset and process of fine tuning the team for Rd 1 already. Absolutely love where we are at in this respects - win Rd 1, get on a roll and set up our season like last year. No more 0W, 3L or 1W, 4L starts to the season that have us scraping just to make finals from Rd 6 onwards.

The question isn't if he should play in our midfield. It is: if he harbours a role in the midfield he will get it elsewhere and he may just take it rather than spend the next 5-7 years on the wing. There aren't many clubs that wouldn't chase him for their midfield. His dees teammates will always be his teammates and he will always be part of our drought breaking premiership team. It just depends on how he sees his career panning out. Still, hope he stays.

Happy five month anniversary everyone.

We won the penultimate in 1988 and 2000 by winning the Preliminary Final. We didn't win the ULTIMATE until 2021 after 57 years of failure. Love your work, Picket! Don't let a pedant like me restrict your creative output. Incidentally, you'll be thrilled to hear that I bought a new t-shirt this week.

I think Daisy is amazing, but know a couple of people that can't stand her in commentary. When I press them as to why, all it really boils down to is that they don't like hearing a female voice commentating a male sport. It doesn't matter to them what she says or how good she is as they cant get past the voice. 🙄

Smith easily better yesterday. But to be fair, Tommo would have just been trying to get through his first game back without injury. Lets assess this one in a couple of weeks:- My feel is Tommo will easily end up ahead of Smith.

I used to get annoyed by these lists. Now I couldn't care less. We are the Premiers Everyone else can eat our dust

I do like the idea of him as a high half fwd similarly to how the dogs use Bailey Smith

it just shows more demon fans have class and bypass the twitter cesspit

It has probably been mentioned before but I doubt I have ever seen so many goals kicked by the Dees from so far out. Great kicking I hope that continues. And North virtually gave away Brown what were they thinking? Not a lot it would seem.

Spot on M. The discussion during the season was often how a team needs to stop Salem (amongst others) to succeed. No-one ever did really, and he had 10 posseis in the GF first 1/4. All effective. Yet rated in the 40's. Go figure. Better than Daniel for sure.

Jeremy Cameron at 35? Based on what? His stellar season last year????

The negative commentary about Daisy and her voice come mainly from men. Feedback from the majority of women would be different. So we are talking about sexism plain and simple. We need to remember that unlike many other male dominated sports, AFL has a large female fan base. Others might know but I would guess that women would make up 50 per cent or more of followers. And that has been the case since the game was invented and it makes AFL unique and special. I love the passion that women fans bring to the game. Sit me next to a bunch of women every time rather than men. I suspect that many males who dislike female commentary also have a negative view of AFLW and women’s cricket. Daisy is intelligent, passionate and knowledgeable. She has no ego and does not need to indulge in stories about herself. Give me Daisy’s voice any day over BT, JB and the rest of the boys club.

44,526

I’m a big Smith fan and not always big on Tomlinson but I don’t see them in a head to head battle. We’ve seen Lever at his best with a 2nd genuine tall and wth Petty out that’s Tomlinson. But it’s not all bad news for Smith. One thing Tommo provides over Petty is more uncontested ball and rebounding skills. Which then changes the balance of the backline and raises the chances of Smith over Hibberd, Riv or Bowey. Similarly with Smith in the side May can take a less defensive role and provide more kicking and run.

Based on the first 7 rounds last year one could argue that Tomlinson would be a premiership player if not for his ACL. I think Smith and Tomlinson are both in the category of key defenders. I suspect the FD will be looking to pick whoever is best overall. I wonder whether Smith's intercepting role yesterday was increased due to Lever's absence? Would he have the same licence if Lever was in the side?

I liked the number of long distance goals we slotted today. Gawn looks very confident with his set shots since his 4 goal demolition of the cats. There was a moment in the third when we were only a goal up with 3:40 left on the clock and were pushing hard, it was a 2-on-3 in the middle of the ground and Kozzy layed a shepherd for Brown who won the ball easily (thanks to kozzy), on to ANB, to Sparrow, to the goal square where Gawn & TMac spoil each other. Kozzy's game was filled with little moments like these. He played a great pressure game, making space for his team mates and putting the doggies under pressure all day and night.

Just wondering if Langdon has come off the ground and gone home yet? The more you watch him the more you marvel, it was hard to see the other side of the ground at times with the drunk camera work today, but boy he puts the Energizer Bunny to shame.

I don't think the jury is out on that one. Tomlinson has shown to be a solid AFL player for many years and has played 160 games, while Joel Smith has so far managed 21. I think May, Lever and Tommo will all be in the round 1 side, given Petty likely won't be available. Joel Smith will be probably competing with Rivers and Hibberd.

You're right, I'm sure tomo can play a more aggressive, intercept role. But in my opinion he is in the same position as last preseason where he is in a battle for the third key defender slot. Last season the battle was with Petty, and he won it. This season the battle is with Smith. And he may well win it again. But if it was a boxing match, based on yesterday Smith is ahead on points. Next weeks game against the blues may well decide the bout.

I have no doubt that it was - his ability to do so means he has a string to his bow that Tomlinson may not All three (Smith, Petty and Tomlinson) have legitimate claims for a spot in the back 6 it will be very interesting to see what the selectors do when it comes to the real stuff I am a huge Bowey fan and felt he was a great addition to the team late last year particularly with his excellent disposal - he and Trent Rivers need to be careful with form as there are a few hunting this spot (Jayden Hunt being one). We will unfortunately have a few injuries along the way hopefully nothing serious. I cant remember a time when we have had such strong depth across the field. The only areas that really concern me are ruck and key forward injuries or drop off in form there may have an immediate impact

I'm still astounded that @picket fencehas somehow emerged as our most ever mentally stable court-side reporter.

Now that's how a top side treats a bottom side. Stroll in the park for the reigning premiers.

Great timing for me to be stuck at home with Covid this week. Too sick to be at work, well enough to watch the game and enjoy the spectacle. Great to see Brown dominate in the air, Hibbo was great in defence and Smith was very good. Might be just a practice match but I’m still getting used to watching us play with a smile on my face, knowing just how good we are.

On very limited time Sam Weidemann’s cameo performance showed some promise ‘again’. Fingers crossed the stars align and the young fella finally gets a decent run at it this season. Ditto SOS.

I am a Lever-like leader - but when your best player is as dedicated as Track is - there is no competition. CP5 for next captain.

Bowey is a footballing savant, he'll be fine

I think that's his dad on the right in this image.

I think you are being very harsh We did begin the year 9-0 I always watch Number 10 closely, he plays the game “old style” Angus gad a great year and an exceptional September

@binman, re the Kossie play. I took a screen grab of the point that Langdon kicked it. It was the right kick as worst case it should have been over the boundary on our half forward line, and Daniel did well to cover Kossie's shorter lead. The only problem was Tmacs poor running pattern and his subsequent feeble effort that turned this play from 95% our advantage into a loss (we didn't actually get a stoppage and the dogs won the ball). If TMac had run more laterally, then the kick goes behind him to his advantage where he can protect space with body contact if needed. I don't like Tex but this example is almost a carbon copy and shows how a forward should do it Tex versus Dogs It's also unfair to critique Daisy or any special comments person for not predicting our comeback. The examples you provided (Port and cats ) are where we absorbed pressure and won, but we also had games where we absorbed pressure, came back, and lost (GWS and the Dogs games round 20). You just never know at the time. Even her "need to show dare:" comment was fair enough. At the specific time, we were stuck in our defence and had only had 2 inside 50s in the prior 15 minutes of the 3rd qtr. Yes our defence in that period was unbelievable and held up, but the script was still up in the air as to whether we were going to repeat the Geelong effort or repeat the GWS/Dogs efforts.