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Just to iterate a couple of facts about Matt Jefferson.... A heck of a nice kid with strong values and upbringing. A guy who takes in coaches comments and strives to get better. A loyal bloke that loves his mates. A sticky fingered one grab player, A mainly dead eye kick. Yep he is as skinny as a Greyhound, and needs to put on weight and he will. BUT he is young and will learn and l'll tell you something else about him, when he makes the papers it will be for all the right reasons unlike many who's indescretions are cringeworthy and reek of entitlement and lack of moral fibre. He may or may not make it but I"ll guarantee he will give it 100% and respect the club and game!

My first live game since Carlton 2018, flew in Friday morning after a 31hr trip from West Africa arriving at 5.30am, (must admit was hoping for a replay of that game), so anyway I’m officially not a jinx. Rewatched the game at 5am this morning as still jet lagged and a few things stood out. Goodwin is not wrong about getting our contested game back, there was a small period in the middle of the first where Carlton had a run on, but apart from that our structure held up well, and some areas of the defense where we had been lacking this year had clearly been addressed. Carlton was forced into kick/mark because our defense was set and was kept well all game. Extraordinary fitness to keep our zone going a whole game, the running efforts of the team are much more apparent live, and it takes a truckload of work, we didn’t win this because Carlton was bad, but because our guys played a perfect Melbourne game. For sure I would have loved better accuracy, but we owned the game. I think Goodwin deserves some praise for selection integrity and game plan. My take aways: That was a massive game from May, really rejoiced to see him play so well. Hard to split him and Trac for BOG. Really good time for he and Lever to find form together. Petracca was tagging/standing Cripps in the 1st, Carlton tried to break this, putting a 2nd on Trac to try and give Cripps space (didn’t work) but while Cripps was Trac’s mark, he remained dedicated to the task, that clearly demonstrated a team first attitude and willingness to set a standard that I think had a positive affect across the group. Trac’s defensive presence in the first stopped Carlton’s early midfield drive into their forward 50, and over all that was a very Melbourne defensive game from him. McVee is a jet and deserves a rising star, clinical in some big moments. Poorest 1st half have seen from Gawn since 2014, loved that he kept fighting and he did exactly what I wanted with his bomb from 50, instead of laying it off. Huge heart to keep trying when clearly he is hampered by something ATM. Best Captain in the league right now. My voice is just recovering. Hunter’s best game this year, very promising for me was his connection to team mates, it’s getting better each week. His value over Gus, is the speed of his decision making, it is elite and he seems to be able to create a sliver more of time for the receiving player than Gus does. That said Gus, is crazy brave and good at getting the ball out and heroic defensive efforts. Best game so far from JVR, didn’t kick a bag of goals but played a nice hybrid role CHF and showed great decision making with his connection to others, loved his game. Have been able to observe growth in his games already, seems willing to learn. Bailey did some great things and laid a couple of good tackles. He is a leopard in the f50, runs into space so well, so he didn’t shoot the lights out, not really worried, was happy with his improved defensive efforts. Gus worked really bloody hard, Likewise Viney, thought he was a bit subdued compared to the last few weeks but then watching replay realized he was playing a role. Smith, initially underwhelmed but then realized how mobile he was and definitely contributed to forward half defensive pressure, and upon reflection would keep him over TMac al least until Petty returns as a forward. Tomlinson fought hard, wasn’t disgraced, played his role on an absolute Gorilla in McKay. I would say 4 goals from Curnow/McKay was par, if not a small win for us. Rivers played his usual gut busting game, was sad he didn’t convert as been hoping he could be more of a defensive forward but didn’t seem likely on the day. Grundy was running hard and definitely connects better with our midfielders than Max ATM. Umpiring was evenly bad they maybe got 4 that were not there, but neither was Spargo’s free in front of goal. Comedy gold was Pickett facing off against Jacob Weitering (have changed my love to Sam Taylor from Jacob) But most exciting for me is Salem’s game, he’s back in a big way, has found his step inside traffic and our second half of the season will be much better with him in the side, really very happy he is back. Spargo has come back well, no lingering concussion effects observable. Got to see Kozzie live, so special I think he will light Collingwood up next week. The Melbourne defensive wall will be back in full force, bring on Collingwood.

Just watched the bit of the last quarter I missed. Noticed the coupla good things Benny did in the last minutes, but particularly noticed his personal and team-directed happiness after the siren. Great club man. Happy to be involved and doing his bit wherever that may be.

No ! I'd quite enjoy kicking the [censored] out of them while they're down.

Just wanted to take a moment and share how special last night’s win was for one particular reason - Charlie. I am involved with the charity Challenge who reached out to Melbourne to help organise this. Charlie met the team earlier in the year in the lead up to Ben Brown’s shave and his whole family are diehard demon fans. Charlie's family has been facing considerable challenges and receiving less-than-ideal news, so Challenge reached out to Melbourne, hoping they could arrange something special for the family. The whole MFC went above and beyond to make it happen for Charlie. They were phenomenal. Charlie also got to attend the training session in the lead up to the game, and it was funny because he said, "I'm really worried." When we asked why, he said, "I'm worried we won't win this Friday!" Well, Charlie, the boys got the four points for you and gave you and your family a memory they can cherish forever. I always want us to win every week. But last night, it felt like a Grand Final, and all I wanted was for them to win it for Charlie. I'm so glad they pulled it off. Sure, we weren't perfect, but that doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that the night was perfect for Charlie. Well done, Melbourne Football Club. Proud supporter.

Oliver to come back via Casey?

Where the Premiers were placed after Rd11 in the last 10 years: 2022 6th 2021 1st 2020 6th 2019 6th 2018 1st 2017 5th 2016 4th 2015 6th 2014 2nd 2013 2nd Only us in 2021 and WCE in 2018 were top of the ladder at Rd 11 and 4 of the premiers were placed 6th.

I tnink the late starts need a discussion. You want kids at the game? Start it at 7.15-7.20. It’s way, way too late.

Pleased for Toby Bedford - he seems to be doing well. A really good guy.

The most important ex Dee at another club is Darren Burgess.

26 disposals, 8 tackles and kicked a goal

Watched the replay in full this morning. Some observations… Our kicking from set shots was the only thing that kept the game even remotely close. We dominated the game everywhere but on the scoreboard. Van Rooyen is going to be an absolute gun. He looks really confident at this level now. Tracc was a class above. Sparrow played his best game for us for 18 months. McVee is all class. Tomlinson didn’t get killed by McKay, they sacrificed their entire forward structure to isolate him and exploit that option. If you think that Curnow and McKay kicked 3 between them you’d take that everyday. I was at the G Friday night, but the commentary on TV did everything they could to make it seem like Carlton were in the game even when we had full control. We just didn’t finish off the work in front of goal. There’s a bloke coming in next week who might be the best player we’ve had for 40 years. Aside from that the sky is falling, obviously.

I’m as harsh on Fritsch as anyone but he got the ball completely blind to Chandler’s location swinging on to his left with pressure closing. Absolutely no issue with him kicking that one. Fritsch has been far less selfish the last 2 weeks too. Every situation is different and that was one to kick the goal.

They are hurt by pressure that turns the ball over in a fast break, while they are running forward. It requires total buy in and selfless play, where a simple action, might lead to a goal scoring opportunity. Cant give them time to use the ball effectively, especially the Daicos’s and Pendles.

And what would it achieve if there was a pile on in the media? Country football is struggling to get umpires, abusive behaviour being the reason. Media pile on will just hinder the effort to get more involved. You very well know that it’s an impossible game to umpire. Neutral observers will debate decisions having had the benefit of multiple replays. The umps have to make a decision in a split second. I stopped sitting with some mates because the majority of their focus was umpire related. They hate victim hood but at the footy any game we lose by less than 20 points is always because of the umps. We’ve got a great game but one of the characterises is that the rules require interpretation and are very had to apply. And our game is so much better when it is the focus and not the umps. The umps don’t make mistakes on purpose just as players don’t. If we supported them rather than vilified them we might attract a greater pool from which to choose from and that might result in a greater depth of umpires and a better result for all concerned. So I’d suggest we give the umpire bashing a rest for the good of the game.

James Jordan had played 9 games up to round 11, 2023. Some of those were as Sub, with limited game time. In games where he played 66% or higher his stats look like this... Round Disp. Marks Goals Tkl. C. Poss % 3 21 8 1 3 6 80 6 17 4 1 2 3 66 7 22 4 0 1 7 83 8 17 2 1 3 5 67

POINT WELL MADE by KC from Casey The Casey Demons had a number of points to make to themselves, their opponents and the VFL football world when they traveled up to the Gold Coast to take on the Southport Sharks in the 2022 Grand Final rematch at Fankhauser Reserve. After living the glory of an almost perfect premiership, the Demons stumbled after winning the opening four games of the season and have struggled in their recent northern state sojourns - their only loss in 2022 came at the hands of the Lions in Brisbane and they were given a touch up by Gold Coast in Round 7. Last week, a team of 14 Melbourne listed players folded like a rickety card table in the final term of their match at Werribee. Suddenly, they were in fifth place with a few competitors breathing down their necks. Add some injuries and a suspension and Casey’s season was on the line. As it was a week earlier against Werribee, the Demons were pitted against a committed team with some experienced mature bodies, desperate for a victory to keep them finals contention. This time however, the Demons maintained their composure for most of the game and they were able to do so through the agency of their mix of AFL and VFL listers. Of the former, two in particular stood out. Josh Schache started proceedings for the visitors with the opening goal of the game in its opening minutes. He kicked his second before half time and then booted his team’s only two goals in the last including the final score late in the match that put Casey in front by a solitary point. Apart from his accuracy when up forward, Schache fought valiantly in the ruck against Southport’s man mountain, Brayden Crossley who was called in to the task after the injury to Jake Bell. Crossley was dominant in the ruck duels but Schache's contribution around the ground as well as up forward which included 15 possessions, seven marks, four tackles, and five hitouts on top of the four straight goals was crucial. James Jordon has spent much of 2023 on the cusp at Melbourne with a number of appearances as a substitute. He was back in the midfield at Casey this week but his prolific 30 disposal display was sublime, on top of which his five clearances, and four tackles and a goal were timely given Clayton Oliver’s injury and James Harmes’ suspension ahead of the Kings Birthday blockbuster. This spectacular goal has all of the hallmarks of goal of the year. lG3uw9GsrjbXvxyO 2.mp4 Casey was well led by Mitch White and the experienced Matt Buntine and fueled by outstanding performances from Roan Steele (23 touches, 10 marks) and George Grey (3 goals, 16 disposals, 5 marks and 6 tackles). Two of Grey’s goals came late in the third term after the Sharks had wrested the lead for the first time in almost an hour of play, a contribution that gave the visitors an 8 point lead at the final break. A few young Demons who are pushing hard for AFL promotion in Blake Howes (23 touches, 8 marks), Taj Woewodin (23 disposals, six tackles and three clearances) and Bailey Laurie (22 touches, six tackles) were all busy. Deakyn Smith played a strong game as the small defender while Daniel Turner, Andy Moniz-Wakefield and Ollie Sestan all had their moments. Together, they put together a fine team effort and made their points well in the Queensland sun. With the upcoming Kings Birthday weekend, the Demons return to their home fortress for a match up against Collingwood VFL next Sunday. CASEY DEMONS 1.2.8 6.6.42 9.9.63 11.10.76 SOUTHPORT SHARKS 3.0.18 4.5.29 8.7.55 11.9.75 GOALS CASEY DEMONS Schache 4 Grey 3 Brown 2 Jordon Sestan SOUTHPORT SHARKS Crossley Foggo Lockett Lockhart 2 Fields Heron Thurlow BEST CASEY DEMONS Jordon Grey Schache Laurie Steele Howes SOUTHPORT SHARKS Woodcock Crossley Joyce Dawson Thurlow Spencer Statistics Jed Adams 3 kicks 2 handballs 5 disposals 1 mark 13 dream team points Riley Baldi 4 kicks 4 handballs 8 disposals 3 marks 2 tackles 38 dream team points Jack Bell 2 handballs 2 disposals 1 tackle 6 hit outs 14 dream team points [injured] Ben Brown 2 goals 1 behind 8 kicks 2 handballs 10 disposals 4 marks 1 tackle 56 dream team points Matt Buntine 7 kicks 9 handballs 16 disposals 1 mark 2 tackles 47 dream team points Tom Freeman 12 kicks 2 handballs 14 disposals 4 marks 50 dream team points Rhys Galvin 2 kicks 2 handballs 4 disposals 1 mark 1 tackle 17 dream team points George Grey 3 goals 1 behind 11 kicks 5 handballs 16 disposals 5 marks 6 tackles 102 dream team points Blake Howes 14 kicks 9 handballs 23 disposals 8 marks 81 dream team points Matt Jefferson 1 behind 4 kicks 2 handballs 6 disposals 3 marks 1 tackle 27 dream team points James Jordon 1 goal 15 kicks 15 handballs 30 disposals 3 marks 4 tackles 104 dream team points Bailey Laurie 1 behind 16 kicks 6 handballs 22 disposals 3 marks 6 tackles 97 dream team points Andy Moniz-Wakefield 1 behind 8 kicks 5 handballs 13 disposals 4 marks 4 tackles 63 dream team points Harvey Neocleous 10 kicks 4 handballs 14 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 58 dream team points Josh Schache 4 goals 8 kicks 5 handballs 13 disposals 7 marks 4 tackles 105 dream team points Oliver Sestan 1 goal 1 behind 7 kicks 1 handball 8 disposals 1 mark 4 tackles 51 dream team points Miles Shepherd 6 kicks 2 handballs 8 disposals 4 marks 2 tackles 40 dream team points Deaykin Smith 14 kicks 4 handballs 18 disposals 5 marks 2 tackles 76 dream team points Roan Steele 16 kicks 7 handballs 23 disposals 10 marks 1 tackle 93 dream team points Daniel Turner 11 kicks 4 handballs 15 disposals 5 marks 56 dream team points Ryan Valentine 1 behind 2 kicks 5 handballs 7 disposals 1 mark 1 hit out 18 dream team points Mitch White 1 behind 11 kicks 8 handballs 19 disposals 2 marks 6 tackles 75 dream team points Taj Woewodin 1 behind 10 kicks 13 handballs 23 disposals 2 marks 6 tackles 76 dream team points

He who stays fittest wins. A fit Melbourne wins the 2022 flag. A fit Melbourne could win the 2023 flag.

Collingwood got beaten in 2 of their 3 finals last year playing this exact game plan. Melbourne lost both finals and we justifiably have a question mark on us. Port Adelaide’s most important players haven’t played finals, and they looked horrible on the G a couple of months back. Brisbane away from Brisbane are always 50/50. Geelong can’t afford to make a single mistake from here, and you have to question their desire given their aging list got their flag. This is a very open season. It will come down to who does the hard work week in and week out, and who can keep their best players on the park and playing well in September. My money is on Melbourne. Our defensive game plan holds up, our best players are equal or better than any other teams, and, most importantly, I really, really want to see us win a flag in person.

You can’t talk Premiership without talking about Melbourne

Jordan De Goey is facing a 3+ match ban, after being sent straight to the tribunal for his bump on Elijah Hewett.

I've fancied the pies all year but i have this weird sensation that i think well beat them. Reckon there'll be some fired up lads from last year.

We were essentially playing 1v1 20m from stationary situations, and a zone behind that and then 1v1s. That's how you beat Collingwood. You take territory like we did against Carlton and do against most sides, and their only response is to try and slingshot out of there. We're very good at slowing sides down and making them go wide or short. Once they do that, if we play 1v1 20m from the stationary ball user, there's no way their short chipping and handball receive game gets very far. With the best contested player in the comp to come back into our midfield (Collingwood don't have a player in the top 10, we have 2), the evolution of our system is set up to beat Collingwood. If we bring close to our A game, I expect us to win comfortably.

Jordans goal was special.

For me the best sign in this game was that we were trying to return to the system that was evident early in the season. Strong defence with a willingness to play on and cop the risks while up forward trying to find targets on short. Had a few usually reliable goal kickers - Fritsch and Chandler - been on target we'd have had scoreboard control throughout. As it was we had control of the contest and while the margin never appeared secure, we never looked like losing. Having said that had Mackay taken a conventional kick in the last quarter and run the margin down to five points it would have been a challenge. As it was, we always found something to hold them at bay. We have several new and newish players this year in McVee, JVR and Chandler who are having a positive impact. Another positive out of the game was how cool and steady we looked in defence with Salem providing the exits and rebound. This was a step forward.

Wins a win. Realistically if we’d kicked straight against Freo or Fritta had kicked his usual around the corner goal against Port we’d be in a great position. As it stands we’re a game plus percentage inside the four with a real chance to test ourselves next week. We haven’t hit our best form at all this season yet, but we’ve also not had our best team on the park yet. Oliver, Hibberd are MASSIVE ins, if we get Petty back then that’s our best 22 (minus Bowey). I liked the look of the JVR, Smith, Fritsch, Resting Ruck forwardline. Especially as it lets Petty come into the backline for Tomlinson when he’s fit. Let’s give it a few weeks. Salem is getting back to his best, McVee is a gun, Lever was back to his best, Maysie looking better. Gus playing better. Hunter and Ed looked good. Gawny finally found form in the last and Trac and Viney are huge. I get the frustration, that should’ve been a ten goal win, Fritsch, Chandler, Gawn and Rivers missing multiple easy shots killed us. But we won and when we finally click it’s going to be scary. Bring on the pies.

That's the thing. Some people think the last three minutes of the third quarter of GF was how played for the entirety of 2021. Recall the loss to GWS. Their midfielders waltzed out of centre bounces and our forward line was anaemic (picture high kicks to Spargo matched against two tall defenders...). Re-read the postgame thread; midfield rubbish, Fritsch to be dropped, Goodwin to be sacked. Form fluctuates. Sustained success is hard. Premierships are a possibility not a certainty.

When you become a good club, you lose lots of fringe players.. when you are a poor club, you lose lots of key players.. glad we are not in the latter anymore.

Agreed. I'm fine with the occasional hanger. As long as he stays in the contest afterwards/brings the ball to ground.

Showed really great leadership the other night, did our Trac. Was often pointing (not in a Brent Moloney sort of way though) and telling others when to slow the game down. Loved his game.

Kozzie is an instinctive player. If he sees the opportunity for a grab - he'll always go for it. This is why he's so exciting to watch. Don't think just do!

Smith was playing a decoy role. All he needs to do is keep Moore away from the contest as much as possible to stop him from intercepting the ball. Being that he spent many seasons in defense, I would hope he could do that to some degree. While he didn’t impact the scoreboard, Weitering also didn’t have a dominant game so it was a win.

There’s a lot of validity in what you say. I get really frustrated with the umpiring at AFL level, and while I don’t swear or use threatening or abusing language I get get loud and upset. I tell myself before every game not do it - but I’m too emotionally invested. So much so, that one of my kids either just laughs at me or tells me to shut up (particularly if I’m yelling at the TV) I have 4 kids who play at various levels - Country footy, underage NAB AFLW, and now AFLW. I have seen a lot of umpiring. at country level, it usually a couple of older ex-players who don’t move much but are clear with their decisions, explain them, and I have never seen too much angst on the ground. Generally there is often some disagreement, even sometimes some banter, but they just pay the obvious, and get on with it, and they seem respected by the players. The bigger issue is drunks in the crowd, and the odd nutcase who wants to hit people (usually in the seconds), but quite often it’s the rest of the players and officials at the clubs that deal with these clowns. at NAB underage league you can already see that the umpires are now in the “system”. It’s nearly like they are trying to get noticed (lots of look at me decisions and moments), and nearly like they get positive reinforcement for making game defining decisions at the end of close games. It happened so often, and in womens underage, it was a 50 metre penalty, or a holding the ball that had happened 20 times during the rest of the game but was never called until it was result changing. I would really like to know the KPIs of the AFL umpiring department- and whether too much money is spent in head office where officials have to create a reason for their existence, and how this translates into what we see on the ground at AFL. I also think 4 umpires creates more confusion and variation in decision making, particularly as the umpires further away from the action seem to want to interject all the time.

Having watched yesterdays pies game I am confident we can beat them next week. We have the personal but we have to kick better than Friday night. If our delivery and kicking for goal does not improve we lose. It is that simple IMO.

Fritta using his desired left foot is much better than lugging a 30m handball to chandler in the square

Was a Clarryesque game for mine. Never seen Tracc will himself to so many contests. Just stuck his head down and gave the impression that he wasn't gonna leave the park without a W on the board this week. He even took a very rare contested mark and from that hit Chandler lace out at true CHF. Nearly fell off my chair. Hope he brings that white-line-fever to most of the remaining games.

Probably should be talking about Petracca's game more. 32 possessions, 6 marks, 4 tackles, 7 clearances, 15 ground ball gets (next highest for either side was Walsh with 8), 9 score involvements but also 27 pressure acts, 11 of which were in the defensive half, all from 83% game time. Did it on offence and defence. Truly superb.

Were you happy 10 and zip last year? I bet you weren't. I bet you had a good old whinge. Our first 10 games last year were far superior to Collingwood's first 10 this year.

I'll go further and say his attempts have become embarrassing and are hurting the team. Aren't small forwards supposed to stay down and grab the crumbs when the ball spills free? He should be dragged the next time he goes for a speccy and drops it (which he will).

Well it was a good night at the G not to cold, pies were hot and fries crispy we arrived a bit earlier than usual. 7.50 start just to late, almost 50,000 was a tad disappointing given the way the media were pumping the Blues up. The lady next to me thought our players looked like they were on Valium early but we perked up and with Tomlinson in to take the heat our whole backline lifted and held sway all night. Tracc was imposing has quick hands and high footy IQ superb all round game, how good to have a fit Salo back. 59 inside 50’s to 39 seemed about right if we can get the forward 50 connection right and accuracy back to where it needs to be could have been a percentage booster. Judd and Roo are both very smart footballers they constantly surprise me. Mind you some of our early kicking killed our momentum and from some of our more experienced players. Never felt threatened all night but how good would it be to have Big Harry running around in our forward line, have to get Benny fully fit for our run at the finals, shoulda won by more but really enjoyed singing the song again. Pleasant trip home and watched the replay. Good night.!!

How about each of us visit Wheelo’s website, and regularly. He deserves some recognition (clicks) for what he has provided us to date.

Collingwood seem to want to choose when they "go" or not. If they play that kind of arrogant game plan, we will easily beat them. Especially without De Goey effecting the midfield battle. I expect them to be "going", and we have to be "going" with them. If they get a good lead we will be done. This year we are better at playing for the 4 quarters. We've lost the capacity to put several goals on in short periods regularly (can't rely on a good burst) . If we sustain our pressure, effort and complete the fundamentals well for the 4 quarters, then we go a long way to beating them. My question is, can the Woods play a hard fought 4 quarter game, as I think we can? Go Dees

But the accuracy is also related to speed of ball movement and one, preparedness to take risks and two, execute. Faster ball movement creates free options inside 50 in good spots and more out the back, running into open goal type goals. And executing riskier kicks means more use of the corridor and therefore better looks at goal. This is one of the reasons that it frustrates me the media doesn't factor in fitness levels and fatigue - except in rhe most superficial way - into their analysis. I mean it is fundamental. And is the key factor in so many games, both in terms of the outcome but also the quality of the game in terms of skill execution. They use phrased like x team is just not on today instead. I have made reaaly good money this year, and the previous two seasons, at this time of year, factoring fatigue and the resulting drop off into my footy betting. For example last night I absolutely slammed the suns because one, their game plan is so contest to contest based it is less impacted by fatigue (because it isnt as reliant as say the pies on hitting targets on transition- they smash it forward and hope to win the next contest). And two, because they were super smart and went up to darwin a week before the dogs game and stayed up there to acclimatise. Crows started well, but could not handle the humidity and blew up

@Demon Dynasty @binman A large factor in the drop off in our goals / inside 50 is our accuracy. Shots / inside 50 has been quite consistent between rounds 5 and 12 but our accuracy has really dropped off. Round Inside 50s Shots Shots / Inside 50 Goals Goals / Inside 50 Accuracy 1 60 30 50.0 17 28.3 56.7 2 54 21 38.9 13 24.1 61.9 3 60 33 55.0 21 35.0 63.6 4 58 33 56.9 19 32.8 57.6 5 55 24 43.6 11 20.0 45.8 6 53 25 47.2 15 28.3 60.0 7 64 30 46.9 22 34.4 73.3 8 61 26 42.6 13 21.3 50.0 9 66 29 43.9 15 22.7 51.7 10 48 23 47.9 11 22.9 47.8 11 58 26 44.8 10 17.2 38.5 12 59 28 47.5 8 13.6 28.6

What I liked most about JVR's game was the diverse range of attributes on display. Of course we know he can mark but I didn't realise how sharp we was with ball handling in congestion and running at speed. I knew we was fast but I'm so impressed with his endurance for a young KP player. Also great composure and decision-making that is beyond his years. I know I'm going over the top but he reminds me of Wayne Carey - except he also seems a great character. Going to be very difficult for the league's best defenders to contain him in a few years. Looks like a future captain. Alright, I'll stop now.

I don't think Petty will be available.

In a sense, Tomlinson and Smith were our weakest players. Yet, by playing their role, both our defensive and forward structure looked much improved. Tomlinson's releasing of Lever to play interceptor - thus improving our defensive unit - has been well commented on. Less cited, has been Smith's contribution to the long-awaited return of 2021-style high intensity pressure inside our F50. To better assess individual performance, we need to move beyond analysing individual stats to comparing unit / team performance when the Individual is present/absent. Smith will kick less goals than Brown but the team may well kick more goals with Smith. Now the experiment has been commenced, give it a decent evaluation. Tomlinson and Smith to both stay in. Both playing to keep their spot from Petty.

Melbourne v Carlton https://www.wheeloratings.com/afl_match_stats.html?ID=20231201 Note: first number below is Melbourne, higher value is bold. Pressure Q1: 179 - 195 Q2: 172 - 161 Q3: 179 - 166 Q4: 148 - 153 Tot: 170 - 170 Most Pressure Points (Weighed sum of pressure acts. Physical pressure acts are worth 3.75 points, closing acts are worth 2.25 points, chasing acts are 1.5 points and corralling are 1.2. https://www.championdata.com/glossary/afl/) Petracca: 53 Neal-Bullen: 52 Viney: 46 Sparrow: 45 Chandler: 33 Pickett: 33 Brayshaw: 28 Hunter: 26 Time in forward half 58% - 42% Here are my calculations (not official) for time in forward half for each quarter: Q1: 52% - 48% Q2: 56% - 44% Q3: 65% - 35% Q4: 57% - 43% Score sources Centre bounce 0.2.2 - 2.1.13 Ball up 2.3.15 - 2.1.13 Throw in 2.0.12 - 0.1.1 Turnover 4.7.31 - 2.5.17 Kick-in 0.1.1 - 0.0.0 Shots at goal Set position 5.10.40 - 6.5.41 General play 3.3.21 - 0.1.1 Expected Scores 81 - 45 Centre Bounce Attendances @old55 CBAs CBA % 2023 % 2022 % Jack Viney 15 83 66.6 74.6 Tom Sparrow 15 83 46.8 32.2 Christian Petracca 10 56 63.5 74.6 Brodie Grundy 9 50 59.3 83.7 Max Gawn 9 50 44.8 65.5 Angus Brayshaw 7 39 10.2 16.0 James Harmes 6 33 28.7 14.6 Trent Rivers 1 6 4.2 0.0 Kysaiah Pickett 0 0 15.0 1.3 Jacob van Rooyen 0 0 6.2 Alex Neal-Bullen 0 0 4.2 3.5 Clayton Oliver 82.8 86.5 James Jordon 20.3 0.2 Tom McDonald 5.4 0.0 Harrison Petty 1.3 0.0 Ruck Contests Ruck Contests RC % 2023 % 2022 % Max Gawn 38 48 42.7 57.8 Brodie Grundy 34 43 51.6 77.4 Jacob van Rooyen 7 9 9.3 Christian Petracca 0 0 0.1 0.1 Tom McDonald 8.9 7.0 Josh Schache 6.7 13.4 Ben Brown 3.8 3.6 Harrison Petty 3.1 0.0 https://www.wheeloratings.com/afl_stats.html

Another great performance by Kynan yesterday against Northern Knights. Kynan had another 30 disposals and 4 tackles for the day being one of their best players on the ground.