Lil_red_fire_engine

It was a frustrating loss but kick reasonably straight and you win even with the low work rate and pressure. I know it makes people feel better but you don’t make mass changes after one poor loss to the group that has won you 5 of the last 7. I don’t rate Lever but he wont get ommitted, they will give him time to hit form and TMac does not have an obvious match up against the Pies. Out AJ, Laurie, Sharp* In: JVR, Viney, Sestan* *I love a big game debut and I don’t think the Windsor back experiment is working. Windsor or Fritsch to sub.

Jake Lever has been an excellent pick up for us and integral to our 2021 premiership and 2022/2023 making finals. However the game has changed significantly and away from his strengths. Unfortunately he struggles to actually play on a key tall and panics against all sizes when the ball comes in with any decent speed on it. I am conscious he has struggled to gain max form due to lack of continuity but that is another problem in itself. He is a fantastic clubmen but pointing at where to be in a defensive structure and giving your all in the air only gets you so far. His extension to 2028 likely made sense when completed mid 2022 but will offer challenges moving forward.

Our work rate had been extremely poor. We reduced the score that quarter because StKIlda are mediocre aside from effort. 2 players in a half of football with more than 10 touches. We have been winning games on work rate and selfless play but they seem to have not taken either onto the plane to Alice.

Gee didn't see that half [censored] effort, Hollywood football, no respect for the opponent start coming. SO Melbourne. Come on Dees pull your finger out.

It’s because it’s the FTA broadcast VFL game. These are only played at a couple of venues due to camera requirements.

Agree. Just get it done. There is enough of a pattern now to how we are trying to play and winning games. I expect Ross will bring a plan to stop us playing the way we want. It will come down to do we have the maturity and intelligence to handle it. Anyone with half an eye and thought already on Kings Birthday will risk our downfall.

I thought he was very good today in his work rate, clean hands and quality kicking. I am still unsure how he fits at AFL intensity but if he keeps presenting and making most of chances like he did today he could well develop an AFL career.

Melbourne favourites against a Ross Lyon coached team out of form. What could possibly go wrong….. If we have half an eye on KB rather than our full force and focus on the Saints this will be a loss. Come on Dees don’t let me down. If Viney not ready to roll I would consider Sestan as sub being he could cover back and also pinch forward subject to who subbed out. However if not I suspect they will go with Henderson who whilst not banging the door down is likely next man up in the required Spargo role.

6 Pickett 5 Oliver 4 Trac 3 Gawn 2 Langdon 1 Turner

It’s hard to get any read on any player in this game due to the lack of quality opposition. Other than the fact that we need to find a way to blood Sestan soon.

Round 9 Melbourne v Hawthorn Coaches votes 10 James Worpel 8 kicks 20 handballs 10 tackles 6 clearances 7 score involvements 71% disposal efficiency with 50:50 contest/uncontested possession split. 26 years old puts him right in the spot we lack in our age profile. As a free agent it is a no brainer that we are interested.

6 Melksham 5 Oliver 4 Pickett 3 Gawn 2 Rivers 1 Bowey

Great game built on endeavour, structure and persistence. We lack polish and did our best to fumble our way out of it but we were clearly the deserving winner. Olivers best balanced game of the season offensively and defensively. Gawn and Melksham massive. And how good is that other kid we drafted X, so smooth and goes when it’s his turn. They’re the type of wins that create belief and turn seasons.

The problem is the turn over up the ground and lack of pressure back toward them.

Forward structure and clearance work looking good but too many lazy turnovers, broken tackles and lack of defensive run to pressure them back through the middle.