Lil_red_fire_engine

Can someone confirm this game is 22 players and interchange limits (I thought the last game prior to season start always is). If so we cut 2 and they cut a whole lot more.

I am more concerned about VDB, maybe his body is just not made for AFL with constant ankle and now potential foot issues. We are certainly looking at lacking some small forward spark for round 1.

Who are you playing ahead of Weideman? If Pederson I would not call him a high risk player would you? I would play him again this week which I suspect gets him a gig for round 1. I am not worried about his contested marks (Gawn the only player that took multiples yesterday. Gawn and Hogan the only with multiples against the dogs) more so that he creates space and options when we go forward (which he does very well). I cant see how anyone can comment on Watts without knowing the exact reason and what led up to it. In saying that I would be very surprised if he does not play next JLT to see if he has addressed whatever is required for round 1. Garlett plays if he gets a lead in game for Casey but I cant see him playing without.

I don't understand anyone thinking taking our number 1 weapon out of the equation for 50-60% game time in the hope he may kick a couple of goals is a good idea. Spencer did ok in the ruck yesterday but gave little around the ground and cant play forward. If Spencer could hold his own forward 60-70% and give Gawn a chop out would be the only way this would make any sense.

I view him as similar to Oscar last year. Is doing enough and getting better and makes us look better structure wise. Is not ripping games apart but also is not getting beaten and most importantly creates space for Hogan and stops him being double teamed.

I fully agree. He is perfect for the Membrey, Stringer/Crameri, Darling type match ups that we really struggle with.

I think they said his hamstring is 3-4 weeks. I wouldn't put him straight into round 1.

Assuming Tyson, Jetta, Watts and Kent play next week. Hoping Smith plays on Darling next game as a good performance will secure him a spot for those undersize key forwards we struggle with. Jetta is a great servant and lock down defender but lacks the flexibility of who he can play on and the attacking flair of the 2017 game style and I suspect will not be best 22 in Goody's eyes. Backs: Hibberd, T Mac, Vince H Backs: Hunt, O, Mac, Smith Centre: Lewis, Tyson, Jones H Fwd: AVB, Hogan, Petracca, Fwd: Kent, Weideman, Watts Rucks: Gawn, Salem, Viney INT: Oliver, Brayshaw, Melksham, Stretch Emerg: Spencer, ANB, Jetta

The way I heard Goodwin's post game presser Jetta was available, Kent and Tyson will be available for next JLT. Melksham was a bit scratchy first half but I would have put him in our best 5 second half.

I think you will find the bench goes back to normal length next game.

Our swarming pressure on the player with the ball and quick hands to someone in space out of a contest were the general highlights. Petracca played the game at a different level to all others today and showed he has gone up a level or 2 at least. Melksham rusty first half but very good second half. Our general transition out of deep defence is our biggest issue. Spencer proved he will be serviceable if needed to stand up during the year but I think we can put the two ruckman experiment away for round 1.

I have waited for the day that Melbourne players would get the ball, know exactly what they are meant to do next and be able to execute quickly and cleanly. We just look very even with everyone knowing what to do. Our ball movement out of deep 50 needs work (please move Vince up the ground) but otherwise looking good.

OK by a fringe player fortunately should not be enough to get you a game anymore.

Anyone wonder whether the Pederson situation is the same as Watts?

Trengove should be given a game ahead of Harmes or ANB based on last weeks performance.

How can anyone say this without knowing what he has not shown or done?

I doubt it and truthfully I really hope we don't mess with the strategy of how we use our most powerful advantage. All Jake did for me yesterday is prove that if we need to give Max a rest this year or if we come across a team that plays two legitimate ruck options then I would have confidence in him stepping up and playing his role. If we were to want to trial them in tandem I would want to see Spencer played as the second tall forward this week and the following as he will need to prove he can add value there whilst Gawn takes majority of the primary ruck role and he give him a 30% chop out.

Smith is a perfect match up for those undersized key forwards we struggle with ie: Crameri/Stringer, Membrey etc.... I knew he was fast and had a leap but his strength and aggression at the man yesterday were the best surprise for me.

Adjusting this based on yesterday's JLT and assumption all are fit bar Kent (my guess) for round 1 at Etihad. B: Jetta O-Mac J Smith HB: Hunt T-Mac Hibberd C: Lewis Tyson Jones HF: Petracca Hogan Vince F: Garlett Watts Pederson Ru: Gawn Salem Viney Int: Oliver Brayshaw Stretch Melksham Emerg from: Vanders Bugg Weid

I think the other item which has been understated is that our biggest weapon in Gawn dominated yet only played 58% game time. It was very rare he and Spencer were both on the ground at the same time. That for me says this is about getting minutes into Jake and building the load on Max rather than potentially playing the two in tandem.

He certainly creates varied views. I don't dislike him but today, aside from one clean handball his ball handling and execution were poor and on multiple occasions broke down scoring chain opportunities. I don't think he will make round 1.

Looks like we have a round 1 bolter in J Smith. Salem, Clarry and Bray appear to have gone up a gear. Hogan looks like he may have gone up a few gears. We were good around the contest but we did get too many drawn in a bit too much. Also our ability to kick the ball out of the backline is still a concern. Vince down there gets it a lot but is a liability and he will cost us games if he plays there all year.

Joel Smith = Round 1 lock to play on Membrey. Salem move to midfield will make a massive difference. Too many of our players are getting sucked inside the contest leaving free dogs on the outer contest for the handball flicked out.

I look at it more as last years 7th vs 11th.

Pumped for footy to be back today. Amongst a long list of things I am most looking forward to seeing the differences in our tall structures both forward and back, the impact the kicking of Salem and Lewis will make to our midfield ball movement and how much improvement is noticeable in Bray, Clarry and Trac. Result nice but not important, more so the way we go about it and hope for an injury free day.