watchtheeyes

Kent: 2 tackles in 2 games, plus inaccurate in front of goal. I was surprised when I saw him omitted, but on that basis I get it.

Hogan and Lewis would've been so bloody handy these last two weeks! I hope they realise that. Hogan is just so critical, one for the obvious reason of a target up forward, but also for those bailout kicks up the line. Some onfield leadership (Lewis) could've been the difference both weeks. I consider both those blokes highly culpable for our losses. Pretty keen to see Hibberd in the side. Eager to hear how he goes on Monday!

At some point the ball will start sticking for Weideman, and we're gonna have a player when that happens. Yesterday though I found he was pretty unclean, and it hurt on occasion.

Want to see 10 tackles from ANB, don't care if he gets 5 touches.. He does that, and he's done his job as far as I'm concerned.

Really really (really) hoping I don't see Spencer there instead of Watts... Really.

A big, but pleasant surprise could be trenners....?

Ben Guthrie‏Verified account @BenGuthrie_ Follow More Dees rookie Joel Smith a strong chance to debut against the Saints. Jack Watts did extra ruckwork at end of training. Expect him to play.

My opinion is that more applies to their positioning around the ground, in the case of last night the ball was dropped on his head inside forward 50 for which there is little nous involved. His direction would've been, "Spence, when you're not rucking get forward and stand inside the 50". Aint rocket science. I guess my point more is that if anyone else was in that position, then they also would've kicked the goal, he didn't create the opportunity. So why must it be him standing there if he detracts in so many other areas..? There aren't many occasions over the years when I've seen him kick a goal as a result of a great contested mark, or piece of skill (aside from that grab in Geelong falling backwards).

Don't like the wrap that Spencer is getting, hoping the coaches look at it more holistically. Yes he kicked 3 goals, but it was often just being in the right place at the right time. He didn't cover the ground particularly well, and didn't dominate the hit outs. Plus he doesn't offer much in open play with the ball in hand. Having him and Gawn leaves us waaaaayy too tall in our forward half. If we're concerned about a lack of forward pressure... well a primary reason is right there. He's clearly put a lot of effort in, and is a capable back up (who would get a gig at plenty of other clubs), but he detracts from what we're trying to do.

You fix the later by changing players. I love Harmes, I really want him to do well, but his decision making leaves a lot to be desired. Vince is becoming a serial culprit as well. ANB has all the enthusiasm in the world, but you can put him in this bucket as well. I generally rate Garlett's decision making, so him coming back in should help when delivering inside 50. Hibberd in the back half for sure.

Everyones being a bit too bearish about the Saints game for my liking. I don't disagree that we get opened up and the Saints have been major perpetrators of that, but so much of it comes down to ball use. The Eagles cut us open whenever we missed a target as all of our players are streaming forward leaving the saints forwards behind us. When we kick it down their throats we're all caught on the wrong side of the player. Our ball use was pretty good the first two games, so I'm choosing to remain positive. Clean up our ball use, prevent the turnover goals. Simples. Oliver, what an absolute jet. The way he rides contact is beautiful, and he just moves so well. Brownlow conversation in years to come. Also thought Melksham's game was a real positive!

While I certainly rely on other dlanders to inform me of training behaviour given I live in Sydney, it was only a part of my assessment. I've been trying to make sense of it myself, and reading between the lines, posited the above theory. By no means is it more right or wrong than any other theory, it's just that.. a theory.

Just because I've somehow managed to avoid contributing to this topic despite 28 pages of banter, I thought I might give my 2 cents. There's been a lot of conflicting stuff on this subject. There have been plenty of comments made by track watchers, not just Saty, about how good Watts has looked on the track, but then the club took the action it did. It didn't gel. The article just put up on melbournefc.com.au quoting Jonesy prompted my new thought. At the end of last year, the club recognised his contribution and challenged him to go to a new level, hoping he could take a step up in to the elite category. At the start of pre-season Watts came back with the same level of intensity as he exhibited in pre-2016, this would be supported by his own words on camp... but to the club, this wasn't enough. The level that Watts returned at was great, or very good.. but the benchmark set was elite. It was his benchmark, entirely his to own. For another player, if they had returned in the same way as Watts, it might've been fine.. They might've even played in one of the JLT games. But for Jack, in 2017, the level required was at the very top. Only set for the elite. If this theory is to be believed, and given he is now supposedly at the level... then it is cause to be very excited about what he can produce in 2017.

Definitely one of the oddest training threads in a while.. and that's saying something. For what its worth, I think you're flamin' barmy if you choose to not wear a mouthguard!

Gee VDB gets a bad rap round these parts. I re-watched the Carlton game the other day and he did some very handy things.

I continue to be blown away with so called supporters eagerness to jump on Jack's back... What a ridiculous beat up.

Will be interested to see Trengove get a run there over the next week or so. Strong overhead, elite endurance so he can get right up the ground and back, apparently training the house down. I actually thought JKH was ok on Saturday. Thought he did everything right, was fairly clean. I'm also fairly certain he isn't as slow as some suggest, we just haven't seen it yet. I love Harmes, particularly for his attack on the footy. But I'd say he's midfield depth at the moment.

Thanks for the updates guys! Any chance you can provide a half time update on who looks good/using it well/getting a bit of it etc etc? Thanks from Sydney!

Perfect opportunity for JKH to make a statement. Nowhere near as explosive as Kent going on exposed form, but if he's going to find himself in the team, it has to be in this role.

Yep, my thoughts as well. I was in a jovial mood.. certainly no intended slight on you BBP.

I think that comment was a BinTang in cheek..

There's no way in hell they'll trade out Neale.

There are ways around the draft pick issue, as Gold Coast can use a range of later picks for academy players (do they have any?). Anyway, its all academic. A career of misery it'll be...

I just don't get this, they must be throwing some seerrrrious cash at him. I mean, it's Richmond... Richmond. Garbage list, coach will be gone in 8 months, upheaval at board and management level. He was closer to a flag on the Gold Coast. Isn't his family really close to the MFC as well? Just don't get the appeal.