Stinger

Played a great game. Part of the chain to set up our first goal, and his ripper from the boundary line and celebration was what got us going in the second. Tackles big and works hard both ways. I think he's always had good footy IQ but either his execution has let him down in years gone by. Looks a different player this season.

I see Lockhart taking over the lockdown small defender role from Nev and Hibberd. He looked really composed last year.

I noted that also in the press conference - was really interested to hear the Max makes the call on field.

Think he can become our Jack Gunston (big call I know).

God I hate Selwood.

****kkk may no!!

I’m sure it’s not the popular opinion but Toby Greene is probably my fav non-dees player. Has been for a while. He’s an absolute jet and footy needs characters.

IMO he is the best decision maker in the team, he might not be the best kick but he is up there but his decision making is what makes his skills look even better than they are.

Great thread, and as I think it through we clearly don't have one. People have misinterpreted the question and are talking about our best players. Not what the OP is getting at. None of Gawn/Vines/Trac/Clarry appear to have the footy IQ required to be the midfield leader. Maybe I'm being harsh but they just don't appear to. Not questioning talent of effort. I think Gus could be that leader if he spent more time at centre bounces and less on the wing. He has the smarts.

I actually thought he was a bit selfish at times when there was another handball in the chain before an entry inside 50.

Viney was probably our biggest midfield warrior in the weekend trying to turn the tide - he can test forward but he is our heart and sole motivation swinging mid who never lets the score line alter his approach. You never worry about the mental fortitude of Viney, whereas gus and clarry - imo - when they chips are down, can drop their bundle.

I reckon Sparrow is being played because we need fresh legs in such short breaks - this season isn't a standard one. He is best 22 - has played every game this season so he is best 22. Agree he was fumbles mcgee last night though. Messed up my multi because he didn't get 15 disposals.

The post-match interview with brayshaw was good - as always ben gibson actually asks decent questions as doesn't roll out filtered nonsense. Brayshaw's answers to whether he was frustrated playing less midfield (I paraphrase!) - It's not all about possessions, my defensive work has been really good this year which I've been working on - I'm happy taking extra midfield responsibility when vines is out, but would rather vines be playing - We have a good spread of midfielders who can pop up and have a good game which makes it a headache for oppositions I, like others, wonder why he isn't getting more midfield time, but I imagine there's plenty of other parts to the puzzle we're not aware of. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/792502/rd-11-angus-brayshaw-post-match?videoId=792502&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1596971000001

Rivers, Pickett and Hannan all add pace.

Why are we playing sparrow in the guts at the cost of another midfielder? Simple - we play again on Sunday. In 3 days. Sparrow and Brayshaw will again get minutes on Sunday as they look to keep everyone as fresh as possible, particularly our mids. People need to remember that this is not a normal season, with normal length quarters, where we complain about a couple of 5 day turn arounds.

Agree on most of what you've said. Particularly the may and lever bit. I think Gawn is fantastic and inspirational and consistent, but there are little things in his game that still have him putting himself first. The example that springs to mind is the amount he goes back and kicks at the moment when there have been other - better kicks - running past. He's improved that area of his game, don't get me wrong, but he is kicking way to much for a giant - he needs to get his hands off quicker after the contested grabs.

I know, right!? The bloke knows stats and stuff, but he is clueless with a bunch of his comments. Just sounds more and more like a deranged, dramatic, grand-parent. whats the deal with social distancing over in Perth? Crowd looks pretty close to each other.

Sparrow!

Swans tigers - heeney clearly gets hit in the head after his kicked, should’ve been downfield and a report. BT - doesn’t look like he got his in the head. My god these muppets are so so stupid. They get paid to be so so stupid and completely miss obvious things.

Pies are so well drilled. Seems like a lot of mature heads in the group and minimal cocky kids. If only that was us.

???

Agree with all of that except I'd leave Jackson in - more mobile and better at ground level than Weid (from limited sample size). Doubt they will drop Jones as well.

Perhaps give some credit to brown as well - he’s worked his but off, came in with the mindset that he wasn’t here to make up numbers. weid will be fine - I get this as a forum is a place where people tend to overthink and overanalyse. He’s still a young developing forward. The throw away comments like - needs to pull his finger out are shockers - you guys don’t know how hard he is working and I’m sure he feels the pressure on his shoulders. Think about how this has all panned out for him. 1. Hogan Pushed for another key forward to share the load 2. Dees take Oliver and weid as top 10 picks. 3. 2016 onwards - he is in and out of the side. Has a good debut against hawks, kicking a few goals. Gets injured during the Match and misses the next few games. 4. Consider the bloke he was drafted with, Who in his four seasons has: - 2 best and fairests - 1 all Australian - judged by coaches as the best young player and more I’m sure. We all know the kid is a star, one of our brightest, and a fast developer in terms of what he’s achieved at afl level. He was taken 5 picks before Sam. Feel the pressure. 5. Let’s fast forward to 2018 (the key forwards 3rd season) finals series. Sam dominated, showed what he was capable off. He did this not only as a 21 year old, he did this on the big stage, and taking the second best defender. 6. Hogan leaves the club, meaning the patient approach with Weideman that was accepted by fans is no longer. They have seen what he can do, they demand it consistently now. 7. The dees flop in 2019 - Sam also has injuries. 8. 2020 - After a good preseason he gets an injury in a marsh series game. Not a huge one, but a minor setback. The kid has been in and out, has not had a great run with injuries, and is a young developing key forward. If anyone thinks he needs to pull his finger out they (and I) have no idea what pressure he’d be putting on himself to get the best out of him. Have some bloody patience, he will be fine. last thought - his dad was a premiership captain for the pies. He has had perceived pressure on him his entire life to be a star football player.

DId you hear them say, “his one chink in his armour is his goal kicking”. The guy is an absolute butcher but is never called up on it.

5 years on and that’s looking like a definite win of a draft for us. All 5 players contributed and took us to our first prelim last year in a bloody long time.