TeamPlayedFine39

We shouldn’t get too smug about Watts. He’s had more marks, kicks, handballs, goals and tackles that Fritsch this year. And it’s not as though our astute recruitment of Lever is reaping us any rewards at this stage. If he left us, as many of his former teammates have done, for more money or success, then let him have it. But he fought to stay. Not sure why this thread becomes the Jack Watts bashing thread every week..? I wish him the best, but he’s a Port player. Time to move on.

Thomas was very dirty. Commentators then quizzed each other on how much of a ‘good bloke’ he is off the field.

Can't see him playing anywhere other than forward.

In all fairness... MFC rehab doesn’t always go ‘according to plan’...

Not sure this brings anything new or insightful to the discussion... why make this list? what’s the take-away from reading it? does anyone not know these loses happened?

He said in the video above 'I wasn't carrying on when they won the flag though.' (5:26)

It's a good analogy, but I think it might have been what Bailey and Neeld had in mind when they cleared out everyone over the age of 28 leaving us with Grimes and Trengove holding the reins...

Oliver's an interesting one and you're right about Lever (by reputation). Whilst he's arguably our best player under 22, you don't really see Clarry talking too much to teammates out on the field, pumping them up, putting a hand on their shoulder, etc. He gives some niggle to the opposition, which is great! Will be interesting to see who emerges from the pack of very talented young players to be real leaders on the field.

Does anyone have any idea who the young leaders at the club are?? Every second draft pick we took for years used to be called 'a future leader of the club' (Trenners, Grimes, Watts, etc.). Who of the under 23s a future/current leader?

Not to sound pedantic, but was he in runners or footy boots? (Never mind, have seen the answer in Vogon's training report)

Never understood why he was and continues to be judged so harshly; you'd think we'd be overjoyed to have a 6'5" KPD holding down full back from his third season. I really like like him and invested in his stock early. He has the potential to become a much loved player for the MFC if he continues to develop and improve his intensity.

Isn't that what the players have been saying..?

It's like they don't even care about Fantasy Football!

TMac would be such a massive boost if/when we get him back. He's been back in footy boots for a few weeks now, which is very positive as I believe that's what aggravated his toe last time he upped his loading. In addition, he's such a naturally gifted endurance athlete that he may be able to get back to match-standard fitness sooner than most. Fingers and toes crossed.

Read in the AFL injury update that McDonald have overtaken Viney and is now in the 2-3 category with Jack in the 3-4. Very encouraging for TMac, and fingers crossed for Viney.

Yes, but what I'm saying is if you're wanting them to 'shut-up', it's not going to happen. We are going to be all over the media Monday and Tuesday. Players are going to have mics shoved in their face at every turn and every question will revolve around 'How will you respond after the Hawthorn match?' Of course we want to see it on the field, but brace yourself, because you're going to be forced to hear a lot about it before the ball is bounced on Tuesday night.

Doubt it, it’s a marquee game. We often complain that we don’t get the big Friday/Saturday night matches, but we also don’t get the spotlight and blowtorch that goes along with it. I have not doubt the Carlton coaches and players would rather be playing Sunday afternoon matches this year and having their losses going under the radar. However they, like us this week, face intense media attention as a consequence of their ‘big matches’. Expect to be hearing a lot about the MFC after Sunday afternoon.

Even if it was not tongue in cheek: a) Do players ever give away any information about match-ups more than a week before a match?? Easton Wood was interviewed 45 seconds before the match started against Sydney on the weekend and was asked about who would be playing on Franklyn. He gave nothing away. 45 seconds later, it’s Easton Wood that lined up against Franklyn, much to everyone’s shock. b) Does Bernie Vince still tag??? c) If our players are looking to AFL360 interviews for inspiration, then we’re in real trouble.

He’d be getting games every week at Hawthorn IMHO. It’s all about how you use this sort of player. Clarkson is able to take limited players and place them in a system that covers up theirs shortcomings. We’re a long way off that level.

These sorts of threads would have a lot more merit if they were written before a big loss...

I’m not surprised by people’s frustration with his form so far this year, but I am surprised that people dont see his value to the team when he’s up and running. The fact that he’s covering the ground suggests the effort is certainly there and 22 disposals, 6 tackles and a goal is not terrible in a 10 goal loss. When he’s at his best he’s a very clever, creative, goal kicking half-forward. Last season he and Melksham were a great combination with their complementary skill sets. Either they’re both out of form, or there’s been a change to the gameplan that’s cutting them out.

He a quality and highly player talented player who, I believe in time, will become an excellent defender for us. What we’re seeing is a young player, hopelessly out of form who is under the immense pressure that comes with a trade and contract that he came with. He is unable to play the same role he did at Adelaide and opposition teams are putting some serious work into him. He, like Weitering at Carlton, looks to be playing without joy or confidence. He is young, inexperienced and really struggling.

It was the exact same issue last year. The fact that he knocked Mills out seems to have erased the serious shortcomings in his skills from our collective memories. He is full of endeavour, but seriously lacking in the skills to play senior football.