dazzledavey36

I'm guessing this afternoon

Feel like Ben Brown had an 'almost' game. Could have easily kicked 4 goals. His 3rd shot was inches away from being over and the last quarter he spilled a contested mark in front of the square. Couple of times as well he just couldn't complete 2nd grabs. I put this all down to playing his first AFL in a long time and getting use to the speed and intensity. These marks will stick in the next couple of weeks. The other aspect people need to look out for from a team perspective is that several times yesterday Brown was able to draw 2 defenders with him which then release Fritsch to get on the scoreboard like he did. I can guarantee Fritsch doesn't kick those 6 goals yesterday without the work of Brown. We haven't had someone as big as a presence up forward probably since Hogan in 2018 where he was able to take draw defenders and Tom McDonald being able to hit the scoreboard like he did that year with 52 goals. This honestly could really benefit Fritsch, Jackson and Weideman development up forward. They had a good match up in Ben McKay who is 201cm tall, so he was able to match him for arm reach and height. He'll have an interesting match up on Sydney's tall defender in Tom McCartin who is much shorter at 193cm. I think we'll see a much improved performance from Brown this weekend.

Forgot about Maj.. Seem though the club is hellbent on having him as that ruck/forward. Hasn't been mentioned by Goodwin as a player that could be back up. Petty has obviously been embarked by the looks of it, but I think it's still handy to have a bit of depth still.

I don’t have a grasp on mature age defenders out there to be honest. I would like to think there is a Sam Collins type out there that Melbourne are keeping tabs on currently.

Definitely think now this is worth a good discussion. The biggest hole right now is our depth down back which is starting to become a concern. Hore and Tomlinson have ACL's which will be long term. Joel Smith is out for the next 7 weeks with a knee. We pretty much have Petty and Tom McDonald as back up. Do we look for a mature age here? I think another one is maybe midfield depth. The Jack Viney setback, while not alarm bells ringing stuff, it's certainly not ideal. I think a mature age body who can come in and bring some hardness and grunt around the ball. I know we have Sparrow but he's still a bit inexperienced. Nathan Freeman is one I've been keeping an eye on. Currently playing for Frankston in the VFL and is putting on a very impressive start to the season. In all 3 games he's had 42, 40 and 35 disposals in all his games. Still only 25, and could come in to provide some real depth if need.

This is a great point and one thing I definitely noticed yesterday. It's obvious he will draw defenders to him. He's going to take the number 1 defender which mean this gives the opportunity to the like of Fritsch, Jackson and Weideman to be let off the leash.

I'm torn on the Petty or McDonald down back. I honestly thought the reason we got back into the game was Tom McDonald going back and strengthening our structures back to its norm. Not only that, he defended quiet well and it actually released Lever off Campbell to play his natural 3rd man role. The other aspect is Petty needs games as well because we need to see if he's got what it takes down back. He's inexperienced, so supporters will need to be patient because he'll make some mistakes that'll tear your hair out. But I rate him highly and think that after a good block of games he'll settle into the role perfectly. I'm also a big fan of his intercept marking. You can never have enough of them down back who read the play well. I think they'll bring Petty in and potentially move McDonald to a wing to take Bakers spot. Baker goes out and Sparrow comes in. I'm also really big in getting Sam Weideman in there somehow. How we structure that up I have no idea.

Yeah fair point ?

That was a very disappointing game from ANB. It's almost like he reverted back to his old way. He's got credits in the bank for now, but if he puts in another performance like that then he could be in trouble, especially with Chandler and Bedford breathing down his neck. Must step up next week

I must have be on my own and watched a different game. I thought it was as poor as a performance as you'll see. I'm honestly also yet to see this supposed run and carry that he's suppose to bring bring the table. All I see is dinky little 20m chip and no follow up to get the handball receive. Do be honest he's no different to say Brayshaw in terms of style of play when playing on the wing. Difference is, Brayshaw is a better footballer. If we are fair dinkum as a footy side then Baker simply does not play in this football club until he gets the basics right. Right now I have about 5 other blokes I'd rather be playing then Baker.

Because there is a lesson out of all this.. Don't write off first year's players immediately after watching one game. It shows a great level of disrespect on a young 18 year old trying to find his way in the AFL system in their first year. This is why I'm really happy having Jake Bowey just quietly developing his game at Casey ( and playing really well too). Melbourne of 4 years ago would see the likes of Bowey and Laurie playing round 1 immediately. Look at James Jordon. Spent the last two years developing his game in the VFL and is now a walk up best 22 and making an immediate impact in the best team in the team as we speak.

My god what an absolute spanner! (Could say worse but I'll be kind) This folks is what happens when you support another team but attempt to troll. Kozzy Pickett right now is one of the up and coming stars of the comp. Not only that, his work rate and fitness is phenomenal. Jason Dunstall was glowing praise of how hard he worked. His not just flashy but an incredible hard worker off the ball. His goal where he started the handball chain from the wing was a great lesson to young juniors out there what work rate looks like. A fine example that you're simply never out of the game.

Can I bring up that Kozzie Pickett thread from last year? Got that ready to go if you're not wanting to be embarrassed once again.

Read a FOX sports article stating that he didn't undertake a concussion test.

2-3, weeks

The North player played out the game. If he missed the rest of the game due to concussion then yes I'd be worried.

Sorry has this been linked to Gosch's? Is there evidence to back that up considering they only train one day a week there and the rest at Casey.

Stock standard @Dr.D

For the love of God get rid of Melksham..

Can someone explain why we went down in percentage on the ladder??

MELKSHAM [censored] OFF!

Anyone know what happened to Brayshaw??

Tom McDonald has been good for us since he went back. Good move by Goodwin there.

Jake Melksham has made me nearly put my fist through a window at least 7 times today. Can't stand the [censored]

Hibberds getting taught a lesson down back.