Forest Demon

To be fair to our forward line, we did not have any of the footy against the dogs, so it’s rough to judge them based on that. Not to pump pressure on a 19/20 year old, but I feel like Pickett is going to be massively important for us this year. He had so many little half chances last year, but seemed to have a lot of posters or near misses. Reports are he is primed for a big year.

Jetta, Melksham, Jones and Hibberd (although he was better last year) did drop off pretty sharply after 2018. And then we obviously had Lewis retire as well.

Last year’s draftees (Jackson, Pickett, Rivers) all look likely for us. However, I worry about a potential void from the previous 2 drafts in terms of talent, rather than development. But as I said in another thread, we just need a couple of that group to come in and fill a role. We have Sparrow, Jordon and Spargo playing from that group today. None need to be match winners, but all have important roles.

That would be common sense, so no, it’s a game regardless. You would think that is a no brainer.

Like others, I’m a bit nervous. I’m still concerned about our lack of run, spread and class, as I have been for years now. We should still be good enough, but it will need to be a performance more like the Richmond game than the Doggies game.

Crazy that you could be an unused sub and that gets counted as a game. Imagine that as your debut.

Good luck to him. Our team is crying out for some young depth in the 22, so he just needs to come in and do his role. Hoping a couple out of Jordon, Sparrow, Spargo, Chandler, Bedford etc can start consistently doing a job this season and cement their spots as those role players.

It’s not great, but it’s already better without Bruce to be fair. Yes, he’s an icon, but he had completely lost it later on in his career.

So far there has been 50m penalties or warnings for the new stand on the mark rule, inside the protected area and also starting zones. Honestly, they have made it so complicated for umpires (who still aren’t full time professionals mind you), is there really any wonder it is all applied so inconsistently? On top of all that rubbish, they need to adjudicate the actual game with holding the ball, chopping the arms, in the back, front on contact, sliding in, the list goes on. What a mess.

Frawley’s AA season was the best season a Melbourne defender has had in my time watching Melbourne, and that includes May’s very good 2020. He was an athletic beast and was basically unbeatable, although it proved to be a flash in the pan.

We got smashed in the middle, but I can handle that as it was a second string midfield all day, against one of the best in the comp. What concerned me more was our complete inability to move the ball with any consistency. Just like previous years, we make it look like bloody hard work with no easy kick/mark/kick/mark or spread from the contest. Our best passages are occasional fast rebounds from defence, which don't look sustainable. Thank god for May and Lever, otherwise that would have comfortably been 10+ goals.

Jesus, they did look to have a good side on paper, but I was not expecting a 100 point demolition.

I like where this is heading

Not just 3 ACLs, but all in the pre-seasons of his first 3 seasons as a pro. Poor guy only got a chance to play a quarter of a scratch match in his time in the AFL, that’s awful luck. Good luck to him, whether that’s another crack at it, or something else post playing footy.

The wheels have fallen off the last fortnight sadly. Collingwood are on another level today.

My favourite from just about his first game. Absolute gun, and I honestly believe he has another level in him as well.

McGowan won’t be able to resist the power trip of derailing the season, especially after the verbal barbs last season. The AFL might have to tell Freo and WC to hub somewhere else, and if they don’t like it, talk to their premier.

I can only judge from the early 90s onwards, and while we’ve had some very good players, it’s a pretty low bar compared to most other clubs. I have no doubt there are 3 guys in this current side that will be top 5 players of my time watching if they continue.

The team looked poor, hopefully there are some VFL reinforcements coming in to top that side up, otherwise it could be a long year. On a positive note, the young draftees looked good, Bowey and Laurie more than Rosman. And Petty played well, and will be required in the seniors sooner rather than later imo.

Farmer is very springy and is one touch below his knees.

Umpiring is a bit biased ? Choco is only paying our free kicks and gave us 50 for a man on the mark infringement. And is that Goodwin goal umpiring who tried to wipe off one of their goals as touched?

I’m liking Laurie’s sidestep, looks to be very agile and classy with the ball.

2021 Priority 1 - win games Priority 2 - re-sign Oliver asap

Spargo might not be able to roost it 60m, but his kicks are flat and get where they are going nice and quick.

I read the other day they are the oldest list in the competition, even older than Geelong. They have certainly primed themselves for an immediate crack at it. I also rate Ratten very highly. I personally would have loved him to take over post Roos, but it wasn't to be.