titan_uranus

JVr for Fullarton would appear likely. Turner's been in and out of the team, but his best game for the year was in the backline last week. If he comes back, it's into the backline, surely. Not sure we need him plus May and TMac though. Might depend on May's ankle. If anyone else gets a game, it should be at Sharp's expense.

The last 10 minutes was disappointing, to say the least. But before firing off, we only lost 3% (we were at 77% before their last 4 goals, then slid to 74%). I get that our percentage is rubbish right now but when you start 0-5, the wins are far, far more important than the percentage. We also kicked 1.4 to their 4.1. Pickett's goal probably shouldn't have been overturned, Fritsch missed one he should have kicked then burnt Spargo late, and we made a couple of mistakes late that led to goals against. It was about the maximum damage we could feasibly have conceded from how the quarter played out. We also need to be smart about our next three weeks - trip to Perth, then Hawthorn, then a trip to Brisbane. So having Gawn off the last 15 minutes makes sense too. We'd all prefer wins tonight and next week over a thumping tonight and a loss next week. In the meantime, out-tackling them each quarter (28-9 in the third!) whilst also having more of the ball each quarter is a very promising sign. We lifted the forward half pressure in the third and got just reward for it. We probably learnt what we needed to learn about Fullarton, and I remain thoroughly unconvinced in Harry Sharp.

Randomly-timed piece from Peter Ryan, who generally likes sticking the boot into us. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/petracca-helped-melbourne-realise-a-need-for-change-can-they-keep-it-going-20250422-p5ltfv.html "Petracca married Bella Beischer in front of friends and teammates in December and changed management groups. His approach in 2025 is uncomplicated, with playing and training at the centre of his existence. “Any time you have trauma from an injury perspective that Christian has had, it can take time. He’s had a pre-season. He’s had five games or six games to get himself going. His game’s in good shape, and it’s only going to get better. We’re actually really enjoying what he’s doing,” Goodwin said on Tuesday. They aren’t just empty words from the club. Two sources, who preferred to remain anonymous so they could speak freely about the issue, verified that Petracca’s commitment is genuine. They think the focus on Petracca has been unfair, and he copped unnecessary heat at a time when his only objective has been to help Melbourne become an environment where everyone can flourish. His professionalism and ambition have never been questioned, although he has never been one to spend more time than needed at a football club. His on-the-go personality makes him as hard to pin down as a mosquito inside a tent. The athlete, who is well known for his love of cooking, is still entertaining his 528,000 Instagram followers with his recipes. But this season, according to a club source, Petracca has made a noticeable effort to stay engaged as the club delved into the emotional as much as the technical to bring about change."

You could easily argue that his scoring means it was a stellar tagging game.

Club says Melksham has been “managed”, doesn’t refer to the cut on his knee. Billings, Howes and AJ the emergencies. No Campbell.

In: May, McVee, Fritsch Out: Turner, Melksham, Howes

The Brisbane loss was a thumping until Brisbane put the cue in the rack late. But your point remains. My view is pretty clear - if the Round 6 version of us shows up, or even the Round 1 version, we’ll be ok. But if the Rounds 2-5 version shows up, we’ll be beaten, and IMO pretty well.

Yeah but only 5 clearances (season average of 9) and only 345 metres gained (season average of 435). Plus of the 27 touches only 9 were kicks (down from 13 average). I reckon Serong will only have a handful of games this year with less impact than this.

I was going by Goodwin in the presser, who said “We won’t know until tomorrow…he’s still got a few things to get through today and tomorrow but we’re hopeful”.

Yeah I reckon they’ve been pretty liberal with what Goody said today. Don’t think he can be confirmed in until tomorrow.

Sparrow was also at 89%, despite averaging 79% for the season.

You recall correctly. Melbourne brings home game back to MCG "However, it was important the timing coincided with the opportunity to return the game to our traditional home, the MCG, rather than other alternatives" We've been given a Marvel home game because Carlton and Essendon want to host more games at the MCG. The gap has to be made up by the MCG home ground clubs - Collingwood, Hawthorn and Richmond all already have a home game (or two) at Marvel, so the burden falls to us. If our attendances drop off, this will become permanent, if not increasing to two games a season.

Has this been reported anywhere by the club/media? I hadn't heard this. Or do you have inside knowledge? Not sure where May is a confirmed in? Goodwin in his presser said he's on track but has to tick a few boxes tomorrow still.

If Jeffo or AJ is the sub, that’s two changes, so you’d be dropping someone else in addition to Turner.

No idea what his fine was for. Windsor was also reported for his late bump on Serong. I like his intent and aggression but like Pickett, he needs to learn how to rein it in.

Ah yes, the old "they've gone past us" Saints at it again. (Which made no sense to say, given they finished above us on the ladder last year, but is just a timely reminder that it's very easy to get sucked into early-season form - and that's also a reminder to people on here who have already started talking about us winning the next two or whatever).

No idea. He shouldn't have been playing last night - it's a complete disgrace that he was.

Do you really think that the WA clubs are going to just offer him a 2-3 year deal? He's going to be offered the world. This is just how it is for elite players now.

Goodwin in the presser mentioned that we needed to bring the ball to ground more, and compete at ground level more, in our forward line. There's no doubt JVR and Fritsch have been dropped to work on those two things (JVR the former, Fritsch the latter). I'd like to think that we won't see them back at AFL level until they demonstrate improvement in those areas. I don't think that's impacted our transition game much at all. The stats had us moving the ball quickly, and getting from D50 to forward 50, better than most prior to yesterday's game. The biggest change yesterday IMO was forward half pressure and our stoppage work. I don't think May or Lever in the side impact either of those things at all, but would have provided us with a stronger back half.

I didn't walk away from that thinking Fremantle were awful. I think they played OK enough, but that for once we were on the right side of the pressure and tactical side of things.

I felt like Oliver played a more team-oriented role at stoppage. Just felt like his positioning was set up to maximise the team’s chance and not his own. His pressure stats were up too. But his disposal wasn’t amazing and needs to improve. I also thought Fullarton was ordinary, but he deserves a run at it.

Jeepers, I thought I heard the TV commentators say that this was some sort of record. I must have misheard. Thanks @WheeloRatings

I said a few times yesterday that after putting pressure on the agenda mid-week, our test was delivering on it, first early and then for all four quarters. Now the test is doing it weekly. Not once a month. We’re not the only side who has seemed to need a reason/focus point to fire up - look at Port vs Hawthorn as compared to the rest of their season. But that’s no excuse - Collingwood, Geelong etc bring the required standard almost every week, if they can then we can.

Yep - a patchwork backline (we trained all summer with May, Lever, Petty and McVee, none of whom were available), knowing we had been outscored something like 25 goals to 6 in fourth quarters this year, and against a top 4 contending side with a dynamic forward line and strong midfield. We did incredibly well to hold up IMO, and it came from the thing we could control the most, our effort/pressure.

@WheeloRatings is 134 for CPs a club/AFL record?