tiers

Footy is always about possession and territory. Those teams who can win the ball and maximise territory gain will ultimately prevail so long as they can retain possession where it counts in the forward line. Our problem in the past has been that, notwithstanding a majority of forward entries (i50s), we have not been able to retain possession and score often enough due to our inablity to retain possession and defend quick exits. Getting the ball through the midfield to the forward line has not been the problem. So, in order to improve, we must keep the ball inside 50 for longer periods and develop methods to score from those opportunities. One way to keep the ball in the forward line is to deliver the ball with more precision to a teammate. Weagles showed us up badly in the PF by their ability to deliver precisely. Another way is to deliver the ball quickly and deeply into the forward line and then hold it in, the so called manic/chaos theory. Players like Frost and Hunt who have both mongrel and pace can carry the ball through the midfield and deliver it deep. Tracca, AVB, Jones and others can then hold it in to create scoring opportunities. Both game plans have merit but require a mix of players who can rotate through the wings eg Frost, Hunt, Salem, Stretch, maybe KK, Fritsch, Hannan and perhaps more as 2019 proceeds. Speed is good but let's not get fixated on one plan and one style. If speedy wingers are available to be drafted, then good. If not, than let's adopt a different plan for success. We have the players for both and a coaching panel that can modify its plan to suit the players we have. Go dees, 2020.

TMac, OMac.

Please, no more snide comments about Jesse. As supporters, we invested far too much in his ability to score goals when his real talent lay elsewhere. He was an outstanding champion of our club and deserves to be remembered fondly. For various team management and balance reasons, he was never allowed to reach his full potential. His real talent was up the field as a running CHF where his ability to read the play and get to a contest, win the ball in the air and on the ground and dispose to the best position was second to none for a 193 player. There was even a post that suggested that he play CHB. He would have excelled in this position and, if the trade had not occurred, it was a viable option. We should thank Jesse for his contribution and wish him well at the dockers.

Does this imply that there was no learning of his craft at kangas? Or Goldy too dominant/precious?

Jesse was going anyway this year or next. Letting him go this year for trades to acquire established seasoned players was smart. It is not certain that even a first round draft pick next year for Jesse would have been better. Our record shows that, while Jesse was a real contributor to high goal scoring, we scored highly and won many games without him - think weagles, GWS, cats and dorks this year. Bringing in a gorilla minder to stiffen up a backline with stoppers such as Jetts and OMac and running attacking players such as Hibbo, Frosty, Jades, Sales, Leaves shows strategic planning. May was not my preferred choice but he was selected to plug a hole and play a role. If he does his job, we might stop the leaking and, together with any goals scored by Jesse's replacement, break even on goals. As weagles showed this year, two ruckmen are better than one if used intelligently. Highlights of Preuss show a big, strong, mobile, marking ruckman who can score goals. Imagine Maxie patrolling the backline and Preuss frightening the opposition in the forward line. If this can be pulled off it could be the master stroke of the decade. Wallace is a blunt, soft, broken tool.

Let's wish them all a speedy and permanent recovery.

Nathan Jones needs a new role. He has earned the right to be indulged a bit so long as he contributes and he is not keeping any one out. His best position is still inside mid to hold the ball in but he is being denied the role. Maybe others should be trained to play his outside role that is more natural for them. I see Harmes and Brayshaw with the right attributes. FD better think hard.

Peanuts, peanuts, shilling a bag, peanuts. He was at every game at the MCG. The old guy with his sack of pre packaged bags. Even to this day, whenever I say peanuts, this refrain comes back to me. And I never bought any.

My memories of 1964. They start at Glenferrie Oval in round 17. Hassa Mann kicked a goal from the boundary, we won by 4 points and we secured top spot. A loss would have placed us in real jeopardy. The following week we lost badly to the dogs but it did not affect first place. In those days, the finals were civilised. One final each week for four weeks. First semi, second semi, prelim and grand final. I had bought the cheapest standing room series tickets (yes, all four matches) in the open stand under the old scoreboard (now I believe at Manuka Oval - much more interesting but couldn't handle instant score reviews or obnoxious ads and interviews). Catters beat bombers in first semi then dees thrashed filth by 89 points in second semi. Filth beat catters by 4 points in a low scoring match in prelim. Then it was our turn. Not unexpectedly, after a 89 point flogging, we were deserved favourites. Torrid, hard contest all game and we were behind by 2 points at half time. 2.3 to 0.2 in the third gave us an 11 point lead at 3QT. Up until then the match had been an non momentous blur. Gabbo's run changed that. Ray Gabelich was a man mountain (listed as 6 foot 3 1/2 inches and 18 stone 10 pounds which translate to 192 cm and 120 kg) who, in those days, could take a whole season to get match fit because of his size and the slower pace of the game,. Until this day he had never run more than to the toilet but, when he gathered the ball and took off with no one between him and the goals, the ground shook. Step by step, crooked bounce by crooked bounce, he ran to the goal square and kicked a goal. Tony Anderson ran his guts out to reach him but was too late. I became a despondent, depressed, despairing demon and couldn't watch. I cannot recall watching Hassa miss but I came alive when i saw the ball sailing through the goals to where I was standing. Neil Crompton, the average rover who became a sensation in the back pocket, will live forever. We had reclaimed our rightful position as premiers and so the excitement and celebration was muted. If I had known what was to come, I might have celebrated harder. The following year, we won the first eight games straight (albeit some by small margins) until the day the world changed on Queen';s Birthday v sainters. Alan Jeans, their then coach, made the move of the century and swapped Bob Murray to FB and Verdun Howell to FF. They were on the road to success, we had tasted almost too much and we were thrashed by, I think, 63 points. We had started our long losing streak and didn't see finals again until 1987. This year's outcome is still to be revealed but I am heartened by the quality of the boys who represent our club. I believe that they are as good as any group we have had in 54 years and still have enormous potential. 2020 is the year when they should emerge as the beat. Fifty years later, I had the great thrill to attend a lunch at the Bentleigh Club to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the premiership. In attendance that day were 14 of the 20 premiership heroes. The team: Crompton Massey Johnson Davis Roet Anderson Adams Williams Dixon Vagg Jacobs Kenneally Lord Bourke Townsend McLean Emselle Goalkickers: Townsend 3 Lord 2 Bourke Mann CROMPTON 1 Scores: Q1 2.6.18 2.5.17 Q2 5.7.37 5.9.39 Q3 7.10.52 5.11.41 Q4 8.16.64 8.12.60 Go dees.

To MT64 - Steve Stevens was later Mayor of Moorabbin. Remember how goal umpires would always get it right without score reviews and conferences on the filed and were generally more mature, non athletic types.

He is a classic rover. Performs in bursts, runs hard low to the ground, picks up opportunistic possessions, smart footy brain under pressure and delivers well. Just because he doesn't rack up possessions doesn't mean he is not a revelation. Give him to McCartney for the summer and lets build his vision and skills. Strength and a tank can come later. Watch how Tracca seeks him out after the goal. Great leadership. He is fast becoming the "papa bear" of the forward line - the one who pats them on the head for good efforts.

How good was Weed when he took a long line of backward steps to mark near the boundary. Most players either turn around and mark it over their shoulder or trip/stumble getting back. His backward motion was safe and steady and he judged the drop of the ball perfectly. His marking skills such as judgement of the drop of the ball and timing for the leap are excellent and if left to develop over time his marking ability will become a weapon. He should also develop as a mobile ruckman who can do more than just negate. A candidate for the McCartney development school. Its been a long time since we had a follower (as they were once called) with strong marking and rucking ability to cruise around the ground and influence contests. He is potentially too valuable to be just a forward.

Should spend more time in cotton wool after games than is an ice bath. Reads the game well and has the ability to win the ball while on the move, push through packs and tackles and kick well on both sides. Complements the skills of Clarrie, Tracca and Viney. What a midfield group!

Hopefully one becomes Brayshaw and one becomes Petracca. Who needs more. Leave them alone.

What is the purpose of this thread? We have two of the best prospective genuine A-grade stars of the game and posters are splitting hairs about kicking ability, tank. Their respective abilities complement each other and the team. It's unseemly and demeaning for our boys and the club. Posters on this thread should show some respect, be grateful for our good fortune and do all to laud both Gus and Tracc. Beelzebub got it right. They're different. Happy to have both. +20 from me.

Re Pettracattack's support for Todd Viney. My criteria in selecting the team was to include those players that I considered to be skilled, courageous, attacking match winners. They had to possess both magical footy skills as well as the ability to win a match "off their own boot", so to speak. While Todd Viney was undoubtedly courageous and attacking, I never saw him as skilled or as a match winner. More tenacious and determined. In any event, there were only 22 positions available and someone had to miss out.

On 23 October I posted this comment: The very best team of the past 50 years must include the following (excluding current players whose careers have still to blossom): Alan Johnson, Steven Smith, Sean Wight; Brett Lovett, David Neitz, Gary Hardeman; Stan Alves, Greg Wells, Robert Flower; Garry Lyon, David Shwarz, Adem Yze; Gerard Healey, Allen Jakovich, Jeff Farmer; Jim Stynes, Shane Woewodin, Brian Wilson Int Gary Baker, Steven Tingay, Alan Obst, Glenn Lovett Skilled, courageous, attacking match winners. Unfortunately, the month of October coincides with the end of the footy and the onset of daylight saving and I reserve the right to review all decisions in that month. How could I have forgotten Travis Johnstone? His inclusion would make this team infinitely better as he would have the delight of playing with his peers and we would have the joy of watching his smooth, silky skills being used to advantage. Imagine Travis passing 50 to Jako. Apologies to Glenn Lovett - great player but not in the same league.

Steven Smith was a champion. Unfortunately had to play full back at a time when our team was poor and clubs were not restricted by the draft and the salary cap.. He deserves to be In any of the above teams where he would make a great contribution. Danny Hughes was all guts, strength and effort but not the same skill as Smith. Both deserve to be considered.

The very best team of the past 50 years must include the following (excluding current players whose careers have still to blossom): Alan Johnson, Steven Smith, Sean Wight; Brett Lovett, David Neitz, Gary Hardeman; Stan Alves, Greg Wells, Robert Flower; Garry Lyon, David Shwarz, Adem Yze; Gerard Healey, Allen Jakovich, Jeff Farmer; Jim Stynes, Shane Woewodin, Brian Wilson Int Gary Baker, Steven Tingay, Alan Obst, Glenn Lovett Skilled, courageous, attacking match winners.

Patrick Smith is a first class PITA on most issues. Pompous and prissy all at the same time. But his assessment of the sad Hird saga is spot on. Hird offered to take full responsibility and then sought to evade any responsibility. Says a lot about character. He sought and received the most awful legal and PR advice that sank him further into the mire. Self destruction and self delusion at its saddest. No one deserves to lose his will to live but there are others in this saga who are more deserving of our sympathy.