Deemania since 56

Max's taps are becoming readable with complementary readings being taken by opponents in the movements of our midfielders before and during the ruckwork process. Interception for clearances is thus relatively easy - and most of Max's taps (that he wins so frequently) are soft making it even easier for opponents to manoeuvre for the ball. Crackers Keenan, a great tap ruckman, varied the force and tapped regularly in unanticipated directions using both hands / sides and force, plunging the ball down the very throats of the midfielders or out (East, West, South or North) to pre-arranged clearance assistants now known as 'outside mids'. Maxy, you are great. Now put a bit of power execution science to work - and force midfielders to respond to force, not dance to a 'close-in' spot usually too closely lateral to yourself.

It would be an outrage if Danger was not heavily penalised for an avoidable collision particularly in the light of some decisions in the recent past, and from the MFC point of view, that penalty awarded to May who was stationary at the time of impact because he was occupying territory desparately wanted by a panicking player whose ball possession could be ended.

The Melk would be aware of this criticism and after injury, would be attempting everything he's got in footy to contrbute to the team and to play his role, if only for personal pride reasons. He has had a long time on and off the injury listings. He is still a reasonably mobile forward and with that, experienced and adaptable, and somewhat more trustworthy than others near goal - he is also sometimes freakish in his gathers, turns and snaps when it matters. I'd give him a run when pitted against some of our lesser performers from the Freo game up forward. He can be dropped for more match practice, next time, if he underperforms. A bench seat sub can be catered for as we need more forward marks, mobility and goal-kicking acumen. If Petty or Daw do not play forward for some of the match against the Saints, then it might be a good opportunity for the Melk to slot in.

6: May 5: Lever 4: Oliver 3: McDonald 2: Petracca 1: Tomlinson

Yze is the man.

With his agility on the move, he'd make a good marking exponent in the heavy stuff by coming in from the side - either side - a re-incarnation of Royce the Hart. He lands just as well as Royce did; or, he may be able to run on for alternative disposal outcomes.

Fairy Nuff. Hence, I guess, a need for more direct information about Casey games required on this forum.

Conservatism reigns. As does mediocrity in performance outcomes. I wonder if these two conceptualisations are related in footy?

We'd also need a bit of HIbberd drive and penetration; come to think of it, right up forward, Mitch Brown would currently be useful and clever enough to kick a few, snatch a few, lead well taking defenders with him. The Melk should come in and Viney has been missed as his grunt can turn the midfield into a slaughterhouse. Petty and TMac rotate/swing CHF/ CHB and Tomlinson to the other wing. Do it!

Many of us consider that to be the case, so why is he not being blooded? A soft game (in relative terms) like yesterday against Freo might have been a good choice to let him loose for a few stages of several quarters. Harmes needed to be shifted and perhaps Rosman was the bloke to be given that opportunity, even though it was not really a 'spoiler' role that Harmes was playing. Anyway, the future of our youth looks bright, to say the least.

There is a good deal of truth in what you identify.

What Kozzy produced today will hold him in good stead for games to come - what to do, what not to do with execution. A real star on our horizon, I'd reckon.

It was - sensible, planned attack, deliberated, what we expect (no panic).

We are panic-stricken in close with the ball and ease off when we don't have the ball in close. We then wait for a possession when the ball clears. Each time, there are about 60m of distance lost that has to be re-gained and then re-utilised - indicating that nearly 50% of our possessions end up as turnovers. This just ain't good enough. We still need several tough-nuts in close.

I thought Brayshaw did some clever work on the opposition, screening and finding space. A few more games and his game may well return to its best. His disposal could be sharpened - slightly out of touch at times - but overall, a player with some experience, judgment and intent.

Me too - not terribly comfortable with the selections, regardless of the team sheet fantasies.

It will be warm for footy, and Salem and Clarrie will need to come up with some 4-quarter magic against Freo, with Tracca on the receiving end. Fritta's new central leads must be effective and the exclusion of Petty is very unlucky as a likely swing forward under our current limitations. Can see us losing in the confusion; can see us performing unexpectedly well, if the good fairy can sit on our shoulders. Thus, possibly 50/50 positive/negative and this is uncomfortable in a season where an opening statement of victory is required.

In contrast to the praccy match against the Tigers, this game will be a good example of what we need to build to make the improvements that we have all (DL) suggested and considered, at length. The Doggies practice match was a poor reflection on our readiness; we were soft.

I think that it is there, underneath the carpet at the moment. Who knows when it will emerge? It's a cautious team selection but this is a game in which we need to be aggressive and ready to switch on the talent.

Won't stay there - utility negator and tag.

Much to the disappointment of the fanatic. Still miss the 'Reserves' games at the 'G before the main game. That's where I developed a strong interest in the games produced by Rodney the Grunter.

Any telecast? Be a great way to punctuate lunch - Casey on TV for the appetiser, MFC thrashing Freo for the main course once the eating was over...

Perfectly stated - who, at the Club, cannot recognise this?

As I think I have said many times before, Tomlinson is such an endurance athlete he is always looking for and moving to space from opponents - and he does this very well from the wing with 2-way excursions into the old Stan Alves' territorial extravagance. Our team do not look for him, trying to propel their backline ball possessions in the direction of Gawn, time and again. To provide alternatives and direct support, Tomlinson has to run into the play from somewhere else - this makes him appear 'behind' the play' but in reality is coming frequently from an open space that has created an unused corridor into our forward line. Gawny's big bomb usually gets intercepted or another type of turnover occurs from the mark, kick or alternative taps to advantage. Tomlinson then runs back to his idle opponent to await another opportunity. A few 'eyes-up' coming from defensive efforts might well create an enormous advantage from these efforts and provide options from the predictable, sorely worn path to the LHS flank (from the backmen's perspectives). When on the wing, Tomlinson is doing exactly the correct thing - making 'something' out of what previously was 'nothing'. It also squares our play more towards the midline where we can be assessed as being particularly strong as an avenue to goal. Our deep forwards will be less inclined and compelled to lead or clear to the flanks from whence the percentages for goal-scoring are significantly reduced.

Rumour from a mate at golf this morning (post-game 19th hole at a leisurely pace) who has heard from a Freo-based mate that Tabenar currently has rather severe back spasms that are not disappearing at any 'play-able' rate. May may well have a field day if this is the case - and I emphasise 'may' coz he may be picked up by Petty or Lever. (...may...)