Deemania since 56

I thought that too - expecting the free from incorrect disposal / dropping the ball, at least. Apparently, so too did the players of both sides who stayed off the ball - and in that time he ran on for the kick coz he - like everyone else - didn't hear the whistle. Umpires certainly do 'gift' some players at the expense of others...

Gawn and Tracc should share BOG, I think. The two have some secret understanding from the midline and into the forward zone.

As usual when in the team, the Weed is pushed forward quite regularly by opposition backs. This makes it look like he is positioning under the ball and forward of the actual flight of the ball on descent. The umpires consider that to be OK, sadly. He needs 'rear' protection to clunk a few as marks. He had about six or seven clear free kicks dead in front of goals last night - none of these we paid by the umps. It would make our scores highly respectable if such infringements were paid against the offending backs - it just would not happen to the big name forwards in more 'glamorous' teams - they receive the free kick. The green snot goblins need to look at this - it also happens regularly to TMac.

Agreed, there have been quite a few messages about the game style and performances across the field this week, prevaricate by a couple of weeks of the same, but less intense. Messages must be getting through to the MFC hierarchy, to Goodwin and his Company, and to the players themselves - each and all open to some severe and deserved criticism and/or praise as the cases might be. All will be under the pump to perform in a 'thinking man's' game this week. The expectation of atonement for past errors is high from one and all. However, we live in hope - one game of improved performance is not enough.

Reflect, for days and days, on the demise of the team, the loss of key players, the inability of the Coach to reverse a declining competitiveness and our players' development results, the increasing distance between current performances and a premiership, and the rash decisions made by the Club in a continuity of mediocrity. Then I will concentrate on golf for a few months.

We do have these talls on the list, plus some. We also have some great 'less than talls' on the list. It would be fun to watch them all in a single round - see how they run.

It might be expected that these are not the starting team slots. There are big and small gaps in the skills for position - and form. However, it is also hoped that these personnel can be more effective - and this team listing is just a decoy for what will be utilised. The bench holds some potency and some of those on the field selections might well start the game or expend significant time during the game comfortably bum-warming as the match progresses.

Here is an example: Pert is all corporate speak, but almost nothing else as a CEO. Howzat?

Spot on!

The concept of Tomlinson, Gawn and Jackson rotating at full forward/ruck/CHF across a whole game in sub-quarter rallies appeals to me, provides an anchor for Weideman to steady as a forward constant - and enables TMac to be re-located to CHB - or even Fullback - or even on rotation with May to/between CHB-FB, as well. Opposition players will be scurrying to find their Demon opponent and as far as these Demon players are concerned, breaks in roles will freshen their general skills and relieve Maxxy enormously, for his own longevity in the game. All it will take is a visual hand signal between the parties concerned as soon as we start forward progress and possession from the backline / limited distance passing between HB - midfield - HF - and keeping Goodwin out of it, so to speak - and the bench spaces. (Alongside such rotations, a specialist crumbing utility/tag man could assist each of these players. The static players would, of course, have to take care of themselves forward, back and two-way - just to keep them sharp and in a state of readiness. This could be harmonised with one or two midfielders - I seriously doubt that we need four, as currently on offer - but that would be another extension of a moderately complex player feed. ) Of course, there would be no need for leaving the back door open in such ball and player transfers.

Good comments and I agree at the back of my mind. There is some potential there - a given 'swing' role offers much to players like Browne.

Yep, still in absolute awe of his (Schwarta) Club sentiments and loyalties, and efforts. His ability as a footballer was absolutely immense, too. However, injuries were horrid but admiration must stem from his determination to get back onto the field to do his bit for the Club - and this was duplicated many times to demonstrate his own commitment to the MFC. His game, particularly, would so often demonstrate his anticipation and understanding of the game and the circumstances of the team. In his earlier days, prior to his totally debilitating run of injuries and physical recoveries, I used to rate him a few steps higher than Lyon and Neitz. His tactics and strategic efforts complemented his footy skills - he saw, he did, he surprised, repeatedly. Just like Flower - in a different function. For these thinking-man's contributions, I also rated his footy nouse above most across the past two decades. I still do and personally, I welcome his comments and feelings about our current team and its performances. The bloke is mature, diverse and legendary now - I'd even consider him to make a great coach of the team someday.

It may be worth a try but he is a forward and can score, subject to the compliance of the rest of the team. I'd suspect that Brownie is a little too light for a backline role, but faster and keeps closer than OMac. The skillset seems quite reasonable.

Good sense and a great opportunity for all three to start really shining. Rivers still impresses me with some classy potential; Harmes does need to be freed to the midfield and penetrate into and amongst the forwards at a shallower level - mobility, body strength, some closing speed, head-up delivery, spoils well and can mark if it is known from whence the ball arriveth on most occasions. Useful.

That would not surprise me. Frosty went from a learning footballer to a reliable excitement machine on the backline, improving in skills and contribution on the median curve very nicely. He'd also chase down errant opposition forwards - gave them panic attacks that fluffed their kicks and handballs - enabling a Demon to take possession (if Frosty didn't at that spot on the ground). Whoreform knew it, inflating his opportunities to get him. The MFC hierarchy fell for it all.

Based upon what is on our list, this seems to be the best possible selection.

There is a lack of coaching communication, networking and collective think-tanks apparent; the coaches just do not seem to be together on strategies for game day, nor skills transfers for the players to articulate onfield in offensive, defensive and general plays. As for the selections, these have been hasty. Melksham needs some coaching cautions - his game has fully dropped away - where his appetite for gloriously kicking every goal dominates the benefits that as a team-player, he could otherwise bring to the fore, for all. He moves well, takes possession well but seldom lines up for a straight kick at goal and certainly, is the last player on the field to think or execute some form of football translation to a teammate in a 'better position' or one who is more likely to score in a particular circumstance. Lockhart at least had a big time run - gaining experience and attempting to play at that level - albeit not as well as desired but certainly, with considerable effort across the game. Smith beat Jack. Jack only had one goal despite looking very threatening as the Richmond pill went forward. Happy with Smith's efforts in strange territory but I wish that the coaches/selectors saw him for what he is: Smith is a forward - a good one, too - capable of much and yet Goodwin seldom gives him opportunities to put into practice those skills no matter how desperate the whole team is for a mobile forward with his attacking attributes. Jetta is needed, run and carry, bravely clear the deep defensive area and take on all comers. His disposal is usually controlled and reliable - and considered. His experience is legendary. OMac in the side would be a large step backwards. As he doesn't get to contests, his height is no advantage to the defensive line, particularly for marking and/or clearing in the danger zones. His support for May and Lever would be negligible as it would be some 30 meters from where the action might be. He is a lovely kick when he gets a free - or gets away from an opponent; however, the rarity of this opportunity largely counts for very little. Jones, in a sunset phase, still has much to offer in all parts of the ground. Used with judicious application from the bench, no-one clears the heavy going quite as well. He has terrific, tight mobility and very good burst-runs to space. He also appears to be conscious of the 'bomb' for which he was a key culprit - most kicks now characterise some careful passing criteria and, in front of goal or near goals, he can be lethal, these days. Surely it is acceptable for him to be afforded occasional 'rests' back to the bench to stoke the reserves for the next flurry?

Y'know, tiers, you are onto something ... his game has really improved and he sets the standard, so often in recent times. Some say he is better than Dusty ... and that is a big call ... but I could consider him improving further to achieve such a ranking.

By Jiminy, Petracca is a champion, now. Gawn is as well, but he needs to be assisted in his role to gain any potential longevity.

Since 1956 I have supported Melbourne. Had some very great moments, so doing. Before '56 I had stints of support for the Dons (my Dad played) and in '64, the Hawks coz Parkin did his teaching round as a student teacher within my classroom. Come finals time, I was back on the Demon bandwagon coz I had seen John Lord in person and Ronald Dale in the shops - and got to see the Dees regularly with family friends - all fanatics for the red 'n blue. Since '64, times were tough and successes were rare but there were moments and Demon teams that gave hope and awe. I can truly say that the MFC have had some of the greatest players to ever play the game. In 2020, rock bottom has been found and sadly in recent years, not for the first time. Before I leave this mortal coil, allow me to continue to dream of a premiership; in memory of the toil and work of our team 'greats' over the years, it is surely justified and overdue. By the way, let's also get a decent Coach?

When Picket learns to grab the ball in space he's going to be a knockout forward. Teach him to lead, teach him to get that room to run and kick. Allow him to break lines for the big and unexpected grab - he has anti-gravity attributes. He should take snaps at goal 4-6 times per game, and should be fed by his teammates.

6: petracca 5: hibberd 4: gawn 3: hannan 2: fritsch 1: salem Fully agree with this.

His turnover likelihood is now immense, coupled with the assured slow-down of play and possession, then turnovers, demonstrated by Viney. Salem's game does not help, either.

Definitely too valuable to exclude, but a kick up the bum is necessary for 'time and again' long bombs rushed the the Hope Fairy. Clarry has lost his cool this year, so far. Needs a transfer to a wing / flank position to get his mojo back and to better sight the game. An opportunity to two-way run and carry would also be useful.

Good summation of what would be very nice to expect. The gloss is almost off this season for the Dees; let's use what is left and whoever is available to cement good practices, improved skills and thinking/decisions, better teamwork and a realisation of how these factors translate to being 'winning scores'. I am happy to now regard this season as an exercise (yet another) in across-the-field improvement when stuck in a scenario of 'no-one has a clue' management and deployment.