Deemania since 56

It was stated ages ago that Balic is moderately quick - only - but he runs into space well to receive and from there, can penetrate defensive space by hand and foot to pass or score within range. He appears to be a 'reader' of play in order to achieve these attributes. A skinnier Petracca without the real grunt and stunt.

Agreed in tota;. Pedo has a game that I like, obviously, and as you say, bringing others around him into the game, plus a capacity to exert his size - moreso now that he if fitter. Often that has been enough to carve a niche into many an opposition defensive line/s. It always was a shame that he could not contribute these characteristics for whole games, but c'est la vie, what he has done and could do is satisfying.

I see it the same way Rusty. There are both 'good' and 'not as good' elements of these two selections. I'd like the Weed in to learn how to play the Pedersen forward game - better for him to learn this and feel this than rucking occasionally to no particular effect; at least he can kick a goal or two, as well and take a mark. I'd also like Pedo in the side this Tuesday so that Hogan can roam as needed away from a deep forward position, and so Gawn can have a relief / respite ruckman in place for recovery purposes - and Pedo can also provide short spell wizardry in our forward line - a role of marking, shepherding, blocking and delivering to teammates with great effect - plus, the bloke can kick goals, too, anywhere from 50 metres out. The thing that I like so much about Pedo, some games he wins for us with these bursts and sets up many recoveries from both recent and past games since he has been at the MFC. Some of us actually go to the big matches just to see him do this again, as we had seen in the recent past.

Ronald, Brian, Hassa and Tassy...what a collection. Now they were players, one and all, that actually wrote history. Ruck Rover - Ronald Dale Barassi (1 Capt) - absolutely elite Wingman - Brian Dixon - elite Centreman - Hassa Mann (later Capt) - elite Full Back - Tassy Johnson - elite Just filled in the blanks for those who might not have seen these true Demon champions play. Makes your heart flutter to see these players, together - even in a photograph.

You asked, Prime Minister.

It means, LD-vC: The good opportunities were there with a manpower set-up ready to break out with the ball just about in possession (sausage) or to use it in a productive manner a little more often than what actually occurred - had a utility of some size and mass been there to help create a pathway or shepherd or legally and effectively bump an opponent to prevent a tackle or / and intercept a possession not held by a MFC player, or to get in amongst it (the hotplate part of the barbie) in general to exercise at his own free will as part of good teamwork those contributions that make an approach to the football, the gaining of increasing territory in possession of the ball, and the promulgation and positive maturation thereof for an infrequent anticipated scoring opportunity when such contributions might otherwise have been possible to enact, to reduce the mounting impotence of the way we (ergo: the MFC) were playing the game with delicate passivity and glaring incompetence.

Aha! Someone else has made that observation about Max's game - particularly tapping to nowhere or no-one, no-way, no-how. Not too keen to use the body for other player protection, either. Not too keen to get in for the sausage when the barbie was full...

I think he should play forward until the backline turns incompetent and then, take over Fullback, Oscar to the CHB, Lever HBFlank and Hibberd in last-ditch support with the re-located Tom. Jetta could then get a run-up to do his intercept work from the HBF, as well. The Weed should stick to the point post in the fwd line, learning what he can and trying everything that is possible.

Thought it was pretty unfair that no-one seemed to advise Fritsch to stay down so the big boys could go to work because Fritsch is just as good on the groundwork as he is, aerially. Agree about Pedersen bringing the ball down - even though he really only makes those dynamic, scoring spurts for 2 qtrs of footy, these days.

Did not see the game, but thanks for that advice.

Not a bad idea (suggestion) when all considered (overall) and certainly (most probably) a humbling (in your box) move (action requirement) once (the first moment) that result (positive scorecard) occurs (happens). I think.

Fully agree, Clint, their teamwork and support for one another is the difference. This enables their star power to come into the play so frequently on a red carpet of teamwork.

Pedersen just has to play to assist the forward line. Weeds cannot make that impact at the moment.

He was a great forward, for a very long time. He was a better CHB but needed for goal production.

Media interfere with the best intentions of Clubs who should be capable of better controlling media involvements. Gawn is a victim of his popularity across the AFL yet in many ways, it would be preferable if he said nothing and kept his great humorous side to his compatriots in the locker rooms. He is very personable and this would be difficult for him, no doubt. On watching, hearing or reading of player comments, it is often felt that these media exposures serve no valuable worth other than to align alleged journalists with particular players for the jounalists' self esteem or credibility - particularly if they can 'lead' that conversation. Such conversations lead directly down the gurgler, anyway. I'd reckon that the MFC could benefit from a ban from personalised interviews with players, similar reports and other exploiting episodes of public informational tripe. Most is just sensationalism or at worst, mockery disguised as legitimate enquiry.

Admire him for that 'niggle' to opponents - it really demonstrates his intent for his Club. A young player who performs well each game can aspire to leadership ambitions in the future - it is just a bit more than holding down a position regularly and well. I see that Clarry fits this criteria more than most others at present. On the face of it, leadership and Clarry seem to be a good mix in the future but Viney, with his youth and great contribution, may well hold sway at the ultimate Captain level.

Have some building confidence in these 5 players to augment the seniors' backline in the NEAR future.

Yep, time to get Smith into the side ... very versatile if fit.

Agree with you, Vagg. Most unfair, infuriatingly rude, inconsiderate and distracting for poor old Max - who was going about an expertise routine against such odds.

I must agree that Hogan - one of our noted key forwards - utility roving into the midfield earns him some considerable possession of the ball and provides interesting challenges to opponents upfield, including many opportunities for clearances. However, it must be remembered that Hogan cannot kick for distance, certainly not the distances into the Demons forward line that are required to take the opposition by surprise (ie: he is no Greg Wells in that department), and his passing is best achieved over short distances. His short, lateral off-the-foot 'flicks' have been exemplars of this. Occasionally, his short, drop-punt passes have been great. I am not suggesting 'long bombing' in this observation as the option for 'midfield'Hoges, either. I am talking about effective passing for distance into space created or exploited by other forwards (ie: there is the old CHF position and proximity to choose from, and there are two flanks, stretching from the wing itself to the forward pocket from which a choice to pass can also be made). His immediate absence from the proximity of the goalmouth weakens our attack considerably and without one or two other tall/s retained or shifted into that goalsquare proximity when Goodwin sends Hoges on his merry excursions outside the some-35 metres or more from the goal mouth, we are doomed to see the ball rebounded by the opposition into a potential forward thrust of their own. Our ultra-crumbers up there cannot be expected to outmark seasoned defenders either, although the spring and marking skills of Hannan and Fritsch are handy commendables. I'd possibly like to see Hogan kept inside the 35-metres inclusion zone of the goalmouth. Do not send him midfield - if it must be done at all - until TMac and even Viney return for active duty once their war wounds are repatriated. His sustained presence there has several advantages that have already been noted as 'arsenal' characteristics of his game: marking, one-on-one combativeness, bringing the ball to ground for crumbers and physical aggression, par excellence. Our midfield is becoming choked, as it is. We have the personnel to do damage - not raffle decision-making between themselves and thus missing split-second opportunities for which Tyson, Petracca, Clarrie, Jones and others in the central mix ordinarily make. Dropping the wings and the extra centre-bounce defender are also totally unnecessary by actually reducing the spaces for momentum.

It's a goody. Better than that white contraption that was previously endorsed. We are Red and Blue. The rising sun badge looks good.

Part of my psyche says almost repeatedly that Collingwood and Weideman are a good mix - not just because of the family and club histories - and this represents a good opportunity for us to secure a tough, experienced (somewhat, but youngish) forward/s with the skills that we need now, and into the future. He is out there... Another key player/s, by any standards of observation, would be a terrific boost to our side but it must be prepared and prevaricated; this 'pre-readiness' by the MFC can really only occur if Goodwin gets the game plan fixed, gets the players attuned to complete acceptance of the intent of the coaching body at the Club, and immediately establishes the rising self-confidence and worthiness of every player wearing the Red & Blue. This is not about glamour, this is about core footballing interests. ____________________________________________________________________________________ (We all know just what Roos would be doing with the players if he were the coach, now: focusing in on defence mastery, generating a game plan or three that created known pathway variations for forwards and midfielders, establishing a return to essential yet continuous footballing skills and creativity, improving player morale and values, and steering the Club towards a stronger culture of success on merit. ) At present: Defence mastery - in chaos Game plan - confusingly unworkable and unsuccessful Skills and creativity - mediocre and expectant that a mere handful will cover the gaps, and weaknesses moral and values - shot and diminishing Culture of success - flaccid and well overdue Impossible?

That might be a balanced perspective .

Be interesting, more interesting than continued losses with our alleged best team, to put many players out on notice of form, replacing these with whoever is strong in the Casey team - just for one week. For the MFC fans, it would bring closer attention to the capabilities of the up-and-comers and may help confirm that a future is viable. It would cause another lapse and loss most probably, but in this current scenario, why not? Those left in the main team would need to play their best and lead the newbies on a mission impossible. Crazy losses, year by year, have left the fans grabbing at the straws of solutions to problems not fully tackled. This would be no different in that regard but it sends a message.

Yep, Northey was a great coach.