Deemania since 56

Ball drop is too high - too close to the man on the mark - run-up on set shots (marks, frees) is always too short and the leg is always too bent at the knee to follow-through. Aiming at a spot beyond the goal-posts is left un-observable on approach to the kicking point. Plantar flexion of the foot at ball contact is minimal. Didn't read Ted Whitten's pamphlets on goal-kicking in the 1960s!

Petty also goes for height in the kicking action, where verticality is critical to getting the ball past the man on the mark without 'touching'. There is a subsequent lack of direction in the resulting kick, peeling off to one side of the intended direction - (result = missed goal). Whilst often regarded as 'excessive', the run-up of Brown counters this problem of 'too short a run-up, too close to the man on the mark at the delivery point off the foot'. In other words, Petty (and several other forwards) need to immediately extend their run-ups on set shots (from marks and frees) so that their contacts of the ball with the foot is well before the man on the mark, so that less emphasis is on the 'immediate vertical' and more on the 40 -50 degree line of flight so that the rising ball is markedly clear of the man-on-the-mark but not too 'suddenly vertical' because it was necessary to 'clear' such an opponent with such a critical proximity. With the subtle application of reasonable force in the kicking action, combined with an improved distance of a longer run-up for a 'clear' kicking point well-short of the opponent, so that the flight of the ball (for direction) is controlled, less likely to sway in the breezes or lose momentum, left or right, missing the the big sticks zone at the goal line. Summation: take a walk to a point where you can select a kicking spot well-short of the man on the mark, and kick firmly through the ball (follow-through) to control improve direction.

Mac could be enticed, surely, given the early loving spoonful of the MFC - territory of which he must have an innate fondness. He'd be a mobile, challenging forward in my view or as suggested, a deep backman.

I just love the inclusion of mongrel - so I'm with you!

That is correct. Imagine the recognition he would get if he wore a Filth, Carlscum or PussyCat sweater. From that recognition, the umpires would give the team he played for an enormous boost in free kicks and unseen tolerances for violations. At the end of the day, it would be an anointed financial windfall for the AFL attendances.

6. Viney 5. Pickett 4. Oliver 3. Rivers 2. Gawn 1. JVR

Not another one?

They all compete for attention, don't they?

Just initial impressions, MB38, these may not come through but it really was (for me) a solid series of comparators with a fish out of the Casey waters and still a few tricks to master.

There is a pleasing reality: these newbies punctuating our team nearly knocked off a very hot team (Brizzy) playing without good fortune and disrespectful umpiring.

He's got that 'Laurie Fowler' style on the run, straight into good tackles, takes the bump and emerges with the ball, kicks to improve the team positioning - now for the forwards to be able to read it all (with movement to make him targets).

Great get. Now to enhance his experience and talent - or is that beyond our coaching methodology?

Absolutely! Keep playing these new blokes - they are showing signs upon which we will benefit.

So how do you really feel?

Our senior players have a real responsibility now - to augment, lead and encourage the young 'uns' coming into the side against all odds. These new players will benefit from the experience and the increasing identity with the MFC; it is hoped that they can grasp the challenge ahead, making good impact on our successful re-build and return to form. Go get 'em, boys!

So bad, it totally negates Fritta, JVR, Chandler, resting rucks, flankers, utilities ... and the midfielders, themselves.

I feel the same way, given the coaching, demands/injuries/limited reliance and selection(s) this year! Giving the 'younger ones' the opportunity in the AFL team is paramount for improvements in '25. Fresh rounds in the magazine, so to speak. If they can hit the target, they will still kill.

Midfielders, bombing = little game play for Chandler other than what he picks up on the side with extraordinary efforts. Lowering eyes from the midfield, Chandler gets space, gets goals.

One of our heroes, for years, with great effort for the teams in which he played and the Club, in general beyond that commitment. Now he looks to be complacent alongside other media-types covering footy, just to maintain the good wicket that TV commentary represents and, of course, the dollar; it's a lucrative job. I guess times have changed from the Bob Davis, Lou Richards, Jack Dyer images, clear preferences and loyalties out loud, competing with the Harry Beitzel and Drew Morphet-types of better days in impartiality, and the revered sacrosanctity of the umpiring craft.

If the snot goblins are so smart, well-selected and highly trained, how come so many Carlscum player utilise this free kick roundabout, so frequently, so universally, so blatantly and get away with it each time? Is there something wrong with the issued whistles they suck?

The tools to work on are scarce in our development processes; it is almost 'either you've got it or we can't waste any more precious time on you'.

Dunno about being a 'bust' just yet ... some things have impressed observers but the whole package could well not be there, just yet. If this is a maturing talent range that he 'might' have, he'd be handy, there is a spot for him to accelerate or help to organise his skills, understandings and contributions. Admittedly, it takes intensive coaching and staged roleplays so perhaps, that is an initial extension that has not really been worked through in his growth/development.

I watched Sparrow's development closely over the past 2 years, as my interest in his footballing talents grew from some great tackles and great kicking for goal (unexpected boomers), allied to an increasing frame and bulk for tackles that dispossessed, stuck and were remembered by the recipients; and, some intimidation for interceptors when on the run. I do see him as a forward, myself and for this season, expected far greater of him than what has so far been demonstrated; for this, I suspect that he is out of his best position and role, still with great promise, I believe, on the HFFlank and central areas around the 50m mark. He does provide good protection for those coming through with the ball and this, too, needs to be more frequently utilised within the forward line from hell. Just opinions, prognostications....

Great effort, Kynan. Great to see Yze sitting next to Brown Snr, too. The two ingrained Demon Family members looked great together. Thinking of Yze, might it be possible for him to take over in 2025?

Word-for-word agreement, here. Errors, oversights (repeatedly), taking the easy pathway and negligent towards continued pressure (elemental mongrel) on opponents (right across the ground and zone-to-zone longitudinally (except for some/a few backline slots) all lead to reduced dominance of the game and any vestige of winning intent.