DeezNuts

My view on this is a little unsettled... Form aside, a wider field generally calls for a tighter 1 on 1 battle in defence than one that is more narrow/short, this allows for the contested game, of which we hold our heads up high. On offence, we should be looking for a more direct straight down the middle approach at the G. So for mine, it depends on the phase of the game. The transition between offence and defence has proven for us to be problematic. Not through lack of fitness or drive, but more structural setup. This is where I become concerned. 6 or 8 defenders off the back after a stoppage doesn't necessarily translate into en-masse contested domination unless of-course the opponent doesn't have the same grit and fitness of our list. The challenge we could address on the larger field is purely our ability to execute rapid lateral-movement. The endless (me included) criticism for the Tyson's and others who lack outside-pace restrict our ability to change-tact during the transition in this regard on a larger field. More pace, outside on the wings, a commitment to choke a transition and we're on our way to being a very difficult team to defend against from what is a very difficult team to defend against with our I50 count - no matter the field geography. Go Dees!

I flew from Sydney to Melbourne for that game... gotta say it was an ordinary flight back...

A few other things that normally happen to us that we finally employed this week were: 1. Blocking the man on the mark (to really good effect on kick-outs) 2. The defender (dees) pushing up his chest and legs under the man in front trying to mark! (created contests around the ground) Loved seeing them both happening and especially without a whistle blowing! - gotta hand it to them, the umpires were very balanced this weekend overall...

For #1: normally, I'd say Gawn based on the performance. But he really took advantage on a really poor/out of form ruckmen. Let's see how he goes next week against Hickey. For mine: 10. Salem (about time buddy, getting in and under, keep it up!) 9. OMAC (dee-moralised Daniher ) 8. Fritzch (more polish than a Federal Ministers bell-end) 7. Melksham (delivers like a laser beam) 6. Spargo (sticking it up to them) 5. Jones (inspired and lifted the team in Q3) 4. Hibbo/Nev/Lever (came back to their expected form and performances) 3. TMAC (welcome back!) 2. Weid (tried all day, will improve over the next 3 weeks) 1. Gawn (kicked straight-ish for most of the game)

I like this sentiment DJ. My concern is also the how. Acknowledging that they're all possible wins and that they're all teams that at least on paper, we look much sharper, I'm hoping that we don't spend all of our petrol tickets in doing so - or get an injury, or win by only a kick or two. Assuming we can (and should) beat all 3, we really need to correct the % from Hawks and Tigers games. All very achievable. Some things that were not so obvious that I took away from this last match, which allowed us to really take control and gives me confidence going ahead was the following: 1. When Jones stepped up in the 3rd quarter, almost everyone else put their bodies on the line (less ANB, Tyson). 2. Weid whilst very quiet, looked so damn hungry (and animated at sometimes towards his team-mates) to get a chance to impact the scoreboard - I suspect his development will follow OMAC's, we need to persist with him on the park, the next 3 games would be a great development opportunity for him where we could potentially carry a lesser experienced forward/ruck relief. 3. When the Bombers got a run on, Goody (or maybe the leaders on the field) threw a few in the backline and stemmed the flow. Goody then casually referred to this in his presser, where he stated that we're building good habits behind the ball that will serve us well throughout the season, suggesting that this area of the game had been worked on. 4. Everything that Fritzch touches turns-to-gold, he looks so comfortable despite his frame, and with he and Hannan in the forward mix, makes for two truly aggressive, but silky smooth small options in the forward line that didn't unnecessarily jump for the ball when a tall was floating around (TMAC/Hogan). They were both able to play their roles and crumb/pressure without interfering in the aerial contest until it was theirs for the taking. 5. We still have a very serviceable Pedo as an option up forward, we still have Viney to return and Petracca will be back. I'm looking forward to seeing us [censored] the Saints next week!

Holding the ball!!!!!

Given our relatively sustained I50 count, TMAC and his tank and speed, you’d have to have him forward and available to head back when needed. Both TMAC and Hogan can rotate up the ground a bit together where necessary. If you have both in the forward line and it gels, well... many sides will struggle to contain both (again noting our I50 count).

Dare I ask, but did we tank it last week knowing we had 9 days and 5 days break? Knowing we had the premiers and presumably wanting to hit them hard on a big stage? Or was there enough failure in the forward line and the lack of scoreboard pressure to explain the horrible performance?

When he makes a contest he brings the ball to ground very well. There’s also absolutely no confusion who should be jumping at the pack, making the forwards stay down!

I would just like us to take advantage of such a decision and market ourselves in positive way - I wonder how some of the other bigger clubs would cope without gambling profits?

#1. Q3: (7:41) Garlett, Fritsch and Melksham apply the right forward pressure to prevent the Cats from letting the ball roll out of the boundary resulting in a goal - watch it again, it’s amazing! Keep that up lads and they’ll have no chance! #2. Wagner’s tackle on Selwood, but also his consistently applied drive, bash and movement with total disrespect for his own safety during Q3 and Q4! He’s done enough for mine for re-selection next week. #3. Fritsch gliding through the field, positively influencing almost all of his engagements, although his disposal efficiency doesn’t capture his influence. Super debut, demonstrated aerial and ground level class! Just want to thank the OP on such a good idea for a thread, there’s a lot of good to take out of this one! IN: Tyson, Frost OUT: Maynard, Hunt ON NOTICE: ANB, Salem and Garlett

And eats less of his mums pasta.. if he really wants to improve his endurance, reduce the mass bro! He’s got so much going for him: - commands ground with his bulk, like a Sherman tank - always finds his feet, like a cat you’ve thrown off a roof (figuratively) - has goal sense, like a frenzied sniper in Afghanistan - is an aerialist, like a red bull stunt pilot, and - gets the team and crowd going with his infectious celebration, like its Merv doing stretches Ok, so I might have over exaggerated there... but you get the point.

My best mate from high school (a demon fan and supporter) who I’ve know for 20 years, recently bought a pair of JW board shorts - haven’t spoken to him in a month...

Yeah, our backline is looking pretty solid

It’s almost like counter intel and counter counter intel, everyone’s tight lipped and feeding so much disinformation or at the very least, not enough information to draw conclusions upon. It’ll be almost impossible to determine who will line up Rd.1, but I suspect Ablett and Danger to be there - regardless, I think we still have the depth!

That’s actually not too far of a comparison to make, you and the ‘taller player’ comment by @faultydet are great observations!

Garlett won’t be around forever, so I think you’re on to something here!

Good aerialist too, although Fritsch might match him there with a little less dynamism

What the Fritsch?

Whilst I like the crazy eyes from the 80s, I really like the current design, I’m embracing it!

Agreed, and he's the only Demon I've seen that employs a fend off as often as Dusty. He has confidence with the ball tucked under his arm - he'll improve!

I just wish there was a bit more choice for interstate memberships. I try to get down to Melbourne every round 1 and a few other games, but the armchair membership gives you very limited seats, with no bar access in some cases.

A little of topic, but has next years draw been finalised? 4 games in 18 days really broke us... with Lever in now, we might have freed up some depth. How many games did we win without Watts during his injury towards the end of the year?

Lads lets move on please...

Good point, would've made the difference in 2017...