DeezNuts

Innovator! No-one could catch him :)

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!

Gaz, the epitome of wisdom, good character, judgement and honour.. ... Speaking of absolute fl0gs, did you also all hear Eddy commentating on the weekend and nearly put his foot in it regarding Tarzan or something?

Noting the secret training session today, anyone seen Viney or TMAC around Melbourne today?

I like your optimism, but I understand Razor Ray is umpiring...

If Frost can ‘accidentally’ take Mitchell’s head off with a stumbling, collapsing hip ‘n’ shoulder, we might go alright? Hawks by 5 goals for mine......

Just watched the Roos/Saints replay. I’m concerned about marking contests, and north’s ability to run fwd in numbers and string a few - albeit sloppy - possessions together... their contested game wasn’t too unlike ours, although we have Oliver’s quick hands and better stoppage clearance due to petracca’s and jones’ ability to command ground. the discussion on brown/frost and a free lever is valid, but not at the expense of effective marks and clearance work around the ground. shall be another tight one I think, but we might just have the edge - go dees!!!

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.

Just listened to it, agree. write your letters everyone!

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...

Assume their best is in please! Assume our injuries prevail...

If that’s how it turns out to be, then yeah, what an injection! I thought Viney was sublime in and under, but I felt his range kicking and accuracy was limited (I know I’ll get roasted for this comment), to the point where Oliver could probably feed the ball better - either by hand or foot (when he actually does kick). I’d rather us consider our list assuming Viney won’t return until mid-season at the earliest. Even still, I believe we can achieve better than last year given the gradual - but explicit - rise in experience that we’ll have across the field. I say go TV-junior, rest up and fully recover, and inject yourself as soon as you truly can! But Melbourne fans, be prepared for the worst, as everyone responds differently to rehab/loadings on a return, and we just don’t know how it will go. Whilst we all love Jack, we really do have some quality depth, and I’m convinced we defeat any team without him.

Please discuss the best ‘matchups’ against Geelong if you can, particularly for the midfield - looking forward to it lads!

He does have a huge mang!

You don’t retain the honor of being the oldest continuously fielded football club in the world by not retaining your heritage - get [farked] Gil! If the option is a simple ‘tune up’ then that’s ok, but if it’s some sort of modernised interpretation of the red and the blue, then [fark] me, what are we here for??? That would be devastating, it’s all about the heritage, we even changed our logo recently to capture it (which I love BTW). Sorry Gil, but the needs of one never out-do the needs of many...