lucifer

Vince will get 1, maybe 2 depending on how inconsistent the MRP want to be. 

IN - Brayshaw, Garlett

Out - Vince, Stretch (didn't do anything wrong as such, just reckon we need to give AVB more time). 

The other thing is - I don't want to see Frost play as a forward ever again. The experiment surely needs to be marked a fail at this point. Maybe bring Pedo in, and move Frost back.

I also don't want to see Howe play a flukey cameo and rub it in that he left, the pea heart. Presumably Lumumba gets the match up or maybe Wagner, - wouldn't be shocked if the brought Garland back to play on him (not saying i want that to happen, before all the hate is directed my way. 

Firstly, let me preface what I am about to write by saying, I wasn't one of the fans on here last week professing we had turned the corner and were in fact going to make the 8 this year. I thought we played a half of good footy, and were ultimately lucky to come away with the 4 points. The last quarter was great to watch, the first three not so much. 

I have supported this club for 35 years. I have been week in, week out. I enjoyed the late 90's/early 2000's. The inevitable rollercoaster of the Daniher years (one year on, one year off) the transition into the defenceless Bailey era with the all out attack, to the disaster that was the Neeld era. I was sucked in completely to the acquisition of Roos. And I will acknowledge that I am a huge supporter of some of the recruits he has managed to bring in - Vince, Tyson now Kennedy. Not so much Lumumba. I could go on about this but it's not really the point is it?

I have never been more embarassed to be a Melbourne supporter than I was yesterday. I know I will get the inevitable diatribe of "fair weather supporter" "don't follow us then". But if you can honestly tell me that what you watched yesterday was acceptable on any level you are kidding yourself. The only winner we had on the field for the day was Ben Kennedy. The players looked disinterested from the moment they ran out of the race. 

Roos was out coached badly yesterday. Why Garland was left on Daniher in the first half is beyond me. Why no one manned up on McDonald-Tippungwutti is beyond me. Why Roos allowed Essendon a spare man in our forward line is beyond me. Why he publicised that they had a small forward line, basically daring Worsfold to put Mitch Brown in the forward line is beyond me. Why the ball movement wasn't quicker to attempt to isolate the mismatch between Gwilt and Hogan is beyond me. 

As you can see from above, a lot of what happened yesterday is beyond me. I will continue to turn up, week in week out as I have for 35 years. But, when will this team stop being so mentally fragile? I couldn't believe the threads on here asking "how many will Hogan kick"? Or, "how much will we win by"? This is EXACTLY the type of game Melbourne lose every year. 

It kills me.

FB: Jetta Dunn Garland

HB: Salem  McDonald Bugg

C: Tyson   Viney  VB

HF: Watts Pedersen Kent

FF:  Frost  Hogan  Garlett

Foll: Gawn  Vince Jones

Int: Oliver Brayshaw Kennedy Harmes

Can't say this worries me. As mentioned above, a bit of a fluff article. I can't see him leaving given his brother is at the club too. 

So you want someone to fall? Disappointing comment from you lucifer.

Re-read the comment. Did I say I hope someone's form drops? No, I said wait until it does. I would have thought in the modern game it is inevitable that player's form will fluctuate throughout the season. Not sure why you need to go for personal attacks. I certainly didn't - my comments were a generalisation about the Grimes bashing on here. Not sure what it is you have taken exception to.

The Grimes bashing bother me a bit. Yep, his disposal last year was poor and he has some cringe moments in the NAB cup, but he had to lead the club through the Neeld years. Let's not forget before he was made captain he had be injured consistently. I get it, at the moment it looks like we have better options, but no need to kick the guy while he's down. Let's see him rip it apart at Casey and press for a spot. I won't forget the spoil he made on Dangerfield last year in Adelaide. I reckon he can play, just needs to regain his mojo. Keep him at Casey until someone's form in the Senior's falls and bring him back.

As hard as it is, I reckon Toump is the given to be omitted. After him, i'd say it's out of Brayshaw and JKH. The reason I'd go JKH ahead of Kent is because I reckon Kent provides a bit of mongrel, he's just a little bit harder at it at the moment than JKH. I really want them to keep Brayshaw in, but given what Roos has said, wouldn't be shocked if it was him.

Dawes & Vince are clearly best 22 - so with that in mind

IN - Dawes & Vince

OUT - Toumpas & JKH

For the love of god, get him off the banner. I can deal with this more than Clark, but still - we developed him into an AA key position player and now he goes and jumps ship presumably to Hawthorn. Good riddance.

6 - Dawes

5 - Viney

4 - Tyson

3 - Vince

2 - JKH

1 - Jamar

In - Clisby, Jamar, Salem/Kent

Out - Jetta, Terlich, Spencer

Surely it is time to bring in Clisby, Salem, Jamar and Garland (depending on how he pulled up). That would allow Jetta, Spencer, Terlich and pick a midfielder to be dropped and to get some form. Clisby in the best again, Salem obviously playing well. Bringing Garland in would surely take some pressure of TMc.

Here's the thing - I watch on this site as people who say "they have had enough" are consistently told to go jump and follow another team by people on here.

I am a mid 20's guy, but I am so sick to death of expecting the fact that this team is going nowhere. Every year we have had a justification, first it was Daniher, then it was the Bailey got rid of Bruce, Junior and Green, then it was Bailey himself, then it was Neeld was too harsh and traded for crap players (which incidentally I agree with). The we got Roos and all of a sudden everyone (myself included) thought that everything was going to change and change dramatically. The fact is, is that the expansion clubs came in, and for an already established club, this was the worst time that you could possibly be on the bottom. The draft concessions, the min-draft, trading top picks all went so far as to make the mission for us even more impossible - how can a team on the bottom compete with that? I was impressed with what Roos did in the off season, and I still think that the acquisition of Tyson, Cross, Vince and even Michie was a good move. My problem, is that the development of the players that was supposed to have occurred with our drafted players, I'm talking, Trengove, Tapscott, Blease, Strauss, Gawn, Watts, even Tom McDonald and Jack Grimes who still can't kick, hasn't. There has been zero player development since Melbourne last played finals. Hopefully Roos and co can fix this, but the solution won't be short term. It pains me to write that, to acknowledge that, but that is reality. It doesn't mean we should except mediocre efforts, or players with no skills.

I'm not sure if anyone else agrees with me, but do you think Morton, Gysberts, Cook, etc would have been decent players had then been drafter to other clubs who have had no such issues with player development? I'm not sure they would have all been a success, but perhaps they might have gotten SOMETHING out of the picks they had. I don't know, it's hard to put in writing what I feel right now, because I would love nothing more than to see some improvement. How much emphasis can we put on the Neeld era? It's fair to say, Neeld really buggered up the confidence of our players, and didn't develop anyone.

I sincerely hope that the following players are dropped for next week. Some might be harsh, but I think we are at a point where it is time to find out if Toumpas can play, if Strauss, Blease, Trengove, Tapscott, Clisby etc can play. I think that Terlich (how often does he turn it over and get caught?) Matt Jones, Shannon Byrnes, Rohan Bail need to be dropped. I know wholesale changes are never really looked upon favourably, but what's the difference? Surely we can't do any worse - we just got beaten by GWS (again).

Does anyone know the prognosis on Gawn, Dawes, Garland etc? Really frustrated supporter here, who realistically looks forward to seeing the Casey results every weekend, and dreaming that someone down there might make a difference.

B: Dunn Frawley Garland

HB: Strauss McDonald Grimes

C: Watts Tyson Vince

HF Toumpas Dawes Trengove

FF Clark Hogan Howe

Fol: Gawn Jones Viney

Int: Michie, Cross, McKenzie Sub Blease

I Just can't see Terlich or Matt Jones keeping their places, which I know defies the logic of the B&F, but I don't think Roos rates Terlich, heard him say he plays too loose. Saying that, I like his thirst for the contest so whlo knows. Pick 9 I haven't included because who knows who it will be? I would like to think that Roos could get something out of Strauss & Blease (probably wishful thinking).

I've got to say, I thought when Sylvia left the sky was falling, and I raised eyebrows at the trade with GWS (mainly because of the Pick 20 being included). Now I look at the team, and on paper, we are STREET ahead of this time last year. We actually have a midfield. Who would have thought. As well, Dunn worries me in the backline, he may be the one who swaps with Terlich...but I guess the focus from me is that the midfield actually looks like a capable unit. I am also assuming Michie was traded for to play Seniors, not to be at Casey. I guess we'll wait and see.

Surely if he wasn't going to coach us, he would have just said "No, i've thought about and spoken to my wife...and we've decided against it. Sorry'...etc why carry on with the talk of 50/50, and why pay a visit to the leadership group.

For the love of god play Watts.

Pick him at centre half forward and leave him there. You never know, he might actually get some confidence. I am so sick of reading the articles from the likes of Darcy & Lloyd about how "he should be all Australian - but not at Melbourne" - Darcy or "I hope he goes to Carlton or Collingwood and is a star" - Lloyd

In - Watts, Gawn, Strauss, McKenzie (if fit)

Out - Pederson, Toumpas Jamar, Byrnes

Bottom line, we lose to GWS - Neeld goes. Simple. I don't want to lose to that bunch of $cumbags though. In an ideal world, Neeld would last until round 15/16 and then be given the ass.

Tapscott looked like a different player today. He is a MUST recall. Don't get me wrong, I can see the logic behind keeping Gawn in the 2's - I just think he was a class above Spencer today. So if people want to drop Jamar (which should happen) then I think rucking Gawn/Sellar/Clark might be a better way. I don't know just thinking out loud. Was very happy for Gawny today. Took a HUGE step in the right direction

We need to be careful not to shove him in the seniors before his body is ready, no use getting him in for a game and him getting injured, give him another week at casey, then maybe v GWS

Fair point Condemned. Not a bad idea.

No he's not. He's aggro got a bit of grunt and he's a lot bigger than 198cm. Completely different picture and sounds like he's EARNED a call up.

Disagree based on what I saw today. Did you go Dockett?

No way Gaun could come in yet. At least another 3 or 4 solid games at Casey. Spencer however, get him in now!

Whilst I get what you're saying - Spencer wasn't the best big man on the ground today, He is one dimensional. Jamar v 2.0

I'd be pretty keen on that. I think people who are calling for Spencer to come in will have the same frustrations with him as they have with Jamar. He can get a tap out, sure, but around the ground - not a lot. Gawn on the other hand, went into the ruck for half of each quarter, was getting touches around the ground, laying tackles and when he was forward, looked to be an option. Will Gawn kick 4 goals at FF in the Seniors - no way. Will he provide a contest, on today's form, absolutely. He could be anything if he gets himself fit.

Your forward line above lets Sellar or Pedo in the defence and also allows to get rid of Gilles, Stuie - which lets face it, everyone thinks is a good idea.

I went to the game with my old man. Beautiful weather out there. Grand stand has a great view.

Saying all that. In my opinion, Gawn was clearly the best of the ruckmen today. When he wasn't being played out of the square (obviously due to a lack of fitness) and he was on the ball, he dominated. Moves so well for a big man, taps directly on to the chest of our players. Good foot skills, a couple of tackles (hoo-f'ing-ray a ruckamn who can tackle), although missed a goal from close in front, probably should have finished with 3 maybe 4. The question is, would you rather he got fitness at Casey or playing as a relief ruckman for MFC...not sure, interested to see the opinion of others.

Thought Bail was a class above, as was Jetta in patches.

Here's my observations on a few of the others:

Hogan - Is just going to be a dead set superstar. Is everything a young KPF should be. Hard at it, can take a mark, a bit of arrogance, good kick at goal.

Tapscott - was everywhere today, Should be a certain starter next week after 6 goals and a BOG

Bail - Classy, good running, strong overhead. Should be in ASAP.

Jetta - good without being a stand out. But when you think about some of the guys playing for MFC (i'm thinking Rodan, Byrnes, Nicho etc) he should be in the team.

Strauss - Got towelled up early. Better as the game went on. Is he a better bet than Nicholson - 50/50 at this point, Wouldn't hurt having a look.

Kent - Seems ready for a call up. Got a fair bit of footy and kicked a couple of good goals.

Spencer - Was ok for mine, nothing outstanding.

Barry - Couple of nice flashes, needs to work on his defensive pressure. Looks good with the ball in his hands. Will be great off a half back flank in two years.

Magner/Couch - great getting the ball, questions on disposal still. They have the grunt we are missing at the moment, too bad we can't bring them in.

Pederson - Played down back. Looks better suited down there. Might be worth another look.

That's all I can think of right now. Highlights for mine Gawn & Hogan.

Tom Gillies is the worst player to ever play for Melbourne. He got more goals kicked on him tonight than possessions! Pathetic.

I'd rather have Andrew Lamprill than Gillies. And we all know how good he was.

right up until last week I was supporting Neeld's efforts (even told him so in person), quietly optimistic of some improvement this year, and certain thathe must be given plenty of time. However, the ineptitude of Sunday was of such magnitude it leads me to conclude that the bloke has no idea what he is doing.

I think a lot of people are in this boat - myself included. We all wanted to think that Neeld was cleaning up Bailey's mistakes and making a more accountable group that when put under pressure wouldn't leak 90+ point losses. How long have we all wanted the team to be competitive and if they do lose, lose like Sydney or Hawthorn and fight to the end. Unfortunately, it seems like neither Bailey with his attack at all costs game plan and Neeld with the around the boundary at all costs game plan have a plan that actually works with our list. I posed this in one of the other threads but is is stubbornness to continue with a game plan that the players don't have the skills to execute or is it plain stupidity? I'd say a bit of both. But as mentioned above, when Melbourne get beaten by GWS and $cully on our home turf on Round 4 - Neeld should fall on his sword, and if he won't - push him.

I'd be playing the following:

B: Jetta Frawley Garland

HB: Strauss McDonald Terlich

C: Blease Viney Howe

HF: Sylvia Clark Rodan

F: Davey Dawes Byrnes

Fol: Jamar Jones Trengove (if fit)

Int: Toumpas McKenzie M Jones

Sub: Watts

Which I guess mean:

IN: Strauss, Jetta, McDonald, Terlich, Dawes, Davey

OUT: Sellar, Gilles, Pederson, Nicholson, Dunn, Tapscott

The sad part of above, is that if given the option I would never play Strauss or MacDonald in the backline - one can't kick and one's too loose, but it would have to be better than last week. God help us.