kev martin

At the moment, it feels like a carrot leading my enjoyment. Glad not too much whip, but that could change if we don't improve with our pressure, clearances, forward connection and ruthlessness as we enter the end of home and away series. I do enjoy close games, based on the emotional ride. Unlike previous years, a loss didn't seem to bad, but now, we are back to having to win, and a loss may impact my joy. Expecting us to smash them, now our season is back on the line. That would really improve my opinion of MFC and associated joy.

Could also add Bowey.

Love that we are getting prime time games. Three friday and a Saturday night. The players will be pumped and are getting consistency of start time against quality teams who we may meet in finals. Given we make it. I like the 8 day break before we play Carlton. Friday nights give our players and coaches the ability to watch the performance of the other teams, with more focus. Really couldn't be happier.

I think I read that, dropping knees, raising arm will mean prior opportunity. I could be wrong.

Both knees bent. Body is stating to lean in, which changes the angle of shoulders. First contact is at the shoulder, not on top. Amazing how we see different interpretations. I have nothing against him, could develop into a good footy player. The onus has to be on both players, duty of care and self preservation to reduce later in life acquired head injury. Don't get the head in bad places.

I think it became dangerous after the tackler was aware he is not pinged for the initial contact. Could’ve been done for unduly rough play.

[May have been mentioned earlier.] I think he leant into the tackle. This lowers his shoulder, places his head into the tackler and puts his main body area in a position that is less capable of being hit. Not exactly bending the knees, nor raising the arm, though possibly the lean is more effective. He plays for the frees.

When he had some time in the backline I thought he used his body well. Pushing hard and holding his ground. He changes tactics when in the forward area. It seems when he attempts a mark, he wants a clear path at it and if spoiling he wants to get under the drop zone. I wish he could bring a bit of hold under the drop zone to the forward area. Developing, entry from the side of the pack may also help. I would expect him to be doing everything in his power to play in a finals series, appears Melksham is. Get some mongrel Sam.

Thanks for that daisycutter. Went past at about 9.30 am, saw nothing. Perhaps they don't use the truck anymore and just head out from the rooms of AAMI when they are ready. The assistants also don't need to put cushions on the goal post as they are now permanent pieces. Makes for seeing the training a bit more, of trial and error, hit or miss. Unlikely to be there tomorrow.

Passed by this morning, Monday. No one or any set up evident. Perhaps tomorrow morning at Gosch's, train hard, then on the 'bus' to WA Wednesday. Get a captains run on Optus, Thursday. Hope the ground has recovered from rain and use. Saw an article about the ground being dangerous, giving way and soggy on the side that doesn't get sun. I'll post if it looks like training Tuesday at Gosch's.

Momentum, keeping it for the 4 quarters and getting it back quickly on our terms when we lose it. Only a few of the players seem to be able to turn the tide, including; Gawn, Viney, Oliver, Pettraca, Lever, Langdon, Spargo, Brayshaw and Fritch. We rely on too few, to take it on at the right time or play the correct tempo. So often, even those mentioned get it wrong. Need more effective on-field leadership and a put them to the sword attitude.

We will be playing at a high standard, given the teams we are matched up against, and that we are a good team. The others have to play well against us to beat us. Hard games will hone our skills and game plan. Expect and predict we finish the home and away strongly.

The discussion was more about a change in structures in our forward-line. I expressed in an earlier thread that there may be a bit more of our smalls getting some goals after watching some drills at training and that BBB was out. Our set ups remained generally the same. As @Demon Dynasty expressed, it would prove an alternative universe exist if we change our methods. He was right and as he said in a reply, we cannot even play some 'take it on' footy by switching, and we don't seem to value protecting the open spaces. Makes for predictability and allows the opposition to take a gamble. Addit: Saw that BBB was in the coaches box. Expect him to come back.

@Demon Dynasty The multiverse doesn't exist. ANB nor Viney got a chance to snap a goal.

We need some more consistency throughout the game by some of our younger players and those working to hold their spots. How about JJ, played out the game on the wing when he was obviously hampered by his knee. Also copped that ball to the head and didn't flinch. Thought they could have subbed him off and brought Bedford on for a bit of pace. We became very fumbley when the game had to be won. Petty is a giant, also has a bit of mongrel about him. What were May and Tracc thinking. Its not training. We had them, let them off the hook and then allowed them a couple of 12 point plays. I feel we beat ourselves. Need the leaders to set the tempo and fix the need to kick to contested ball most of the time. Loved the way bulldogs took it on with their grass cutter passes. Some of our coast to coast and quick ball movement ending in goals was great. I thought we had them. Small moments decided this ones. Plenty to work on and too many going missing during important stages.

Hoping we move the ball with plenty of angle, so we aren't predictable with the corridor we take and to give the forwards more options to lead into. Hate the straight done the line unless it is quick movement. Our backline has been working well, not so concerned without lever, it's the forwards that need to inspire. How great under the roof on such a wet, cold night. Go Dees

Interesting that they played Baker off half-back, difficult to know if he was accountable for his opponent. Hunt was not seen in that last quarter. Perhaps off to Marvel! Bowey full of class. Chandler got shut down in the second half, though showed up for the last goal. Very nice finishes. Now for the big show. This game should have been the curtain raiser?

Played on the wing, in and out of the game.

We are missing Mitch White, his big body and stabilising presence would help us on this kind of day. Van-Royen to settle us, Goal.

Starting to over handball and play a bit cute. Where's Dunstan? Need some leadership for the young players.

Chandler, Baker, Moniz, Brown doing well. I want more from Hunty, Laurie, Turner and Van-Royen. Tough conditions, but they seem to be handling the slippery ball well. Mainly keeping it simple, gaining territory and keeping the tackling pressure up. Go Dees

Especially when it is wet and cold out there. Great to be playing under the roof tonight!

Or selling the candy, to make space.

Can someone clarify the new interpretation of the duck/drop knees/arm shrugs, when tackled high. Did they say if that action happens then it is considered prior opportunity?

It is working for me