Kev

Not sure, I am not a statistician. I was presenting an argument to our "struggle in phases". I think the problem was, others set their game against our style. Therefore, our bombs into our forward line didn't work as we couldn't lock the ball down in there. The other team got out quickly or with the short dinky, efficient kicks. The backline intercepts were the same, they were reluctant to kick the ball down the line and had to use the dinky/efficient/fast style to do us. Moving the ball is an interesting aspect. Has to be one that is continually in flux as they adapt to how the game is going, tempo, momentum, not working, predictable, etcetera. I believe the onus was on Goody and the on-field leaders, to read the tea leaves, which is not related to our basic skill level. Making the statement, "We aren't great at any phase of the game", is blame shifting and Goody putting the onus on players. I reckon we have the players the will, but our style and its adapt ability is my assessment of why we didn't make finals. Big year for Goody, if we fail he may not be able to hide.

We were average with clangers. If it is about game style, we became the hunted and teams set themselves against us. Goody has been a great innovator (in my opinion), I can see him doing that again. His problem IMO, is he is slow to adapt the kind of play within a quarter, and gives the momentum to the other team. Proud about his strategies and reluctant/slow at tweeking them, when being beaten. Did we struggle at all phases of the game? I believe we were above average.

I interpreted "great" as sarcasm, not high expectations. So, we are above average at all phases of the game, but not the best? Many have been expressing, doom and gloom about the topic. I think we have been a good side for several seasons, and the shortcomings and our tests, will be in the finals series.

I thought this topic and that no one can argue against the proposition, was click bait, and Goody's line was Fugazi.

I'll bite, though I only saw the first half of our year, the rest I listened to on a radio. So you talk about the phases being, with ball, without ball and the contested. We are generally better than average in the League for disposals (getting ball), clangers (use of ball) and tackles and contest . Here are some statistical arguments. Quote from: https://afltables.com/afl/stats/2023s.html MFC: 9183 disposals for, only 4 others with more. 8911 disposals against, 9 others with less. Pretty good at getting the ball, average for stopping the other getting it. Clangers 945, 8 others had more (average), others teams against, had 894. 5th on list. (Below average). Other teams are better at using ball against us. Perhaps because they try not to bomb into our backline. 1530 tackles 5 had more. 1536 against 2 had more. We tackle more but get tackeld more. In plenty of contest. 3654 contested possessions, only two higher. 3399 against, 6 had more. We get the ball. The "We aren't great at any phase of the game", fugazi. We didn't make finals so have less opportunities for higher numbers than those that played in them.

I'm not sure if this is "click bait". I'll bite though. Phases of the game you mean start, middle, and end, or early in quarters, or in the time on period. Other phases may be, transitioning, stoppages, boundary work, subbing, coming off and on, contested, zoning, holding, attacking, running down the clock, leading, pressure, taking risks, playing with flair, taking it on, performing when it is your time, communicating, scoring, intimidating, heckling, managing the score, managing the time, persuading the umpires, quarter time and half time periods, use of runner, changing up the style of play, protecting each other, turning the game, creating momentum, engaging the crowd, quieting the crowd, watching yourself on the replay screen. I am able to go on. "Not good at any phase", poor old Goody clutching at straws, a throw away line, in order to motivate and get the best out of the team. For me, attending the game, watching on tv, or getting to training is my joy. Wanting a competitive team is the pinnacle, not winning all and sundry. We have had a more than competitive team for years now. My hope is the others will take us for granted, and we get a game plan that surprises as we fall further away as the team to beat or replicate. Love to see us come up with some unique methods. Winning and only finding joy in that, is for fools or the gamblers. Love the team, whether they succeed or not. Drink from the glass infront of you, half full, half empty, overflowing or down to the last mouthfuls. At least you are drinking and not waiting till the cup fulfills your expectations. (Bathwater and fugazi, is best to avoid)

That was kind of the point I was making with Langford. Still a bit to learn, especially the pace of the game. Windsor was the same (after playing against lesser opponents, some adaptation needed) early in his intro to MFC, he learnt very quickly. My guess is Langford will be on the same trajectory.

Langford likes having the ball in hand, I just see him getting caught in the faster AFL games, if he is not switched on. Most of the time he breaks lines and moves to space, Have seen him get caught a few times, not from confusion, more because he is a confident player, who can get straight line tackled. I have also seen him get rid of the ball super quickly, hands close to Clarry's abilities. He is a one touch player, very clean.

In the previous training, Melky went hard for a groundball and tweeked his hammy (high up on the leg it looked like). So had a little running and some bike work, in this session.

They moved a few into new roles today during sims. The wings included Koltyn, Tracc and Rivers (not sure it was Rivers playing there), plus the regulars of, Billings, Sparrow, and Langdon. At one stage, Langdon burnt Sparrow off, left alone in the forward 50 where he swept onto a ground ball and set up the play for a goal. Yellow bibs (central ball movers and connection) had Fritsch, Langford, and Sharp, all at separate times. Some sims had no one in the bib. The sims appeared to be about aggressive ball movement, often looking for that hit up near the centre circle. They also played a high forward line and then did some congested forward work. Langford stuffs around with the ball, he usually has enough skill to step and move freely. I am a bit worried that the speed of AFL may catch him out. Still some learnings to happen. Tracc, Oliver and May getting plenty of intercepts. Viney making midfield leads, forming the outlet ball, and helping the connections. In some mids drills, they where tackling was willingness, Vines got hit multiple times. He is ready for battle. Salem impressed, running well and play making. Got a touch to the ball in the defensive 50, followed up with a kick on the wing and another with a delivery into a leading forward (barely a sweat). Great morning to finish off the pre-Christmas sessions. They were in great voice, training with enthusiasm, and getting around each other.

The tail of which track. In hindsight, we should have got on the favourite, and not a bet each way, no more horse feathers. Now we are on the home straight, with our noses in front. Saddle up, we have been taken on a ride, can see the finish line, and are running on strong. We flogged the dead horse many times, the blinkers are off. We now know it was not a sprint, but an endurance race. Go you good thing!

Got a feeling they are giving Koltyn plenty of half-forward time. Kossie is a mid now, I think.

I think he is good player, learning quickly and has had very good trainers in his developmental period prior to AFL. He plays in those tight areas, will burst into space, break the lines, and throws his weight around in defensive plays. He is going to be hard to match up to, he appears taller and slimmer than Tracc. Occasionally misses his kicks, but has plenty of time to get that right. The ones I see him miss have been when tight on the boundary with few options but to go short along the boundary line. Does not lack confidence when playing and keeps a humble personification most of the time. His development is going to be interesting. I'd also include Rivers in the conversation with Tracc and Langford, as possible game changers.

Clayton Oliver was looking great in the sims. Moving well to space, getting his hands on the ball easily in the congested areas, and linking to others. Had a word to Choco about him. Still says he has some improvements to go. I think he was saying his fitness isn't primed yet. Jed Adams had a central lock down role on various forwards, in the sims. He got his fist to plenty of balls and was first to it for the ground ball. Working very well. May was lurking in the left or right pocket to intercept plenty of balls. Backline looking strong. A gusty wind helps them as the hit up players missed a few times. They also had the occasional difficulty getting the ball out. Jefferson's hands weren't as good today, but stepping up for some good clunks was JvR. Bayley Fritsch is looking eager, he has determination about him, Tmac is still looking good, reading the play well and outpointing the forwards. Judd McVee and Caleb Windsor, looking very classy, with plenty of participation, both are ball magnets. Jack Viney's not taking prisoners, hitting all and sundry, hard. Moving well, and creating links through his leads and gut running. Jake Lever had the lime green cap on when participating in drills, (the no tackling piece). He is running the boundary with enthusiasm and really striding out. Leadership in spades when on the field. Charlie Spargo in with the forwards, playing that high up and delivery into the 50 role. I didn't see Woey out there today. Will Verrall was rucking, along with Max Gawn and Tom Campbell in sims and structures. We have three elusive indigenous players out there. Ricky Mentha is gaining confidence, skills, especially his kicking, has improved (rarely missing), moves beautifully to and in spaces. George moves very similar to him, though Kossie is starring. They all have a smile going and are clearly loving being at it together. Mentha has regularly got visitors down here. Socially, he appears good for Kossie. The Kolt is really maturing. Rarely missing his disposals anymore and making the right decisions. Previous drills had all of them doing some bouncing of the ball. Today (last training as well), they didn't practice that skill. The tackling drill and defensive style in sims had plenty of intensity. I get worried when they go hard at each other. Talking about hard, they didn't go easy with the exertion required because of the heat. Coaches and trainers pushed them. At the end of one sim they could barely get up a run, that they have been doing to the sheds. I think I saw Melky tweek a hammy. Probably an early Christmas break for him. All the previous rehabber's had time with the main group.

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times AFL Gosch's Paddock Wednesday, December 18 Gosch's Paddock 10am-12pm Christmas Break Commences December 19

The area was buzzing, Victory and Storm teams were also training. The mornings mild temperature was made to train in. They were including some rehabbers in the warm-up and drills. Great to see Spargo in a training Jersey and with boots on. Lindsay had a little time in the sims. Lever and McAdam the kicking drills only. When they had a full field drill, defenders in yellow bibs, ran and pressured near the ball users. First time I'd seen this defensive movement included in drills. If they caught them they tapped the back, or they placed themselves in blocking positions, or they stand the mark and go when the play-on happened. Coaches continue to work in pairs, and they can be in any of the various groups. My guess is they coach according to a skill set, not a line preference at the moment. Though, when they have gone into their line groups they take up the designated roles. I like the pairing of JVR and Jefferson. They don't get in each other's way, and their skill sets compliment the other. Big bash, ground ball get, find outside or behind space, alongside, aerial and leading acumen. They want the players to keep out of the corridor areas. Calls of stay wider rang out. Appears they are trying to make leads into the spaces, in the middle of the field. AMW has become a close down tackling machine. Tmac hasn't put a foot wrong. The drills are performed at an outstanding skill level. Hoping the sims follow suit. They continue to work hard on their structures and intentions. They are eager and happy out there.

I think Howes and Adam are on the edge of experiencing the blues. Expectations, uncertainty, knowledge of what it takes, living up to that, and the associated anxiety. Adams (though hasn't had a game at AFL level) looks great at times, powerful and confident, expressing leadership qualities and then he has drops in confidence. Howes has regularly been having errors of handling and disposal in sims and drills. He is moving very smoothly and getting opportunities with the ball. I wonder, what is going on? Hope, as you say the coaches get around them and are clear in explaining roles and what they need to work on.

One of the players causing turnovers was Windsor. He closes quickly and is able to get the finger tips to the ball. The reading of the play is a great asset, then he gets the ground ball, drives and steps, and finds a link. He will make a good attacking defender alongside McVee.

I know what you mean, skill errors, especially under pressure, are going to happen. I see them not transitioning well when the turnover occurs. I hope they work hard on that, as well as the skills. At the moment most turnovers lead to easy ball movement by the chasing team. A few like Kossie, put pressure on after they turn it over. Then there are the dropped heads, Adam, Howes, Verrall, Kentfield. I particularly like the players who don't do two in a row, Kolt, Langford to name a couple of young ones, and oldies like May, Chandler, Tracc, with that headset. Langford is very interesting, he just gets on with it, very little apparent stress, from any mistakes. Like he knows there will be mistakes, as you say, and it is the next opportunity that he appears to be looking forward to, Cool Customer.

Clarry is fit, happy to outrun others in sprints. Getting heavily involved in the sims. They were getting them to make and hit leads over the back and running towards goal. They are hitting each other hard and willingly in the drills. Petty slammed Tracc backwards and onto ground with a don't argue. That got them going hard at each other with plenty of intensity, during one of the handball games. Goody's words, something along, doing like we ask you makes a much better, and easier drill. When doing the drills without shape it led to being caught in tight spaces. When following the correct patterns and structures they moved the ball to the open spaces, and with better completions. Wings in the sims, included Sparrow, Billings, Langers and Woey. Sparrow is running the rails without too much strain, looking trim. McVee was everywhere. I saw him start with ball on the defensive point post, then he finished the play off in the half-forward area inside the 50. Heading to being one of our elites. Petty was used forward and back. Kossie had the different coloured bib on (the linking player), later it was Tracc. Kossie got picked off few times, but got to the contest and impacted after the error. I like his ability to see ahead of himself. Working hard on being a playmaker. Jefferson had a great session, hands are sticky, kicking snaps with confidence, and finding separation out the back. Bowser is our best field kick, hitting some incredibly hard passes. Many are still floating the ball, not Bowser, gets the ball to the player, flat and direct. Salem is not far behind, with beautiful kicks. Mentha likes to dance with the ball, got caught a few times, love his cheekiness/bravado to take them on. Rivers got picked off a few times as well. They were playing down the corridor, with high reward, high risk sims. Turner is another looking good. Moving fast, getting separation and appears set for a big year. Fritta is also playing well. Very fit, even strong as he cleans the defenders away from the contest. Goaling is a natural, effortless action. Adams and Howes are making a few errors. May is starting plenty of plays off the backline. His fitness is improving. Langford and Kolt (looking bigger), also made a few errors. Turnovers will kill us. JVR was not out there today. Tmac had some strapping on his right shoulder, moving well. Lever, a patella support on his left leg, running with intensity at times. Hard extensive session. They are being put through their paces.

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/teams/training-times AFL Gosch's Paddock Monday, December 9 Gosch's Paddock 10am - 12pm Wednesday, December 11 Gosch's Paddock 10am - 12pm Friday, December 13 Gosch's Paddock 10am - 12pm Monday, December 16 Gosch's Paddock 10am - 12pm

They have been simming and drilling in very congested areas. A marked change from early last season. When they structure up with a crowded forward line, the instructions I have heard have been, 'look and kick it to where the leading forwrd wants it'. A few of the sims when crowded had them putting the ball infront of JVR who wanted it above the pack for a strong specky attempt, hit the pack, and have a front and centre ready. Big change is that the crumbers are being drilled, working together, and making sure that someone is there at the crumb (hard running). Chandler reads it well. Kossie's snaps are a beautiful thing to see, so very consistent. They haven't given up on the kind of bomb it in theory.

Going well! Has put on bulk around the hips. Looks taller than last season. Getting involved in the sims. Listening to and executing the instructions. This morning he was working hard, getting off the blindside of defenders, and in constant movement. Didn't get many passes to him, continued to offer options. His handball and field kicking have also improved, has great hands. Has a reliable set shot. The tackling effort is still lacking, or it maybe that he cannot read defensiveness well. Starts a step behind and doesn't straight line with gusto, though can zone defend reasonably well. During drills he is as clean as anyone. Looking happy. Must be a chance to get a start this year.

A few observations - Basset, and Jones (Goody observing) had a sim/structural drill going, tackling included, going in at about 60% commitment. It seemed to be about getting the ball out from a stoppage in the backline with kick, when the ball gets locked in by congestion. The other side of the field had Chaplin and, I think Whitford, doing something similar, with the emphasis being locking the ball in. Basset was very vocal, he emphasised that the corridor was sacrosanct, 'give them the boundary'. Langford struggled with the shorts kicks, and decision-making a couple of times. His long kicks were more successful. Campbell moved and handled the ball fairly well for a big man. Good fun watching Viney and Tracc compete against each other. They had some stoppages for the mids, taken by Jones. Two mids on one opposition, crumbing off the rucks, Gawn, Verrall and Campbell. One mid would block, as the other gets a free run to collect the tap. I am yet to see the tall forwards do any ruck work. The forwards all practised set kicking from about 45 metres out, taken by Choco. The backs, with Bassett, practised the basic releases. The full sims were done with plenty of skill, fast ball movement, and a sparse forward line. They had an extensive, intensive session, building well.

Your guess is as good as mine. Probably, they will train Wednesday and Friday (same place and time), then the Christmas break.