Lord Nev

Agree. Gawn just seems not 100% in the ruck this year, not sure if he's carrying an injury. At least 3 times this year in close games we've gone on a run when Gawn was on the bench and Jackson in the ruck. It changes our mix. We know our struggles with clearances this year also. Also think Gawn is a better forward than Jackson and Gawn's goal kicking seems to have improved.

Yep fair point, but I believe it's been mentioned they consider Fritsch as a tall. (I think it might have been Gawn that said that a couple of weeks ago but not 100% sure). Potentially they could go with TMac, Fritsch and then Gawn & Jackson rotating, similar to the first few rounds. It's a tough one, and we've had 3 different forward setups this year role wise so I don't think they've fully settled on it tbh.

I think everyone seems to be making false equivalencies here. Weid coming out doesn't automatically mean Ben Brown comes in. It doesn't even necessarily mean Mitch Brown comes in.

Based on the fact he wasn't picked in the squad for the game on the weekend. Pretty simple.

"Old school rules"... I think you'll find players still get picked on present form, COVID or not. That form might be training form, practice match form or VFL form, but it's still how it's done. If we start picking the team based on performances from 2 years ago then we're in trouble. I agree on current form Weid will likely be dropped, but Brown wasn't even named as an emergency so that should give you some insight into how the selection committee rate his current available form. I don't need to "accept" your opinion when it's not aligned with the facts.

Sure, no one would argue Brown isn't a more proven player, but you pick the team on current form not form from a couple of years ago.

No mate, you're still missing the point. Weid was originally selected off the back of good VFL form. He'll likely now be dropped as he hasn't performed. Brown hasn't earned a game with his VFL form yet.

He was selected due to his good VFL form though, Brown doesn't have that atm. That's the point.

OUT: Weideman, Sparrow IN: Melksham, Viney Go back to the 'smaller' setup we had at the start of the year. I believe it will help with some of our developing problems in forward pressure and forward delivery. Would like to see Melksham played more as a forward again and less of a mid/forward, obviously his selection would be pending him showing the required intent at training. Mitch Brown isn't the answer, and would like to see Ben Brown actually earn a game before coming in.

Lever not 100% sure, could be foot/toe, but yeah ankle could make sense too. The new player stuff was just a 'chance to play' comment. But again guys, please take it all with a grain of salt, it's from a few different places and far from confirmed.

Ok, I'll just reiterate this is all unconfirmed so take it with a big grain of salt: Salem and Lever out. One other player out too but not sure who. Apparently one of the brand new blokes a chance to debut as well, I'm assuming Turner as he's a similar role to Lever from what I understand. Again, very very much unconfirmed at this point.

Could be a few surprises this week apparently, mostly in terms of injuries, but also one related selection surprise. It's only 'talk' at this stage, so don't want to freak anyone out. Will post more if I get more solid info.

There were rumours that the current government weren't keen to work with Bartlett. No progress made while he was there. Roffey (who has good relationships with key decision makers) comes in and not long after it seems there may be genuine progress from a government support perspective.

Possibly depends on how it's been worded there though. My interpretation of this article is that it's saying the results of the feasibility study will be known, rather than the fact that there is a feasibility study underway (which is what was said at the AGM from memory).

This is the crux of it: "It is understood the Demons want to increase the length and width of the oval at Gosch’s Paddock. And in a positive development the Victorian Government announced in its 2021/2022 state budget that funding could be made available to the Demons for the training ground upgrade. “Funding is provided and held in central contingency for a range of AFL/AFLW and VFL infrastructure and community projects including Gosch’s Paddock upgrade,” it said. But the funding is dependent on the scope and cost of the project which the Demons are working though." "An announcement could be made in the coming months about a feasibility study into a facelift of the AAMI Park facility which could help give the Demons more room." Interesting timing if you're a conspiracy theorist... ;)

Richo spoke to him a few time about this including a very serious talk about it end of season.

Think it's been just as important that the coaches identified and specified roles for themselves as it has been that the players have.

I believe Brown will come in this week, but if we're quoting stats let's also note Weid is ahead of Brown for: Disposals, marks, contested marks, tackles, goal assists and pressure acts.

Not really. Melksham goes out, Langdon comes in. They go back to the roles they played when they all played together in the Freo or Saints games.

Possession count can be irrelevant depending on the role though. Spargo was bringing the forward pressure, tackles, goal assists that were really important. Melksham had 2 tackles and 0 goal assists. If Melksham had had 8 tackles and a few goal assists I'd agree with you mate, but he didn't, and you need to contribute something else if not getting the ball.

Now, I know they played different roles, but... Sparrow - 19 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles and a goal Melksham - 5 disposals, 2 marks, 2 tackles, no score Sparrow didn't play on the wing in Langdon's role, so I don't reckon there's much of a configuration change.

Need to get a contract in front of Hibberd. Been great. A bit under the radar as a 'come back' of sorts.

Goody mentioned in the presser they brought him off with a while to go in the game as they're still managing him through some soreness and niggles.

Not Mitch...

Yeah for sure. I think the club will need to sell him on the future for him, learning under TMac and Brown and taking over across the next few years. Wouldn't blame him for moving on though.