Lord Nev

Incredibly stiff IMO. Wasn't much of a footballer before the midfield/tagging turnaround tbh, but seemed to have found his niche there and played some good footy that helped us win. Add all that to his poor form and us crying out for a tagger a couple of times this year and it's just another example of the stubborn coach we have. Goodwin has told Harmes he won't be playing midfield no matter what and he needs to make half back work, BUT add to that the fact he's not getting great direction from Goodwin (who wouldn't even discuss his dropping with him properly). As it stands, he's a decent chance to request a trade end of season. That's a real 'heart and soul' type who grew up a Dees supporter, so that should paint a picture.

Disagree, he's already exceeded expectations for his first year by playing a few games. The club always took a long term view with him and the fact they're managing him physically with that long term view still tells you what the club thinks of his future.

Bennell is just being managed with a plan throughout the year. Will be back for the Freo game, small chance for Sydney.

A bit going on this week it seems...

If anyone knows how to destroy the Saints it's Richo.

There could be more to all this. Seems a fair bit of upheaval at one time. Watch this space I reckon.

Agree on both points. Goodwin said in his presser today that Jones and vandenBerg may both play in the middle with Sparrow out, so hopefully that means we have some quicker legs on the outside.

Sandilands was 122kg, the second heaviest AFL player of all time.

Not sure Gawn will keep playing til he's 36 mate.

100%. But I think having more players around who apply pressure will help them. ATM they have had Melksham, Fritsch and Hannan, and none of them are doing much chasing and tackling.

He told Harmes it was backline or nothing. It's just another example of Goodwin's stubbornness. Refuses to change things until it's too late. Fritsch was late to training and dropped. Ok fair enough. vandenBerg did something just as un-Melbourne like with the undisciplined free after the siren that cost us a crucial goal, also gave away a couple of dumb 50s... Nothing.

Yep that's fair. Think we needed to get a smaller quicker forward mix this week anyway, hoping Bedford comes in too.

The answer has been talked about here a long time. Favourites.

I'm not his biggest fan, but that's pretty harsh on Hunt given he leads the Dees for tackles inside 50.

Have mentioned here before, I believe Bennell is still being managed. He's a chance for next week, but more likely the Freo game. I think he played in the scratch match today too, which would likely mean he's not being selected.

Geez, that's unbelievable. All the players are literally in the same hotel. How does this even happen?

Where'd you see that mate?

Sounds like vanders and Jones might be the names in line to take Sparrow's rotation, and a chance we go with 2 rucks.

Apparently there's a scratch match on today. TBH no idea against who etc. Anyone heard anything or know who's playing? Fairly sure Bennell is so he wouldn't be looking at selection this week. Cheers.

What if I told you he averages the same amount of tackles as vandenBerg, with half as many clangers & turnovers...?

It's definitely a case of desperation, but that's where our season stands at the moment. Expecting we see a big of speed among the other changes when the teams comes out.

Haven't followed him very closely, but Rory Atkins has announced he'll leave Adelaide as an unrestricted free agent this year. Know he's meant to be quick and a decent kick (?), would he be handy depth? I'd see him as an upgrade on players like Jones, vandenBerg, Dunkley and the Wagners. Anyone followed him more in-depth?

Huh? Copped an injury from a bump similar to one Viney has previously copped. Is Viney not 'muscular enough for midfield' as well?