Lord Nev

Sure, but I didn't say he played poorly in the finals, I said we did fine without him and as a co-captain of a team lacking "connection" it's an indictment on his leadership that he's the worst kick inside 50 in the AFL.

We made our big run to the finals without Viney, I think some overrate his importance. Also, he's rated as the single worst kick inside 50 in the league. But sure, everything will be fine.

IF that is true (source?) then it's not brave, it's completely stupid and horrible management from the club.

19 out of 22 regular season games isn't "2/3 of a season" mate, and I think the fact he wasn't invited to the Brownlow (along with him being 6th in the Bluey) tells you it wasn't a true reflection of his season. How exactly do you think the rule changes have impacted his play, specifically? What are you basing the set shot stats on? Over his career he's averaged 60% goal kicking accuracy in total, but I can't find any stats for set shots, so if you have somewhere you're getting that I'd love it if you could share.

Personally I would much rather trade Viney than Brayshaw, but it will never happen.

With nothing to play for, a burdened playing group and a totally deflated supporter base... Break the chains, mix it up, load up the forward line and make it fun again! May forward. Gus forward. Frost to the wing. Trac to the middle. Salem to the middle. Change things up and give them a fresh look. Play on instinct, run forward in numbers, expect sores the other way but don't get down about it. I know the arguments about consistency and synergy, and I agree to a point, but right now this club is totally weighed down and feels more disinterested in the footy than I can remember, so let's give the supporters something to cheer for and the players something to smile about, even if we (inevitably) lose. Bring back the fun! We all need it.

From today's "The Tackle"... Much like his side Melbourne, Angus Brayshaw has experienced a significant form drop off this season. The tough on-baller, who finished third in last year’s Brownlow Medal count, has averaged 22 disposals and four marks, down from 26 possessions last season. His ranking points dive has been telling, plunging from 95 on average in 2019 to 82 this year after a barnstorming finish to last season. With the Demons battling in 17th, will they have to consider cashing in on Brayshaw during the coming trade period? 5. WHAT TO DO WITH ANGUS? Brayshaw’s tormented season continued on Saturday night. The Demon midfielder won just 11 disposals, his fewest since 2016. His past five matches have been 15, 12, 15, 17 and 11. Against the Tigers coach Simon Goodwin tried him everywhere — 54 per cent midfield, 27 per cent defence, and 19 per cent forward. Maybe that’s the problem. It also might be that they were looking for a position where he could contribute. Brayshaw’s form is a mystery and you have to wonder if he’s a happy footballer. Could a trade work? There is noise about Fremantle’s Ed Langdon and Adam Cerra being targets for Victorian clubs — and Angus’s brother is already over there. It’s just a thought, and the Demons do want outside run …

"unless you’ve been part of the medical/rehab/fitness process first hand, you simply have no justification for such a presumption" I dunno mate, wouldn't have thought our injury mishandling this year was a big secret...

I might be wrong, but I seem to recall Petty taking a handful of ruck contests since playing forward.

You're right mate, everything is going perfectly with our injury management. That's why there's no players having flare ups of the same injuries after coming back quickly, no players struggling through the year, no player's parents having direct cracks at the club's injury management, no demotions of fitness staff and no change to the head of elite performance this year... Everything is fine, nothing to see here. Oh and if you happen to be someone who thinks the decisions about "medical/rehab/fitness" should be influenced by supporters and the media then I'm not sure I'd throwing around the "idiot" insult around so freely.

Also keen to have a directional leader like May in the forward line and see how it goes.

IN: Hore, May OUT: Lever (inj), Preuss Play May forward.

Jack Viney is our gutsy leader - Ranked 28th at the club for 1%ers. Jack Viney is the coach's on field general - Rated worst in the league for kicks retained inside 50. Jack Viney will lead the way for us to 'get something out of the rest of the year' - 0 tackles, playing in the guts, in the wet. I want to love him. He's been my favourite player at stages. But he is not a captain. Not once this year have I seen him direct players, give instructions on the field, read the flow of the game and adjust to it or deliver a message or spray that has seemingly worked. Obviously you can forgive shortcomings if the player is a fantastic leader that organizes the troops, teaches and instructs out there (particularly with the runners basically gone) and makes the team run efficiently, but I'm yet to see Viney do those things. Nothing will change though. Goodwin made the captain's call and he's too stubborn to drop underperforming favourites of his from the team, let alone demote a captain he himself picked.

0 tackles between both co-captains tells how seriously this team is trying to 'get something our of the rest of the year'. Wasn't our worst game of the season, but there's just so many aspects that we can't defend anymore. Can't remember ever feeling so flat about the club tbh.

Should have maybe used a different font, I was just being cheeky mate, chin up, there's already changes happening inside the club so won't be long til we can start getting optimistic again.

Yep, and rumour is there's already been a few of ours told they won't be required next year.

I don't think you heard correctly mate. David Schwarz wrote in an article that the Dees should consider looking at Hird as an assistant coach. Apparently that's now done the Chinese whispers around the traps and has become "we might be into James Hird".

There is inconsistency in nearly everything you post. 'Our under 23 talent is poor, better trade pick 3 for a player who will be 28 next year' 'Ken Hinkley is coach of the year' 'SECOND knee reco, he's had two knee recos, he's a worry with his knee issues - let's get Patton' Yeah, real consistent.

Matsuo Basho: "Lever will be a welcome return to the side (let’s hope his knee stands up after a SECOND reco)" Source Matsuo Basho: "Lever a star but has now had two knee recos." Source Matsuo Basho: "Job security the major sticking point in that scenario. Go down with a buckled knee, huge disaster for him." Source Matsuo Basho: "At the end of the day you’re a professional footballer at the elite level for ten years, with the ever present possibility of going down with a buckled knee every time you run out onto the park." Source Matsuo Basho: "Gawn is also a worry with his knee issues." Source You don't seem super consistent on knees old mate.

"Meanwhile, Melbourne is certain to revamp its footy department after an underwhelming season. This could lead to an approach for Richardson, who remains highly regarded in footy circles after almost six seasons at the Saints." Source Thoughts?

Edit - Actually changed my mind about this post, not getting sucked in to this rubbish anymore.

Haha, I'm out. Enjoy fellas.

Yes, and you do understand that given his age we should go off this year's stats, rather than ones from when he was 23 right? I'm not "potting" Ben Brown at all, very good player, but he's not worth pick 2/3 (whatever it ends up being) given his age. You can't complain about our lack of young talent and then simultaneously trade away one of the best 3 young players in the country. It's absolutely hypocritical. By the way, you do realize your stats are wrong yes? You're using total goals and behinds, not set shots. Not surprising from you tho tbh.

Yesterday you were bemoaning our lack of under 23 talent, now you're wanting to recruit a 27 year old. Ok then. Also... "North Melbourne's Ben Brown is regularly noted as a sharp shooter but his 54.4% accuracy is not in the top bracket in the competition." Source