Lord Nev

Only speaking anecdotally, but he seemed to be able to run out the game a lot better yesterday than the earlier games he played in the season. I wonder if his experience was similar to that of May where he was a bit shocked by the amount of running we do and our endurance focus? Either way, definitely feel he's improved in that aspect.

TMac has a meniscus tear requiring surgery, done for the year.

This is a terrible call that you're clearly only saying so you can bash Weideman a bit more. We have the worst inside 50 retention rate since Champion Data started recording stats. (39.9%) AFL average is 46.2%. We have 9 players below that mark. Our 3 prime movers are 3 of the worst in the league with Gus at 32.4%, Oliver at 28% and Viney at a LEAGUE WORST 21.2%. That means our co-captain, the player most responsible for leading the game plan by example (given Jones is at hb) is delivering the ball effectively inside 50, once in every 5 kicks. This isn't to say the forwards have no blame at all, but those stats combined with our own coaches talk about "connection" clearly paints a picture that it's not just about McDonald and Weideman being "unable to take strong marks". I get that we'll have differing outlooks on our problems here, but I'm staggered anyone could think our delivery forward has been fine given the evidence.

Sure, finally decided to lay a tackle once he was put in the middle, but still seems to be struggling to get around to contests. 2 clearances is poor IMO, and his disposal is not any better. Just think he's been 'off' all year and if he's carrying a niggle (which I've heard is the case) he should be sent off to get right for preseason.

Mostly agree, only ones I'd change personally are... Viney - Bullocking but dumb. Frost - Contract extension time. Brayshaw - Should be dropped. Dunkley - Coupla nice moments.

I think that was before today as well.

We're also one of the worst last quarter sides in the comp (potentially THE worst, not sure on our rank) so I don't think we can chalk up our last quarter to purely just rotations.

Definitely not against Petty playing, but on a quick deck against a 'smaller' quicker team I would guess the selection committee would be looking at changing up the mix of talls anyway.

Not sure a narrow win against one of the spoon favourites with a caretaker coach (and short on the bench also) correlates to 'expecting greatness' for a team in the top 4 last year. My guess is people have just expected an improvement in skills, structure and game plan, and we didn't see much of that today at all. The fans have a right to still be disappointed in how we performed even though we won.

Would be a decent chance to miss anyway with Lever coming back in. Don't need 4 tall defenders against the Doggies IMO.

Yeah I love him mate, would just like to see a few of our blokes focus less on the umpires, many of them stop in-play to complain or appeal, it's a bit soft for mine.

And he's paid to play. Needs to focus on that more.

Could be on my own here, but I'm not sold on bringing Gawn back to play against a running team on a quick hard deck with his injury. IN: Lever, JKH, Baker OUT: TMac (inj), Petty (conc), Hore (inj)

Importantly a few really good decisions going inside 50 in the first quarter. That's what you need from a captain, hope Viney took note.

The might just not know which ones to call as he plays for them in every contest and complains about every single call.

That is the direct opposite of what premiership-winning coach and former Melbourne coach Paul Roos had to say about him. I know whose opinion I'd listen to.

Confirmed Gawn out, Preuss in. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2019-07-07/preuss-replaces-gawn-in-final-22

The official team sheets have to be in 90 minutes before the bounce, so I guess we'll hear officially sometime around 11.40ish.

Not announced obviously, but he's told people he can barely walk as of Saturday so you can pretty much lock it in he won't be playing.

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2019-07-05/a-surprise-debut-for-dunkley

Dunkley confirmed for debut. Excited to see him. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2019-07-05/a-surprise-debut-for-dunkley

Congrats to the young fella on his debut!

Reckon you're right mate, Brayshaw is the main one that springs to mind for me, followed by TMac. Be interesting to see how those players are managed in these last few games. I hope we don't sacrifice 2020 by trying to save face in a last season.

Quite possibly, but would make sense if Brad went there to be closer to him that they would look at moving back to Vic together. Stephen is a free agent, so anything is possible.