Deefensive Language

Big game on Thursday night...Adelaide Oval will be bursting at the seams with ferals desperate for their first win and all eyes in the AFL will be on us. Now is a great time to rewatch this mini-doco "Momentum" about our Grand Final win...I hadn't seen this in 2 years and it really pumped me up. Especially seeing Max stand up and Brayshaw's heroics. I love how it delves into how momentum can swing in football, but when you get it the wave can completely overwhelm the opposition. The win against PA last week was epic and I feel we're on the verge of some amazing momentum here.

They'll catch onto it soon enough. Unbelievable we're still dumping it in

Wow! Daniels, Ash, Whitfield, Perryman, Kelly, Coniglio...all exceptional at lowering the eyes and finding free targets!

Green, Coniglio, Kelly, Whitfield....they look so smooth and unrushed. Viney, Oliver, Trac are great but always seem so frantic in comparison...

The way Daisy explained his reading of the play hit the nail on the head. Such creative forward craft... unpredictable for defenders...and something that Melbourne never seems capable of is that his teammates read his movements.

Hoges!

Ridiculous umpiring so far....Rioli tripped into the defender for the first free kick and goal. Then Rozee was tackled to the ground after running 15 metres and was NOT penalised for holding the ball!

Langdon/Hunter versus Acres/Cottrell Which would you prefer? Our wingers were brilliant in 2021 but with these bigger bodies nailing the roles now ...I feel as if we've lost a strength

There are proactive coaches (McRae) and reactive coaches (Mitchell), but Goodwin is neither - I have no idea what he even does on game day. Just saw the presser - he said it was not a shock what happened, and we'll need to work on it, review etc. No evidence this was done in the 3 months since it all went to [censored]. He also said the players are fit enough which there is clearly no evidence for. How else can our last quarters so halfhearted? I don't buy into the theory that there's less hunger after the win last year. But somehow there's less clear thinking. Then when the opposition gets a run-on, you can see the stress seep into their heads. May and Spargo stand out in this way - they are too hot headed and need some brain training in staying calm in the present moment. The feeling of negativity seems to seep into everyone, and this is 100% on the coach. Also, in the first quarter, there were several switches and passages of creative ball movement that completely outsmarted the Lions. Why did that approach completely dry up? Are they not backing themselves in? Trac can hold his head up high - that double play in the centre where he set up a goal was inspirational, and Petty showed outstanding footy smarts and composure. On the other hand, guys like Rivers and Sparrow are completely lacking in that composure. Particularly for Sparrow, being a young premiership player and enjoying a long apprenticeship under some of the best, he just doesn't seem to be progressing (despite elite pressuring ability). I think people here have been hard on BBB - he's being badly misused. The guy is not Hawkins/Cameron/King so why are we expecting him to pull miracles? Also ANB - he's no Toby Greene or Papley, but continues to present in his role. Against Sydney he got tagged by Clarke and copped a ridiculous level of pressure, and in this game he did what was required. But to be truly effective he needs a more creative type - eg. Rayner, Heeney, Wingard to play off of. Pickett needs to do his homework on positioning - watch videos of Cameron (when in form), Stengle, Walters. Its so disappointing to win only 3 of our last 9 games at the G this year...after all that happened in 2021.

In the lead up I was fairly certain St Kilda would give us a bit of a scare...so it was great to see the boys switched on right from the first bounce. We set the tone in the first ten minutes and allowed us to get on top mentally, which is so important against the Saints who are a big confidence team. If Ed doesn't get an AA guernsey the whole thing is worthless. And Angus outstanding! Where does Salem fit into this defence? Max and LJ easily handled the Marshall/Ryder threat. So good to see Kossie sparking and impacting offensively as well as defensively after his week off.

Reflecting on the Grand Final winning performance I couldn’t help but look back proudly at the early moments in these players’ careers. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing since Roos took over in 2014, but in those eight years I can remember enjoying so many exciting and promising moments related to player development. Here are my early memories of each player - the moment I had a feeling that something special was brewing (only those who signaled their rise 2018 and earlier). Max Gawn R14 2013 v Bulldogs This is pre Roos, but I remember it as our first win post-Neeld and Neil Craig’s one and only victory. Gawn had been out of the side up until now, and having a soft spot for him I feared his career was just going to fizzle out like the rest of our promising young players at the time. But Craig brought him back in and got the ball rolling. He didn’t dominate the game, but he competed really hard in the ruck and showed glimpses of his ability to cover the ground and sneak forward for a goal. His breakout game against the Cats was still two years away, but at that point I had a positive feeling that “Treeman” (as my mate and I nicknamed him at the time, because he walked like an Ent) would become our No1 ruck and carve out a decent career (had no idea he’d be 5 time All-Australian and one of the greatest captains!!) Christian Salem R11 2014 v Port Adelaide I was really excited when I first saw Salem running around in the #3. He was very raw and mostly played as the sub in the forward line, but in this Darwin game he kicked a couple of goals and was very handy. What I remember liking the most was the way he seemed clean and very team-focused - you could tell he had the footy smarts to become something. Then two weeks later, remember how he kicked the matchwinner against Essendon following a brilliant chain from defense to attack Jack Viney R22 2015 v Fremantle It was difficult to pick a moment for Viney, but this moment toward the end of a disappointing 2015 season showed to me how strongly his heart bleeds red and blue. We’d just been flogged by Carlton and most fans were checked out at this point. Fremantle were top of the table and we had no hope. But Viney ran around all day tackling everything he could get his hands on. The final margin was 54 points. It was a performance that gave hope - that we’d be able to build a team around this guy. The following season was his B&F year. Christian Petracca R9 2016 v Brisbane I remember watching the warm up from the Punt Road end - Jonesy and Trac were having shots for goal and Trac was dobbing them from the angles. The striking thing about him then was his thighs were like tree trunks. How old was this kid again? In the game showed what he was capable of - most metres gained for the team and 11 score involvements. Even though he kicked 4 points, one of them was this. No different to the way he plays now, just with more confidence and bulk! Clayton Oliver R1 2017 v St Kilda Following a promising debut season I added Clarry to my Supercoach team, predicting big things. The Dees supporting friend I went to the game with disagreed, thinking he wasn’t ready for a breakout season. But this was Oliver’s first 3 vote game - he dominated in the clearances (9, many of those from the centre) and showed us his aggressive bullocking style that would get better and better over the next 5 seasons. Tom McDonald R14 2017 v West Coast There were some brilliant defensive games from TMac in his early career but who could forget this moment when he stamped his authority as a forward with presence. 5 goals to get us across the line in what used to be our most feared roadtrip. Tom McDonald you genius! Angus Brayshaw R21 2017 v St Kilda It seems so long ago now but there was a time when we had all but conceded the failure of another top 10 draft pick. Gus had only just returned from a long layoff following his 4th concussion wearing a helmet. And then he clashed heads with a St Kilda player and looked like that would be curtains. But then that version of Gus who blew everyone away on GF day showed us what he was made of. He played one of those typically courageous games where he ran hard, backed back into packs and made 10 intercepts to go with it. We all know what happened in 2018 but I think that was the day Goodwin and co conceived of how he could help us eventually win a premiership. James Harmes R21 2017 v St Kilda Same game as Brayshaw’s (really shows how promising the back end of 2017 was with all of the above firing). Harmes had been in the team for a while at this point, and though he was handy, always seemed to me like a supporting act that never really shone. But in his 42nd game he kicked three in the first quarter including one from a spectacular hanger. There was plenty of run and dash on display, and his passion for the club (being a supporter as a kid) really shone through in an infectious way. Bayley Fritsch R6 2018 v Essendon This guy seemed to just walk into the team without warning and played like he belonged straight away. His 5th game was a great example of the premiership winning version of Fritsch. Confident straight leads, safe hands and a straight kick. He kicked three and it felt as if we’d found the right combination to kick 100+ scores. So glad that he resolved his yips and that backline experiment was shortlived. Alex Neal-Bullen R9 2018 v Carlton I’ve always had a bit of a love-hate relationship with ANB. My early promise for him mostly stemmed from standout performances for Casey in 2016, and even though he got a decent run going in 2017 there was no real moment that grabbed me and said, “this guy is going to be crucial in a premiership tilt!” So during our crazy run in 2018 when we were belting teams, Nibbler’s speed was starting to become damaging. He kicked four in what was a goal frenzy, but did plenty of defensive things too. Since outside run was always our problem in recent years (and would remain unsolved until 2021) it was promising to see ANB waiting hungrily around the packs. Charlie Spargo SF 2018 v Hawthorn Spargo was good in his first year, and who can forget his performance in the Semi Final where he killed it? Two goals and three timely assists, plus incredible defensive pressure that made him integral to the functioning of the forward line. He was so good in this role that it’s hard to believe how average his performances seemed in 2019-20 when we fell down the ladder. I was firmly in the “delist him” camp, but very glad to be proven wrong with his crucial 2021 role. Players whose moments came while playing for other teams Michael Hibberd R3 2013 v Fremantle It seems so long ago. Before Essendon’s supplements scandal exploded in 2013, Melbourne were absolutely smashed by Essendon in Round 2 by 148 points. The game was too distressing to watch until the end, but there was one guy running around in the backline for Essendon that caught my eye. I watched him closely in the next round against Freo and he was even more impactful. That image of him streaming away from defending forwards on the back flanks became a real feature of his time at Essendon. Following his suspension it was amazing to see him do an even better job at this role at Melbourne, taking out an All-Australian. He’s a different player now, but the sight of him sprinting toward the crowd with the premiership cup reminded me of the old Hibberd that I put so much faith in when we recruited him. Ben Brown R23 2014 v Melbourne Back when North Melbourne were decent, we faced them just before the finals and posted our 10th loss on the trot. In a tradition that was common at the time, long-suffering supporters like me would look out for inexperienced or bit-part players who would dominate only against us (I think Tim O’Brien was the best of these). It was BBBs first season and even though he was starting to look the goods, it felt like he had no right to ragdoll us in only his 8th game. Those long arms and crazy hair stuck with me, so when we made him ours all of those years later I felt I could finally get some peace of mind from those moments he ripped us a new one at his peak. Ed Langdon R22 2015 v Melbourne In the same game that Fremantle smashed us and Viney showed his courageous nature, a young Freo player was making his debut. Debutants normally fade in and out of the game, but Ed was lively throughout the whole match. He seemed to have a bit of dash and confidence for someone so young - at that moment he seemed like someone to keep an eye on. Steven May R20 2016 v GWS The Suns had a low profile in Melbourne but you always knew that apart from keeping your eye on Ablett, May in the backline would be tough opposition. He was always solid in the games I saw him play, but this one I tuned into against the Giants showed that extra edge to his game. The balls that didn’t meet his fist were intercepted and used to begin attacking chains. He seemed like a rock - reliable and with a strong presence around his teammates. No wonder they gave him the captaincy after this season. Jake Lever R16 2017 v Bulldogs Around this era whenever the discussion turned to quality young defenders all the experts would rave about Lever. However I really hadn’t seen him take a game apart as his few games against Melbourne up to that point weren’t that influential. But in this Friday night game I finally understood all that Lever Fever - he was intercepting everything and seemed to be so in control in the backline. It was amazing to think he was only 21 at the time as he had this level of self-assurance that comes from experience. His signing was my most celebrated - for once a quality defender that WE were poaching rather than the other way around (eg. Rivers, Frawley, Dunn, Howe) Special mention to Jayden Hunt R7 2016 v Gold Coast Jayden Hunt seemed to come from nowhere. Unsighted in the Under 18 TAC Cup and was on our list for 2 years without playing a game….then all of a sudden was charging off the half back line like a madman. His disposal wasn’t great early one but we were so used to slow, safe ball movement at this time that it was a breath of fresh air. In the game that we crushed Gold Coast, Hunt wasn’t quite ready to break out but he showed that irresistible drive to bounce and run - it was a super exciting time to go to the footy. ----- Would love to hear others' memories of these players. Was there a special breakout moment for you?

When they spoke about this on On The Couch, the thing they brought up straight away was that the culture has to change. I'm all for it (for reasons that I think are obvious - an entire squad of players generates success, not just those left standing at the end), but as another commenter said players have been conditioned to feel unworthy of one. Presenting them with an alternative (like rings or club-issued medals) cheapens it - then it does become just another "participation prize". It must be the real deal, as it is in Olympic events (such as relay teams in swimming where those who compete in heats still get the gold). Those arguments about scarcity miss the point - a premiership medal is not a commodity that you trade nor a rare piece of bling that you gloat over, it's recognition that you played a role in team that achieved a remarkable feat (Grand Finals are tough to get to, then hard to win) I think it's sad that in the AFL, finishing second carries an element of shame with it. It is also sad that players are conditioned to feel unworthy if they aren't in the 22 on the last Saturday in September. Increasingly, premiership winning teams carry a strong culture of community and togetherness. When you introduce sharp distinctions between the haves and have-nots you erode togetherness and that sense of community. If a player were to reject the offer of a medal (having not played in the Grand Final), it implies they never felt that sense of togetherness and community. It implies a selfish outlook ("I wanted to prove to myself that I could be there. If I can't be there then screw your charity") So if that is what the AFL system is promoting, players are going to find it hard to taste success. Coaches who get how critically important inclusivity and contribution is (eg. Hardwick) coach teams that win. So with that in mind, introduce medals for all who played a game in the season. Players/teams that don't like this will ultimately fail. Those who do (led by the younger generation who'll signal this change in culture), will be formidable. Imagine how good the footy will be when we end up with 18 teams filled with guys who feel as strong a community spirit as our squad of 2021 does?!

Given that we'll be stuck at home for the big game, I'm not accepting a post-win celebration in isolation. A lift of restrictions enable Melburnians to have picnics with up to 5 vaccinated people (from 2 households) within 10km from home. With that in mind....where should we go on Sunday the 26th if the Dees break the drought? The obvious choice is either Gosch's Paddock or Casey Fields, so if they are within your 10km zone, I'm sure Melbourne supporters will be out in force there celebrating at their small picnics. For the rest of us, I've been playing around with a radius tool and have identified 18 other parks spaced out around the rest of Melbourne. So if you're in the Glen Waverley area, head to Jells Park. Live around Altona? A.B Shaw Park. This is not an official thing, but I'm going to distribute this map as widely as I can and if you think it's a good idea, please do the same. We deserve a chance to celebrate in a festive atmosphere where other local Melbourne supporters will know to head to. So bring your scarves, flags, footys, and bluetooth speakers blasting the Grand Old Flag to one of these parks, and hopefully you won't have to celebrate alone (until restrictions lift completely and the club organises a real event). That is...IF we win! (for those who say not to jinx it, it's time we back ourselves and at least plan for possible success) *Note: I am not advocating for rule-breaking behaviour in publishing this map. We can all enjoy our outdoor time socially distanced and in accordance with local laws.

The way I see it, we bolted too early, showed all our (limited) cards to the rest of the comp too early, and flew too close to the sun. We did it with a low-key arrogance that assumed we'd be contesting for the premiership and just needed to pass the time until September. Clearly, the good coaches have figured out that if you pressure us hard around the ball and man-up on our defenders we crumble. Clarko did it to us last week, and reflecting on how the Bulldogs misjudged us in Round 11 there was no chance we'd see a repeat of that. Salem rarely gets space and doesn't have the gut-busting drive to break through. Hunt has the confidence, but not the finesse (though he was OK tonight). Hibbo has forgotten how to create. And to highlight our inability to adjust our game to the conditions and situation, Goody started Harmes on Libba again, who fresh from a week of rest laughed in his face and got his hands dirty. In the first 10 minutes Daniel and Dale ran around on the half back line with freedom and cut us to pieces despite the slippery conditions. And just like in all previous years we couldn't address a critical need. Even when they lost Keath early and Richards in the last we were still unable to exploit that! It feels as if we are incredibly reactive and scramble our way around searching for scores. Kicking efficiency is just not to a professional standard. Other observations: - At the start of the game they were comparing Bont and Trac as the two best in the league. Bont gave us all the finger - that's how a leader leads and adjusts to pressure - Viney needs to be remade as a defensive forward (eg. shut down Daniel and put his body in to create when we're on the move). - Jackson is giving us nothing. His time will come but it's not 2021. Bring back Mitch Brown - I still feel like he can become a no frills Cam Pederson type - It's time to blood Bowey, Harmes back to VFL, and start rotating Salem between mid and halfback (like Crisp of Collingwood) to become a little less predictable. We've been SO lucky with injuries that it's masked the poor state of our best 22. Unfortunately I don't think we'll be gifted such a clean bill on health in future campaigns. So take action NOW!

Salem has been very average...barely put his body into that one. Looks like he doesn't want to be there