D Rev

Larkey is the big worry for mine. Realistically, we could turn it into a bit of a shoot out, which is a risk, but would be wild to watch. Would love to see Langford spend more time in the middle.

Looks like Petty won't be playing this week, so I think there will either be minimal change to the forward line - though I would like Fritsch to go to sub or the VFL and Luker to come in for a shot at it. Probably more likely that Spargo comes in and we go small.

I have serious concerns about Guerra. No footy experience and most of his recent experience is on NFP boards and such - not really a cut throat or results-based environment. He may be able to help with club promotion, sponsorship and membership - but that's only part of the remit for a CEO. Steven Smith I have more confidence in, so that's something. I think Jake Niall had a nothing article about Goodwin recently where he waxed on about his chances of being at Melbourne next year before throwing in a line similar to "he's contracted, so not going anywhere" - which (apart from being lousy journalism) indicates that he has spoken to the club and had it confirmed. Several other media folk have said the same too. I don't know if it's Goodies remit, but I believe we need an overhaul of the coaches and support staff. Fitness is not nearly what it was. Kicking and skills have not improved. As much as I love the man and think a statue should be made of him at our new training venue (calling Guerra), I dont think Nathan Jones is proven as a midfield coach. Resilience coach yes, strategy no.

It's always good to come on here to get the different views of different people watching the game, it's always interesting to see what different people picked up on. Then, it's GREAT to get this data to have an objective view of things. The pressure ratings were really interesting for mine. Their 3rd quarter really took it away from us. Amazing we were going so well in the 1st with a rating that low. The final quarter was pretty even and there were definitely times we could have got back in front, but poor skill and execution let us down (again). Thanks again Wheelo!

There were several moments in the Adelaide game where we made poor decisions going forward (chin, JVR etc) - though Kolts transgression was to absolutely spill the ball or not get control of it. It seems like he was too nervous, or, just not good enough. You hope that he works hard to pay back the pick we invested in him.

Good point, I wasn't sure if Petty was fit too play. He's definitely in front of Luker. Given his age, you'd like to think that Jeffo has more upside and potential than Fritta. Fritta as sub seems to be his best role and he is a better player than Sharp.

I've been pretty disappointed with him this season, but the pre season injury does explain a lot. I seem to remember him doing contested ball training with Viney, but he doesn't seem to be spending any time on the ball (in the VFL or AFL) - is this part of his recovery, or is it his development plan? We had so many chances that we fumbled across half forward today, so I'm not going to pin it all on a kid, but he did seem to fumble a lot.

To be fair, Jeffo did do a couple of nice things in the game and did put in a bit of an effort - he was generally out bodied and out positioned by a (more experienced) defender. Giving him more time at the top flight will help him learn and develop. There is possibly a correlation between his presence and JVRs best game in ages too. Honestly, I wouldnt mind Jeffo, JVR and Kentfield all in the team.

Met him once when I was much younger and working in a bar. He walked in as MC for a function. I asked him where the cheese was and he told me to F off in no uncertain terms. Then he laughed and spent an undeserving amount of time asking about me, my life and finally my football club. He gave me a huge hug when I told him Im Melbourne. A genuine lover of life and great bloke to boot. What a loss, what a legacy. Go Dees.

That was very surprising. I think pressure acts (1%ers) count a lot in the player ratings.

I reckon JVR has got his number. That being said, I really like Lukers approach, he's like a more skillful AJ. Something we definitely need. I'd definitely be supportive of giving him a go if his fitness is up to speed, that being said, most of our list don't seem to be fit.

I hate that its gotten to this, but I'm not sure how we can keep Clarry and be successful. Apart from a few outlying games, Clarry really hasn't been at his consistent best for the last 12-18 months. It's fair enough when that happens with a senior player, but he's only 27 years old (about to turn 28). He should have at least 2-3 top level years left in him. It seems like those years are well and truly gone. That means he hit his best by 26. That's pretty poor and something that he and the club should spend time on. I sympathize with his MH issues, but I think it's absolutely time for a decision to be made at his future at the club. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love him and he's a MFC Premiership player, but it really seems like the best is done and there is no going back to his previous level. Also, the game has changed, so his pace and disposal are now greater issues. I would love for him to be at the club as part of a successful charge into the finals next year and beyond, but how would that work? How would his salary allow for that, or his ability? Genuinely would love to know. Trac, on the other hand, seems to have stepped up as a leader and has the option of playing forward. I don't think getting rid of both of them would be good for the Club, so would rather keep him on and challenge him with a leadership position.

I do like using this opportunity to swing Petty back and let Jeffo and JVR have a crack at it up forward. I really dont understand dropping JVR this week, but then, our selections this year have been baffling. I don't mind Sharp in the side, I think he's been good as the sub, not convinced he's a 4 quarter player but happy to be proven wrong. I'd have preferred Kolt work into some form in the twos, but - again - selection is brain explosion areas. GO DEES!

You'd really hope someone has walked into the coaches meeting with a copy of this and said "any plans boys?"

Absolute legend

I'd definitely give JVR an extended run, is definitely worth it. I'm still unsure about Jeffo, I dont think there is harm in keeping him in the magoos to develop more intensity, rather than just kicking bags on park footballers. Given we don't have a strong draft hand and are going to have to get creative to keep Koz and bring Jackson home, I dare say a lot of the blokes in the twos aren't going anywhere for a while so will get a go.

I understand fellow DLs being upset after yesterdays game, but I really don't think it's time to swing the axe. As mentioned above, we lost to the top team by 1 point. In regards to the pile on for Petty and JVR, I don't think it was a great day for tall forwards, and while Howe did beat Petty, Petty did get to a lot of contests and got on the scoreboard. As mentioned above, JVR only played 60% of the game, which is probably a question for another thread, but worked harder than earlier in the season where he was unsighted. It should be remembered that he's been playing in front of 4 blokes and a dog in the magoos, then goes out in front of 80,000 with questionable confidence. As for the rest of the changes, Viney should come in if he's fit. I'd give Kolt a spell and really try and work up some form and fitness. The big issue for me is Windsor. They're clearly trying to get him to be a HBF, but it's really not working at this point. Given we have Bowey and Salem, I'd argue it probably isn't pressing. I'd give him back the wing and let Lindsay learn.

I actually took my youngest to a kicking clinic last night run by Phiv Demetriou. He's worked with lots of AFL players over the years and has an impressive CV of helping young AND old players improve their kicking. His approach was simple and effective. The thing he kept saying though, was that it wasn't enough to have a good technique - you have to practice it. It seems, from the outside, that enough players think that their kicking is good enough - hence no improvement. Nathan Jones definitely got better through his career, which probably reflects his work ethic and understanding of the need to get better, as well as a desire to get the best out of himself. Do our players share this desire? It doesn't seem like it.

The average worker doesn't work on weekends or Thursday or Friday nights, or public holidays.

As mentioned above, we actually make a lot of money from this game, as opposed to a probably loss of cash if <30-40k turn up to the 'G. The match also suffers from poor timing, being in the mid season break with loading etc impacting performance. No surprise this game has coincided with drop offs before. While I would love to watch the Dees at the G every week, I would rather us pocket cash for a game against the Saints that I can watch from home rather than Marvel.

There is definitely something in this. He's having a pretty ordinary year by almost every metric. That being said, he is learning to play a new role and is also suffering from the 'second year blues'. Not uncommon at all. Not excuses, but reasons for the drop off. He's a great kick, so if we are going to play him in a new position - why not up forward? As for the people having a crack at Petty and AJ; Petty has been really good for us structurally this year up forward. He competes and brings the ball to ground. Saying we need to get rid of them for a KP forward is largely nonsense, players like that don't really exist anymore - theres maybe 3 or 4 in the league. The rest are talls that average ~2 goals a game. The majority of our goals come from a spread of players, which has worked since the gameplan started coming together, but fell away in wile-e-coyote off a cliff style on the weekend. AJ is exactly what it says on the tin, be mindful of expectations. Very likely he is off on holidays for a bit, so I dare say JVR will be back.

Agree 100% here. We have been so much better structurally since Petty went forward. We can't make yesterday the barometer of the season. Our revival has been based on better running and pressure, forcing turnovers, moving the ball fast and creating opportunity. We need to get back to that pressure. AJ was in the side for bringing it, but it looks like he is going to miss. JVR has definitely had more intent in the twos the last 2 weeks; effort stands out even against poor opposition. He deserves another chance. I agree with the earlier post that Jeffo needs an extended go at knocking the door down. 10 goals in 2 games is good, but he still isn't applying much pressure. I'm genuinely worried about Viney. 3 weeks with a concussion speaks to something really bad. He'd come straight back in if OK. I dont think Laurie is up to it but perhaps deserves another go - else, Kolt.

I checked the Betfair predicted scores and I reckon they are way over what will actually play out. I reckon whichever team that cracks 70 points will win this

Aside from the hard work, I think a few of us were worried about the leadership he brought to the team, something that was already needed after Gus' departure and the Trac & Oliver dramas.

I think it's hard to judge the defenders too much on a game like that. Windsor has been off, but will be better for game time. Viney for Spargo and (possibly) JVR for AJ. Genuine question, are St Kilda any good?