D Rev

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?

I may be biased from watching the Casey game as well, but we need to consider how poor the Swans were in assessing where we are at. They made so many unforced errors I thought they might be playing a different sport. I know you can only beat the team you play against, but I don't think its time to take the lid off. Very interested in the opinion of the most excitable of the hosts, George, on this. Thanks again

I rode to this game with my youngest and we had a great time of it. Excellent match day experience, the seniors should take notice. You dont need someone running against an LED display, just a kick on the ground and some very reasonably priced chips from the canteen. Saying "gday" to some of the players and staff really made the youngsters day too. I reckon an auskick session or two wouldn't have been out of place. As for the game, as has been mentioned throughout this thread, the Bullants are nowhere near the level of the AFL-aligned sides. The AFL really needs to do something about the VFL to make it a league that improves the level of footy, as well as fan interaction. The Casey players were able to break tackles, out run and out mark their opposition consistently. The Bullants talls were all shorter and obviously not as strong as the Casey equivalents. As a consequence it is hard to judge performance, though I think intent still goes a long way. Campbell and Sestan were dominant in the first half. It seemed like Verrell was given more of a chance after half time and did well, though he was much bigger and stronger than his opposition. I saw Goody, Chocco and a few others have a quiet word to Sestan at half time, after which he quietened down. Could be up for selection? The poor backline barely saw it, you would think it'd be a great opportunity for them to have a go in the middle or up forward. For the forwards, I was impressed by JVRs intent, second efforts, voice and aggressiveness. He certainly seemed to want to prove himself. Jefferson also attacked the ball and contest better than I have seen, and could have finished with 7 or 8. His kicking style is actually really good, which makes him a stand out. Fullarton absolutely shirked a few contests. He could really dominate if he was more aggressive. If you're not going to do it against a bunch of part-timers, you probably never will. The small forwards came and went from the game, all contributed some nice things, but drifted in and out. Laurie probably should have kicked better to give himself any chance. The midfield was largely dominated by non-AFL players, though Brown did work his way into the game and did some nice things. Woey too to a lesser extent. Billings dominated and looked silky. That being said, pretty poor opposition. Who would I look to promote from this? Depends on how the 1s go today, but Sestan and JVR showed a lot. In all, a great afternoon out but very little to be taken from this game. The AFL really should look into this.

Turner is in career best form and should be in the side for the flexibility he brings. Lever is one of the best intercept markers in the game and crucial to our backline structure, I don't see a reason where we have to pick one or the other.