Van Demons Land

I have no issue with alternative opinions or critique being part of that opinion. What I have noticed though, is a variety of different interpretations regarding my 'predictable' comment. Yes, there are other AFL clubs displaying predictability, but remember to add the word "too" in front of predictable when responding. Respond to too predictable not just predictable. A view of some others is that this thread is too predictable. I see it differently. Unless they adjust their non-bulletproof foundation of 'defence at all costs' ... The dynasty is over. I've presented Melbourne as a club that is too predictable. I then see posts saying predictability is a good thing (largely meaning internally it's a good and/or dependable thing). To be clear, I'm not talking about internal predictability, what I am saying is that Melbourne has become TOO predictable for opposing AFL coaches and clubs, i.e., too easy to work and play against. When under pressure, the default mechanism is defence is the big answer. That happened against North Melbourne and almost backfired, Deja vu against Brisbane and it wasn't the answer. It's these types of tactics that makes them TOO predictable. They are highly likely to do it again when next under pressure. They're not a bad side but they need to become less predictable. How? Over to Simon Goodwin and his helpers.

You might believe next year will be different but that doesn't mean it will be. I don't believe it will be. So, is that considered bagging them or just forwarding my opinion like you have. BTW, I believe the correct spelling is dysregulation

Yes. Fair comment. I stand by my 'too predictable' comments. Why? How many Melbourne supporters going into the last quarter against Brisbane, leading by 15 points, knew we would lose the game. Probably many. Why? Very predictable how Melbourne would play in that last quarter. No Plan B yet again. Played right into Brisbane's hands. I for one am disappointed in this team ever since they won the flag in 2021. Lots of talk about a Melbourne dynasty for years to come, more flags, making hay while the sun shines. I don't see any evidence of any dynasty and can't see how they make the eight this year (based on current performances, e.g. poor effort in Perth against WCE, belted by Freo, very narrow win against bottom club North Melbourne, last quarter capitulation against Brisbane). Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest they will be any less predictable or gettable again, next year. The dynasty is looking shaky. And all this coming from a lifelong supporter who is just telling it like he sees it.

Do I have to spell it out. If I'm an opposition AFL coach I predict that Fritsch is not going to kick a bag full of goals against my team anytime soon. therefore, I'll put an effective game plan in place knowing he is not the real deal. Last 5 Melbourne games Fritsch has a total of 4 goals. He is predictable. Low goal returns. You've now got your answer

Fully agree with the yesterday's man label. AFL teams full of players much better than him now. Good player and contributor in the past but the game has moved on now.

Fritta still averaging 2 goals a game or thereabouts in 2024. How nice for you and him. Unless I'm mistaken, he's there to kick goals every week. My point is about his current form. Your point is simply to defend him. So here are his goal stats over recent weeks - R11 v St Kilda = 2 goals. R12 v Fremantle = 0. R13 v Collingwood =1. R14 (Bye). R15 v North Melbourne = 0. R16 v Brisbane =1. If you are in any way able to keep your focus on current performances, defend this. I'm sure you'll find a way. All you have to do is go into the past while Melbourne continues to fall in the present, and Fritsch continues on a similar path of 'not enough goals'.

Seems to be some misunderstanding about the Fritsch overrated comment. To be very clear, I am not talking about his overall form over the last 2 or 3 years. I'm referring to his contribution right now, when it's so badly needed. He has not been the same force for some time now. So, the 'overrated' comment relates to him right now, not the past. Also, an earlier reply asked who I barrack for. The answer is Melbourne. And I repeat, Simon Goodwin and his coaching staff are average at best and highly responsible for Melbourne being such a predictable team. It may have been said a thousand times but only one way to stop having it said altogether. Lose the predictability. I love the team but had them finishing just outside the eight from what I could see even before Round 1. 9th or 10th at best this year, and sorry, but I don't see them making the eight next year. They are TOO PREDICTABLE. Take that to the bank.

Having closely studied MFC over the past couple of years I'm convinced that they have become the most predictable team in the AFL. By this I mean that the majority of other teams have Melbourne worked out and have implemented successful opposing strategies and tactics. An example of predictable patterns are as follows: 1. Jake Lever deciding to take on his opponent on foot, only to get caught holding the ball. 2. Getting the ball inside the opposition 50 regularly, only to fail at achieving a goal. 3. Defence, defence, defence 4. The Harrison Petty forward experiment. 5. Inconsistent hot and cold form of individual players (Chandler, Turner, Petty) 5. Overrated players (Fritsch). The writing on the wall was no more clearly demonstrated than that timid loss to West Coast Eagles in Perth. Contrast that against a hungry up and coming Hawthorn who not only went to Perth to take on WCE but came away with a performance of a team going somewhere, which MFC sadly isn't. Goodwin and his backroom staff are average at best

Never a good idea to simply expect the Dees to demolish a recently underperforming Hawthorn team. Melbourne v Hawthorn results in recent years have been mixed. Therefore, another possible mixed result could be on the way. For example, here are the last four meetings between both sides, 2020 - Melbourne won by 43 points, April 2021 - Melbourne won by 50 points, July 2021 - Drawn game, April 2022 - Melbourne by 10 points. The good news is that Hawthorn have not beaten Melbourne in their last four meetings. The bad news, take the upcoming game for granted and be prepared for a close contest. Just a thought.

Goodbye Oscar

Joel adds very little if anything at all to Melbourne's on field performance. There are arguably too many below average players in the side and he is among the worst in my view. AFL standard is higher than his level of play

Yes, did a terrific job at the helm for Melbourne when he was in charge. Players responded to him and was greatly respected. Was also a fine player for Richmond in his playing days (1963-1970). Official position was half forward flank, but seemed to play more like a winger with high work rate.

Nothing to lose by giving him a shot, however, part of the successful decision to recruit and place Ed Langdon on the wing is the fact that he has a fresh approach, brings a new face to the club, and owns that position. That's what's needed on the other wing as well. Don't believe Hannan brings that, so I'd be suggesting another fresh face (outside of MFC)

Issues of concern going forward 1. Poor connection between Max Gawn and midfield team from initial clearance opportunities 2. Over use of hand ball continually 3. Poor set shot goal kicking 4. Mid quarter any game fade outs allowing opposition sides to pile up a number of goals in quick succession eg. Bulldogs Other than that all good. Mid table side at best

Sorry but Harmes is one example of a number of Melbourne players who have gone backwards. If a player has talent and ability he should still perform week in and week out even if playing in a different position. 2021 will be the crossroads for him, the make or break year ... I'm not a fan of his, and don't even get me started on Vandenberg