DiscoStu17

(Sorry – just realised that I’ve gone into a bit of a rant. Might be a TLDR? In which case, just read the first sentence) There really isn’t anything to see here. We will get players back into the forward line. Looks like the training loads have pushed players to their limits. Better now than September. We have coverage for Max. Granted, it’s not as good as last year with Grundy, but it’s not too bad. Having reviewed the practice games and some of last years games, there are not many ruckmen that I would see as an upgrade to our list. And even some of them are getting a bit old. These are the players that I think consistently provide real value for their side in the ruck: McInerney, Goldstein, Darcy, Briggs, Stanley, Witts, Gawn, Nankervis, Marshall, Grundy, and English. Most of the rest are either forwards/utilities that spend little time in the ruck, or they are unproven, or they have some serious skill deficiencies. I would expect all of our backup talls (JVR, Schache, Verrall, Fullerton, TMac) to at least break even with other listed ruckmen. In any case, this is a non–issue while Max is fit and playing. But that is the same for all 18 clubs. Not many would be unchallenged with their main ruckman on the sidelines for an extended period. Even if Gary doesn’t rate them.

So they end with, - “ if they play close to their best football, they’ll be right up there. - Oh yeah.” As I’ve said before, I think that a lot of these commentators have some sort of recency bias. A lot of them have grown up in an era where Melbourne did not dominate. Even a lot of supporters are reticent to see signs of good team play. One-day, they will be correct in their predictions. But not this year.

It was great to see the boys back in match sim with some opposition today. Looked like just a switch up from training with a few nice passages of play interspersed with guys trying to bite off too much and making errors. Best to do that at this time of the year. Nice to see some of the uncapped players be given roles and for the most part show they can be slotted into the side when required. Probably just not 5 at a time. Nothing to worry about here - just business as usual for this year.

Sorry, who? I guess Stevie won’t have a gig at News Corp any time soon. They don’t even know who he is. 🤔

I know we all look through red and blue coloured glasses here, but I honestly thought we were the best team in it last year. Especially considering the injuries we were covering. Many of the “experts” played in an era where MFC regularly performed below expectations, and I think this has coloured their opinions. As always, injuries and depth will determine who is able to have a genuine crack at the premiership. I wouldn’t be surprised if we have another top 4 finish.

There are probably half a dozen players that could make a big impression this year. Unlikely that they will have a year to rival Judd’s as that doesn’t happen very often. Just looking forward to the young players showing what they can do at Casey first. KB had a few good moments last year. Hopefully he, Kolt and Caleb and the other developing players, give us something to cheer about this year.

Having TMAC and BBB probably playing 50% or more time in the seconds is no bad thing in my opinion. They are experienced players and quality people who will only help the correct development of the younger players. Along with Schache and Fullarton, they provide great depth for the forward line, and a little depth in ruck. All except for BBB could provide emergency coverage for Max. If longer coverage is required, Verrall may get a look in depending on how he is developing. It will be interesting to see the effect of 2 seasons competing against Max, Grundy, JVR etc in ruck and May, Lever etc in the air. The loss of those 3–4 experienced midfielders will certainly leave a hole. Perfect opportunity for some of the younger draftees and players with a few AFL games to show what they can do and state their claim.

I can see why they have done it, but it can take away some interest. For example, last year, I was interested in how the younger players were developing and competing against older opposition players. It was surprising that they were sometimes 15kg lighter than their opposition. This year, it looks as though many have increased their muscle mass and fitness. But who really knows?

ANB and Kozzie were better than serviceable. Petty was good on Hipwood and Daniher until injured. The biggest change in the last two weeks has been BBB and Melksham. Having 2 experienced forwards, leading up the ground and competing strongly makes things much more open. The opposition last night is probably the form side of the competition. No witches hats there.

First post. Great win tonight. Also great that everyone’s acknowledging how good some of the new guys played tonight. Chin, Knuckles, Bill all played great parts. Most did. But I think having Tommo seamlessly slot in down back, allowed the rest of the backline to operate flawlessly. looking at it, I think he should probably keep a spot when May comes back. Could probably cover for most spots. Might watch the replay.