CHF

Not a bad team for this weekend given the available troops. Quite a few options and flexibility in the 26 named. Strange back 6 named with Chandler and Hunter back there. Looking at the team I think they might line up a below at the first center bounce. B: Lever, May, McVee HB: Bowey, Petty, Rivers C: Hunter, Oliver, Langdon HF: ANB, TMac, Spargo F: Chandler, Brown, Fritsch Fol: Grundy, Petracca, Viney I: JVR, Brayshaw, Sparrow, Dunstan SUB: Melksham Mind you, if the Midfield play the way they did last week then it will not matter who is in our front and back 50m arcs. I hope the midfield respond to their collective game last week and lift the intensity and really keep the pressure on the player and the ball. Will be interested to see how the coached use JVR. Tmac to be second ruck and JVR to slot into his role when he is in there? JRV to start closer to goal when TMac is rucking? Will be watching carefully. Dees by not very many in a close game at the G!

Not sure what to make of this game. Missing a few key players and then Max going down in the 1st Quarter gives a reason for a below par performance but it will not wash in this instance. No idea why but the midfield just did not fire at all. Showed no intensity and exerted very little pressure on the lions. Without that midfield pressure, our defence was put under a lot of pressure with the ball coming in a million times. We lost the centre bounce clearance as a consequence of a lack of pressure and the worst thing about that is that we did not have any answers. We did not look to adjust. so very strange. Of the mids, Harmes looked the most out of sorts and looked to give away more frees than the number of possessions he had. drop him for a run with Casey and bring in Jordon. May back next week will help the defence but I think there will be a close look at Petty's game. not one of his best. Would not be surprised if he had a run with Casey and Tomlinson is retained. Would not mind Brayshaw given a bit more time on the ball. Max to be replaced by????? JVR looks a possibility given the rucking he did for Casey over the weekend, Schache is a possibility. They may both come in if TMac does not come up. Hope that at training this week there is a clear message given as to the reasons why we underperformed and a clear message on what needs to be done to ensure it an aberration. I see the selection this week as an indication as to how the selectors are going to perform this season. We have a lot of depth and the players have to accept that if they do not perform, they are going to be replaced. Go Dees!

I was on a flight to Doha that took off an hour prior to the bounce. I know….. bad organisation but it was not my decision. Good thing was that Qatar Airlines has on board internet. Joy oh joy. I can tell you that my fellow business class travelers were bemused by the advice that I was giving to the umps, our players and the doggies even though I was restrained. I am sure I was restrained….. really I was….. The game reminded me a lot of the way we played games during ‘21. Apply a bit of pressure early on, assess what the opposition brings to the game, come out after the halftime break with the coached instructions clear and step up our game to cover the opposition. Good to see. As with the Richmond Practice game, the team looks confident, fit, mature and well drilled. I believe that any team sport needs to concentrate on defence and transition both ways. It is critical that a team has the fitness and structures to do this 100% of game time week in week out. Loved that we ran out the game so well and did not let up. Our defence without May and Salem was excellent. They reduced the Doggies tall timber to kindling. Tomlinson was very good in the defensive team. He did all that was asked of him and slotted in very well. Petty did well and Lever played his best game in a long while. Seemed to mark everything he could get to. Bowey just does it all very well. Brave committed and skilful. McVee’s first game was great and Rivers looks to be in excellent form. I think he is the natural replacement for Hibberd as he looks to retire. Brayshaw looked like the replacement for Salem. Always in the right spot and distributed the ball well. The movement out of defence into attack was very good. The running in waves and passing by hand and foot good to watch. Others have commented but I also want to highlight the way we paced our attack at times. Sometimes holding the ball and passing it around looking for a weakness in the opposition and at other times moving the ball quickly when we have the defence disorganised and scrambling. Good decision making. I recall early on in Goodwin’s coaching term that he stated that he wanted to build versatility into the players and the playing group. He and the coaching team have done that in spades. I always take note of the players we send to the centre bounces and yesterday we had a variety of players effectively moving through there. At one stage, Rivers, Kossie and Oliver were there at Max’s feet. I think we had 9 different players attend there at some stage in the game. I also noted at times both our wings in Langdon and Hunter came into the centre square after the bounce when required with one of the other players covering the outside for them. Good coaching and it must be a headache for the oppo coach. The forward setup worked well, and Brown looks very fit and bouncy. In the game yesterday we led the tackle count by 12. And all 12 of those additional tackles were in our forward 50, 21 to 9. You cannot ask for better forward 50 defensive pressure than that. Gawn, Petracca, Oliver Brayshaw all excellent and a very good team performance. I will temper my expectations a bit as I do not rate the Doggies or their coach, The Pornstar. I would have them mid table at best with a spot in the lower reaches of the 8 possible. 4 points and a warning to the rest of the comp…… a good way to start the season.

Sitting in another £&#@@ing airport waiting for another &£#@ing flight. Takes off an hour before the bounce and lands 3 hours after. An hour stopover before another flight. Then a 4 hour stopover before the final flight not even sure there will be internet coverage at the final stopover. it’s a great life...... at least that is what I keep telling myself. confidence in the team to trot out winners by 5 goals go Dees PS. Sorry about the underline. Brain fade

If Voss is watching this game he may want to revise his statement that the Boos and the Tiges will be thereabouts at the end of the season.

A lot of negativity with regard to the Tomlinson selection but we will not know how good or bad the selection is until the game is played. We could see Tmac and Tomlinson swapping ends if the game is going against us. Will be watching a replay during a stop over in KSA.

Perfect start to the footy season. Both Boos and Tiges fans whinging about the result. All is good in the universe.

Wow... I thought that Reiwoldt looked old and slow in that game.... a season too far?

Hmm I get the feeling of Deja vu watching the Tiges and Boos going around tonight. Bit like watching a Dees intra club pre season game from 5 years ago. A lot of intent but bad execution.

Given our outs I think this is about the best we can put on the ground on Saturday evening. Tomlinson has the size and experience and needs the confidence to compete. I think that as long as our defensive structure hold up we can limit the doggies scoring to something manageable. A lot of the outcome will rely on the midfield doing the defensive things to ensure pressure on the ballcarrier and delivery into the forward 50. If Tomlinson dose the simple things well he will have done his job. he will have the support of the defensive unit and the team, if not some of the supporters on here. Similar thing with Laurie. does his job simply and well and we can not ask for more. Interested to see that he my spend time in the middle as an inside mid. will be interesting to see how he is used. Good to see Chandler in the team freeing up Kossie for a bit more time in the mids. Could see Hibberd or JVR as the sub.

The above are only selection blunders if we lose.

Line up the cheese boards folks, selection is going to be a long discussion……. Or not, as the case may be. With the announcement of Mcvee and Laurie to debut and the certain outs of Viney, Fristch and Salem there is not lot of wriggle room for selection. I think May will be named in the side and given right through to the warmup to prove good. If he makes the game, it will be pretty much the side that played and comfortably beat the Tiges. B: Lever, May, McVee HB: Rivers, Petty, Bowey C: Langdon, Oliver, Hunter HF: ANB, TMac, Spargo F: Pickett: Brown: Grundy Fol: Gawn, Petracca, Brayshaw I: Sparrow, Laurie, Chandler, Harmes Sub: Schache/Hibberd I like the back 6 as named and if May does not get up for the game I would look at Tomlinson to replace him. I lean that way instead of Disco just on the basis of experience. I know he looks to be out of form but slotting him in in this game might just boost his confidence. If Turner gets the run then I will not have a problem with that either. Coaches and selectors would have a better idea than me. Brayshaw into the middle in place of Viney in the rotations. We know what he brings to the table in the middle, as a defender and on a wing. His flexibility and ability are an incredible asset to have in the team. Forwards are always going to be an interesting selection discussion at the moment. I would start them the way I have named them with Grundy up forward with Brown and TMac. Might just give the doggies something to think about. Midfield rotations are Petracca, Oliver, Brayshaw, Sparrow, Harmes, Pickett, ANB and Rivers with Landon and Hunter 100% on the wings. Sub is difficult but I think it will be between Schache and Hibberd to try and cover the possible tall doggie timber.

On a plane for the duration of the game and then some. Will watch a delayed viewing without knowing the result.

Am I correct that Casey are playing a practice match against Coburg tomorrow evening at home? If so has anyone got any information on the squad? I would like to see if Frisch and Viney are to get a run.

Been reading a bit about the doggies stacking their forward 50 with tall timber. I don’t think we would mind that at all. In a way it would be playing to our strengths. We have one of the best performing defences in the league and a midfield that more than shades the doggies midfield that also is well drilled in two way running and fast transistion. their mids will need to dominate and have excellent delivery all day. I believe that when it hits the ground in their forward 50 we will win it 7 out of 10 times and be able to work it out via the wings. Dees by 5 going away.

After what the team has shown in the two competitive hit outs they have had so far I am looking forward to the season and this first round match up in particular. The first round always is exciting for me. Footy is back for the next six months and there is always a touch of the unknown about how the Demons will perform and what the opposition will bring to the table. The Demons look fit, well drilled, stong and mature in the way they have delivered in the competitive games so far. The game against the Tigers without 3 of our starting 22 (or should that now read 23) in Viney, Frisch and Salem showed great depth and a strong playing structure. A strong defence even without Salem with a couple of very handy players ready to step up when required. Same in midfield without Viney. A number of rotation options inside with a couple of top class runners on the wings. As it was last season, the forwards could be a problem. Against Richmond we kicked a good score in the heat without Frisch, our best goal kicker over the last two seasons, there will be some head scratching in selection over how to set that area up and how to make sure we have match day flexibility in that area. as for the Dogs….. well I think they will struggle a bit this year. Lost a few over the off season and gained a few. There will need to be a bit of them having to work out how to play to the different strengths of the different players. Plus they have had one competitive hit out against North who, as we know, are like the Demons of the past, struggling and undermanned. I will be interested to see how they hold up when the pressure of 4 points is on. Looking at their team now against their 21 grand final team, I think they are a step or two weaker. Whereas I believe we are a bit better than what we where in the last match of 21. Plus the Doggies still have the porn star as coach and I just do not rate him. we have them covered in defence and the midfield and I think we will generate enough scoring opportunities to run out winners by 5 goals. go Dees!

Has the squad for Casey been announced?

True...... Drop one of the Harmes and add Sparrow

I always find it hard to select a team for Round 1 from just training reports in January. I will not let this deter me from expressing an opinion. This January there looks to be a healthy list and more than a few players that look likely. I really like the way that players are being developed and I do recall talk of making sure there is flexibility in the positions players are capable of playing. The coaching staff look to have followed through on that. BACKS: The key players look to select themselves to a degree. May, Lever and Petty to my mind are certainties for R1 if fit. As a unit they are, if not the best three-man defensive unit in the league, so damn close to It, it does not matter. Salem is another that I would think is an automatic selection if fit and firing. After that it is horses for courses and who is in form. Bowey, Hibberd and Rivers all could be selected for R1. There is plenty of quality depth and coverage for defence in the key positions as well as the small/medium defenders. Tomlinson sounds like he is super fit and keen and will cover the keys while we know Brayshaw can slot in to the back six if required. MIDS: If we look strong and well covered in the backs I think we are in an even better position in the midfield with the established players, the younger experienced players and the newer players coming through. Let’s see….. at the center bounce we have Petracca, Oliver, Viney and Brayshaw that have all been outstanding there and all looking strong at training. Add Sparrow, Harmes and possibly Pickett getting a run in the center or at bounces around the ground and we have good matchday cover and flexibility. Langdon on one wing is a certainty and it looks like Hunter to get first crack at the other. Jordon, Brayshaw (again) and ANB as backup on the wings. If required, I believe ANB could back up a wing and use his running and endurance as a weapon. RUCKS: Gawn as starting ruck: no question about it. BUT, What is the plan and does it work? A couple of questions that will only be answered when we are eating the pudding. Given Grundy’s experience and quality I think they will pull the trigger on playing them both in R1. There are so many ways to play the two of them with them either resting forward or back or a bit of bench time with a forward taking throwins in the Forward 50 and one or two of the rucks a kick behind. A lot of options that will have the opposition guessing. FORWARDS: Not an understatement to say there were a few problems in this area last season and it is hard to see any locks for the forward 50 besides Fritsch. Pickett is the other one I would lock in if he is to play forward predominately. The rest? Brown, TMac, JVR, Schache, Resting ruck? Key forward selection will depend on training perceived form and match practice. The smaller forwards are just as hard to predict. ANB and Spargo do not seem to kick enough goals but do have other abilities that standout. Anb’s running ability and endurance allows him to track from contest to contest so easily. Where Spargo is a good user of the ball and compliments that with good vision. Both have good cases for inclusion. Chandler looks to have stepped up a bit this pre-season and could make a case for a run in the forwards at the feet of the key forwards. Melksham to step up there as required? LOCKS: Backs: May, Lever, Petty, Salem Mids: Oliver, Petracca, Viney, Brayshaw, Langdon Ruck: Gawn Forwards: Fritsch, Pickett (?) NEXT PICKED: Backs: Two of Bowey, Rivers and Hibberd Mids: Sparrow,Pickett(?) Harmes, Hunter, Jordon and Dunstan Ruck: Grundy – dependent upon game plan Forwards: two of Brown, TMac and JVR. Two of Spargo, ANB, Melksham and Chandler. R1 OUTSIDER PICKS: Backs: Tomlinson, Turner, J Smith, D Smith Mids: Woewodin, Howes(wing) Forward: Schache, Laurie. January Guess for R1 Backs: Lever, May, Rivers HB: Salem, Petty, Bowey Mid: Langdon, Petracca, Hunter HF: Pickett, JVR, Harmes F: Fritsch, TMac, Spargo FOL: Gawn, Oliver, Viney Inter: Brayshaw, Harmes, Jordon, ANB, Grundy

I also have a training question. For the first time in a few years I am coming back to Australia to visit family shortly. I will not, however be in Melbourne. I will be staying just north of Brisbane and wondered if the Mighty, recent premiership winning Dees are spending a week at Maroochydore. If they are I will get along to a training session and try my hand at a rreport. Any one got any idea?

The tall additions we have gained over this off season will make for some interesting selections going into the early rounds. In defence, I would look at maintaining Petty as a key defender working with May and Lever. he is just so very good at what he does back there and I can see him as the next generational link in the defence as the older players lose a yard or pick up age related injuries. I would not move him forward unless we had run out of alternatives. As for tall forwards, to my mind the election will depend on late per-season form that are in the mix. Brown, Tmac, JVR, Schache could all step up and make it hard for them not to be selected early on. Wit regard to rucks, how and where they are played will depend a bit on how our forward structure is working. If Tmac is in the forwards then he could shoulder the ruck work in the forward 50. They may even give JVR a bit of work there a la Jackson. Compete and then back it up with some mobile agile ground work. i think Jackson has opened the door for more young talls to try to emulate him in that way. I get the feeling that Goodwin will want to settle the team from R1 and will go with Brown, Tmac and Fritsch with JVR on the bench. the usual suspects running at their feet and applying pressure. Will be very interesting to watch the early part of the season unfold.

I opened this thread hoping to g read a meaty discussion on Tom’s fitness progress and all I get are weak puns. Disappointing.

I'm ok with this trade and the outcome. Hard to imagine us doing much better when there is such a limited market to sell into.... just one buyer. There was haggling to be sure and I believe that we did as well a we could. The picks we got this year nd next will bring in some young talent and the selections we have will also allow us to trade into a few deals next season. With Jackson's performances over the season I think it was obvious that he was not 100% committed and I did not see his performances improving if, by some chance he was forced to stay. I like the way that the club has handled the situations of player moving on. Jackson OOC and wanting to move home. We thank him for his service, we wish him well and do what we can to get a proper return on the sale. Bedford, similar. We let him and the footy world know we would have liked to keep him but understand his point of view wanting more senior game time and do what we can to et him to his preferred destination. Doing things like that will help us in our future dealings with players and their agents. Dees in 23!!!

You may be right but Petty has formed part of such a good defensive unit we mat be robbing peter to pay paul. Any chance Turner might get a run in the forwards during pre-season?

Heard a whisper that we are talking to him. I would find it hard to imagine the Dogs trading him in the present circumstances. never know what might happen if they land Lobb.