Left Field

Haven’t read the thread but I want to say that we seem to be wasting a generational list. I’m done with our Aldi version of Paul Roos as the head coach (both are stuck on one flag btw). It was easier for me when I knew we were not going to win.

The facts are that he played primarily ruck in the juniors. But he is an early developer for a tall and his athleticism makes him a horrible deep defensive match up for the opposition. I'm not saying he is not a Ruckman, but his game is still developing (as all players do once their are in the AFL system). He might be a Ruckman/Resting Forward or Forward/Relieving Ruckman. I am guessing that he will turn out to be more of the latter. Exciting times ahead.

Well said. I'd add to it also that (a) we need a less fragile game plan (b) the team all needs to be on the same page and (c) we need better skills execution to take us to the top level. On the game plan, how often did we see rebound 50 goals against this year? Our turnovers I50 converted to opposition coast to coast goals at an infuriating rate. Which was then followed by extended periods of zero risk boundary hugging, easily defended footy. And then another turnover. And so on. Then the equally infuriating press conference where the coach said he knew what the problem was but didn't seem to know how to fix it. I'm happy with role players, but they'll need good foot skills as a minimum and a better script.

At what point does the club consider converting Weideman to a tall defender? Currently in his 5th or 6th year, as a forward he appears to be behind Jackson and adjacent to the aged and one-dimensional Brown. He is a confidence player with no confidence and little trade value. Flip him back - what have we got to lose?

The one I am struggling with is Hibberd. Not fast, not particularly strong overhead, OK in a contest but often turns over the intercept or just plain hacks it away. Also pretty sure Tmac will need a big game this week. He has been below average now for over a year. And that old "bring the ball to the ground" chestnut? Worked so well when we had Chris "Gravity" Dawes patrolling the forward line, right?

Kelly out is a huge loss for Geelong. With Selwood declining, I have them dropping out. Sydney will finish bottom 8.

Can we please resist for once? Poor young bloke is clearly not coping with a lot of [censored] luck. Good luck to you Jesse.

Figured it out afterwards BB. We last met more than 10 years ago at a pub in Hawthorn. Agree with the confidence for 2020. We’re closer than most realise. Richmond, WCE then about 6 (including us). All the best.

My first time in 2 years - in town from NSW visiting family. Exciting to see so many on the track. May’s left foot is laser like. Jackson shows good hands low down. Nice chatting to you towards the end of the session @Baghdad Bob. Very much agree that Petty will be a gun.

Shorter than Eric Hipwood who plays key forward well.

Might consider 8 for 14 + 17 + future pick. Just recalling we are still not in the first round next year, right?

I'd expect to see Petty at CHB and Lever on a HBF. No way Lever is a CHB. Unfortunately the OP's team looks pretty one paced to me - especially on the wide open spaces at Optus. Hunt probably has to be in the 22 somewhere.

Contrast JM to Billy Stretch using Footywire. Why on earth would we pay this guy $600k+ per season? Player Statistics Comparison Jack Martin Name Billy Stretch Gold Coast Suns Team Melbourne Demons Midfield, Forward Position Midfield 97 Career Games 47 Geraldton Origin Glenelg January 29, 1995 Date of Birth September 8, 1996 24yr 8mth Age 23yr 1mth 186cm Height 180cm 82kg Weight 77kg 2012 Mini Draft Last Drafted In 2014 National Draft Round 1, Pick #1 Last Draft Position Round 3, Pick #42 Gold Coast Suns Last Drafted By Melbourne Demons Career Stats for Season Career 97 Games 47 10.1 Kicks 7.6 6.2 Handballs 8.7 16.4 Disposals 16.3 5.0 Marks 3.1 0.8 Goals 0.2 0.5 Behinds 0.3 3.7 Tackles 3.4 0.1 Hitouts 0 2.0 Inside 50s 1.9 0.4 Goal Assists 0.2 1.0 Frees For 0.5 1.2 Frees Against 0.4 6.8 Contested Possessions 5.5 9.7 Uncontested Possessions 11.1 11.6 Effective Disposals 12.9 70.7% Disposal Efficiency % 79.1% 2.9 Clangers 1.3 0.7 Contested Marks 0.1 0.8 Marks Inside 50 0.3 1.7 Clearances 1.4 1.3 Rebound 50s 1.0 1.2 One Percenters 0.9 0.4 Bounces 0.3 78.9 Time On Ground % 76.6 Centre Clearances 0.1 Stoppage Clearances 1.2 Score Involvements 3.4 Metres Gained 191.7 Turnovers 2.0 Intercepts 2.4 Tackles Inside 50 0.6

Elite sporting competitions are about small percentages. Our collective fitness at the start of last year was poor. Burgess must be pooping himself. Our adaptation to 6-6-6 was poor (god I hope the focused recruiting of wingers is not seen as the silver bullet). Our team's on-field bond seemed stretched thin. Coaching or on field leadership? Enough of the taggers in our forward line please - we need offensive small forwards to make the next step. To win the comp, we need a lot going right. Of our mid-range players, Petracca is the most obvious one who needs to become elite. Make Max captain please MFC.

Stays on the park (80 out of the last 82). Ended up playing wing at the Giants after having a go at cementing 4 or 5 other spots. Probably a 15-22 player there and maybe the same with us. I'm cooling on him from a cap perspective (unless he is cheap or free - pay wise).

Thinking Omac out is a match up - would prefer he had a month at Casey to find touch rather than come back in next week because May isn't yet fit (or an elite trainer apparently). I had hoped the decades of pain were going to result in a significant and sustained opportunity with this group. Can someone find the WD40? Not sure why but the window seems a bit jammed.

Not in my best 30 FWIW.

Oscar had a bad night and is out of form. But watching live, he at least got to the right spots before being beaten at the contest.

Does anyone here see Spargo becoming anything other than "good ordinary"? Smart, sure - but how is he going to be elite? Not tall, not quick, not a great tackler, can't kick it 40 metres and not a special set shot. Sorry if anyone takes offence. Just asking how he becomes elite.

Ed Langdon worked into the Hogan and pick 5+ deal.

Peter Bell managed to reference himself in his first press conference ("that would be a real feather in my cap"). Hey little fella, how about we park the ego and have a go at doing some business?

Either Bugg or Kent will go out next week. On average, Kent will convert more shots than Bugg but will need to keep contesting and not go to ground. Interesting playoff for a single spot I reckon.

Proud of the club on this front. It's blood money and we have chosen to rise above it.

Meanwhile, the Cronulla Sharks are celebrating their first ever premiership. Colin Little is a dill who believed in his own powers just a tad too much.

Just off that footage, I reckon Peter Wright looks a bit like Sam Jacobs (personally and from a playing perspective). Remember Jacobs took 6 years to become elite. Also: Positives for me are: good size he presents well as a forward reasonable speed for a big unit. Negatives for me are: Runs across the centre ruck contest every time. Experienced ruckmen would go straight at him and outjump him. Hits to advantage were rare. Even uncontested hitouts were often to the receivers feet. Set shooting will be variable because he has a big left/right wobble on approach Game sense. So keen to handpass he often put the reciever under instant pressure. All the negatives can be taught but can we afford to wait? I may well be wrong, but I can't see Roos wanting him over some quality mids.