Adam The God

Righto, well, you and I disagree again. As if we wouldn't want Trac in the midfield and then Trac in the forwardline. Every team would.

I think we want to get a look at what our system and team looks like without two rucks again. We've seen what it looks like when Grundy rucks solo, let's see what it looks like with just Max. And very good call @george_on_the_outer, you called this on the podders.

Just getting around to listening to the podders now and Binners has mentioned the return of our tempo footy. I completely agree. It was something very noticeable in the final quarter. We essentially started to play keepings off them by chipping it around half back and the wings. It was very final quarter circa 2021. Good pick up mate.

I wouldn't be surprised if he's being managed this week, but what would I know? I wonder if this opens the door for JVR, despite his VFL performance...?

Totally, I was playing devil's advocate really.

If Reid was literally a Petracca clone, you'd be taking him every day of the week. Match winners are rare on lists. Trac is a match winner.

Is he not second on the leading goalkicker of all time list? He deserves to be in the conversation. He's been a superstar.

I think we'll see Chandler back, as I noted above, and we'll see Kozzy's involvement as a burst player from stoppages like he was through the first 10 rounds...

Is this actually really true anymore? Kozzy, McVee, Bowey, Chandler and then aerobically, Langdon isn't slow. Trac and Clarry have great burst speed too.

The thing I love about Bowser, aside from his foot skills is how clean he is. A superb ground ball player. So it's a good point Dazzler, I'd love to see him in the midfield in time. And maybe Howes takes his defensive gig.

I reckon by the end of the season, Chandler will be back at the expense of Woey, JVR for Melksham, Clarry for JJ and Fritta for Spargo. I don't agree with the Spargo one, but I think this is what we'll do if we're at full strength.

We don't want to be going into finals off the back of a loss though. The only premier in the last decade to lose their final H&A game was the Bulldogs in 2016.

My prediction is they're going to start reducing Kozzy's TOG and play him through the midfield like the first 10 rounds. And that this was always the plan...

Sorry, this is a nonsense post. How the feck would you know what Goodwin says to the players? The answer is you wouldn't have a clue.

You don't tag two mids... And Gawn has played pretty much 65% of the ruck for most of the season.

Me too. 👍

Interestingly, what impressed me the most is that his first two touches were turnovers, but he still managed to work his way into the game and do some good things. That demonstrated a good mental ability to play in the present. I just love how our FD has overseen the rise and maturity of Jackson (RIP), Kozzy, Rivers, Bowey, McVee, JVR, Chandler and now Woey in the last 4 years. It says a lot for our development, our mental health team and our overall club processes. I have complete confidence that the players coming through the door at the MFC these days are getting the best mentoring, teaching and care possible in a football club. What a journey this club has been on over the last decade.

That might solve both problems. And then you could drop Spargs for Hibbo.

I wonder what that looks like if Trac plays 65-70% forward again? Does Berry play as a pure defender? I expect us to go head to head with Brisbane's mids. They may put some work into Neale, but other than that, we won't look to sit on players. Lyons can be exploited for leg speed and I'd be looking to play through his man on burst at stoppages, but if we win the CP battle, I think we'll win.

Well, I'm on record multiple times saying I'd drop Gus (if Oliver was fit), so I guess I'd be open to leaving Rivers out. I like Rivers, but he's the major liability ball in hand in our current back 7 IMV. It's going to be a fascinating team selection this week, because I could also see us going small and potentially bringing back Chandler as well, so we can exploit Brisbane's lack of speed, but Kade may have to bide his time now that he's lost his spot.

Here we go again, laying the ground work for another Melbourne lose lose situation. We win and "of course we should have won, that's the bare minimum", we lose "told you, we're making up the numbers". I expect us to beat Brisbane FWIW.

I wouldn't be surprised if it's a week later against Richmond, rather than the Adelaide game. From Round 19 the past two seasons, we've turned the corner, and with the 24 week H&A, they may be targeting Round 20 instead. But love it, Binners. And RE the pressure ratings and the expected score, it's why the St Kilda win was so important. To bank wins when you're not playing your best is what we have to do to finish top 4.

I'm not saying I'd necessarily do this, but they may rest Juddster.

Dunkley won't be back this week, but it sounds like Berry will be. https://www.zerohanger.com/?p=139715

Interesting. So Hibbo's a chance. I hadn't realised he'd be back yet. I reckon he'll come in @dazzledavey36. Be fascinating to see.