Adam The God

I was referring to the first half with Hogan. Particularly the first quarter. He was good in the second half, particularly being double teamed a number of times. I was disappointed by his first half though.

Our lack of spread and general work rate was the most frustrating and disgraceful aspect of tonight's game. Our forwards and backs did reasonably well, but every time Salem looked up off half back he had absolutely no one to kick to. No pride in the Melbourne jumper at all.

A number of times he was caught behind. He contested well on a couple of occasions, but Brayshaw and Spencer were the stand outs for me.

Spot on. Get rid of Howe as far as I'm concerned. Lazy, lazy, lazy. Such a one trick pony.

Hogan was lazy in the first half. Possibly carrying an injury. Spencer, Brayshaw, Cross, Dawes, Tommy and Stretch all earned their place. Garlett and Hogan did some good things, but just about everyone else was putrid.

Toumpas has been alright. Our midfield has played like a third world midfield.

That was the worst half of football for sometime. Matched anything in 2014 and possibly 2013. Absolutely pathetic.

If we don't get in front in the contest (Hogan), it will be.

Gee, surely Hogan is hampered by something. He looks slow and ordinary.

I understand what you're saying, but the other three mentioned (Terlich, Jones and McKenzie) won't get another contract. They will carve us up with Howe playing forward. He doesn't chase. So are you suggesting that we keep playing him? How would you have us pay him respect? I'm not being a smart arse. I'm simply asking. I certainly don't want to go down the McDonald and Green road, but if he's not good enough, he's not good enough. And I disagree that he played on Ballantyne. I'm not convinced. I think he may well go around again. Even if he does play a bit of game time in the 2's. He continues to be a great role model for our younger blokes.

I don't think Roos rates him. He gave him sub spots because he has to show the rest of the club that if you work hard you'll still eventually get selected. Nah. Spencer will keep getting chances. Big blokes do. Jamar had years of rubbish before delivering his breakout season. He's never been able to replicate that season for the record and still gets games. As for Michie, I agree. He obviously didn't do the team things Roos and co require though. Agreed. His increased physicality saved him. Could still bring a greater intensity though and obviously we need him getting a lot more of the ball as he's such a good user. Spot on. You beat Sydney on the outside. They're very one-paced in the midfield. Of course, whether we have the players on the outside to get the job done is another thing. I suspect that's why Watts was retained and Toumpas and Stretch brought in. Howe doesn't tackle. Particularly, when playing forward. Lazy, lazy footballer when he goes forward. He won't play that role, but if he does we'll get smashed off half back. Watts will play from wing to half forward. Of course, we want physicality from every player, but he's more likely to get away with less on a wing. We want his ability to read the play and ball use. He's still a big score assister.

Grimes didn't play on Ballantyne and his history as captain should have no bearing on whether he ever plays or get another contract again.

Gee, what a great Labor man he is.

Unless of course they're Victorian. Prestia.

Prestia, yes please!

Agreed. Pace, ball winning ability and goal kicking prowess. Shiel is the one, but we'll face very stiff competition from other Melbourne clubs, not to mention that rubbish pact Demonlanders keep banging on about.

I didn't want Rawlings as senior coach and I had a question mark over him for a while, but I think now it's safe to say he seems to be doing a really good job at developing the backs. It helps we've got a bit more leadership around the ground these days and Roos in charge, but I think Rawlings is a good assistant coach. Time will tell whether Goodwin is better than that.

Naturally, would love him, but at what cost? We should be looking to secure Hogan to a long-term deal at year's end. Ideally, we'd be aiming for a GWS mid too. Where do we find the cap space?

I agree. It's certainly not complete. I thought that's what I was doing. I think it'll take another two years before we'll be really competitive (hopefully) against the top 4 sides.

It's a good point. Where is Jade Rawlings coaching these days? He's backline coach, right? It seems he's doing his job. I'd agree, except I'd add Hogan to that list.

That's almost a coherent post.

These would seem to be two contradictory statements given the MFC picked Jack at #1...

No one is saying our midfield is complete. We have absolutely no depth, we lack outside skill and pace. That will be added to at the end of this year and the next. I hope.

Pedersen doesn't get past a jog when he chases. He sauntered through three or four times right in front of us on the MCC wing yesterday. Infuriating. Reminded me of the Neeld days.

Suspect Tyson is playing injured, but still, that's no excuse. Hoping he'll come good soon.