MrReims

Essentially he dropped from 62% in '15 (which was better than Watts that year) to 49% this year, only marginally better than Daniher. However stats only paint half the picture. His head space was visibly affected for most of the year, be it contract issues or normal second year blues. He dropped his bundle in a few games and missed some serious sodas but in my opinion to his credit he attempted to influence the game by aiming for goal assists in those same games once he realised his eye was out.

He is a serious confidence player, uses a lot of passion out there which will make him a weapon in big games. In the mean time the coaching staff need to work with what we have and develop his mental maturity to get him to that Nick Riewoldt level where he never believes he is beaten and can ignite into a game after 3 poor quarters to still turn a game.

Just watched the little video on new Saint Josh Battle. Is it just me or do the St Kilda recruiters have a more specific type than George Costanza?

Flat face, pasty skin, eyes a little close together and generally a meat axe in body shape and personality

Dare I say they employ a slightly different strategy I like to call the 'yes d!ckheads rule'

3 hours ago, dieter said:

 

You could speak to Rot Weiss perhaps on a sister club style relationship

1 hour ago, spirit of norm smith said:

updates post draft picks

Not so sure Maynard is a Ruckman

Absolutely thrilled with this, remember in years passed always seeing his goals in the Casey highlights and thinking why the hell isnt he playing for the Dees instead?

Has a real touch of the Robbie Grays about him and seems to be a big moment player as well. Unbelievably gifted on both feet for those who aren't aware, his left foot snaps or better still dead eye dick left foot drop punts from the pocket are just sublime. The opportunity is his for the taking. 

Pull the finger out Bull, don't leave anything to chance and repay the faith. If he does we could have an absolute steal on our hands

Seems Mr Oliver had a little run in with the boys in blue drink driving. I'm pretty disappointed that the article implies he had passengers, escalating the amount of people he put at risk. Not panicking just yet but seems he needs a clip around the ears or two to get the larrikin out of him

Not sure if grouping Garlett with Garland and Lumumba is exactly fair. Played some fantastic games, consistency perhaps an issue but far from in the gun in my opinion

10 minutes ago, olisik said:

Why didn't Salem train?

Played late with the Scorps

1 hour ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

This might be of interest:  http://www.melbournefc.com.au/afl/coaches

Brendan McCartney - player/coach performance manager

Regarded as one of the game’s best development coaches, McCartney joined Melbourne in February 2015, after coaching the Western Bulldogs from 2012-14.

He was initially appointed development and strategy coach, but in September 2016 was named player/coach performance manager in line with Simon Goodwin’s elevation to senior coach.

The role oversees the development of Melbourne’s coaches, along with driving the performance of the club’s player group. McCartney continues to work closely in player development with Matthew Egan. 

I don't think we do have a 'head senior assistant' per se as it was really a 'senior coach in waiting' role but we have lost 2 (Roos and ???) from the coaching group and recruited 3 (Egan, Chaplin, Rooke) so the emphasis has changed.

I believe it is Fruity Allison, the other we have lost

Thanks to Saty and all reporters live on the scene. Going to really try to get down from Sydney for an early next year session with some more skills focus but for now will have to rely on our training threads here.

Muchly appreciated

Great reading. Ian McLean was my great-uncle so I love reading as much as I can about the era

Any of our house experts know of the likelihood the Weight Watchers poster boy lasting to our first pick? My draft bargain senses are tingling 

17 minutes ago, stuie said:

Jack Steele officially a Saint.

 

How many big bodied grunt midfielders can one team have?

Brilliant season, best yet to come I feel.

But on a side note, most of that foxsports article is based round a misquote. He never actually said he wanted to be the best ruckman in the league, he was refering to being the number 1 ruckman at Melbourne. He tried a few times to correct it early on but now it's come true he just ignores it and carries on. Which is hilarious on so many fronts

I'm extremely surprised at the amount of people calling for Wagner to be dropped and flabbergasted at at least suggestion that Oscar goes.

On a day of terrible turnovers and poor use these two actually had decent days! Oscar had at least two superb inside 50s that resulted in goals made only better by the fact we only kicked 9, Wagner didn't waste a single disposal that I saw plus he gave the clever kick to Watts for the winning goal!! 

Vince, TMac had poor disposal days but have the runs on the board to be forgiven

VB had a lot of mistakes in the first half but was instrumental in the second

Why blame poor Wagner?

Great opportunity for White to stamp his name on a game. Many on here rate him, I'm yet to see enough to have a solid opinion but he hasn't disappointed in his first couple. I'd like Roos and co to resist the urge to push Grimes back and stick with structure

Not exactly any revelations here. Is there a point to your OP?

31 minutes ago, Satyriconhome said:

If you can't get the day right you've treated yourself to more than a long weekend   guns  Dawes at the moment  just

Insider joke or a mild stroke at the end there?

Don't understand the hysteria over Garlett at all. Kennedy was the form player for the first 5 weeks, lost some touch and went back to the twos. Smashed it in terrible conditions and earnt a recall.

Jeff is one of my favourite players but his form has been rubbish. Since when do good teams just allow that to continue when our reserves are in scintillating form? As great as he can be he isn't Rioli or even Betts for that matter that can win games of their own boot. He contributes well when in form but I can't recall him owning a game and creating a win, certainly in a long time. 

But posters like picket need to be blood boiling enraged over something each week so this will have to do I guess. 

We are going to lose more games in the second half of the year without Dunn? I've loved his persistence, been a great journeyman when you consider the fate of Matty Bate which seems an eternity ago. Most of us thought he was done (?) way back then but he proved us wrong again and again. But to suggest he is so critical to our wins is plain wrong. O Mac is a young, tall (our tallest) defender who will only come on with time and persistence. We had the same conversations about his brother who despite many comments on her remains one the better key defenders in the game.

There is never a perfect time to blood kids like him and now is as good as any.

Wonder if Dunn has any trade value? Gut says no but mature key defenders are sought after. Wouldn't be shocked if he found another home somehow if he departs at the end of the year

Barry Hall, i seriously bellied laughed at that one!

Big congratulations to Tim Smith, had a fantastic season to date. One who frustrates me when watching the Scorps, while I'm trying to figure out who is playing so well I catch glimpse of his number and realise he isn't a Demon ?

Just now, Wiseblood said:

We might be, but I don't think Daw is the answer, and all of the above trades would be overs for him.  We would be able to find something elsewhere I think.

This is always the mentality when it is the club we love, our emotional investment in our players make them worth more than they are. He has been developed nicely, purely my opinion of course but I just think he will come on in a big way next year

1 minute ago, rjay said:

Happy your not running list management at the MFC...

So we aren't looking for a forward/ ruck at the moment? It's not a hole in our impressive depth?

2 minutes ago, Gorgoroth said:

No.

Why would we want a guy who truly can't play at the highest level. He does a few good things but will never be a very good player.

You are convinced that a 25yr old 195cm veteran of 17 games will not make it? Based on what if I may ask?