bing181

The big difference that's on show today is skill. We have too many players who even if they can get their hands on it, are unreliable or just not smart with their disposals. It has been great to bring in tough nuts and scrappers, but the likes of Harmes, ANB, Melksham and even Viney, are just not damaging enough, or damaging at all, with ball in hand. This then results in turnovers, and away they go.

Right then.

Lucky you. My wife banishes me downstairs. Just me and the dog.

There's hope for us all.

I'd include Brayshaw in that. Just give him time ...

Conclusions: - Just about it for Jack Trengove, sad to say. - JKH has another season to prove himself. At least knows what's required. - Weideman needs more than just one dominant game at VFL level. (Though wonder here if there aren't ongoing concerns with Gawn's fitness/injury issues, so we need Pedo who can ease the load a little. Might also be a comment on where Watts is currently at re backup ruck duties.)

In: Jones, Pedersen, Vince, Maynard Out: Jesse Hogan (shoulder), Mitch Hannan (rested), Jack Trengove, Jay Kennedy-Harris

Mind suitably boggled.

With Jones and Vince due back, not sure this will be Maynard's week. Wouldn't be surprised to see Weideman though.

"Melbourne forward Mitch Hannan picked up an elbow sprain against North Melbourne and will be assessed this week. "

Things not going well for Mitch White. Without the rest of the season to prove himself, it could be time's up for him.

Without injuries, if Jones plays, would imagine JKH is the one to go out. Not sure who else could be a candidate ... Harmes?

FT Stats: Maynard 27, Kennedy 26, Brayshaw 23, Wagner 23, Gent 23 Goals: Fritsch 3, Ferreira 2, Pedersen 2, Gent 1, Scott 1, Smith 1

Solid win under the circumstances. A few players off the pace returning from injuries, and Gawn hampered for the second half, but we still ground it out. People look at the forward line and salivate with the potential there, but the back half isn't looking too shabby either.

In: Brayshaw

Yes, but he's doing more than just getting thru the game. Seems to have his mojo back.

Straight back in to the firsts.

Pressure and the way we're structuring is great ... but I don't know that we're actually playing all that well. Some really poor execution/disposal, often when there's little or no pressure. Watts and Salem all rusty and off the pace, and if ever Tyson and Hunt become reliable disposers of the ball, look out! Still, take that.

Though not helped by Vince and Garlett missing (the latter through no fault of his own). Swings and roundabouts ... if we ever get the full list on the park, look out!

That's the definition of a divide.

No problem, Liam Jurrah is in town. Get him in.

No it wasn't.

A few seasons back, against the ladder-leaders, we would have taken that as just about a win.

Some positives in that. Hunt best game for quite a while, JKH good (though could be more damaging with his disposals), Oscar more than decent, Lewis and Hibberd both strong, and Hogan and Gawn will be better for the run, both showed signs. A few negatives, obviously, but the howler in it all is Bernie Vince heading for another unnecessary holiday. Easy in/out next week: Tyson/Watts for Kent/Vince. Smith (at least) gets a reprieve.

Can't see us winning this, too many key players out. One lives in hope, and I'm as optimistic as the next optimist, but Adelaide aren't top of the table for nothing. Good chance to get a game into the younger/fringe players and for those who are a bit rusty (Gawn, Hogan), but more than that, my expectations are low. Next week on the other hand ...