3183 Dee

Definitely - I think he was well worth the risk. He might not show it this season, but this was all about whether he would even play again. Another pre-season and he could be a fantastic addition.

Thanks for the replies and comments. Further to @Axis of Bob’s point, I believe that we do have a bit of silk in our midfield, in the shape of Petracca and Oliver. Whilst they are not out-and-out silk merchants, they do have a combination of skill and brutality, which makes them invaluable. I see our game plan as needing a spine of this type of player, as well as 100% fast and skilful types and 100% all-out brutes. Langdon has been a great acquisition, but we need another skilful outside mid.

I watched the Champions League final this morning and it prompted me to make a couple of comments regarding our game style, especially after Saturday. Please note that these comments are not based on any statistical research or any other in-depth knowledge - just my own observations and gut feel, as someone who grew up with soccer and fell in love with AFL: The comparison with Klopp and the German system of play is very interesting. Some people have claimed that Goodwin has looked at Klopp’s strategy to form our own game plan. If this is correct, I can see similar patterns emerging in our game, although we are still a little way off. As I see it, the club has addressed the traditional defence set up with the acquisition of May and Lever. After an inconsistent and shaky start, we are starting to see a credible and tight defensive unit being built around these two players. The next keys in the defensive unit are to find ‘wing-backs’ who can transition the ball out of defence successfully and skilfully, whilst still being able to provide a contest. We have been much more successful this year at bringing the ball out, but I don’t think that we have 100% found the right personnel, although I think Rivers is well on his way to being one of these players. Whilst the system looks to be built around a high press and attacking aggression, it is fundamentally important to have a solid defence as, if the high press is breached, there is a certain counter attack. Had it not been for the defensive efforts of Lever and May on Saturday, I believe the Doggies could have scored quite a lot more. Regarding the high press - the key to making this work, is aggressive pressure from the forward line. Against Collingwood, we saw this to great effect - against Footscray, we saw the opposite: if the forward line is not committed/fast enough to put constant pressure on the opponent’s backline, the game plan is negated, essentially meaning that the midfield line must now try to exert defensive pressure on a greater number of players, who have already started to build momentum in their movement forward. This restricts the midfield to concentrating on a negating role first and foremost, and when they do start forward movement, it is almost always from the D50 as they have had to track back so far. However, when the forward line is maintaining great pressure on the opposition defence, the game plan works perfectly: the defence are bullied and harassed into mistakes and turning the ball over in our A50. If they are able to clear the lines, our midfield are waiting to pick up the ball coming out and launch another attack, with quick and precise ball movement (which we have also got better at, this year). Our fitness is also key here: to try and defend against this type of attack is mentally and physically exhausting for an opposition. We saw in the three games prior to Saturday, that by applying pressure for 2.5 quarters, we were able to overrun the opposition for the remainder of the game. I stress that this is only my opinion - if it is correct, then I think that it’s a sustainable game plan, but we are still a couple of players off making it work successfully and continuously. The lack of pressure from the forward line on Saturday was inexcusable - apart from Kozzie and occasionally Spargo, the aggression was non-existent. The Doggies were able to start their transition out of the backline without any hindrance at all, which kills us and some of the attempted tackling was borderline pathetic. Also, it must be noted that Goodwin must accept some of the responsibility for the 3Q capitulation, by not making any tactical change to stymie Bont’s influence. This isn’t a get out for him, but the players must also learn to take initiative todirect things and make changes out on the field - I think back to that ‘Sounds Of The Game’ clip featuring Luke Hodge. Regarding changes for this week: I think TMac has pretty much had it - although with the absence of Jackson, he has had a reprieve, but it will be interesting to see if they swap Mitch Brown in this weekend or maybe stick with Preuss and play a double ruck with Max. Preuss is obviously not a great forward, but does apply pressure, as long as he’s not too gassed. I would stick Jones into that high half forward position as he is often able to lock the ball into our attacking 70-50, same with Viney. I’d be tempted to put Bedford in for Hannan, who just goes missing too much for the return on his upside. I’ve never been a massive fan of ANB, but he definitely brings contest after contest. I’d probably give Harmes a break and bring Rivers in. I’d be interested to hear what others think about my theory - even if it’s a completely opposing viewpoint.

After taking a few deep breaths from yesterday, the key to our game is defensive pressure and this starts with the forward line. If we bring the pressure in our offensive 50-70, we can start to dictate the game. Against the Pies, our forward pressure was immense, resulting in mistakes by the opposition, giving our skilled mids repeated chances with the ball. It basically grinds the opposition down and leaves us to run over them, with our quick play. However, if our forward defensive pressure is off, our game doesn’t work - highlighted yesterday by the Dogs being able to set up out of their D50 as they wished. This, coupled with no-one tagging Bont, was the big difference between the two sides, IMHO. It means that the miss then have to do ALL the defensive work upfield, which limits their ability to set up play. Our forwards need to be far more accountable - Pickett, whilst still quite raw, never stops chasing. We get glimpses with Hannan and Spargo, but the rest are either too slow or spaghetti arm tacklers. I would bring Bedford in this week, probably for Hannan and shift Viney further forward to create pressure, if Jones is not available.

Yep - Doggies looked fresh and comfortable. We looked second rate all game. Midfield beaten easily. Honourable mentions to May and Weideman, but that’s about all. Where was the ferocity and tackling pressure? This team needs to have a kick up the bum to start playing, which is a recipe for disaster.

Garry Lyon again ?

Nervous about this one - still expecting the old Melbourne, resting on their laurels, turning up tripe and getting pantsed. Edited to add: It’s easy to get up for the ‘big’ games, but it’s taking care of the Doggies and the Saints which will ultimately make the difference.

Also - another ‘big up’ to Ben Gibson for a great interview and asking pertinent questions.

I felt quite emotional when I saw our 5 proud indigenous men introducing themselves and the people and lands that they belong to. When you think what indigenous people have had to put up with - in their own land - over the past 200 years or so, after developing a culture that’s lasted more than 60,000 years...It’s time to start listening to them - enough is enough.

Wait, what? Who?

Great podcast again, guys and nice interview with AvB - incredible to think he hasn’t even played 50 games of senior footy. And how about those injuries this year? Two metal plates put in his cheek to repair 3 fractures, 2 weeks later, 15 stitches to a head wound just above the plates. One week later, goes back with the flight and cleans up Mihochek and then gets cleaned up by Weid. Trains once a week. He should be nicknamed the Terminator!

Great get - look forward to hearing the interview. The podcasts are getting better and better - really good rapport between Andy, Binman and George. Keep up the great work. I’d like to ask Vanders how he has coped mentally through his injuries and rehabilitation, especially considering the severity of the injuries.

Show-off.

Steven May again getting around the younger guys. Anyone who still doubts our trade for him has rocks in their head.

Ugh! Have to say I agree @dazzledavey36 - my MFCSS is too deep. Too many times we have been in this situation. That said, I think there is a good energy amongst these young guys - as someone said on the @Demonland podcast, the younger players can now learn their role amongst more experienced players, which hasn’t happened for years. I think the veil of negativity is slowly lifting from our club, especially with the injection of the great young talent. Such a shame Jackson is out - his energy and enthusiasm are great to see. Let’s hope that today is another step towards the good times.

West Coast can [censored] orf.

Nice work.

This is exactly the sort of game that we have historically given a limp showing after a couple of good performances. It’s incredible to think that we see Jackson as a big out already, but he is clearly something special. As well as his ability, he has a real boundless enthusiasm for the game - a bit like Clarry, Petracca, Viney, Pickett etc. which I don’t see in the likes of TMac, Melksham etc. Hopefully his out doesn’t change the positive dynamics of the team.

?

I agree - he wasn’t sugar coating or corporatising the situation. Neither was he stripping the walls or throwing teacups around, which some people think he should be doing. Instead he was putting it back on the playing group to rectify the situation in a logical way.

As a side note, has anyone else noticed that, in photos of Clarry during games, he mostly seems to be grinning?! Obviously loves his footy!

This is fascinating. I only came to the game about 15 years ago, when I came to Australia. In England, we used to see highlights in the early 80s but all I remember is feral crowds, mullets and biffo! I taught myself the game through going to matches and soaking up media commentary (good and bad), but I’ve longed to see it on a deeper level, especially tactically. I’m a ball watcher, so don’t often see how the ground is being set up or how tactics have changed during a game (what I see on TV, is what I see during a live game, more or less) - this is mostly due to growing up with soccer, where you can pretty much see the relevant area of the game in front of you. Maybe this is why I prefer to watch the game from the centre wing, front of top tier on the Olympic Stand. Long story short! I’m grateful for this tactical insight and look forward to delving a bit deeper into our great game.

Couldn’t have put it any better @dazzledavey36 - some great points there. We certainly play less of a rugby scrum when Viney is out, as much as I love Jack. What’s the best way to incorporate him now? Half forward maybe, with turns in the mid?

It’s starting to come together, but we should be 5 goals clear by now. Much better coming out of our D50. COME ON BOYS!!!!

Goody’s mate, I’m afraid. Obviously, I have no idea how he is perceived amongst the wider playing group, but seems a bit arrogant and selfish on the field. Would be delighted to be proved wrong.