Pates

I’ve just woken up in the UK, this is very close to how I expected it to go. After the big high of last week we were off but 2% and the Kanga’s took us all the way. An ugly win is still a win, gutted for Tommo though. Career best form and now it looks like he’s out for the season. Fingers crossed for a miracle.

I’m wary of the day, we were a bit flat against the Hawks and took until the last quarter to put them away. It’s not uncommon for teams to have a come down after such a big win the week before. We’ll be going from playing in the cauldron on the MCG if front of 50k to windy, open (almost suburban) Hobart in front of 15k at most. I think we’ll take a little bit to settle properly and it might take until the 2nd half before we kick into gear. I just want to see the player be ruthless, treat this as if we’re playing top of the table.

A little MFCSS brewing in me that such a great opportunity can be blown by us, I’d just love the boys to be on from the first bounce and smash any signs of an upset away by quarter time.

Just watched the last 2min of the Swans/Cats match, definitely think the Cameron mark went 15m but he would’ve been kicking after the siren so by no means an easy goal. The HTB at the end siren been any whistle anyway and it was 50/50 at best. They got a lucky one against the Lions (and have had a bunch against us) so it’s about time one went the other way. Have a sook Scott!!!!

I’ve had a bit more of a think about it and as much as I’m disappointed for Jonesy, I’ve come to terms with it more. Melksham might be lazy at times, but he’s usually good for a goal or two and can be damaging with limited possessions. I imagine dropping Nate would’ve been done with as much respect as possible, and he’s not done yet. He’ll be playing a leadership role at Casey and be telling the younger lads to stay on their toes or else he’ll be ready to step up.

Ok, they’ve dropped Jones. It was going to happen eventually but I’m really surprised it happened this week. Firstly he had a very serviceable game last week, not outstanding but he played a role. Secondly it’s straight after his 300, seems a bit disrespectful. Thirdly it’s a midfielder for a forward. Finally if we’re looking at who played a part in the win last week and who didn’t how does Melksham stay in the team then? I’m happy Brown’s getting his first run, but I don’t agree with who us made way for him.

Really happy for him, and GWS have got themselves a genuine weapon if he stays fit and (mentally as well as physically) healthy. Hopefully it’s one of another debuting forwards big weekend. Next one coming in Hobart!

There’ve been some silly comments on here, but that’s gotta be right up there. So it doesn’t matter if TMac has a dominant game and is in close to career best form, you drop him just because you think it’s inevitable that he falls apart soon. What if this year is some of the best footy he’s playing but dropping him kills his confidence? TMac plays until he loses form (over two week period minimum) or gets injured, simple as that. I would look at “managing” Tom at some point, which will give Weid his chance to shine and should Sam perform well it becomes his spot to lose.

There’s something really poetic about Brown debuting in his home state against his former side.

I hate these comparisons to former top players, Lever isn’t having a Rance-like year, he’s having a Lever-outstanding year. Just like Kozzie isn’t the next Cyril Rioli, he’s the first Kozzie Pickett.

For me this was the most pleasing aspect of the night, North aren’t particularly competitive even with a full list so it was hard to see anyone bashing down the door demanding to be picked. But seeing the forward pressure and the structures that we appear to be using at senior level is really pleasing. Just as an aside, Chandler is a Melbourne listed player isn’t he? The commentators were talking about the mid season draft being an opportunity for players like him. Dwayne Russell rates as one of my least favourite commentators.

Two easy misses from Sam is really disappointing from him, just as the commentary was giving him a big wrap for his accuracy. Could’ve (should’ve) had 7 snags to his name tonight.

Both teams know the game is done, Casey are cruising and Kangas are just trying to get something out of it. Would love for the coach to give them a Rev up and challenge them to really bury them this quarter. Little bit disappointed Weid hasn’t done much more, he got some poor deliver at times as it had been on the end of a couple he might’ve done better at.

Harmes won’t be in the seniors any time soon with what I’m seeing.

North have had a little purple patch where they’ve had a little control, it’s got scrappy.

Weids struggled this quarter but delivery to him hasn’t been good.

All he can do is get on the end of kicks, and kick the goals. I can really see Sam moving on to another club next year is TMac keeps him out of the team. He’s too good to be playing VFL.

Tyson’s out there is he? Yeesh if he’s not cracking into this North senior team he’s really struggling. He was a solid get for us, we got what we needed from him in the short term and managed to essentially turn him into Ben Brown through pick swapping over the years.

Wish Weid had taken the kick then, a bit more accuracy and finishing and this could be 40+ already ?.

Hit the post! ?‍♂️

What’s really pleasing is Casey are playing very similarly to how Melbourne play. There’s a clear sign that both playing groups know how the entire club top to bottom wants to go about their business.

Weid with a good contested mark and finishes with a goal. He’s got two early and the margin is 24pts already.

Weids on the board! NM 0.2.2 Melb 1.1.7

Playing devil’s advocate here, if hypothetically Brown has a quiet couple of games how much time do we give him? Particularly if Weid is showing solid VFL form?

It’s a bit of tough luck for Weid, he’s put in the hard work over pre-season and basically set himself up as the partner to Brown. When Brown went down with his injury you would’ve banked on Weid becoming the number 1 focal point and then he got injured himself. Currently it’s hard to see him getting into the side if TMac continues his sold form (he’s had maybe one sun-par game for the year). Unless he is smashing the door down and one of Brown or TMac doesn’t perform (or if there’s an injury) it’ll be really tough to see him get games. His job is simple right now, make the decision as hard as possible for the selection committee. FWIW I kinda agree that it’s harsh Weid didn’t get first crack when he’s had the better VFL form. But Brown has runs on the board and knows Hobart better than any player in the team.