PaulRB

Clark is at the other end of the intensity spectrum to Jack at the moment, his aggressive tackling (double tackle on boundary in third) and attack on the ball were awesome against the Dogs. I'd be keeping Jack in the Casey team till he can consistently replicate that level of aggro (same for Liam)...

Jack Viney

He lacks physical confidence. He slows down and props in pack or contested situations where he should speed up an hit the ball/opposition with momentum. It's no longer about actual size etc... but is confidence that using his body aggressively is the correct choice. Alot of not naturally aggressive junior players have to learn the joy of using their body, and it will take time. No doubt he'll get it.

Only way to deal with the good Dr's mental musing is to ignore him, and in time he'll find another forum to indulge him for a while.

WTF

I agree with your analysis. My measurement is how many of the 4 quarters are in one of the following three categores 1. We're a Rabble 2. We're ok 3. We kick ass The negative results you mentioned included at least one quarter of 1. (rabble). 186 was four quarters of this... The positive results have been 4 quarters of 2. (ok). I'm yet to see a quarter of 3. If we can avoid any quarters of 1. for the next 6 weeks we will have truly stabalised and turned the corner, with a couple of quarters of 3. next on the agenda.

I'd hold on to all our ruck stocks, Jamar most of all. They take time and none have seriously challenged the Russian for the No# 1 position yet. The issue is then how do we fend off possible interest from a flag contending club with ruck issues and not stuff up our player payment balance/strategy? or maximise the return?

While our form at the moment implies pick 3 in the draft. Should we get o a roll in the 2nd half of the season, it would look like there would be no way of pushing Jack back to the second round. If so, what would we do re first four picks (i.e. trade for No#1 U17, experienced hands)?

As Gimli would say ""certainty of death, small chance of success... what are we waiting for?" Couldn't be worse that last year, and if we do snag a win it would be monumental.

James Podsiadly (facial soreness) ha ha ha

The hardest part of Neeld's take over is complete, the recalcitrants have been outed or turned to the cause. Now we need time for the new plan to bear fruit...

15th West Coast Hawthorn Carlton Freo Geelong Swans Pies Roos

scarred and numb. scared and dumb. both work for me.

Our third against the Dogs was the best quarter this year. Crowd perked up, players were busy and leadership was provided (Clarke and Moloney)... four of those and we'll give the Saints a run.

I think the pain we're suffering from the transition to Neeld's game plan/style has been exacerbated by lack of experienced leaders, unfit/immature bodies in our younger players and lack of confidence stemming from 2011 and the challenges of learning a new game plan, etc... These challenges are short term and the worm will turn this season on the above issues. The more critical question is, was this dramatic re-focusing on contested ball, defensive structures and roles required now and will it deliver a flag faster than the approach Bailey was taking? My sense is that it will, simply because contested ball and the ability to soak up an oppositions surge is the heart of finals footy.

That does hurt... we'd be ahead of Bombers and Pies though...

Was wondering about the MFC's early years and came across the "Caledonian Challenge Cup" which was the football competition from 1862 to 1876 (when the VFA was formed). During this period we won the Challenge Cup 5 times. Given we now proudly claim our history back to the origi of the game and the establishment of our club in 1858, why not claim those cups as well...?

I was hoping for a crying room myself.

Stay positive, keep working and the worm will turn. I for one, am keen to be there when it does. And it may be this week...

Who cares what outsiders to the MFC think. We were fleeced by the AFL when they took our bird in the hand (Scully) and offered us two birds in the bush (draft) as compo. If we maximise the value of that "deal" then all the smarter us...

I think Ron's analysis and advice of patience is valid. It's also worth noting that with Moloney, Jurrah and Sylvia out, we are missing our No# 1 midfielder from last year, our No#1 goal kicker from last year and an quality hard bodied mid. Their absences have robbed the team of experience, solid bodies and finish...

I'd pass on BJ, despite him being a star. We need to find and develop our own stars over the next couple of years and only look to top up with experienced talent when we are in the top 4 and need a new element to win a flag.

Best 22 for the upcoming opposition should be the rule, week in and week out. If Davey in best 22 all good, if not Casey. Same for all players. Whats the big deal?

We know we could beat the Tigers last year. We know we are fitter than last year. We know we have a game plan, unlike last year. And we know that soon the boys will be able to deliver said game plan for 4 quarters. So it's just a matter of when.

Aaron is an experienced player whose best is good enough to win the Melb B&F in 2009. For many reasons he's been down on form and impact. Some of these reason are within his control (effort and spirit) many are not (injuries, confusing role in underdeveloped game plan, general shift to a bigger bodied game style across the AFL, etc...). Many of these things are being dealt with by the new FD i.e. play consistently Davey where his strengths are utilised and his weaknesses unlikely to hurt the team. Unfortunately this new game plan and the roles that Neeld has in mind for Davey (and others) is not clear or they have struggled to implement. I'm sure he will adapt and thrive. Two games does not make a season and the lynch mob on this site would be better served exploring where Davey would thrive and why another Melb B&F has fallen on hard times...