demondomination

I also remember last year the Geelong Advertiser wrote a letter to Ablett on the front page of the paper- I know it didn't work, but we can still try and think of something.

Yes, this is another Tom Scully thread, but I am not here to discuss whether he will stay or go (and neither are you). Rather than discussing something that none of us have any idea about, lets actually do something positive. There has to be something that as supporters we can do to help keep Tom Scully at Melbourne. I saw the banner in the cheer squad on Saturday and thought that was a good start. I remember hearing a story that someone once stayed at a club because a kid sent some pocket money to the player(can't remember details), but lets get together and brain storm. Get creative. Maybe we should send him a letter, maybe a group of letters...It might seem silly, but it cannot hurt. What can we do to help keep Tom at our club. (Mods please don't move this to the other thread- it will just get caught up in the garbage).

This has been my biggest frustration of the Bailey era. However I noticed yesterday there was a change in style. Our forwards played much deeper, notably Green and Gawn. I would love them to play Jurrah deep aswell, but they seem to like him up the ground for whatever reason.

Over the last few weeks I constantly here people critizing our club saying they are not where we should be, even Bailet said it today in the paper…Really? Is that true? Over the last decade football has been hit with the phenomena know as rebuiding. Lets have a look at the history of the rebuild and where we are in comparision. The first team to ever attempt to completely rebuild via low picks in the draft was St Kilda. Lets have a look at their draft history: 2000- - riewoldt (pick 1) kosi (pick 2) 2001- ball (pick 2) Clarke (pick 5) nick dal santo (13) 2002, goddard (pick 1) • notice they had 5 picks in their first 2 years of rebuilding. 2002 marked the end of their early draft picks. In 2003 they finished 11th. In 2004 the finished a remarkable 3rd, that was 4 years after they started their rebuild(the same year we are currently in). However, they tapered off finishing 6th the following year and then 4th the year after. In 2007 they missed the finals, and since 2008 they have either made the prelim or better. 11 years after they started their rebuild- the dream seems to be over. Despite failing to win a premiership, they have definitely had their opportunities. Obviously we are a bit behind their ladder position of 3rd in the 4th yr of the rebuild. However it is important to note, in our first year we picked up morton(pick 4) (we missed kruezer due to our loss against carlton round 22). In the equivalent year for St kilda they had pick 1 & 2 (rooey and Kozi) and in 2004 when the finished 3rd those guys were having a serious impact. In that same year Riewoldt kicked 67 goals. We definitely started the rebuild slower than them, hopefully we can have more success too. With the early success of St Kilda’s rebuild Carlton took it to a new level and introduced the concept of “tanking” in order to rebuild. Their rebuild started in 2005 (6 years ago): 2005- Murphy kennedy 2006- gibbs 2007 kruezer + pick 3 which the on traded to WCE. Again, carlton in their first year of rebuilding had pick 1 and an other pick in the top 5(we just had cale morton). Lets look at their progress since their rebuild. We have to factor in the fact they also had a bit of a push along by some guy call Chris Judd: 2008- 11th 2009 & 2010- 7th & 8th 2011- looking good for a top 4 spot. 4 years after beginning the rebuild, the position we are currently in. Carlton made the finals. We must remember, we haven’t traded for a Judd and in our first year we only drafted Morton vs their Kennedy and Murphy. Lets now take a look at Melbourne: 2007- morton 2008- watts 2009- scully trenners gysberts Last year we finished outside the 8 (the same as all the others). This year we look like we are going to finish outside the 8 as well, both St Kilda and Carlton made the finals in their equivalent year. (who knows what would have happened if we hadn’t been cursed with injuries.) However, in St Kilda’s first 2 years of rebuilding they had 5 early picks. Carlton had 3 + judd. We had just 2- morton and watts, both skinny boys who were always going to take more time! Okay, Morton hasn’t come along as expected. But he has had numerous long term injuries. That compounded with the fact he was going to take time anyway, is it a surprise we haven’t seen his best yet? Watts, yr 12 commitments in yr 1, then had injuries- not allowing him to complete a preseason. Now that he has had his first full preseason, we are seeing some serious improvement. Scully, injury interrupted preseason year one and this year hasn’t played a game due to injury. Gysberts, missed most of last years preseason due to injury and the same goes for this year. Trenners is the only one of the 5 who hasn’t really had an injury. Now does it make a bit more sense why we are taking a bit longer than Carlton and St Kilda? Combine that with ditching TJ, Mclean, Bruce and Mcdonald it starts to make more sense. Combine that with grimes, scully, trenners, Jamar, Garland, Davey, Wona, Bail, not playing this week. It starts making sense, maybe we are even ahead of where we should be? Tonight, 6 years after Carlton started their rebuild we will get a look at where we should be in 2 years. Dont lose patience, keep the faith. DD

get a singlet happening

Surely there will be interest from us in Neagle

Didn't think about Davey. I don't think he oozes leadership TBH, but it's not a dumb suggestion.

Pretty simple, who do you think will be the next captain of the MFC? I don't think any of our young brigade are ready (scully, trennerz, grimes, watts, frawley etc)...Which means the obvious choice would be someone out of the more experienced players. The obvious options are Bruce, Green and Moloney. I would go with Beemer...he absolutely loves the club, and I just love the way he goes about it. Also he is a bit younger than the other two. I would think Green would be ahead of Bruce.

The critics are missing the point. Yes, he is low on confidence and physical strength, but he will not pick this up in the VFL....No matter how well he plays in the magoos people will still doubt his ability at AFL level until he performs at AFL level (Jack Watts included)...People forget even Scully looked to be slightly overawed in his first handful of games a lot of people attributed his turning point in confidence to that bump on Mcintosh....he is now flourishing...Maybe it will take a similar moment for it to turn around with Watts. He has the skill, athletic ability and hands that trade mark a good forward...His attack on the footy hasn't been great yet, but it comes down to confidene. Just be patient. It will click.

Here is a comparison between Jack Riewoldt and our boy Jack Watts. After watching Jack Riewoldt(after 58 games) kick 10 yesterday and absolutely dominating I had a look back over some stats. After Jack Riewoldt had played 8 games he was yet to have over 10 disposals and he had kicked a collective 7 goals. THREE YEARS later he has kicked 30 goals in 5 weeks and has taken the AFL by storm. There was no constant criticsm of his early performances simply because he wasn't the number one pick!!! After 8 games Watts has had over 10 possesions 4 times and has kicked 6 goals. He is clearly not physically ready to play AFL footy, neither was Riewoldt. However, the Tiges persisted with him and he played the majority of the games that he was available for selection. They through him the deep end and they are now reeping the rewards. We must do the same with Watts. Watts will only get stronger as the fitness staff lock him in the gym and he actually completes a pre-season. After playing a bit of Junior footy against Watts one have his strengths was his contested mark(like riewoldt). However, it is pretty hard for him to out muscle Riewoldt, Cornes, Glass etc. Be patient with him. He doesn't need to kick 4 or 5 goals this week, or this year. He needs to be doing it when it counts and when we are playing finals footy in a few years time. Riewoldt had kicked a bag of 4 or more only twice going into the 2010 season. Riewoldt had protection in the form of Richo, Watts doesnt even have an other key forward to take the pressure off. So, once again please be patient, don't demand him to go the VFL...he will learn many valuable lessons playing AFL footy and hopefully in a few years time we will be idolizing him like the Richmond faithful.

Cale Morton played his best game for the club today! There have been occassions where he has kicked more goals and had more posessions, but his attack on the footy and skills were the best they have ever been. I have been a bit of a critic of him, but he seems to be becomming a lot more comfortable at AFL level. He got the ball at crucial times during the game and ran hard to space when everyone else was flat on their feet. A lot to be excited about. DD

On Saturday I ventured down to the MCG and watched the Bulldogs take apart Brisbane. Although the game didnt live up to the expectations I had, I was fascinated with the the Dogs forward line structure. Murphy, BJ, Aker, Welsh, and others rotated through the forward line all day. I was astounded by their flexibility. They were leading on angles that I have NEVER seen our forwards attempt. No player played in the same position for more than 10 minutes, they were constantly changing their positions, making it very tough for the Lions to find effective matchups. Although at present their forward line has a lot more ability and skill than ours I was amazed at the simalarities. We have the players available to implement the exact same strategy. We could take our pick from Wona, Davey, Silvia, Miller, Bate, Bruce, Green, Yze, Dunn and play a versatile, open, "roaming" forward line structure. Robbo and Neita made this sought of structure impossible for the best part of a decade, because they are lead up players. However with their absence for an extended period this stratergy should be tested. It would be a different approch for Melbourne to take, and one that I think we have the personel to implement.

Thought you were a bit harsh on these blokes.

Playing football on Sunday's and yr 12 has not allowed me to get to as many games as I would have liked this yr. After hearing Andy D'd threats during the week I thought I should attend on Monday and support the club. I was expecting a close game, but Melbourne's performance far exceeded my expectations. Firstly, are game plan looked the goods! We played direct football. We rebounded the ball from defence through the guts and were direct. This was a big tick for Dean Bailey. Unfortunatley we do not have the forward line, or the footskills to carry this plan out YET. However if we persist with this game plan we will gain the rewards in the years to come. Secondly, our defence was sensational. If Garland and Warnock can play that well for the rest of their careers we will have solved a problem that has been around my entire life. Our backline has always been second rate whether it was an old Ingerson, Nicholson, or Caroll we have never had a great backline. Furthermore if you look at the premiership teams over the past decade the likes of Barry, Glass, Scarlett, Michael, Fletcher have been the fullbacks, and have been vital parts of the lineup. Thus, the development of these two players will be essential if Melbourne is to become as decent team. The thought of playing rivers and frawley on the flanks is exciting as that really is their natural positions. Thirdly, We have the nucleus of a solid midfield. Mclean and Jones will play 250 games for the club and we can bulid a midfield around these boys. Sylvia and Bate need to get a full preseason in them so they can join these two boys, along with moloney and we have a TOUGH HARD midfield. Paul Johnson should also be a player, however we need to find a 2nd ruckman as White ages.(Natainui/Warnock should fill the void) The negatives: Our forward line needs improvement. Neitz is gone, and Robbo is going to be gone for a while. Yze wont be around long either. Wona looks good;), and we should play Davey closer to goal. Miller is also finding some form, however we are still 1/2 forwards away from having a decent forward line. Newton needs to progress, and others need to step up. Our footskills are abismal. Green never use to miss a set shot. Bruce, Moloney, and Wheatley turned the ball over to many times. And I hope Mortons performance was a one off, because if he turns is over like he did on Monday for the rest of his career my heart will burn. All in all, Melbourne have the nucleus. Warnock, Garland, Mclean, Sylvia, Bate, Jones, Moloney, Bartram, Morton, Dunn, PJ are all tough and hard players. You can't teach that.

Joeboy- Roth was sensational

Fergus Watts was crueled by injury, but yee was a bit of a dud.

for what this is worth I played against Jack Watts for 5-6 yrs in juniors. Firstly to answer someones question he is related to Fergus Watts, I think they are cousins from memory. But anyway Jack Watts is a Jet. I cant remember what year, but he was playing in the ruck. At 3 qtr time my team was up by 5/6 goals kicking with the wind in the last on a miserable day where the heavens had completely opened up. In the last quater Jack Watts single handedly one them the game kicking 2/3 in the last having about 15 posessions, 3-4 tackles, and 2 smothers. He dominated. Remember it was pooring, and he was playing in the ruck. Dont know where in the draft he should go, but he is a good player. Regards DD

6. Nathan Caroll 5. Paul Johnson 4. Cale Morton 3. Paul Wheatley 2. Jeff White 1. James Mcdonald

When I say second rate, i mean second rate around the ground. They are good tap ruckman, but White should have killed them across the ground, and didnt.

2 things I forgot to mention. We would have been much better off today if Godfrey Ward and Nathan Brown played today. Atleast they give 100%. Also Moloney and Paul Johnson are to best players on the day, along with Wheatley had the least time on ground. Why?

6 -Paul Johnson, by far the shining light. 5 - Brent Moloney. Looked good. 4- Nathan Jones, was Ok. 3- Brock Mclean. Doesnt deserve it, but yeeeeee. 2-Cale Morton- because he got a game under his belt. 1- Paul Wheatley- got the equal least time on ground, which means he is the least responsible for the loss. aha

I'm sorry, but i have to get this off my chest. Bell - had the impossible task of stopping forwards whilst we applied NO MIDFIELD PRESURE. having said that didnt have a good day. Bruce - Looked Unfit, Underdone, and Unintrested Buckley - although his disposal was a joke, atleast he carried the ball Carroll - Maybe he should spend less times getting in fights whilst on the [censored], and learn to play the game. At the moment we would be better off with big Al nicholson. Davey - career worst performance. Day was summed up when a young 18 yr old, Cyril Rioli, beat him in a contest situation. Then 4 Seconds later got the ball back 50 metres away from the original contest while Davey stood with hands on his hips, 50 metres away from Cyril. Garland - Did he play? Green - Get a heart, chase your oposition! get back off the mark. Seriously, he was a joke. For someone who was so upset that he didnt make the leadership group, its pretty obvious why he didnt. Johnson - One of very few positives from the day. Looked good, found a lot of the pill, and looked mobile. Jones - 5/10. Just Passed. McDonald - Bad day McLean - Average. Miller - Not going to waste my breath on this hopeless case. Moloney - Finally looks fit, and ready to go. About time we got some return on losing Scott Thompson. Morton - Looked very raw, but there were some good signs. Neitz - Needs super glue on his hands. Should have retired, but couldnt because of our desperate need for leadership. Newton - SLOW!!!!!!!! Petterd - Just glad to see him playing again. Will be good. Dirty day though. Robertson - Should of been traded. Weetra - For someone that should pride himself on his skills, fumbled way too much. Wheatley - Underprepared. White -Got schooled by Hawthorns second rate ruckman. Yze - Would have been better suited to a Ballet performance of the Nutcracker. Dean Bailey - I know it is early but was very disappointing yesterday. Firstly our forward line, Newton, Robbo, and Neitz can not all play deep in the forward line. We looked so slow, and when the ball hit the deck we didnt stand a chance. Davey is a small forward, not a wingman. Play him close to goal! Sylvia and Bate will help across center half forward when they come back, but yesterday we didnt have a target across half forward all day! Secondly, Hawthorn's midfield ranback hard and choked us. Why did we not do the same, they are the ones with the good forward line NOT US!!!!!!! Finally, the Melbourne players looked so unfit that as I said in an other thread I think My grandma clocks up more Kilometres on her morning walks then half our players did. Seriously, Hawthorns players ran so much harder than ours it was almost incomparable. Hopfully this will be the last one of these sprays i give for the yr, but until the next one. DD

I think my grandma clocks up more Kilometers on her morning walks then half our players did today!!!

Will we line up something like this B Bartram Caroll Bell HB Wheatley Rivers Buckley C Green Mcdonald Moloney HF Davey Miller Bruce F Robertson Neitz Yze R White Mclean Jones Int: Meesan? Newton Morton Dunn Out: Whelan(couple weeks in 2s) sylvia(suspended) bate(injured) Thoughts? DD

I will put it out there, despite how hard he trains this year Brock will be tagged week in and week out next year. With no one in the midfield that can really take the attention off him, Brock will really struggle. Discuss.(A result of trading TJ???)