sydneydee

+ 1

This is my first post on the Tom Scully threads. I have always believed /hoped that he would stay at Melbourne however I have changed my opinion over the last few days. Football is a team sport and I believe that we need a team of players that want to play for Melbourne and not hold the club to ramson. It is obscene that Tom in his third year could become the highest paid player at the Melbourne Football Club. How can he look his team mates in the eye knowing that his $$$ mean that they get less due to the salary cap constraints. I want Melbourne to let him go the GWS and lobby the AFL for 2 1st round picks. We can then trade one pick back to GWS for one of the 17 years old and with Jack Viney we can be set up or the next 10 years. The danger being if we keep Scully we may lose several other players that could push our premiership window back a few years. Whilst I acknowledge that Scully may be a once in a generation player, he potentially has chronic knee issues and has destabilised our great club. I do not believe we can afford to keep him if it means paying above the odds.

Unfortunately I agree with this. Blease was just OK, I thought Nicko showed more and had a greater impact in his first game. I hope he gets a full game against Port so we can see how he can perform over 4 quarters.

6. Watts 5. Trengove 4. Petterd 3. McKenzie 2. Howe 1. Martin

+1 Bartram would have been useful against the dogs tonight

Tonight I rewatched the Richmond game and I stick to my original assessment that Bennell was in the bottom 2 players during the Richmond game and therefore he spot is under pressure this week. He did some really good things and assisted with three Melb goals. Q1 After the 50 m penalty pass to Green to Watts, Q2 a great handball to Howe who set up a Jones goal and the spoil in the last that resulted in a Trengove goal. On the flip side his lack of defensive skill resulted in 3 Tiger goals and at times he didnt contest when he was in a position to harass the ball carrier. At least 2 of his 10 disposals were direct turnovers including his hospital handball that resulted in Scully being driven into the ground. Bennell shows some glimpses that gets everyone excited however he needs to do more to retain his spot.

Maybe a bit controversial, what about trading Davey to GWS for one of the 17 yo picks. Relieves some of our salary gap concerns to help keep the younger brigade. Most would agree that Davey is not what he once was and therefore this could be a win:win

Each to their own opinion, however other than the Essendon game he has not been great this year. 10 disposals and 1 tackle is a poor return and for the Doggies game I would prefer either Bartram for his hardness or Evans who has shown plenty. Bennell's best passage today was a spoil that led to a Trengove goal. On the reverse side he gave away several goals from poor defensive efforts.

Out: McDonald (in inj), Bennell In: Tapscott (if fit), Evans/Bartram. Morton whilst not great today should be given another chance. Bennell in my eyes never does enough and doesnt deserve his spot. Tapscott to be sub - easily best 22 Evans/Bartram - 50:50 who gets the nod

6 - Watts 5 - Martin 4 - Jones 3 - Moloney 2 - Rivers 1 - Garland

Benell great spoil, Watts to Gysberts to Trengrove - GOAL

Cost us that last goal - hopeless

Petterd tackle, watts handball - Sylvia GOAL

Bernell's man. He needs to step up

He has ice on his knee, not sure how serious

Nothing in it, Conca (I think) and Sylvia were both running at the ball and Conca's head hit Slyvia's knee as they both when low for the ball

Nicho some nice touches, Jurrah to Howe to Jones - Goal

Jurrah sets up Jones for a quick reply.

Great finish to the quarter, Watts is on Fire!

Watts strong mark and GOAL!

Morton would not be my ideal sub. Hardly a burst player. Time to step up Bennell.

Out: Gawn, Bennell IN: Jamar, Gysberts Tapscott to return via Casey unless Garland is out.

+1

6 - Watts 5 - Martin 4 - McKenzie 3 - Howe 2 - Green 1 - Nicholson

Very tempted to add Green to the 'out' list as his form has been terrible this year. Does anyone know if he is carrying an injury that would explain his form slump?