Young Blood

Should I start another boringly trivial thread called 'why we might win a flag this year'?

Weid wasn't the issue on the weekend. He's played just two games and I think looked OK playing his role as a lead up forward. His stats were practically identical to McDonalds yesterday. I thought he presented well and created marking contests both deep and further up the ground. He looks more imposing with his size and I think he'll work into AFL form soon enough. Apologies for being a believer. @Jjrogan on the fast deck at Marvel I really don't think BB has the speed and agility to get into space at the moment. Not sure if he's just lost his burst but his inability to separate off his man is a real concern and from those who went to the Casey game whom I've spoken to he really struggled this week. Weid is much more mobile and gives your greater intensity/pressure when the ball hits the deck. Brown has looked almost in slow motion if he doesn't mark the ball and struggles to re-engage at the contest.

Sparrow is a must in for mine. I think he was only squeezed out for guys like Harmes who has been OK since coming back but would love to see Sparrow back in. I really dislike how easily Melksham comes back in to the side. I know there's the Goodwin's favourite narrative but he just gives very little apart from a few decent inside 50's a game. I'd rather see Harmes and Bayley player his high HF role and Sparrow come in to fill in more time in the middle for Harmes' rotation there. I like the idea of Viney back this week but if he's not 100% which I can't imagine he I'd rather he take another week off. Brining him back against the slickest side on the quickest ground isn't a good idea imo.

Because he was our big recruit! Because he kicked a lot of goals a few seasons ago! Because he has a huge tank and long arms! Because Weid sucks full stop! Can't think of any more reasons why some on here think he's the answer. Has looked super average and honestly a slight liability when playing so far apart from Syd and some games against average sides in the VFL.

Can we please close this thread?

whole heartedly agree. Not sure who the journo was but I certainly commented on here after the North game that he looked really off the pace and definitely struggled getting separation from his opponent. Relying on his length to mark contested instead of getting more space. Unless one of the other big three really play poorly I can't see him getting back in the side. Both Jackson, Tmac and Weid are far more effective up the ground and quicker on the burst for leads. I think Brown looked OK against Sydney taking a few contested marks where he outsized the opposition but he's not going to work as a deep forward. Its never been his game. Likes to run into open spaces and the way we're structured with Fritsch being the most effective in that area I don't think there's room for him. Lovely bit of depth though. It might have always been the case but besides competing well in marking contests and using his decent IQ at times to tap the ball to our advantage I've found his ground work really average and he looks like he's in slow motion when the ball hits the deck. Would love to be wrong about all of this of course like I was with Tmac ?

Thats fair and makes sense

So we're back to announcing a list of emergencies for games that aren't on a Friday night? With proper final teams announced Friday night for our Saturday game anyway? Maybe I'm way off here...

Every week there has to be an area of the game or a team that comes under the microscope. This week its holding the ball because of the uneven adjudication over the 8 games on the weekend. I think its being blown out due to media coverage. It certainly was an issue over the weekend but its more that its story of the week stuff that its being highlighted so much. The umpires will do what they usually do and review and be more consistent across the games and it will be less of a story. Not saying the holding the ball rule shouldn't be touched or talked about as I think there's areas of concern but the games not in turmoil because of it.

haha I have definitely heard a few of our boys complain about training out at Casey. But mainly due to the commute every day. For guys like Ed Langdon who lives in the inner north it would take an hour a day to drive down. I personally hate sitting in a car for two odd hours a day (more with traffic) but many don't. Each to their own.

They will give us a scare no doubt. They were able to hang with a good team last week at home and I imagine they will at times against us as Carlton did. The players message is simple (and expressed often in the media lately). We know there will be times when opposition make a move on us whether its getting two goals up or reducing a lead but there's a firm belief that we are fitter and our game style/plan if executed will beat the opposition. That strange foreign word to any Melbourne Demon person is starting to bleed into out current situation... 'trust', with the above mentioned mindset. Losing this week isn't going to rattle that but I don't think that will be the reality anyway. Strange but welcome times.

Wanted to make note of the skill level on the weekend. I've been going to every dees game in Melbourne with my Dad for about 20 years and we while it wasn't a pretty game of football by any means our class and skill in wet conditions was a cut above Carltons. Haven't been able to say that many times over the years. I think we've had skilled players in the side but sometimes it doesn't show when confidence is down. Now that we are rolling with firm belief in each team mate there are some really creative things happening with the ball. Just little things I noticed on the weekend like Brayshaws insanely quick and well timed handball to Hibberd running off the boundary in the last or Kozzy almost bouncing the ball behind his back to gain possession and avoid boundary/opposition in the pocket, so many more little things like this just had us in ore of some of the skills and confidence on display. Its not just the Kozzy's, Salem's, Petracca's, Olivers or Spargo's its becoming infectious.

Liking the love for Rivers on here. Its insane he does everything, so rare to have few floors for such a young player. Of course playing back half helps and he's given a fair bit of freedom but I just think this kid is going to be a star, still unsure of what his ceiling will be but tracking as future all Australian backman and a long career ahead of him at the very least.

He is so so fit at the moment. His ability to cover ground is underrated. Gets to so many contests with intensity every time. Absolute star.

Will have to be conscious of that this week against the Crows over there. Surprised WC so low...

Is there a more mature head at the age of 20 yrs playing in the midfield at AFL level? The kid has got toughness and class. He's not flashy but has the skills and ability to have a very long career.

Who would have thought we'd be in a position to even contemplate resting players at any stage this season... Amazing. Richmond have been excellent at player management over the last few years and its been clearly evident in how strongly they finished each season. Even this year with the large amount of injuries to key players they're still not being written off because of the culture and management style with injuries they have a reputation for. It probably is too early yes. But we do have the depth. It looks like its already happening with Viney being more conservative with his injury management. Because of guys like JordOn, Harmes, Brayshaw and Sparrow (and rotational mids like Kozzy, ANB, Jones etc.) we can afford to cover his role as a predominantly defensive mid. Resting Max is tricky as he provides us with so much balance. As noted in the latest 'On The Couch' he's doing less, sacrificing Brownlow points as a defensive ruckman playing more in the back half with the other three talls pushing forward. That being said I can't imagine the coaching staff wouldn't consider managing him on weeks where we're playing a bottom half side and they have a B grade ruckman that Dogga could handle.

I whole heartedly agree. I think it will come into fruition. I think Brown is going to have to really perform at a high level to keep his place. Not just bring the ball to ground for the smalls like many key talls are asked to do. He really should be taking contested marks consistently each week and having 4+ shots on goal. I'm pretty sceptical. The club's going to give him every opportunity as its big off season signing but he hasn't strung good games of football for quite a while. I look forward to watching him in the flesh Saturday night. I felt like he was off the pace on the weekend which is understandable first game back in the seniors. But does anyone else feel that once he's competed in the air at the marking contest he just looks like he's moving in slow mode. Its like he's stunned from the marking contest impact or something. I might be way off but there but there are worrying signs with his inability to get separation from his man when leading. I worry he's lost his first step pace which is crucial for his style of lead up play. Really hope I'm wrong! I think Weid gives you more versatility, intensity at the contest and better tackling. We shall see.

On a slightly related note, did anyone catch Gawn mentioning same day travel on the podcast? Gawny mentioned how same day travel for early arvo games doesn't work too well for a lot of players like himself. As he mentioned getting up at 3am to travel to the airport must mean a pretty early flight but sounds like it definitely had an impact on the players energy. It was pretty clear in that first quarter. Obviously due to covid it sounds like its necessary but hopefully something that doesn't happen as often in the future. Hate to see games impacted by things like same day/morning travel with players tired from early starts/planes. Anyway this is a night game so I image less of an impact.

Doesn't surprise me if reports are true that Rivers is out. Put his body on the line time and time again on Saturday night. Hopefully its just soreness and not something more. Jetta the clear and obvious replacement. Been playing consistently in VFL playing through the middle as a cut above. How good is depth! Really hoping reports of Jones and Melk at Casey this week is true. No more games gifted to senior past proven players. Base it on form and structure. Out: Jones, Melk, Rivers In: Brown, Jetta, Sparrow Sub: Bedford or Bowey (who bother played well last week)

I really doubt this. I think you'll see a better Harmes when he comes back. Reports are he's the fittest he's ever been and been placed back in the forward half where he is much better playing that role while spending time in the middle. The guy bleeds red and blue as a long term Melbourne supporter/person. He will bang the door down I think. Not sure if it will come to full fruition but that will be the goal for player and club as an important piece come Sept.

Harmes had a pretty awful year last season. He even admitted this in the recent Gus n Gawny podcast. He was placed across half back where he really struggled to make an impact and settle into the position. He's been moved back to HF this season where he prefers to play and more comfortable in the role with his marking ability. I think he's another guy that provides depth. I'd imagine the role of mid/HF will be rotated throughout the season between Harmes, Jones, Jordan, Melksham and Sparrow. Another area where we have great depth and competition for spots so I can see this being the most common area we will see ins and outs throughout the season to keep us competitive. Harmes in eventually for Jones to me is a stronger side. His contested work, fitness/agility and marking ability gives him the edge over the old head of Jones who hopefully will be in and out for the rest of the year as depth.

Really? I didn't notice him flinching or in pain. Kicked 2 goals 1 had 4 tackles and attacked contests well.

I for one am one of those that switch off a lot of the time when players are interviewed ESPECIALLY when being interviewed by inferior journalists such as Robbo. The show is only just watchable because Gerard is of the upper echelon when it comes to well informed, professionalism as one of the best currently involved in AFL media in most facets and I enjoy what he brings to the table. But back to my original statement a couple of reasons why I take most player interviews with a grain of salt (I know most have been mentioned). - Trac and Oliver are limited in their ability to give articulate comprehensive answers to questions. Does that mean they're lesser humans or 'dumb'? Nope. They're both 25 and under, still developing and maturing. - In terms of media appearances again lack of experience is going to greatly impact a players confidence and calmness/collectiveness to answer questions clearly with substance. I would be so incredibly nervous as I'm sure most if not all young players are when put in these situations. - Lastly players are asked by the club to only reveal a certain amount of information about inter club information whether it be game day, training or fitness tactics etc. Not only does this limit them but would have them really wrestling with how to answer questions without saying 'I can't comment on that' all the time. I have no doubt the media training would be around giving common answers that adequately answer common questions hence why its so dry most of the time. Cut them some slack for gods sake. Leave this sort of backlash for the politicians who should actually be the ones held to higher standards. Trac did what I would have done. Shrugged his shoulders at a silly question and moved on.

Neither. Is it a matter of looking at the stat sheet and seeing low figures next to his name? You only need to watch the game to see the impact he's having. Uses the ball so well, damaging at times with his forward 50 entries and his attack on the opposition defensively has been sound. Even though we were under siege in that first quarter I thought some of his efforts without the ball in the opening 10 minutes were outstanding in setting the tone for us for the rest of the contest. His defensive acts lift the team. Not going anywhere.