Young Blood

He certainly has the endurance Tom. But playing predominantly on a wing for a game? I don't think we will see it. While I appreciate the work he's put in to his body and improving his agility he's still not nimble enough IMO for that role for long periods. His speed off the mark is decent but repeat sprints after repeat sprints I'm not sure. He is relying an awful lot on the fend off at the moment in contests and as seen on Friday it has got him into trouble. Short stints of Tmac on a wing or further up the ground are great. As a whole game winger I don't think so.

While I think its a fun suggestion I really doubt they will consider Hibberd on a wing regardless of how small the ground is. The guy has been terrific down back as out solid best 6. But he doesn't have the tank/gut running. He's one I notice often with hands on knees after a few big contests really sucking it in. His role is too important down back with the way we structure to bring him further up the ground. I think Sparrow will definitely come back in. I doubt they bring in a fresh face like Bowey for such a big game and Baker hasn't showed much at Casey of late to really be an option on the wing. My guess is they will rotate players through that position. Guys like ANB, Sparrow and even some of the other mids.

On Weed. I understand there are areas of his game that need improvement like his pressure acts as @binmanhas pointed out. Not good enough at times in this area for sure. But overall I thought this was his best game by far. The two goals were nice but I thought he was creating terrific marking contests in the first half and imposing himself adequately. He only juuust dropped three or four where he really should have marked them. You could see his frustration (at one stage yelling loudly at himself as he hit the turf). The kid is really competitive and I think he now has the body and when playing with confidence to really impact the game. His decision making is improving as well. I'm actually in agreeance with a lot of MFC players and coaches who have stated that they believe Sam is building nicely. I think we discount the difficulty of playing alongside three other talls in the forward half a lot of the time competing in the air, knowing when to fly and where to lead/position yourself both offensively and defensively would be difficult. He's three games in and starting to be more involved in games. I think as the second tall option last nights game was great, he played his role and as Jonathan Brown stated post game a performance he won't be dropped for. It's great that Brown will keep pressure on his position but many on here are in the belief that he will magically become the dominant forward he was 2 years ago. I'm not so sure. Browns inability to separate off his man and his slowness when the ball hits the ground have been a real worry to me and quite possibly a liability in the senior side to be honest. I feel Weid is more agile and there's greater flexibility in his role. If BBB is the player we think he is he should really be kicking bags in the VFL and an imposing force. I hope this happens but until then... We shall see.

that sucks. Huge loss against Brisbane

Surely Sparrow gets the sub. With no Casey game this week he is the most in form and could have the greatest impact if needed. Would have loved to see Melk as sub instead urgh.

I like the positive/wishful thinking on here. I just think the dogs are a cleaner more efficient football team and I feel like we allow teams too much space moving the ball through the corridor with speed at times. I fear they could really cut us up. Our backline will be better this week. But the Crows were able really expose us with the precise quick ball movement. Look for Bulldogs to lower their eyes and move the ball inside 50 low and out in front of Naughton, Bruce and English. They play this ground so well with speed and precision, not sure if we can slow them down. HOPE I'M WRONG! Dogs by 3 goals.

haha we are a petty bunch. Don't we want to face a full strength dogs to see what we're made of? Silly question I know I know...

Don't know about others but I'm fairly terrified by how quickly and efficiently the dogs move the ball at Etihad. If this game were at the G then I understand how going taller and trying to expose their backline like Richmond did out in the elements on the larger ground makes sense. Hoping we pick the team that can gives us the best chance to get our defensive structures together the quickest. Not sure if that would include BB or staying as tall as we've been. Its a delicate balance.

Would be interesting to see what the majority of the free kicks are for. In the case of the dogs they generally win a lot more footy then their opponent so not that surprising they would win more free kicks With the way they transition the ball they would put a lot of pressure on opposition in the back half as well creating nervous defenders making mistakes with holding/pushing etc.

Yep bring the physicality. Make him feel every bump and tackle.

Melksham a kpf? hahahaha

very true! If it were an even game that would be a good strategy perhaps. But I don't know if there's be an AFL player that wouldn't go for goal with a point as consolation for the draw... when you're a point down.

of course but Jacko was def closer. Would have been interesting. One of these days a kick after the siren is going to be ruined by the play on rule off the mark.

thanks! and yeah true. Would have loved to see Jackson have a shot from the pocket. Wonder if Bayley might have tried to come in and claim it as a left footer.

This is awesome and you've highlighted the key areas coaches look for with any of our forwards tall or small. Where do you find these stats?

Tom Brown might have had a closer inspection ?

On par with Langdon IMO absolutely. The decision making and disposal in defensive 50 really showed. Lever almost seemed to be looking for him with that handball so many times and ended up going with a lesser option.

Not really important in the whole scheme of things but I had a question. Should have been paid a free and we should have had a shot on goal from the angle in the pocket. Out of curiosity for future ref is it the player closest to the man disposing deliberately out of bounds (Spargo) or the one closes to where the ball actually goes out (Jackson) that gets the free kick?

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.