Young Blood

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.

Still a big fan of Jesse's. Still at only 26 could have a nice albeit lower ceiling end to his career. Battled more mental demons then any other player (that we know of) in recent times and I wish him all the best. Such an imposing player at full strength and confidence.

Tomlinson winning 12 of his 13 one-on-one contests is outstanding. @La Dee-vina Comediaalso a contender for most improved. Although he's built it off the back half of last season.

Mine was from watching Tmac warm up with real intensity and focus to then bring that into the game. He has had a tendency to be quite lackadaisical at times but this was the most switched on I have ever seen him. Hunted every contest with intent and purpose. The other two talls breathing down his neck for his position is creating some 2018 style Tmac performances. Secondly Spargo setting the tone early with his tackling efforts especially the one on the boundary in their forwardline. Thirdly Gus' post match interview where he mentions 'when the rain starting coming down we were licking our lips'. Long has Richmond been the wet weather specialists but this Melbourne team with its elite contested football ability now loves to get stuck in and help each other out while pressuring the ball when not in possession. Love it.

I hope he stays too. But with his kids in Adelaide I can't see it happening and fair enough. The onus is on the club from management to the players to really cement the habits and strategies when it comes to fitness and recovery that Burgo has put in place. I have no doubt he will have a lot to do with signing the next man for the job to continue to keep the players motivated and engaged in this area of the game.

Upsets happen fairly often in AFL. I wouldn't be bringing guys in just to tinker around, it can cost you a game on the wrong day. Go too tall and it could really upset the balance. We've seen this team really struggle on windy/rainy smaller unknown grounds. I wouldn't be choosing this week to risk it against a young North team wanting a scalp after a really poor start.

I've always wondered if AFL was switched to a summer season whether the joke would be altered to have us taking to Sorrento or Portsea or something similar in our Volvo's instead. Perhaps it would be more like Lorne maybe.

He also reiterated what Goody said his his post match presser. This hasn't just formed out of nowhere. We were building from the back half of last year. Besides the shocking Cairns games which put a dagger through our finals hopes we put some good football together around and especially after where there was a buy in from players to play for each other as Tomlinson and Goody states. Marry that with a good preseason where by all reports players came back more fit and motivated then ever with that team mindset and we've hit the ground running. It's building more belief every single week. Tomlinson is a prime example of a player that has been backed by his coaching staff and team mates to solidify a role and really hone his craft. Some of his one on one work this season has been elite against some of the oppo's best forwards. He's no liability with ball in hand also with him possibly being top 5 kicks in the side IMO. Its also astonishing that our three youngest players in Rivers, Jackson and Kozzie can be relied upon to play their roles as major contributors to a 6-0 team.

I can understand the Brown for Melk wish. I believe Melk is definitely off the pace at the moment. He's decision making the last two weeks has been ordinary and hasn't seemed to find a clear role in the forward half. Just not sure of the balance with so many talls. Only thing is Brown in most likely means Tmac spending more time on the wing and further up the field. My two issues with this are: - We currently have a good balance on the wings. Langdon provides elite coverage across the far wing, always creating an option exiting the backline and pushing hard forward. Brayshaw gives us some toughness on the other wing with good ball use and floods back to play safety in the backline especially in turnover situations. Not keen to unsettle this balance/strategy which is clearly working. - Tmac definitely did a fair bit on Saturday night to prove me wrong in my criticism of him. His intensity, attack on the contest and general movement with and without the ball was much improved, he looked so switched on. Played well a truly like a man whose job was on the line and was fantastic. I still fear that more time further up the field with expose him. Huge tank and obviously creates excellent marking options through the middle of the ground but his agility and mobility in and around more contests will hurt us I think.

It was his right hand so non ball drop hand for his preferred. Should def be fresh in the legs. Fingers crossed!

Sounds like May likely and Fritsch unlikely from reports. Bummer if so as I was hoping Fritta for Melksham. Gives you a proper third tall/marking option, better pressure and more shots on goal.

Tiges supporters at my work are relaxed and feeling confident we won't handle the pressure Saturday night. All I can do is shrug and say "We'll see"....

I agree with others it's not a discussion for now with there being no opportunity to trade him mid season (only free agents) and keeping big man depth is important I think with us having such good depth in pretty much every other position (other then wing maybe). BUT I am a bit pessimistic when it comes to Tmac. He is playing his role well currently yes. I don't think he's anywhere near his 2018 form nor do I think he will achieve this again. The bar has been set lower for him playing more a lead up role where he simply needs to create marking contests further up the ground and float back to do so in the forward line. His pressure in the forward line has been impressive but I think mostly his form has been more of a product of the overall teams form and cohesiveness. I have made note of it many times on here, Tom's straight line running and tank is excellent no question, however his mobility/agility is so restricted. Regardless of how much weight he lost in the off season, he can't turn easily at all and this really limits his ability in contests that aren't in the air. I fear this will make him a liability in this possible wing role when/if the other two bigs come into the side. I hope he continues to play this well whether in seniors or at Casey as his market value has definitely gone up and is a prime candidate for trade to another club in need of a decent key forward.

I'm unsure of what level we're at just yet. We've only played average teams (Freo, Hawthorn) or good teams who have performed poorly (Geelong, St Kilda). GWS we got away with easier because of all the injuries. So basically after four quarters on Saturday night we'll know if we're at that level.

Changes I'm hoping for IN: Weideman, Fritsch, May Out: M.Brown, Melksham, Petty Jordan the sub Jones should be coming out for Sparrow but alas we will celebrate him regardless if it costs us. I think once Harmes is fit his spot will definitely be up for grabs as it should be if he performs like he did last week.

Yeah so nothing in the past 20 years. I think these days its pretty rare. In: Weid

Sounds about right. Thank god those days are over.

Anyone know the last time a senior listed player kicked 7 goals in the reserves and didn't make the AFL team the following week?

We have the best backline in the comp. Both in player ability, talent and balance but also with the structures and schemes set up to assist the backline from midfielders and Max. Best starting 6 currently B: Hibberd May Tomlinson HB: Salem Lever Hunt Int: Hunt Depth: Petty, Jetta, Lockhart, Daw, (and if not for injury Smith and Hore) Rivers to me was the key missing link with his versatility and attack on the contest. Settling Tomlinson into a one on one tall back to contest the second/best forward frees up Lever and even May at times. Plus excellent user of the ball. Moving Hunt back has given us a different look also. Our depth is also exceptional. As long as he plays within himself with his limited foot skills he'll be ok. The battle between Jetta and Hibberd for the last spot will keep both sharp I think. I'd throw Hunt in this as well in order to maintain consistency.

I know others are super keen to see us try out this extra tall attack but I'm pretty skeptical. Regarding Tmac on a wing, as much as the guy can run all day and presents a mismatch with marking contests I worry about his mobility/agility when the ball hits the ground or the opposition win the ball especially in wet conditions. His tackling in close has been great this year as seen in his forward 50 tackling and pressure numbers. But on the large wings of the MCG I think he could really get burnt but some of Richmond's wing/mids. My only concern with this side this year has been the Russian roulette we play with allowing the opposition move the ball freely through the corridor. It was apparent at times against the Saints and especially against Geelong where we allow fairly free movement through the middle and really work hard to get numbers back set up behind the ball. The mids and wings simply need to put enough pressure on the kicker to warrant a poor inside 50 sending it down the throat of any of our intercepters (Lever, May, Gawn, Rivers, Brayshaw). I don't see a formula where Tmac can do enough defensively as a predominant wingman.