Young Blood

I at least want to see us deal with the pressure better. We haven't faced an in form side like this since Richmond and its showing.

bummer

They're much more proactive then we are. They're hedging ie. running forward of the ball in numbers before it even gets there. They're also preempting all our inside ball movement from stoppages, cutting off every handball. Thats going to require a lot of energy to maintain throughout the rest of the game.

We should be dead in the water. But we're not

There were no defenders on the inside. Still very slick hands by Collingwood at the moment. They're far better then us around the ball. We only look dangerous when they turn it over and we can get out. NEED TO START WORKING HARDER AROUND THE CONTEST!

Nice one. Keep it coming Mick

i f'n love James Harmes. Just kindly got the collingwood defender out of the way to boot the goal Need see more bully in this game from the dees

Tommy boy oh boy did we need that one.

Out structures are completly flustered. Collingwood filling all the space and not letting us get an open handball out

Need to possess the ball a bit and take some of collingwoods sting out of the game.

Since he's been coach I haven't minded Bucks. Good to see the black and white out in force wearing the blue beanies. Still do not like Collingwood at all.

Starting to get nervous. Please let us be the cleaner team with disposal to start the game. I'm predicting a pretty scrappy start with both teams going hard with all the build up.

Oscar Baker or McDonald?

Why do we always judge players before they've had a chance to prove themselves? For starters his stats across his 28 games are average on paper yes. But from what I remember he was developing nicely as a third tall option who could also provide good pressure on the opposition backline. He's an above average tackler with solid inside 50 numbers. He's not too quick but like a few of our talls can run all day with midfield experience. He's a solid mark with good size and I can't see why he couldn't add to our depth. Yes Spargo, Fritsch and Hannan are ahead of him. Because those three have played football and proven themselves this year. If Vanders built some form in the VFL why wouldn't you contemplate it for next year? It's how Pederson and Tim Smith were able to break into the side. Two very similarly average footballers to begin with who worked on their games and found a role. I think its a step backwards to write off players without seeing them have a go after some awful luck with injuries.

I'm expecting there to be an emphasis on low direct kicks inside forward 50 and across half forward to limit Jeremy's marking.

I definitely think Hibberd will be the loose man. He predominantly played that role last year no? He commits to each contest better then any other player on the team and impacts pretty much every contest in the air when he gets to it. It won't be the same intercepting style as Lever, it will look a littler more different and perhaps a bit more frantic but it should do alright. Need someone to play this role well so not to expose Oscar or whoever else takes a tall forward.

Like: Dees home game on QB Dislike: Eddie (Gross Human being) McGuire That is all I have to say about that.

Give him three years? He'll be 31 and by that stage and if his body is still holding up (boy its taken a beating) he'll sign on for however many he can play after that. I want Nev to play forever!

I'm really glad a lot of posters on here are keeping a level head in valuing Dom as a player for MFC. Yes he's out of the team, his form has been down and the teams standards have certainly lifted. The current Midfield core of Oliver, Viney, Brayshaw and Jones are ahead of him in form and performing what he does best, better. I think its obvious the FD are trying to develop Dom into a more dynamic player. We know he can play really well as an inside or link up mid. He didn't perform well when he was played further off the ball on a wing. I really hope he can develop into a rebounding half back. At the moment his disposal would not have him well placed to replace a Vince or Lewis type role. But that doesn't mean he can't work his way into that role. Some examples off the top of my head: ANB - Drafted as an inside mid. Battled away for Casey until he changed to a pressure forward Nev - Obviously couldn't perform as a half forward/wing so Roos developed him into the best small backman in the comp Other less distinctive examples would be: Melksham and bugg as players with clear talent that weren't performing as mids but developed into definitive roles as forwards. Definitely think Dom is a talented player who not only gives us midfield depth but the opportunity to add to depth in other areas as we've done with other players.

I still think it will be Wagner. It seems like the coaching staff have more trust in him then Frost and Smith. Wagner had a pretty solid start to the season but was squeezed out due to midfield depth pushing the likes of Bernie and Lewis back. At 189cm he competes well in the air and I think we'll continue to be valuing ball use across the back line which we have done so well in the last 5-6 games. He kicks really well and his pressure across most of the first games of the season was great (good tackle numbers also). Frost can break the lines but its that first kick out to the corridor or halfback that has been opening games up for us which Wagner has the ability to do. Oscar to look after Cox, Hibberd to play loose role with Nev and Wagner pressure/rebounding defenders.

Yeah I remember him comment on the podcast maybe that he's not a very long kick. You don't see him kick from 50m often. Hopefully something that he can work on now that he seems to have his action more consistent.

Gus doesn't register a single vote in todays Age.....

Nah i think we just forgot how quick he is. Over 20m he just burns.

A great opportunity to really appreciate the man over the course of the week. He's certainly not slowing down. Having a another really consistent season. Boys will be pumped to get a win for him.

He's definitely our most explosive midfielder. He showed that today. He just bullies opposition. His strength to get himself free from congestion is remarkable. He can only make the game easier for Oliver too. Boy oh Boy our midfield is good. Viney, Oliver, Brayshaw, Jones, Petracca etc.