Ungarieboy

Melks Petty Hunt Brayshaw Jackson Gawn

Seems it's our defence: https://www.theroar.com.au/2022/08/12/melbourne-must-exorcise-their-defensive-demons-to-win-the-flag/ And goal kicking - but that's probably as much about where we are taking shots from.

Would a Grundy / Weidman trade be in the offing, with a swapping of 2nd / 3rd round picks? Of course pies pay part salary, while still getting a cash dump to chase a GWS player!

Viney Trac Fritsch Sparrow May Rivers

Salem is playing without confidence and therefore most his kicks are high long bombs, this is becoming habitual and now even his passed have to much air. Jackson has been playing a bit part role for weeks, but that is what a kid his age should be doing. We are still losing the clearances, which again cost us. Lever back in is a no brainer, will strengthen backline immensely and help the rebound game (offendence). Our system rely's on two tall forwards (not including a resting ruckman), Fritsch and pressure. Melskam doesn't fit this model so BBB for him, I'd also be tempted to swing Petty forward for Weids, with Tomilson to hold his spot or maybe Turner. Bowey for Salem is also close.

Oh and I'd give serous thought to playing Gus on the wing with Salem/BoweyHibberd HBF. This would further replicate the successful premiership structure!

It's about structure and players playing there role to allow it to work. A good structure will cover perceived dips in form. This then feeds the "soldier in soldier out" approach to success. Unfortunately these last few weeks we've lost a bit of this structural shape: To date we have not found a player to come in and do Tmac's role. This had consequently made things harder for BBB, forced Fritsch to play a different role, which meant there's also no (soldier in) to play his role. Combine these two factors and suddenly our smalls are struggling to "be offensive" - but that's not due to form, as any replacement will suffer the same fate. We also suffered a similar problem with May out, as no-one could fill his role (backline general, gorilla keeper, interceptor and long release kicking) - resulting in weaknesses elsewhere as other defenders tried to cover this. To keep the structure working, I'd bring in JVR to play Tmac's role in place of Bedford; or conversely Tomilson to replace Bedford and swing Petty into Tmac's role. Dunstan for Oliver is a no brainer if injuref, though he could also come on for Sparrow. And that's about it. More than a couple of changed will only further erode the structure?

Petty Lever Brayshaw Hibberd Harmes Langdon Hard to give it to midfielders when they were smashed.

BBB was good particularly in the first quarter, when the game was hot and needed to be won.

Viney Lever Harmes Brayshaw Oliver Trac

So the reigning premiers (equal top side) and playing the most top sides in the remaining rounds; can only get one Friday night game!!!! I'm sure there is a 2nd v 3rd there; a 2nd v 4th there, a grand final rematch, just for starters!

To regain form you don't overhaul your game plan and structure, you tinker with the pieces that are not aligning; and build confidence. Note: It is crucial to do this without detracting from the working pieces! No need for Brayshaw to go in the middle, but with Salem in, he can definitely go to the wing - which strengthens that position (no disservice to Jordan). May to fullback is a no brainer. This then realigns the back 6/7 to all working parts. The midfield don't need changing either, though Sparrow could easily make way for Jordan. Melbourne's forward line functions on 3 pressure smalls, Fritsch and two talls - this won't change dramatically either. BB will be one, Mitch and Weid are both very similar with neither being strong contest marks - Weid plays taller which may help. Though I'd go with a Tomilson/Petty rotation. For me, and with consideration to keeping to the game plan / structure. Hibberd May Lever Bowey Petty Salem Langdon Viney Brayshaw ANB Tomilson Spargo Picket BBgun Fritsch Jackson Oliver Trac Rivers Jordan Harmes Weid Med sub: Sparrow

Some observations Hibberd is slow and got exposed by pace Salem doesn't look match fit yet M Brown didn't contest the ball, particularly in the air Sparrow takes to long to move the ball forward And why do we insist on going with a forward pocket as our medical sub, it exposes us significantly when an injury occurs (unless to Spargo or Picket)!

Oliver Brayshaw Petty Viney Jordon Turner

So if Melks can be so easily triggered by such a comment, then watch what opposition players are going to serve up (relentlessly) on the field! My kids serve up worse to their siblings but don't go around decking each other in response. The extent of the GF thrashing, makes the seriousness of the comment even more laughable, further demonstrating the reaction was way over the top. May though should be punished for drinking with concussion as it definitely could inhibit his recovery (short term and possibly long term).

Changes should always improve a side. Our backs are in no drastic need of improvement, but regardless, this will occur naturally with Mays inclusion. Tomilson is no fullback (we recruited him as a wing option) but still a good 3rd tall option - allowing flexibility of one of Petty, May, Lever to be considered forward. Swans exposed Hunts defence (isolated one out), which also allowed them to push their forwards/wingers up the ground and cramp our forward line. Other teams will try and follow this - though May coming back, it may not be as effective considering he plays a goal keeper role. The Swans and Dockers also showed how to stop us from scoring and it's simple actually, clog up the space in our forward line preventing our marking targets from leading to the "v" in front of goal (our smalls are pressure players not leading/marking options), then pressure the midfield to force a long kick (seems to be our preference, rather than lowering eyes going into the 50). Tmac, was crucial to this as he competed in the air, allowing our pressure smalls and midfielders a chance at ground level - which also puts pressure on their backs and midfielders; and consequently restricting their ability to run off and transition the ball quickly. Petty may help here, otherwise Gawn seems next best. Fritsch is a third tall and should not be considered as a KPF. Note Gawn forward weakens our midfield play, as Jackson doesn't do enough in the air around the ground. Our midfield loves to run out the front of the contest, but unfortunately this means if theirs get there hands on the ball first we are exposed to a quick clearance. Teams have worked this out to and are defending our front, and using the release handball to move the ball forward from the back of the contest. May is an obvious in, and M Brown an out - he's the same type of player as his namesake (so is Weids). Also having a small as an emergency seriously exposes us if a tall is injured - Hibberd or Rivers would be better suited

Drop Ben Brown and Fritsch and Tmac won't kick goals, team balance is more important than individual stats. for example: In my son's team, though he's not a high possession midfield, when he's in the midfield the invariably win and our centre invariably gets best on ground: when they go with a high possession midfielder instead our centres game drops off - combinations in footy is important. Harmes importance in our midfield should also not be underestimated .

Out: May, Melks, Weid, Dunstan, and likely Petty In: Tomilson, Tmac, Langdon, Harmes, and perhaps Salem and Hibberd Not sure who covers Petty - we need Tmac forward. Could Daw fill a spot? There's some serious inclusions coming in the next couple of weeks! Just have to get past this week.

I've been a strong advocate for the day grand final ............ until yesterday. Eddie made some good points which then aligns with: A twilight grand final still suits the kids - the can be in bed by 7.30pm , 8.30pm or even 9.00pm (older ones); BBQ's are still on the cards either leading up to it in the afternoon, during half time or for dinner, Last year we did the kick to kick before the game when it was warmest and during half time; and though not a bonus for all - the delay in drinking was actually more conducive to a good night of celebrations. THE BIG THING though, is it's more suitable for interstate fans, parents of kids with other commitments (casual jobs such as Macca's or sports such as basketball), Tradies or retailers working Saturdays, etc. It also becomes easier for other sports fans who may be attracted to the one-off event (upon arriving home from their non AFL activities). The crowd will still be a sell out regardless (unless it's the Giants v Sun's or Power)!!! Night grand final though - Yuk;! It is not kid friendly, BBQ friendly, and possibly even conducive to good footy (dew). Celebrations start to late, and the gap between the start of the day and game is intolerable; Oh and for some who still start drinking in the early afternoon, then their ability to watch the game 4-5 hours later could become significantly inhibited!!!!!

Also playing with your brother can be a negative as well. Not all siblings are best friends, or buddy buddy; and even when they do get on well - don't necessarily like sharing the same close friendship groups.

Don't know if it's been mentioned, but not playing in the midfield, and playing with Melbourne where there is more support on the ground (less heavy lifting) would likely extend his career by a few years!!!!! Particularly with his concussion issues. This also reduces financial differences over the entirety of his football career.

Brayshaw Picket Gawn Viney Tmac Harmes

Grey looks good

Touk Miller Harry McKay would be handy to.

Brayshaw Langdon Oliver May Spargo Tmac