Ungarieboy

I actually think 2nd spot has some pluses. There are 3 top sides in the comp and we meet one when there's a second chance, win and we likely avoid the other in the prelim!

So if 8 players have departed and 3 have arrived, then that leaves 5 spots. Chandler gets upgraded so we then have 4. Do we have enough draft picks, is there a free agent we are looking at (any rumours)!

That's how it should work. "Out of contract" should be a minor consideration at best; for chances are if the player didn't receive on offer "to good to refuse", they would stay with their current club. It's up to the club chasing a player to come to the party with appreciate picks - picks reflecting their contract offer, If they are going to pay the equivalent of top 10 player in the league then the picks should be valued as this as well. Note: Free Agency is there for clubs to access a player directly. If it's a disgruntled or unhappy player who wishes to leave, then they shouldn't be so fussy as to where. Personally, I would have a system where should a trade not be agreed upon and the player subsequently won't re-sign with the club; then the player gets classified as disgruntled and they go into an Auction (1 yr contract) for all clubs to bid on.

Maybe he'll do a Trent Croad and return after a couple of years!!!

What I would do: With Big O out for Brisbane, I would back in Gawn to beat their ruck on his own (One dominant ruck v two dominant ruck is much the same output) - rest Jackson for Geelong and bring in Tmac. Tmac is a risk (being rusty) but, he also provides flexibility that if' hes not performing as a forward we can also swap him with Petty/May. Harmes to tag Neale, means he will be in the midfield with Oliver and Viney. This would free up Brayshaw to the wing, and/or allow more time for Trac to play forward (Melksam's role). I'd bring in Dunstan for Melksam, so that he can play crash/bash inside role (take on Trac's and Brayshaws midfield minutes) - it also allows flexibility for Brayshaw to move to defence if one of the small defenders are getting beaten (I fear Hibberds lack of pace) - and cover Oliver (goes forward) if he gets tagged. Note: Tmac, BB, Melks and a resting ruckman do not apply enough pressure to the ball carrier on exit from our forward 50 so Trac/Sparrow/Dunstan/Viney/Oliver can do this. At the moment only Brayshaw, May and Spargo take on the corridor with their kicks - so ideally another player like Bowey may add to this . This comes down to whether you go with a stronger body in Salem, or better ball use in Bowey ( I know Salem's known for his kicking, but this year he's predominantly just taken the very safe option or long down the line). With this lineup you would need a tall as the medical emergency (Jackson would be ideal) but as I'm resting him, then it would have to be Weidman, no JVR, no Tomilson, nope going with Jackson!!! My ins: Dunstan and Tmac. My outs: Melks and Jackson with Jackson to be medical sub. This keeps the structure and team much the same; note, mass changes in finals is a recipe for disaster. What I expect though is no change with perhaps Tmac as late inclusion for Fritsch/Melks/Trac!

Out: predictable slow long kicks deep to the left pocket. In: 45 degree or switch kicks to open up the ground and force the opposition to defend more of it.

Fritsch Petty Oliver May Lever Spargo Our midfield got smashed when/where it counted.

Lever Rivers picket Oliver Jackson Hibberd

They showed a similar metric last night (on the couch I think), but from round 12 to now, with Geelong, Carlton and Swans only playing top 8 sides 3 times. Coincidentally, they are the 3 sides with long winning streaks! Also, I believe two of Melbourne's games against non top 8 sides were Bulldogs and Port; not sure of the other; which makes their effort incredible . Then consider % and the Dee's performance has been even more remarkable!

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).