Yarra Valley Demon

That's at least the 3rd paid to them for ducking that I've counted

Given that selection is done by a panel, not by the coach on their own (not that we have a full time senior coach yet) then, yep, the club as greater entity is responsible for the decision making. And last week's effort was flattered highly by the last 3 goals in junk time.

The club have given up looking at the selection this week, zero changes after last week's display

Agree with this, he's had potential captain written all over him since he arrived and does an enormous amount to mentor the young back group

Key point here

Yeah I think the writing has been on the wall for a significant period of time, especially externally (ie supporters, sponsors), but I just question how this is the best timing. We have 3 massive games to finish the year, we are already likely to be the underdogs in all of them and this will just add further instability to the playing group to end the year

This is truly bizarre timing if it turns out to be true. After the St. Kilda loss there was a scheduled board meeting on the Monday morning, if you were going to do anything wouldn't that have been the time to do it, not wait a week and then after an 83 point win suddenly drop the axe?

Melbourne's membership woes are twofold really : A fickle supporter base that has a section that only renews when wins are trending upward. A membership team that doesn't recognise member value by constantly increasing prices and reducing included benefits for regular members at the cost of exorbitantly priced "experiences" catered to executives.

We just can't defend a contest without max on the ground

The way the new nomination system works is massively skewed to the incumbents board members, there wasn't much of a chance of that vote changing anything.

Unfortunately with how poor our basic skills are (kicking, tackling, marking all need work) and the game plan of bombing it long into congested forward lines, there is no way we go 9-0 to finish the year on 14 wins, which, the way this season is tracking, will be the minimum needed to scrape into the 8.

So did Viney the other week and he still hasn't come good yet

Gawn Pickett Oliver Turner Melksham Lindsay

I would have had Lever do a full game in the ressies, he only played a half or so last week. Get him some match fitness before testing him at AFL level. He could have easily come in against the saints for a full afl game before the crucial KB match

Tmac out Lever in Once again our selection committee with the unpredictable mind boggling choice

I think this is likely too. I also think it's a shame because AJ is by far a better second ruck and gives Max a very real rest period. As well as bringing grunt and pressure the other forwards don't bring. Also, Turner has been rock solid down back and I think he's the CHB of the future so stop moving him around.

All good points. If he does earn another chance and a block of games I'm more than happy to be proven wrong!

If we beat Sydney and St.Kilda we can be 6-6 and around 10th at King's Birthday (assuming other results lol) Beat Collingwood and that's a fairly substantial block of games to get the season back on track

Laurie has had many chances at AFL level and never seems to make the step up. I'd have Sestan debut or Brown come in before Laurie.

Viney and Clarry to could share it, start one in the tagging role, then see how it's going and how fatigued etc they are getting, then switch it up with the other one. That will def keep oppo coaches on their toes.

Sharp has done a lot of good things this year, particularly when others haven't exactly played lights out football. He's also well regarding inside the changeroom and by the coaches. But I agree, is he a lot better than a Laurie, Billings, Sestan, Woey etc to keep his spot or is he on a similar level (ie a really really good VFL player, but not quite an AFL lock)

Assuming Lever is match fit. He was on managed minutes against Southport, does he have a full game at VFL level to make sure he is match ready for Collingwood in a few weeks?

Already made the call on Spargo and Sharp being dropped?

I think it's hard to drop anyone from a side that beats a reigning premier on their home turf, but with the possibility of a couple of big ins, i dont admire the job the MC has to do this week. I think Viney in, Sharp out (unlucky a bit as i dont think he was too bad this week). Let Lever have a full game in the ressies to get match fitness, the back line is looking solid atm, so unless there is an injury back there he will be cherry ripe for the Saints. Fritta was a good sub, let him have another go at it as he works back toward earning a full game. Although if Melky keeps going on like this he'll keep him on the pine!

6 - Gawn 5 - Melksham 4 - Pickett 3 - Bowey 2 - Oliver 1 - Petracca