Straight Sets Simon

Does Trengove have OP? Melbourne need to come out clarify this once and for all because if he doesn't they need to either completely rebuild his running action or trade him while there is an ounce of value left.

I've been banging on this for a while now, but Melbourne continually put themselves under unnecessary pressure when they take marks / receive free kicks by making the same mistakes over and over again. When Melbourne players take a mark (and there isn't an option to play-on) they often do one of three things: 1) They turn around (facing the backline), slowly jog and then turn back around (to face the forward line). This whole process takes up to three or four seconds which is far too slow, by which time the opposition is able to get back. 2) They immediately run off their line (without even looking straight ahead) which not only means they are now kicking under pressure, they now are running to the side and they can't even see what is down the line or off to the other side. This means they have reduced their options to kick to by 2/3. Not only that, they have eliminated the best option which is to kick straight down the line! 3) They turn around straight away but don't get back far enough behind the man on the mark and either kick into that player or are forced to kick the ball high in the air to clear him. What they need to do is immediately turn around to face the forward line, meaning they can see all options in all areas in front of them, including the best option down the line. The exception to this if a player who is running by can receive a handpass but both players need to be smart enough to know if he is or isn't clear. At the same time the player needs to sprint backwards (not walk, jog or run but sprint). This means there is now zero chance of the man on the mark coming into play as the Melbourne player is back far enough clear of him. Funnily enough, this also means the opposition don't have time to get back, as the Melbourne player with the ball can move the ball on quickly as he has moved quickly to be in a position the kick the ball without pressure. Crazy isn't it? NB: This thread was resurrected from 2013.

Drop Howe, been pathetic.

How fat is Pedersen!

Stop diving in the back of the North players, Melbourne.

We have been rubbish, but the umpiring has been woeful.

The lack of acceleration and explosiveness from Melbourne players is frightening.

Dumb, lazy and unfit.

Love watching Craig go off his nut at quarter time.

Why the hell did Gawn have to play-on from that free kick?

One inside fifty is insipid.

Can someone please tell our players to quickly get back behind the mark without running off the line and therefore playing on!

When did I write that?

Tynan and Taggert were hand picked by Neeld weren't they?

I think I prefer him to Dunn, which doesn't say all that much.

The lack of changes each week is interesting. While there are a number of players playing for Casey that I would like to see getting a game, Craig is making it clear that if you want to make the Melbourne team you need to really perform at Casey. We have become used to seeing three, four, five or six changes each week (the fact that the team is playing better recently helps), it is nice to see some consistency in the side.

Gibbs was rated better than Selwood in junior football.

I've been saying for a while now we are only a couple of good midfielders short of being a decent team.

It's hardly groundbreaking to hear that if you get the ball in the forward line more you score more goals.

He was never quick, ever.

I'm concerned that Melbourne still have a relatively tall side and the conditions will be slippery.

How he escaped suspension is beyond... oh wait we are talking about the AFL here. Carry on.

He has always looked slow and lacked explosiveness, even before 2011.

That's because it is, just need a few decent midfielders.

Seriously? I thought it was the complete opposite and he refused to rule out coaching Melbourne.