Straight Sets Simon

I was hoping that John Northey would be making a comeback too. Just kidding...

I'm not worried about the small things, I'm worried about not having a forward line. I'm worried about players not having options up field. I'm worried about players hesitating while they look for options up field. I'm worried about players being under more pressure while they hesitate. I'm worried about players making even more skill errors as a result of being under more pressure. Maybe I am worried about the small things, the difference is that I can see why the small things aren't working. EDIT: By not having a forward line, I mean pushing all the players up the ground.

Interesting that more people are starting to notice this now.

I don't often agree with Sheahan but I do on this occasion.

Who's at Sandringham?

That doesn't sound like Melbourne at all.

Melbourne got rid of their best stoppages player (not McLean).

These are the key points. So often the over-using of the handball is a result of there being no options down the field. If there is an option down the field (that isn't outnumbered three on one) then the players will go to it instead of handpassing to a teammate nearby who is usually under just as much or more pressure. Therefore, because the whole team (forward line and all) push up the ground when defending, the forwards then have to run back to the forward line when there is a turnover. I heard the commentators three or four times say "no one to kick it to" (referring in the forward line). How can you expect to enter the forward 50 if there is either no one there to kick it to in the first place or one forward outnumber (as Petterd was on a few occasions)? The result is no options up field, players under more pressure, more unnecessary handpassing and more skill errors.

Martin looked much better as a defender than as a ruckman or forward. They need to find a position for him a keep him there.

That's crazy talk...

It took me about one quarter to just get my head around watching players from both sides as I would tend to just focus on the red team, so I wasn't too focused on the game plan.

If Sylvia can become more consistent, he will be a great player. I believe that one of his major problems is that he is not a natural ball winner (as compared to players like Jones and McLean when they first started) and therefore can go missing easily and find it hard to get going. It is reported that he is a lot fitter this year and that will help, I look forward to watching him in 2010.

The thing that should not be forgotten is just what a success the move to Casey Fields has been. For all this talk of it being too far away, I don't remember an intra-club match with that much interest and the crowd was a good size with a great atmosphere.

He didn't excite me at all, his kicking action is woeful but still very early days.

Agreed.

I agree, it was a worry and there was still too much overuse of the ball by hand too.

Liam Jurrah says hi.

I just got back from the game and will try and report what I remember. Great crowd there today, I couldn't give a number but there were a lot of people there and a lot of kids running around in red and blue which is what the club needs. I found it hard at first to take note of the players from both teams as I usually only focus on Melbourne, so I can't comment on every player as much as I'd like. Key points: Trengove: Is already in Melbourne's top ten players. Great user of the ball, moves well, finds space and will no doubt succeed. Scully: Kicked a great goal late in the game and is very much and in and under player with his quick hands a highlight. He still does to kick up and under the ball too much when trying to kick long but his short passing was good. Petterd: I like Petterd and I always have but his disposal was terrible. Missed a goal from about five metres out with no one within 20 metres of him. Frawley: The biggest highlight from Frawley to me was his pace. His disposal has improved a lot and he was reading the play well. Sylvia: Seemed pretty quiet at the start but worked his was into the game. Jones: Still rushed his kicks a bit, but worked hard in the middle. Jurrah: Did a few amazing things and was played up the ground at times. His attempted volley on the goal line from an in-coming kick had the crowd laughing (laughing in that only he could pull it off) but he did enough to confirm what we all know about him. Davey: I think he only played the first half and was solid without dominating. Bennell: His evasive skills are second to none, looks to have bulked up a bit, was fast, used the ball well and is just an all-out smooth mover. I'll try and give more information later as those are what come to mind immediately.

In terms of teams making the eight I feel it is one of the more predictable years, what happens in the finals is another matter. You can just about lock in: - Geelong - St Kilda - Western Bulldogs - Adelaide - Collingwood - Brisbane - Hawthorn Teams to fight it out for the final spot: - Sydney - Essendon - Carlton Teams that I can't see making the eight: - West Coast - Port Adelaide - Melbourne - Richmond - Fremantle - North Melbourne

All I'm suggesting is that it's ridiculous to say that people should believe in his coaching ability becuase he gave a good speech.

His speaking ability or his coaching ability?

I think it was mentioned that Bruce wasn't at training. I'm sure he would still be up there with the best.

2010 Ladder position and record: 12th - 7 wins and 15 losses B & F Winner: Moloney Most Brownlow Votes: Sylvia Most Rising Star Votes: Trengove Most Improved: Wonaeamirri Our 5 most important players at the end of the season will be: Jurrah, Rivers, Trengove, Davey and Sylvia 2010 Premier: Geelong Wooden Spoon: Port Adelaide Brownlow: Joel Selwood Coleman: Franklin

Another good video from mfcnow.