Roger Mellie

Because they have to isolate for 7 days before playing WCE

Any thoughts on Gawn's insistence on always kicking over hand-balling? I think Gawn's kicking has improved significantly this season, but I'm confident he still sits in the bottom two or three kicks in the 22 on any given day. When I see players running past for him to dish off too - players that can actually kick well, I get extremely annoyed. He repeatedly ignores them and kicks it himself. Last night he had 18 disposals with 16 kicks at 38% DE. I did notice last night he did a lot of quick kicks out of the contest (to no one) so perhaps it was a puzzling directive. Pease stop kicking it. It's getting selfish

Just what we don't need. Poor skills and poor decisions. Sharp on the other hand....

^ This. When we play a [censored] team we start by trying to get a feel for the game (ie. seeing if we can get away with the win without the requisite effort). The opposition pounces and we end up looking like utter flogs. Tonight looked a bit different. Our intent was there for the first quarter (unlike v Adelaide, Coll, GWS). After a respectable lead at quarter time, we went back into cruise mode. WTF?? We seriously cant be soooo stupid as to think, we'll get away with a win with half arsed efforts. The question is why? The first things that spring to mind (apart from being as dumb as a box of rocks) is arrogance and fatigue. I think it's a combination of both. Exhaustion for the younger players and arrogance for the older players. I also wonder if there's something in their preparation in the week leading up to the game, that results in the game being taken lightly yet AGAIN! FMD

Jackson was also +24kgs

? ?

Yeah I think that October 2005 date was when Nasher(?) transferred to the new server. You're right - scary thought!

Being in (country Victoria), I'll be able to take them of your hands. Thanks ?

Edited for accuracy. The rest I agree with

6 Petracca 5 Salem 4 Clarry 3 TMac 2 May 1 Petty Stiff Gawn, but I wanted Petty to debut on the POTY board

Remember years ago (can't recall the opponents, but WCE sounds like a good fit) where he paid us 1 free kick for the game and our opponents 11 (or something like that). After that, he didn't umpire MFC games for a few years. I wish that was still the case.

Imagine if our last quarter intensity showed up in the first. Different story. Forward line and midfield issues persist and confidence is dwindling

A really enjoyable look at our up and comers. Most of the players showed something after a bit of a scrappy tussle in the first half. There were plenty putting their hands up for a senior call-up - Jones, B Brown, Bowey, AVB and Melksham. Unfortunately, there aren't too many spots up for grabs. I was really keen to see some of the draftees and I wasn't disappointed. For those that didn't see it: Bowey - great composed game. He was on top of his opponent(s), skilled and smart with the footy. I hope he gets a game at some stage this year. Bedford - had an impact in the last quarter after a quiet game. There are nice aspects to his game - speed, endurance and pressure. He seemed to impose himself on the game late and might have had more of an impact if he'd done so earlier. D Smith - He strikes me as a neat, committed player with plenty of skill and game insight. I look forward to seeing him develop. Laurie - slick ball use and an impressive skill level. Got caught once or twice but first game after a long time. I recall him easily spinning out of trouble in his draftee highlights videos. A tougher gig at this level and he may need to work on that. Lockhart - a mixed game from him. Showed a bit and also let himself down couple of times. Chandler - at times he showed he was a class above this level. At other times he seemed to get tangled up in the scrappy stuff. Good pressure. Rosman - his composure improved as the game went on and there were a couple of impressive plays. He needs some games and experience under his belt. He's got the endurance to get to more contests but that'll come. He looks like he's wearing a rug! Turner - plenty of composure and intercepting. Didn't make any mistakes and shows promise. A great first game Bradtke - Curious that he was in the backline. I assume he's learning the defensive side of the game. He didn't do a whole lot wrong (out-bustled once or twice). Good disposal and agility for a beanstalk. Twenty kgs would be very helpful for him. Declase - Another good first game. He was solid without being spectacular. Disposal was good and he improved as the game went on (following an early bomb into the forward line). Potentially a good role player. Good skill set. Baker - Had a good game and he got better as the game went on. I think this is his level.

What an ordinary list

Perhaps I only listen to him these days with the fawning collaborator, but I have noticed, for the first time this year, that Buckley has spoken with a level of despondency and stumbles to find the right words. All coaches sound like your quote above in a post game press conference. Buckley's flavour is corporate tossery whereas Goodwin's all 'narratives' and 'journeys.' It doesn't say much about the coach, just what they have to trot out each week to the media.

I know it's a different year but, when they traded back into the first round because they wanted Liam Stocker - an AFL-ready midfielder! Lol

^ This Melksham at his best is walk up start. Unfortunately, I just don't think he can get back to that any more. He's still valuable to play multiple roles throughout the game to keep the team balanced. His kicking is still an absolute weapon and I think the discipline and effort issues are behind him. He just doesn't seem able to cover the ground any more - when he chases, he looks to be running up and down on the spot.

I have to say, I'm a Buckley fan. I know he was a tad figjammy along time ago, but of all the AFL coaches, he's the one I enjoy listening to the most on all things AFL. He's incredibly articulate, insightful, sharp and has a decent sense of humour too. I hope he spends some time in the media this year, once he's watched Collingwood go down the gurgler. Can definitely see him coaching again.

It took me a while to cotton on, but as soon as @dpositive mentioned the 'doing a bit of work for the old man' it all came back to me!

Apologies certainly not necessary, but I would nominate Dougal from Demonland or maybe Sinclair from the Snowfields?

I resent that!

I think it would reasonable to require Hipwood to put his hands up in the air for the mark, rather than purely hold Lever out of the contest, to escape scrutiny.

+1

He went down earlier in the game (maybe the second), so it might have started then and it wasn't picked up. Whoever the replacement is, they'll be most likely lining up on Mitch Robinson. That makes me think T-Mac isn't such a terrible idea. Otherwise Gus will have to take that wing and others take Brayshaw's role. Robinson would give Baker a bath.

6 - Clarrie 5 - Harmes 4 - Gawn 3 - Lever 2 - Brayshaw 1 - Rivers Apologies - Spargo, Petracca, May, JJ, ANB and Petty (best game as a defender for the club)