Roger Mellie

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)

Petty - Best game for MFC as a defender

I'm not at all keen on Positive Linger's replacement options - Baker and Jones Uggh But yeah - Brayshaw to the skinny wing and .....

I see Luca Goonan's nominated. I've only seen a couple of games (televised) but he looks like he could work at AFL level. Can Casey watchers add anything?

Kelly would be a dream, but he'd be mad to knock back the obscene coin he's triggered at GWS. Merrett would be gettable but you'd think the bummers would match all offers and be even less co-operative (than GWS were with Cameron) if he wants out. Jordan Clark is gettable - elite endurance, great game sense and a top notch kick. You cant go past having two Ed's on the wings either (Richards and Langdon)!

Excited! Lever and May have to be right in there too

Five in the top 21 in the comp! Go you good things!

^ Definitely not enough love for Trent Rivers in 2021

I don't even get the logic of it. In gridiron there is so much down time that they (feel the ) need to fill the endless gaps when teams swap over, have time outs and set the play. Baseball is beyond dull so I'm not even going there. There's so much going on in an AFL game, that the fans need a little down time to catch up and discuss, watch replays etc. That's the main thing the AFL just don't get.

Brown did plenty of rucking at North to back up Goldstein. I think he would make a better fist of it than the Weid. Having said that, all 3 tall forwards can pitch in as needed. I'd expect Gawn to stay in the back half of the ground and the three talls to cover the forward half.

I know this is the wrong thread for this, but was this guy in Melb's NT zone before the AFL gave our zone to the Suns? https://www.afl.com.au/news/612154/livewire-sun-locked-in-for-qclash-debut

Caro was excellent when she had a hotline into the inner sanctum at AFL. That's long gone and she's had to broaden her commentary to all things football. That brings her right back to the pack with footy journalists now being a dime a dozen. She was great but hasn't added a whole lot in years.

Me too