Roger Mellie

I think there is still scope to go round in circles

Great post Chaser. He had a top 5 finish in the bummers B&F one year - I'm sure it's no coincidence that this was in the time Goodwin was an assistant. I do recall him being one of their (if not THE) whipping boy. Perhaps that didn't do wonders for his confidence. Their loss!

She did

When does he 100 games for the Dees? I'd like to se him clock that up. I'm with Gorgoroth. If he's playing well and is happy to be a depth player, all good. It would depend on draft considerations etc

From The AFL website: McGovern has put talks on hold, probably until season's end, while Gaff is reportedly being targeted by five Melbourne clubs.

Dear Poita, When MacDonald is in the ruck, there's a good chance Gawn will be resting in the forward line. Win-win

2

We are starting to move the footy fast enough and well enough for Jeffy to really capitalise and turn his opponent inside out. I love Spargo but happy for him to have a rest. It's Jeffy time! Viney - no brainer

I'm mixing up my Hoares, so to speak. Did we lose the goal sneak or the ruck in losing Erin?

6. Oliver 5. Brayshaw ? 4. Gawn 3 Jones 2 Hogan 1. Hibberd

If he was delisted by the saints I hope he's a vindictive [censored].

I think his disposal has improved this year to some extent. I haven't been a fan, but I would prefer him in the guts over Harmes. What on earth is he doing on on a wing?

Agree and not surprised. He's missed a lot of footy

Labradors might find that offensive. Red setter for mine.

Happily agree with this part of your argument Chief. He gets to the contest very well but from then on it's a raffle of whether he spoils the efforts of team mates or his handball drops straight to the deck. Good tackler without being very effective. A bit of confidence from the win might improve his dreadful disposal. In the last quarter he dished off a nice handball but that's about all I can recall.

6 - Gawn 5 - Jones 4 - Melksham 3 - Salem 2 - Hannan 1 - Brayshaw Stiff - Jetta, Fritsch, Hibberd

All the fan surveys are definitive saying keep it at it is. I thought this time the media would get it's wish so I'm happy we get another year at the traditional time slot - what the fans want! They can bang on about the 'entertainment' being in the dark all they want, the issue is, the media wants it at prime time and the entertainment sideshow is just another sales pitch.

IMO our game plan (such that it is) requires two dedicated hard runners that run up and down the ground all day. With cameos from others, they also are the extras that run through the square at the bounce. Those two are Harmes and ANB. There are others hard runners who could play that role such as Hunt, Oliver, Viney, even MacDonald and Hogan, but they have other roles to fulfil. At this time, the alternatives to Harmes and ANB are Stretch and Bugg. I believe Stretch is by far the most skilled player of that lot. He also has better vision and decision making but is slightly slower. Unfortunately his confidence is down round his ankles around the moment so he's not really an option. It would be great if we had better options for that role (Josh Kelly would be perfect thanks) but we don't, so unless the game plan changes, ANB and Harmes will stay. When our injury list improves, we will rely less on those two and I would expect to see others spending more time in this role eg. T Mac and Hogan could alternate in that role at times and I could see Tim Smith in there as well. Stretch with a shred of confidence could be important in that role. Spargo (eventually) may be another. The more options we have, the more players we can swing through that role - ones with better nous, skill and decision making.

Looking for 3MP?

Sounds all plausible. It could also be just a case of McCartney being more suited to arresting the possibility of players throwing in the towel again at ground level. Appreciate your feedback and anything further that may arise. Cheers

Would be interested in the views of @Leoncelli_36 on this matter

This is interesting as I could see Weideman coming in to be that tall target while Hogan is released up the ground to hopefully run amok. The problem with that theory is that the Weid is left in the forward line with Rance - cant see that working too well although I know Gawn will spend time in the forward line at times. It says to me that Hogan will have to spend more time up forward or Weid will play an unusual role.

The Clay Sampson Cup

Yes - although he covers a lot of ground, is a pest and manages to find the footy in the forward line, his direct opponent is more concerned about either setting up forward play for his own team or leaving Bugg to help out other defenders with players such as Hogan. Bugg isn't damaging, even when 10 metres out from goal - I know every now and again he'll slot a couple, but he won't be taken seriously until he either kicks goals like a footballer or negates a playmaker.

This is the week where we don't really need a second ruck with Grigg the back-up ruckman, but Harmes was horrible so it's out of Petracca, Pedo and Weed. If Hogan's going to float around, it has to be Pedo or Weed to give us a target up forward (unless Gawn is resting there - how could we go past Gawn's kicking for goal?)