(04-03-2017, 04:09 AM)townsendcalling link Wrote:Am overseas, so haven't seen the replay, only highlights and match reports, like the dog acts from Hogan and Lewis (great leadership style!).
I am confused.....We lost by 24 pts ( many predicted 80-100), our backs stood up (young, enthusiastic, have a real future) and our forwards let us down again.
Melbourne's midfield boasts Jones, Pettracca, Viney, Lewis, Brayshaw, Oliver, Tyson etc. Highly ranked engine room. Yet we got within 4 goals and apparently Cripps, according to many reports, was the only one to really fire a bullet!!! Surely there was some significant work done by others that has not been acknowledged???
I thought Cripps was sensational, Murphy terrific. Loved what SPS (aka Sammy) brings. If ever a youngster has looked at home at AFL level (offensively and defensively) then it's Sammy IMO.
Marchbank and Plowman continue to be very solid down back. Class and clean hands of Pickett, albeit in snippets. He has to stay. Macreadie's courage and again sure hands when marking and handling the ball. He has a very calm head and solid temperament. Wright, what a great pick-up he has been!
It's the best nick and I have seen Matty Kreuzer in, and his free moving is a delight to see.
We need more from many more though. The midfield is thin. We struggle to score at times. The turnovers are hurting us badly, and a number of senior guys are at fault, not just the kids!
I'd be seriously considering dropping White and Armfield. Who for though? Probably Palmer and Cuningham for mine. I'd be considering all of McKay, Fisher, Polson, Williamson and Gallucci soon too.
Reckon Gallucci will get senior games this year. Hoping he can become our Dahlhaus. Forward pocket with good skills, and goal sense, to become a ball winner. I just like what he offers Gallucci.
I'm liking Weitering and Jack Silvagni forward. Like the work (at times and albeit at the moment, not often enough) of Charlie Curnow in the middle. He needs to spread and run and get some easy ball. Good at clearances.
The return of Ed Curnow tagging. Has to be every week IMO.
Simpson lacking the same zip IMO. He is getting on in AFL years. Wouldn't min his nous forward at times. Reckon for young guys in Weitering, J.Silvagni, C.Curnow and Pickett he'd be magnificent. Then free up Wright further afield more often IMHO.