Melbourne VS Hawthorn prediction/game thread/whatever

[rick James]

Should be a good game, from what I've heard Telstra Dome is in fantastic condition for once.

Hawthorn have selected their best side, wouldn't blame them either - they're out to prove a point and as some of you would have noticed, I've already tipped them to sneak in to the 8 this year. The NAB cup is a genuine trial run for them heading into a season where big things are not just expected, but demanded.

Melbourne on the other hand have a very settled list and game plan, they are basically taking a no risk strategy, evne though historically they tend to play well in the NAB cup for financial reasons.

Leaving Brock, Johnstone and Moloney all out of the side does kind of send the message that this is not a serious outing for the Demons - but I still think they should have the firepower up forward to get over the Hawks.

My prediction: Melbourne by 27

Now I'm off to the pub to watch it. Go number 34!

[topdon]

Dees by 20.

[DynamoUltra]

I've noticed all Melbourne fans have used this theme in their posts in order to use it as an excuse if they lose against a "lesser" team, or if they win, to say how good they will be in 2007.

[rick James]

I've noticed all Melbourne fans have used this theme in their posts in order to use it as an excuse if they lose against a "lesser" team, or if they win, to say how good they will be in 2007.

Nah, I'm under no false pretenses about the NAB cup is all - if we thrash you into the turf I won't be talking about how much better than you we are (even though I think we will be in 2007) because it isn't worth basing an opinion over.

But if you win I'll still be expecting us to beat you during the year, it just really means bugger all (especially when our two best players are out)

[DynamoUltra]

Nah, I'm under no false pretenses about the NAB cup is all - if we thrash you into the turf I won't be talking about how much better than you we are (even though I think we will be in 2007) because it isn't worth basing an opinion over.

But if you win I'll still be expecting us to beat you during the year, it just really means bugger all (especially when our two best players are out)

You should be better in 2007 undoubtedly, and as you said, this is the NAB Cup, so anything could happen. We have as much chance of flogging you by 100 points as you do us.

[Higgs Boson]

You should be better in 2007 undoubtedly, and as you said, this is the NAB Cup, so anything could happen. We have as much chance of flogging you by 100 points as you do us.

Agree, this could really go either way.

[dogupya]

Agree, this could really go either way.

Disagree.

not even real.

[johnnyhoward]

Melbourne by 61.

[johnnyhoward]

Melbourne by 61.
OK, I meant "Hawthorn by 61" ;)

[rick James]

OK, I meant "Hawthorn by 61" ;)

You sure about that?

Anyway, I was at the pub for the first half, and I've come home because frankly the NAB cup isn't even football. So far the highlight is Luke Hodge getting a knee to the temple.

[DynamoUltra]

You sure about that?

Anyway, I was at the pub for the first half, and I've come home because frankly the NAB cup isn't even football. So far the highlight is Luke Hodge getting a knee to the temple.

Surely Krakouer's foot to the head of Milburn takes the cake for this week then...

[rick James]

We lost. Season over.

[Ari]

Umpires heavily influenced the second half of this game sadly :(

That said, Buddy had a great game... he owned that pocket! Well done.

[rick James]

Umpires heavily influenced the second half of this game sadly :(

That said, Buddy had a great game... he owned that pocket! Well done.

I couldn't even watch the second half it was that boring. But I'm intrigued by this potential umpiring excuse, what exactly happened?

[Hawkk]

I know it was only the NAB Cup so I'll try not to get over excited.

But I was wrapt with that performance - especially in the last quarter and a half.

[Hawkk]

I couldn't even watch the second half it was that boring. But I'm intrigued by this potential umpiring excuse, what exactly happened?

The 9 point goal did count.

[DynamoUltra]

Hawthorn for the flag in 2007!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





(Tongue firmly in cheek)

[Dixie Flatline]

Should be a good game, from what I've heard Telstra Dome is in fantastic condition for once.

Hawthorn have selected their best side, wouldn't blame them either - they're out to prove a point and as some of you would have noticed, I've already tipped them to sneak in to the 8 this year. The NAB cup is a genuine trial run for them heading into a season where big things are not just expected, but demanded.

Melbourne on the other hand have a very settled list and game plan, they are basically taking a no risk strategy, evne though historically they tend to play well in the NAB cup for financial reasons.

Leaving Brock, Johnstone and Moloney all out of the side does kind of send the message that this is not a serious outing for the Demons - but I still think they should have the firepower up forward to get over the Hawks.

My prediction: Melbourne by 27

Now I'm off to the pub to watch it. Go number 34!

No, we didn't. No Croad, Dixon, Osborne, Smith, or Vandenberg (plus no Murphy, who played a few games late last season).

Neither side picked their best.

[Hawk0373]

I couldn't even watch the second half it was that boring. But I'm intrigued by this potential umpiring excuse, what exactly happened?

Lance and Hodge decided to play.

Good luck in Kununurra next week.

[RedLegs#5]

Good to see our young players growing as footballers. Chris Johnson was very impressive.

We had too many players out for me to care about the result (White, Davey, Pickett, McLean, Sylvia, Johnstone, Whelan, Holland and a possible Moloney off the top of my head).

A decent game for the NAB cup though.

The new hand in the back rule may end up being a bad idea indeed.

Oh, and Campbell Brown should be reported (again). Very amatuer in his attacks.

[rick James]

No, we didn't. No Croad, Dixon, Osborne, Smith, or Vandenberg (plus no Murphy, who played a few games late last season).

Neither side picked their best.

Fair enough, but our outs were significantly more important than yours (almost our entire midfield didn't play).

[yeah-nah]

Hawks r gonna be great to watch in the next few years.

[Hawk0373]

Good to see our young players growing as footballers. Chris Johnson was very impressive.

We had too many players out for me to care about the result (White, Davey, Pickett, McLean, Sylvia, Johnstone, Whelan, Holland and a possible Moloney off the top of my head).

A decent game for the NAB cup though.

The new hand in the back rule may end up being a bad idea indeed..

You did miss some quality, no doubt, but we also rested some experience in:

Croad
Vandenburg
Jacobs
Osbourne
Dixon
Smith

and Ladson left the field v early.

Agree, it's only Nab cup and means nothing, mainly because of the new umpiring circus - total disaster.

[RedLegs#5]

.

You did miss some quality, no doubt, but we also rested some experience in:

Croad
Vandenburg
Jacobs
Osbourne
Dixon
Smith

and Ladson left the field v early.

Agree, it's only Nab cup and means nothing, mainly because of the new umpiring circus - total disaster.

Oh look, both teams had players out, but as mentioned above, the difference between the two groups is quite significant.

Will be interesting to see a full Hawthorn and Melbourne outfit go at it during the season.

And yes, the umpiring..well. We'll see if they improve when the games really matter. If they don't....

[buddy23]

I think the result might be a bit different come round 2, but very impressed by the young hawks tonight.

[Dixie Flatline]

Fair enough, but our outs were significantly more important than yours (almost our entire midfield didn't play).

True, and you also didn't have Benny Holland, but if memory serves, we had two players (Crawford and Guerra) with 100+ games experience playing tonight. Croad is essentially our one mature KPP. Smith gives experience in the backline. To be truthful, though, Osborne and (were he not captain) Vandenberg would struggle to be in our best 22 at the minute.

[Dixie Flatline]

Hawks r gonna be great to watch in the next few years.

Franklin is already a highlight reel on his own! :D

[CattyBossDog]

My prediction: Melbourne by 27


Dees by 20.

Melbourne by 61.

:thumbsd: :thumbsd: Good tips boyz! :thumbsd: :thumbsd:

Obviously the fitness work has been something Melbourne has worked hard on during the pre season. No hope of them getting run over in the final quarters this year. You lot must so be looking forward to watching tight games this year. Bwajahahagagagajhaha!

[ShanBoi]

rick james you are a tool... You pump up your outs and play down ours so that the result doesn't look so bad. We were missing an AA CHB, our captain (question his ability all you want but clearly he does something right to captain for 3 years), our general down back in jacobs, and another veteran defender in joel smith.

You had plenty of your stars in the line up. You kicked 1 point in the first 27minutes of the final term.

Granted, neither team played their very best side... but you were definitely out classed in the second half, by a lot. Buddy franklin basically crumbing for 5 goals 3 behinds is a great effort. Lets compare it to say, your veteran captain david neitz who only managed 2 goals 2 playing on zac dawson for half the match! lol

[Hawk0373]

Oh look, both teams had players out, but as mentioned above, the difference between the two groups is quite significant.

Will be interesting to see a full Hawthorn and Melbourne outfit go at it during the season.

And yes, the umpiring..well. We'll see if they improve when the games really matter. If they don't....

what is significant is that you have players such as Yze, Miller, Green, Bizzel and Bruce in your best 22 that aren't going ot take you to the next level.

[Roughie]

Good game but got to consider we did play against melbournes back up midfield. No White, Sylvia, Mclean and Moloney are serious outs.

But happy with our performance in game play, got rid of the chipping and our forward line looks alot more dangerous. Hopefully can finish around 8th.

[melbournemartin]

Yeah. Ran out of legs. Jones, Bruce, McDonald were our only solid onballers. Green and Buckley provided a bit off the wings. Not much to really take out of the game. Missed our gamebreakers in Davey, Johnstone, McLean and Pickett when we were desperate for a goal. Franklin does strut around like he owns the place but he is a gun player. Bad decision to leave Carroll on him. Carroll is a good fullback when playing on...a full forward!!! Franklin is just an everything forward and was far too agile. Bizzell, Bruce and even Frawley all would have been better options.

[RedLegs#5]

what is significant is that you have players such as Yze, Miller, Green, Bizzel and Bruce in your best 22 that aren't going ot take you to the next level.

Several players you just mentioned have played in a grand final before.

I guess with the likes of vandenberg, crawford and dixon, you're going all the way?

Don't make conclusions because of an NAB cup game...it's...well...just stupid. You don't want to sound like a carlton supporter.

[AllStar7]

what is significant is that you have players such as Yze, Miller, Green, Bizzel and Bruce in your best 22 that aren't going ot take you to the next level.

Bruce and Green are class players, and both played well tonight despite being in second gear.

Bizzell is not in our best 22, he won't play many games this year, I promise you that much, while Miller and Yze are on the cusp.

Don't forget that when McLean, Johnstone, Moloney, Pickett, Davey and so on are up for selection, shocking footballers like Godfrey will not be running around looking utterly embarrassing.

I thought Hawthorn did well, and you clearly smashed us in the midfield. One of McLean/Moloney/Johnstone + Davey + Whelan down back would have made a huge difference to the result. But it's only pre-season and obviously the two teams have very different goals in mind.

[Hawk0373]

Several players you just mentioned have played in a grand final before.

I guess with the likes of vandenberg, crawford and dixon, you're going all the way.

won't be relying on them the way you rely on those blokes.

[cschreuder61]

Fair enough, but our outs were significantly more important than yours (almost our entire midfield didn't play).
We had 2 only 2 players with over 100 games experience, to say that our young side doesn't miss Croad and Jacobs in defence, Dixon up forward, Smith in the midfield, and Murphy is a youngster who will cement a starting 22 spot during the year is far from the truth. NAB cup is just practice, but don't try and spin that we didn't have anyone out that was important to us.

I agree Melbourne had some big outs for sure, but we had a damn young side, Crawf the only one older than 25.

Was good to see Lewis finally get some decent game time in the midfield, leading the contested possesion count. Looks ready for more responsibility this year.

Buddy did well, and Roughead provided a target.

Melbourne looked like they were gonna run away with it so good to peg them back and give some younger guys some confidence.

Dawson was a disapointment, Gilham is a far better option to go with Croad and Jacobs when he gets back.

It was only NAB cup for sure, but how predictable is this thread, Melbourne supporters saying its nothing and Hawthorn supporters getting prematurely excited (me included). Would have been the other way around if we reversed results no doubt.

[RedLegs#5]

won't be relying on them the way you rely on those blokes.

I don't think you give our young stock much credit. That's fine. Time will tell.

And by the way, Bruce and Green are top class players. I have no idea why you mentioned them. Also Miller, in his last proper game in 2006...dominated.

P.S. Zac Dawson= Backline.

[ShinSplints]

Hawks are on their way. That franklin is the new reiwoldt.

Melbourne like ive thought for years has NO backline. Rivers and carrol while ok midfielders not KKP's in my mind how can they take a brown or a like TODAY FRANKILN??? THEY CANT thats why melbourne will finish 8th again with their ok midfield/forward line but crappy defense.

Hey RJ enjoy today mate? Everything you thought it would be?? Oh yeah its just the NAB right?? yeah im sure youll have a defense come the home and away season :rolleyes:

[Hawk0373]

I don't think you give our young stock much credit. That's fine. Time will tell.

And by the way, Bruce and Green are top class players. I have no idea why you mentioned them. Also Miller, in his last proper game in 2006...dominated.

P.S. Zac Dawson= Backline.

Bruce gets plenty of it but can't kick.

Green is soft and ineffectual, cant tackle.

Miller is luke warm and cold.

Yze was class.

All are key players, all go missing when it counts.

ps - Zac isn't in our best 22.

[BudddddyLove]

:thumbsu: I was very impressed with the way the hawks fought back in the 2nd half of this match, where's in other years they would have just fell away. However it seemed to me like after Melbourne got 27 points up they didn't really want to win. I was watching from the stands and it looked like their intensity dropped dramatically halfway through the 3rd quarter and they just didn't care about winning (which is fair enough). Hawthorn were harder at the ball and tackled well today.
Hawthorn were also inaccurate today and could have finished with around 17-18 goals instead of 14. Franklin could have kicked 8 he missed a few easy goals and I was very impressed with Gilham who looks so much stronger and more accountable than Dawson. Definitely my pick for FB this year.
Hodgey was superb and the forwardline looked more dangerous than usual.
Jones looked good for the Demons as did Chris Johnson who has pace and kicked a great super-goal.
On the whole it was an ok standard game, nothing special though; looking forward to the Easter Monday clash at the G, hopefully in front of a crowd of 50,000+

[Hawkamania!]

Umpires heavily influenced the second half of this game sadly :(

That said, Buddy had a great game... he owned that pocket! Well done.

According to the AFL site, Melbourne had 25 frees for and 23 frees against. However, when you click on Hawthorn, we had 23 frees for and 24 against.:confused: Counted both, afl.com stats are off. Hopefully the HeraldSun adds their stats tomorrow.

Everyone is feeling that Buddy Love.:thumbsu:

[rick James]

We had 2 only 2 players with over 100 games experience, to say that our young side doesn't miss Croad and Jacobs in defence, Dixon up forward, Smith in the midfield, and Murphy is a youngster who will cement a starting 22 spot during the year is far from the truth. NAB cup is just practice, but don't try and spin that we didn't have anyone out that was important to us.

I agree Melbourne had some big outs for sure, but we had a damn young side, Crawf the only one older than 25.

Was good to see Lewis finally get some decent game time in the midfield, leading the contested possesion count. Looks ready for more responsibility this year.

Buddy did well, and Roughead provided a target.

Melbourne looked like they were gonna run away with it so good to peg them back and give some younger guys some confidence.

Dawson was a disapointment, Gilham is a far better option to go with Croad and Jacobs when he gets back.

It was only NAB cup for sure, but how predictable is this thread, Melbourne supporters saying its nothing and Hawthorn supporters getting prematurely excited (me included). Would have been the other way around if we reversed results no doubt.

Nah, I think most posters said before the game even started that it means very little, and most are sticking to it.

Definitely there were some good signs for Hawthorn, because they have more to prove than Melbourne this year.

I didn't say Hawthorn's outs weren't important, I just said Melbourne's were more so (Johnstone, McLean, White, Moloney Davey, Pickett, Whelan are 7 of our best and most important players, and the first four are our starting midfield - we were also missing Bartram, who when combined with Whelan are our two best small backmen).

I'd be stoked if I was a Hawks fan too, saw some very good things from your young list. But even as a Demons fan I was pretty happy seeing Bate, Jones, Johnson, Buckley and Hughes handling the majority of the midfield duties considering none of them have played more than 20 games. Frawley looked really good too, and Robertson appeared to be moving much better than last season following his knee surgery.

All in all, a predictable result in the sense our big midfield weapons were missing, Hodge was running amok in the second half with no McLean or Johnstone to combat his effectiveness. No Davey or Pickett up forward is always going to impact our forward line pressure as well.

At the end of the day, both teams would be happy with what their youngsters showed, but only one of the two teams will be seeing the same players taking the midfield duties in the season proper.

[rick James]

Bruce gets plenty of it but can't kick.

Green is soft and ineffectual, cant tackle.

Miller is luke warm and cold.

Yze was class.

All are key players, all go missing when it counts.

ps - Zac isn't in our best 22.

Bruce's kicking isn't perfect I agree - but he's still an elite player and was on auto-pilot yesterday.

Green's perceived softness is a myth based on his days as an 18 year old. He throws himself in front of the footy, tackles well and plays hard and consistent footy - he isn't the flashy matchwinner he once was but he serves a very valuable purpose.

Miller isn't a key player, he played less than half the season last year, anbd only a handful at his natural CHF, he's a fringe player and I strongly feel; Dunn will replace him this year. Though Miller can still mark, and he can throw his weight around.

Yze is getting mighty close to being a fringe player as well - yet he's a HFF/FP who still kicked 40 goals last year, most teams would take that return from a flanker.

[stickman11]

Bruce's kicking isn't perfect I agree - but he's still an elite player and was on auto-pilot yesterday.

Green's perceived softness is a myth based on his days as an 18 year old. He throws himself in front of the footy, tackles well and plays hard and consistent footy - he isn't the flashy matchwinner he once was but he serves a very valuable purpose.

Miller isn't a key player, he played less than half the season last year, anbd only a handful at his natural CHF, he's a fringe player and I strongly feel; Dunn will replace him this year. Though Miller can still mark, and he can throw his weight around.

Yze is getting mighty close to being a fringe player as well - yet he's a HFF/FP who still kicked 40 goals last year, most teams would take that return from a flanker.

Note Melbourne lost = McLean wasn't playing.

Mind you, we had some good players missing too but I am afraid, unless we can find another good forward, we are going to ******** ourselves at the end of the year again.

[rick James]

Hawks are on their way. That franklin is the new reiwoldt.

Melbourne like ive thought for years has NO backline. Rivers and carrol while ok midfielders not KKP's in my mind how can they take a brown or a like TODAY FRANKILN??? THEY CANT thats why melbourne will finish 8th again with their ok midfield/forward line but crappy defense.

Hey RJ enjoy today mate? Everything you thought it would be?? Oh yeah its just the NAB right?? yeah im sure youll have a defense come the home and away season :rolleyes:

We finished 5th last year for the record.

As is often said, you can't play a KP on Franklin because of his quickness, you need a running player - and Bell had him for most of the day from what I saw (first half only admittedly).

No i didn't enjoy today, I stopped watching at half time (when we were winning) because the standard of football watching our rookie list take the midfield duties is kind of, well, crappy.

I won't need an excuse for the home and away season: if we lose I will have no choice but to accept it. But we won't lose imo.

[rick James]

rick james you are a tool... You pump up your outs and play down ours so that the result doesn't look so bad. We were missing an AA CHB, our captain (question his ability all you want but clearly he does something right to captain for 3 years), our general down back in jacobs, and another veteran defender in joel smith.

You had plenty of your stars in the line up. You kicked 1 point in the first 27minutes of the final term.

Granted, neither team played their very best side... but you were definitely out classed in the second half, by a lot. Buddy franklin basically crumbing for 5 goals 3 behinds is a great effort. Lets compare it to say, your veteran captain david neitz who only managed 2 goals 2 playing on zac dawson for half the match! lol

Keep in mind Neitz only played half a match, dumbass.

Our outs were much better than yours, no offense intended. you guys are a young side, as someone said only two players with over 100 games, and I'd be stoked with the performance if I were you.

Different teams, different goals. Our 6 man midfield rotations, combined, would have played maybe 30 games of football so far.

If you think Croad, Smith, Osborne and Richie are = to White, Johnstone, McLean, Sylvia, Davey, Pickett, Whelan, Moloney and Bartram well, I am not going to waste my team discsusing football with you anymore.

[cschreuder61]

Agree that on paper your outs may appear better players than our outs RJ.

But the importance of those experienced guys to our young side is huge. Our backline to be without Jacobs, Croad and Smith would normally be stuffed, our three most experienced defenders, stoked we got through without them.

Direct comparison with your players, I agree yours are more valuable as individuals, but ours are vital to our young side who is still 2-4 years away from creating depth through getting games and strength into our youthful side.

[rick James]

Agree that on paper your outs may appear better players than our outs RJ.

Hhowever with a side that had only one or two players with over 100 games experience, having experienced players out hurts our side more thn most with amount of young bodies we have out there. Crawford and Guerra I think are the only 2 to have played over 100 games so you can see the importance of Croad etc to our side.

Our defence did extremely well considering Croad Smith and Jacobs were out, our most experienced defenders. Was good to see Gilham do well with more responsibilty. Zac is no where near our top 22. Gilham, Smith, Murphy, Jacobs, Croad, Birchall, are all ahead of him.

Midfield were out there, however Hodge didn't play there all game, Mitchell was on the forward flank a lot of the time, Crawf floated around and Lewis had a good game in the middle. Our set up will be different come the real stuff, as will your with the big outs you'll have back in. McGlynn got given a chance and did well, don't think he'll start round 1 though.

No point reading into it too much anyway, but we definately didn't show all our cards last night and either did Melbourne, but both teams got a good hit out and was probably better than other NAB cup games on the weekend to watch IMO.

I wouldn't be naive enough to claim you were playing your best side or your best set up. the only point I was debating is that Melbourne had bigger names out, on paper and in reality.

[CattyBossDog]

the only point I was debating is that Melbourne had bigger names out, on paper and in reality.

In reality, for supporters other than melbourne ones, melbourne doesn't have any big names. They're just a bunch of general nobodies who'd all love to be big names someday.

[rick James]

In reality, for supporters other than melbourne ones, melbourne doesn't have any big names. They're just a bunch of general nobodies who'd all love to be big names someday.

Congrats, you've just made the ignore list alongside such other luminaries as parrot, skipper kelly and just maybe.

[CattyBossDog]

Congrats, you've just made the ignore list alongside such other luminaries as parrot, skipper kelly and just maybe.

So you agree with me then. Good. :thumbsu:

[stickman11]

In reality, for supporters other than melbourne ones, melbourne doesn't have any big names. They're just a bunch of general nobodies who'd all love to be big names someday.

Really. And Carlton do?:D

[parrot]

In reality, for supporters other than melbourne ones, melbourne doesn't have any big names. They're just a bunch of general nobodies who'd all love to be big names someday.

True. The Dees list just lacks star quality. Lance Franklin made the Dees defenders look like complete basket cases. The Dees will struggle in 2007. :)

[ShinSplints]

We finished 5th last year for the record.

As is often said, you can't play a KP on Franklin because of his quickness, you need a running player - and Bell had him for most of the day from what I saw (first half only admittedly).

No i didn't enjoy today, I stopped watching at half time (when we were winning) because the standard of football watching our rookie list take the midfield duties is kind of, well, crappy.

I won't need an excuse for the home and away season: if we lose I will have no choice but to accept it. But we won't lose imo.

In all seriousness, RJ what do you think of your backline?? Do you think it can take the best in the business??? Do you need bigger Kps??? Need to recruit a mal michael maybe? The way i see it Melbourne has probably the most potent forward line going round with a midfield up there with the best so I think why hasnt melbourne made the top 4 or even looked like doing it. Yeah ya finished 5th but really come one you were not better than the dogs, saints last year. WHY??? IMO it is the b-grade backline!

Carrol, Rivers, Brown all good but they're not Scarlett, Maguire, Harris, Michael or Glass are they?

[stickman11]

In all seriousness, RJ what do you think of your backline?? Do you think it can take the best in the business??? Do you need bigger Kps??? Need to recruit a mal michael maybe? The way i see it Melbourne has probably the most potent forward line going round with a midfield up there with the best so I think why hasnt melbourne made the top 4 or even looked like doing it. Yeah ya finished 5th but really come one you were not better than the dogs, saints last year. WHY??? IMO it is the b-grade backline!

Carrol, Rivers, Brown all good but they're not Scarlett, Maguire, Harris, Michael or Glass are they?

The whole backline thing really has changes. The best backlines will be the ones where a good marking player can get into the right spot and pull down marks. With this new in the back rule, Glass and Michael will struggle, Carrol too. Rivers could prove useful if he can mark strongly.

If a team can get the call out the centre fast and low, all backman will ******** themselves.

As for the Saints and Bulldogs, they weren't that good either down back.

[stickman11]

True. The Dees list just lacks star quality. Lance Franklin made the Dees defenders look like complete basket cases. The Dees will struggle in 2007. :)

We might be down your end of the ladder. Seriously, how anyone couldn't see star potential in Davy does make me wonder about some people.

Oh that is right, Carlton is full of STAR material, except they are... not... very bright. Really, who in Carlton is a star?

[rick James]

In all seriousness, RJ what do you think of your backline?? Do you think it can take the best in the business??? Do you need bigger Kps??? Need to recruit a mal michael maybe? The way i see it Melbourne has probably the most potent forward line going round with a midfield up there with the best so I think why hasnt melbourne made the top 4 or even looked like doing it. Yeah ya finished 5th but really come one you were not better than the dogs, saints last year. WHY??? IMO it is the b-grade backline!

Carrol, Rivers, Brown all good but they're not Scarlett, Maguire, Harris, Michael or Glass are they?

We were better than both the Saints and the Dogs lat year, by anyone's measure. We had a better record against the top 8 than they did, we also beat St Kilda twice, and spanked the Dogs late in the season at the G.

Melbourne's defense, last season, was second best in the comp at stopping marks being taken in it's forward 50. Whether it's the gameplan or whatever I'm not sure, but we spoil a LOT of attempts in our back half (Rivers leads the comp in 1%ers because of how many spoils he makes).

I'd say we lack one more agile/fast KP in the back half, I'm more than happy with Carrol at FB and Rivers as CHB but I'm hoping Frawley comes along really quickly and compliments the other two, giving us three fast, reliable defenders.

Bruce was excellent in the backline last year, shutting down Tarrant and B.Johnson especially well, as was Whelan.

As for us not looking like finishing top 4? haha, we ALWAYS look like finishing top 4, that is what's so frustrating - we LOOK like it, then don't.

[Hawk0373]

ticker.

The reason you've deliberately drafted blokes like bate, mclean, moloney, jones, sylvia etc etc

[rick James]

ticker.

The reason you've deliberately drafted blokes like bate, mclean, moloney, jones, sylvia etc etc

I completely agree.

Remember our side before we had Miller, Carrol, Sylvia, Bate, Jones, McLean, Pickett, Bartram?

The toughest guys we had were Neitz (plays at FF so can't really help when it's needed most) Whelan (back pocket, hard as nails but still a back pocket) and James McDonald (hardly the most imposing guy, more tough than intimidating).

The only concern I have is that we may have swung the pendulum too far the other way. If something happened to TJ or Bruce during the year we'd be in strife (as seen when they got injured last year)

[westhawk]

Keep in mind Neitz only played half a match, dumbass.

Our outs were much better than yours, no offense intended. you guys are a young side, as someone said only two players with over 100 games, and I'd be stoked with the performance if I were you.

Different teams, different goals. Our 6 man midfield rotations, combined, would have played maybe 30 games of football so far.

If you think Croad, Smith, Osborne and Richie are = to White, Johnstone, McLean, Sylvia, Davey, Pickett, Whelan, Moloney and Bartram well, I am not going to waste my team discsusing football with you anymore.
I wouldnt exactly say that Sylvia,Whelan,Moloney and Bartram are great players.And Pickett has not done anything since 04.So you really only had 4 good players out.

[the ooze]

Really. And Carlton do?:D

touche :p

[rick James]

I wouldnt exactly say that Sylvia,Whelan,Moloney and Bartram are great players.And Pickett has not done anything since 04.So you really only had 4 good players out.

Whelan is one of the best BP's in the comp and important to our defense.

Sylvia is fringe, I admit. Moloney was top 5 in our BnF in 2005, was injured last year.

And Bartram played every game last year, tagging the opps best midfielder every week (with mroe success than Andrew Walker I might add).

And Pickett played some absolute rippers last year, so you clearly weren't watching.

Mate, every one of those players I listed is in our best 22, most in our best 18.

We had about 8 or 9 players we'd have in our best 22 out, you had 3 (and one was Vandenberg who is terrible, the other is Osborne who is just as bad).

I'm not saying its an excuse, because it's the NAB cup and I couldn't give a sh*t either way. I'm just pointing out some facts for you Hawks fans who haven't been paying attention to footy recently (understandably).

[Bring-Back-Powell]

Credit to the Hawks. Looked like they wanted it more than the Dees. I concede that Hawthorn had some valuable experience out, but I won't be slitting my wrists because the match winners we had out.

My only concern for MFC is the constant running out of legs that happens year after year. God I hope they address it over the next month, or we'll be mid table.

Round 2 is the real game folks.

The winners can then truly enjoy bragging rights.

I can also assure you that Buddy won't kick 5 again against the Dees next time. I'm kind of glad he dominated in a NAB Cup game rather than a home and away.

[ShanBoi]

Credit to the Hawks. Looked like they wanted it more than the Dees. I concede that Hawthorn had some valuable experience out, but I won't be slitting my wrists because the match winners we had out.

My only concern for MFC is the constant running out of legs that happens year after year. God I hope they address it over the next month, or we'll be mid table.

Round 2 is the real game folks.

The winners can then truly enjoy bragging rights.

I can also assure you that Buddy won't kick 5 again against the Dees next time. I'm kind of glad he dominated in a NAB Cup game rather than a home and away.

Psst he kicked a bag of 6 twice last year in two match winning performances vs the tiges and carlton. Hardly formidable opponents but its not like he cant turn it on and this was a fluke!

[Hawk0373]

Whelan is one of the best BP's in the comp and important to our defense.

Sylvia is fringe, I admit. Moloney was top 5 in our BnF in 2005, was injured last year.

And Bartram played every game last year, tagging the opps best midfielder every week (with mroe success than Andrew Walker I might add).

And Pickett played some absolute rippers last year, so you clearly weren't watching.

Mate, every one of those players I listed is in our best 22, most in our best 18.

We had about 8 or 9 players we'd have in our best 22 out, you had 3 (and one was Vandenberg who is terrible, the other is Osborne who is just as bad).

I'm not saying its an excuse, because it's the NAB cup and I couldn't give a sh*t either way. I'm just pointing out some facts for you Hawks fans who haven't been paying attention to footy recently (understandably).

Osbourne is as good as Whelan, missed most of '06 due to injury. He'll be back. Was averaging 14 disposals, 4 tackles and kicked 3 goals in his only 4 games.

Dixon, Croad, Smith, Murphy and Jacobs (who didn't play) are in our best 22. Vanders is good for us when he isn't in knuckle mode - hopefully he has rectified his ways and goes back to playing hard at the ball. Big year for him.

So I guess that makes 7 we had out, including the captain.

Melbourne has pretty good depth actually, been a while since you could boast this.

[captain subtext]

Osbourne is nowhere near Whelan.

[ShanBoi]

whealan is nowhere near one of the best backmen in the league lol