Squad announced: Essendon Vs Melbourne Saturday 1pm @ Visy Park

[AS9]

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=7252

2. Ricky DYSON
3. Scott GUMBLETON
4. Jobe WATSON ©
5. Brent STANTON
6. Angus MONFRIES
8. Jason WINDERLICH
9. Brent PRISMALL
10. Mark McVEIGH
12. Andrew WELSH (VC)
14. Sam LONERGAN
15. Courtenay DEMPSEY
16. Tayte PEARS
17. Jake MELKSHAM
19. David HILLE
20. Henry SLATTERY
23. David MYERS
25. Michael STILL
26. Cale HOOKER
27. Jason LAYCOCK
29. Alwyn DAVEY
30. Patrick RYDER
31. Dustin FLETCHER
33. Mark WILLIAMS
37. Kyle REIMERS
39. Heath HOCKING
40. Ben HOWLETT

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=7252

[AS9]

Good to see Laycock, Ryder and Hille all named.

I'll definitely be heading there on Saturday.

I think we'll line up something like:

B: Slattery Pears Fletcher
HB: Dempsey Hooker McVeigh
C: Dyson Watson Stanton
HF: Winderlich Laycock Monfries
F: Davey Hille Williams
R: Ryder Prismall Welsh
Int: Gumbleton, Myers, Lonergan, Hocking, Reimers

With Howlett, Melksham and Still missing out.

[LeeARM]

I think it'll be good to see if Laycock can play as a key forward although I'm concerned that Neagle isn't in the squad. He's not on the injury list so I assume it's because he's not putting in the effort. It's a shame but hopefully Laycock, Gumbleton and Still can play a good game.

[thebigboy]

Good to see Laycock, Ryder and Hille all named.

I'll definitely be heading there on Saturday.

I think we'll line up something like:

B: Slattery Pears Fletcher
HB: Dempsey Hooker McVeigh
C: Dyson Watson Stanton
HF: Winderlich Laycock Monfries
F: Davey Hille Williams
R: Ryder Prismall Welsh
Int: Gumbleton, Myers, Lonergan, Hocking, Reimers

With Howlett, Melksham and Still missing out.

I can see Melksham getting a run.

Pretty strong side. Ill be honest, I'll be very disappointed if we didn't win.

[AS9]

I can see Melksham getting a run.

Pretty strong side. Ill be honest, I'll be very disappointed if we didn't win.

I was thinking along the same lines but I just think of who I'd take out.

Interesting to see Lovett-Murray, Jetta, Neagle, Houli and Zaharakis not named.

[Smokin]

only 1 is cut correct? (with 2 as subs).

Wouldnt shock me to see both gumby (if he plays) and Hille to sub, and both play a half as forwards.

Laycock and Ryder to share Ruck/forward duties, Williams and Still to be forward lead up options with one of Hille/Gumby of course.

The whole forward setup is absolutely intriguing and will be watched closely by all no doubt.

With so much height, was somewhat surprised Zaka and Jetta didnt make it for some ground level work, but I feel they will be told to play a lot on ball on Friday to get their tanks and confidence up.

[banta]

yeah looks a very strong squad on paper. hope the young blokes like Melksham and Still get some good game time. i would've liked to see zaha and jetta get a run as they would be on the borderline for selection this year, but i'm sure the coaching stuff will get match practice into them another way.

[beev]

Those not selected play for Bendigo against Coburg on Friday right?

[AS9]

Those not selected play for Bendigo against Coburg on Friday right?
2pm, Friday 26th February at Highgate Reserve, Craigeburn

[Giggidy Giggidy]

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=7252

Essendon players not selected for the Melbourne game would play in a practice match against a Richmond second-18 at 2pm, Friday 26th February at Highgate Reserve, Craigeburn (cnr Grand Blvd and Cleveland Drive - Mel 386 J3). Please Note: Fans are welcome to attend but there will be no public facilties at the oval (including no shade, seating or toilets).

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=7252

Obviously a new venue... just a vacant lot on google maps!

[gO_bOmBeRz]

is anyone going to the game ?

[AS9]

I'll be going on Saturday but not Friday as I have work.

[Here_we_come]

Anyone know if this match is being televised?

[Wahooti Fandango]

is anyone going to the game ?

Yep. :thumbsu:

[Frothies Mcveigh]

is anyone going to the game ?

I'm going. Surprised to see Gumbleton named.

[gO_bOmBeRz]

hopefully some of the people which are going can inform us about how both games go :D

[YouveBeenReimered]

Too many big names for my liking. I'd like to see the likes of McVeigh, Watson, Pears and Welsh rested.

Good to see the three ruckman and Gumby named though.

[AhSteveSteve27]

Too many big names for my liking. I'd like to see the likes of McVeigh, Watson, Pears and Welsh rested.

Good to see the three ruckman and Gumby named though.

Spike probably needs the games seeing as he will be 'unavailable' round 1.

[dave_27]

Too many big names for my liking. I'd like to see the likes of McVeigh, Watson, Pears and Welsh rested.


They already had last week off to rest.

[Bombers36]

Fletch Pears Welsh
Dempsey Hooker McVeigh
Dyson Watson Prismall
Monfries Gumbleton Reimers
Hille M.Williams Davey

Ryder Winderlich Stanton

H.Slat Laycock Lonergan Myers Hocking

If Melksham, Howlett & Still miss then its pretty much our best players all on the park (except for Hurley)
NLM & Neagle other obvious ommissions who are on the fringe of the best 22, cant see anyone else important missing with Jetta, T.Slat, Atkinson, Zaharkis, Houli probably better served at Bendigo at this point.
Super strong ruck division, feel sorry for Bellchambers will battle to get a run in our best 22.

[daffo]

Too many big names for my liking. I'd like to see the likes of McVeigh, Watson, Pears and Welsh rested.

Good to see the three ruckman and Gumby named though.


That's so stupid! If they are fit then play them. We are playing the Cats round one, everyone needs to be ready.

[donspremiers]

Fletch Pears Welsh
Dempsey Hooker McVeigh
Dyson Watson Prismall
Monfries Gumbleton Reimers
Hille M.Williams Davey

Ryder Winderlich Stanton

H.Slat Laycock Lonergan Myers Hocking

If Melksham, Howlett & Still miss then its pretty much our best players all on the park (except for Hurley)
NLM & Neagle other obvious ommissions who are on the fringe of the best 22, cant see anyone else important missing with Jetta, T.Slat, Atkinson, Zaharkis, Houli probably better served at Bendigo at this point.
Super strong ruck division, feel sorry for Bellchambers will battle to get a run in our best 22.

I think Bellchambers will actually get the second ruck responsabilities this season but Laycock will get to play the first few games just to give him a chance. Laycock will struggle and be omitted at the end of the season IMO but I hope he proves me wrong.

Still looks promising but is too slender at the moment to make any real threat against good teams.

Knights definately has his favourites and he changes his mind very quickly. Neagle must of shagged Mrs knights over the pre-season to be dropped from a practice match when he clearly needs match fitness.

I'm going to the game Saturday and hope to see Melks and Gumby get a run.

[hank31]

good squad named... although i really would have liked to see Jetta have a run again.. I was impressed with him in perth and was really hoping he would have the opertunities to have a crack for the best 22 throughout the NAB challenge.. other than that i would love to see T.Slattery have a run instead of H.Slattery...
Ah well im going and i look forward to watching Gumby having a run!

[rusman]

chuck neagle in the gutz for the reserves just to get some fitness. (will get owned but thats what reserves are for improving 1s) :p

[saladodger]

Why no Neagle?

[LeeARM]

I think Bellchambers will actually get the second ruck responsabilities this season but Laycock will get to play the first few games just to give him a chance..

I would have thought the second ruck would be Ryder or Hille and even if one of them got injured I'd easily put Laycock ahead of Bellchambers.

[Smyth94]

Why no Neagle?

No more free games for the fatty

[LeeARM]

No more free games for the fatty

I have no objection to him not getting games if he doesn't deserve them. I am disappointed to see that he isn't earning them though.

[nickh32]

The Melbourne squad
1. Matthew Warnock, 2. Nathan Jones, 3. Clint Bartram, 5. Jordan Gysberts, 7. Brad Miller, 8. James Frawley, 9. Jack Trengove, 10. Cale Morton, 12. Colin Sylvia, 13. Jordie McKenzie, 15. Ricky Petterd, 16. Jack Grimes, 18. Brad Green, 19. Addam Maric, 21. Daniel Bell, 22. Brent Moloney, 23. James McDonald, 24. Liam Jurrah, 25. Kyle Cheney, 27. Jared Rivers, 28. Joel MacDonald, 29. Michael Newton, 31. Tom Scully, 34. Stefan Martin, 40. Mark Jamar, 43. Jamie Bennell, 44. Rohan Bail, 47. James Strauss, 48. Jack Fitzpatrick.

They got a fair few big names in bruce and davey out thats all i really know from melbourne who are good.

But comapred to our team

2. Ricky Dyson, 3. Scott Gumbleton, 4. Jobe Watson, 5. Brent Stanton, 6. Angus Monfries, 8. Jason Winderlich, 9. Brent Prismall, 10. Mark McVeigh, 12. Andrew Welsh, 14. Sam Lonergan, 15. Courtenay Dempsey, 16. Tayte Pears, 17. Jake Melksham, 19. David Hille, 20. Henry Slattery, 23. David Myers, 25. Michael Still, 26. Cale Hooker, 27. Jason Laycock, 29. Alwyn Davey, 30. Patrick Ryder, 31. Dustin Fletcher, 33. Mark Williams, 37. Kyle Reimers, 39. Heath Hocking, 40. Ben Howlett.

Looks like it should be easy for us.

[DogMclaren]

'Meanwhile, Scott Gumbleton has been ruled out of Saturday's 1pm clash with Melbourne at Visy Park. The tall forward trained well during the week but the club has been decided to rest him as a precaution'


http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=7255

not sure if this is good or bad....... good to keep him fresh but maybe is it time he just played? a bit like licca last year perhaps.

[dave_27]

Cant keep hiding the boy Essendon. You have to let him play sooner or later.

[bombersno1]

I agree with this move. Don't play him unless he is 120% fit.

[LeeARM]

I don't like that they said he "trained well during the week" and they're still resting him. They didn't say he was sore and he could really use some game time. Chances are he's forgotten how to actually play football after 2 years of recovery and training.

[Nuts4Bolts]

I think it'll be good to see if Laycock can play as a key forward although I'm concerned that Neagle isn't in the squad. He's not on the injury list so I assume it's because he's not putting in the effort. It's a shame but hopefully Laycock, Gumbleton and Still can play a good game.

What odds on Laycock, Neagle and Gumbleton to play in a game together?

[LeeARM]

What odds on Laycock, Neagle and Gumbleton to play in a game together?

Not great, why?

[efcboy]

i'll be attending both games and will attempt to record some statistics.

[stay true]

i'll be attending both games and will attempt to record some statistics.
Champion Data ranking points preferably.;)

[hank31]

Cant keep hiding the boy Essendon. You have to let him play sooner or later.

agrred dave, cant keep wrapping him in cotton wool.. im at the point where im not even going to think about him in the side until he proves me wrong!

[Wahooti Fandango]

May not make it now as I have too much uni stuff to do. :(

[eth-dog]

What odds on Laycock, Neagle and Gumbleton to play in a game together?
about 10^55 to 1, why?

[rainman06]

I agree with this move. Don't play him unless he is 120% fit.

He is never going to be 120% fit if we dont play him. We have to take some risks with him sooner or later. Im sick of this.

[YouveBeenReimered]

I don't think I have to go back a page to understand who we're talking about haha.

And on another note, I dunno what the difference is between Neagle playing reserves and a practice game for the Dons is. May as well play tomorrow..... :confused:

[bombers_4_ever]

My family will be there. But i also heard that members get free entry but we haven't received our memberships yet.

[ghostdog]

Does anyone know where I can catch a radio stream?

[Skeeta Olly]

Not sure if there is one.

Updates:

http://twitter.com/essendon_FC

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/matches/live.asp?round_no=-4

[YouveBeenReimered]

Middle of the first term:

ESS 3.1 19
MELB 0.3 3

Lonergan 2, Hille 1

[EFL Boy]

24 minutes into the 1st Quarter...

Essendon 6.1.37
Melbourne 0.5.5

Lonergan 2, Hille, Williams, Davey, Stanton.

[Kong]

Apparently Melksham and Myers have both started well, getting a fair bit of the ball.

[EFL Boy]

Dees get 2 goals in quick succession.

[EFL Boy]

Quarter Time.

Essendon 6.1.37
Melbourne 2.6.18

(Ess): Lonergan 2, Hille, Williams, Davey, Stanton.
(Melb): Jones, Grimes.

[Hannabal]

Quarter Time.

Essendon 6.1.37
Melbourne 2.6.18

(Ess): Lonergan 2, Hille, Williams, Davey, Stanton.
(Melb): James, Grimes.

Jones

[ghostdog]

Melksham with about 10 touches to quarter time :thumbsu:

[Strike Swiftly]

Did gumby run out before the game? I didn't see him. Is he a late withdraw?

EDIT: disregard, my bad.

[EFL Boy]

Gumby isn't playing.

[Kong]

Gumbleton is being rested. Apparently passed the physical with flying colours yesterday, though.

My comment was responded to on the Essendon feed, no big deal.

[Kong]

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/matches/live.asp?round_no=-4Hille has probably been the best ruckman so far. Forward line is playing deep and looks very organised.

Best 5 in the first half was: Watson, Lonergan, McVeigh, Melksham and Hillehttp://www.essendonfc.com.au/matches/live.asp?round_no=-4

Happy with that!

[theboxmike]

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/matches/live.asp?round_no=-4

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/matches/live.asp?round_no=-4

Happy with that!

Hille back to his best?:D

Also i'm pretty disappointed how were only up by 20....

[Kong]

Melksham has started this quarter great. 4 or 5 touches already.http://i36.tinypic.com/dw5fsh.jpg

[YouveBeenReimered]

Good to see Hille and Ryder are doing ok, and I'm suspecting no injuries thus far? That's always good news.

For those that may know, how are Watson, McVeigh, Welsh and Prismall going?

[Mecha]

Bit embarrassing we are only up by 21. Freo smashed them by 10 goals :(

[fishguts]

Bit embarrassing we are only up by 21. Freo smashed them by 10 goals :(

It's raining...

[YouveBeenReimered]

It's raining...

And it's a practice game...... again without any key forwards in the forward line (Gumbleton, Neagle, Hurley).

[abers47]

SEN update - Dempsey our best player. Fletch and Ryder also doing well.:thumbsu:

[Mecha]

Got down to 15 points for a second. Was a bit worried.

All good now, back out to 33.

[Gpat]

My spies tell me Laycock is playing key forward and looking ok!

[YouveBeenReimered]

Good spread of goalkickers too which is nice to see.

[Call Me Cake]

Bit embarrassing we are only up by 21. Freo smashed them by 10 goals :(

Maybe it'd be a good idea to let the match get close to finishing first?

4th Quarter - Time: 17:09:

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/images/logo-ess-small.gif 16.10 (106)
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/images/logo-melb-small.gif 9.13 (67)

[YouveBeenReimered]

A few Questions to those who braved the weather and went:

1.) Is Reimers playing and if so, how's he travelling?

2.) How's our midfield and ruck stocks looked?

3.) How are Pears, Fletch, Hooker, Slattery and Dempsey going?

4.) Has it been our usual run and carry game? Or have we adjusted for the conditions

[Charliebrow 16]

Appears that it was a good effort. Forty points in difficult conditions and without injury is a very good result :thumbsu:

[YouveBeenReimered]

Good to see us finish off a game. Watson, McVeigh, Lonergan, Hocking, Stanton, Welsh, Winderlich kicking goals is great to see. Need our midfield doing a lot of this.

[Mecha]

Did Willo play a full game? Only 1 goal isn't good enough when no Hurley, Gumby, Neagle to take away your opportunities.

[fishguts]

Did Willo play a full game? Only 1 goal isn't good enough when no Hurley, Gumby, Neagle to take away your opportunities.

One of Laycock, Hille and Ryder was rucking whilst the other 2 were CHF and FF for this game apparently.

[Call Me Cake]

http://i47.tinypic.com/2dkefz7.jpg

Good result.

Ryder coming back into the side for the first time in ages and kicking 3 is a very positive sign. We were really lacking talls like him in the game against the Eagles.

As for Williams only kicking 1 goal, IMO he doesn't have to prove himself in a practice game, he's already done this. Either way he isn't meant to be seen as our main forward as he is just another small forward option who is able to compliment Monfries, and a good one at that. Considering the fact that our midfield were sharing most of the goals today, we didn't need a bag from any one of them anyway and with a score like that, I have no doubts of our depth.

With that said, the real winners of any of these practice matches are the ones who come out injury free.

Injuries
Essendon: Nil. :thumbsu:

[Trav0]

grimes 3, he didnt kick 3 all year last year did he? possible hes worth the SC cash?

Injury free = awesome!!
paddy 3 = awesome
midfield goals = awesome
davey goals = awesome!

id hope laycock was doing a lot of rucking if he was playing CHF or FF whilst not rucking for no goals

[un_eggs]

Went to the game.

Dempsey easily our best. Off the top of my head I was impressed by;
Hooker, (backs himself and showing more poise)
Hille (moved well and good touch),
FLetcher (defence noticeably poorer when off the ground),
Melksham (knows how to find the ball),
Myers (Looked good in patches)
Ryder (when forward)
Laycock (uninjured)
Stanton (ran all day)

Unimpressed by;
Williams (complete lack of intensity)
Laycock (no confidence in himself)
Reimers (needs to be more consistent. Turns players inside out to create goals better than anyone but might only do it twice a game)
Overall disposal (kicking short of our targets and handballing to players manned up. Melbourne must be awful if we can beat them by 40 points playing like we did today).

Will be offline for a while people but happy to answer questions later.

[Lance Uppercut]

impressed with Melkshamwow. Very clean hands a beautiful mover. Must have spent a bit of the 2nd half on the bench, but looks a good pick-up. Slotted into the middle very nicely.

Hille & Ryder were both excellent, as was Dempsey. Myers was pretty handy too I thought. I liked Lonergan's game too. Great to see Jobe kick a very nice goal. Howlett was actually pretty good too! Seemed to gather quite a bit of ball in the last quarter.

Not so impressed with Reimers, didn't do a great deal that I saw. Davey tried hard and looked to have a bit of zip. Pears was good.

For the Dees, Scully shanked a couple of kicks, but made up for it with a few beautifully weighted passes. Trengove tried to get a bit physical in the centre at one point, and that was pretty much all he did. He did have one nice touch that set up a goal. Jurrah again wasn't great, although looked pretty dangerous in the midfield tbh. I was actually pretty impressed with Morton I have to say. Looks a bit bigger, and at one point he actually seemed to impose himself physically on a contest - I shit you not.

All in all the Dees skills pretty poor. Substandard skills, and their decision-making was shocking. We were pretty lucky they kicked so poorly in the first quarter, racking up 5 behinds before a goal. Conversely, at one point we were something like 8 goals 2 behinds, although it evened up through the course of the day.

Our delivery into the forward line was frustrating. Still didn't seem to do much at all, but most of the kicks seemed to be high and didn't give the forwards much chance. Having said that, both Hille & Ryder looked dangerous up forward. Williams did SFA, might have got a goal late.

We played the conditions pretty well I thought. A lot of short kicks that hit targets. We didn't seem to miss too many handballs, with a few notable exceptions. One thing we did a fair bit that I found a bit frustrating was we went backwards a lot. Players were more than happy to send the ball back in a big arc from the forward flanks to the back flanks to switch play. The positive thing about it was we kept the ball moving quite fast and were able to load up a few times to a spacious forward line. Again though, many of the kicks in were shit.

I think Knights would be pretty happy though. No injuries is a massive bonus, and a 40 point win is nice anytime it happens. We will look quite formidable with Hurley and, god willing, Gumbleton back in the team.

Looks like with Willo in the team, Neagle's going to really have to earn his spot, which is great.

Lastly, one very exciting thing to come out of the game for mine was the big Chook, old Lazycock. He was a bit rusty, but moved really well, and had a few good touches. One passage of play in particular he looked genuinely dynamic, moving the ball quickly, getting it on and running to receive again. If Laycock can become any kind of player, and fulfill his potential, he could be a real suprise weapon. I'm putting the wheels back on the Laycock bandwagon :thumbsu:

[bipolarbeaR]

THanks for reports guys, was nervous about this game (phew)

[Antz]

Hi guys

Did Gumbleton play and if so how did he go?

cheers

[Call Me Cake]

Hi guys

Did Gumbleton play?

Nope.

http://i46.tinypic.com/wnqs1.jpg

[Charliebrow 16]

Hi guys

Did Gumbleton play and if so how did he go?

cheers

As far as I'm aware Gumbleton was rested from both Essendon and Bendigo contests this weekend.

I'm putting the wheels back on the Laycock bandwagon :thumbsu:

I've never left. Let's get this thing rolling again!

[Kaiser Powser]

Highlights:

Fletcher was awesome. Could go on for ever

Hille showed great signs for someone of that size coming back from a knee. Moved well, worked hard around the ground.

Melksham, showed great composure, which I mark as one of the most crucial aspects in kids.

Dempsey, fantastic run and rebound

The man in my avatar and his three sons sat about two rows behind me

[Reyes_9]

"Still didn't seem to do much at all, but most of the kicks seemed to be high and didn't give the forwards much chance."

Im confused did Still actually take part in any of the game? The only time I spotted him he was kicking the ball over 5 metres in the 3quarter time huddle.

[Mad Bomber Sean]

impressed with Melkshamwow. Very clean hands a beautiful mover. Must have spent a bit of the 2nd half on the bench, but looks a good pick-up. Slotted into the middle very nicely.

Hille & Ryder were both excellent, as was Dempsey. Myers was pretty handy too I thought. I liked Lonergan's game too. Great to see Jobe kick a very nice goal. Howlett was actually pretty good too! Seemed to gather quite a bit of ball in the last quarter.

Not so impressed with Reimers, didn't do a great deal that I saw. Davey tried hard and looked to have a bit of zip. Pears was good.

For the Dees, Scully shanked a couple of kicks, but made up for it with a few beautifully weighted passes. Trengove tried to get a bit physical in the centre at one point, and that was pretty much all he did. He did have one nice touch that set up a goal. Jurrah again wasn't great, although looked pretty dangerous in the midfield tbh. I was actually pretty impressed with Morton I have to say. Looks a bit bigger, and at one point he actually seemed to impose himself physically on a contest - I shit you not.

All in all the Dees skills pretty poor. Substandard skills, and their decision-making was shocking. We were pretty lucky they kicked so poorly in the first quarter, racking up 5 behinds before a goal. Conversely, at one point we were something like 8 goals 2 behinds, although it evened up through the course of the day.

Our delivery into the forward line was frustrating. Still didn't seem to do much at all, but most of the kicks seemed to be high and didn't give the forwards much chance. Having said that, both Hille & Ryder looked dangerous up forward. Williams did SFA, might have got a goal late.

We played the conditions pretty well I thought. A lot of short kicks that hit targets. We didn't seem to miss too many handballs, with a few notable exceptions. One thing we did a fair bit that I found a bit frustrating was we went backwards a lot. Players were more than happy to send the ball back in a big arc from the forward flanks to the back flanks to switch play. The positive thing about it was we kept the ball moving quite fast and were able to load up a few times to a spacious forward line. Again though, many of the kicks in were shit.

I think Knights would be pretty happy though. No injuries is a massive bonus, and a 40 point win is nice anytime it happens. We will look quite formidable with Hurley and, god willing, Gumbleton back in the team.

Looks like with Willo in the team, Neagle's going to really have to earn his spot, which is great.

Lastly, one very exciting thing to come out of the game for mine was the big Chook, old Lazycock. He was a bit rusty, but moved really well, and had a few good touches. One passage of play in particular he looked genuinely dynamic, moving the ball quickly, getting it on and running to receive again. If Laycock can become any kind of player, and fulfill his potential, he could be a real suprise weapon. I'm putting the wheels back on the Laycock bandwagon :thumbsu:

Great report Lance & co.

Excellent to win, injury free is such trying conditions.
Thanks for repairing the Laycock bandwagon.

Bit concerned about the lack of discipline & intensity of Reimers & Willo when guys like Darcy & Houli cant get a game.

[Lance Uppercut]

Im confused did Still actually take part in any of the game? The only time I spotted him he was kicking the ball over 5 metres in the 3quarter time huddle.

not sure, I certainly saw him on the field but that might have been during a break.

In my defence, I didn't really sleep last night, and I'm more than a little seedy

[BomberAce7]

Who do we play next?

[dave_27]

Wasnt particularly impressed with our midfield in parts, too much of the sameness about it. Really dont see a spot for Welsh in the side.

Geez Melbourne really look horrible at times, they have a very long season ahead of them.

[YouveBeenReimered]

Thanks for the reports guys!

Sounds like we have a real good prospect on our hands in Melksham. Top work recruiting staff!

Shame about Reimers and Willo's intensity today, but hey, we all had the same attitude as them about this game I think :P

[LeeARM]

Really dont see a spot for Welsh in the side.

We made him our vice captain and he doesn't fit into our side? That doesn't sound great.

[MFCforever]

Gotta say from a different point of view you blokes aren't looking as good as you think. Near full strength side playing against absolute kids, not using this as an excuse. Winderlick and McVeigh are peehearts and even though it was only a practice match the umpiring was dreadful, seriously aweful. Hille is a long way from his best as you would expect coming back from a serious injury like he had. Now just off the top of my head MFC had Bate, Green, Bruce, Davey, McDonald, Johnson, Wonna and a few others out. With these inclusions in it would have made a bit of a difference. I think essendon are in for a longer year than it's supporters think.

[YouveBeenReimered]

Gotta say from a different point of view you blokes aren't looking as good as you think. Near full strength side playing against absolute kids, not using this as an excuse. Winderlick and McVeigh are peehearts and even though it was only a practice match the umpiring was dreadful, seriously aweful. Hille is a long way from his best as you would expect coming back from a serious injury like he had. Now just off the top of my head MFC had Bate, Green, Bruce, Davey, McDonald, Johnson, Wonna and a few others out. With these inclusions in it would have made a bit of a difference. I think essendon are in for a longer year than it's supporters thinks.

Because other than Davey and Green, those Melbourne players you named would make such a difference....

Also we had 23 players, you had 28.

We had no key forwards playing, and a lot of blokes playing their first game for the year.

It's a practice match, if we lost, I wouldn't be fussed, I just look for what comes out of the games, and to have Ryder and Hille playing well in their first games back (especially Hille), the midfield all chiming in with plenty of goals, the defence playing well and Dempsey being BOG is a pretty impressive game for me.

We may be in for a long year, but that's simply because our draw is a bitch.

You just sound like you're pissed off that your team lost a practice match tbfh.

[Trav0]

Gotta say from a different point of view you blokes aren't looking as good as you think. Near full strength side playing against absolute kids, not using this as an excuse. Winderlick and McVeigh are peehearts and even though it was only a practice match the umpiring was dreadful, seriously aweful. Hille is a long way from his best as you would expect coming back from a serious injury like he had. Now just off the top of my head MFC had Bate, Green, Bruce, Davey, McDonald, Johnson, Wonna and a few others out. With these inclusions in it would have made a bit of a difference. I think essendon are in for a longer year than it's supporters think.

have you read the posts??, i dont think anyone is really saying we played well!! and i would hardly say near full strength! with most of the forward line out and 2ruckman first games back! plus its the second praccie of the year, and you put wonnamearri as one of your outs? like he would make a difference

[High Ryder]

To be honest i wasn't that impressed.


Only thing i took from todays game was that Paddy should play between FF and CHF. Is capable of kicking 50 + goals imo.

[YouveBeenReimered]

I just read this from BB. Was a good, detailed report:

Just got home from the game. It was a good win, but I left feeling like we just haven't improved, except for perhaps our defensive pressure has improved a bit. As Sandbelt said, our performance was similar to the way we played many times last year. I know it is preseason, but after watching last week and today I have to come to the same conclusion - its the midfield. We are have premiership potential everywhere but in the midfield. We lack zip, class, accountability and good decision making in the midfield. I just don't think our midfield is good enough to match it with the top teams. I am excited about everything else but the midfield. IMO we are 2 or 3 class midfielders away from being a top 2 team.

There were many times today when Melbourne's midfield was clearly on top and it was Fletch, Pears and Dempsey who saved us down back and set up counter attacks. Our clearance work was poor and our mids turned it over too many times trying to centre the ball at CHF or CHB.
Putting aside all of that there were some good signs.

Hooker/Pears/Fletch - great KPBs who are capable of stopping any forward line. Fletch was superb and clearly BOG for me. Pears has setpped up again and Hooker looks at home at CHB.

Dempsey - a very good game from him. He just seems to win the ball and is so clever and fast on the rebound. Easily in our top 3 most important players. I wish we had another Dempsey so we could play Dempsey in the midfield

Hille - would have got a vote from me. He looks fit and he played like he hadn't missed a game. ready to go round 1. Many time he led up (gut running) from the forward line to create an option

Melksham - the kid can play. His hands and mind are quick and he can read the play. Next season he will be a first choice midfielder. He also has bit more zip than say Zak or Pris.

Pris - played well and didn't try to do too much like he did against the eagles. Expecting him to be our number 3 ranked mid behind Jobe and Spike.

Laycock - first quarter was so Lazycock. But after the poor first quarter he really started to get into the game and he did a few brilliant things. Very erratic and inconsistent and his ruck jumps we comically poor and badly timed

Myers - he was the one that impressed me the most today. He looked quick and reads the play well. He just seemed to be where the ball was and his role as the sweeper from defence was excellent. Besides that Carlton game in his first season, this is the best I have seen him play. He looked like a top 10 draft pick and his kicking from defence was long and precise. Very happy with Myers

Patty Ryder - Was awesome up forward and the ruck. If Laycock and Hille can Ruck he could be an AA forward (no crap). He floated from FF to CHF and flew for some great marks. More importantly he brought others into the game because when he flew with 3 defenders on him, that left Froggy, Williams, Gus and Licha to pick up the spills.


Jobe - was awesome and his ability to get the ball out from in close is freakish

Licha, Hocking were quiet. Hocking did some great things but also did soem stupid thongs trying to do too much. He needs to relaise he is not Chris Judd.

Welsh - good, but looked a little slow at times

McVeigh - good and had a big impact on the game

Number 40 (Howlett?) was impressive in the last quarter and his clearance work was great

Dyson was good and he set up many good attacks

Sat behind James Hird and his kids. His kids love Paddy Ryder !!!

I will post more later as I remember it

[Jono B]

Gotta say from a different point of view you blokes aren't looking as good as you think. Near full strength side playing against absolute kids, not using this as an excuse. Winderlick and McVeigh are peehearts and even though it was only a practice match the umpiring was dreadful, seriously aweful. Hille is a long way from his best as you would expect coming back from a serious injury like he had. Now just off the top of my head MFC had Bate, Green, Bruce, Davey, McDonald, Johnson, Wonna and a few others out. With these inclusions in it would have made a bit of a difference. I think essendon are in for a longer year than it's supporters think.

It is match practice.

I am pretty sure we would have been mostly happy to get some run into some important legs and have a fairly comfortable win.

I am not too worried about it as this time last year we were in a far worse state. As long as we have most of our list ready to go by round one we are doing fine and it looks like it will be the case.

[dave_27]

Gotta say from a different point of view you blokes aren't looking as good as you think. Near full strength side playing against absolute kids, not using this as an excuse. Winderlick and McVeigh are peehearts and even though it was only a practice match the umpiring was dreadful, seriously aweful. Hille is a long way from his best as you would expect coming back from a serious injury like he had. Now just off the top of my head MFC had Bate, Green, Bruce, Davey, McDonald, Johnson, Wonna and a few others out. With these inclusions in it would have made a bit of a difference. I think essendon are in for a longer year than it's supporters think.

Please.

Very amusing post but your club doesnt have alot going for it and I think most Essendon supporters though reasonable perhaps tempered in our expectations this year would expect to beat Melbourne comprehensively when the real stuff starts.

The game was over today after 20 mins and your feeling good about your club?

[MFCforever]

have you read the posts??, i dont think anyone is really saying we played well!! and i would hardly say near full strength! with most of the forward line out and 2ruckman first games back! plus its the second praccie of the year, and you put wonnamearri as one of your outs? like he would make a difference


So who are you missing from your forward line that would have played today and then who's spot would they have taken?

[marcuz]

So who are you missing from your forward line that would have played today and then who's spot would they have taken?

Neagle , Gumbleton, Hurley.

[YouveBeenReimered]

So who are you missing from your forward line that would have played today and then who's spot would they have taken?

Gumbleton, Neagle and Hurley would have played and three of the overflowing midfielders would have been dropped.

[Hannabal]

Bate, Green, Davey, Bruce, Watts, Wonaeamirri will make a difference to our side. We had one 100 game player out there.

Also, we had under a 6 day break coming back from Perth.

That said, we'll be bottom 3.

[Jono B]

So who are you missing from your forward line that would have played today and then who's spot would they have taken?
I think rotating 3 ruckmen through there was not plan A.