I hadn't planned on doing this week's preview - but seems we're a bit stuck for authors, hence why the hell not.
Fair warning though. This is a 10 minute rush job (after a game of divvy 5 floorball) & not the normal DQ deep dive into the forthcoming proceedings.
The Details
Venue: the MCG (the scene of so many painful memories in recent times)
Time: 3.20pm AEST, Sunday
Weather: Its Melbourne so I'm not hazarding a guess
Game Analysis
Melbourne has found a bit of form lately. They've quietly won 4 of their last 5 & have gone from media whipping boys to "meh, GWS and Freo are much more fun to pillory".
Their victory over a disappointing Lions last week was built off the back of intensity and Max Gawn going beast mode.
The shift of Clayton Oliver into a tagging role has been particularly effective. Don't be surprised if he pesters the life out of Chad this week.
Of course, Big Cox will be awake to that plan and will thus deploy JJ to tag Oliver.
Simon Goodwin, that sly middle-aged fox, will respond in kind, by sending Kade Chandler to tag JJ.
And so the cycle will continue, until every player on the field is tagging and being tagged.
As a result, Joel Hamling, by minding his own business and never leaving the goal square will probably lead the disposal count, with a game-high 4. Maybe.
As for the Swans, unfortunately it still appears to be Heeney & Chad or bust. Which leads us to the team selection, the most interesting part of this week's equation.
The Teams
Will he or won't he?
Thats the big question. Does Mills return?
In my view, yes, he will - in some capacity. McInerney's latest clumsy excuse for a bump may force Cox's hand. Expect to see Mills either with a sub vest at the start or end of the game.
Hayden McLean, despite being largely unsighted in the VFL, seems likely to get a reprieve due to the Armatey Bumpy Party that got a bit out of hand. The AFL may be keen to get a Buller on the field to spike Demon's fans interest and drive up crowd numbers, but I don't think the Swans will play ball.
The final forced change will be for the luckless Aaron Francis. Taylor Adams may be called upon to patrol the forward line, or else Ben Paton may get another chance, if Joel Hamling is to remain our star full forward.
Personally, I felt so sorry for Paton two weeks ago. His look of sheer dejection as he sat on the bench after being subbed off broke my heart. Giving him another chance would be akin to Old Yeller making a miraculous recovery at the end of the movie. A truly uplifting story.
And of course, if Cox decides to axe Gus Sheldrick, riots will ensue on Driver Avenue.
As for Melbourne, they're basically at full strength. Jake Lever likely returns, as may Jack Viney. Their injury list is the stuff dreams are made of.
Lucky sods.
The Verdict
It feels like two middling sides playing off for relevancy in 2025 this week (note to Bonz, I am in no way suggesting either club is irrelevant).
A real toss-of-the-coin encounter that could easily go either way.
Ultimately, it might just come down to how often we kick it to Max Gawn.
I'm going to have faith & tip the Swans by 2 goals. Who said I'm a glass half empty kinda guy?
Cheer cheer.
Fair warning though. This is a 10 minute rush job (after a game of divvy 5 floorball) & not the normal DQ deep dive into the forthcoming proceedings.
The Details
Venue: the MCG (the scene of so many painful memories in recent times)
Time: 3.20pm AEST, Sunday
Weather: Its Melbourne so I'm not hazarding a guess
Game Analysis
Melbourne has found a bit of form lately. They've quietly won 4 of their last 5 & have gone from media whipping boys to "meh, GWS and Freo are much more fun to pillory".
Their victory over a disappointing Lions last week was built off the back of intensity and Max Gawn going beast mode.
The shift of Clayton Oliver into a tagging role has been particularly effective. Don't be surprised if he pesters the life out of Chad this week.
Of course, Big Cox will be awake to that plan and will thus deploy JJ to tag Oliver.
Simon Goodwin, that sly middle-aged fox, will respond in kind, by sending Kade Chandler to tag JJ.
And so the cycle will continue, until every player on the field is tagging and being tagged.
As a result, Joel Hamling, by minding his own business and never leaving the goal square will probably lead the disposal count, with a game-high 4. Maybe.
As for the Swans, unfortunately it still appears to be Heeney & Chad or bust. Which leads us to the team selection, the most interesting part of this week's equation.
The Teams
Will he or won't he?
Thats the big question. Does Mills return?
In my view, yes, he will - in some capacity. McInerney's latest clumsy excuse for a bump may force Cox's hand. Expect to see Mills either with a sub vest at the start or end of the game.
Hayden McLean, despite being largely unsighted in the VFL, seems likely to get a reprieve due to the Armatey Bumpy Party that got a bit out of hand. The AFL may be keen to get a Buller on the field to spike Demon's fans interest and drive up crowd numbers, but I don't think the Swans will play ball.
The final forced change will be for the luckless Aaron Francis. Taylor Adams may be called upon to patrol the forward line, or else Ben Paton may get another chance, if Joel Hamling is to remain our star full forward.
Personally, I felt so sorry for Paton two weeks ago. His look of sheer dejection as he sat on the bench after being subbed off broke my heart. Giving him another chance would be akin to Old Yeller making a miraculous recovery at the end of the movie. A truly uplifting story.
And of course, if Cox decides to axe Gus Sheldrick, riots will ensue on Driver Avenue.
As for Melbourne, they're basically at full strength. Jake Lever likely returns, as may Jack Viney. Their injury list is the stuff dreams are made of.
Lucky sods.
The Verdict
It feels like two middling sides playing off for relevancy in 2025 this week (note to Bonz, I am in no way suggesting either club is irrelevant).
A real toss-of-the-coin encounter that could easily go either way.
Ultimately, it might just come down to how often we kick it to Max Gawn.
I'm going to have faith & tip the Swans by 2 goals. Who said I'm a glass half empty kinda guy?
Cheer cheer.
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