Changes v Freo

[CharlieMortdecai]

In the past I have stated that Mullet was held back from playing a role off half back because his defensive work was poor. This was indeed the case during the preseason games, specifically noticable in the intra-club, where he looked decent with ball in hand yet vulnerable defensively. The continued exposure of Mullett to that role over the course of the preseason and in 2012 VFL is paying dividends now.

Kennedy has no such noticeable defensive weaknesses as far as I am aware.

Actually judging from what nicko quoted, it sounds a bit similar:

FYI in regards to AK:
In the write up for VFL players on our website it says this about Kennedy:
Ayden Kennedy (19 possessions and 6 marks) worked hard in defence, finishing the match strongly.

“Ayden had some good penetration in the game, he defended well but other times, was a little slow to react. He’s just continually working to be really alert to get onto those opportunities to defend and cut his opponent out of the game.”

The mid-year review stated: "The challenge for Ayden is to replicate those qualities consistently at VFL level." Which is a little bit mind-boggling, not just because of the wraps he gets on here, but the fact that he is frequently listed in the bests at VFL level.

Surely the time is now for him to have a crack at AFL level?

 

[FAILTOSUCCEED]

Actually judging from what nicko quoted, it sounds a bit similar:



The mid-year review stated: "The challenge for Ayden is to replicate those qualities consistently at VFL level." Which is a little bit mind-boggling, not just because of the wraps he gets on here, but the fact that he is frequently listed in the bests at VFL level.

Surely the time is now for him to have a crack at AFL level?

Agree. Surely he deserves an opportunity now, when many others are failing to hold up to the required standards.

McMahon, MacMillan, Firrito all massively underperforming.

BRING HIM IN.

 

[Flawed Genius]

Here:

http://www.nmfc.com.au/news/2013-06-18/many-happy-returns

After several weeks on the sidelines, Daniel Currie and Kieran Harper have both made successful returns from injury, and to the delight of many North Melbourne supporters the pair are looking forward to a big second half of the year.

Currie missed five weeks after injuring his right thumb playing for Werribee in early May, and the ruckman was rapt to take his place in the ruck on Saturday.

“It was good to get back into it and be a part of a winning game,” Currie told NMFC.com.au.

“It was five weeks out but I was lucky I only ended up missing three VFL games because of the bye and the Foxtel Cup.

“It was nice to blow the cobwebs out because you can be a bit rusty after missing a few games, but I was really pleased to get through and be able to build on that for next week.”

With 45 hit-outs to his name, Currie was quick to put himself in the mix for senior selection again, but he almost didn’t play.

“It was still a bit unknown as to whether I was going to be playing or not until the Friday before the game when I got the all-clear. Once I got over the final tackling and marking test (at training), it was good to know that I was able to play,” Currie said.

“Once I had the go-ahead from the medical staff I was confident going into the game that I could have an impact and contribute and didn’t need to worry about the injury.”

Harper admits his first game back was less about the physical challenge and more about getting his confidence back in the ankle that saw him sidelined for three weeks.

“It was more of a mental battle trying to put it behind me and trying to get the demons out of my head that the injury was still there,” he said.

With 17 disposals and a goal, the classy small-forward did plenty to allay his fears.

“I pulled up fine after the game and probably felt even better afterwards than I felt beforehand. It was good to get a bit of game-time and match fitness which is hard after missing three weeks of footy.”

The ankle injury limited Harper’s ability to maintain his fitness throughout his rehabilitation, but the number 23 is determined to force his way back.

“My energy levels were through the roof because I was so happy to be back out there, but the hardest thing was probably just keeping up with the other guys,” he added.

“It was good I didn’t lack any energy but it was a bit tough just trying to keep up with the other blokes after losing some of my match fitness since the ankle. I just need to keep building up my confidence and then I can get back to 100 per cent fitness again.”

Not only was Harper delighted to make his return to football, he also had more reason to celebrate on his 21st birthday.

“It was a really good day... I had to rush back home from Bendigo to my 21st, but it was well worth it to be back out there playing again.

“Then I was able to spend the night surrounded by my family and friends which was nice.”

 

[Flawed Genius]

And this:

 

[Psicosis]

And this:

Good to finally have someone on the list who stands up when the game is on the line

 

[Snake_Baker]

And this:

Good on the kid for standing up a kicking a couple of opportunistic goals at the business end of the game, but you have to feel dudded if you are Cameron Richardson who did much more for a much greater period of the match.

Where are the Levi and Ayden videos that never seem to get posted?

This is just more "youth opium" designed to keep you docile and placated folks.

 

[LuvtheKangas]

Apologies for the intrusion guys, but just wondering if anyone has an update on Dan Currie? Love him as a player, and saw a few weeks ago that he was slated to return about now, but haven't heard any updates since. Is he expected to play VFL this weekend? Perhaps a chance to play in the seniors in the next month alongside Goldstein or is it basically one or the other?

This got lost in the middle of a shitfight. To answer, Dan had his first game back from the broken thumb on the weekend, was named in the bests and got 46 or 47 hitouts.

Frankly, I'd play him against Freo this week. Goldy-Currie double team, why not? Sirra out.

Along with Greenwood and Anthony who have earned their spots back, for Adams and Wright. I am a big fan of Patch and not such a rap for LA, but it needs to be done on form.

And the drum beating for Kennedy has won me over too. JMac is another favourite of mine, but has been poor lately so probably needs a spell in the VFL.

 

[RobZombie]

Doubt it. Mullet and Black have been brought in, we debuted Daw and Siera and gave Jacobs a crack early. Greenwood is a safer bet than others due to age, size, time at club so don't think he falls into the gun shy category.

The only player in the VFL showing close to consistent/compelling form is Kennedy but moving him out probably means the end of Firrito or McMahon. They are maybe struggling with taking experience out of the backline, but hardly represents a refusal to give young guys a go.

Anyway, I think Greenwood, AK and Gysberts should play for Siera, McMahon and Macmillan.

Yeah, fair call. I was thinking how basically our core group of kids are from 2010 and earlier, while from the 2011-2012 drafts, really only Gibson and Luke Delaney have seen much action. At the same time the likes of Geelong and Collingwood seem to be cycling through lots of kids while performing better than us.

 

[Higgins2Waite]

AK...NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Snake_Baker]

And this:

People who go ballistic about Anthonys kicking would also want to look closely at this footage.

 

[Hearts to hearts]

Most of our ******* side is too slow to react.

It is hilarious that that is an excuse for him to stay in the VFL.

VFL is a fair bit slower than AFL, though. Not arguing against his selection, especially the way some senior players have been going, but I don't think you can equate reaction times at the two levels.

 

[Arthur Cloke]

Luke Wilkshire = The Pudding.

 

[Only Forwards]

So in thinking about the changes that need to be made for the Freo game, I have come up with one.

We cannot and I mean completely cannot switch the ball at the glacial pace with which we do.

Last year Lyon sat back and waited for us to do that. Those cheap uncontested possessions across half back well they in part lead to our down fall because of the sheer pressure that Freo put on them.

Thinking about our current form, and Lyon's record against us I cannot see us winning this game. It'd take something pretty big to get us over the line.

This is not a game where our current style of play will get us the points, our current (when on) style of play relies far to heavily on uncontested ball to set up the play. Uncontested ball we simply will not be afforded.

 

[ThePezDispenser]

Under any other previous North coach we would win this game. These were our bread and butter back in the day. Back up against the wall, an absolute need for a win and we'd get it done.

Sadly I can see it being like every other time we've played a Ross Lyon team against BS. Think we're in the game the whole time, yet never being able to score enough to trouble them.

 

[Jack Reacher]

So who is tipping B.Scott to make the usual 1 change?

Should be;

Out: MacMillan, Adams, Atley, Bastinac, Mullet, Hansen, Sierrakowski
In: Not fussed, just need to make a statement that mediocre efforts are NOT ACCEPTABLE

 

[FAILTOSUCCEED]

So who is tipping B.Scott to make the usual 1 change?

Should be;

Out: MacMillan, Adams, Atley, Bastinac, Mullet, Hansen, Sierrakowski
In: Not fussed, just need to make a statement that mediocre efforts are NOT ACCEPTABLE

We won't have a decent team to field if we take out Mullett, Basti & Atley. These players MUST play all year now, they need to develop as fast as possible, and VFL won't help them do that.

Agree on the others though. Play the kids that we expect to be there long term, EG. McKenzie, Garner (when fit enough), Hine.

We need to sus out the players we have traded in such as Gysberts & Jacobs, whether are keepers or just filling spots on the list, play them at least so we can work that out.

Give some players there last chance. EG. Richardson, Anthony, Greenwood and work out what changes are going to be made for the list next year. In my eyes, we need to clear out 6-7:
Anthony, C.Richardson, Sierakowski (unless proves otherwise), Luke Delaney, Greenwood etc.

The harsh decisions need to be made, we as a club, need to improve our talent on the list, at the moment it is below par.

I think we would most likely be looking for skilful players that have a bit of pace. EG. Atley, Wells. This is something we lack across the park, and our skills let us down a lot throughout the year.

 

[Flawed Genius]

Another week; another "in the mix" article without AK's name in it.

http://www.nmfc.com.au/news/2013-06-19/in-the-mix-round-13.workstation

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

Another week; another "in the mix" article without AK's name in it.

http://www.nmfc.com.au/news/2013-06-19/in-the-mix-round-13.workstation

He has dead set committed felonious acts on all of the coaching staff.

There is no other reason.

 

[Hearts to hearts]

Under any other previous North coach we would win this game. These were our bread and butter back in the day. Back up against the wall, an absolute need for a win and we'd get it done.

Sadly I can see it being like every other time we've played a Ross Lyon team against BS. Think we're in the game the whole time, yet never being able to score enough to trouble them.

I know I'll never forget those flags we won under Laidley.

 

[LuvtheKangas]

He has dead set committed felonious acts on all of the coaching staff.

There is no other reason.

It's puzzling, I agree, but in fact there must be another reason.

Perhaps it's been hinted at in the VFL game summaries - maybe he has deficiencies that they want to see addressed before he is up for senior selection.

But yeah, surprising he's not in the mix at least.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

It's puzzling, I agree, but in fact there must be another reason.

Perhaps it's been hinted at in the VFL game summaries - maybe he has deficiencies that they want to see addressed before he is up for senior selection.

But yeah, surprising he's not in the mix at least.

I have always wondered why some have deficiencies that need to be addressed in the VFL and others have deficiencies and are continually given AFL games.

 

[LuvtheKangas]

I have always wondered why some have deficiencies that need to be addressed in the VFL and others have deficiencies and are continually given AFL games.

Now that's a very good point.

 

[Psicosis]

I have always wondered why some have deficiencies that need to be addressed in the VFL and others have deficiencies and are continually given AFL games.

The double standards encompassed within Scotts coaching regime is a f***** disgrace.

 

[Psicosis]

Somebody please tell me how Macmillan, Wright and the likes do not have things they need to work on at VFL level, the double standards disgust me

 

[True North]

Can we send the coach to the VFL to work on his deficiencies?