Changes V Melbourne

[cotter101]

We;ve recruited guys like Bastinac and Bell to really add something to the team but I don't think they are. We could be getting games into our younger crop of midfielders. I know depth is an issue but I am just so disappointed in their output so far this year.

Don't feel Basti has really been given that inside spot he could flourish in. Hopefully with Rockliff and Beams out, he can secure a spot there. Seems to be played on the outside a lot.

 

[Dylan12]

We;ve recruited guys like Bastinac and Bell to really add something to the team but I don't think they are. We could be getting games into our younger crop of midfielders. I know depth is an issue but I am just so disappointed in their output so far this year.

Cant disagree with you at all, both Bastinac and Bell have been rubbish IMO, in particular Bell who is next to useless and with no redeeming qualities. Both recruits essentially typify the calibre of players we're only able to attract and neither come close to being an upgrade on Redden.

 

[Bucking Beads]

Don't feel Basti has really been given that inside spot he could flourish in. Hopefully with Rockliff and Beams out, he can secure a spot there. Seems to be played on the outside a lot.

Because he isn't a big body so gets shoved off the ball.

 

[cotter101]

Because he isn't a big body so gets shoved off the ball.

Yet our other inside midfielders have been getting killed.. His been pretty good when played on the inside in the limited times he has actually played there for us. Was good there for North too when he could get in there ahead of Swallow, Ziebull, Cunnington etc.

Pointless recruiting him if that's where he isn't going to play. Never going to be what you call a quality outside mid.

 

[kenberger]

The headline ticker under the 360 broadcast tonight said "Lions travel to Melbourne this week to face the Brisbane Lions".

To be fair, we'd probably lose that one

 

[Gibbo_88]

I almost expect us to win this game just to troll our supporters.

 

[Royboys44]

Cant disagree with you at all, both Bastinac and Bell have been rubbish IMO, in particular Bell who is next to useless and with no redeeming qualities. Both recruits essentially typify the calibre of players we're only able to attract and neither come close to being an upgrade on Redden.

This is 100% true! I fear we are paying big bucks for blokes that are work horses and we already have Robbo! No more room in our side for triers. Esp if the triers are trying! Bell has been woeful at best. Basti has been serviceable,….. well at least not our worst!

 

[BuntonRules]

Don't feel Basti has really been given that inside spot he could flourish in. Hopefully with Rockliff and Beams out, he can secure a spot there. Seems to be played on the outside a lot.

His biggest weakness is he cant spread. If it is not you getting the ball, you must provide the option. If the other team get it, you must cover one of them. His inside work is good, but in the modern game that is not enough.

 

[alscotoz2]

I'll be there again. Do I want to? Not really, but my love of the club and the jumper keeps me coming back for more and more, but not for the first time in recent years, my patience is wearing thin. Family and friends think I'm mad, but there must be a sense of madness that goes against every bit of logic within that harbours a turnaround.

Can't recall the last time I missed a Vic and WA based game, including those down at Kardinia Park.

I also make an annual pilgrimage to Brisbane a few times a year, but I am losing energy and my enthusiasm is seriously waning.

Why? Because for too long the club and even many here constantly spout the same shit that next year will see development and a rise up the ladder and without fail, you can make arguments that we continue to regress and of course we do. We are unable to attract players, coaches and assistants, sponsors, facilities and our three powerful media figure-heads in Matthews, Brown and Lynch are nothing but limp.

To top it off, the AFL continues to serve our club a shit sandwich usually at the bequest of the powerful Vic based clubs which our club is no threat and to be honest, after years of being sold hope, I just can't see it anymore. I can't see us making finals any time soon, let alone even coming close to winning a flag in this era of the AFL.

It's not the Lions so much, I just don't find the sport very appealing nowadays. It's a business, the product is in decline and I'd rather spend my leisure dollar elsewhere. I will always look for Lions results and take an interest but I am more interested in following my kids sporty which is pretty much a full on weekend affair.

 

[Alas Smith]

Not the worst idea- can take a mark... Fwd or back for mine as he does get tagged to easily

Sorry to disagree but Rich has taken 2 contested marks in a game ONCE back in 2011.

Yearly totals, 3 CMs last year, 1 in 2014 [only played 3 games though] and 2 in 2013. A total of 29 in 129 games sure, can take a mark but Sam Mayes averages more contested marks a game!

 

[AFLQLD]

I think that the time has come for Rich to be moved pretty much permanently out of the midfield. As a halfback or half forward type he can be damaging and will have more space which is where we need him to bring his great kicking into play. I would be setting Rich a target to play off halfback flank and get 5 or 6 inside 50s a game or to pick up 3 or 4 goals a game as a half forward flanker. In the midfield he can't produce enough quality disposals and gets easily tagged out of the game. Rich's best games have involved him picking up only 15 or so disposals but half of them being damaging and leading to scores. He could still do short relieving stints in the midfield if required but it isn't playing to his strength at all.

 

[kenberger]

Sorry to disagree but Rich has taken 2 contested marks in a game ONCE back in 2011.

Yearly totals, 3 CMs last year, 1 in 2014 [only played 3 games though] and 2 in 2013. A total of 29 in 129 games sure, can take a mark but Sam Mayes averages more contested marks a game!

Wow... Now that's a damning stat

 

[James North]

Yeah I was shocked when Richy took a contested grab on the weekend (or the previous one?).

Also a damning stat.

 

[DERRINALPHIL]

Surely the major problem with trying to come up with some rational changes to our team is that our Ressies really stink. They rarely win a game. Could someone put up the results of the last twenty Reserve games? Remember back in the glory days when the Twos would win Flags as well.

The real problem is we have not drafted well for so long that the last twenty players on the list are no where up to AFL standard. While our so called elite are off the pace of the top side's elite players we fall off(in a list sense) into mediocracy so quickly after the top ten players.

 

[lions27]

Sorry to disagree but Rich has taken 2 contested marks in a game ONCE back in 2011.

Yearly totals, 3 CMs last year, 1 in 2014 [only played 3 games though] and 2 in 2013. A total of 29 in 129 games sure, can take a mark but Sam Mayes averages more contested marks a game!

Didn't see that coming

 

[Slitherin9]

That hurt. I'm in pain. Took me days to even front up. Heads must roll.
Out: Crying in the closet (with a six pack).
In: Cheering in front of the TV (also with a six pack).
But seriously, we need to make a statement. So time for Rich to spend time in the twos. 1 good game in 4 aint worth 600k mate. Taylor also out with C.Beams, Bell and Walker. Pathetic efforts.

In? Guys who care. N.Robbo, Matho, Evans and Freeman.

Martin seems to be just holding ground too. If we've given up on the season, give Archie some minutes. He looked alright last week...

 

[SizeMatters]

I think that the time has come for Rich to be moved pretty much permanently out of the midfield. As a halfback or half forward type he can be damaging and will have more space which is where we need him to bring his great kicking into play. I would be setting Rich a target to play off halfback flank and get 5 or 6 inside 50s a game or to pick up 3 or 4 goals a game as a half forward flanker. In the midfield he can't produce enough quality disposals and gets easily tagged out of the game. Rich's best games have involved him picking up only 15 or so disposals but half of them being damaging and leading to scores. He could still do short relieving stints in the midfield if required but it isn't playing to his strength at all.

I've watched him closely at two live games and TBH he just doesn't read the play at all... is almost always caught in no mans land and just doesn't work hard enough to get from contest to contest. He is just a lazy player that doesn't demand the footy.

 

[Balony_pony16]

Rich just needs to play back... need him with ball in hand to direct rebound plays. No more mid for rich

 

[bato]

In? Guys who care. N.Robbo, Matho, Evans and Freeman.

I think those were just the better reserves performers, not necessarily those who care more than current senior boys.

 

[3KZ is Football]

The headline ticker under the 360 broadcast tonight said "Lions travel to Melbourne this week to face the Brisbane Lions".

To be fair, we'd probably lose that one

I think they meant "to face the Brisbane Lions SUPPORTERS."

 

[3KZ is Football]

Going to the MCG to watch the game against Melbourne. Will be wearing my Fitzroy scarf proudly.

 

[MSB ROYS]

Going to the MCG to watch the game against Melbourne. Will be wearing my Fitzroy scarf proudly.

Here's hoping for just something!

 

[captainrich]

Surely the major problem with trying to come up with some rational changes to our team is that our Ressies really stink. They rarely win a game. Could someone put up the results of the last twenty Reserve games? Remember back in the glory days when the Twos would win Flags as well.

The real problem is we have not drafted well for so long that the last twenty players on the list are no where up to AFL standard. While our so called elite are off the pace of the top side's elite players we fall off(in a list sense) into mediocracy so quickly after the top ten players.

also jumped the gun on some honest plodders that could have continued to make a difference in playing their roles for the team in the ressies and when given a shot in the seniors, pretty much a case of new coach coming in and cutting players he doesnt rate

in the past players that performed very well in ressies but never given a proper run in seniors, through changeover of the coach dumped out (recent examples) jesse o'brien, nick hayes, pat wearden

 

[3KZ is Football]

Here's hoping for just something!

I fully expect the Lions to get smashed, but I just want to sit in the MCC Members enjoying the company of my Melbourne mate and his brother. Gallows humour is kind of fun and I really don't mind Melbourne.

 

[Len S]

I think that the time has come for Rich to be moved pretty much permanently out of the midfield. As a halfback or half forward type he can be damaging and will have more space which is where we need him to bring his great kicking into play. I would be setting Rich a target to play off halfback flank and get 5 or 6 inside 50s a game or to pick up 3 or 4 goals a game as a half forward flanker. In the midfield he can't produce enough quality disposals and gets easily tagged out of the game. Rich's best games have involved him picking up only 15 or so disposals but half of them being damaging and leading to scores. He could still do short relieving stints in the midfield if required but it isn't playing to his strength at all.

Agreed..Rich and Hanley are not genuine mids , maybe once in a whi,e but not in the basic structure.