Multiple options forward

[2 Dogs]

I can't speak for the rest of you, but I think its time for us to remove the forard set up that has dogged us over the last ten years and try and go for something different. When I look at how we line up our forwards every week I cringe. Same old stuff, Robbo, Neitz, a crumbing player, resting ruckman and a midfielder who has the same amount of goal sense as Jamie Shanahan. Its is high time we look at a different structure, and different avenues to goal.

First off, the ace up my sleeve , I know it may sound crazy, but how about we use Brad Green as a...wait for it...forward! Genius I know. The return of Bate is going to help, and while it was worth a try, Dunn must give up his midfield dreams and try to cement his spot up forward. Rotate those 3 with Robbo out of the square, Miller as our primary lead up option. Add Wonnaeamirri and Maric to the equation, and I think we're onto something special. Juice is the next in line, with Robbo on the out he is the obvious replacement. I think he'll work as long as he doesn't remain the sole focus. All of these guys can take a good contested mark, and we have to somehow find a way to shift focus away from Robbo. This is my answer.


Miller
Maric Dunn Bate
Green Robbo Wonnaeamirri

 

[omit]

putting Davey back in the F50 would be good to see. the kid seems to be lost in the mid field and we really miss the pressure he used to apply down there

 

[Headless]

HF: Matthew Bate, Brad Miller, Addam Maric
F: Aaron Davey, Russell Robertson, Brad Green

Having Green in there makes it look so much more classy...

 

[Pjkimber]

HF: Matthew Bate, Brad Miller, Addam Maric
F: Aaron Davey, Russell Robertson, Brad Green

Having Green in there makes it look so much more classy...

Brad Green should have never been taken out of the F50!

 

[MicksterD]

We also need to ensure there are multiple leads up forward so the incoming player is not forced to bomb it long

Neitz used to have a vice like grip and you could actually hear the CRACK as he smashed his hands around the poor ball. Now the ball is bouncing off his chest and out of his hands and it is really really sad to see. I hope the big fella hangs up the boots after the Queens Birthday game. One big last game at the G!!

 

[CowboyFromHell]

HF: Matthew Bate, Brad Miller, Addam Maric
F: Aaron Davey, Russell Robertson, Brad Green

Having Green in there makes it look so much more classy...

One thing we really lack with that forward line is height. Too many teams will be able to pick plenty of our passes off and, because our skill level is so poor at the moment, having a small forward line simply won't work.

As horrible as he was in the first 3 rounds, I'd like to see Garland get a run out of the square. He has good hands and his quick on the lead and he looked completely lost down back, so stick him in the square and see how he goes.

 

[MicksterD]

One thing we really lack with that forward line is height. Too many teams will be able to pick plenty of our passes off and, because our skill level is so poor at the moment, having a small forward line simply won't work.

As horrible as he was in the first 3 rounds, I'd like to see Garland get a run out of the square. He has good hands and his quick on the lead and he looked completely lost down back, so stick him in the square and see how he goes.

Not a bad idea - he did kick 3 goals in his first game (albeit a pre-season game)

 

[demonfan9]

Every team still needs a big full forward. Newton must step up into this role. With Neitz now out, it's imperative that we give Juice plenty of opportunities to make the goalsquare his.

Robertson is still a good forward, but he needs some strong support and good delivery. Naturally, he is at his best inside 50. We all know that Green belongs there too. He is a beautiful mark and kick, and can hurt teams much more than on the wing.

The jury is still out on Miller (can't believe I'm still saying this in 2008) but I'm willing to give him another chance after some goodish form recently. Centre half forward is his best position, but failing that, his last chance (I mean it this time) should be out of the goalsquare. He is actually not a bad kick for goal, it's just that he rarely gets close to them.

Bate is a very good player (was gonna say gun, but we tend to destroy all our guns) and is an obvious choice at half forward. He presents all day, has good hands and a nice kick. Oh, and he has some footy smarts too.

Similar thing could be said for Dunn. I rate him, but they need to stop playing him in 22 different positions each week. I think he has what it takes to play up forward, but I'm not yet sure if he is better playing closer to goal or on a flank. I suppose it also depends on the form of others.

Finally, we come to the small forward area. We all know what Davey is like, and Wonaeamirri is showing some good signs too. Having both of them on the field is important. I think they should rotate throughout the match - one starts on the wing, the other starts inside 50. Can't hurt having quick players in those two areas.

I'd like to see Maric get a game this season, but he still looks very raw, so it's no big deal if he spends a lot of time at Sandringham. I'm sure he'll get his chances eventually. From all reports, he is a specialist inside 50. Clever player with a killer shot for goal.​

 

[davey_magik]

HF: Bate Miller Green
FF: Robertson Newton Davey

That is the forwardline we have to play now. Miller has some reasonable form at CHF and Juice is the future of our forwardline in terms of talls.

 

[RandB]

HF: Bate Miller Green
FF: Robertson Newton Davey

That is the forwardline we have to play now. Miller has some reasonable form at CHF and Juice is the future of our forwardline in terms of talls.

yeah, I have to agree. Newton 193 cm for Neitz 193 cm. We have to give him a go at FF week in week out to see if he is a long term prospect. It is the only way. Any other combination will just be a fill in untill the end of the year anyway. The big question is if we were hell bent on going out and recruiting a current AFL FF would we have any hope after a dismal year like this and our off field status.

 

[Pjkimber]

HF: Bate Miller Green
FF: Robertson Newton Davey

That is the forwardline we have to play now. Miller has some reasonable form at CHF and Juice is the future of our forwardline in terms of talls.

I like what your posting, Miller presents well from CHF and we really need the pressure Davey creates inside 50.

 

[malodeez]

in this world we live in we face many battles many problems good and bad. you need to go backwards to go forwards. you need to spend money to make money, you learn from your mistakes. so don't get shitty with our club, support them. this is actually an exciting time for the melbournefc. in the next 2 seasons we need to finish last to go anywhere. we need 8 top 20 picks in the next 2 years at least, we'll get brand new facilities in a brand new stadium plus a bonus summer training ground. so put up a good fight deez but just finish short at full time for future sucesss. GO DEEZ 2010 AND BEYOND