Nathan Jones, Matthew Bate

[jivey]

regarding a little info on these players..

Will they play rnd 1?
how many games do you think they will play this year?
Will they get much time?
Where will bate be used?

 

[melbournemartin]

depends on mclean and bruce a bit as they take precedence

jones should play round 1 and may even start in the middle. ND has been giving him a lot of time in the middle in recent games and i doubt it was for nothing

bate may play round 1. most likely on a bench and a bit of wing time. may rest up forward a bit.

 

[demon_chick7]

they may not play round 1 but hopefully we will see these boys a lot during the season coz they have so much potential and have played reasonably well during preseason and it will be a shame if they arent given a fair opportunity to show themselves.

 

[goDees22]

They should both play i reckon. Both solidly built boys and the AFL website has McLean in doubt for round 1 http://afl.com.au/?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=251576.
Jones showed really good signs against Adelaide, was probably the positive for the night, and Bate has also played pretty well in the preseason, so i reckon they both should get a crack, but i think only one will actually play

 

[benrey_demons]

Bate should definitly, and let Jonesy break into te team after a few weeks at sandy, i thought bartram deserved a spot in the 22 ahead of jones

 

[puddingfactor]

Bate has had a great pre-season. A bit like Cameron Bruce, but what I like about Bate is that he probably goes in for the contested ball a little more.

Jones probably needs a little more development - he certainly goes in for the hard footy, but may need a bit more time to get use to the pace of senior football, ensuring he can use the footy better when he disposes of it.

Bartram is probably in the same boat as Jones.

That said, both have been pretty good pre-season, and it wouldn't surprise me to see them getting a run early on in the season.

Warnock is an interesting one. One concern I had watching Friday's game was the defence - Nicho and Carroll were just okay, with Rocca and Thompson kicking a fair few goals. Maybe Warnock maybe looked at later in the season.

Paul Johnson has been good - the bloke is finally taking a couple of contested grabs, and kicking goals! If Holland is still having problems with his fitness, he may get a place in the team as another tall forward option, rather than reserve ruckman.

Chris Johnson I have also liked this pre-season. Has bulked up and his 'football brain' (e.g. things such as awareness) has developed nicely. Set up Yze nicely on the weekend with a great handball which Yze goaled from.

 

[Unleash Hell]

Bate has had a great pre-season. A bit like Cameron Bruce, but what I like about Bate is that he probably goes in for the contested ball a little more.

Jones probably needs a little more development - he certainly goes in for the hard footy, but may need a bit more time to get use to the pace of senior football, ensuring he can use the footy better when he disposes of it.

Bartram is probably in the same boat as Jones.

That said, both have been pretty good pre-season, and it wouldn't surprise me to see them getting a run early on in the season.

Warnock is an interesting one. One concern I had watching Friday's game was the defence - Nicho and Carroll were just okay, with Rocca and Thompson kicking a fair few goals. Maybe Warnock maybe looked at later in the season.

Paul Johnson has been good - the bloke is finally taking a couple of contested grabs, and kicking goals! If Holland is still having problems with his fitness, he may get a place in the team as another tall forward option, rather than reserve ruckman.

Chris Johnson I have also liked this pre-season. Has bulked up and his 'football brain' (e.g. things such as awareness) has developed nicely. Set up Yze nicely on the weekend with a great handball which Yze goaled from.

Good summary, all six have impressed me. CJ & PJ you would expect to become regulars this year, with the other 4 to break into the team at some stage.

 

[cs61]

Bate's in my dream team so I hope he starts straight away. Looks a good type.

Nathan Jones was just the type of player Melbourne needed, and will play sooner rather than later IMO.

Good pickup by the Dees.