Our game plan?

[themonkeybutlers]

I am just wondering what our game plan actually is? In Neelds presser he always talks about us having a game plan that the players believe in and how we are developing quality structures. To me it seems that we go wide and bomb it long from around the half back line to a contest which we have no crumbing players. Neeld said we held our game style and structure for 3 quarters and were only down by 8 points. Is this good enough? We were playing Richmond which we are more than capable of beating. I think that maybe I am missing something but at the moment I am concerned about this game plan and would love some more informed people to fill me in. Thanks

P.S. Supporting this team will put me in an early grave I think. Just got to remember that it is just a game!

 

[stickman11]

nothing wrong with the game plam - players just don't work hard enough off the ball. They are simply flat footed - something that has arrisen from the Bailey period. You might say downhill skiers.

Fitnesswise and physical player development under Bailey was a joke.

 

[HarveyWallbanger]

Is Neeld then trying to implement something that can't work given where the playing group is at?

I agree, they do not work nearly hard enough off the ball. They do not work early and how many times do they nearly get there but just fail? Thats a case of jogging along and not gut running.

Its called passion and heart too.

 

[themonkeybutlers]

You're right about flat-footed players. How many times did we handball it to a stationary player facing the wrong way with a tiger practically with their arms around them?

Not sure about our fitness now though. @nd halves are obviously an issue. Are we still recovering from pre-season?

 

[stickman11]

Neeld in all his press conferences keeps banging on about getting the young players to get the grip of his game plan overtime - has he indicated he thinks the older senior players are crap.

 

[CowboyFromHell]

We have a clear game plan. That game plan clearly works when we stick to the structures and run hard to support each other. It's a game plan that doesn't have much room for mistakes which will teach these guys the importance of playing as a team rather than for themselves.

It will take time and some more big losses but we WILL get there.

 

[Demon Revival]

I recall hearing that Malthouse told Neeld that the best piece of advice he could give to him as a senior coach, "is to do it your way".

I'm hoping one of you guys could help me understand how if he is "doing it his way", with the game plan, if he is the only coach that I haven't seen down at the Casey games. Surely seeing 1st hand what the guys looking for promotion are playing like would be a priority???.

The assistant coaches & Viney would have opinions on the players, but is it giving Neeld a true picture that he can match to his thoughts for the team???.

This guy is going to live or die on team performance & if I was in his shoes I would want to sort the shit from the clay 1st hand.

 

[themonkeybutlers]

We have a clear game plan. That game plan clearly works when we stick to the structures and run hard to support each other. It's a game plan that doesn't have much room for mistakes which will teach these guys the importance of playing as a team rather than for themselves.

It will take time and some more big losses but we WILL get there.

My question is; what is the game plan? I really am unsure about it

 

[Klyntonius]

I think our gameplan is currently our biggest problem but will also be our solution going forward.
It has been turned completely upside-down from years previous where we now take the ball around the edges of the ground and not up the middle and our priority is defence and not run-and-gun attack. The players are having to think about everything they do, nothing is second nature or fluent and it leaves us flat footed and predicatable. When we inevitably turn the ball over on a wing, it is rebounded quickly through the middle where we are too slow to react. It is unfortunately going to take time until the players can get a complete grip of the new gameplan.

The second part of the gameplan that is holding us back is player roles. When Neeld was appointed coach he made mention of writing a list of player roles on a white board and that there were a number of those roles that he saw unfulfilled from our current list. It is going to take time for him to find the right player to fill these roles, trying players for extended periods to test them and without doubt, some of those roles won't be filled until next year or after due to no-one currently suitable on the list. Then the rest of the team need to learn their own roles and understand the role of their fellow teammates so they can be ahead of the play and not reactionary to what just happened.

Unfortunately, with such significant changes we've gone backwards two years in our development. But it's a necessary step back in order to go forward. Unfortunately it invloves being patient which sucks after already suffering our patience testing for years. But I'm confident that we'll progress forward, just probably not significantly until the second half of the season.

 

[CowboyFromHell]

I think our gameplan is currently our biggest problem but will also be our solution going forward.
It has been turned completely upside-down from years previous where we now take the ball around the edges of the ground and not up the middle and our priority is defence and not run-and-gun attack. The players are having to think about everything they do, nothing is second nature or fluent and it leaves us flat footed and predicatable. When we inevitably turn the ball over on a wing, it is rebounded quickly through the middle where we are too slow to react. It is unfortunately going to take time until the players can get a complete grip of the new gameplan.

The second part of the gameplan that is holding us back is player roles. When Neeld was appointed coach he made mention of writing a list of player roles on a white board and that there were a number of those roles that he saw unfulfilled from our current list. It is going to take time for him to find the right player to fill these roles, trying players for extended periods to test them and without doubt, some of those roles won't be filled until next year or after due to no-one currently suitable on the list. Then the rest of the team need to learn their own roles and understand the role of their fellow teammates so they can be ahead of the play and not reactionary to what just happened.

Unfortunately, with such significant changes we've gone backwards two years in our development. But it's a necessary step back in order to go forward. Unfortunately it invloves being patient which sucks after already suffering our patience testing for years. But I'm confident that we'll progress forward, just probably not significantly until the second half of the season.

Sensible post right there and I agree with all of it. What sticks out for me is the second paragraph and I think it's a point many of us have forgotten - When Neeld took over he did make mention of the fact that there were alot of holes in our list and roles that simply couldn't be filled in the game style he wanted to play. I'm certain there will be some players who step up and fill those positions but there will be many who can't and it will take Neeld some time to recruit the players he needs.

Patience is something we are short of but something we need to hold on to for just a little longer because when it all clicks it will feel even sweeter.

 

[tynanshinin]

It also doesnt help that we are being forced to play players like Watts in the midfield instead of players who were drafted as midfielders as they dont work hard enough...

TBH i think Neelds game plan is going to really suit the players who naturally work hard.... I cant wait to see Gysberts in the next season or two. just think its his style really.

 

[Tulip]

I feel like we're doing what we did with Bailey: Taking the gameplan from the old dominant side and running with it, derspite it being obsolete.

The game has already progressed from playing it down the wings and isolating the corridor, it's all about receiving defensive flankers and ensuring that you don't need to overman the defense or forward line.

 

[Unleash Hell]

I feel like we're doing what we did with Bailey: Taking the gameplan from the old dominant side and running with it, derspite it being obsolete.

The game has already progressed from playing it down the wings and isolating the corridor, it's all about receiving defensive flankers and ensuring that you don't need to overman the defense or forward line.

That thought had crossed my mind as well.....

Although in Neelds defence I don't think its the game plan falling apart at the moment it's the players.

Some good signs came though yesterday... if only it was just a glimpse

 

[Klyntonius]

I feel like we're doing what we did with Bailey: Taking the gameplan from the old dominant side and running with it, derspite it being obsolete.

The game has already progressed from playing it down the wings and isolating the corridor, it's all about receiving defensive flankers and ensuring that you don't need to overman the defense or forward line.

I think Neeld is smarter than that. He was involved with Collingwood when they had to formulate a plan to get ahead of the competition and overcome Geelong which set a trend. I think Mark knows that if he just copies the current pace setters, when we finally hit the target it will be too low as the best have already moved on. I think he will be looking further ahead than that and trying to devise a plan to beat the best. The problem is it will take a while to learn and won't look great until he has the necessary cattle to carry it out properly.

 

[Blackas87]

To Neeld's defence he said when we hired him that this year is about learning the first part of the game plan. Its completely different style of play from last year so I guess he's trying to teach them that we aren't going to be running the ball through the midfield we are going out wide and kicking longer. I think when relizes the players understand it and they start playing it better he'll add new things to it for the players to learn. I guess there is too much to learn at once and at the moment he's trying to get the old style of play out of the players minds.

 

[stretcharmstrong]

My question is; what is the game plan? I really am unsure about it

Of course we are unsure about it - we are the supporters! If you and I knew the details of the game plan, then by extension so would all of our competitors. Not what the coach desires, I'm sure.

I think the game plan is fine - but I only know the bare basics of it, and have to believe what Neeld and Co. say when they talk about the plan and the structures. As CFH has stated numerous times recently, it is the players at the moment letting us down, not the coaching.

The players are learning a new system, and most are as yet unable to carry out instructions for 4 quarters (or 3... or 2 ). Furthermore, there are a handful that seem to be unwilling and thesw guys will be gradually weeded out.

There is a way to go yet, but we will get there.

 

[demonfan9]

The biggest worry for me is the complete annihilation in uncontested possessions in every single game so far (NAB and H&A inclusive). There is something fundamentally wrong with the way we are playing if we are losing the uncontested possessions by a huge amount every week. Is it the players, the game plan, or both? I've got no idea, but it concerns the hell out of me.

 

[maxmustard]

I agree it's too early to make an informed judgement, but I'm a little worried that no other team is playing the same style. Most (if not all) sides seem to be doing the polar opposite of what were attempting. Having said that I don't know how much of Neelds game plan I'm seeing right now. Second half of the year will tell us all more so I guess patience is required.

 

[deliberate!!]

I have been telling people to watch and compare Melbourne in Year 2 of Neeld when Neeld has complete control over who he wants to bring in, who he wants to flick and how he wants the team to play.

I don't think anyone can judge your team or squad now.

Neeld will get your right. Good Luck.

 

[MightyTiger]

When Dimma was appointed coach he laid out 3 areas of the game that he will teach and he will do them in phases.

The first phase was to teach the boys how to play man on man, we played that style of footy in his first year for about 14-16 weeks.

Second phase was to teach the boys how to Zone and Defend, we started that style of play around about second Carlton clash in 2010 and our boys looked absolutely hopeless.

The third part was Offense, your uncontested possessions.

He also mentioned getting 500+ games into the 21 and under players on our list, we achieved that and got almost 600+ games into our 21 and under players.

In 2012 we are now saying all 3 parts of his game plan being put together and being implemented better by the players due to putting the necessary games into the youngsters.

And the one thing most coaches talk about when talking about implementing these Zone game plans is that they must teach there players the basics first before being able to do anything else.

The one concern I have about Melbourne is that all through Baileys tenure he had the MFC playing a very attacking game plan with little to no defensive efforts at all, turned a lot of kids into 'front runners' if you will, the one thing Neeld now was to rectify is go back to basics and teach these kids the fundamentals of being able to defend.

Now I have no issue in trying to teach a bunch of kids a Zone style game plan but it's the lack of 1 on 1 game style that has me a tad worried, it's almost as if looking on the outside in that Neeld is trying to skip a step and just go straight for a system that took Collingwood the best part or 3-5 years to learn.

With a Zone what it does is it allows players to almost relax if you will, because instead of covering for an opponent they are just guarding space, IMO what Melbourne needs is a simple 1 on 1 game plan and tell the kids to go out there and beat your opponent 1 on 1 without having to rely on a team mate hopefully covering some space to make your job easier.

Anyway just my 2 bob, I'm positive Neeld will get you guys in the right track but it will take some time, us Richmond faithful only know to well about.

 

[Tulip]

Good post.

The Tigers were very well drilled on Saturday, even if I have my doubts about their list.

 

[MUYB]

I think one of the things that is clear is we'll have to do a lot of turnover in our list. Who do you think he should have completely off the table in terms of trading? My list of must-keeps would be:

Grimes
Trengove
Watts
Clark
Frawley
Jamar
Howe
Jones
Magner
Mckenzie
Tapscott

Anyone else I think should be up for trade if we get a good enough offer, not for more ****ing draft picks though, mature players who are either established, or ones that we can get for cheap because they are under-utilised at the moment. We should be looking very hard at places like Geelong's VFL squad and the various state leagues too. Hell, half of last years Port Melbourne side should probably be getting a game above some of the guys we are fielding at the moment.

 

[SPC 98]

I think one of the things that is clear is we'll have to do a lot of turnover in our list. Who do you think he should have completely off the table in terms of trading? My list of must-keeps would be:

Grimes
Trengove
Watts
Clark
Frawley
Jamar
Howe
Jones
Magner
Mckenzie
Tapscott



Anyone else I think should be up for trade if we get a good enough offer, not for more ****ing draft picks though, mature players who are either established, or ones that we can get for cheap because they are under-utilised at the moment. We should be looking very hard at places like Geelong's VFL squad and the various state leagues too. Hell, half of last years Port Melbourne side should probably be getting a game above some of the guys we are fielding at the moment.

I agree that we need to look more toward established players and would like to see some better runners and pace through the midfield. I feel that Jones, Magner, Moloney, McKenzie and Sylvia is the right mix of hard bodied extractors, but need some spread players to provide run.

Looking at the list i think it is pretty much spot on, but would include Martin, Petterd and also Garland. These guys are a bit out of form, but who on our list isn't. They may have niggling injuries, but based on last year, would not be off loading these guys unless it is for reasonable $$$.

 

[Crusty Demon]

I'm bumping this thread because last night's game was the first Dees match I've been able to attend this season. And I've figured out exactly what our gameplan is.

We try and win the contested possession, then hand it over, and spend the rest of the time trying to tackle the opposition until they either miss the set shot or kick a goal.

I know Neeld is trying to show these idiots a more defensive style of play, but when we give up more than 100 possessions in less than a half of football, maybe something needs to change. There still seems to be no plan coming out of defense. The players looked confused about where to go or who to kick it to, and ultimately they just look for Jamar who is 1 on 3 nearly everytime. The players simply aren't working hard enough to create space. I can't recall anyone having a decent run and carry last night and around the stoppages Hawthorn seemed to always have 1 or 2 more players.

Watching them live for the first time last night proved to me that it's a mixture of two things. The gameplan is too defensive and confusing with little room for a counter attack. And the players are simply lazy. No one is creating space when we have the ball, and no one is willing to take any risks whatsoever. It is terrible to watch. Awful.

 

[Syrus]

Doesn't matter what the games plan is. When you have players that don't give a shit and are just going thought the motions it doesn't wouldn't matter if Neeld had an oracle in the coaches box.

You only have to watch the GC kids and see them playing with passion and intent, even though they know they will probably get beatn they still have a red hot crack. Melbourne doesn't have any of that morale.