AFL Toast Practice Game: 74 point win over Melbourne

[eth-dog]

So apparently we have a game before the Community Series. I'm guessing everyone fit will get a gig. Tell me if you want anything added to this, will see if I can work it in for one of the pre-season games.

Observations

Melbourne: After a terrible season Melbourne were hoping for a lot fewer injuries in pre season and that's been mostly the case, apart from one or two players. Expect to see first round draftees Luke Jackson and Kysaiah Pickett play in a couple of these matches for the big game, the Dees unlikely to have too many feature in the Charity match.

Essendon: The Dons have had a shocking run of injuries and unavailabilities over this pre-season, with most of the list having an interrupted run over the past 3 months or so. Along with the fact that a few of the better players are likely to be playing in the State of Origin Charity match, expect a weakened Bombers outfit for this match


Head to Head (last 5)

Melbourne 2-3 Essendon


Form Guide

Melbourne: 0W 0L
Essendon: 0W 0L


Sportsbet odds

West Coast: N/A
Essendon: N/A
Line: N/A ($1.90)


Possible sides

Melbourne vs Essendon

B: Aaron Francis - Brandon Zerk-Thatcher - Adam Saad
F: Austin Bradtke - Mitchell Brown - Kysaiah Pickett
HB: Jordan Ridley - Patrick Ambrose - Mason Redman
HF: Toby Bedford - Sam Weideman - Oskar Baker
C: Andrew McGrath - Devon Smith - Brayden Ham
C: Aaron Nietschke - Kyle Dunkley - Tom Sparrow
HF: Josh Begley - Harrison Jones - Ned Cahill
HB: Trent Rivers - Harrison Petty - Jordan James
F: Irving Mosquito - Shaun McKernan - Will Snelling
B: Marty Hore - Jake Lever - Joel Smith
R: Andrew Phillips - Kobe Mutch - Dylan Clarke
R: Luke Jackson - Kade Chandler - Jay Lockhart
I: Darcy Parish - Ross McQuillan - Kyle Langford - Tom Cutler
I: Charlie Spargo - Jordan Wagner - Kade Kolodjashnij - Ed Langdon
I: Matthew Guelfi - Cian McBride - Jacob Townsend - Nick Bryan
I: Harley Bennell - Jayden Hunt - Aaron Vandenberg - Jake Melksham

Melbourne in: N/A; Out: N/A
Essendon in: N/A; Out: N/A


Melbourne defence vs Essendon forward line

Essendon were ranked 10th in the AFL in terms of goals per inside 50 entry last season, getting one 22.3% of the time it enters the 50. Melbourne on the other hand were third last in terms of conceding goals per forward fifty entry, conceding a goal 25.9% of the time as it entered their defensive 50. The Dons aren't fielding a strong forward line with a few best 22 forwards out injured or possibly part of the State of Origin squad, so Shaun McKernan and draftee Harrison Jones will be the key posts, as well as giving the likes of Josh Begley and Will Snelling a chance to stake their claim, and young smalls Ned Cahill and Irving Mosquito a chance to impress fans as well. For Melbourne, Jake Lever and Harrison Petty are likely to take the talls whilst teenagers Trent Rivers and Jordan James get a good chance to show off as well.


Midfield/rucks battle

Essendon struggled in the clearances in the back half of the last year, their last 11 games going from 4th down to 12th overall, whilst Melbourne finished 3rd overall in this particular area. Essendon will be buoyed by the inclusion of 2018 best and fairest winner Devon Smith, who missed most of the following year with a knee injury, and the likes of Dylan Clarke and Kobe Mutch will be hopeful of a strong showing as well, whilst Melbourne will be looking at mid season draftee Kyle Dunkley, brother of Bulldogs star Josh, along with mature aged recruit from last season Jay Lockhart and perennially injured Aaron Vandenberg on the inside. Outside the contest, expect Andrew McGrath to try to control proceedings along with recruit Tom Cutler using their run and carry whilst Melbourne will hope Kade Kolodjashnij and former Docker Ed Langdon do the same for them. Rucks wise, Luke Jackson and Austin Bradtke are inexperienced but are coming up against Andrew Phillips and Nick Bryan, the former having struggled previously at AFL level whilst the latter is just as inexperienced as the Melbourne pair


Melbourne forward line vs Essendon defence

Melbourne struggled forward of centre last season with an injury interrupted season from Tom McDonald, ranking second last in goals/inside 50 with only a conversion of 18.8%. Essendon have a relatively strong back 7, conceding a goal 21.2% of the time it enters defensive 50, 6th in the league in this area last year. Melbourne will attempt to hit Essendon with height with the likes of Austin Bradtke, Sam Weideman and former Don Mitchell Brown, the trio most likely to be combated by Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Aaron Francis and Patrick Ambrose respectively, whilst high draft pick Kysaiah Pickett will have a tough time against Adam Saad as the main small forwards.


X-Factor Player

Ned Cahill has been talked about as the underage draftee most likely to have an impact in 2020 for Essendon, his endurance and ability to kick goals exciting most bomber fans, so most Dons will be excited to see how he goes against men.


Key stat

Melbourne: Inside 50's conceded. Melbourne's defence was terrible in 2019, they need to arrest that. Best way to not concede goals is to not allow the ball to get up there.

Essendon: Clearances. As of Round 13: 4th in the league. Post round 14: -40 in clearances, bottom 4 in the AFL. Absolutely vital they get this right.


Tip

Hopefully we win but it looks unlikely. Dees by 25.

 

[Milanista28]

I remember the Dees and Pies had this pre pre season game last year and it was streamed so hopefully it happens again.

 

[fairbump_playon]

I think we should go into this and the other two preseason games with an attitude that the results and effort don't really matter because it's not the real season. Pretty sure that approach will see us cherry ripe for round 1.

 

[Lore]

Melbourne have their first Marsh series game at Casey Fields on the 22nd, the day after this. If they're playing both days I would have to assume that they'll be half-strength at best.

Essendon and Melbourne players not required in the Marsh Series will head to Casey Fields for a practice match on February 21.

UPDATE: More clubs lock in practice matches

Gun reporter Mitch Cleary unveils the practice match schedule for several clubs

www.afl.com.au

Also this article... sounds like it's their seconds vs. whatever we put up.

 

[Ambrosia]

Never been to Casey Fields and it not be blowing a gale

 

[ant555]

I think I read somewhere that this game may well feature those who are not selected for the

Melbourne have their first Marsh series game at Casey Fields on the 22nd, the day after this. If they're playing both days I would have to assume that they'll be half-strength at best.

UPDATE: More clubs lock in practice matches

Gun reporter Mitch Cleary unveils the practice match schedule for several clubs

www.afl.com.au

Also this article... sounds like it's their seconds vs. whatever we put up.

Sound like what I read somewhere. Likely to have VFL players with some AFL players.

 

[Keystone agony]

Nick Bryan vs Luke Jackson in the ruck please

Heppell, Z.Merrett, Walla, Hibberd, Draper, Gown, J.Stewart, Mckenna, Zacka, TBC, Joey D, Hurley, Hooker (Id assume will not take any place).... D.Shiel unsure if we would bother with him either depends how much load he has got under him, probably have to have some experience out there

In the west id probably prefer to just have D.Shiel, Devon Smith, Gleeson + Redman if ready, Fantasia to play a half vs eagles in Hot Perth Weather (So 3Qtr/Full time for them would be good vs Demons)


Saad - Ambrose - BZT
Ridley - Francis - Fantasia (Guelfi)
Cutler - Stringer - Langford (Mutch)
Phillips - Parish - D.Shiel (A.Mcgrath)
D.Smith - H.Jones - N.Cahill
Snelling - Mckernan - Laverde (N.Bryan)

Mosquito, Townsend, D.Clarke, Begley, Ham

Dont think we exactly have too many more options that that 26 (Ive left out Gleeson and Redman because of PS chunks they missed out the start but they mightve had a good block into them since.

What i want to see

Fantasia - HBF opening game ease him back into it, gets injured more as a fwd (Plus we seem to be lacking defenders)

Stringer - Run out as much of the game onball if hes flying that much lets really get his fitness through the roof

Cahill - I think hes a big chance for round 1 so want to seem play a full game as that high half forward to see what he can do. Think he plays against eagles aswell.

Ridley - To play on Fritsch in the goal square, see if his defensive abilities is upto it against real quality and im sure the dees will have plenty of entries be good to see how he handles it.

Melbourne should be without Gawn, Preuss, Brayshaw, May and doubt Oliver bothers playing 3 preseason games

 

[ant555]

Nick Bryan vs Luke Jackson in the ruck please

Heppell, Z.Merrett, Walla, Hibberd, Draper, Gown, J.Stewart, Mckenna, Zacka, TBC, Joey D, Hurley, Hooker (Id assume will not take any place).... D.Shiel unsure if we would bother with him either depends how much load he has got under him, probably have to have some experience out there

In the west id probably prefer to just have D.Shiel, Devon Smith, Gleeson + Redman if ready, Fantasia to play a half vs eagles in Hot Perth Weather (So 3Qtr/Full time for them would be good vs Demons)


Saad - Ambrose - BZT
Ridley - Francis - Fantasia (Guelfi)
Cutler - Stringer - Langford (Mutch)
Phillips - Parish - D.Shiel (A.Mcgrath)
D.Smith - H.Jones - N.Cahill
Snelling - Mckernan - Laverde (N.Bryan)

Mosquito, Townsend, D.Clarke, Begley, Ham

Dont think we exactly have too many more options that that 26 (Ive left out Gleeson and Redman because of PS chunks they missed out the start but they mightve had a good block into them since.

What i want to see

Fantasia - HBF opening game ease him back into it, gets injured more as a fwd (Plus we seem to be lacking defenders)

Stringer - Run out as much of the game onball if hes flying that much lets really get his fitness through the roof

Cahill - I think hes a big chance for round 1 so want to seem play a full game as that high half forward to see what he can do. Think he plays against eagles aswell.

Ridley - To play on Fritsch in the goal square, see if his defensive abilities is upto it against real quality and im sure the dees will have plenty of entries be good to see how he handles it.

Melbourne should be without Gawn, Preuss, Brayshaw, May and doubt Oliver bothers playing 3 preseason games

Anyone who is in the squad who is in the squad to go to WA will not play. That game is on the Thursday the 27th so you will not be seeing anything like you want in this game. It will be a few players not in the WA squad and the VFL players making up most of the side.

 

[Keystone agony]

Anyone who is in the squad who is in the squad to go to WA will not play. That game is on the Thursday the 27th so you will not be seeing anything like you want in this game. It will be a few players not in the WA squad and the VFL players making up most of the side.

So it's a VFL scratch match? What's the point in that

 

[Ambrosia]

So it's a VFL scratch match? What's the point in that

What do you mean? Players get to practice and some supporters willing to make the trip to Casey fields will get to see some of the draftees for the first time.

 

[TheGrizz]

I wonder if (because we will likely top up this team with VFL players) we are allowed to play Lockyer, Teackle and Ireland in this match as sort of a 'tryout' for the final SSP spot.

I imagine we won't, but it would be a fascinating watch....

 

[eth-dog]

I wonder if (because we will likely top up this team with VFL players) we are allowed to play Lockyer, Teackle and Eastland in this match as sort of a 'tryout' for the final SSP spot.

I imagine we won't, but it would be a fascinating watch....

Eastland, from WA?

 

[TheGrizz]

Eastland, from WA?

*Ireland
The young KPD from WA sorry. Got my wires crossed

 

[Milanista28]

I wonder if (because we will likely top up this team with VFL players) we are allowed to play Lockyer, Teackle and Ireland in this match as sort of a 'tryout' for the final SSP spot.

I imagine we won't, but it would be a fascinating watch....

They could play, it's like a bunch of blokes playing in a park, nothing official about it.

 

[TheGrizz]

They could play, it's like a bunch of blokes playing in a park, nothing official about it.

It would have been fascinating, however whether We can and whether we thought to do it are probably different things haha

 

[eth-dog]

It would have been fascinating, however whether We can and whether we thought to do it are probably different things haha

I'm gonna put an idea out there that whoever misses out we'll probably try to keep them on the VFL list to keep a close eye on them.

 

[Keystone agony]

What do you mean? Players get to practice and some supporters willing to make the trip to Casey fields will get to see some of the draftees for the first time.

An AFL practice match

I wanted to see AFL players not VFL

 

[Ambrosia]

An AFL practice match

I wanted to see AFL players not VFL

It’s not part of the Marsh series I don’t think you can have that expectation

 

[Keystone agony]

It’s not part of the Marsh series I don’t think you can have that expectation

It was outlined on afl.com.au

My expectation was the 27 fit that are capable of getting an AFL game this year + those via for SPP (Lockyers ect)

Gives us roughly 30 and id expect say 3 qtrs 25 mins

 

[60sbomber]

Players like the 2 Irishmen and Jones, Bryan and Cahill would be likely to play, subject to fitness.
But also, anyone who would not get in the 26-28 who will play in the 2 official pre season games. So guys like Mutch, Mozzie, Ham, Clarke and Begley, maybe Ridley, are also likely.

Ps note the only KP players or ruckmen in that lot are Jones and Bryan. It shows how short we are going to be initially in our VFL side. Possibly BZT only to add to that, until Draper, Stewart, and eventually Gown, are right to play.

 

[Lore]

It was outlined on afl.com.au

My expectation was the 27 fit that are capable of getting an AFL game this year + those via for SPP (Lockyers ect)

Gives us roughly 30 and id expect say 3 qtrs 25 mins

These extra practice games are organised by the clubs, reported on by the journos at afl.com.au. Views are their own, etc. The AFL probably have influence there but the website shouldn't be thought of as a spokesman for the AFL Commission itself.

 

[ant555]

So it's a VFL scratch match? What's the point in that

To get games into the 7 or 8 AFL listed players who will miss the Perth game.

 

[ant555]

It was outlined on afl.com.au

My expectation was the 27 fit that are capable of getting an AFL game this year + those via for SPP (Lockyers ect)

Gives us roughly 30 and id expect say 3 qtrs 25 mins

Not when 25 fly to Perth in under a week for the Eagles game. Melbourne play the Crows the next day at Casey so it was never going to much more than a game where those who missed out got a game along with the VFL players.

Direct quote from the article.
"Essendon and Melbourne players not required in the Marsh Series will head to Casey Fields for a practice match on February 21. "

 

[eth-dog]

Looks like Melbourne may have:

3 of Bedford, Jordan, Hunt and Hore, plus Spargo, Rivers, Baker and Bradtke, plus Casey players.

As for us, on the injury list we have:

Heppell, Hooker, Zaka, Bellchambers, Hurley, Gown, Daniher, Johnson, Hibberd, Stewart, Draper, Walla, with Saad being part of SoO. I think our team for WA will be from:

McGrath, Parish, Langford, Smith, Merrett, Gleeson, Shiel, Francis, Cutler, Fantasia, Ridley, Laverde, Begley, Mutch, Townsend, Mosquito, Stringer, Redman, Cahill, Ambrose, Zerk-Thatcher, Phillips, Guelfi, Clarke, Snelling, McKernan

Leaving us with:

Jones, Bryan, Ham, McQuillan, McBride, plus the three trying out for that last spot on the list.

Hopefully they let guys like Ridley, Laverde, Mutch, Mozzie and Cahill get run in the legs.

 

[DapperJong]

i assume this isn't on kayo or anything