VFL 2025

[eth-dog]

Who in their right mind thought that appointing Brendan Mccartney as coach was a good idea, and that it would be an instant success for Port? They are no good and no different to what we've seen post COVID.

Have a couple of mates who live in the area and stood at the 3QT huddle with them. His speech was terrible. It amounted to "We've gotta fight. Someone has to put their head over the ball." With a few swear words thrown in. No positional instructions. No explanation of how to win. Terrible speech when there were 2 points the difference

 

[Flyingleslieskite]

At least they've tried to change things up this season.... hopefully it clicks at some stage.

Might not

 

[Flyingleslieskite]

Have a couple of mates who live in the area and stood at the 3QT huddle with them. His speech was terrible. It amounted to "We've gotta fight. Someone has to put their head over the ball." With a few swear words thrown in. No positional instructions. No explanation of how to win. Terrible speech when there were 2 points the difference

Great insight, thanks.
Poor style of footy they play.
I heard not many were disappointed when he announced he was leaving North Ballarat.

 

[eth-dog]

Great insight, thanks.
Poor style of footy they play.
I heard not many were disappointed when he announced he was leaving North Ballarat.

I actually liked what they were doing in the first half. Used the fat side well, used hands well inside to get it out and generally looked dangerous. But they ran out of legs

Issue is the forward half. Their defence is good and their midfield can match it when Ajang is on, but their forward line lacks a POD (which admittedly Jayden Davey and Kaine Baldwin would make a difference in), they can't create their own chances.

 

[MegaA]

has there been any actual meaningful improvement at Port Melbourne since 'new era' VFL began?

The endeavour is there with signing a AFL standard coaching team and signing several ex AFL players but I think you can answer that question yourself - after all the numbers don't lie.

 

[MegaA]

I actually liked what they were doing in the first half. Used the fat side well, used hands well inside to get it out and generally looked dangerous. But they ran out of legs

Issue is the forward half. Their defence is good and their midfield can match it when Ajang is on, but their forward line lacks a POD (which admittedly Jayden Davey and Kaine Baldwin would make a difference in), they can't create their own chances.

That's the intriguing part, reports are that their fitness is better than previous years. Perhaps other sides have also improved fitness to another level or we aren't as fit as we think we are. Appears to be another season pretty much the same as the prior 3..

Agree with your forward line assessment.

 

[Boned]

Who in their right mind thought that appointing Brendan Mccartney as coach was a good idea, and that it would be an instant success for Port? They are no good and no different to what we've seen post COVID.

As I stated a few weeks ago, Macca is old school and only talks defence and over the last decade wherever he has coached, his sides struggle to kick 10 goals. They will be in games for long periods and bring effort, but the complete lack of focus on offence will continually see his sides struggle to win - the facts are clear for everyone to see. How will the Burra faithful view another wasted season after so much hype was spruiked after his appointment - but the one thing Macca has always been is a "great salesman."

 

[Spiny Norman]

That's the intriguing part, reports are that their fitness is better than previous years. Perhaps other sides have also improved fitness to another level or we aren't as fit as we think we are. Appears to be another season pretty much the same as the prior 3..

Agree with your forward line assessment.

I figure that fitness improvements over the course of one preseason aren't going to last over the course of a full season - it seems to take three preseasons to really see improvement that's sustained for a full season. I didn't expect a dropoff in fitness until about the halfway point of the season, but I also think part of the problem last night is not just fitness but the forward lines in particular lacking the skill of getting into space. It happened far too often that there were no good options to kick to when exiting defensive 50, which is part of what's behind the fourth-quarter turnovers - the kicks that resulted in turnovers were bad, but at the same time there were only bad options and less bad ones. (Farrant and Lloyd did sometimes manage to get into space, though their accuracy obviously left something to be desired.) Judging by what he says to the team, I'd say McCartney does want a more attacking, fast-moving gameplan than we're seeing, and it's hard to tell if he's currently not focused enough on attack when it also seems that the talent isn't there up forward.

If Kaine Baldwin has grown a beard, I'm pretty sure the player at the game in a moonboot was him, so even if the coaches might have had any thoughts of trying him up forward (where he started at Essendon, though he was moved to defence fairly early on), he won't be playing at all any time soon. I don't know what the injury is beyond that it evidently requires a moonboot.

 

[bedford]

Disgraceful performance , so many turn overs again , also haven't played for 3 weeks

 

[MegaA]

I figure that fitness improvements over the course of one preseason aren't going to last over the course of a full season - it seems to take three preseasons to really see improvement that's sustained for a full season. I didn't expect a dropoff in fitness until about the halfway point of the season, but I also think part of the problem last night is not just fitness but the forward lines in particular lacking the skill of getting into space. It happened far too often that there were no good options to kick to when exiting defensive 50, which is part of what's behind the fourth-quarter turnovers - the kicks that resulted in turnovers were bad, but at the same time there were only bad options and less bad ones. (Farrant and Lloyd did sometimes manage to get into space, though their accuracy obviously left something to be desired.) Judging by what he says to the team, I'd say McCartney does want a more attacking, fast-moving gameplan than we're seeing, and it's hard to tell if he's currently not focused enough on attack when it also seems that the talent isn't there up forward.

If Kaine Baldwin has grown a beard, I'm pretty sure the player at the game in a moonboot was him, so even if the coaches might have had any thoughts of trying him up forward (where he started at Essendon, though he was moved to defence fairly early on), he won't be 0playing at all any time soon. I don't know what the injury is beyond that it evidently requires a moonboot.

Enjoy reading your posts, we'll thought out and some good knowledge there as for Bedford it appears that the only rising at the Borough are people's frustration.

 

[Yoda_]

Anyone know what the attendance number for Port Melbourne might be?

Reported over 2,200

 

[Yoda_]

Port Nelbourne is the epitome of of plastics aka the Man City VFL version.

No heart, no soul, a sad attempt at trying to buy wins and flags.

A core of Chris Cain, Sam Dwyer

Sam Dwyer

Age

39

Ht

180cm

Wt

76kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

15.8

4star

K

7.9

3star

HB

7.9

5star

M

3.8

4star

T

1.5

3star

CL

1.0

3star

No current season stats available

D

16.2

4star

K

7.8

3star

HB

8.4

5star

M

4.0

4star

T

1.2

3star

CL

1.2

4star

, Nathan Batsanis or the current one with Charlie Lazaro, Don bedendo etc.

Something different about the VFL listers at Port. hooper, Gree, Mun etc compared to those of yesteryear

 

[Shonuff77]

Upset of the season so far. Well done to the Zebras.

 

[Flyingleslieskite]

Port Nelbourne is the epitome of of plastics aka the Man City VFL version.

No heart, no soul, a sad attempt at trying to buy wins and flags.

A core of Chris Cain, Sam Dwyer, Nathan Batsanis or the current one with Charlie Lazaro, Don bedendo etc.

Something different about the VFL listers at Port. hooper, Gree, Mun etc compared to those of yesteryear

Great call

 

[Yoda_]

I have been doing a power rankings of VFL listers this season on the main drafts and trading board. This weeks edition is below

Round 4 completed and we are starting to see some clarity amongst who should be in the running for the mid season draft.

#1 - Riley Baldi - Casey Demons (UP 3 SPOTS)

Another big game for Casey Demons (23disposals, 7 marks, 1.0) to solid himself as arguably the best prospect who hasn't been on a list before as a mid season option.

The 178cm inside midfielder is averaging 24 touches a game and managed to sneak forward and kick an uncustomary goal for the Demons in a tough loss to a rampaging GWS Giants.

#2 - Massimo Raso - Richmond VFL (+/-)

171cm Richmond VFL small forward Massimo Raso moves into second place after another spritely performance in a fierce contest at Frankston Park. Another 3 goals takes his season tally to 8 from 4 games putting him firmly on notice.

#3 - Riley Mason - Collingwood VFL (DOWN 1 SPOT)
Tough day to stand out with so many key forwards presenting as options. (3 other key forwards kicked multiple goals on the day). 2 goals from limited opportunities was still a day in which he contributed 2 goals taking his season tally to 11 from 3 games.

#4 - Nick Williams - Southport (+/-)

Another great game from the former Suns academy member. The 190cm half back flanker is having a consistent season for the Table topping sharks. Averaging 17.5 possessions a game and 3 rebound 50's, he should be firmly on AFL clubs radars.

#5 Tom McCarthy - Richmond VFL (+/-)

No one is really jumping into the top 5 so McCarthy holds onto this spot purely by his ok performance on Saturday night. Another 16 possessions takes his season average to 20.5 a game. At 24 and new to the system, he is firmly on AFL clubs radars.


Honourable mentions to a few entering the edge of the top 5.

Jonah Campigli (Sandringham). The 2024 VAFA rising star winner (?), kicked a huge 5 goals in a boil over win for Sandy against the top 8 chasing Footscray. Has been immense the last two weeks and as a hybrid fwd, is another entering discussions as a mid season draft possibility.

Jack Andrew (Coburg Lions) kicked 4 goals from 9 possessions but the 183cm, 21 year old took some massive contested marks from his 9 possessions to go with 4 goals. On watch after a great debut game.

Christian Algeri (Collingwood VFL), had a huge game for the VFL Magpies, 23 possessions, 7marks, 3 Inside 50s and a goal in a tight, high scoring game against the Lions VFL side. At 22, another to watch for the season.

Jovan Petric (Williamstown) is a big 197cm, 21 year old KPF from Williamstown. Kicked 4 goals to take his season tally to 8 from 4 games. A big hulking key forward. Presents well.



There is a raft of known qualities in the VFL putting up decent numbers. Joel Trudgeon (Coburg), with another 35 disposals, Joel Fitzgerald had another 26 to take his season average to 22.5 a game. Josh Green (Port Melbourne) with a further 31 in a tough loss to Essendon VFL, Flynn Gentile (Coburg) 29 possessions and 9 inside 50s.

Did anyone impress you over the weekend ?

 

[Rickee]

Port Nelbourne is the epitome of of plastics aka the Man City VFL version.

No heart, no soul, a sad attempt at trying to buy wins and flags.

A core of Chris Cain, Sam Dwyer, Nathan Batsanis or the current one with Charlie Lazaro, Don bedendo etc.

Something different about the VFL listers at Port. hooper, Gree, Mun etc compared to those of yesteryear

Those in charge have made a series of poor decisions recently, starting with not renewing Gary Ayers contract, but I strongly disagree that the Borough, a 150+ year old club with 17 premierships and some of the most passionate supporters you'll ever meet, is "pastic" and has "no heart or soul".

This is either transperant rage bait or deliberate ignorance.

 

[Yoda_]

Those in charge have made a series of poor decisions recently, starting with not renewing Gary Ayers contract, but I strongly disagree that the Borough, a 150+ year old club with 17 premierships and some of the most passionate supporters you'll ever meet, is "pastic" and has "no heart or soul".

This is either transperant rage bait or deliberate ignorance.

They are turning plastic mate. The heart of the joint has been ripped out of it. We can both agree on that?

 

[Rickee]

They are turning plastic mate. The heart of the joint has been ripped out of it. We can both agree on that?

I don't have a clue what you mean by "turning plastic" so no, we can't.

If you're mad that Port recruited a bunch of ex-Essendon players to try and compete with AFL clubs, let me introduce you to the entire history of professional sports.

 

[Yoda_]

I don't have a clue what you mean by "turning plastic" so no, we can't.

If you're mad that Port recruited a bunch of ex-Essendon players to try and compete with AFL clubs, let me introduce you to the entire history of professional sports.

if you cant see what the term means then id suggest sitting this one out.

Every (good) Port Melbourne team was built on the traditions, the history, from within. Port of recent years are simply trying to buy players and put them into a team for success.

No long term planning, no end game, just a desperate attempt to stay competitive and relevant whilst other stand alone clubs doing the long game go shooting past at a rate of knots.


PS. good on James for stepping back in and helping his son's football club out. As for Dyson, Tex and Jayden, kudos.

 

[Flyingleslieskite]

if you cant see what the term means then id suggest sitting this one out.

Every (good) Port Melbourne team was built on the traditions, the history, from within. Port of recent years are simply trying to buy players and put them into a team for success.

No long term planning, no end game, just a desperate attempt to stay competitive and relevant whilst other stand alone clubs doing the long game go shooting past at a rate of knots.


PS. good on James for stepping back in and helping his son's football club out. As for Dyson, Tex and Jayden, kudos.

Every heart beats true for the red and the blue?

 

[Dogs till i die]

Went to Willy, shocked to see Coburg playing so well, their smalls and mids cut Willy to pieces through the middle. Skill levels high for the Burgers, kicked goals from all angles, were a lot better than I expected.

Also got to say, thought Coburg played the conditions better than Willy, with a breeze towards the Bay. Willy kept going to the bay side of the ground when attacking. Dumb.

There were several Willy players I didn't recognise but don't know of any major injury crises down there. Willy will cop a hiding at Werribee next week if they repeat that effort.

 

[Flyingleslieskite]

Went to Willy, shocked to see Coburg playing so well, their smalls and mids cut Willy to pieces through the middle. Skill levels high for the Burgers, kicked goals from all angles, were a lot better than I expected.

Also got to say, thought Coburg played the conditions better than Willy, with a breeze towards the Bay. Willy kept going to the bay side of the ground when attacking. Dumb.

There were several Willy players I didn't recognise but don't know of any major injury crises down there. Willy will cop a hiding at Werribee next week if they repeat that effort.

Both sides were missing players. But Williamstown had 9 players who were a walk up start missing

Coburg had three.

 

[Flipper21]

Who is your tip for the premiership> who has the side to win it? How many contenders are there, GWS looking good with a healthy list, how is their depth?

 

[Yoda_]

Who is your tip for the premiership> who has the side to win it? How many contenders are there, GWS looking good with a healthy list, how is their depth?

Southport's to lose

 

[Flipper21]

Appreciate your input. Only just started following the VFL. How does it work with AFL reserves and top up players? Who is the best placed of the ressies sides? Box Hill?