We need to find a happy medium

[The Dr]

This Stats Confidential column basically confirms my suspicions that we've gone from a free-wheeling, front-running gameplan (under Bailey) to another that's too contested-footy centric without enough freedom (under Neeld).

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/mel...eap-outside-ball/story-fnctrk3q-1226315845268

Makes me wonder whether we need to add a couple of outside players to the team - which could give someone like Cale Morton, or Jamie Bennell, a chance to secure a spot in the 22.

Don't get me wrong - winning the contested ball is great, and I'd rather Neeld's plan over Bailey's, but we need to add a lot more run and spread too.

 

[Captain Jack]

Absolutely agree. There's a difference between playing a contested game plan, which of course we need to do, and on the other hand selecting a team that can dispose of the ball accurately and efficiently. They need not be mutually exclusive; as long as the 22 players selected are committed to playing a physical style it makes no difference how well-built they are. Preferencing size over skill is a recipe for disaster.

Edit: had to google the article title to get around the HUN's paywall system... bastards.

 

[The Dr]

And in a scary thought, the trip to WA and playing at the big Patersons Stadium ground, the situation could be further exposed.

Ouch.

 

[CowboyFromHell]

No doubt that the players need to learn to do both aspects of the game plan, but it seems to me that they are so focused on getting the contested part right that they neglect the other aspects. Short term that's understandable and I'm certain they will be able to take more risks and get more run as the year goes on.

And about playing in WA - any chance that we can do the improbably over there like we did in 1998 and 2002? No? Thought so...