BALL movement coach Mark Williams runs through the 22 players who played in Melbourne’s loss against Carlton at the MCG
Clint Bartram: Clint had some goals kicked on him defensively, but as always, his work-rate and physicality was a highlight. His ball use was pretty good until the last quarter, where he turned over a few kicks.
Matthew Bate: Matthew came on early after Straussy’s injury. He presented well, but wasn’t used as often as he should have been. He was involved in several of our scores, but failed to hit the scoreboard with a major himself.
Aaron Davey: Aaron came back into the team after a long layoff with a knee injury. He had seven scoring involvements, kicked a goal and had four tackles. He lacked his usual zip, but will be much better for the run.
Lynden Dunn: Lynden was solid. He kicked 2.2 and provided a good target up forward, taking several strong marks. We used him for a short burst in the midfield on Judd without much success.
James Frawley: James’ defensive game was OK. He spoiled aggressively and attacked the ball at ground level with vigor. His offensive game lacked his usual penetration and conviction.
Col Garland: Col defended gallantly and took some really good intercept marks, turning the ball over several times in the midfield. He switched the play pretty well, and overall was solid.
Max Gawn: Gawny had a quiet game. He didn’t have much impact in the ruck, but gained some valuable experience.
Brad Green: Greeny didn’t involve himself in the game enough. We just need more from our leaders, and Brad needs to continue to lead with his involvement and with his voice on the ground.
Jordan Gysberts: Jordie did some really good things in and under at stoppage, especially early in the game. As the game wore on, Jordie became fatigued and had less impact with the number of possessions and the impact of his ball use.
Jeremy Howe: Howie’s work-rate was good. His chasing and defensive skills were solid as always. He took some strong contested marks and moved the ball on quickly by hand and foot. He made a few decision errors later in the game, which resulted in the Blues turning the ball over.
Nathan Jones: Nathan’s physicality and attack on the ball was a highlight. He stuck to his task all day, and had 21 disposals and six scoring involvements. He is growing as a leader, displaying fantastic spirit and fight each week.
Joel Macdonald: Joel was beaten early, but really fought back hard. His physicality was outstanding, as was his ball use. He provided good rebound off half back, and used the ball predictably.
Stefan Martin: Stef was beaten convincingly. He didn’t spread hard, and wasn’t involved in enough play. He missed a shot early, which would’ve helped his confidence. We need Stef to dig deep and fight back hard this week.
Jordie McKenzie: Again, Jordie’s endeavour was fantastic. He had Chris Judd early in the game. Unfortunately, Judd got away from him, as he has done with many of his opponents this season. Jordie’s defensive pressure and intent was terrific. We just need him kicking the ball more often.
Brent Moloney: Brent only had a fair day. His in-close work didn’t have much of an impact, and his defensive work wasn’t great. We need more from him as one of our leaders.
Ricky Petterd: Ricky was lively. He moved around the forward line, and was involved in eight of our scores. He took several strong marks, and hit targets consistently by foot.
Jared Rivers: Jared’s defensive game was solid having 13 spoils and taking several intercept marks deep inside 50 when playing in front. He switched the play really well, but got out-marked on a couple of occasions by bigger and stronger opponents.
Tom Scully: Tom worked really hard. He needs to back himself more often in close and under pressure to make sure his possessions hit their desired targets. More effective disposals would have elevated the effectiveness of his game. His endeavor was very good.
James Strauss: Horrifically injured early in the game. James’s season came to an abrupt end with breaks in both bones in his lower leg.
Luke Tapscott: Lukey just needs to improve the defensive aspects of his game. His attack on the ball was fantastic, as was his physicality. He was injured late in the game by friendly fire (Stef Martin).
Jack Trengove: Jack had 24 possessions and 75 per cent were effective. His physicality was terrific, seeing him finish the day with 10 tackles. He continues to emerge as one of our very important flexible players.
Jack Watts: Jack was probably our best player. He kicked two goals and had 21 possessions. He also took nine marks. When he was in offence, he was lively, and presented really well. And when he was down back, he took some solid intercept marks under immense pressure. He directed play very well by switching play, and with his run and carry. He has had a very consistent season.