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| Moloney and Sylvia are the key players for Melbourne against the Gold Coast Source: aflphotos.com.au |
While many a fan will come into these games considering it as an easy 4 points and a percentage booster, they must consider the wealth of young talent that the Gold Coast does possess, not to mention one of the best players in the AFL, Gary Ablett.
So, who are the keys for Melbourne, if we are to continue the 'Gold Coast trend', and who are those from the Gold Coast who could cause a few problems?
The 5 key players from both sides will be covered below.
Melbourne:
1. Brent Moloney - After a week in the doghouse, Moloney will be very keen to earn back some respect on the football field. This should lead to him running and working himself to exhaustion at the gabba on the weekend, expect everything to be left on the field. Also, Moloney's big body in the midfield will be a big bonus against the 18 year old suns midfield. Moloney is leading Melbournes disposal count at 80, and expect that to be continued after this round. Expect 30 touches.
2. Colin Sylvia - Picked mostly for the same reason as Moloney, the big body. Melbourne's big bodied midfield (special mention to Nathan Jones here, who didn't make the 5) will tackle and pressure the undersized Suns, not to mention breaking through the packs and picking up plenty of clearances.
3. Liam Jurrah - The electric Jurrah is an enigma in the forward 50, and gets people out of their seats. There is every chance of Jurrah kicking 4 goals in the first quarter, and if he is firing, there is no chance that we can be beaten. Expect a big game and a bigger bag of goals from this superstar.
4. Mark Jamar - The big russian is always important for the team. Jamar and Moloney are one of the most effective ruck/rover combinations in the AFL, and pick up plenty of clearances for the team. Jamar is also one of the best rucks in the game, just for his tapping ability, having the highest tap to advantage percentage in 2010.
5. James Frawley - Chip is back! Frawley spent 8 weeks on the sideline after tearing his pectoral muscle in a weight room accident. He got himself fit for round 2, but is finally starting to play some good footy. Although Gold Coast don't really have a key forward target, Frawley can still play as a running half back, who can release others up the field, and he works in to the rebounding game style that Melbourne like to play.
Gold Coast:
1. Zac Smith - The 205cm ruck is an exciting prospect for the Gold Coast's future, but he could cause some headaches for Melbourne on the weekend. He is an athletic ruck and can take a decent mark as well. Has a decent footy brain and will be a superstar in the future. Watch out for him.
2. <Edited as Ablett is out> Dion Prestia - This kid has been called the new Paul Chapman, and for good reason too. He may be short, but is very strong through the core and can run through packs. He loves to touch the footy and has a decent footy brain. Will be yet another Gold Coast superstar of the future. (Prestia may be a chance to end up at Melbourne in the future, as his whole family is Melbourne supporters)
3. Karmichael Hunt... I'm kidding, it's David Swallow. You aren't the number 1 pick in the AFL draft unless you have some serious potential (look at Trengove and Scully already). He hasn't shown too much just yet but could cause some problems if he gets some support from those around him. Shouldn't be a concern on the weekend but another to look at for future games.
4. Daniel Harris - This mature aged midfielder has been given a second wind at Gold Coast, after playing 149 games for North Melbourne. He has taken his chance already with 30 and 16 possessions in his two games. Harris offers some experience to a team that needs leadership, and his understanding of the game could help to steady the rookies around him and allow them to play their natural game. I would be keeping a very close eye on him if I were Dean Bailey.
5. Brandon Matera - A member of the famous Matera family. Son of Wally, nephew of Peter and Phil. A small forward that is dangerous around the goals and will cause problems for the Melbournes defenders. Hard to match up on, but should be next to Clint Bartram at the first siren.
The starting dilemma:
It is well documented that Melbourne struggles in the first quarter. So what can be done to stop this?
This is a difficult question to answer, but could come down to a different game plan for the first 5 minutes.
This is a difficult question to answer, but could come down to a different game plan for the first 5 minutes.
Melbourne, unlike most other clubs, do not play a forward press game plan, but prefer to play a defensive half rebounding role. However while the team is not running, the kick out of defence, or the next kick is unable to find a new target, as too many players have pushed down the ground. This is not helped by most players playing on after taking marks without looking ahead. This often leads to turnovers in the middle of the field, or across the oppositions half forward line.
Therefore, the coaching staff need to address the need of a more concrete forward structure, with targets leading out of the forward 50 up to the half forward line and giving the midfielders more than one direction to go with their kicks. This will not only allow the team to keep possession of the ball, but will allow Melbourne to limit any damage that the slow start causes.
Slow starts will continue to haunt Melbourne this year, as they are still a young team, with only 5 players having played over 100 AFL games, but is something that will continue to improve with the rest of the teams abilities.
Nick.
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