Team Changes for Round 7

[drdrake 3,180]

Out Dunn, Bate

In Jetta, Cheney

Dunn and Bate are in bad form, we have to drop players in bad form, that creates pressure for positions and sends a message play well or play at Casey. Jetta and Bennell should be given a chance to play in WA, the know Subiaco well and it is easy to get lost on the wings. The upside is there is space see we need to bring in some running players rather than talls.

Cheney comes in so Bartram can go to Kerr. Cheney comes in because he played well at Casey and has more match fitness than Whelan and Bell at the moment.

[Demons 32 235]

Out: Bate, ???

In: Cheney, Jetta

Not sure who to take out for Jetta, I want to keep Maric due to the fact you can't judge him on 1 game... (although if we did he would never play again).

Dunn would be a fair chance to be dropped in my opinion.

[titan_uranus 25,020]

McNamara did his own case no harm, but where would he play, and whose spot does he take? I don't think he offers anything that is currently missing from our side.

McNamara can have Bate's spot.

In: McNamara, Cheney, (Whelan)

Out: Dunn, Bate, (Bennell)

Let's get rid of some of that dead wood and bring in some youth. Cheney did little wrong in his 2 matches this year. I really liked the look of McNamara on Saturday.

I'd consider swapping Bennell for Whelan, but I'm not sure about Whelan's fitness.

PJ is lucky there's no one else in our ruck stocks.

Newton needs another good performance at Casey before we hand him yet another chance. West Coast don't have many tall forwards, so Martin could get another run in the forward line (even though he didn't convince me yesterday).

[beelzebub 23,380]

Bailey doesnt ( so it seems ) always play people where they have been supposedly slotted for. In that light happy for Cheney and McNamara in. Sorry Wheels you just arent our future and these kids are.

Dunn and Bate need to find their "footy selves" again !!

[H_T 3,049]

I agree with who will come out (Bartram was earned himself another game) but Aussie did not look fit yesterday and Bell wasn't great.

Cheney will most likely look to come in as will Whelan. I wouldn't be surprised if Newton gets called back in.

I watched Casey and was once again impressed with Watts. I know he is on a program and won't come in until the Essendon game after the split round. But personally, I cannot wait to see him in the No.4 Red&Blue.

Agree with Aussie and Bell. Aussie and King were at each other which was good to see. I think another week for him at Casey. Bell didn't do a hell of a lot and may need another couple before considered.

Was impressed with McNamara, but who do you drop for him when he's down back? Wheels and Cheney would be considered, perhaps Newton, but I'd let him play with Watts at Casey for a bit. Whilst Robbo is holding his spot in the Seniors.

Those in the side that could find themselves at Casey next week, probably Dunn, Bate and maybe Bennell. All in all, two changes.

[Kit Walker 225]

He got flogged yesterday and is definitely benchwarming for other options.

He was well beaten in the taps, but was far more influential in general play than any other ruckman on the ground.

I thought he had a very good game. If he can continue in that vein, and improve his actual ruckwork (which wasn't shocking but needs a fair bit of work), we may have a player.

[mauriesy 7,302]

If you read German's report, those that are pressing for senior selection next week seem to be Bail, McNamara, Grimes, Whelan and Cheney.

BTW, Jordie McKenzie looks like he could be a really good rookie pick.

[beelzebub 23,380]

I could be seriously tempted to ring in Bail ( who has speed ) for Rivers who's getting killed in lead ups. Its a big ground Subi !!

[titan_uranus 25,020]

I like the sound of this:

Jordie McKenzie – Jordie was fantastic. He was in our top three players on the day. Week after week now, he's starting to show his run and ability. He's also clean with the ball and is able to find teammates from clearances.

Obviously too early, but maybe we've got something here?

[_becks_ 35]

Out: Bate

In: Newton

Aussie and Wheels both need more game time. McNamara was good I thought for Casey but i do not think we need another tall defender in the side.

We have the strength in the middle, we just require some blistering pace.

[Rogue 585]

Meeson has been great, Johnson lucky yes, but Meeson has done what has been asked plus a little sugar on top, will only get better and really looking like he belongs!

If Meesen's been 'great' you're very easily pleased. Meesen's been far better than you'd expect from the forum consensus on him, but he's hardly been great!

Was impressed with McNamara, but who do you drop for him when he's down back? [....] Those in the side that could find themselves at Casey next week, probably Dunn, Bate and maybe Bennell. All in all, two changes.

If you wanted to drop Bate and bring in McNamara you'd have Martin replace Bate up forward, leaving a slot in the backline for McNamara.

[H_T 3,049]

If you wanted to drop Bate and bring in McNamara you'd have Martin replace Bate up forward, leaving a slot in the backline for McNamara.

Good point. Martin went forward yesterday. How do you think Martin would look up forward?

[Steamin Demon 392]

How bad must Bate play before he dropped ???

IN: McNamara

OUT: Bate

Give Maric another game, Only his sixth game and first for the year.

If anyone watched Casey on Saturday would agree this should be the only change.

[Hannabal 4]

In: Grimes, Cheney

Out: Dunn, Bennell

[titan_uranus 25,020]

In: Grimes, Cheney

Out: Dunn, Bennell

Not sure about that Hannabal. Hasn't really done a lot at Casey level to suggest he's pressing for AFL selection as yet. I reckon he's another week or two away.

[Hannabal 4]

Not sure about that Hannabal. Hasn't really done a lot at Casey level to suggest he's pressing for AFL selection as yet. I reckon he's another week or two away.

We'll agree to differ. His preseason form was superb and he's had 3 weeks back. His form in his 3 games at Casey has been solid with his first 2 weeks better than the weekend, but he got a lot of unassuming touches at Coburg and was asked to play different roles.

But here's the real kicker. Give me a half fit Grimes over Dunn every day of the millenium. (but Grimes isn't half fit, btw)

[dee-luded 2,959]

Silly Post!

Could of kicked 6 against Tigers, 5 against crows, 8 in VFL last week.

He has come a lONG LONG way with his defensive pressure and his leading patterns.

Just needs to work opn his accuracy, but if he played ion Casey 2's, and Kicked just ok, then yes, he could kick 12!

Yes 'Nudge', totally agree, Newton is becoming more confidant in his body/size & now must adjust to playing amongst men, (stop overreacting) this may take a little while, & I for one am pleasently surprised at his better efforts.

He's now worthy of some more respect & at least, seeing out his contract.

[Himark 0]

How bad must Bate play before he dropped ???

To all the Bate believers, have faith.

It's interesting to note that the much maligned Bater has had a hand in 14 out of the 63 goals kicked by MFC in the first 6 rounds so he's

been involved directly with 22% of all goals by way of 9 direct assists (the most in the club this year so far) + 5 he's kicked himself (4th highest goal kicker).

Baters stats this year so far say:

1st in direct goal assists - 9

4th in goals kicked - 5

4th in contested possesions - 36

8th in total disposals - 83

8th for inside 50's with - 15

10th for tackles with - 12

Of his 14 possessions against Geelong, 7 were contested, he had 2 direct goal assists and 3 inside 50's.

When delivery to the forward line is less hesitant, quicker and more accurate he'll kick bags.

Must stay in the team.

[Rogue 585]

Good point. Martin went forward yesterday. How do you think Martin would look up forward?

Apparently he's keen to play forward and it does give us a tall target to kick to if we're under pressure.

I thought he was leading too early a couple of times on Sunday and I don't know what his goal kicking is like but there's no harm in trying him there.

[Hannabal 4]

It's interesting to note that the much maligned Bater has had a hand in 14 out of the 63 goals kicked by MFC in the first 6 rounds so he's

been involved directly with 22% of all goals by way of 9 direct assists (the most in the club this year so far) + 5 he's kicked himself (4th highest goal kicker).

Baters stats this year so far say:

1st in direct goal assists - 9

4th in goals kicked - 5

4th in contested possesions - 36

8th in total disposals - 83

8th for inside 50's with - 15

10th for tackles with - 12

Of his 14 possessions against Geelong, 7 were contested, he had 2 direct goal assists and 3 inside 50's.

When delivery to the forward line is less hesitant, quicker and more accurate he'll kick bags.

Must stay in the team.

Those stats are very ordinary for a first round draft pick in his 5th year. It's not hard to have some average ranking categories in the worst team in the league - 4th in goals yet less than one a game and only 2 more than Robertson who's played just the one. More to the point, Bate looks worse than he did 3 years ago. And I suspect that it's because he's being played out of position. He's being asked to play deep this year and he's just not a key forward. He's an ok mark on a lead, but a poor mark in a contested situation. He's far better suited as a hard running third tall playing high. He actually becomes quite a difficult matchup. I haven't written him off as I've seen too much to suggest that he's better than what he's currently showing and I believe that he'll benefit from a change of forwardline structure.

However, you're clutching at straws highlighting these average stats that at best papermache wide cracks.

[Vipercrunch 2,827]

In: Jetta, MacNamara

Out: Sylvia, Bate

Jetta didn't play anywhere on the weekend and will miss another week if he doesn't play AFL with Casey having a bye. Jetta is in Wona's spot and should stay there until Wona is ready.

MacNamara was really good on Saturday, and is more than a tall backman. Was very impressed with his work.

Sylvia took the first half off on Sunday, so we may as well give him the week off this time. Needs to drastically improve his consistency.

I am not sure of Bate's role anymore. Only seems to come into games after halftime once the sting is well and truly out of it.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

I could be seriously tempted to ring in Bail ( who has speed ) for Rivers who's getting killed in lead ups. Its a big ground Subi !!

I see your reasoning, however I'd suggest Rivers just needs the correct match up, say for example Hansen. They had him on Varcoe at one stage in the 2nd term and Varcoe was to far to quick. When he was moved onto Mooney in the 3rd he kept him quiet until Mooney got some junk time marks in the final term.

[beelzebub 23,380]

I see your reasoning, however I'd suggest Rivers just needs the correct match up, say for example Hansen. They had him on Varcoe at one stage in the 2nd term and Varcoe was to far to quick. When he was moved onto Mooney in the 3rd he kept him quiet until Mooney got some junk time marks in the final term.

Im just wondering if Jared isnt at 100% then this ground with expose him. Might be just me ut Rivers seems to play a game based around the flight of the ball and this is fine unless your direct opponent is leaving you breathing burnt ruber !!

[BennytheJet 15]

In: Jetta, MacNamara

Out: Sylvia, Bate

Jetta didn't play anywhere on the weekend and will miss another week if he doesn't play AFL with Casey having a bye. Jetta is in Wona's spot and should stay there until Wona is ready.

MacNamara was really good on Saturday, and is more than a tall backman. Was very impressed with his work.

Sylvia took the first half off on Sunday, so we may as well give him the week off this time. Needs to drastically improve his consistency.

I am not sure of Bate's role anymore. Only seems to come into games after halftime once the sting is well and truly out of it.

Ridiculous - 8 tackles from Sylvia = well and truly deserving of spot. Also, his 15 touches were far better than anyone elses on the field. Although itd be nice, he doesnt need 25 - 30 touches to be damaging. Dropping the only player on our list (aside from davey) who is damaging by foot when we are in dire need of foot skills??

[Freak 100]

In: Bail, Mcnamara

Out: Bate, Bennell