Changes for next week

[rpfc 28,782]

No to Dunn. Forward line is fine and fresh.

No to Warnock. Backline is balanced.

If MacDonald goes out, bring in Morton into the 21.

Batram in, and find a sub somewhere. Strauss maybe.

[Prof 15]

Sam has been on 'high alert' twice. Against Essendon he was ready (until 5 pm) when Bennell was declared fit. Last Saturday he was strapped up ready to replace Mc Donald. Sam must come in this week.

[Nasher 33,617]

Out- MacDonald

In- Tapscott

I wouldn't be making any more changes after 2 really strong wins in a row.

I'm liking the rebound we're getting from Strauss, Nicholson and Bennel. Also think people are being unfair on Morton, it's hard to come on as a sub and his form the previous 2-3 weeks had been good.

+1. If Macdonald gets up I'm happy for Tapscott to return via Casey. Don't see the need in upsetting the side when it is playing good footy. No glaring need for change.

[Nasher 33,617]

Sam has been on 'high alert' twice. Against Essendon he was ready (until 5 pm) when Bennell was declared fit. Last Saturday he was strapped up ready to replace Mc Donald. Sam must come in this week.

Why must he? He gets pushed down one place in the pecking order by Tapscott returning from injury. Don't see why that is unreasonable.

[Jaded No More 68,974]

We're into our third consecutive six day break so hopefully our fitness people are aware of the pitfalls of going in with the virtually the same team. One or two changes should be allowed for to cater for possible fatigue but I wouldn't be dropping Cale Morton who should at least be fresh.

Agreed.

We need at least one fresh pair of legs. Blease, given he has plenty of dash and has been close to selection for a couple of weeks now, could be a good replacement for MacDonald.

I definitely wouldn't play Joel if he isn't 100% fit. Don't think we can afford to carry someone on half fitness when everyone will be struggling after 3 six day breaks.

In: Blease

Out: MacDonald (inj.)

Morton into the 22, and sub could be either Bennell again, Strauss or Nicholson. Someone with yet another burst of speed who can help us carry the ball in the last quarter, remembering that the Dogs have a short prep week too.

I'd be very careful with Tappy. Soft tissue injuries, particularly ones suffered first time around, should be treated slowly and with extreme caution. Don't need this to develop into a chronic issue. Given we have a bye after this week, there is no rush. He can have 2 weeks at Casey first.

[Dees13 36]

I could definatly see Warnock coming in

Giansiracusa has been their best forward in the last 3 weeks, frawley is the only one with the versatility to go with him so therefore warnock could come in to play on Hall or another big forward they chuck in the square

[45HG 1,559]

Garland to Gia, Frawley to Hall for mine. Grant could be a tricky one to match up on - but I don't particularly rate him.

[old dee 23,872]

Out: Morton, MacDonald (inj)

In: Dunn, Tapscott

I was happy with Bennell's game yesterday. Don't really understand the constant bagging of him

I was not at the game on Saturday ( in Jakarta working ) Caught half the game on pay.

And watched the other half an hour ago.

Watching on TV does not always show the impact of a player

However Bennell was at his normal level from what I could see.

10 positions and 1 tackle.

From my observations and reading reports he was in the bottom three players.

As you have all no doubted noted I do not see much in him.

He would be out for mine.

[Dee Fan 3,247]

Is Bailey going to coach for the finals or is he going to continue to get games in to the younger kids?

If he wants to take a run at the finals he will be a bit more conservative, if he wants to get games in to the younger players then Blease may get a run or he may bring Evans back in.

I would be disappointed if he brought Bartram back in or if he went for Dunn or Bate over Howe.

[damon the demon 57]

I cannot understand how anyone can seriously think Warnock comes in for Jmac. Not only is Warnock not very good, but he plays nothing like Joel Macdonald. Warnock should only be used if 2 of Rivers, Frawley or Garland are injured.

If jamc is injured my feeling is they'll bring in either Tapscott or is he's a bit dodgy then Bartram.

Dunno if Blease can play the same role as Macdonald - if he can might be worth a try over Bartram.

Think they'll give Morton another go he was pretty bad against the tiges but showed a bit against freo IMO (controversial i know)

[rpfc 28,782]

Is Bailey going to coach for the finals or is he going to continue to get games in to the younger kids?

If he wants to take a run at the finals he will be a bit more conservative, if he wants to get games in to the younger players then Blease may get a run or he may bring Evans back in.

I would be disappointed if he brought Bartram back in or if he went for Dunn or Bate over Howe.

The inference is that Batram isn't part of our future, and I don't think that is right.

He may not be a core player, but he is young enough and good enough to be a dedicated role player in the future.

[stuie 7,374]

After watching "One Week At A Time", I was actually interested by something Robert Walls was talking about where they were discussing the effect of the sub rule and how players are now a lot more spent at the end of games etc. This has lead to teams like Geelong and Collingwood, who have great depth, to resting players somewhat and trying to manage their work load. Obviously we are not up to that standard yet, but given we are on our third 6 day break (not to mention how wrecked the guys looked after Saturday), do you think there may be more changes than what we would normally expect after a good performance?

On paper I would suggest Bartram may come in for MacDonald (if injured) and Warnock may come in for Morton depending on match ups, but would we rest 1 or 2 young guys like Scully, Strauss, Nicholson, or Howe? (All of been very good but may need the break) OR, do we plough through and use the bye for just that purpose?

[Gorgoroth 13,024]

We have 1 game then the bye, I think we go on, unless they are feeling too sore.

[Guest DeesPower]

Morton goes. He was terrible. Tapscott gets his spot back, deservedly so, he was in good form prior to being injured, and we can now afford to play him further up the ground and make even better use of his kicking.

If MacDonald is injured, we can look to Blease as a replacement for some run off half back. The Dogs' forward line is small, with Hall and their resting ruckman their talls, and Jones and Grant as mid-sized forwards. I'm not worried about replacing MacDonald with someone like Blease, the loss of height won't be a problem.

In: Tapscott, Blease (only if JMac's injured)

Out: Morton, MacDonald (only if injured)

Tapscott to be the go to man running past the Russian when he takes marks inside 50. Considerably increases our conversion rates.