Changes for next week...

[KingDingAling 3,758]

It was refreshing to see Roos' comments actually. He was starting to fall into the trap of repeating old cliches used by Neeld and Bailey during the week just gone. Let's not forget too, that in 10 years in Sydney his biggest losing margin was 73 points. He's already eclipsed that in his 2nd game here. This team really is garbage.

Yeah, not often I watch an AFL side and think I could do better.

From what I seen today, I'd move a lot of players on.

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

Viney, blease, Kent, Evans,salem and any talls please.

I would add Jetta, Barry and Clisby into that mix as well. And regarding talls it's Gawn or bust for mine. The others just aren't up to it at this level. I'm not even sure Gawn is but i'm hopeful. Max King is too early obviously. Fitzpatrick is seasons at Casey from being a possible AFL footballer at this point. I wish him luck though.

It's time to look outside Grimes, Trengove, Pederson and Watts (and i say Watts as he just refuses to man up when he doesn't have the ball nor tackle, contest or hit a pack hard from behind when the opportunity is there) and anyone who can't catch a slow moving Ferry and who continually turn the ball over in their 5th season or greater.

When we introduce some speed with AFL standard decision making/disposal, accountability across all lines when we don't have the ball and a Geelong style "fast break overlap" game 80% of the time (see JHK goal / passage of play for example) we will start winning games against some teams in the AFL.

Continuing to persist with slow plodders/thinkers/disposers and an 80% possession style of game, similar to that we played today, will only see us 0-22 at seasons end and going backwards at a steady rate of knots and the club more than likely being bailed out in perpetuity by the AFL.

[jnrmac 20,189]

Fitzpatrick played like he was still concussed. Seriously. There is no way he was recovered fm last week. Had no idea where to go who to follow etc. (and no he doesn't play like that every week)

Lost the first 8 centre clearances and the game.

[Demon Jack 6,930]

Depending on fitness, Gawn and Viney need to come into the side. Fitzy and Bail can be dropped. Jamar should also be in contention. Arghhh....my soul for a legitimate forward target.

Edited March 30, 2014 by Demon Jack

[DeeSpencer 26,090]

Fitzpatrick played like he was still concussed. Seriously. There is no way he was recovered fm last week. Had no idea where to go who to follow etc. (and no he doesn't play like that every week)

Lost the first 8 centre clearances and the game.

He plays like that not unfrequently when up against gun rucks, gun key defenders and in a non functional forward line. Concussion might effect your movements and some of your thinking but if you're a lost player you are a lost player. Remember Fitzy didn't play v Richmond, got little of it against Geelong or Hawthorn and only played a quarter against Saints.

He hasn't found his form for the season yet. I wouldn't blame his game today on him suffering effects on concussion, more suffering from missing game and training time and maybe some confidence due to the concussion. Same result but slight difference.

If Pedo stays then Fitzy goes to the VFL. If not vice versa. There are no winners.

[1964nowMORE 492]

Am I the only one who thought Pedo was really good when in the back line? Terrible on the forward line, but good down back. Didn't get beaten in the air, won some one on ones.....then was put back forward in the last qtr so Howe could play CHB.

Fitzy must out for me, and Michie too.

Ideally Gawn if fit and one of the runners, Blease over Evans ideally.

[Demons 32 235]

I think Garland and Jamar are a chance to come in, both are back in full training I believe.

As far as outs.... I just want Fitzy and Matt Jones at Casey.

[Brayshaw Self 847]

IN: Garland, Viney

OUT: Fitzpatrick, Bail

Dunn or Garland to play forward

[John Crow Batty 8,879]

How can anyone suggest Byrnes gets dropped? The only forward doing his job at the moment. Its his role to sneak and crumb 2 or 3 goals a game.

[dee-luded 2,959]

IN: Garland, Viney

OUT: Fitzpatrick, Bail

Dunn or Garland to play forward

like this, & with Garlo forward to decoy, & to play defensive forward. he'll be underdone, so this way he can come back early, & regain some fitness on the job.

The backline isn't our biggest problem, so keep it together this week.

Fitzpatrick a weeks rest, Garlo in. Bail to Casey for Blease. Toumpas to Casey for Viney.

[Left Field 313]

I had Bail in our top 10 (or so) most effective players today.

Sure, his disposal is complete rubbish. But he broke the line a few times and turned us back onto the corridor (not his fault there was nothing presenting there IMHO).

[Deespicable 2,886]

Given that there were no magoos this week, you'd have to think Blease, Evans and Kent are still in pole position to get a game, if there are any changes.

The only other two I can see being considered are Gawn, if his hamstring soreness was just minor and Garland, if his fitness is good enough to be rushed back in.

I can't see Dawes, Hogan or Jack Viney being rushed back - even though it's tempting.

Garland is a different kettle of fish because he's a mature player and a proven topliner.

Fitzy is the only clear out - I know we all hoped he was improving but he went back a long, long way today.

I suspect Michie will be under the pump this week - he started really well but just couldn't get it after quarter-time.

That could free up a spot for Evans.

Blease or Kent hopefully will get a chance but until Byrnes stuffs up completely, I'm not sure there's a spot for him.

[RalphiusMaximus 6,098]

You can't teach accurate kicking,

Kyle Cheney says hi.

[What 18,810]

forgot all about Garland

We are really missing a lot of important players, no wonder we look like [censored]

Edited March 30, 2014 by hogans_heroes

[Guest]

Kyle Cheney says hi.

I remember about two years ago that I met a relative of Kyle Cheney (won't say who in order to preserve anonymity).

He/She told me how Kyle really loved his time at Melbourne but that Hawthorn as so 'different'.

Geez, I wonder what he was referring to there?

[Coup Cooper 610]

IN: Garland, Viney

OUT: Fitzpatrick, Bail

Dunn or Garland to play forward

If Garland comes in. Itd be worth playing Dunn and Garland up forward to try and stretch the Giants.

[Courtney_Fish 183]

Fitzpatrick played like he was still concussed. Seriously. There is no way he was recovered fm last week. Had no idea where to go who to follow etc. (and no he doesn't play like that every week)

Lost the first 8 centre clearances and the game.

Spot on.

Perhaps this is a game we shouldn't overreact about because even our better players stuffed everything up today. We can overreact next week.

[Steve13 457]

Matt Jones was the only player today that consistently spread from the contest with pace and purpose, he was often not rewarded so the stats may not show his endeavour. Many others today could learn from his game.

[RalphiusMaximus 6,098]

I remember about two years ago that I met a relative of Kyle Cheney (won't say who in order to preserve anonymity).

He/She told me how Kyle really loved his time at Melbourne but that Hawthorn as so 'different'.

Geez, I wonder what he was referring to there?

I couldn't believe my eyes watching Kyle play for the Hawks. He wasn't by any means a superb kick, but he was accurate and reliable within his range. That is so much better than he ever did when he was at Melbourne. How the hell did they manage to fix him?

[DeeSpencer 26,090]

I couldn't believe my eyes watching Kyle play for the Hawks. He wasn't by any means a superb kick, but he was accurate and reliable within his range. That is so much better than he ever did when he was at Melbourne. How the hell did they manage to fix him?

A lot of time and effort but also a lot of good options for him to kick too. Tom McDonald has improved his kicking to an extent. We are capable of improving some players, we just have too many who don't. Or at least didn't under Neeld. Have to give Roos a chance to sort out a few blokes.

[DeeSpencer 26,090]

If Garland comes in. Itd be worth playing Dunn and Garland up forward to try and stretch the Giants.

Stretch them how exactly?

Anyway we've suffered through too much losing to rush Garland or anyone else back. He'd hardly perform well anyway. VFL for him for a week.

Pedersen and Fitzy were the two today who I thought were epic proportions of bad. The rest were just a team collective effort of abysmal. We can't replace both Pedo and Fitzy until Jamar is back which probably isn't for a fortnight. Or Gawn which is probably longer. Even then I don't expect too much from those guys.

One of Fitzy or Pedo has to play next week to give Spencer a chop out.

[pineapple dee 2,892]

I still have faith in Roos but I have to say I'm flat as a biscuit right now.

[DeeSpencer 26,090]

How can anyone suggest Byrnes gets dropped? The only forward doing his job at the moment. Its his role to sneak and crumb 2 or 3 goals a game.

Not really. It's his job to play football. Goals are just a part of that. Well done for making decent position on his crumbed goal (but Pedersen you epic spud nearly stuffed it) and he got another on the lead at some stage. But he played the entire game forward, at some stage he's going to get opportunity. His two goals doesn't make his game twice as good as Toumps 1 goal.

His constant errors after being in good position are what frustrate me. Not going on his right when a clear path to goal was on was a shocker today in the second quarter. Several other mistakes through complete lack of composure and he offers so little in any other regard.

If JKH starts ahead of him is it not likely for him to get Byrnes' 2 cheap goals just from being out there (considering he got one today and had other chances at times). I get the need for experienced runners in the midfield as well as a guy like Bail at half forward who can motor all day. But a last legs veteran in the forward pocket? Surely Kent and Blease offer more.

[P-man 13,366]

Keep turning them through til we find 22 good enough who care enough.

In: Viney, Garland, Kent, McKenzie(?)/Evans

Out: M Jones, Fitzpatrick, Bail, Trengove

[SaberFang 7,151]

Definitely think it's time Evans and Kent got a go. Didn't Evans kick 3 goals in the last game we won?

Must be awfully miserable in the Kent/Hogan flat. Would hate to think the conversation they had today seeing the two WA teams atop the ladder.

And surely JKH earned a starting position with that goal and almost-goal in the 4QTR?

Edited March 30, 2014 by Lamashtu