MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM SELECTION - Round 8

[Adam The God 30,110]

Looking at the Casey Team Newton and Fitzy haven't been named wheres Toumpas Stretch and Watts and Bail are all named on the field also?

That's a tall side we're playing then. Fitzy and Gawny?

[titan_uranus 24,966]

Spencer presumably gets one more shot against a nothing ruckman - I'm sure he'll get a huge amount of hit outs but that isn't relevant against the Dogs. Cordy will go forward after the centre bounce which gives Spencer the freedom to play his own game. Whether it's following the ball and contesting multiple stoppages to keep himself involved, or moving back and standing in front of the forwards' leads, or going forward to stretch their defence, he has to take control of a game where is primary focus is on mitigating the damage against a better opposition.

I'd be flabbergasted if Fitzpatrick played after average VFL form and an injury last weekend.

I'd assume Stretch will be rested, and I don't think we can play Gawn, we'd be too tall. That leaves Bail, Newton, Riley and Toumpas. Stretch might be the sub and Bail could miss as a result.

[Adam The God 30,110]

Spencer presumably gets one more shot against a nothing ruckman - I'm sure he'll get a huge amount of hit outs but that isn't relevant against the Dogs. Cordy will go forward after the centre bounce which gives Spencer the freedom to play his own game. Whether it's following the ball and contesting multiple stoppages to keep himself involved, or moving back and standing in front of the forwards' leads, or going forward to stretch their defence, he has to take control of a game where is primary focus is on mitigating the damage against a better opposition.

I'd be flabbergasted if Fitzpatrick played after average VFL form and an injury last weekend.

I'd assume Stretch will be rested, and I don't think we can play Gawn, we'd be too tall. That leaves Bail, Newton, Riley and Toumpas. Stretch might be the sub and Bail could miss as a result.

You mean another chance to lead our stoppage count? Spencer is still raw, but he's not getting enough credit around here at the moment.

[Nasher 33,607]

Bench: Bail, Riley, Newton, Toumpas for mine.

[What 18,810]

I just want Spencer to hurt some Dogs players. Its the only way he will be able to impact the game.

Wouldnt mind if he copped weeks at the tribunal if it meant he sent a couple of their players off early with some late hits.

[Nasher 33,607]

One of the most ridiculous comments I've read on here, and that's including the off season training threads.

Yep. Nothing to bash Watts for this week, so we'll just make stuff up. And people wonder why other people reckon some are prejudiced.

Edit to add: If anyone ever finds themselves wondering why people tend to "lay off" Watts, avoid being overly critical or even defend him when he's had a poor game, look no further than the accusation of dropping himself due to being scared of Hawthorn. He comes under attack for such ridiculous and often fictional things with such monotonous regularity, some of us don't think it would be fair, just or useful to criticise him any more than he already is. It does not mean we're any less disappointed with how he's going.

[Wiseblood 24,637]

You mean another chance to lead our stoppage count? Spencer is still raw, but he's not getting enough credit around here at the moment.

What should he be getting credit for? With all due respect he's been smashed over the last fortnight. He needs to lift big time to keep his spot.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

One of the most ridiculous comments I've read on here, and that's including the off season training threads.

definitely up there

[SaberFang 7,151]

Why on earth would we go tall against WB? Did nobody in selection look at last week's match when they nearly pinched a game from Freo despite losing by 50 something hit-outs?

[IvanBartul13 2,564]

Would seem that Newton and Fitzpatrick will be playing as they have not ebeen named for Casey

[deanox 9,896]

Fitzpatrick to run with Cordy? I.e ruck against him and follow him down back?

[What 18,810]

Fitzpatrick to run with Cordy? I.e ruck against him and follow him down back?

What does Spencer do then?

[jackaub 1,402]

One of the most ridiculous comments I've read on here, and that's including the off season training threads.

Yeah Wiso you would relly know about ridiculous comments Why do you do that?Such poor form.

[jackaub 1,402]

What does Spencer do then?

F K all as usual

[boydie 655]

What does Spencer do then?

Nothing, like the last 2 weeks.

[Wiseblood 24,637]

Yeah Wiso you would relly know about ridiculous comments Why do you do that?Such poor form.

Have another beer big fella.

[deanox 9,896]

What does Spencer do then?

Play as relief ruck / forward? Allows Hogan and Pedersen to pay as full time forwards and Watts to play around the ground.

Not saying it will happen just suggesting a possibility.

Not sure of another way Fitzpatrick could fit in to the team.

[What 18,810]

Play as relief ruck / forward? Allows Hogan and Pedersen to pay as full time forwards and Watts to play around the ground.

Not saying it will happen just suggesting a possibility.

Not sure of another way Fitzpatrick could fit in to the team.

Fitzy isnt going to play

[picket fence 17,032]

Fitzy isnt going to play

And if he does He is a Bigger version of Jordy!

Nup not the future for mine! He also has been in the system for a million years with little in the way of Performance to speak of!

[PaulRB 6,336]

It occurs to me that Watts out last week, when we get belted, is a nice way to demonstrate to him (and us) how valuable he actually is to the team's success. Roos saying as much in the press conference means he's aware of how to highlight a player's value...

[P-man 13,366]

Bench should be Newton, Riley, Toumpas (Stretch)

I have to say that on paper, the Dogs team still doesn't instill any fear.

Some of our outs would be handy but a response from the first bounce is a non-negotiable. These four points are very much up for grabs.

Toump, please give us something for the love of all that's holy.

[Earl Hood 6,082]

Would seem that Newton and Fitzpatrick will be playing as they have not ebeen named for Casey

Bazaar as both didnt play last week. Newton not at all and Fitzy for 10 minutes then off to hospital. Going by the VFL form guide by the coach Riley comes in for sure as he and Watts were deemed the best performed. Toumpas stays, Newton back in and maybe one of Fitzy or Gawn although not sure why. Stretch isn't ready so goes back.

[DemonOX 8,779]

U watch Cordy will have a blinder against Spencer and be BOG.

Only at Melbourne.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,129]

That would be a HUGE risk - it leaves us open even more to be completely run off the ground if we go too tall. I'd rather someone like Riley got the gig instead.

I agree - we can only afford to have one of Fitz, Spencer and Gawn. I'd probably prefer Fitz switching with Pedersen forward the other two are too one dimensional/not good enough.

[DemonOX 8,779]

This is what was said about Gawn last week:

Max Gawn: Gawny had 10 possessions and 36 hit outs. He and Jamar clearly dominated the ruck and so they should. We’re really encouraging Gawny and big Russian to do more around the ground, particularly up forward. Gawny played his role, but we expect him to do more, because he’s got the capabilities of being an AFL player. But we’ve just got to get some consistencies out of him. That’s the big thing for Gawny at the moment, just getting some consistency at the moment.

Not sure why he has been picked cause didn't Roos say players who r in form will be pushing for selection.

I know we r struggling with injuries but it seems like we are giving players a go just to c how they go rather than being in form.

We've done this before and it hasn't worked.