MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM SELECTION - Round 8

[Dr. Gonzo 24,129]

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.

The problem is what do you do when you need to drop under performing players from the seniors but have no one pushing for selection in the 2's?

[Pipefitter 2,149]

Watts is back in purely because our talent pool is so shallow.

[Je Roos Salem 661]

I'm worried about Jetta now. Not sure what M.Jones did to stay in the 18. Thought Bail was better

Newton, Bail, Riley and either Gawn/Stretch, if Gawn plays, stick him in the goalsquare and try and expose their smallish defense. sub one of he or Spencer off, if not probably just use Stretch as the sub again and free up the 50 for Hogan-Watts-Garlett, maybe Howe and Pedo can move upfield and ruck a fair bit of the game

[praha 11,227]

I think one of Riley or Newton will come in in the expense of Stretch. He is clearly not ready and never was. Perplexed why he was brought in when Roos is big on not throwing kids out to early.

I couldn't see Gawn or Fitzy coming in. With Watts and Hogan coming in they surely can't bring in 3 big blokes if either Gawn or Fitz get a gig.

Stretch had a very solid game against Sydney and was a no-show in his 2nd game against the reigning premiers. Give him a break. Seemed ready to me. Good for him to be blooded in that capacity.

[jnrmac 20,053]

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?

Actually you have this wrong. They conceded the ruck and stuck their talls in the fwd line and sent a player back loose in defence. It was a great strategy that nearly won the game against the best team in the comp at the moment.

[DemonOX 8,779]

The problem is what do you do when you need to drop under performing players from the seniors but have no one pushing for selection in the 2's?

And that's been our problem for years Dr.

Just would be good for the players in the seconds to be in some sort of form and then promoted but from what Roos has said previously and selecting Gawn it doesn't add up.

We r obviously desparate which is no real surprise.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

There's 10 on the injury list and 10 substandard players on the team sheet

There's also at least 5 others that are up to it but in horrific form at present

Hard times

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

I think one of Riley or Newton will come in in the expense of Stretch. He is clearly not ready and never was. Perplexed why he was brought in when Roos is big on not throwing kids out to early.

Agreed. The selection of Brayshaw was the right one (although he may be slowing already) but the Stretch selection is premature. Again though, what do you do with 10 injuries and no depth, Roos himself will be out there soon

Edited May 21, 2015 by Curry & Beer

[Nasher 33,607]

Stretch had a very solid game against Sydney and was a no-show in his 2nd game against the reigning premiers. Give him a break. Seemed ready to me. Good for him to be blooded in that capacity.

The most solid 7 possession game of all time?

He goes in, he tackles, he seems to have a touch of class, he looks good, he kicked a goal with his first kick. He still ain't ready.

[IvanBartul13 2,564]

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.

He did a bit round the ground but well was well-held by Lucas Cook up forward.

[Je Roos Salem 661]

The problem is what do you do when you need to drop under performing players from the seniors but have no one pushing for selection in the 2's?

We should have kept Magner for this reason

[deanox 9,896]

Fitzy isnt going to play

He isn't named for Casey. Not saying he is a definite starter but it is an interesting idea.

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

Hey Dawsey, i heard your calf wasnt too good!?....Why no coach it feels fine!.......(kick)....Now how does it feel!!

[What 18,810]

I would have

Cross as a defensive forward on Murphy

Vince to run with Bontempelli

[rjay 24,851]

I would have

Cross as a defensive forward on Murphy

Vince to run with Bontempelli

Cross will take McRae, he's done the job on him before.

Roos likes to use him on the outside runners, McRae, Ellis at Richmond to name a couple.

[What 18,810]

Cross will take McRae, he's done the job on him before.

Roos likes to use him on the outside runners, McRae, Ellis at Richmond to name a couple.

Ok fair enough, but how we we nullify Murphy?

[RalphiusMaximus 6,018]

I would have

Cross as a defensive forward on Murphy

Vince to run with Bontempelli

Watts to have the run-with role on Murphy. Give him a task to stick to.

I wouldn't mind seeing Fitzpatrick in the side. He'll hit the scoreboard if nothing else, and it's not like they have quality talls to go against him.

[Adam The God 30,110]

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.

If we can break even in midfield, we can win. We should have them for fire power and defence. The issue is it requires both Jones and Tyson to have massive games in the midfield. They'll run all over us otherwise.

[DeeSpencer 25,434]

We should have kept Magner for this reason

lol. We've got McKenzie, Michie and Riley doing the job of dominant VFL, not up to AFL mid just fine thanks.

We should've combed the state leagues for a mature outside running player to compete with Matt Jones to fill any spots for when we need extra running players.

And we should've fixed Dean Terlich instead of making him worse because we now have no one to compete with Grimes for half back depth.

Plus you know, the years of poor recruiting and developing doesn't help.

[P-man 13,366]

I don't understand why Bernie is now earmarked as a "run with" player. Is it all because he effectively got in Dangerfield's face? His tackle count might be up but his average disposals have gone from 24 last season to 19 this season.

He is an important part of our offense. That needs to be his first priority.

[Adam The God 30,110]

I'm worried about Jetta now. Not sure what M.Jones did to stay in the 18. Thought Bail was better

Newton, Bail, Riley and either Gawn/Stretch, if Gawn plays, stick him in the goalsquare and try and expose their smallish defense. sub one of he or Spencer off, if not probably just use Stretch as the sub again and free up the 50 for Hogan-Watts-Garlett, maybe Howe and Pedo can move upfield and ruck a fair bit of the game

Every time we play Gawn inside 50 though, we get killed off half back. The opposition run off him like nobody's business. GWS have done it a couple of times. Most obviously in the thrashing at the end of last year.

Ok fair enough, but how we we nullify Murphy?

Well, I hope it won't be bloody Howe, because Murphy'll carve us up. I wonder if they'll try Vanders. Crash and bash Murphy every time and goes near it. That's what I'd do anyway.

[What 18,810]

A random stat - if Jeff Garlett kicks 5 goals this weekend he will, after Round 8, equal last years MFC leading goal kicker.

[DeeSpencer 25,434]

If we can break even in midfield, we can win. We should have them for fire power and defence. The issue is it requires both Jones and Tyson to have massive games in the midfield. They'll run all over us otherwise.

I don't think it's that simple. The dogs are playing outstanding team football.

Their inside midfielders aren't much but they do all the basics around stoppages right. They're forwards aren't all that special. Their backs not that great.

But as unit they produce high level pressure and high level ball movement by running and trusting their skills.

They lost 2 mids against the saints and the pressure around the ball dropped and their ability/confidence in ball movement fell away and they lost a 50 point lead. For us to beat them we have to play really good team footy as well, which means our skills standing up under pressure and our defensive work rate being good enough against a team with a heap of confidence to move the ball.

I really don't like our chances. On form the Dogs will beat us by 10 goals.

[What 18,810]

Watts to have the run-with role on Murphy. Give him a task to stick to.

I wouldn't mind seeing Fitzpatrick in the side. He'll hit the scoreboard if nothing else, and it's not like they have quality talls to go against him.

Garland should take Crameri.

Dunn always gets carved up by him. Dunn on Stringer perhaps.

[Adam The God 30,110]

I don't understand why Bernie is now earmarked as a "run with" player. Is it all because he effectively got in Dangerfield's face? His tackle count might be up but his average disposals have gone from 24 last season to 19 this season.

He is an important part of our offense. That needs to be his first priority.

Has he actually been doing that much tagging, aside from the Dangerfield game? I just think he's failing to get involved enough and perhaps it's unfair, but I suspect he's become a little lazy since arriving at Melbourne. Do you remember his first few games last year? 30+ possessions every time. He hasn't hit that since last year. You're right though, mate. We need a lot more from him. His clearances are usually at least half penetrating.

On this, I'd like to see some of our mids win clearances where they actually kick the football forward properly and cleanly, rather than little scrubbers or kicks that go straight up in the air. Jones has made this his signature clearance, for example. A bit more blocking for each other in the midfield wouldn't go astray.

Edited May 21, 2015 by AdamFarr