Gawn in with either Bugg or ANB out. They both have poor disposal. Bugg does silly things like knocking the ball out of a players hand with a fifty meter penalty applied.

2 hours ago, The Chazz said:

I would be wary of bringing Gawn back this weekend.  Etihad is notorious for being harsher on soft tissue, so I'd rest him for another week at least, and potentially the week after, so his first game back is the Sydney game on the MCG.  Same with Hoges.

Spencer is more than adequate for the next two weeks.

Agree. Its where he did the hamstring to start with and it seems he is pushing (which is to be applauded) in circumstances where the usual course would be a bit longer. 

I see a lot of merit in a hit out at Casey for a few quarters to see how the injury responds to match conditions. We need him fit for the rest of the year.

 

  

3 hours ago, Demons11 said:

22 p's - 13 contested and 6 tackle as a half forward.  Why would he get dropped? 

I really think we should persist.  I see him as becoming a more than handy rotation through the midfield.  He is clean and sums things up quickly.

I wasn't sure about him but in the last couple of weeks I have  seen evidence that he can go to another level.  Not a star but a really valuable second tier mid.

The sort of player that could be very handy in finals.  

 

Edited June 13, 20178 yr by Guest

Pedo will not be dropped in my humble opinion.  CHF at least till Jessie is back.

2 hours ago, Red and Blue realist said:

No-one's said it yet, but in our last 2 games our worst players have been both Lewis and Vince. Both stepped up in the second half against the Suns, but were horrible before that, and both reasonably ineffective yesterday. I know they offer more (in particular from Lewis) than just their playing ability but eventually we have to move beyond their leadership (younger guys providing this) and guidance. 

The usual names ANB, Harmes, Melksham, Bugg and OMac all played their roles very well yesterday and would be stiff to be dropped,but I wouldn't be surprised to see either Vince or Lewis managed for a game each over the next 3 weeks. 

Lewis poor game covered in the post game thread posts 171 "one bad game" 172 and 324 with reverential reference to structure and leadership

I think you lead by what you do and Lewis could have done better yesterday - or could he - is he just too old?

My question is "is he above dropping" not necessarily for the bullies but generally? 

2 minutes ago, Salems Lot said:

Pedo will not be dropped in my humble opinion.  CHF at least till Jessie is back.

 

1 hour ago, Deespicable said:

Big decision ahead if Gawn can impress on Goody that he's ready to go and that his "best on" last Saturday is indicative of where he's at.

Interesting to see some want us to ditch a small for him though on the fastest ground in the game!

To me they have to decide if Gawn can come straight back in and sounds like that's a yes.

And then it gets down to whether T-Mac or Pedo can do the back-up ruck role best and if they keep Pedo, then O-mac will go.

But my guess is that Pedo will be the unlucky omission. 

When you win, any exclusion is tough.

The guys pressing in the twos - Kennedy, Stretch, JKH, Wags and Weid will just have wait another week.

To be honest, our chance of beating the Dogs after their poor showing last week are extremely low.

However I like our chances the following week in the west.

And don't forget that the Dogs play with a smaller forward line than most, which also lends itself to a tall out if Gawn or Spencer play. T-Mac has been better at his ruck role than down forward, but I think Pedo's experience as a back-up ruck counts for more (at least he tries to get in front at boundry throw ins whereas T-Mac tries to play from behind like he's spoiling a marking contest).

In terms of who should come in, I don't like the idea of bringing Max back at Etihad, even though he plays well there. So I would opt for Spencer in as he will also likely need less time resting forward than Max and so would be less of an imPedoment to Pedo playing forward.

As for the smalls people are suggesting should go out: Bugg is getting closer to having a standout performance and if given an assurance that he has at least another month to prove himself, seems the type to do so (like Hannan has done over the last month). ANB did butcher the ball in tight but he's learning quickly - even within games. Melksham shutting down Pendles in the 1st half was extremely critical, he was also one of the key reasons we got going against the suns too so he needs to disprove himself more than that if he's to get dropped. Harmes had a quieter day but still did enough to keep his spot. So in short I wouldn't be making a change here, because the players in the VFL haven't been kicking the door in for long enough (yet).

So for me:
IN: Spencer

OUT: O-Mac purely for team balance reasons, because he'd probably come straight back in for our game with the Eagles if Kennedy is back for them. (then we'd get to drop a small)

 

7 minutes ago, CanberraDemon said:

As for the smalls people are suggesting should go out: Bugg is getting closer to having a standout performance and if given an assurance that he has at least another month to prove himself, seems the type to do so.

 

How you can assume he will have a breakout game is beyond me, he's fluffed it 3 weeks in a row.

Give Kent the same shots as Bugg he kicks about 10, can't keep gifting guys game hoping they'll come good, especially not 4 weeks ahead.

As mentioned Bulldogs don't play a traditional ruckman so unless Gawn is super fit and will give us a definite mid field advantage it may not be wise to race Gawn back.

Perhaps a half at Casey and then return against the Eagles the following week.

Nice problem to have.

On the Kennedy for Bugg equation Bugg did well enough against the Pies and Kennedy did not set the world alight at Casey

58 minutes ago, dino rover said:

Lewis poor game covered in the post game thread posts 171 "one bad game" 172 and 324 with reverential reference to structure and leadership

I think you lead by what you do and Lewis could have done better yesterday - or could he - is he just too old?

My question is "is he above dropping" not necessarily for the bullies but generally? 

We can't expect to be playing and winning finals with anyone who's above dropping. I know there's guys who naturally have more 'money in the bank' around being dropped, but maybe he's worth 'managing' for a game or two here and there. What he did in the second half against the Suns was great - but for us to progress further we need the younger guys doing that, while also maintaining a continual high standard of play. 

Didn't read the post game thread so will hunt out those one's you mentioned, because he continues to play this way then surely he gets a spell soon. 

1 minute ago, Red and Blue realist said:

We can't expect to be playing and winning finals with anyone who's above dropping. I know there's guys who naturally have more 'money in the bank' around being dropped, but maybe he's worth 'managing' for a game or two here and there. What he did in the second half against the Suns was great - but for us to progress further we need the younger guys doing that, while also maintaining a continual high standard of play. 

Didn't read the post game thread so will hunt out those one's you mentioned, because he continues to play this way then surely he gets a spell soon. 

Thanks - I hope we are hard headed when appropriate. 

One or two bad games is not my point but hopefully nobody is untouchable. 

Just now, dino rover said:

Thanks - I hope we are hard headed when appropriate. 

One or two bad games is not my point but hopefully nobody is untouchable. 

That's right, I still think he's been a great acquisition and should play more often than not, but to move forward we can't carry guys just because they offer leadership or direction. They need to still be best 22, and playing their role, from the last 2 games Lewis and Vince have been down so questions should be asked - not necessarily saying they need to be dropped but they need to lift to stay in the team.

I think Oscar McDonald was struggling at the end yesterday with his hip and is the most likely omission for a ruckman, probably Spencer. Gawn has missed 10 weeks, so he could benefit from a run in the VFL where his minutes can be managed. It sounds like Hogan needs at least another week.

Wagner and JKH could come in to provide some fresh legs given the short turnaround. Neal-Bullen was ordinary in the heat of the game. Lewis looked past it. Bugg hurt his arm but wouldn't be dropped on form (although it would be better if he kicked the easy goals in front!)

Assuming everyone other than Oscar McDonald is fit, I would go with Neal-Bullen and Oscar McDonald out for Kennedy-Harris and Spencer.

 

I'm agreeing with those who think Gawn won't play. Goodwin has made a statement by not rushing Spencer in this week, saying he'd missed 7 weeks of footy. Gawn has missed 9-10. I reckon they'll give him a run in the 2's. Not even sure they'll put him on a plane to Perth for the WC game, with a 6 day break before the next game at the G vs Sydney. 

I reckon Spencer in for Melksham this week, barring injuries.

4 hours ago, Deespicable said:

Big decision ahead if Gawn can impress on Goody that he's ready to go and that his "best on" last Saturday is indicative of where he's at.

Interesting to see some want us to ditch a small for him though on the fastest ground in the game!

To me they have to decide if Gawn can come straight back in and sounds like that's a yes.

And then it gets down to whether T-Mac or Pedo can do the back-up ruck role best and if they keep Pedo, then O-mac will go.

But my guess is that Pedo will be the unlucky omission. 

When you win, any exclusion is tough.

The guys pressing in the twos - Kennedy, Stretch, JKH, Wags and Weid will just have wait another week.

To be honest, our chance of beating the Dogs after their poor showing last week are extremely low.

However I like our chances the following week in the west.

Their confidence is low, form been ordinary and they have a heap of injuries to key players. We've been good at Etihad this season so I think we are a massive chance

23 minutes ago, sisso said:

Their confidence is low, form been ordinary and they have a heap of injuries to key players. We've been good at Etihad this season so I think we are a massive chance

I think we play the dome of death better than the G at present. But to beat the Dogs we need a ruckman. Spenser in for me.

Out: Milkshake

In: Spencer

3 hours ago, danielE288 said:

How you can assume he will have a breakout game is beyond me, he's fluffed it 3 weeks in a row.

Give Kent the same shots as Bugg he kicks about 10, can't keep gifting guys game hoping they'll come good, especially not 4 weeks ahead.

I'm not Bugg's biggest fan but at least he is getting himself into contests. Kent can't come back in until he shows the take desire for the contest that Bugg does. Kent has more upside, but isn't currently showing it. 

I like what Bugg brings to the team also. He kicked a few this week and his field kicking isn't too bad. Plus he puts on good pressure and is a good mark for someone his size.

In: Spencer

Out: O Mac (injured)

Harmes and Milkshake a little lucky

Channel 7 reporting Melbourne expected to hold back Gawn a further week particularly due to our run of 6 day breaks. 

4 hours ago, danielE288 said:

How you can assume he will have a breakout game is beyond me, he's fluffed it 3 weeks in a row.

Give Kent the same shots as Bugg he kicks about 10, can't keep gifting guys game hoping they'll come good, especially not 4 weeks ahead.

Rubbish. Kent's kicking for goal has been very average recently. Despite less natural talent, Bugg has it over him in almost every area at the moment. I really hope that changes, because Kent has a heap of potential, but after watching the Casey game I can't see that happening any time soon. 

7 hours ago, big_red_fire_engine said:

I have watched the replay. There was no way Melksham was accountable for let alone tagging Pendlebury. Viney spent more time near Pendlebury than any other player. 

Well done BRFE, it's great that you have taken the trouble to check this out. I was at the game and listened on the radio as well, and there was no mention of this tag. Then in the post game thread, out of the blue, a post claimed that Melksham, had tagged Pendles. That post without  elaboration or substantiation changed the conversation about Melksham. I really want Melksham to succeed as a great get by us, but I want that to be based on facts not fiction.

If you are correct, he had the poor day that most of us thought we observed. I don't think I can be bothered, but it is almost worth looking through the Post game thread and asking the poster who made that statement where that idea came from.

I think that we will bring in Spencer and Gawn may get a half at Casey to blow out the cobwebs.

With Spencer in the team we can use Pedo as a forward/relief ruck and that frees up TMac to go back. OMac to miss with a rest for his injured hip.

The only other change we will look at will be a possible swap of Wagner and Melksham.

In: Spencer, Wagner

Out: OMac Melksham

Thought it was most relevant here - the club has officially listed Hogan as being 4-6 weeks away from returning.  Disappointing from a purely selfish standpoint as I'd love to have him out there, but the fact he can still return at all this year can only be seen as a bonus.  We have some big games over the next month and we'll need to continue to dig deep without him.

Sounds like Maxy is a 50-50 chance as well and it will all depend on how he trains this week.  Fingers crossed that he plays so we can have Pedersen and Watts play as permanent forwards.

Source that OMac is injured please? Not mentioned at all in today's Misson report - although that could just be a timing thing since the game was only played yesterday - or in yesterday's post match washup,   

If he's not injured then it poses a major selection dilemma if one of the rucks are selected.  We don't need all of Gawn/Spencer, Frost, TMac and OMac in the side.  OMac is the most junior of the three tall defenders but played the best game.  'Horses for courses' selection could see a player arguably in our top 5 of the most recent match get dropped.  He'd be outrageously stiff, but I find it hard to see any viable alternatives.  The ruckman may replace a small out of the usual pool of foot soldiers - Harmes, ANB, Melksham, Bugg - all of whom were serviceable and would also be stiff to be dumped, but run will matter so I don't like that option much either.  

Great problem to have though.