1 hour ago, John Demonic said:

Weid and/or TMAC dropping back into defence... Lever and/or May forward clunking everything. At this point we may as well just rotate all KPF and KPD around all game  

On occasion, I'd really  like to see TMac back at CHB. Brown can substitute forward, as can Preusse. 

Jackson will be mauled by Nic Nat and could also get exposed on Optus. 

Need to play Weid.

Big year for Weid too

He didn't kick more than 2 in a game last year and even with terrible supply and low volume it's still a touch concerning. 

I know he's only 22 but I just want to see him impose himself on games more - seems to lack a bit of hardness in crashing packs or really throwing himself around

I'll be watching him very closely this year...
 

Weid still for me, I could see Jackson being played on the bench with combining as a second ruck while also played forward/midfield, but if it’s a choice between them Weids ahead by physical development. 

My opinion is Jackson will play. NikNat will likely play 60% game time. Gawn plays 85% minimum. The likelihood that Jackson has much time on Naitanui is low. And even if he does I’ll take LJ’s jump (vs Weid) over the lack of strength at the stoppage. 

 

The rumours are circulating that the Eagles are leaning towards Bailey Williams as the 2nd ruck. Big forward/ruck who has a huge leap but probably isn't very refined in the position.

So the ruck minutes might not be the biggest concern. Even at less that peak fitness Gawn should do close to 80% in there.

If we look to send Melksham in a tagging role to McGovern as we have done to interceptors before will it work? Does that mean Fritsch to Sheppard? T Mc on Barrass? So then we've got Hurn or Nelson on the other tall. Do we need the hope of Weid's marking or do we want Jackson on the hope he can provide something in the air and on the ground?

I would commit to Wiedeman  100% for the first few rounds of the season and make sure that there is complete clarity about the structure of the rucking/forward setup and the role that he is required to play. I believe that Jackson will develop a lot better and quicker if he is given time at VFL level. He is 4 years younger than Wiedeman and needs time to fill into his body and find his feet. 

In the past we have been very critical of the club's inability to develop young players properly so that they get to their maximum potential. I would like to think that the lessons have been learnt and that we have a few experienced heads that will structure individual development for each player. 

Jackson is a long term player with all the ability to be developed into a star on the AFL. We need to get it right and in my mind that does not mean pushing him into situations that he may not yet be equipped for.

Would be a real "cross roads" moment for Weideman if Jackson is selected ahead of him for round 1 (if it goes ahead).

I can't see both of them playing.

 

2 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Would be a real "cross roads" moment for Weideman if Jackson is selected ahead of him for round 1 (if it goes ahead).

I can't see both of them playing.

 

100%

I don't think Jackson has shown enough to warrant a round 1 debut - if he dominate pre-season then perhaps, but at this stage he still has a bit of work to do, not to mention add size to his frame. 
 

3 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Would be a real "cross roads" moment for Weideman if Jackson is selected ahead of him for round 1 (if it goes ahead).

I can't see both of them playing.

 

Agree.. the mere fact that it is being debated demonstrates how disappointing Weideman has been.

This one went down well, didn’t it?

2 minutes ago, Whispering_Jack said:

This one went down well, didn’t it?

In retrospect it was pointless playing a washed up Mitch Brown ahead of either Weideman or Jackson - both of whom have the possibility of being good players and both missed out on valuable experience against one of the best sides in the league.