Watching the second half against North I think Tmac deserves a shot in the backline. His kicking will never be perfect, but it has improved, particularly low hard passes. I like Petty, but physically, they are worlds apart. Tmac has a huge engine and is in great nick. Petty has been struggling with injury for pretty much two years and still doesn’t look 100%. I think give Petty more time in the twos until fully fit, or if Tmac is terrible.

Fritsch out and Tmac in defense makes room for Weideman. With BBB and Weid replacing Fritsch and Tmac, we lose mobility, but I was impressed with BBB’s tackling in the forward half, and if Weid can get his defensive efforts up, we will be okay. The concern might be how banged up Spargo, ANB and Kozi are in terms of forward pressure.

Baker wasn’t as bad as people on here seemed to make out, but Sparrow seems a better option to take on the defensive mid role, but also meet the Sydney contested ball winners head on. Jones is also getting more time at centre bounces where he is actually of value and also fills the Viney gap. His experience against the Swans will also be important. I’m not sold on Jonesy but he can have another crack at it.

Harmes will come into consideration, but I reckon another run in the twos to get his kicking touch back is important as he is a liability when not kicking well - which requires not being fatigued.

I guess that’s a long winded way of saying: Tommo, Fritsch and Baker out. Sparrow, Weid, Jones in (Baker sub). 

  On 03/05/2021 at 11:47, DeeSpencer said:

I thought he was a mixed bag, but Tommy was completely out of the game and we didn't move the ball from half back or hold possession by moving it around either. I don't think we need Fritsch, the ruck and 2 talls. At least until Brown is settled in the side and we can evaluate what he brings and his team mates learn to play with him I'd rather lean on the side of going smaller. He's got a big tank, he can come up the ground more, or lead over the back more like Fritsch does. The speed with which we spread when attacking makes hitting targets and far easier and opens room for our mids to run through. Going smaller isn't all just about defensive work rate, it's in attack as well.

I don't mind your side above, so maybe you're right.

  On 03/05/2021 at 11:58, Patches O’houlihan said:

The Swans also well and truely have the quality to match us in the middle. we need Gawn and Jackson to run Hickey off his feet. i'd almost favor Gawn working on getting back and helping the defence as much as possible rather than getting forward. 

Rampe is a good player but with Fritsch out i'm not sure we have a great match up for him, he probably doesn't have the height for Brown or McDonald, or the wheels for Kozzie. 

Rampe is that organiser though. He might not have a great match up, but he'll straighten up their defence no end. I hope he doesn't get up for it. They're a very different side with him in it.

If Gawn is fully fit, he will give Hickey an absolute bath around the ground. Huge class difference. 

But Gawn's been copping some serious whacks in marking contests in recent weeks. Its not ok to strike a guy in the jaw with a fist but its ok to use your forearm and slam his head the guise of spoiling??? The umps need to pay attention. 

  On 03/05/2021 at 12:12, Jjrogan said:

If Gawn is fully fit, he will give Hickey an absolute bath around the ground. Huge class difference. 

But Gawn's been copping some serious whacks in marking contests in recent weeks. Its not ok to strike a guy in the jaw with a fist but its ok to use your forearm and slam his head the guise of spoiling??? The umps need to pay attention. 

This is a really interesting point and something i hope the umpires start calling. against Richmond Lynch and Reiwoldt were taking every opportunity to make Gawn "Earn it" when he dropped in the hole, with a deliberate punch to the head. 

I am intrigued by TMac on a wing... I don’t think Brayshaw is a natural for it and we could begin a month of seeing how it goes with The below;

Viney replaced in mid rotation by Brayshaw

Brayshaw replaced on wing by TMac

Weideman in to replace TMac 

Petty in to replace Tomlinson

Also gives Petty a period of time to impress and if it doesn’t work out we battle on with TMac in the backline and our preferred forward set up when we started to prepare for this season and constructed the list.

  On 03/05/2021 at 12:14, Patches O’houlihan said:

This is a really interesting point and something i hope the umpires start calling. against Richmond Lynch and Reiwoldt were taking every opportunity to make Gawn "Earn it" when he dropped in the hole, with a deliberate punch to the head. 

If marked, should create a 50 penalty, for unduly rough play, a free if not marked. Same as deliberately hitting the body of a player, when they both fall to the ground. 

The earn it stuff should be old schooled, and discouraged. 

 

Addit: They should be training with a smile on their dials again. Nothing like happiness to help form stronger bonds. 

Edited May 3, 20213 yr by kev martin

  On 03/05/2021 at 12:22, kev martin said:

If marked, should create a 50 penalty, for unduly rough play, a free if not marked. Same as deliberately hitting the body of a player, when they both fall to the ground. 

The earn it stuff should be old schooled, and discouraged. 

I agree, if the ball is marked, or likely would have been and then an action consistent with a free kick (High contact) is committed then it should be instantly 50. 

out-Baker, Tomlinson, Fritsch

in-Sparrow, Weideman, Chandler

TMac stays back. Weid comes in. Sparrow in with Viney out. Brayshaw back to the wing. Chandler comes in to balance things out forward.

 

B- Hibberd May Lever

HB- Salem TMac Hunt

C- Langdon Sparrow Brayshaw

HF- Spargo Brown ANB

F- Pickett Weideman Melksham

HF- Gawn Oliver Petracca

I- Jackson Jordon Rivers Chandler 

 

  On 03/05/2021 at 12:18, rpfc said:

I am intrigued by TMac on a wing... I don’t think Brayshaw is a natural for it and we could begin a month of seeing how it goes with The below;

Viney replaced in mid rotation by Brayshaw

Brayshaw replaced on wing by TMac

Weideman in to replace TMac 

Petty in to replace Tomlinson

Also gives Petty a period of time to impress and if it doesn’t work out we battle on with TMac in the backline and our preferred forward set up when we started to prepare for this season and constructed the list.

The thing about Tmac on the wing that i really like is it will give him the capacity to run back and help the backline, which is something Gus has been doing, just Tmac would obviously be much more impactful in the air in that regard, and i'd say we're not losing a whole lot running wise, just potentially a bit of a dip in skills. 

 

  On 03/05/2021 at 12:12, Jjrogan said:

If Gawn is fully fit, he will give Hickey an absolute bath around the ground. Huge class difference. 

But Gawn's been copping some serious whacks in marking contests in recent weeks. Its not ok to strike a guy in the jaw with a fist but its ok to use your forearm and slam his head the guise of spoiling??? The umps need to pay attention. 

Hickey has an excellent record against Max. Used to really kill him when Hickey was at St Kilda.

  On 03/05/2021 at 12:18, rpfc said:

I am intrigued by TMac on a wing... I don’t think Brayshaw is a natural for it and we could begin a month of seeing how it goes with The below;

Viney replaced in mid rotation by Brayshaw

Brayshaw replaced on wing by TMac

Weideman in to replace TMac 

Petty in to replace Tomlinson

Also gives Petty a period of time to impress and if it doesn’t work out we battle on with TMac in the backline and our preferred forward set up when we started to prepare for this season and constructed the list.

Yep, I like this. Good idea. Our MC aren't afraid to try some interesting moves either, so it'll be intriguing to see what tweaks we make now that a few important cogs (Viney, Tomlinson and Fritsch) are out.

  On 03/05/2021 at 12:14, Patches O’houlihan said:

This is a really interesting point and something i hope the umpires start calling. against Richmond Lynch and Reiwoldt were taking every opportunity to make Gawn "Earn it" when he dropped in the hole, with a deliberate punch to the head. 

And the same commentators who bang on about the head being sacrosanct and duty of care in bumps also give it a "ho ho ho that's a bit of a tickle on the ear to make him earn it ho ho ho.". It's really strange.

  On 03/05/2021 at 08:11, bingers said:

A few random comments ...

May will play on Franklin, Hibbert to Papley.

The Club clearly see Petty as a long term key defender. So, despite Tmac being a better short term option, it's important to get games into Petty.

Despite the love for Weid, realistically he's had very few good matches. I'm surprised the club hasn't tried him as a backman. They're obviously not going to do it now!!

As if BBB will be dropped after one match. Apart from the fact that he has plenty of runs on the board, the club pretty much has a policy of not dropping players after one match.

I don't think that Baker will make the grade. Hope I'm wrong.

The team really missed Viney's grunt at the start of the match v Norf. Apparently Sparrow is a similar type of player. If so, he should probably come into the side.

I think ANB will hold his place. 

Harmes is pretty much on the outer. (I know he's coming back from injury.) 

Poor Jetts is pretty much cooked, and I doubt that he will get too many more games. Same with Vanders, and Smith. 

I don't think Bradke will make the grade. Hope i'm wrong.

I doubt that Daw will play more than one or two AFL games for the season, unless Max goes down with injury.

Gus won't be dropped anytime soon. 

Jones ... hmm, not sure. 

Is anyone still reading this?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since you’re covering some proper depth in this list, do you think Lockhart will come through this year? 

OUT: Tomlinson, Baker, Fritsch (if challenge is unsuccessful)

IN: Petty, Sparrow, Chandler (see: Fritsch)

Brown wasn't great, and will be interesting to see if it was coincidence or structure that netted us 5 goals in 9 minutes once he went off, but we need to give it at least a few weeks given he's a brand new player. Hope it gels, feels a bit awkward atm.

Baker's running was good, but did nothing with his disposals. Either turnovers or down the line.

Really want the Weid to play, but the combination of Goody's comments re: Petty and just the clunkiness having Brown and Weid in makes me think a smaller player like Chandler could be the go.

Jones or Baker can be sub I suppose.

  On 03/05/2021 at 12:18, rpfc said:

I am intrigued by TMac on a wing... I don’t think Brayshaw is a natural for it and we could begin a month of seeing how it goes with The below;

Viney replaced in mid rotation by Brayshaw

Brayshaw replaced on wing by TMac

Weideman in to replace TMac 

Petty in to replace Tomlinson

Also gives Petty a period of time to impress and if it doesn’t work out we battle on with TMac in the backline and our preferred forward set up when we started to prepare for this season and constructed the list.

This is what I want to see.

that being said I just reckon this will be the game we drop.  We’d need a huge lift on what we displayed last week and the Swans seem to be a bogey side.

  On 03/05/2021 at 05:27, Dr.D said:

Goodwin hasn't proved anything yet. 

And if he puts Mcdonald back, it just proves that. Mcdonald failed as a backman for 7 years before trialled forward. Surely enough is enough. Unfortunately Petty is also a superior forward than a backman.

I probably lean towards preferring TMac stays forward but your comments are ludicrous.

This is elite level football. You don't fail for 7 years.

He was very close to All-Australian as a defender in 2014, achieving that as the number 1 defender in an awful side.

Don't get me wrong, his move forward was a stroke of genius, but calling him a failure as a defender, is just blatantly wrong and fails to take into account how difficult playing in that defence would have been.

  On 03/05/2021 at 09:04, titan_uranus said:

No, he hasn't.

Presumably you'll continue to say this unless and until we win the flag. Which means that, unless we win the flag, you'll be right.

Which appears to be your complex. You need to be right, all the time.

Agree, but I'm telling myself we had our down week this week, and got away with it.

Don't forget Geelong were on most measures on top in general play against Sydney, who struggled to win it at the coal face (-33 in CPs, -3 clearances), allowed Geelong to spread (-68 in UPs, -17 uncontested marks), and let the ball spend a fair amount of time down in Geelong's half (-26 inside 50s). They also kicked very straight so won despite have 8 fewer scoring shots (14.6 to 12.16).

Had we won that game, we'd be self-criticising and downplaying that win given those stats.

I think we've had a top 4 list the last few years so excuse me for not letting Goodwin off for 2 years of utter trash. There was no excuses for our 2019 and 202o with our list. 

I don't need a flag. I need consistency in performance that reflects the list we have at the time. 

  On 03/05/2021 at 12:30, A F said:

Hickey has an excellent record against Max. Used to really kill him when Hickey was at St Kilda.

Yep, I like this. Good idea. Our MC aren't afraid to try some interesting moves either, so it'll be intriguing to see what tweaks we make now that a few important cogs (Viney, Tomlinson and Fritsch) are out.

Gawn has Brownlow votes against him in 2017 and 2019 (v west coast).   He may have played an ok game or two against Max in 2016 but more recently he's been soundly beaten. 

Any chance that we could make a left field selection and go with Majak for Tomlinson?? He plays his best footy in the backline. I watched Casey and he didn’t look amazing, but if it’s going to be a wet night, I think he is better at ground level than Petty. Just throwing it out there

Edited May 3, 20213 yr by Kick_It_To_Pickett

  On 03/05/2021 at 03:08, Pickett2Jackson said:

 P2J's final call

IN  -     Sam Weideman, Tom Sparrow

Out  -   Oskar Baker, Adam Tomlinson (knee)

 

Tom McDonald to move to CHB with Sam Weideman to come into the team after well and truly earning a spot.

For all the fuss about T Mac's start hes only kicked 9 goals in the 7 games.  The Weid must come in or we risk losing him to another club.

You may now lock the thread.

 

Tend to agree on this. I see a bright opportunity with the way Chandler is playing in the Casey team, as well. His on-ground work is very good and he leaves another effective pathway for the forwards to receive. He could be useful as a Viney replacement or to assist Sparrow (if he comes in) in developing that avenue. 

I say we need to fight the MRO decision hard and get Fritta's suspension overturned. It's too big an ask to have the Weid and BB trying to find form at the same time.

Sparrow for Viney and Petty for Tomlinson the only changes. TMac forward and Gus back to the wing.

Personnel won't matter if we don;t get back to our contested pressure game. Spargs and Nibbler in particular need to lift but Max and the midfield unit have to be switched on from the get-go as well.

I would like to see Harmes and Sw in. Maybe Sparrow.

Given Fritta out, I guess Melk stays in.

Baker out.

Tmac in defence otherwise Petty who wasnt great last time but serviceable.

 Maybe Melksham will surprise us all in Fritras role.

 

Harmes should not come in based off his game and I hope he doesn't. 

Too fumbly, doesn't pressure consistently and has been a down hill skier recently. 

I suspect that many here like me are making suggested changes based on our preconceptions of players . 

When Petty came in last time I was despairing of his first half calling his inclusion a mistake. i was wrong. His second half was a lot better and showed he was up to the task. Likewise I was completely befuddled when Baker was included but again his second half was much better and it was clear he was playing to our system and contributed. Goody at his presser clearly said Petty was ready for AFL and our coaches seem to know what they are doing.  I would like to see one defensive mid included to fill for Viney. Melksham needs to be made more accountable for his howlers.  

 

  On 03/05/2021 at 04:10, Dr.D said:

Matthew Lloyd just said on 'AFL Access All Areas' that based on what he saw on the weekend he doesn't believe that Ben Brown should be in our team come the finals due to his lack of mobility and being unable to create separation from his opponent. He also stated that he would leave Tom McDonald forward. He must be reading my posts on demonland! 

What would an all time great forward know about forward craft. lol. You lot! You call yourself supporters but then say stuff like 'Tom Mcdonald should play back'. How many years of turnovers and bad decisions will it take to realise that he is a forward? or was 2018 not enough?. 

Thanks Lloydy

On Sunday, shifting TMac was to shore up the backline when Tomlinson went down. It was Plan B ... the one that people on here say we never have. 

Not sure why people keep saying that Weid and BBB shouldn't be in the same team together, they played the 3 games at Casey before Brown came up, and the team trained the majority of the pre-season (outside of the last few weeks) for them to be in the team together. I'd be putting TMac into the Fritta role (keep moving, chase and try to get that mismatch - although he'd doing it much more on height) and still have BBB and Weid take their biggest backs. Petty then in for Tomo, with all the smalls continuing to do what they do, just got to make sure that Weid, BBB & TMac don't crowd the forward 50, so let them roam and then move back when they have the right match up to exploit. I know Sydney might have Rampe coming back, but otherwise they've only got the 2 tall backs - McCartin and Melican, neither are very experienced. This is the game to try out this set up, and then make the decision on what happens when Fritta is right (I'd be moving Melk out).