PREGAME: Rd 21 vs North Melbourne

[Demon_spurs 1,722]

14 minutes ago, Supreme_Demon said:

Purely on form Michael Hibberd "deserves" to be the sub

I wouldn't be surprised if Tomlinson gets the sub, much more versatile than Hibberd

[Roost it far 6,400]

7 minutes ago, Supreme_Demon said:

I wish I was still in my 20's! 🤣

Anyway, I agree with you. Max Gawn actually played better after getting belted.

A hot shower and few cold beers after the game and I'm sure he was fine.

We all wish we were in our 20’s

[BDA 20,895]

14 minutes ago, Supreme_Demon said:

He got belted a few times against Richmond.

Clashed heads with Ivan Soldo.

Fell over a few times. But that's footy.

Got poked or scratched on the eye in a ruck contest.

You could even see the scratch on his eye/face when Max Gawn did a post-game interview.

Obviously, AFL is a contact sport and you gotta be tough. But I still consider that "a bit banged up".

I wouldn't be feeling the best after the game. Although a win takes away the pain.

Maxy gets belted. poked and scratched every game he plays. If that's the criteria for resting him he'd only play every second game.

[DeeMee 779]

2 minutes ago, Roost it far said:

We all wish we were in our 20’s

I can’t remember my 20s.

[rpfc 27,672]

41 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

While I agree, the club might feel that Smith needs to play a full game. With no Casey game this weekend, this is the only option. It wouldn't surprise me at all if Tomlinson is the sub. 

That would make a lot of sense.

[Jaded No More 59,733]

34 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Glad Joel Smith is getting a full game.

Deserves it big time.

He actually needs it for fitness. My guess is he will be the chosen sub for the remainder of the season, and we will persevere with Tomlinson because we need three talls down back. But he’s been sub too long and with yet another Casey bye, this is a good week to give him a full game for some fitness and touch. 
 

I really like what Smith has brought in the sub role, but the reality is that he’s an unreliable full time defender. Tomlinson is a slow meat and potato defender, but we know what he gives us. Smith is all over the place and I think May and Lever need the predictability of Tomlinson in finals. 
Smith being sub also allows us to throw Petty back in case of emergency and put Smith forward, should we see a forward get off the leash in a final on Tomlinson. 

If however we do choose to play Smith as a permanent third tall defender, I would think we need to bring back Hibbo for that last line of defense goal side reliability that we will lack with Smith. 

[Macca 16,174]

And how about that Jake Melksham!

What a turnaround in form that many here probably couldn't see (including myself)

He's a dangerous commodity in that forward pocket/flank and opposition coaches would be damn concerned about his opportunism and silky skills

Him on one side of the forward line and Fritsch (on his return) on the other side is what I'd like to see in operation

There's no way Jake makes way for Bayley ... they both play as part of a medium sized forward line (along with Petracca) as well as the talls and smalls chiming in

Beat that, Collingwood! 

[YearOfTheDees 3,137]

1 minute ago, Macca said:

And how about that Jake Melksham!

What a turnaround in form that many here probably couldn't see (including myself)

He's a dangerous commodity in that forward pocket/flank and opposition coaches would be damn concerned about his opportunism and silky skills

Him on one side of the forward line and Fritsch (on his return) on the other side is what I'd like to see in operation

There's no way Jake makes way for Bayley ... they both play as part of a medium sized forward line (along with Petracca) as well as the talls and smalls chiming in

Beat that, Collingwood! 

Never doubted his skills but his consistency worried me. Last few weeks has put that to bed. Good on him, I think he wants that flag.

[Sydney_Demon 1,175]

1 hour ago, Supreme_Demon said:

Purely on form Michael Hibberd "deserves" to be the sub for this game.

Although, there could be a sneaky chance that Simon Goodwin pulls a surprise and makes Brodie Grundy the sub to give Max Gawn a bit of a rest in the game.

I guess we shall wait and see what happens? 🤷🏼‍♂️

Personally I would have preferred Hibbo coming into the side for Tomlinson and leaving Smith as Sub, but as others have said maybe Simith needs the game for fitness. It will also be an opportunity for Smith to show what be can do as a backman. Or Petty & Smith could alternate up front & up back. 

1 hour ago, Demon_spurs said:

I wouldn't be surprised if Tomlinson gets the sub, much more versatile than Hibberd

I disagree, Tomlinson can only play back. I know he came to the club as a wingman but mobility is an issue for him. I know Hibbo is also a backman but definitely more mobile and can play both big & small.

[Neitas bump 145]

Grundy the sub! Make it happen

[Macca 16,174]

1 minute ago, YearOfTheDees said:

Never doubted his skills but his consistency worried me. Last few weeks has put that to bed. Good on him, I think he wants that flag.

His opportunism includes seeing a spot in the forward line up for grabs ... and he's seized the moment

It can happen in good teams such as ours ... a stellar defence and a terrific midfield so the coach asks for someone to put up their hand in the forward line

So up steps Melk (and Petty) ... and Petracca.  And then JVR jumps in with 4 goals as an add-on

It's all coming together

[layzie 30,232]

King Smithy gets the nod.

In the words of Star Wolf: "Let's see what you got".

[Jaded No More 59,733]

28 minutes ago, Neitas bump said:

Grundy the sub! Make it happen

A very risky sub

Edited August 4, 2023 by Jaded No More

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,021]

1 hour ago, Jaded No More said:

He actually needs it for fitness. My guess is he will be the chosen sub for the remainder of the season, and we will persevere with Tomlinson because we need three talls down back. But he’s been sub too long and with yet another Casey bye, this is a good week to give him a full game for some fitness and touch. 
 

I really like what Smith has brought in the sub role, but the reality is that he’s an unreliable full time defender. Tomlinson is a slow meat and potato defender, but we know what he gives us. Smith is all over the place and I think May and Lever need the predictability of Tomlinson in finals. 
Smith being sub also allows us to throw Petty back in case of emergency and put Smith forward, should we see a forward get off the leash in a final on Tomlinson. 

If however we do choose to play Smith as a permanent third tall defender, I would think we need to bring back Hibbo for that last line of defense goal side reliability that we will lack with Smith. 

To be fair he’s only played 36 games, and a number of them as the sub. 

[layzie 30,232]

The only tall that works as the sub is the one that is playing this week.

[Superunknown 3,629]

1 hour ago, Roost it far said:

We all wish we were in our 20’s

I’d be happy to be in my (early) 30s! Hit 45 in Oct.

[chook fowler 18,555]

Glad to see they are taking the game seriously by selecting a strong side. A bit surprised Harmes still being there - I used to think of him as Viney lite but these days seems to pick and chose when he cracks in - and missing 2 very gettable goals did him no favours. Last chance I would think.

[picket fence 15,735]

6 hours ago, leave it to deever said:

Do we have any clearer news about Oliver's return as of yet?

 

Same time Next Year?

[Jaded No More 59,733]

17 minutes ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

To be fair he’s only played 36 games, and a number of them as the sub. 

Yep and we are already going in with McVee, Bowey and Rivers. That’s a bit of inexperience right there. 
For mine it’s risky to play Smith as a full time defender but this is definitely the right week to do it. 

[layzie 30,232]

I think it's a great move putting Joel in there this week and he's really earned the opportunity. Hard work pays off.

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,021]

12 minutes ago, Jaded No More said:

Yep and we are already going in with McVee, Bowey and Rivers. That’s a bit of inexperience right there. 
For mine it’s risky to play Smith as a full time defender but this is definitely the right week to do it. 

McVee yes but Bowey and Rivers are premiership players, Rivers confidence has gone to a new level this year. He (Smith) will also have May, Lever and Salem around him. End of the day we know what we get with Tomlinson, can’t hurt to try Smith over the next month.

[Viney is king 28]

Smith has earnt a full a game. I worry if the mc plan to play him every game from now on he will most likely get injured (based on his history) and miss finals in the sub role that is best for our team balance. I’m all for him getting a single full game this week for fitness.

[DubDee 21,881]

2 hours ago, dees189227 said:

I'm looking forward to seeing Smith play a full game. Hopefully he can do what he usually does in 1 quarter do it for 4.

if you’re curious check his last full game. 4 touches. 

im not convinced he has the mentality to be a reliable 4 quarter player. but i hope i’m wrong

[DubDee 21,881]

the fact we are not playing Hibberd goes to show how amazing Bowey and McVee have been

[Dingo 857]

50 minutes ago, layzie said:

King Smithy gets the nod.

In the words of Star Wolf: "Let's see what you got".

He can play forward and back. No need to show us what he’s got.Go Joel