PREGAME: Opening Round vs Sydney

[Queanbeyan Demon 6,859]

I deleted the post. Stupid question from QD.

Edited March 6 by Queanbeyan Demon

[mauriesy 7,302]

Spargo will be part of the new, improved delivery inside 50, or I think that's the theory.

[Timothy Reddan-A'Blew 5,172]

Jake Melksham travelled with the team, and active at training.

Important to the fabric of the team. And active in the coaches box?

[Graeme Yeats' Mullet 6,778]

50 minutes ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

I think we’re going to give the Swans a drubbing tomorrow night.

Dees by 50 +

Yep agree

Got on the 40+ at $11

Dees now favourites 😍 

[whatwhat say what 22,783]

2 minutes ago, mauriesy said:

Spargo will be part of the new, improved delivery inside 50, or I think that's the theory.

It’s outstanding that he’s usually so efficient with ball in hand

I just wish he’d get more of the pill

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,400]

2 minutes ago, Graeme Yeats' Mullet said:

Yep agree

Got on the 40+ at $11

Dees now favourites 😍 

Roll that into Brisbane and the Suns head to head and you’re at $21.12. 
Definitely worth at least a $10 bet.

[Nascent 9,241]

Laurie should be in the 22 over Chandler based on their pre-season performance. Would also prefer to have a strong aerobic athlete playing from the start and have an impact player come on later in the game.

[binman 43,189]

27 minutes ago, Demon Dynasty said:

Chandler me thinks.  Bill's inside work on occasions last week was sublime.

Surely Laurie gets the gig.

But spargo plays the same role as Laurie (high half forward) and chin plays closer to goal, so it feels as if we would be a small forward short if Chandler doesn't start.

Perhaps the short, narrow SCG makes that less an issue than it would be at the g with all that space inside 50.

Edited March 6 by binman

[layzie 33,871]

One thing is for sure. The guys named have earned their chance..

[DubDee 25,966]

A lot of posters underestimating Chandler. After his first full season in the 1s he kicked 20 odd goals and trailed off. Has speed and endurance and some tricks. Kicks very straight. stick with him. after round 10 last year everyone was raving

I reckon he is a keeper

[Spargonicus 539]

Are we going to be a little too short?

I like the squad otherwise. Although I am, also, a little too short. (5’10”…almost)

[Demonland 72,468]

Sydney v Melbourne, SCG
Thursday, March 7, 7.30pm AEDT

Last time: Melb 11.11 (77) d Syd 7.14 (56), R24, 2023

What it means
Sydney snuck into the top eight last year despite an injury-riddled campaign that hit its tall stocks particularly hard, with Lance Franklin one of several Swans to be sidelined. The superstar forward's misfortune gave more opportunities to emerging key forwards like Logan McDonald, who now need to take the reins if the Swans are to set themselves up for another deep run in September.

Melbourne will be counting down to the season-opener more than most following a off-season disrupted by off-field sagas and the heartbreaking retirement of Angus Brayshaw. But once the action starts the Demons have the pedigree to again challenge for the top four and chase a second flag to add to their breakthrough premiership in 2021.

Game shapers
Sydney is set to rely on new ruck Brodie Grundy more than initially hoped with fellow recruit Taylor Adams, stand-alone skipper Callum Mills and veteran onballer Luke Parkerall sidelined with injury. The two-time All-Australian faces a tough first test in red and white but will be out to prove a point against the side that left him languishing in the VFL at the pointy end last year.

Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver has overcome an interrupted pre-season in time to earn selection in Opening Round but it remains to be seen whether he has the form and fitness to have his usual influence. The three-time All-Australian is sure to return to his familiar role in the middle, even if on reduced minutes, as the Demons start life without the recently-retired Brayshaw.

Early tip: Sydney by seven points

[DubDee 25,966]

Petty in for Schache and that’s a very good team

[WERRIDEE 5,479]

Like the side Spargo has to be sub surely

[Graeme Yeats' Mullet 6,778]

2 minutes ago, WERRIDEE said:

Like the side Spargo has to be sub surely

Named on ground = playing (I think)

[WERRIDEE 5,479]

Just now, Graeme Yeats' Mullet said:

Named on ground = playing (I think)

They can change the positions around doesn’t mean Spargo is starting just because he’s named in the 18 doesn’t necessarily mean that he starts the only thing that is certain is that he’s in the 23

[binman 43,189]

8 minutes ago, DubDee said:

Petty in for Schache and that’s a very good team

Here's hoping the shackster makes petty work hard for his spot.

[Deestar9 1,639]

Fantasy ..get offered a free flight to Syd to stay with family member. No ticket to game but go along to the open session to see players. Find out can get reciprocal rights with MCC membership but have to queue from 5pm & hope for the best . Half  an hour ago get call from a players parents who can’t make the game and want to know if a ticket is required. Reality.. will now be sitting with the players families tomorrow night. How envious am I but super excited for another Dees supporter to be there 

[Graeme Yeats' Mullet 6,778]

4 minutes ago, WERRIDEE said:

They can change the positions around doesn’t mean Spargo is starting just because he’s named in the 18 doesn’t necessarily mean that he starts the only thing that is certain is that he’s in the 23

Pretty sure he can't be Sub, has to come from the 5 named on bench

So he's in the 22

[Roost it far 8,310]

Spargs will play as he should. He’s best 22 everyday. If you can kick straight you play, adding Windsor, Billing’s, Laurie could just be the tonic

Edited March 6 by Roost it far

[ANG13 2,063]

I know teams rarely start as they are named but love seeing Rivers named on the wing. I hope he gets a solid run there this year. 

[binman 43,189]

10 minutes ago, ANG13 said:

I know teams rarely start as they are named but love seeing Rivers named on the wing. I hope he gets a solid run there this year. 

I'm not being smart, but I can't see riv playing on the wing at any point.

Through the middle maybe, perhaps occasionally swapping with salo

[Demonland 72,468]

 

[chook fowler 19,459]

55 minutes ago, DubDee said:

Petty in for Schache and that’s a very good team

And HRH Kozzie

[ANG13 2,063]

8 minutes ago, binman said:

I'm not being smart, but I can't see riv playing on the wing at any point.

Through the middle maybe, perhaps occasionally swapping with salo

Do you not think he has the endurance for the wing?
 

I think our wings are areas where we can get significant improvement from last years team. I personally think we have a few players who could improve us there with Rivers being one.