PREGAME: Rd 01 vs Western Bulldogs

[CHF 2,768]

Selection this week will be interesting. Not just for the team that they end up selecting but for what it might suggest about the selections last week. I hope that they just write the Sydney game off and start with a clean sheet.

Bowey injured and out for 8/10weeks will test the smaller man depth in defence. As others have suggested, I would move Salem back into defence with Howe on the IC to make up the 7-man defence group. If one of those goes down during the game, we will be tested.

If May is not right, then TMac or Hore comes in depending on matchups.

Midfield will require a change or two. While I would send Laurie back to Casey till he is bashing the door down and full of confidence, I think the selectors will retain him for this week. Windsor and Langdon on the wings with backup from Billings who gets a start. If required, ANB to fill in there.

Oliver, Petracca, Viney and Sparrow primary rotations with Pickett, Rivers, Salem and ANB getting a run or two in there as well. Moniz-Wakefield to get a debut. Either that or Woey to get a run there. He looks to have put on a bit of muscle, and I would be interested to see him through the middle.

Our forwards are always going to be a talking point of each and every match we play this season…… so? What to do?

After last week I would drop both of Chandler and Spargo. It won’t happen which is unfortunate in my opinion. Neither of them was anywhere near good last week both look out of form and a bit lost out on the field. You bring in Pickett for one of them and I would give Sestan a run to see how he has developed and if he fits the team.

The Medium is Fritsch, of course. For a tall I would like to see BBB if he is anywhere near fit enough. From training reports he is on a modified program to nurse him through the season and will most likely be a game to game proposition with his knees. I would also have Fullerton on the bench as back up forward/ruck. Not sure how good he is in the ruck but from reports he gets around the ground well. If one of Brown of Fullerton are not match fit then we look to Tmac as he could cover both ends of the ground and even contest a ruck or two.

So this is the team I would like to see.

FB: Lever, May, McVee

HB: Rivers, Tomlinson, Salem

C: Windsor, Oliver, Langdon

HF: Neal-Bullen, Ben Brown, Sparrow

F: Pickett, Van Rooyen, Fritsch

Fol: Gawn, Petracca, Viney

IC: Howe, Fullerton, Billings, Moniz-Wakefield, Sestan (sub)

Not going to happen – 5 changes? More chance of me getting pregnant.

[At Least I Saw a Flag 5,272]

1 hour ago, Demon Dynasty said:

Yet the rated teams often find free options laterally or behind the ball maintaining possession for a bit longer on occasions.

They have patience and maintain momentum (the ball), waiting for an oportunistic lead or a free to present.

Whereas we seem to be in an almighty rush to mostly play on in straight lines and when we can't see an option, just lob it to the hot spots.

You're allowed to stop, prop or ring around and hit targets on angles other than what's immediately ahead of you if nothing obvious presents.

Even a long backwards handball might be enough to give the receiving team mate the extra time/space needed (and a forward the same) to put a nicely timed pass in to a nicely timed lead.

The Cats have been doing that for eons with Hawkins and to a lessor degree the Crows with Tex.

Having said that, they also make sure the leading lanes arent overly clogged (much of the time not always... no one is perfect) by having mediums and any non crumbing smalls leading out wide or up at the ball (early).

  As Talking Heads said ... stop making sense!!

 

[greenwaves 489]

1 hour ago, Bystander said:

I was trying to say that Jefferson is even less physical than schache

Please. No!

[Kick_It_To_Pickett 3,293]

Interesting listening to Footy Classified (I know, I know) and both Cornes and Lloyd encouraging other teams to physically target Gawn. If I were Melbourne, I’d be phoning the AFL Umpires Department and putting them on notice. Thankfully, Gawn was the recipient of a few free kicks against Sydney, but probably deserved a fair fee more. Had his jumper held by Grundy all night.

It is absolutely imperative that Gawn has teammates fly the flag for him this week. Petracca needs to lose the nice guy attitude and get some mongrel into him. Goes around helping opposition players up off the ground and pats on the back. Stuff that. Nice guys finish last in this game. Stand up for your captain. We all know Viney will, but there needs to be several others willing to get angry and physical. 

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

52 minutes ago, Kick_It_To_Pickett said:

Interesting listening to Footy Classified (I know, I know) and both Cornes and Lloyd encouraging other teams to physically target Gawn. If I were Melbourne, I’d be phoning the AFL Umpires Department and putting them on notice. Thankfully, Gawn was the recipient of a few free kicks against Sydney, but probably deserved a fair fee more. Had his jumper held by Grundy all night.

It is absolutely imperative that Gawn has teammates fly the flag for him this week. Petracca needs to lose the nice guy attitude and get some mongrel into him. Goes around helping opposition players up off the ground and pats on the back. Stuff that. Nice guys finish last in this game. Stand up for your captain. We all know Viney will, but there needs to be several others willing to get angry and physical. 

Agree with the mongrel part and protecting Max.

The other way of protecting is to bring Fullarton in to play chop out for a hefty % of time if he's ready to roll.

This allows Max to rest more time forward and if infringed there he just might get the odd free which in theory should mean less targeting as the oppo won't want to see scores resulting from their off ball snipes or other rubbish. 

Max can share that role with Fullarton and hopefully have a few more tickets in the tank to smash the oppo back if theyre coming at him further up the ground.

Maxy also needs to start throwing his weight around and going after those that are doing the hitting.

He's the Cap and needs to set the tone!

Edited March 11 by Demon Dynasty

[DeeSpencer 26,070]

2 hours ago, Kick_It_To_Pickett said:

If that’s the only changes you are suggesting, then we are no chance this weekend, leaves Spargo, Chandler and/or Laurie still in the side. If that’s the case, we are cooked 

If you think the small forwards that we've won a stack of games with over the last 3 years are a reason for us to be cooked you aren't being fair dinkum.

[John Demonic 5,848]

On 10/03/2024 at 09:07, Young Angus said:

Goodwin out.

McWalter in.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,906]

8 hours ago, Kick_It_To_Pickett said:

Interesting listening to Footy Classified (I know, I know) and both Cornes and Lloyd encouraging other teams to physically target Gawn. If I were Melbourne, I’d be phoning the AFL Umpires Department and putting them on notice. Thankfully, Gawn was the recipient of a few free kicks against Sydney, but probably deserved a fair fee more. Had his jumper held by Grundy all night.

It is absolutely imperative that Gawn has teammates fly the flag for him this week. Petracca needs to lose the nice guy attitude and get some mongrel into him. Goes around helping opposition players up off the ground and pats on the back. Stuff that. Nice guys finish last in this game. Stand up for your captain. We all know Viney will, but there needs to be several others willing to get angry and physical. 

That "nice guy" finished first in 2021. I don't think he needs to change his game. However, some others could come to Gawn's assistance.

[Superunknown 4,223]

10 hours ago, Kick_It_To_Pickett said:

Interesting listening to Footy Classified (I know, I know) and both Cornes and Lloyd encouraging other teams to physically target Gawn. If I were Melbourne, I’d be phoning the AFL Umpires Department and putting them on notice. Thankfully, Gawn was the recipient of a few free kicks against Sydney, but probably deserved a fair fee more. Had his jumper held by Grundy all night.

It is absolutely imperative that Gawn has teammates fly the flag for him this week. Petracca needs to lose the nice guy attitude and get some mongrel into him. Goes around helping opposition players up off the ground and pats on the back. Stuff that. Nice guys finish last in this game. Stand up for your captain. We all know Viney will, but there needs to be several others willing to get angry and physical. 

This ^^^
 

Without being whingey - which is likely impossible because we bend over backwards being the good corporate citizen (refer: the Maynard disgrace) - we should be issuing a please explain to AFL house and umpiring dept seeking clarification whilst indicating we will still doing the same stuff expecting similar levels of freedom without penalty 

Agree on petracca

[Deemania since 56 6,715]

On 09/03/2024 at 16:59, Gator said:

'd replace Bowey with Woewodin, who played multiple positions as a junior at East Fremantle, including as a running half-back.  It's his third year and imo he's ready.

Me, too. Woey could be a shorter-term running flanker - fwd or back. 

[MoeSyzlak 669]

On 09/03/2024 at 10:59, Kick_It_To_Pickett said:

Ben Brown would be 100 times more effective than Schache. The bloke had four touches. At least Brown’s height and reach troubles defenders and he has leading patterns. Doesn’t just stand still inside 50

Standing still inside F50 seems to be a key of Staffords forward plan. 

[leave it to deever 17,517]

It's was always going to be a tough slog up at the Scg.

We will improve with some necessary outs and hopefully get our first win.

We have a tough draw this start to the season.

We need some key players back asap.

Oliver will be better for the run too.

Great to see JV playing so well.

Kozzie back.

Hopefully Fullerton is up and about too.

[dees4lyf 19]

I feel like there has been a bit of hysteria after a R1 loss against a very good side at a ground that does not suit us in a game where our No 1 assett in maz had his colours lowered.

I understand the disapointment, and we need to be alot better  but i think we need a bigger sample size than 1 game.

Koz obvs come sin and he will be huge for us. Billings must start not sube and im in teh camp that Laurie is not up to it.

I would bring Kynan Brown and Kozz in for Bowey and Laurie. Spargo may be sub, i think he has a place in the side somewhere.

Brown and Fullerton need more runs in the legs. Sadly Shache stays.

Edited March 12 by dees4lyf

[Gawndy the Great 9,011]

13 hours ago, Kick_It_To_Pickett said:

Interesting listening to Footy Classified (I know, I know) and both Cornes and Lloyd encouraging other teams to physically target Gawn. If I were Melbourne, I’d be phoning the AFL Umpires Department and putting them on notice. Thankfully, Gawn was the recipient of a few free kicks against Sydney, but probably deserved a fair fee more. Had his jumper held by Grundy all night.

It is absolutely imperative that Gawn has teammates fly the flag for him this week. Petracca needs to lose the nice guy attitude and get some mongrel into him. Goes around helping opposition players up off the ground and pats on the back. Stuff that. Nice guys finish last in this game. Stand up for your captain. We all know Viney will, but there needs to be several others willing to get angry and physical. 

I think Port put this on the radar several years ago. It infuriates me that Gawn doesn't tackle this face on. If i were any of the other 17 coaches coming up against the Dees, its the first part of my plan. You dismantle Gawn, you go a long way at disarming one of our most potent weapons. 

*Negative post warning* those that cannot handle it, please scroll on.

My prediction is that we will again be dominated in the middle by Doggies ruck and midfield. They have an 1st class clearance game when it gets going and one that we have seldom overcome. Our backline will be under siege through the post clearance efficiency of Doggies and if they are accurate from set shots (there will be plenty of them), then i cant see us winning this. Question is, can we score from turnovers in the back half and transition through their defence. Expect JVR to be quiet as he will be shut down by Jones and Keith will probably take Fritta and get their intercept game going. 

How do we win? It has to be in the middle and clearance game. You take that away from the Doggies, then you disarm their i50 delivery and effectively neutralise Naughton and JUH. 

[jumbo returns 6,741]

On 08/03/2024 at 19:56, spirit of norm smith said:

Never ever again. Amartey rag dolled him. He’s got no desire for the contest.  Talent is not enough at this level.  

Amartey's game was horrible - and, once again, he was charged from behind

Let's find some legitimate reasons?

[CHF 2,768]

From the club's injury report it would seem that our tall froward stocks are suddenly looking much better. Fullerton and BBB are available for selection and Petty is to undergo a test later in the week and may also be available for selection.

Mind you, being available for selection and match fit are two different things. BBB and Fullerton have both had trots around with Casey and may be ahead of Petty even if he gets through the test.

Personally I would bring in BBB for Schache and possibly look at also including Fullerton.

It will make selection interesting this week.

[jumbo returns 6,741]

On 08/03/2024 at 19:24, Roost it far said:

If BBrown or TMac get a game we’re done

100 percent agree

So true

[Gawndy the Great 9,011]

52 minutes ago, CHF said:

From the club's injury report it would seem that our tall froward stocks are suddenly looking much better. Fullerton and BBB are available for selection and Petty is to undergo a test later in the week and may also be available for selection.

Mind you, being available for selection and match fit are two different things. BBB and Fullerton have both had trots around with Casey and may be ahead of Petty even if he gets through the test.

Personally I would bring in BBB for Schache and possibly look at also including Fullerton.

It will make selection interesting this week.

Petty didn’t even do half a preseason. You’d have to put a minimum 4 week block into him.

[DubDee 26,112]

No way Petty can come straight in after a single full training session. 

Round 3 would be a great outcome for him considering his ongoing foot issues 

[picket fence 17,467]

On 11/03/2024 at 21:25, Kick_It_To_Pickett said:

If that’s the only changes you are suggesting, then we are no chance this weekend, leaves Spargo, Chandler and/or Laurie still in the side. If that’s the case, we are cooked 

If Spargo or Laurie and to a slightly lesser extent Chandler get a game ths week them our chances of winning are greatly diminished. None were any good last week! Oh and Shache should only play again if we have no other talls available

Edited March 12 by picket fence

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

31 minutes ago, Gawndy the Great said:

Petty didn’t even do half a preseason. You’d have to put a minimum 4 week block into him.

 

6 minutes ago, DubDee said:

No way Petty can come straight in after a single full training session. 

Round 3 would be a great outcome for him considering his ongoing foot issues 

Salo made an appearance on SEN tonight and seemed to suggest Petty might make it back for the Hawks match (earliest).

[Deemania since 56 6,715]

On 11/03/2024 at 22:44, Kick_It_To_Pickett said:

Interesting listening to Footy Classified (I know, I know) and both Cornes and Lloyd encouraging other teams to physically target Gawn. If I were Melbourne, I’d be phoning the AFL Umpires Department and putting them on notice. Thankfully, Gawn was the recipient of a few free kicks against Sydney, but probably deserved a fair fee more. Had his jumper held by Grundy all night.

It is absolutely imperative that Gawn has teammates fly the flag for him this week. Petracca needs to lose the nice guy attitude and get some mongrel into him. Goes around helping opposition players up off the ground and pats on the back. Stuff that. Nice guys finish last in this game. Stand up for your captain. We all know Viney will, but there needs to be several others willing to get angry and physical. 

The 'mongrel' to win football matches has waned considerably, with Viney remaining the only contestant for the badge (with some inclusive regards for May, Bowser, McVie and hopefully, Picket in weeks to come). Non-mongrel is wonderful sportsmanship, but it has crept over the team like a dose of influenza wherein all of our bad habits onfield and in game play are appearing faster than a speeding bullet. So is our tendency to lose matches. CP is needed to support Viney in the carrying of the team credibility badge and its desire ...

Edited March 12 by Deemania since 56

[old55 23,687]

Selection conundrums ...

Bowey is out.  We could move Salem back but that would disrupt the new midfield set-up.  If we do then the logical replacement appears to be Woewodin.  The other backman choice is Hore but they may be worried about a lack of pace with Tomlinson and Lever. The left-field alternatives backline replacements are headlined by Billings who is experienced and could learn the system quickest and is a lovely kick.  Woewodin and K.Brown are punts.

Spargo sounds injured, apparently seen hobbling in duress at the Sydney airport and in the rehab group at Monday's training.  The logical replacement is the ubiquitous Woewodin.  Longer odds on Tholstrup, AMW, K.Brown or Sestan.

Laurie was subbed but IMO, given Spargo's situation, is likely to be retained in the 23.  Assuming Woewodin replaces Spargo then again the candidates are Tholstrup, AMW, K.Brown or Sestan.

Schache - it seems "the hate Shack is a little old place that we can get together".  The replacement candidates in order of longest out of rehab but shortest on recent proven record are Fullarton, BBB and Petty.  I think TMac is a backline replacement these days.  They may stick with the love Shack. 

I left out that Kosi is an automatic in.

C'mon and bring your jukebox money ...

Edited March 12 by old55

[Deemania since 56 6,715]

On 12/03/2024 at 10:10, MoeSyzlak said:

Standing still inside F50 seems to be a key of Staffords forward plan. 

Regretfully so ... and no-one has bothered to ameliorate this situation despite a disappointingly long interval of extreme non-possession up forward. 

[leave it to deever 17,517]

Salo goes back for Bowey is a no brainier.

Kozzie will spend time in the middle but hopefully not the whole game.

 

Edited March 13 by leave it to deever