2 hours ago, brendan said:

Green named for the giants 

Good. He won’t be 100%
Make him run hard….

Would be disappointed if a debutant is the sub. But looks more likely than not. 

Edited March 13Mar 13 by Pulp Fritschon

2 hours ago, GS_1905 said:

He’ll be a late out. Why risk it at the start of the season.  Stupid if he plays.

I expect Green to play and am not surprised in the slightest he got selected.

In a pre game interview vs Carlton 2 weeks ago he was confident that he’d get up for the game.

Theyll look like fools if he breaks down but all the language coming out of GWS over the last fortnight was that he was every chance of playing.

Edited March 13Mar 13 by Bring-Back-Powell

Just now, DeeSpencer said:

I would never have recruited Billings because I do somewhat agree that every player in a good side should have pressure and physicality. But hard runners on the wing present options for your backline to clear the ball quickly and avoid the negative outcomes that come when your backline are dump kicking or indecisive. 

Windsor had some excellent games mixed with very quiet games where he looked tired. Battled through for nearly the whole year which was a great effort. But you don't have a plan for speed off half back if he's not back there. And we need that to break down zones and create attacking opportunities.

This is nonsense. Nothing beats unselfish team footy. There's moments for superstars to step up and do special things but passing inside 50 has been a really poor part of our game in recent years and it's well and truly time we see more players dish it off to guys in better spots. Billings will be on the wing if he's in the side, it will be rare that he'll be the one receiving these passes.

Bayley Fritsch - known competitive beast. That's a new one. If you don't like Billings' intensity wait til you watch Fritsch play when there's not a goal on offer.

Spargo cooks his team mates more than anyone inside 40 and spits the dummy when he isn't used when open (which I actually don't mind). Complete nonsense if you think he's not goal happy and shuts his mouth. No idea what Chandler did to get this criticism. If nothing else he's excellent at the role player aspects of his position.

Speed off half back is important, and I'm content with Windsor being able to play that role for now

My point isn't really about 'filling the wing spot' - i think there are a number of options there besides Billings.

It's more that I think Billings creates a deficit in energetic connection amongst the group:

To me, 'team balance' is essential - we had that in 2021 - and it's not just about balance in skill and ability etc, it's about balance of energies/personalities - much like magnetism in physics or law of attraction etc. 
To be quite honest, that's the level I'm speaking from. It's about synergy - but particularly due to personality and energy and vibe. Without being woo-woo about it, we all know how a team gets a run on, gets momentum etc. We saw it with Dees 2021, we saw it arguably with Hawthorn last year (arguably until the very moment that Ginnivan disrupted their vibe leading into their Semi-final with his cocky instagram post). I'm not saying 'vibe' and 'synergy' is EVERYTHING. But! I'm quite confident that it is A LOT of it. 

Without harping on that thread, and with no offence to Billings, the reason I'm so 'desperate' about selections like Billings is that the way I view the game is predominantly through this 'synergy' aspect, and to me that theory extends to the weakness in the chain that can occur with 1 or 2 players who have a kind of undefined personal and footballing energy. To me Billings IS that kind of player, but more importantly he is that kind of 'influence. 

Now, on a good day for Trac Clarry and Gawn etc, this issue would seem insignificant because we would probably get the 4 points based off of their effort.

But it's the games (like finals) that really test the team, and/or if our stars are a bit off their game - that is when you just 'desperately' need those lower tier players to hold up in integrity AND even shine through with their effort that they get some secondary plaudits from the fans (but, importanty, not because they just 'kicked uncontested goals', but because they did the work that clarry or trac didnt do becasue they were off - you know, they plugged the holes). Billings is not a hole plugger - he bottoms out, peters out in his energetic influence on the group, and his physicality, and really his charisma, his personality, his raison d'etre or whatever you want to call it.

 

Yes to me, Charlie Spargo has a more deeply ingrained and humble relationship to footy than Kade Chandler. Chandler played years in the VFL , and in the same way I was speaking before , I don't think his the best for team balance - I think he talks too much (but more out of a feeling of insecurity within himself) and its largely distracting to the group. Admittedly Ive been surprised by his growth and he might come solid, but to me he is still somewhat a liability to the premiership integrity because of his kind of flippant nature (again, team balance, personality etc)

RE Fritsch, I was talking about players with football deep in their DNA, who a filthy on themselves for having a [censored] one and being determined to turn it around- that kind of [censored]. ya know?

OK tyvm and bye 

 

It's supposed to be raining so surely they go all small so I think the team will be.

B: Lever, May, Bowey

HB: Salem, Petty, Howes

C: Langdon, Petracca, Windsor

HF: Sparrow, Turner, Viney

F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Chandler

FOLL: Gawn, Oliver, Rivers

IC: Sharp, Lindsay, Langford, Henderson

SUB: Billings

EMERG: Johnson, Jefferson, McDonald 

19 minutes ago, WERRIDEE said:

It's supposed to be raining so surely they go all small so I think the team will be.

B: Lever, May, Bowey

HB: Salem, Petty, Howes

C: Langdon, Petracca, Windsor

HF: Sparrow, Turner, Viney

F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Chandler

FOLL: Gawn, Oliver, Rivers

IC: Sharp, Lindsay, Langford, Henderson

SUB: Billings

EMERG: Johnson, Jefferson, McDonald 

I like the team but a few shifts.  Johnson in for his debut. 

B: Lever, May, Bowey

HB: Salem, Petty, Rivers

C: Langdon , Viney, Windsor

HF: Sparrow, Turner, Sharp

F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Chandler

FOLL: Gawn, Petracca, Oliver

IC: Howes, Lindsay, Langford, Johnson

SUB: Billings

EMERG: Woey jnr, Jefferson, T. McDonald 

(Kozzzzy, McVee & Kolt out of best 22!!!) 

43 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

I like the team but a few shifts.  Johnson in for his debut. 

B: Lever, May, Bowey

HB: Salem, Petty, Rivers

C: Langdon , Viney, Windsor

HF: Sparrow, Turner, Sharp

F: Fritsch, van Rooyen, Chandler

FOLL: Gawn, Petracca, Oliver

IC: Howes, Lindsay, Langford, Johnson

SUB: Billings

EMERG: Woey jnr, Jefferson, T. McDonald 

(Kozzzzy, McVee & Kolt out of best 22!!!) 

I can't see Johnson playing in the wet. Roo will be the second ruck. You forgot about Henderson, Woewodin isn't named in the emergencies.

10 hours ago, whatwhat say what said:

frost was sub last week for dingley to allow the flexibility to throw sicily forward

in the end he came on early as worpel was crocked; didn't hurt their set-up at all

Think Tmac for no other reason than Petty returning to backline finds himself in outer until we play a genuine giant fwd line (pardon the pun). In that instance he comes in for Howes. 
 

In saying that who knows 😂 

 

R1 always toughest bench to discern down to 4+1, and as much as I’d LOVE Henderson to bolt into the side as sub I think he’s 2-3 away still but note he IS coming into the side, best blv it! 
 

My best guess is: Langford, Sharp, AJ, Billings & Lindsay the Sub. But hoping more it’s Billings sub, Lindsay in! 
 

Cannot wait! Despite my punting laws stating all R0 teams should win, I’m hoping Giants playing in heat etc LW might wear them down but that’s a prayer given confidence they have in their running power (I already had them top 4 in my pre season fitness ladder 😠) per Toby G quote during week. 
 

Think it’s all gonna come down to strategy, ie can we slow their running game down! We have the cattle, the ground & purpose but they’re match-hardened.. Dees by 14pts (if we kick <12 behinds 🙏 

10 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

We deliberately haven’t named wings to keep GWS guessing so I expect Billings and Lindsay are first picked out of that 7.

Leaves 2 more spots at the sub.

Probably change my mind 10 more times between now and Sunday but as of right now I’d probably go Jeffo and Henderson.

Not sure Harvey is ready. AJ’s too much bulk and I just don’t want Sharp turning it over in dangerous spots (he’d be sub). 

Think Sharp has to play given his running prowess — kicking isn’t as bad as it seems just needs to slow-down decision making & keep head over ball (he lifts it far too early).

 

Langford is READY that’s absolutely factual, he’s playing 💯 

Would love to see Jeffo, think club feels same but not using roo as BU Ruck might mean AJ gets nod.. Lindsay also has to play for mine but fear he’ll be sub. 

 

10 hours ago, DubDee said:

Interchange: Sharp, Billings, AJ, Lindsay

Langford or Hendo sub

If no AJ, who is second ruck?

Rooooo 😭 

Petty could do it, but harder for backmen it’ll depend on their Matchups & if he’s set for Cadman or not I presume!

Love AJ’s ticker but still think he needs time to really get confident. Love love to see Jeffo as I just have a vibe he’s gonna thrive at the lvl don’t ask me why it’s an innate intangible thing 😂 

I like your bench to combat that running power of theirs, but I just can’t see us playing a fwd line without the extra tall, could Petty shock and swing fwd and 2nd ruck — absolutely a possibility.. 

GAWD I’m anxious to see us play, esp after seeing Tigers tonight that was utter brilliance! Toey as a Yeezy foam sneaker!!! 

 

 

On 11/03/2025 at 09:54, KozzyCan said:

Turner really shouldn't play considering his performance in the practice match and the conditions.

And who should replace him?? 

2 hours ago, Tolstoys Nudge said:

Rooooo 😭 

Petty could do it, but harder for backmen it’ll depend on their Matchups & if he’s set for Cadman or not I presume!

Love AJ’s ticker but still think he needs time to really get confident. Love love to see Jeffo as I just have a vibe he’s gonna thrive at the lvl don’t ask me why it’s an innate intangible thing 😂 

I like your bench to combat that running power of theirs, but I just can’t see us playing a fwd line without the extra tall, could Petty shock and swing fwd and 2nd ruck — absolutely a possibility.. 

GAWD I’m anxious to see us play, esp after seeing Tigers tonight that was utter brilliance! Toey as a Yeezy foam sneaker!!! 

 

 

You don’t think JVR, Turner and AJ is tall enough? Add in another like Petty and it’s too imo

Johnson has to play. I don't want to see JVR is in the ruck.

I'll take the team as named on the field, with Billings, Langford, Johnson and Sharp on the interchange. Sub - no idea. Maybe TMac as tall insurance.

Thrilled to see Petty back in the side and playing down back.

Lindsay can wait for his debut.

Howes is keeping a spot warm for the return of McVee.

Billings and Sparrow are fighting the next three weeks to not be dropped for Kozzy.

 

 

11 minutes ago, seventyfour said:

Johnson has to play. I don't want to see JVR is in the ruck.

I'll take the team as named on the field, with Billings, Langford, Johnson and Sharp on the interchange. Sub - no idea. Maybe TMac as tall insurance.

Thrilled to see Petty back in the side and playing down back.

Lindsay can wait for his debut.

Howes is keeping a spot warm for the return of McVee.

Billings and Sparrow are fighting the next three weeks to not be dropped for Kozzy.

 

 

Couldn’t agree more, other than taking the odd ball up or boundary throw in in the forward line I don’t want to see JVR anywhere near the ruck. I mean he only pulled out of our last game with a dodgy back. We are grooming him to be that key forward, let’s leave him there. AJ has to play and for me it would be to replace Turner. Agree also with everything else that you have posted however I would like Lindsay to play. We are going to miss the class and dash of Kozzie, McVee and also AMW who I think was set for a big year. If the weather predicted eventuates I would like us to go small plus we also need to match the Giants foot speed which for me is a big concern. 

Edited March 13Mar 13 by Dee Viney Intervention

1 hour ago, 58er said:

And who should replace him?? 

JEFFO! But having said that Disco  should get one more crack! But he is on thin ice!

Edited March 13Mar 13 by picket fence

1 hour ago, DubDee said:

You don’t think JVR, Turner and AJ is tall enough? Add in another like Petty and it’s too imo

Billings, HL, X, Hendo, Sharp bench — In that side AJ would be missing was my point thought it was a small bench and he went with all smalls.. oops! But point stands ie IF they go that way, I think Petts as a swingman is on cards but don’t they they will, but running lower if GWS makes it at least possible they go all small at some point to move him down fwd. 

 

The Giants team looks weak up fwd without Hogan.

• B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg
• HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash
• C: J.Kelly, T.Green, S.Coniglio
• HF: X.O’Halloran, T.Greene - C, B.Daniels
• F: D.Jones, A.Cadman, M.Gruzewski
• FOLL: L.Keeffe, T.Bedford, F.Callaghan
• I/C (FROM): C.Brown, C.Ward, C.Stone, J.Leake, C.Angove, L.Aleer, O.Hannaford, J.Wehr

4 minutes ago, jnrmac said:

 

The Giants team looks weak up fwd without Hogan.

• B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg
• HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash
• C: J.Kelly, T.Green, S.Coniglio
• HF: X.O’Halloran, T.Greene - C, B.Daniels
• F: D.Jones, A.Cadman, M.Gruzewski
• FOLL: L.Keeffe, T.Bedford, F.Callaghan
• I/C (FROM): C.Brown, C.Ward, C.Stone, J.Leake, C.Angove, L.Aleer, O.Hannaford, J.Wehr

Why the hell didn’t the Giants let us have Wade Derksen?

Hogan Riccardi and Stringer out and he isn’t even an emergency

Just strange

6 minutes ago, DubDee said:

Why the hell didn’t the Giants let us have Wade Derksen?

Hogan Riccardi and Stringer out and he isn’t even an emergency

Just strange

Irksom for Derksen!

11 hours ago, nextskipclaz said:

Speed off half back is important, and I'm content with Windsor being able to play that role for now

My point isn't really about 'filling the wing spot' - i think there are a number of options there besides Billings.

It's more that I think Billings creates a deficit in energetic connection amongst the group:

To me, 'team balance' is essential - we had that in 2021 - and it's not just about balance in skill and ability etc, it's about balance of energies/personalities - much like magnetism in physics or law of attraction etc. 
To be quite honest, that's the level I'm speaking from. It's about synergy - but particularly due to personality and energy and vibe. Without being woo-woo about it, we all know how a team gets a run on, gets momentum etc. We saw it with Dees 2021, we saw it arguably with Hawthorn last year (arguably until the very moment that Ginnivan disrupted their vibe leading into their Semi-final with his cocky instagram post). I'm not saying 'vibe' and 'synergy' is EVERYTHING. But! I'm quite confident that it is A LOT of it. 

Without harping on that thread, and with no offence to Billings, the reason I'm so 'desperate' about selections like Billings is that the way I view the game is predominantly through this 'synergy' aspect, and to me that theory extends to the weakness in the chain that can occur with 1 or 2 players who have a kind of undefined personal and footballing energy. To me Billings IS that kind of player, but more importantly he is that kind of 'influence. 

Now, on a good day for Trac Clarry and Gawn etc, this issue would seem insignificant because we would probably get the 4 points based off of their effort.

But it's the games (like finals) that really test the team, and/or if our stars are a bit off their game - that is when you just 'desperately' need those lower tier players to hold up in integrity AND even shine through with their effort that they get some secondary plaudits from the fans (but, importanty, not because they just 'kicked uncontested goals', but because they did the work that clarry or trac didnt do becasue they were off - you know, they plugged the holes). Billings is not a hole plugger - he bottoms out, peters out in his energetic influence on the group, and his physicality, and really his charisma, his personality, his raison d'etre or whatever you want to call it.

 

Yes to me, Charlie Spargo has a more deeply ingrained and humble relationship to footy than Kade Chandler. Chandler played years in the VFL , and in the same way I was speaking before , I don't think his the best for team balance - I think he talks too much (but more out of a feeling of insecurity within himself) and its largely distracting to the group. Admittedly Ive been surprised by his growth and he might come solid, but to me he is still somewhat a liability to the premiership integrity because of his kind of flippant nature (again, team balance, personality etc)

RE Fritsch, I was talking about players with football deep in their DNA, who a filthy on themselves for having a [censored] one and being determined to turn it around- that kind of [censored]. ya know?

OK tyvm and bye 

 

Speed at half forward very important vs the GWS as they set up for inside run at every opportunity

We must pressure their half backs

2 hours ago, 58er said:

And who should replace him?? 

Johnson and JVR should be our only tall forwards this week.

1 minute ago, KozzyCan said:

Johnson and JVR should be our only tall forwards this week.

Johnson is a third or fourth backup forward at best and ok ruckman! If he gets a game round 1 we are already struggling in 2025 IMV

11 hours ago, nextskipclaz said:

much like magnetism in... the law of attraction

11 hours ago, nextskipclaz said:

Without being woo-woo about it...

Nah, nothing woo woo about the law of attraction. 

11 hours ago, nextskipclaz said:

Speed off half back is important, and I'm content with Windsor being able to play that role for now

My point isn't really about 'filling the wing spot' - i think there are a number of options there besides Billings.

It's more that I think Billings creates a deficit in energetic connection amongst the group:

To me, 'team balance' is essential - we had that in 2021 - and it's not just about balance in skill and ability etc, it's about balance of energies/personalities - much like magnetism in physics or law of attraction etc. 
To be quite honest, that's the level I'm speaking from. It's about synergy - but particularly due to personality and energy and vibe. Without being woo-woo about it, we all know how a team gets a run on, gets momentum etc. We saw it with Dees 2021, we saw it arguably with Hawthorn last year (arguably until the very moment that Ginnivan disrupted their vibe leading into their Semi-final with his cocky instagram post). I'm not saying 'vibe' and 'synergy' is EVERYTHING. But! I'm quite confident that it is A LOT of it. 

Without harping on that thread, and with no offence to Billings, the reason I'm so 'desperate' about selections like Billings is that the way I view the game is predominantly through this 'synergy' aspect, and to me that theory extends to the weakness in the chain that can occur with 1 or 2 players who have a kind of undefined personal and footballing energy. To me Billings IS that kind of player, but more importantly he is that kind of 'influence. 

Now, on a good day for Trac Clarry and Gawn etc, this issue would seem insignificant because we would probably get the 4 points based off of their effort.

But it's the games (like finals) that really test the team, and/or if our stars are a bit off their game - that is when you just 'desperately' need those lower tier players to hold up in integrity AND even shine through with their effort that they get some secondary plaudits from the fans (but, importanty, not because they just 'kicked uncontested goals', but because they did the work that clarry or trac didnt do becasue they were off - you know, they plugged the holes). Billings is not a hole plugger - he bottoms out, peters out in his energetic influence on the group, and his physicality, and really his charisma, his personality, his raison d'etre or whatever you want to call it.

 

Yes to me, Charlie Spargo has a more deeply ingrained and humble relationship to footy than Kade Chandler. Chandler played years in the VFL , and in the same way I was speaking before , I don't think his the best for team balance - I think he talks too much (but more out of a feeling of insecurity within himself) and its largely distracting to the group. Admittedly Ive been surprised by his growth and he might come solid, but to me he is still somewhat a liability to the premiership integrity because of his kind of flippant nature (again, team balance, personality etc)

RE Fritsch, I was talking about players with football deep in their DNA, who a filthy on themselves for having a [censored] one and being determined to turn it around- that kind of [censored]. ya know?

OK tyvm and bye 

 

I’d agree that Billing’s doesn’t fit our team’s vibe. He’s got that nervous energy about him, a lack of true belief even though he’s been a solid footballer for years now. He should be leading the younger players, I don’t see it and hope one of Woewodin, Tholstrup or even Laurie jump ahead of him. 

6 Dee debutants!

Langford, Lindsay, Jeffo, Johnson and Hendo. Sharp club debut too.