I'll also be concerned if Petrie/McIntosh rest in their foward line.

Against Geelong one of PJ and White would drop back and counter the resting ruckman. Jamar will need to step up and put some defensive pressure on his opponent.

Our defence looks 1 tall short, considering Miller should play at CHF.

Carroll will take Thompson, while Rivers will have a huge job on Aaron Edwards. Unfortunetly this means that Rivers can't be a lose man in defence and do his trademark spoils and gutsy marks.

Does Rivers actually play as a loose man in defence? I was under the impression that most of the time he did actually have a man, but is such a good reader of the play that he is almost always able to "materialize" at the contest and be influential. It's hard to tell on TV though.

In terms of defensive matchups it should be:

Thompson - Rivers

Edwards - Carroll

Jones - Bell

Thompson is too tall for either Miller or Carroll so our no.1 defender must get the job. Conceding some bulk but makes up for it with skill. Carroll is much better suited to Edwards (height-wise) and Bell is the best match-up for Jones. Whelan will end up taking the Harvey type who floats into a forward pocket.

Miller must play either forward or on the pine and now that Bruce has found some touch he should be used in the guts where he's needed most.

Does Rivers actually play as a loose man in defence? I was under the impression that most of the time he did actually have a man, but is such a good reader of the play that he is almost always able to "materialize" at the contest and be influential.

That correct Nasher. That's why Rivers is so good. I simply dont understand how people think Rivers gets the 3rd up defender. He does not and they underestimate his capabilities.

Our defence looks 1 tall short, considering Miller should play at CHF.

Carroll will take Thompson, while Rivers will have a huge job on Aaron Edwards. Unfortunetly this means that Rivers can't be a lose man in defence and do his trademark spoils and gutsy marks.

Cam Bruce should take Corey Jones.

I'll also be concerned if Petrie/McIntosh rest in their foward line.

The main thing that differentiates the two teams tomorrow is how much better the Roos are at taking marks in the forward fifty.

That is my impression anyway. They seem to be excellent high marks and it shows how bad we are in this area.

Its not just delivery.

i would expect bell to get first crack at corey jones.. jones is quicker than you think because of his laconical style!!

rivers back is just so important to the team and its structure... he is a out and out gun and in out top 5 players!!

the major problem i see is that little runt in boomer harvey - clint bartram for mine will get him but we need another rotation.. not sure junior has the pace to go with him... probably see junior go with daniel harris and try and negate this blokes clearances...

i think cam bruce may get shannon grant... if not then probably brad green....

we match up pretty well on most occassions - last year was the exception!!!

Robbo...count yourself very very very lucky and show us something!

That correct Nasher. That's why Rivers is so good. I simply dont understand how people think Rivers gets the 3rd up defender. He does not and they underestimate his capabilities.

Rivers is the best 'reader' of the play I have seen .

Malthouse recently bemoaned that you needed to get 35 possessions a game and play midfield to win the Rising Star Award.

What a [censored]. Rivers won it as a centre half back by his inate ability to control a backline at , what 19 years of age!

In terms of defensive matchups it should be:

Thompson - Rivers

Edwards - Carroll

Jones - Bell

Thompson is too tall for either Miller or Carroll so our no.1 defender must get the job. Conceding some bulk but makes up for it with skill. Carroll is much better suited to Edwards (height-wise) and Bell is the best match-up for Jones. Whelan will end up taking the Harvey type who floats into a forward pocket.

Miller must play either forward or on the pine and now that Bruce has found some touch he should be used in the guts where he's needed most.

So you'd play Rivers at full back? Taking away a weapon in his ability to float in front of a pack and take a grab/effect a spoil? Bit hard to do that standing on the goal line.

Miller is taller than Rivers, and Carroll is only a cm shorter so the height factor you mentioned is basically null and void