Lil_red_fire_engine

Adams is not slow but lacks any competitive streak. Would be coming from a long way back to be on the 2027 list. Great to see Luker, Jeffo and AJ giving us some key tall depth and potential. We really lack mids at this level though I think both Stanley and Sinnema both show AFL list traits in my view.

If second half Dees from Blues or Dockers show up where a good chance. If first quarter Dees show up it won't be pretty. We need all need to pull our weight in the midfield. No number 3 for Gold Coast, Humphrey and Rowell with no match fitness. We don't need to win the midfield battle just not give them easy clearance or unpressured chains out. Suns coming in off 3 byes (Tigers, Eagles, actual) means we amp the pressure at the home of footy and they will struggle. Who plays on King and will we leave Rioli and Noble unopposed to slingshot all day my biggest concerns. We will have gained a lot of confidence from last week let's see if we can bring it early today.

Its a pass for me unless as cheap delisted FA as a back up not the future. That role is important but you dont need as many as you did 3-5 years ago. We have Steele as a mature as well as Viney if he gets back to his best. Culley will play there more and Langford and Kolt (though smaller) will develop into that role you would think.

To a lot neither did Kolt, Howes or Sharp. Change of coach, game style and some continuity can make a big difference. Hoping he doesn't die wondering, works hard both ways and trusts his skills.

So Fritta's not even there for some light running and shots on goal for captains run but Luker is and they are already talking to him about a debut if he gets through a game. To me this smells more like he plays in place of Fritta tomorrow but is not allowed to say.

I thought Kolt was very good offensively and defensively when he moved to half back last week. I would be looking to settle him there and shift Lindsay upfield into the wing/half forward rotation or as part of smaller back 7 if we push Petty or Turner forward at any point. I would be backing in Steele, Sparrow, Pickett with Culley and Windsor through the midfield to play accountable two way footy with no tag.

I don't disagree but with two forced changes in Cross and CJ who is replacing them? Then what happens if Disco is right to roll? Whilst mature age, we just debuted Cross with no real exposed 2026 form and less than a month on the list. It wasnt even like for like in role being he replaced Rivers,. I suggest Rivers or possibly Disco will replace CJ but the Cross replacement is a more difficult solution to find for mine. If you want a small then I suggest its Laurie but Cross played more as a deep mid sized forward so they may back in Melksham if his body is fine. It might also depend on where we think we are playing Kolt this weekend. I would ignore the tag and just let him settle at half back. Its a real challenge to work out what to do or understand the decision they will make particularly with the lack of VFL games to this point.

Unless Disco is ready to go early Petty being dropped is not in the conversation. Otherwise it will be CJ out for Rivers or AMW pssibly/unlikely Heath in to chop out Max and shift the mix. Reinforcing a great team win and no Casey game last weekend for players to push their case will rightfully limit changes.

Just back from the game and usually prefer to watch the replay before I vote but. The first 3 were good all game with Steele not far behind. Pickett and Sparrows second half were off the charts and special mention to Fritsch chiming in and putting some polish on at the end. 6. Pickett 5. Lever 4. Gawn 3. Steele 2. Sparrow 1. Chandler

Let’s get back to running hard both ways and attacking the game with flare and fun filled play. I would like to see Culley more through the middle, Kolt to lock in on Walsh and better form from XL and Langford. Looking forward to celebrating TMax500, Cross’ debut and getting the dub over a mediocre team that has had the wood on us.

I wonder with Cross coming in I assume to fill a half forward spot if Culley shifts more into the mid rotation this week.

I suggest it’s the 1 tackle for the game. Sparrow 9, Steele 9, Lindsay 6, Kolt and Koz 5 a piece.

LOL I checked on alphabetical but didn't even think to check numerical 😀

I would just go the one change but I suggest it will be Laurie in for Pickett per the order the interchange is named.

I initially was disappointed that they were both going to be this weekend as TMac totally deserves the spotlight for such an achievement rather than being in the shadow of Gawn. However that has never been his way, he has just done the job that we needed and every time you thought it might be done he found a way to get more out of himself. Celebrating what both of them have experienced across 250 games each since debuting in 2011 is a time to pause and in a way celebrate all that us as fans have ridden with them and the team across that period. It's a shame it's not an official home game, granted it's a replacement one and more will be present this week I suggest than against Suns the week after. I look forward to attending and celebrating two champion players of our club (one an immortal of the game) who have done us proud in what they have brought on and off the field.

Adams first half last week was excellent. His second half was the opposite of excellent. I suggest TMac will be called on as ruck chopout or to play on McKay if Petty goes in. The role is more for Tmac than Adams.

Agree, aside from a great snap the only positives I see is he gets to good crumbing spots and is a left footer. However he is small and seems to lack the speed, step or clean take you need to be special at that size. He also seems to go to ground quite a bit. Small 3 minute sample size but nothing there that has me too excited.

He can't run and that was before he was on one leg after tweaking his knee on the weekend. I can't see Melksham getting a game in the same side as both Fritsch and Mihocek unless we change the forward mix

6 Gawn 5 Tholstrup 4 Langdon 3 Steele 2 Lever 1 Salem

AMW whilst his 30 possies are padded by a lot of kick ins was clearly a class above this level. Heath good without being great. The rest of our listed players are a fair way off pushing for a senior spot on today's performance. Some nice cameos from Matthews (run down tackles plus a nice snap goal) the main general highlight. In saying that more than half that team did not play for Casey last year and the Dogs are a well oiled reigning premier. We still kicked 90+ without any of Kentfield, AJ, Jefferson. TMac plays and Lewis doesnt kick 6.

Good on him for his perseverance and his start to this season. He had some fantastic moments in last night's win. Let's also be realistic, he kicked 3 goals which is 15% of his career total in one night. Outside of his 3 goals he had 5 further possessions for the game.

I get the decision and likely apporach but I have two main concerns. Firstly Petty chopping out against Jackson or Darcy is very different than combatting Keeler. Secondly there are more permanent quality key forwards to cover with Treacy, Voss. Amiss and this becomes a bigger challenge if we have to release Petty into the ruck and shuffle others to fill the void.

I feel we should have either played Heath or TMac to allow more flex with their ruck duo and forward height but getting wanting to back on last weeks 23. Laurie just needs to keep pressure on as suggest he will be first up if Sparrow and Langdon have many more performances like round 1.

I will not be surprised if Lever is omitted for TMac for this game. If not I will be very surprised if Lever is in our best 23 after 6-8 rounds. I just don't think his strengths are suited to the new defensive and offensive requirements of our defensive 7. If there is ever a week to play the 2 Max combo this is the one. After the load Gawn carried round 1, 6 day break, WA trip, Jackson + Darcy or Cox as well as harder to shift Petty away of of their 3 key talls. Even if we could Petty vs Jackson/Darcy/Cox is a very different equation to Petty v Keeler.

Assuming he gets back second half of the year our kids will be starting to tire and the grounds will be getting heavier. That assumes we have full mid complement at that point and no injuries. He'll slot straight into Sparrow's spot or they'll add him to the rotation to lessen the load in the middle on some of the younger mids who may start to tire.