Lil_red_fire_engine

Assuming no one has to miss for any reason its just Brown in for Weid in my view. Neither TMac or Weid made the second spot their own. Whilst Tmac has not impacted significantly for some, one good game playing the deeper role from Weid does not give him the spot. We know what we get with the Brown and Tmac convo. I would prefer to have the more mature bigger body of Tmac against the Giants defenders. Also he is more proven in the higher tall forward role and I much prefer Brown as the deeper forward (the role Weid played against the Bombers). I thought they may bring in Smith over Tomo or Hunt but from some presser snippets I sense Smith is less in tune with the back 7 dynamic than Tomo or Petty who I sense they may want to give another week at Casey to before consideration.

I agree not many there are showing clear form to push some one out but as others have mentioned a dominant VFL display does not always translate and vice versa. Some of that is quality of opposition and game, the grounds played at as well as likely playing a VFL primary role to elevating to AFL in a supporting position. You are looking for the key attributes, fitness and touch that will translate into the required role at AFL level more so than volume of touches and significant impact. Bowey as some have mentioned is a great case in point. What excites me is whilst getting low touches, our kids in Laurie, Howes, Woewodin, JVR and others are just doing some of those things that are AFL level attributes whether it is one touch moments, speed of decision making or defensive intercept that show that with development they will be quality up a level when their time comes. All going well that time wont need to be in 2022.

Bedford is good next up for Koz, ANB and Spargo but they have him covered at present. I dont rate Chandler highly. Laurie is playing more mid forward than forward. He shows some serious footy iQ and skill and will be a quality future player but needs a full season of development at Casey in 2022.

Not that I can see either getting omitted but Pickett 29 pressure acts and Spargo 10 says to me some may be looking at the wrong one in the gun.

6 Gawn 5 May 4 Harmes 3 Jordon 2 Langdon 1. Fritsch

It’s more than an I think, I suggest the mass of strapping around his knee is the give away. Clearly not moving tonight with his standard power and step through the stoppage. I would not be surprised if he is rested on a short turnaround unless its something that improves with time rather than rest. I am curious to see if any VFL players are not played today due to the short turnaround.

6 Brayshaw 5. Oliver 4. Langdon 3. Weid 2. Smith 1. Bowey

It will be Brown for TMac and Lever for Tomlinson. Kozzie must be on thin ice if Bedford has a quality game tomorrow but playing Thursday night will limit the likelihood of changes for those who play today. For those saying Brown wont play that would go against Goody saying he would be available in the press conference.

Langdon playing a hard running wing role in those conditions and playing 100% game time is not human.

Professional grinding win against an improving side in tough conditions. Jackson and Boweys impact at their age is ridiculous. Our defensive run was not up to normal scratch and our forward talls in Brown and Tmac did not give much,. Take the win and back to the G for round 3.

6 Trac 5 Jackson 4 Bowey 3 May 2 Oliver 1 ANB

I’m not panicked. We should win. I am just a realist that the Suns up there on a slippery night is not a walk in the park.

This is a danger game, particularly early in the season in wet and greasy conditions. They are hard but not slick at the contest and have some forwards with tricks at the fall of the ball that can be tough when on. Our maturity and elite endurance should allow us to come over the top but anyone that thinks this is not a danger game early in the season may end up with a surprise.

I dont have confidence that Lever or Hibberd will be ready or rushed for round 2. However if Lever in it will be Tomlinson out as was round 1 plan. If Hibberd in it will be to cover Salem. If neither ready I suggest Dunstan in to allow Brayshaw back and Jordon/Harmes to cover the wing as required. Bedford to sub again. As has been mentioned Goody much prefers continuity rather than change for changes sake.

What a great way to start the season and back in style at the G. The key positives for me were the continuing best in the comp form of Trac, the development of Benny Brown since this time last year and the work of our makeshift defensive 7,. The limited concerns for me was our inability to own the centre clearance, letting the dogs get on a run and the form of Kozzie. Also Jimmy J showed that he can play a more than capable defensive wing role which may be important if we need Angus back more whilst Salem recovers. That’s it now can bask in being 1-0 and one up on a key rival for the next 10 days. Go Dees.

6. Trac 5. Brown 4. Langdon 3. Oliver 2. Smith 1. ANB

5, Heath 4, Bannan 3. Mithen 2. Paxman 1. Gay

5. D Pearce 4. L Mithen 3. T Harris 2. E West 1. T Hanks

The dogs are not tall. If Keith misses even less so. I also think early in season you are better to play with more run (as not match fit) and less height (as key positions lack touch). Unsure what that means yet but would not be surprised if this dictates what we do with players 19-23 in the team.

Going half baked and playing some pretty disrespectful Hollywood footy. I hope they dont think they can just switch it on in a couple of weeks.

I decided not to go tonight for the same reason.

5. MIthen 4. Paxman 3. L Pearce 2. Heath 1. Gay

I know it was the premiers vs the wooden spooners but our clean hands, sharp feet and speed of ball movement is unheard of at this time of year for any side. Joel Smiths performance and Benny Browns continued improvement with a big preseason were the key factors other than the standards we now expect from Gawn, Clarry et al. Rivers and Bowey were underwhelming and both would want an improved effort against the Blues to lock themselves in round 1. Chandler aside from 2 goals just has no impact and does not have the manic defence or link up class of Nibbler, Kozzie or Spargo.

5. Harris 4. Paxman 3. West 2. D Pearce 1. Birch

Both of them were much loved and of high skill and impact on their day. Both of them were highly regarded juniors who for different and varying reasons did not get the most out of themselves. We are not the team we have become without May at one end and Fritsch at the other neither of which happens without these trades. Easy for Hogan to say he regrets the move when he has watched us win the premiership and the negligible impact he has had on the field since. Who wouldn’t regret. I wish him all the best at the Giants and hope like other seriously talented players he finds a way to get the best out of himself professionally and personally.