Lil_red_fire_engine

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.

If he was still with us we would not be premiers. The trading of both Hogan and Watts has been key to both cultural change and incoming player outcomes.

5. Hanks 4. L Pearce 3. Mithen 2. Harris 1.Paxman

Oliver aside (who seems leaner and faster than 2021) Jimmy J in everything.

The errant bounce I feel was the implied pressure that he was about to get Kozzie’d.

The chest out jump for the ball, clean clunk and the little strut as he got back up reminded me of a young Hogan.

5 L Pearce 4 T Hanks 3 T Harris 2 Fitzsimon 1 Colvin

Great post and comments all round. Whilst Rosman is and Howes will be developed as wingers I still think outside run needs more depth. This is probably validated by us retaining Baker for a further season. With TMac, Weid and JVR we have options of varying experience for the roaming tall forward role but not really for the long ball other than Brown and Majak as plan B. LJ may fit either but who knows where he will land as he develops. Another long ball tall forward should be on the radar as they take time to develop and can be hit and miss. I can see Gawn playing the role more as he ages and still would not be surprised to see Petty play time there at some stage in his career. Mid sized leading forwards is our biggest gap for mine. If Fritsch goes down we are really lacking in this area other than the veteran Melksham (M Brown at a stretch). Howes may develop here and Trac can play that role when forward but we are lacking.

5. Hore 4. McNamara 3. Paxman 2. Hanks 1. Harris

3. Zanker 2. Hanks 1. L Pearce

I suggest Tomlinson will not be a round 1 option and they will take their time. Assuming this Hunt, Rivers, Joel Smith and Hibberd are competing for the same 2 spots which are built around defend first and rebound second. They all have enough height to play on the mid sized forwards but also be accountable on the true smalls subject to forward set ups. For mine Rivers is already set and will likely only get better, fitter, stronger. Really it is a toss up between Hunt, J Smith and Hibbo in my view for D7. Bowey and Salo are there as accountable distributors but are more likely to mind the true smalls as part of their roles. Rivers can also fit this role based on set up or rotation. Once ready, if Tomlinson gets back to the form he showed early I can see he and Petty play the two key defensive posts allowing May to roll into the Hunt, Rivers, Hibberd mix. Lever will just always be Lever. This assumes all are available at all times (unlikely) and also that we dont see a bolter ie: Turner, Smith, Howes develop from outside this group. What great problems to have :)

Go you Lil Red Fire Engine.

Mackie played 280 games, was All Australian and played in 3 premierships. You are certainly aiming high with our pick 39.