Lil_red_fire_engine

For experienced players the lack of brains and calm from May and Lever is embarrassing. For the love of god start winning some stoppages and just in case you lose maybe have someone defending the back, Time for Petty back, Turner off for Harmes and the resting ruck to play more forward and Fritsch to show some effort. Don’t do that and this is an L. 

Whilst it is disappointing for Dunstan to be out for an extended stretch it should allow increased midfield minutes for Laurie and Woewodin to develop their midfield  game. I hopefully we also provide opportunity for Sestan and Howes to increase their centre bounce attendances which they have done a few times this season. It’s good to have a strong Casey but the most important element is developing our future Dees. 

1 minute ago, Dee Zephyr said:

And that’s what we’ve been lamenting for years, the lack of. I didn’t suggest bringing him in straight away, he does make us better in the forward half though. He plays the hardest position on the ground and he makes the most of his limited touches. 

He plays the hardest position on the ground but currently Pickett, Chandler and ANB are doing it better. I think we look better with the 3 and an extra mid or three tall forwards rather than all 4 and losing one of the other. 

2 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

Thought Jordon had just an ok game with little impact offensively or defensively, even tho he played 83% game time.

Not sure last night helped his cause to stay in the 22.  Not saying he should be dropped.  Just not showing what many on here hoped he would. 

When does JJ ever wow you with a game though. He is a solid workman linkman who takes defensive stoppage position. He rarely does anything flashy but also rarely has a clanger.  A 20+ possession game where he is rarely noticed is what I hope he brings most weeks. 

1 hour ago, Dee Zephyr said:

Any time you bring in an elite ball user like Spargo it does make you better I think. 

Spargo is an elite kick into 50. But over the first 5 full games he played he averaged 7 kicks. Others have taken their chance and I suggest offered us more flexibility and midfield load share. He should bide his time as sub or at Casey.  

If Petty’s right its either forward for Schache (who I would prefer getting another game) or into defence for Hibberd being managed. Unless we have any other players needing to be managed I would be going with the one change to the 22. Our forward set up and extra midfield rotation looks good with both Jordon and Sparrow in the side. It also allows Trac to spend more time at high half forward. Spargo will need to sub or bide his time at Casey. 

6. Trac

5. Chandler

4. Brayshaw

3. Oliver

2. Pickett

1. May

30 minutes ago, chook fowler said:

Agree. Aaron Cadman from GWS isn’t much different in size and is playing already.

Cadman has 7 kgs on Jefferson. 

41 minutes ago, pitmaster said:

 

TMac and May did not do much - a bit of kick to kick and uncontested marking while I was watching. 

Not surprised by this. The way May moved last week, rarely bending down or jumping off the ground and how easily moved looked like someone with  back trouble.

Outcoached. Outworked. Outpressured. Not many playing to structure or team first footy. A few have heard themselves called “premiership favourites” too much and believed it. 

I am amazed that more people dont expect May to play on Stringer when forward. He has been playing generally as a small full forward this year moreso than a mid/high half forward. Brown, TMac, JVR forward. Petty will play the Lever role, Tomlinson the tall back and May on Stringer. 

I suggest if Brown is right he will come in. Petty will return to defence and Hibberd will be managed. May to play on Stringer when forward. 

6. Viney

5. Grundy

4. Trac

3. Tmac

2. Rivers

1. Oliver

The Eagles are cracking in and taking it on. Nothing wrong with our effort but our focus and attention to details is lacking. Would prefer us to simplify and stop the Hollywood handballs. 

14 minutes ago, Maldonboy38 said:

If players like Laurie, Turner, Howes and AMW don't get much of a go at AFL level soon, we will lose some of them. They all look ready to step up, but other players are in front of them. And I love the look of Jefferson.

They need to talk to Chandler about developing patiently in a quality system so you are truly ready when your time comes. 

On 4/3/2023 at 11:15 AM, Action Jackson said:

Salem struggled with injury all year.

Once he is back they need to give Salem a solid training block, plus 3-4 games at Casey before he is up for selection in my view.

A fully fit and firing Salem is in our best side still.

2021 Salem is in our best side. Any other Salem version is not on current form of McVee, Bowey and Rivers. 

6.Grundy

5. Oliver

4. Rivers

3. Trac

2. Chandler

1.. Lever

Ignoring the reason for the outs, the thing I like is we have/are rewarding 3 players in JVR, Hibberd and Jordon who were excellent in the VFL last week and deserving of promotion. They will also be hellbent on taking their chance and cementing a spot in the 22. Best of luck to each of them. 

1 minute ago, pewpewpew said:

It will be interesting to see if Tom McDonald lines up for Casey. Word is his foot has come up sore after each match. Not sure why the club aren't just being honest with supporters if this is the case. Rumours that May will be a late out too.

Surely if May is any chance of being a late out Tomlinson would be an emergency,

Love a debut. Particularly at the G. Best of luck JVR. A first of many games of crashing packs and clunking grabs.

21 hours ago, Kick_It_To_Pickett said:

McVee has been serviceable, but who plays on Papley?

McVee or Bowey. 

Best outcome we could have hopped for. Would be good for someone to change the subject title.  

8 hours ago, Lil_red_fire_engine said:

If we are serious about rewarding form Tomo stays in and if so Petty (if fit) goes forward and TMac goes out. We need someone who can take a contested grab.  Hoping the Schache has a quality game today to tune himself up for a run at forward/second ruck (which is why we traded for him). Best performed mid/half forward to come in for Harmes who was poor. 

Out: Gawn, TMac, Harmes

In: Schache, May, (best performed half forward/mid). 

Post VFL game I will assume Schache is concussed being he missed the last quarter. Based on that and todays performance JVR, May, Jordon in and good chance Laurie or Hibberd find their way into the 23. 

5 hours ago, 640MD said:

 

McVee, should never have been up against Cameron far too experienced, then later Daniher, head and shoulders.

rubbish selection given he played against Cameron, needs more experience against other players not so good.

 

Cameron took one mark and kicked 2 goals, one a mid air volley. Being the amount and quality of ball that went in the Lions forwardline I would possibly argue McVee won the match up or halved it. 

1 minute ago, chook fowler said:

Melksham. Can’t see why Jordon couldn’t replace Harmes either. Also Hibberd for McVee - going well at Casey. Schache for Max. 

Jordon has been quality and  should replace Harmes.

Hibberd had got a lot of ball sweeping but I am not convinced anymore on him defensively. McVee would be very stiff to not play round 3 being Cameron took one mark and kicked 2 goals on a night when our backs were massively under the pump.  

Schache has not hurt his chances but interesting that JVR seems to have been preferred to relieve in the ruck behind Bell. Whether to play Schache, JVR or both is still up for grabs based on their second half output.