watchtheeyes

Watts bashing is an inevitability on this site PaulRB. I was at the game in Adelaide and the invective that was repeatedly directed his way by some d!ckheads (supposedly Melbourne supporters) was nothing short of shameful. My heart sank like everyone else when he dropped those marks and found myself cursing him, but I also yelled out congratulations when he skilfully handed off the ball inside 50 after being outmanned by 2 crows later in the game. Single events seem to colour many people's opinions of his game. There is no way in hell Watts will be dropped for this game.

I understand what you're saying, I'm a big fan of JKH and think his creativity is underrated but I think we can sacrifice one of those boys (JKH/Kent) for a better presence around the ball - which is a our greatest weakness.

I like that. You'd argue that Michie is very close to that point. Why aren't we talking about Michie replacing Kent or JKH? I like the latter two, but they don't get a lot of it or provide a viable inside option just yet. I remember Michie was fairly creative in several games last year too, with a decent kick. I'd really like to see him play this week.

Yep I agree with this. Pedersen has just about hit his ceiling I'd hazard a guess to say, and Frost has oodles of upside. But right now I'd suggest that Pedersen could offer more on the field. You lose out on defensive pressure, but you gain in marking, goal kicking and dare I say it.. rucking.

Haha... Don't worry, that would've been my reaction too.

Out: Viney, Frost In: Michie, JKH Dawes gives Jamar a rest.

Either way.. Brayshaw surely must start now!

I thought Michie was really good towards the end of last year. Can kick the ball and find the footy in tight, seems as though his form has carried on through VFL too. Get him in there coach!

Bloody hell. Watch Dangerfield run rampant.. I'd like to see Michie get a run.

Not at all, I actually thought that interview was the best we've seen from the players this year. Felt like just a couple of blokes having a chat, Bernie was being honest and actually talking rather than just spitting out the normal cliches.

Agreed, its a wonderful opportunity for Tom.

So do given I'll be there having bought myself plane tickets from Sydney after the Round 1 enthusiasm.. Not sure how much longer I can keep my girlfriend going as a supporter, tales of future promise will only work so much when you're copping abuse from a rapid Crows supporter. Possibly the most short lived fan ever... A contest is all I want, show some mettle boys!!

Glad a few have pointed out his limitations as a forward, just because he was capable of taking a pretty grab does not mean he was a quality forward. He's a back for me, he just needs to work harder.

There is no way reilly is the answer, as much as I like his effort. Was just looking at the clearance stats of rd 2. GWS top clearances were from who you'd expect, Shiel, Griffin, Treloar, Kelly, Cognilio etc. Top for Dees? Jamar. Then vandenBerg. Tyson collected 2. Jones collected 1. ... Changes won't make a difference unless Jones, Tyson and Vince - our best players - play better.

Not particularly constructive HH, how about we leave the 'woe is me' chatter for the post match conversation - which I am deliberately keeping a wide berth of.

Except it was effort, not structure. You could have the best structure ever thought up, but if 15 or so blokes are going at 75% then that's going to count for nothing.

While I agree in the principle of more run through the middle, I don't agree that Bail is the answer. Think JKH or Toumpas can fill that role. Also don't agree with Watts playing on the wing. He belongs primarily in the fwd line. Yes move forward of centre occasionally like any good half forward should but he is most effective roaming the forward half - he was excellent leading out of the fwd 50 last week. Watts wasn't the issue tonight, it was the stoppages. Tyson, Jones, Cross, Viney, Lamumba and Vince didn't do a job either retrieving the ball or putting any pressure on (with the exception of Viney). They do their job here and players like Watts excel. So next week we rightfully expect that those players, the leaders, do what they need and we make small changes around the edges. Replace Howe with Grimes and you get some composure and leadership (which is what I thought he showed in NAB). Replace JKH with Frost and you have the ability to release Garlett, JHK or Kent in to the middle to add speed and tackling pressure - like they did last week.

I just don't understand how effort can fluctuate so wildly - but agree that it appears to.

I was actually surprised he didn't make the grade for round 1, thought he was one of our better players through NAB cup - I know I wasn't the only one who thought the same.

Hardly rushing him back. Played two in VFL, was apparently good last week and collected over 30 touches today creating off half back. Howe played like a schoolboy. No brainer for me.

I do know what you mean, but I think he stands out in that regard simply because we look for it. In many cases he has worked right up the ground and is turned around by some little fella with after burners and needs to go, but by that point he's spent. People also fail to remember that he's not a small fella. I think this particular point is over played, my criticism of him his he often slips off his tackles. Anway, point still stands. He was mid list in terms of performance today (which is still ordinary, but not sackable by any stretch).

This could easily change with my mood: Out: Howe, Frost In: Grimes, JKH Dawes is limited, but he did keep presenting today. Certainly more than Frost. He's going to need to carry some load in the ruck. I like the idea of Toumpas, but for who. First thought is Vanders, but with Frost out you need him as a marking target up forward. Brayshaw to start, we missed his tackling today. Not sure who starts in the vest, Kent maybe.

Often find myself disagreeing with you joeboy but I haven't totally today. A couple of things I'd change: Vince - clearly not ready (think embarrassing is a bit wide of the mark) Cross - Slowing, almost over (can't keep up with the Shiels of this world) Viney - Get the ball (think we limited him by keeping the hard tag. Would've moved him to Shiel early too! Misstep by the coaches) Watts - far from worst (don't think people quite realise how much ground he covers)

One thing that Toumpas seems to have done so far this year is tackle, or at least put pressure on the ball. That alone needs to put him in the mix, his endurance is also excellent and he's picking up his speed. Aside from all of that, we could've done with some of his enthusiasm today.

Thought Brayshaw was good when he came on, but I don't think its outside the realms of possibility that Vanders and Frost come under threat. Don't think Frost added anything today.