DistrACTION Jackson

Well we do have Stafford as our forward coach.... I do wonder how good he is strategically.

I think there's two issues, 1. a lot of our mids haven't been great at hitting targets regularly and 2. our forwards aren't great at creating these areas of space by working together as a unit.

I don't think we ignore it, I just think we need to get better at working our way through it. This is one of the reasons a lot of teams prefer to score from counter attack, because it is the only way to get an open forward line. If you watch what Collingwood did, they let us get to half forward but then flooded back and then all spread quickly forward. Hence it isn't always the best game plan to lock it in your forward line as it can be difficult to score.

100% agree. All those guys are either above average or elite kicks. The issue we have is that our biggest ball winners, Trac, Viney and Oliver are probably below average kicks. Gawn also needs to focus on handballing off whenever he gets a mark, especially in the backline!

I like that they are training with a congested forward line. The best teams do that to us now because they know they can't go with a standard setup. We need to work out ways to get through this. I think getting the ball in Billings, Salem, Rivers, Bowey and Spargo's hands is the first step!

Would be the quickest way to destroy his groins and calves. The amount of running needed for a key forward is a lot more than a stay at home full back.

They weren't an overly skilled team, Dusty, Short and Houli probably their best. They just always seemed to be in the right spots.

Sparrow did mention he's brought some offensive changes from the Tigers over. Would love if we could pressure like they did. It was elite for 4 years

Did these guys watch the Swans team in 2005? They were horrible to watch, they won the flag though.

This Sunday is a match sim with Richmond and then we play Carlton like a week later or something

TBF he was very young at the Lions. At the dogs he was thrown around a lot so never got settled, which seems to be a Bevo trait. Not saying he will be a gun for us, just think if he can settle into one position maybe he can improve.

This is exactly what I want to see, but would be starting Laurie and have Woewodin as sub. That is still a very strong side and at full strength I could see Pickett in for Chandler, Oliver in for Laurie (moves to sub) and Petty in for Schache. So really 3 players off our best 23. McAdam is also another who might find his way in, just not sure who goes out for him. Hunter for Windsor is another, but I have a feeling he may surpass him quickly.

I assume no one was able to get down to training today?

I think that was an AFL or channel 7 thing

Agreed. There is no reason why Schache can't play at a level good enough to hold down a ruck/forward position in the side. He's 199cm and has great skills. If he has increased his physicality, as Picket Fence and other posters have pointed out, then he is a massive chance to find a spot in our side. I'll be heading the the Richmond practice match next weekend, so will definitely keep an eye on him.

I'd probably go with: HF: ANB Schache Billings F: Chandler JVR Fritsch With Spargo also going through and Trac & Sparrow also resting down there.

I 100% agree with you and have no issues with the contracts, just making an observation. I imagine neither will be offered contracts past this year, which will free up a decent amount of cap space to chase a ready made key forward. The club just has to do it while we have some sort of window.

This is definitely not a pot shot at either of our premiership heroes, but the on-going injury issues to Ben Brown and TMac have really hurt us from a list spot/salary perspective. I do wonder if the coaches and list managers had any discussions with either of retiring early to free up a spot?

The McAdam & Tmac issues sound more precautionary than anything, though Petty sounds a while off and I hope we don't rush him back. Assuming all three aren't available early in the season we almost have to play Schache, as we can't have JVR playing as the sole key forward and also back up ruck!

He's playing golf down in Tassie... so can't be too bad

This is correct. Kick 3-4 of those and we win comfortably.

I reckon he rates Edmund higher than Cornes...

I'm going to assume you mean Windsor?

I've never been out to Casey, but planning to go watch the practice match. Keen to get people's thoughts on if it is better to train out there or drive and park?

Thanks PF! Did you see the May incident and any concerns?