No10

Maybe Tomlinson in if Gawn not ready? Saw him training in ruck.

Chalk and cheese, fair point. But… JVR is a more solid, aggressive player. Could it be that Jefferson will show greater improvement at the higher skill of AFL - as @Doug Reemer said? I certainly don’t expect Jefferson to be an upgrade on a like-for-like basis. It’s a bigger view on what it does for both players, also perhaps the wider team.

Slightly arguing against your own point: yes, Fritch is highest, and yes Pickett and JVR have been playing minutes in the midfield. Not the greatest endorsement. Fritch is off his best form, he’s down on almost every metric. Jefferson isn’t going to set the world alight, but too often we’ve done too little in selection. Pumping my own tires, but on point - I said Max should be extremely limited minutes against West Coast. That game needed to be won without causing injury to the captain and our only ruck. This game needs to be won, while also giving one of our big player investments a run.

Jefferson was a first round pick. Playing consistently well in VFL. In his second year. Maybe Turner sits it out. But it’s a game to play the kid. Desperately holding on to the season isn’t necessarily the best strategy.

Fritch is brilliant when he’s on. But for whatever reason he showed no spark and had moments throughout the season of lackluster effort. But it’s not about punishing him, it’s about selecting a game when Jefferson might have a look. Sure, GWS is an important game, but Jefferson needs a taste of something real before another big pre-season. He’s a major investment. I don’t mind ‘managing’ Fritch for a game. Let it be, what will be. Brown surely comes in. And I’d like to see Howes. That’s four changes, with Gawn. Won’t happen. But they looked flat. And the travel. Need to bring some spark, nothing like a big debut.

Maybe drop Fritch. If Jefferson can bring energy and a goal or even two… why not

Thought Tholstrup being subbed out was harsh, took the game on. Brings energy. I liked that he was so upset about it too. Wouldn’t want to see him dropped. Billings was ok. But doesn’t add enough intensity. Agree with your INs. I’d like to see Howes back too. OUT. Salem (inj?) Billings and someone else ??

Is Salem injured? Not that it matters really.

Done. That’s super easy. And I don’t mean to disrespect Brodhi, but I’ve never heard of him… is he a fair match? 92 - 8% seems about correct.

Which coach gave BOG to Nic Martin?? McVee is incredible. Every time he has the ball, it’s similar to Kossie, the team just lifts a little more. This young group might even be the best yet.

I’d love to see Turner line up for opening bounce. Sign his contract, go right into the middle. Think he could have the aggression to make an impact. Petty, less so. But need his hands to be clean tonight. Pumped to see what happens

I seem to be alone here. I very much like the 7 coverage and the anti-siphoning laws seem well balanced. Advertising revenue is down significantly globally. It won’t necessarily stay down or continue that trajectory.

Maybe TMac. If he can still jump? Would be incredible if we sent in JvR and is injured as a result.

Definitely Petty now. He’s a needed marking target. I’ve not seen Fullarton play, but if he was remotely considered an option then it should’ve been last week. It was clearly a game to rest Max with limited minutes. (I said this before the game, as did others) I’d play Tomlinson. He’s rucked before and, more importantly, can cover the defensive role where Gawn is so vital. He’s agile, which will make the midfield dynamic and he’s fit enough to nullify Draper and Goldstein around the ground.

Tomlinson ?