Wiseblood

Quietly confident about today's game. That said, my confidence could disappear very quickly if the Crows get a run on early and Jenkins, Walker and Betts are given acres of space to work in. If our press doesn't work today... look out...

I'm impressed with how well he chucked the "add an Andrew Gaff type" into the discussion as well, as if they grow on trees. We haven't even gotten Prestia yet.

Suns are looking much better now that they've gotten most of their good players back in to the side. They aren't the pushovers they were in the first half of the season.

The usuals - mo64, Clint, SWYL, BBP etc.

For Adelaide? Yes.

The Deledio one was correct - fair tackle, pinned his arms and he dropped the ball, which is incorrect disposal. The Menadue decision was a little harsh though.

Later, later in the year then... ?

I agree with you rarely Saty, but on this one I do. For a long time many have, rightly, said that Grimes was not part of our team going forward. He's been a great foot soldier and someone who put his hand up to captain a side that lacked serious leadership. He isn't part of our future though and Roos is treating it as such. He may get some games later in the year but I'd be surprised to see him on our list in 2017.

All discussion around selections aside, I think we have picked a very strong team for this game. While their forward line is very, very dangerous, I think we clearly have the edge on them in the midfield battle and this will help to support the back half in their efforts to stop Betts, Tex and Jenkins. Our forward line looks good too and could cause them some real problems, although this will be down to how much pressure our small brigade can put on them when the ball hits the deck. If they can hit the scoreboard and force turnovers then there is no reason why we can't win.

Says it all, really. At least Roos and the coaching team are man enough to take him aside and tell him their decision and not just select the side and allow him to find out that way.

I don't know why you feel that way. He's only here for 9 more rounds. Just ride it out. VERY surprised not to see Grimes selected, although Jones was good earlier in the year (can't believe I'm typing that) and he seems the replacement for Wagner. Garlett is an interesting one - going by what Roos said they were happy with his output last week and they believe he is too dangerous to leave at Casey. I tend to agree although it does go against their mantra slightly. Trengove stiff but, again, Harmes comes in to take his spot on the back of 30 possies and 3 goals last week.

Are you happy with the announcement? I know you like to look at the negatives, but I thought Jetta signing on might force you to look at the positive aspect Good stuff all round from club and player with another important contract signed. He has been an integral part of our backline and will be able to mentor those younger players coming through.

When did Grimes talk about jumping ship?

He might, but he didn't quote them or mention them. It was just his opinion (which, I might add, he is free to give in this thread).

I think Grimes is a certain inclusion, and then take your pick of Harmes and M. Jones for Oliver. I don't think Michie or Garlett have done enough to get the call up as yet.

Great to see Lumumba named on the bench as I still think he has a role to play in our side going forward, in the short term at least. Hopefully Gus can get another game under his belt as well.

Absolutely no need for that, mate. I've only got a few people on ignore on this board (such as picket, deeluded) because I feel as though they bring nothing interesting or intelligent to the discussion. Plus they annoy me, so if I can't see it, then I can focus on the other stuff. There are countless buckets here mate, and the ones I've got on ignore are shallow indeed.

I have picket on ignore, but I laughed a little when he said I have no idea. He thinks Wagner was omitted...

For those who want to know why Oliver was dropped, take it from Roos himself: “Our seconds played really well [on June 18]. There were some really good performances for Casey,” he said. “So there was a bit of pressure on selection and we’ve seen this year that even one poor game can lead to getting dropped. “It’s probably more about promoting [players], who have had a really good patch from Casey, rather than a bad patch of form from a senior player.” It will be the first match Wagner has missed since he made his AFL debut in round three against North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena" So it's more about the good form of the players at Casey as opposed to poor from from someone like Oliver. Harmes went back to Casey and had a ripper, Grimes and M Jones have also been playing very well too. It simply can't be ignored.

Good manners.

No it's not, although your over the top reaction is unsurprising.

In: Michie, Grimes, Garlett, M. Jones, Harmes Out: Wagner (knee), Oliver (omitted)

I agree. I'm not taking the Crows lightly - while I am confident we are in with a shot, we can't forget that the Crows are playing some seriously good footy, and if we drop our guard for even 10 minutes it will make things very, very difficult. They can pile on goals very quickly if we give them the opportunity to do so. Having said all that I still think we can roll them if the 'good' Melbourne turns up from the first bounce.

This is the first season in a very long time where I think we can, as supporters, go in to each week with the feeling that we CAN win - obviously this week we will need to be at our absolute best, but if we do that then we will beat the Crows on our home turf. Playing at anything less will make it difficult but we are most certainly in with a shot.

I think the discussion is a moot point as, going by what Bernie and Roos have had to say, he'll probably play this weekend. It's rare that they drop a player after 1 game so he'll back it up the next week and get his 100 games. His form has been just as good as a Newton, ANB, Michie etc, so he deserves his chance.