Bring-Back-Powell

Freo certainly have one of the worst injury lists at the moment. This is an absolute critical must win game, if the first two tough games don't go our way.

I wouldn't be playing Salem in round 1 in 30 degree heat, coming off a significant illness. We need bloody fit blokes that can take it to WC right through to the end. We sacrifice some class ball use from half back though. However, Lockhart showed enough in all 3 pre season games that he'll be an able replacement and is a pretty good user of the pill.

I wouldn’t hold your breath on that one. If the games go ahead without spectators , it kind of makes the saying “the game of AFL is nothing without the fans” a little redundant.

I know a win’s a win but geez the enjoyment and satisfaction of winning a game at the G in front of nobody would be seriously diluted.

That’s disappointing but you ain’t missing 8 weeks with a busted cheek bone. The consolation is he might be a little rusty which could work in our favour.

Yes please.

Might be playing midfield out of necessity on Sunday week if Christian loses the plot with the Viney verdict.

Midfield. Remember the days of late 2018 when he was getting 25-30 touches in the midfield while restricting the oppo’s gun midfield. He got back to back BOGs or near BOG in the GWS and Geelong Elim final. I predict he’ll have a slightly down season if he plays a full year in the back line. But hopefully he’s the sort of team player that would be happy to play in any position.

I think a fine would be a fair result. It honestly didn’t look good in this day in age of concussion and duty of care of protecting the head. However Stratton didn’t get hurt so I can’t see how a player can get suspended if the “victim” didn’t get hurt or sustained an injury.

I think that’s during the home and away season. MRP results for all Marsh Series games have been released on the Monday after each weekend, not the day after each game.

The club will obviously do its due diligence and discuss extensively at team selection over the next fortnight whether we select Fritsch for round 1. As for Weid, I can’t see how he doesn’t play round 1 given we’ve got no other option to back up Gawn.

In reference to the OP question, I’d rather the season be cancelled then be told you can’t attend the game we all love.

We’ve conceded a combined total of 1 goal in the last quarter of both Marsh games. If we’re ahead or slightly trailing WCE at 3qtr time of round 1, you never know?

I agree he was poor tonight, but it matters little when Fritsch and Melksham kick 9 between them.

Melksham and Fritsch are going to be a fantastic forward duo this year if they can play 20+ games together. Both seriously skilled and classy footballers. Viney was BOG but how annoying was Huddo trying to dob Jack in for his sling tackle on Stratton. I concede it wasn’t a good look but Stratton wasn’t hurt.

I'd give him 6 weeks at Casey before senior consideration. He came back prematurely last year from injury and was really undercooked and didn't provide much. We'd be wanting him knocking the door down for selection rather than bringing him back after 1 or 2 Casey games out of desperation, per last year. Is a talent though.

Not even sure you can play 2 of Weed, LJ or Brown.

Happy to have O Mac in the side if it means Lever can be the floating intercepting third key defender that got him a nomination in the All Australian 40 in 2017 in his third year of footy. We haven't seen the full value of Lever yet as he's played just 3 games with May and 0 games with both May and O Mac.

No Salem. Wasnt at training either according to the Tuesday reports.

Yes, I agree. I fear we wouldn't have come home with the 4 points from Arden Street had he not suited up for the game. Looked good.

I genuinely admire your dedication in travelling interstate for a pre season game.

Only Smith would cop a cut foot and still be in rehab 10 weeks later. 99.9% of other players would be back in full training a week later. Starting to think he's cursed.

Wouldn't be surprised if they don't select him this week. He's already had 2 games and they probably want to see T Mac and Weid operate the forward line without Brown. I could be wrong but I reckon Brown doesn't play round 1. T Mac and Weid as our key forwards with Weid relieving Gawn in the ruck. I think having T Mac, Weid and Brown in the same forward line makes us too top heavy, particularly on a 30 degree arvo when we'll need lots of run and inside 50 forward pressure.

I think he plays round 1. Looked OK in the forward line in Marsh 1. Always seems to be on the move to make an option inside 50. Would still like him at the Dees.

Brisbane have been very lucky and had a charmed run with injury last year. However after having an extremely good run with injury in the run to the finals, they lost one of their key pieces in Mitch Robinson for the semi final and proceeded to lose to GWS, a game they really should've won. Brisbane strike me as the sort of side that would collapse in two if they copped a moderate to bad run with injuries.