Doggo

IMO the most likely 22 for Round 1... B: Garland, Martin, Warnock HB: Bruce, Frawley, Grimes C: Morton, McLean, Buckley HF: Petterd, Miller, Davey F: Wonaeamirri, Bate, Green FOLL: Johnson, Moloney, McDonald INT: Spencer, Rivers, Sylvia, Bartram Emerg: Dunn Cheney Jetta Cheney, from all reports, has been consistently good playing in every PS match so far, and has probably earnt his debut, though i feel he may be the unlucky 23rd player. Jetta's debut probably isnt far off either, especially should Davey and/or Wona be under injury-clouds. Just for something different given our plethora of tall defenders, all of whom are in top form, AND for the sake of team balance, I wouldn't mind seeing Rivers rotating off the bench thru the forward line as a floating 3rd tall. I know he hasn't played there much or trained with the forward group in the pre-season but, given our non-existent forward line, Jared's natural talent and marking ability, and the fact that Warnock, Martin and Frawley all seem to be ahead of him in terms of fitness and form down back thus far, it might well be worth a crack. Many have suggested Garland up forward, especially considering his junior career as a FF, but i just can't see Bailey doing the old 'chop and change' to him now at this stage of his development, given the rich form he is in and how rapidly he is growing into an elite defender. Thoughts? EDIT: I forgot Jones. Personally, i don't think i can find a spot for him (maybe in for Petterd), but i've no doubt he'll be in the side for round 1.

Hey twist, where are you getting the stats for this game from??

i think rollo may have it? benny definitiely left it behind. i was one of the last to leave with rollo and a couple of others. not sure who took it though, but we all knew it was yours. i'm sure u'll get it back!

Just saw it on the news, and yes, he does. First he knocks Cloke out with a big left, then kicks him in the balls... f*ckin funniest thing i've seen in a while. I'd be lying if i said i didn't burst out into the biggest laughing fit i've had for months... Ohhh, that's entertainment!

Also, it's my understanding Blease and Strauss both wore 28 and 17 respectively at the National Champs for Vic Metro. Makes sense they play in those numbers next year, given both numbers are vacant...

And Jamar has??????

I don't mind playing in the ruck again, i think i've done a decent job in the centre square in the past, but ideally it would be nice to have a strong (tall!) ruckman take the majority of the ruck and myself play a smaller support role. This match is gonna be a very tight and fierce contest (well, for forum games anyway) and we'll definitely need to win the midfield battle and be switched on all day. They'll be hungry to beat us after last time. Cribbes is a very accomplished player and very tall ruckman, come in mate!!

Zomer wore 35 and Spencer 42 in season 2008, so its fair to assume they'll continue in those numbers in 09. FWIW i'd prefer Martin and Wona to keep their respective 33 and 39 in 09.

A word on how the rucks are going, especially in any kind of contesting situations, would be nice.

Looking forward to the service from your impeccable footskills... You'll be moving like Jamar though!

Lee (the russian)!!!! [censored] Yes!!! Lookin' forward to wearing the red and blue with ya and smashing some bluescum. Feb 8th, lock it in!

Feb 1st and Feb 8th both suit me fine rollo.

I've never worn metal stud boots before as i've never played rugby, and the rules in every aussie-rules league i've ever played in have always prohibited the wearing of metal stud boots. That would probably be why people would get the impression that metal studs may cause more damage. But point taken though, i have recieved more than my fair share of cuts and bruises from 'burred' plastic studs in the past.

HarveysDeciple, I believe i may be the ruckman in question here regarding the sharp stops. However, I've just had a look at my boots and can assure u they are definitely no sharper than any other set of regular long stopped boots. No metal studs here, just plastic, and not torn up or sharp edged. Sorry to the Saint's rucks for causing any injury, but i'd just like to put my hand up and clear my name of any wrongdoing. In re: to demonsam... Shame, shame, shame.

Sorted. Thanks mate

Great article rollo, looks like a lot of time an effort went into that. Thanks heaps, very in depth analysis and player by player summaries. Nice! Edit: Also then, thanks to WJ for a superb write-up! "Mr Fixit"... i like it

Hey 45... exhausted all options mentioned in that thread, and still no success.

Trying to upload a new avatar pic from the recent win over Saintsational and keep getting error messages. Seen here... Anyone help get this thing loaded up? Many thanks in advance, Chris

There's some ripper action shots in there mate... especially like the one where i look like i'm about to launch into a 55m bomb (my new facebook profile picture)... pretty sure i shanked it though! lol EDIT: Just been on the saintsational forum, and it seems they've accused one of our ruckmen (of which i was one) of wearing metal studs... If any of you Saints blokes are reading this, i can assure you that the stops on my boots were indeed plastic. I know it was a friendly-forum match, but it's still footy... Harden the f*** up! Corkies and stud marks are just part'n'parcel of playing in the ruck... don't think i haven't got a few myself either! My right quad is literally blue and purple!!!

I know we've said we'll be giving Watts #4, but i'd really love to see him running around in Neita's #9 for sentimentality's sake. One champion full-forward passes the baton onto our next one... romantic story wouldn't u say?

Btw, i don't mind rotating thru the ruck/forward pocket again like last match, but let me know if i'll be rucking before match-day so i can come prepared and bring a shin-guard this time... Had what felt like a bit of the Jeff White 'gangrenous shins' after the last game...

I'm definitely in!

I'm guessing that would be me. With the socks up. (OnLy bloke in the team with socks up i think)

Saturday, Sunday... i don't mind. Honestly, i have no preference between the two. Dec 7th would be an alright date. Just tell me when and where and i'll be there!

You're too kind Rollo. It was alright, but no 'genuine speccie'. Pity i couldn't slot the goal (from 20m out, slight angle...) One of my 4 or 5 behinds for the day haha...