bing181

Because they are telling you. The trouble is, you don't want to hear what they're telling you. There's nothing contradictory in "he should be right this week" and then "out for 3 weeks straight". Injuries are like that. Sometimes they come good quicker than the average, sometimes they take longer. In Jack's case, it's the latter.

Even if it's not Port, at least he'll be back in the not too distant future. A 7-8 week injury was the fear from some.

But isn't that the problem? He's now being asked to play also as an insider, and then with the absence of insiders, there's less opportunity to stand back and be that linkman. Also, he does have decent/good disposal, but only when he has time. It's an interesting one, not sure of the solution.

No point being rotated through the midfield if you're not actually getting the ball. Hannan had something like 2 possessions in the first half. I'd leave Smith in, you can't miss half a season and come straight back in for your second game. In the longer term, we'll all be better off. Kent and possibly Stretch the outs for me, though I find Stretch a hard one. Even though he's struggling, VFL is too easy for him (there's much more time) and I'm not sure how much he's going to learn/improve. We saw the gap in quality between the AFL/VFL with Kent: he's done OK in the VFL the last few weeks, but looked a different class (in a negative sense) today. I wouldn't play Kent again, if we want fringe half-forwards would rather Kennedy or JKH.

Joeboy: you're just embarrassing yourself. (yeah I know, 4 ½ words, but the whole premise here is just BS, so don't see the need to play by your rules)

Agree about the hard ball - but he's an outside player, being asked to pick up the slack. For the rest, you're just guessing as to what his feelings and motivations are. I see his behaviour of someone who wants to make the right decisions not having enough time to do so, and ending up making no decisions and getting caught. Stretch has played some really good outside games, hopefully in the longer term these experiences will help him develop a more rounded game. Even if some of that learning has to happen at Casey.

And wow back at you.

Tyson and Watts back in next week, we looked toothless around the packs. But still won! Cripps being off for a half was probably just enough. A few there though on thin ice: Hannan, Stretch, Kent and Smith all fairly ineffective. It's all very well saying injuries give other players a chance to step up, but they need to (be able to) step up.

Not sure why Kent was brought in ahead of JKH or even Kennedy, or what strength he brings. Carlton well-drilled, and exploiting it. One of the issues for us is not so much covering injuries, but doing so where everyone is playing (effectively) out of position.

If we can just get Salem, Watts and Tyson back into this side, we'll be travelling OK.

With two forwards in, find it hard to see how Kent would also be included. The forward line isn't where we're missing players. Much as I'd like to see it, I don't think Trengove will get up. Stretch was down last week, but he wasn't alone. It could be tired legs thing as much as form, think he'll keep his place.

Tyson out. Hope it's only a week.

I stand corrected.

Based on what we saw last weekend, Saints are a danger to everyone. What is it now, 6 wins in a row?

So, in 2-3 weeks we should have these 5 back. May the rehab gods smile upon us.

I don't think Trengove will come in - but if he doesn't come in this week, with the situation as it is, then it's a certainty that he's played his last game for the Dees and at AFL level.

It's a start! Will be great to see these players gradually come back over the coming month or so.

I doubt we'll make too many more changes than necessary. Hogan/Garlett for Viney/Bugg. The Hunt forward experiment didn't work, so he goes back, and if Hogan comes in, same story for Tommy Mac. Presumably then, at least one of Wagner or White go out as well, which would open a place for Kennedy-Harris in the mids. If Garlett comes back in, can't see Kent or Kennedy getting a run. Losing all of Salem/Jones/Viney/Tyson ... just not possible.

Thought there'd be some reduction for his remorse, guilty plea and apology. Maybe there is, but if so, that's a fair whack under the circumstances.

6 weeks.

Probably one match too early for Smith, he's missed a lot of footy. Against that, probably more upside than Wagner or White, so might as well start investing in him. Surely we're going to have to move Lewis onto the ball.

Not to mention, Tyson, especially of late, has been more than handy around the stoppages, as was Salem.

Carlton have beaten both Sydney and GWS this year, and a more inexperienced version of their current team took care of us late last year when we were supposed to be pushing for a place in the 8. Nothing wrong with acknowledging the opposition's strengths.

When you have a dozen or so out, yes, there aren't many left. If you're looking for the best 4 or 5 Casey players you'll find them in the firsts.

Watch his interview on the club site. It's not fitness per se, it's coping with the physical pressure, the body on body. 10 weeks out, and no matter how much fitness you can maintain, you still need to build back up to that.