bing181

In that article, they also mention Saad (Suns) and of course, Hurley being potentially on the move.

Some impressive (and surprising) figures there: Grimes, Dawes and White the three that stand out, though for different reasons.

I didn't mind the Watts-in-the-ruck idea. A bit left field, but it got him up and about and in the play, where he proved damaging. He's also credited with 8 hitouts, so he wasn't completely outplayed. It also allows for a third man up scenario, which once again, isn't as silly as it sounds. Petracca managed 3 hitouts (!!). As an aside, I find some of the comments here interesting. Often enough, Roos and co. are criticised for not trying things, but when they do ...

Agreed, but I don't know that the backline that's currently out there is the one we'd envisaged. An in form H (and he was good/very good for those couple of matches before concussion), plus Melksham - OK, say what you want, but that's what they have planned for him apparently, and if his upside is the same as what we've seen with Kennedy and Bugg, he'll be a solid first 22 - would make a difference, if only in experience. Hunt and Wagner have played 13 matches between them, and at times it shows. Not forgetting an in-form Salem, and we also have White in reserve (worth watching) and even, cough cough, Terlich and who knows, Grimes. It'll sort itself out in time. We have the cattle, but for the moment yes, the backline is lagging behind the rest of the team.

If he's not injured, even if it's not this week, he'll be back. And that'll be the case at least until he's overtaken by Weiderman or Hullet. Like him or not, he straightens us up, and brings experience, leadership and organisation to the forward line. He knows what to do and where to run to, and whatever else, he's agressive and always gives 100%. I don't know that Pedersen or Frost (or anyone else at the moment) do any/all that. I accept that he hasn't always starred for us, but he's had such a rotten run with injuries, he's never really had a settled run at it either. Overall, I've always felt we're a better team with him in it. I could be wrong of course (!!), and we shall see, but sooner or later we're going to find out. Injuries permitting.

Based on reports from Casey, I wouldn't be surprised to see Dawes included (ahead of Pedersen).

FWIW, Jonas (certainly) and Robbie Gray (probably) will miss through suspension. Questions over Hartlett getting back up from a (serious) corkie. Not that any of that changes anything much re our selection.

Ins, either Pedersen or Dawes, probably Tyson, definitely Jetta. Could be Trengove's turn, but who do you drop? Outs, probably Oliver (corkie with short turnaround and he's still in his first year), then ... ???

Will take the 4 points, but lots still to work on. Back line, back line, back line. A better team than the Lions would have taken us apart down there.

You missed "Roos is being out-coached again".

O'Mac ahead of Dunn makes sense. The future over the past, and O'Mac has consistently had good feedback on how he's playing at Casey.

Not sure what you're saying. In round 7 he was concussed. For this, the second match that he's missed, he has been omitted.

Salem concussion? Not what's listed, he's just down as "omitted". On the other hand, he did miss the last quarter or so last week, so could be something in it. Didn't think he was the worst if we're looking at dropping players.

Grimes, Newton, Kent, Neal-Bullen, O McDonald for Jetta, Salem. Salem ... gutsy. Sends a message.

Not got your whims and limbs mixed up?

H in for Jetta. Would be surprised to see Wagner/Hunt dropped under the circumstances. ANB or Newton in for mystery injury of the week, and/or Michie. Dean Kent? Watch this space.

Yes, but that's not necessarily as positive an observation as it might seem ... the knock on Michie is his contested play. He's rarely in the heat of the battle, thus, rarely puts himself under real pressure. Consistently (well, the two games he's played ...) near/at the bottom of the contest possession count. Doing enough? Not sure. I would probably take Newton or ANB over him based on Casey form. Then there's Trengove ...

None of whom are AFL coaches. What our Luke says in private to his assistants over a beer at the end of the day is one thing. What he says at a Press Conference where he's wearing a big hat that says "I'm speaking to you in my capacity as an AFL Coach", is something else.

Showing our inexperience, we're a couple of seasons behind the Dogs, and they've got too much class and run around the ball. Petracca, Oliver, Harmes etc. not quite there yet, though as above, can't fault the endeavour.

Need someone a bit quicker than Dunn. Back stocks starting to look a bit thin.

Not just the problem of the backline per se, we're turning it over or losing possession further up the ground, and it's coming in very fast. Hard to defend against.

Softest supporter?

Weak. Supporters.

Don't forget re all these 'young players', AVB due to return next week (or so) as well. Having a decent run with injuries. Good win today, was worried at quarter time. Can't underestimate the importance of having experienced players like Dawes, Trengove and Dunn on the field. Not sure who ANB is due to replace, but whoever it is, they wouldn't want to have an off match.

Well, for starters, there are only 22 players in a team, so for him to come in, someone has to go out. And that someone has to go out in a position that he can fill. Not sure who that might be for the moment. Great to see the selectors sticking with Mitchie and Stretch after only OK games last week. It sends a message to ANB that when he does get in (which he will eventually), he'll be given every chance.