bing181

Not sure where we find one, but we've got to get a decent key position forward. AJ and Petty are NOT the answer. If we had that pillar to build a forward line structure and game plan around it would make all the difference. AJ brings very little (sorry to say), and Petty just isn't a one-on-one forward (or back for that matter). I suspect we'll see Jeffo and perhaps JVR next week.

Amongst all that, good to see McVee back to something like his best. Turner really consolidating himself as a first-tier key defender. Probably a few other positives - but perhaps not the time.

Not just his goal kicking, all of his kicking. Mr. Spray.

Tom `Mac for Lever? Hard to see, but bleeding goals/scores with Lever at the moment.

Amongst all the dross, Windsor looking more like his damaging self.

Backline being outrun and outgunned.

Suspect that unless there's a rapid improvement it'll be Jeffo or JVR for Petty next week. Not marking is one thing, but getting constantly outworked and pushed off the contest is something else.

Lever rusty as all hell. Seen this before, miss 8 weeks and then never quite get back up to speed. Being caught out of position, dropping marks, giving away frees ...

"Forward Jacob van Rooyen will join the extended squad, with the final team to be confirmed at 5pm (AEST) on Friday." Hope he stays at Casey, another week to build his skills/confidence. Would be nothing worse than to travel to Alice and not play. Not sure how this plays out though in terms of like-for-like replacement. Perhaps Adams in to free Turner forward? Would have thought we'd bring in Henderson for Spargo with Laurie as emergency not JVR. But what would I know ...

Unless he's injured, yes. Not an emergency. He's ahead of Adams, but you can't have guys not playing each week because they're emergency, so Tom drops back to at least keep up his match fitness.

TMac not included confirms that he was indeed omitted last week, as per team selection list at the time. He was not "rested". He was dropped.

inside info or just guessing?

Not to mention, Saints have lots of negative press this week. Suspect that in reaction they'll come out firing on all cylinders. Could be a challenge.

Another game, another really good win, another step forward in attracting players in the off-season. (And coaches, support staff, sponsors ... not to mention members.)

In his press conference, Goodwin said that he was all good. Also that Viney should be right to go (though has to tick some boxes etc. etc.).

Also only 23 (OK, 24 in a week). The kind of player you can build a team around for a long time - which hopefully will be reflected in the huge contract we offer him.

Very few AFL teams have ex-forwards as forwards coaches. Coaching is a different game, different skillset.

I don't see how we pull this back. Still have the Pies twice, Dogs, Suns, all in-form teams, plus Adelaide at home where they're doing well etc. On top of that, we can't afford to stumble against teams like Carlton or St Kilda (twice), yet alone Hawthorn. If we're in the conversation, great, but going to need a LOT of luck. Letting those last few lazy goals in today didn't help our percentage either.

In a team that kicked the equivalent of 20 goals, AJ didn't manage a single score, even though he was mostly played up forward. He also only had 6 disposals - to go with his previous 5 and 5. And took zero marks. Hard to see how he's "getting better at playing his role". He has to do more than throw his weight around and give away free kicks.

Hopefully Viney comes back in. If not, he's in trouble with the concussion. Otherwise I wouldn't tinker too much. Windsor has been slightly off but was better today. McVee not back up to his old standards either, but not sure who could replace him, or whether anyone should. AJ is perhaps the big question mark. OK, a couple of smart intercepts and taps in general play, but overall he just doesn't bring enough for me. A 1 kick/zero mark/zero score game doesn't exactly scream "pick me".

Agree, but Petty is at least getting it to ground, not letting it rebound out. AJ. Not sure. Love the intensity, but not sure he's bringing much else.

Goal-kicking. Some of it down to having to rush kicks, but feels like a lot of it is between the ears.

Not just about wins, but also percentage. Given that ours is so low, we may need an extra win. I doubt that 13 will do it.

TMac has been omitted. Says it on the team sheet. Preferred KPD trio is now Lever, May, Turner. Tom will not play again while those 3 are available unless we come up against a team with lots of tall forwards. "Rested" would imply that he will come back in next week, but I'd be very surprised if that was the case. We always have at least one tall as emergency, so that's his role for this week at least.

Yes, like picking the better team regardless of who you have to leave out.