Young Blood

I think players like Harmes, ANB and Stretch are really vital in that they must keep improving to take the club to the next level. They are the next tier of players that have a really good strong foundation in their competitiveness and are starting to show they belong in the best 22. The best teams have these sorts of guys that play consistently each week to bridge a teams worst and best performances. I think its terrific how the club has shown persistence with these players, giving them games to develop even when they haven't stood out. They're not the most explosive or skilful but all three are so hard at the contest and are learning to find ways to be effective in their roles. ANB has definitely taken the next step this season. His vision and creativity with the ball has really stood out to me. He's got a great tank, tackling and contested ball work thanks to playing through the midfield often with Casey and has really carved out a role for himself thanks to hard work and trust/belief from coaches.

I think it was on the footy show Jones seemed to indicate that its more likely to be the week after North that he returns. With that in mind I would probably go with no changes but I would love to see Maynard get a game if he's ready. Anyone know how Smith responded down at Casey last night?

You can feel the pain and discomfort of Viney's foot through your gut? That's impressive

I think he will end up a Harry Taylor type. He will swing forward when the team really needs another tall option. What a great option to have!

I think if we weren't so injury depleted people wouldn't be whinging so much. The fact that we won't have him for the next two crucial games as an option to tag where he has been pretty successful this season is a real loss.

He will get a deserves six weeks. Like others have said it will be good for him and the club to step out of the limelight and really build himself on the training track. Get some respect back internally from the playing group that he has let down with a stupid act.

I'd say they're also making sure they have another back that can play on a 2nd/3rd option forward. He compete's really well in the air and I think is insurance knowing Tmac could spend the majority of the game in the forward line like last week.

Yeah he's super tough against probably the toughest team in the comp. Would have thought Wagner would be the best replacement for Salem. Might mean another back is out this week...

Gee Watts is a big out. Along with scoring 6 goals in the last two games he creates a lot of scoring opportunities and genuine marking contest. Really hope Gawn can help out the forward line as much as possible.

I'm sure thats been said a few times before. But you're right the playing group seems really committed and connected. I think we've seen clubs build a strong core of 5-10 players to build around for sustained success which we're now seeing at Melbourne. Hunt is such an important player. Even if he is having a bad game he is the type of player that can ignite a team when it needs it with courages, competitive acts.

He probably is but what Hibberd does really well is use his body and physicality to work is man under the ball or out of position to mark it. Either way I think they will rotate as they usually do.

Thank God. Free's up TMac to play a more loose roaming game which has been really effective. OMac and Frost to take on Petrie, Darling. I think Hibberd on McGovern would be a good matchup.

i definitely think we will see Trengove fly over to Perth. But I don't think he will play. He will most likely be on the extended bench then the emergency list for Saturday night. I think the three that will rotate more through the midfield will be Lewis, Melksham and Vince. I don't think this is a seamless replacement, we will miss Jones, but those three give the young midfield group some experience and direction against the Priddis' and Mitchels etc. Goodwin has been terrific at switching up the midfield all year to keep intensity and the opposition guessing. Having Garlett and Hannan around the midfield contests adds speed and pressure at times. I just can't see us bringing in Trengove for what looks like a fast intense away game on Saturday night. He has been slugging away at VFL and should be rewarded but wouldn't want to see him get exposed with the amount of quick ball movement and outside run that Westcoast excel at especially at Domain.

Geez I am definitely scared of them. I think we do match up OK on paper but I've watched this very team cut so many teams up at Etihad with their pressure and ball use. Just hope Dees come out switched on or it could turn ugly. This Bulldogs team is angry with their performance last week.

No change I think. I think against this team we will be wanting as much mobility and positions switching options as possible. Especially on a fast surface. Very much doubt we will see Spencer this week. ANB and Harmes played a major part in getting us over the line on Monday. I reckon they'll stay in.

I did the same last year as they were walking out before the game ended. Except i also sang the Collingwood theme song (very slowly with as much satire as I could). [censored] them off even more.

Clayton...

Bye!

what?

Might we see Sidebottom get a hard tag from Vince in the second half? Seems the most instrumental around the contest and already has 2 goals....

Worst mistake of the season for Frost. I like it when he take the opposition on but not when its 2-3 on one and you're simply breaking the tackle to get the ball back to Vince who hasn't spread enough.

Sidebottom and Treloar getting early touches...

That ship certainly sailed a long time ago.

I feel like last season Trac really enjoyed playing his first game against the club he grew up barracking for. Hopefully he plays with the same intensity in his second game against the pies. Hope Salem and Lewis also really turn it on against their childhood clubs

A lot of people pretty confident on here makes me nervous. Collingwood are a side that find away to win when they have their backs against the wall. They love being the underdog. I know all the facts lead to Melbourne being the favourites but they are a side that can will their way to winning especially on the big stage (they've done it to Geelong quite often). I won't be able to have this 'we will get the job done' confidence until this side is more consistent. If we bring the concentration and intensity we had against Adelaide and much of the Geelong/Richmond games we will be in with a chance. But if we play patchier football that we have seen for most of this season so far, Collingwood will take advantage. I watched last years QB game and it was Jesse providing a consistent marking option up forward and Gawn being simply brilliant that made it incredibly difficult for Collingwood to stay in the game. I am worried that we might be reviewing a loss on Tuesday where we really missed our two best marking options. Most obvious statement but if we start this game right it will take the pressure off. Would love to see us start tomorrows game like we started the second half against GCS in Alice.