Preview Hot pies vs winged Swans

[Millky95]

Stephens should be upset. Deserved to be in over JMac on recent form and easily Cunningham

 

[The King!]

I make it a habit to look out for players playing roles that might be unseen or unappreciated, so as to not come in here all guns blazing ripping some player's head off undeservedly.

However I cannot understand what Cunningham is doing in this team. He loses players at stoppages. He's a quality tackler and really brings players to ground when he wraps them up, but he's only averaging less than 3 a game. He's not even playing the Nick Smith, make-your-opponent-vanish lockdown role, and when he does he's trailing his opponent and allowing uncontested chest marks.

My best guess is Horse wants his experience and leadership down there in the absence of Rampe, but sheesh... not cutting it for me.

He must be an amazing director/support person , as his form is awful

 

[caesar88]

I feel like both have been lacking in general play so I'm not unhappy with Horse dropping either of them, but I wonder if there's an element of player management to it? Very long season ahead so I imagine we'll want players used sparingly if possible.

For example if Horse wanted McInerney to find form, he wouldn't have dropped him on the week the reserves had a bye. That seems like something you'd do if you wanted him to have a break.

 

[The King!]

He is just not that good unfortunately

He isn't a star like you hope with high picks, but he belongs

 

[MR0808]

I've always seen Cunningham as a footsoldier rather than a leader. So interesting if he is being used in that role. Presumably it's more for experience than capability

 

[The King!]

Selection night

 

[MR0808]

Selection night

View attachment 1677998

Dickie knee would do as good a job

 

[swanssince2002]

We are gonna play deck chairs on the titanic at the selection table unless we somehow find a magic elixir in the back half of the season like the past 2 years. Well I just hope its not too late.

Not expecting anything from this game really...

 

[MR0808]

We are gonna play deck chairs on the titanic at the selection table unless we somehow find a magic elixir in the back half of the season like the past 2 years. Well I just hope its not too late.

Not expecting anything from this game really...

I'm expecting to freeze and drink a few beers.

 

[ashep]

Unfortunately fine with Stephens being dropped.

Hasn't offered any more than Cunningham and with the state of our list, I don't blame Horse for opting to keep a little extra experience in.

Harry would want to start performing though...

 

[Punts]

He isn't a star like you hope with high picks, but he belongs

Definitely doesn’t belong

He isn’t an auto selection like most said he was at start of year

He just isn’t that good

Yiu tell me a side thats any good he is a walk up starter?

 

[Grand Uncle Horace]

Thought Stephens was a factor in our good 3Q v Giants.

No accident both Wingmen have copped it. Seems they have different more defensive roles this year

 

[SeanM]

We play Collingwood a good running team, on the MCG and it might be a bit wet. So we might only pick one of Francis/McLean.

Also interesting to see if he shifts players around a bit. Maybe Florent or Campbell plays more midfield. Maybe Mcinerney plays in defence.

Also what our tactical approach will be. Collingwood will give you opportunities to score against them. So whether we try to hit them on the counter attack at every opportunity. Or focus on high forward pressure and grind it out.

 

[caesar88]

Thought Stephens was a factor in our good 3Q v Giants.

No accident both Wingmen have copped it. Seems they have different more defensive roles this year

I actually thought that. Commented a week or so ago that they both, McInerney in particular, seemed to be positioned on the defensive side of stoppages, basically being sweepers out the back rather than line-breakers out the front.

I assumed it was instructional but now I am thinking maybe they just weren't positioning themselves correctly, maybe from a lack of confidence to set up goal side of the stoppage and break away. Very weird situation with these two that's for sure.

 

[bloodsbigot]

Maybe Campbell will play off a wing

I'd love to see how Campbell goes in the mids. Seems a pretty high stakes game to try it though.

 

[caesar88]

Only 71% TOG for Stephens last week. Your theory may have some weight to it Dubai Quacker

 

[The King!]

Definitely doesn’t belong

He isn’t an auto selection like most said he was at start of year

He just isn’t that good

Yiu tell me a side thats any good he is a walk up starter?

He is AFL level thats all I am saying.

lot of teams, North, eagles, hawks, dockers, Tigere etc

 

[The King!]

Stephens runs non stop, from tv admittedly but he seems to run his **** off then gets ignored.

Not saying his form is not average, heck dropping him not that bad except others survive.

But dropping doesn't mean a player is shit, or done

 

[Wheresbuddy]

I'd say 3 out of the 4 bench spots will go to the first 3 listed in Campbell, JMc and McLean. In particular, we need Mclean to provide ruck relief, especially if Cox is picked. McAndrew is a possibility but given his lack of versatility and inexperience, it works be very risky to pick him for this game.

My preference for the last bench spot would be Sheldrick. Of our reserves, he has been the stand out and deserves a proper opportunity, not that joke of a run he was given last week. Obviously not a favourite like some others.

 

[SeanM]

It is probably worth trying out different style of wingers. Mcinerney and Stephens are not that physical assertive and have not been hurting the opposition the other way. So maybe not use both of them as our wingers. Even if we lose some running ability.

Gulden hurts the other team as an attacking threat. And maybe get someone who is some more physically aggressive in style on the other wing.

 

[Punts]

What’s that player from the academy few years back that was a great runner?

Still gotta be able to play the game regardless of athletic ability

 

[The King!]

What’s that player from the academy few years back that was a great runner?

Still gotta be able to play the game regardless of athletic ability

you honestly think this weekend Stephens would not make one teams 22 ?

 

[Millky95]

you honestly think this weekend Stephens would not make one teams 22 ?

Or he would rather Jack Hiscox in the side?

 

[Punts]

Or he would rather Jack Hiscox in the side?

That’s him lol

Like a Stephens

 

[Punts]

you honestly think this weekend Stephens would not make one teams 22 ?

I honestly don’t think Clarkson or Mitchell would play him.

Maybe west coast with there injuries, tigers wingers are better than him