Preview 2009 AFL Grand Final Preview - St Kilda v Geelong

[Jef Costello]

Re: Team changes for the GF?

No changes for mine but Bomber seems pretty set on it
"Mathew Stokes basically withdrew from the team today because he wasn't feeling 100 per cent right ... he could've played," Thompson said. "We think he's done the really selfless thing for the team and if he is right to play, he probably deserves to get a game.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/a...-unlucky-players/story-e6frf9jf-1225777064190

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Re: Team changes for the GF?

No Stokes no stokes no stokes no stokes no stokes. If Wojcinski gets dropped for that spud we deserve to lose

 

[Gavin Excell]

Re: Team changes for the GF?

I wouldn't be taking wojo out. His speed bursts have the effect of inspiring the team to get a bit of run on. He's also a pretty important part of the defensive machinery.

Varcoe's forward pressuring, when he moves into the right gear, will come in handy next week.

In a Byrnes v. Stokes comparison I'd have to say Byrnes seems to have it up on Stokes on present form.

Next week is going to be a very physical game... the question that should be asked is what will Stokes bring to such a game that is better than what we lose by dropping someone else.

Agree.

I see no value really in bringing Stokes in

 

[Topper]

Re: Team changes for the GF?

Thompson is surely just being respectful to Stokes. There will be no change.

Agree.


Dont make any changes. This is the side that will win us the premiership.

That was our best line up for the year and it produced the best game we've played for the year.

 

[Claude Balls]

Re: Team changes for the GF?

One of the main problems with our forward line this year has been that forward thrusts culminating from reasonably efficient movement of the ball from the back half have resulted, more often that not, in equally expiditious rebounds 50s by the opposition.

For me, Stokes has been a bit of a symbol for this malaise. So many times I would watch a mid kick to him on the lead, only for a taller opponent to comfortably make a spoil, often directly into the path of a teammate who could carry the ball away as Stokes picked himself up of the ground.

I'm not suggesting Stokes' omission was the sole reason why our forward line functioned so well last night, but of the several factors one could identify, I believe he represents possibly the single most telling. Without him, we looked fitter, faster, and hungrier.

 

[winty]

Re: AFL Grand Final 2009 - Geelong vs Saint Kilda

Bomber sounded like in his PC that Stokes would come in if fit though, jee someone will be stiff to miss out I reckon! Byrnes has been solid all year for your mob, can't see him missing out. Better than previous years though when Geelong has always had questions over key player's fitness etc, seemed to have primed at the right time of year Geelong.

Like they said on K-Rock though, Bomber is just one member of a selection committee. Just because Bomber wants him back, doesn't mean the other members of the panel do as well.

No changes for me. Can't believe Byrnes did something, not in junk time too. Doubt he can do it twice in a row but I hope so.

Ling to Hayes and Rooke to Fisher or Goddard. He could expose Goddard's lack of defensive skills a bit probably.

Are you kidding? He's been doing it all year. Take off the anti-Byrnes goggles.

good on ya S4E - tbh though i'm hoping it's nothin like rd 14 - i don't think my heart could handle it - Cats by 6 goals - u guys can have it next year

It won't be like Round 14, for a few reasons. Ottens and SJ will be playing this time around.

Ottens will be a lot better at keeping Gardiner in check this time around. Blake shaded King the last time they played, and he was a hell of a lot better in the preliminary finals. Blake had 8 touches and 22 hitouts, King had 5 and 8.

Fisher and Gilbert killed us last time with their run out of defence. Put SJ in there, and one will have to stand on him, which allows Rooke to cut down on the other one.

In round 14, Ablett, Bartel and co. only went into the middle halfway through the 1st quarter when the Saints were 5 goals up. They won't be doing that on Saturday.

Bomber said in the paper this morning that last time we played, Geelong were too conscious of St.Kilda's zone and deviated too far away from their game plan early. Once they settled down and went back to what they know best, they were all over the Saints.

We're all fit. Their captain and matchwinner has a bung knee. If he does it in the first 5 minutes and is gone for the day, it will make our job all the more easier.

 

[Claude Balls]

Re: Team changes for the GF?

I'm also curious to know why exactly Bomber thinks that Stokes "probably deserves to get a game" if he's fit.

Does he bring something to the team that Byrnes and Varcoe don't? Has been performed so well all year such that he has credits in the bank? When I answer those questions myself, I can't help coming up with a resounding NO, and NO.

 

[cats2rise]

Re: Team changes for the GF?

If Bomber brings in Stokes I will be very very unhappy at the club.

If he comes in for Varcoe, its a stupid move as Varcoe is the better player, in better form, who has brought more to the table this year.

If he comes in for Wojac, we will have to many small forwards/half forward flankers and Wojac did more than enough to keep his spot this week.

 

[winty]

Re: Team changes for the GF?

Wojak was pretty good. Wasnt amazing, but did his job and did it reasonably well. Should stay in.

Agreed. Wojack seems to dominate against the Saints too.

No changes for mine but Bomber seems pretty set on it
"Mathew Stokes basically withdrew from the team today because he wasn't feeling 100 per cent right ... he could've played," Thompson said. "We think he's done the really selfless thing for the team and if he is right to play, he probably deserves to get a game.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/a...-unlucky-players/story-e6frf9jf-1225777064190

Well, Stokes did owe us one after saying he was fit to play in the GF last year when he clearly wasn't. What's to say he won't do the same again this year?

No change for mine.

 

[Swooop]

Re: AFL Grand Final 2009 - Geelong vs Saint Kilda

Hey guys,
Well done last night. No doubt the better team won.
I'll be going for you next week, put those arrogant Saints back in their place

 

[Topper]

Re: AFL Grand Final 2009 - Geelong vs Saint Kilda

Absolutely pumped. I love Grand Final week, you just feel naturally better, walk taller and everything is perfect. Best week of the AFL calender.

Just checked the forecast, next saturday reads: Max 18, shower or two. With rain everyday of the week leading up to saturday.

So we could be looking at a wet GF.

Everythings looking perfect for the Cats, where as the Saints didnt look their best in the last few home and away rounds, and havent exactly set the world on fire in their 2 finals matches.

Feeling pretty confident we can get the flag.

Its going to be a long nervous week, but a bl00dy good week, soak it up and enjoy every minute of it cats fans, i think this year has a good ending

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Re: Team changes for the GF?

I'm also curious to know why exactly Bomber thinks that Stokes "probably deserves to get a game" if he's fit.

Does he bring something to the team that Byrnes and Varcoe don't? Has been performed so well all year such that he has credits in the bank? When I answer those questions myself, I can't help coming up with a resounding NO, and NO.

This has an unsettling familiarity to last year, Varcoe was "definitely" worthy of a game due to one good performance in the PF and Wojo made way. Varcoe like many had a shocker. In reality, Stokes' spot shouldve come under scrutiny last year

 

[rizzo]

Re: Team changes for the GF?

No change. What is Bomber meant to say? None are a chance? What happens if someone is injured during the week. Could you imagine Stokes attitude then?

Its easier to say "We want to play you we will see how we go." then to say "Your not playing"... "O shit sorry stokesy we need you"

 

[SriLankanCat]

Re: Team changes for the GF?

Im thinking the only guy Stokes would be in for would be Byrnes.

Wojo and Varcoe are definitely in the team surely.

Blake secured his spot.

I really want Stokes there but Byrnes has been terrific.

Good headache to have i guess.

 

[TheStinger]

Re: AFL Grand Final 2009 - Geelong vs Saint Kilda

Just wanted to get in now at the start of the week and wish you all the best for the week ahead and the big day. I hope everyone comes up 100% so there will be no excuses for either side. Just two great teams going at it for the big prize. Good luck.

Now I can go away and hate you guys for the rest of the week....

 

[AM]

The only reason you'd change the team would be for match-up reasons or injury. Still not sure how Gamble got in the emergencies though.

 

[maximus steel]

leave the side untouched, they really found form last night arguably for the first time of the year. i think it will be the best game of the year, st.kilda will be hungry for there first flag since 1966 and Geelong redemption for last year.

Key to St.Kilda is Riewoldt, shut down Riewoldt and Kozchitke has to take his game to another level, don't get me wrong he has been unbelievable this year, but if Riewoldt gets shut down theres a lot more weight on his shoulders, and i am not convinced he has produced under those circumstances this year. Harry Taylor has been great on Riewoldt previously but I would play Scarlett on him, and tell him to play off him at every opportunity, try to make Riewoldt accountable, this minimizing his effect up the ground. Expect Johnson to be quiet and Harley to be play his best game for along time. My tip Geelong to win by 19 points.

 

[ZosoCat]

agreed.. leave the side from this week that destroyed the magpies. Why change the team for the sake of it. All I have to say is that I think we will win the 2009 premiership. F****** excited!

 

[CF]

The team has to come before the individual and every year there is a hard luck story about a player missing out. Stokes may be the Geelong player that misses this year, 2007 it was Blake, & 2008 it was wocjinski.

 

[True Blue Cat]

If i was a St. Kilda supporter i would be extremely worried. They really struggled with the dogs and we had no problem at all with the pies. Will be an absolutely amazing game though.

 

[AG]

Why the hell would he consider bringing Stokes in to the team? He has been hopeless compared to Varcoe and Byrnes. Leave the team as it is.

 

[Evan #29]

I don't think there should be any changes. If stokes was to come in it would be for varcoe or byrnes and both did enough last night to keep their spot. Why mess up a good formula?? It worked last night.
St. Kilda wont be as easy as Collingwood but I really think this is our year.
We seem to have timed everything perfect this year. No injuries and everybody up and running at the right time of the year.
Getting nevous already. Gonna be a long week!

 

[Spluff]

Any player who went out for Stokes would be spewing. Stokes has been off all year and hasn't done anything to earn a recall.

 

[mwt5150]

So much to like about last night. Saw the genuine emergence of the Hawk, couple of huge goals, superb 2nd efforts and belief he belongs on the big stage. Just as importantly, his display gives Lyon real selection headaches. Does he now go with Hudgton? A small disruption to their defence would be most welcome.

Our back 6 were amazing. Given the fact the pies flew out of the blocks and we gifted them 2 goals from frees/sloppy play, they scored 2 goals in nearly 3.5 quarters. Scarlo and H brilliant, Kelly cool and precise (except that one bit) and frees up Boris and Mack to be more creative.

Midfield again fantastic. Jnr could have had 4, Smithy and Jimmy hard working as ever and Linga did what he does - look out Dal Santo.

Forward line looked potent and their pressure was immense. Huge man-love for Chappy, when he is cherry ripe he is amongst the top 8 or so players in the comp IMO. SJ looked pretty fresh considering and Otto gives us another big body up front. Better kicking from him and Moons would be good though.

Now for next week. The only form guide we have is the belter from earlier in the year. In their 2 finals the Aints have looked patchy to me, Roo has single-handedly won them both games. Better kicking from the Dogs and its a different GF this week.

SJ and Otto back and firing. Chappy in rich form. Settled back 6. Gaz back to his best. There is no way Gardiner will play the sort of game he did against us in round 14.

I was in the top deck directly in front of Smithy's tracer bullet that started the run in the 3rd last night. That was truly the most ruthless, classy, committed and firmness-inducing 60 mins of football we have played in 18 months. 22 contibutors and a quiet day for Roo and I reckon number 8 is coming. Bring it on.

 

[AG]

If stokes was to come in it would be for varcoe or byrnes and both did enough last night to keep their spot. Why mess up a good formula?? It worked last night.

I think Varcoe and Byrnes have done enough all year to keep their spots. Even if one of them had been average last night, I still wouldn't bother with Stokes.