Preview AFL NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

[JUBJUB]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

Tom Allwright, Jimmy Bartel, Shannon Byrnes, Paul Chapman, Allen Christensen, Mitch Duncan, Corey Enright, Tom Gillies, Josh Hunt, Taylor Hunt, James Kelly, Jeremy Laidler, Tom Lonergan, Darren Milburn, Steven Motlop, Brad Ottens, James Podsiadly, Matthew Scarlett, Dawson Simpson, Jesse Stringer, Adam Varcoe, Travis Varcoe, Trent West, David Wojcinski


http://www.gfc.com.au/geelongnews/newsarticle/tabid/3933/newsid/89900/default.aspx

IN : Paul Chapman, Matthew Scarlett, Darren Milburn, Brad Ottens, Allen Christensen, Jesse Stringer, Trent West and Adam Varcoe

OUT : Joel Corey [injured], Gary Ablett, Mark Blake, Andrew Mackie, Cameron Mooney, Harry Taylor, Joel Selwood and Tom Hawkins


Just noticed Ling isn't named anywhere

 

[Ninty]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

Still no Gamble? Did we delist him or something? I haven't heard a thing about him all year.

 

[JUBJUB]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

Still no Gamble? Did we delist him or something? I haven't heard a thing about him all year.

Defender Marcus Drum, who is recovering from a hamstring strain, trained away from the main group along with Ryan Gamble (thigh), Simon Hogan (back) and Ranga Ediriwickrama (hamstring).

All four moved well, taking part in short agility runs and kicking drills.

Addy story

 

[Chasing the Dream]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

Just thought I could let you guys know that you guys will be on the Gold Coast in week 3 of the NAB CHallenge playing the Lions at Southport. March 5th, 3.30pm (QLD time)

Hope you don't mind me dropping in here

Pretty sure it will be announced today or tomorrow

 

[JUBJUB]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

Just thought I could let you guys know that you guys will be on the Gold Coast in week 3 of the NAB CHallenge playing the Lions at Southport. March 5th, 3.30pm (QLD time)

Hope you don't mind me dropping in here

Pretty sure it will be announced today or tomorrow

Shit it's true,Gary Ablett Jr is heading to the Gold Coast.....




............ along with more than 20 teammates

 

[costanza23]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

Johnno and Ling haven't been named in the squad or listed as 'outs.'

 

[angel_mmkay]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

WOOHOO got my tickets yesterday!! I live in seymour, so its only a 20 minute drive for me. cant wait to see the boys live for the first time this year, although if this game is anything like the saints / tigers game that was played at shepparton last year there wont be any jumper signings or autographs :-(

 

[Premiers2007]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

That is one depleted side! Especially the forward line!

B: J.Hunt, M.Scarlett, D.Milburn
HB: J.Laidler, T.Gillies, D.Wojcinski
C: T.Varcoe, C.Enright, S.Byrnes
HF: P.Chapman, T.Lonergan, A.Christensen
F: S.Motlop, J.Podsiadly, M.Duncan
Foll: B.Ottens, J.Bartel, J.Kelly

Interchange: D.Simpson, T.West, T.Hunt, A.Varcoe, T.Allwright, J.Stringer

Missing Players: Joel Corey, Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood, Cameron Ling, Max Rooke, Steve Johnson, Andrew Mackie, Cameron Mooney, Harry Taylor, Tom Hawkins, Matthew Stokes, Mark Blake, Ryan Gamble, Marcus Drum, Simon Hogan

 

[hamG]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

Otto, take it easy, for gods sake don't jump too high.

 

[vinum coupe]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

That is more a VFL side than AFL.
Tigers will be getting excited.

 

[alfy!]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

Gives a few new players, and old fringe players a real good chance at playing a ripper.

 

[thejester]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

Glad we're giving more rookies a go, interesting that Stringer's got the nod...unbelievably frustrating that Ranga has ANOTHER hammy problem, otherwise you'd think he'd be getting a run. Also glad some of the guy's who didn't sparkle on debut like Hunt are being given another run.

Also begs the question of where Menzel and Cowan are - I know Menzel had a groin problem, haven't heard a peep about Cowan.

 

[re cat]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

If anyone is keen to go, call 57973025 which is the number for the pharmacy and they will be only too happy to hook you up.

I had no problems getting a ticket for Ninty and my good self

I sent the Collingwood supporter there today, he's taking me

 

[CF]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

That is more a VFL side than AFL.
Tigers will be getting excited.

agreed

 

[PHX]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

That is more a VFL side than AFL.
Tigers will be getting excited.

And yet put our team next to yours and yours still looks competitive. Your backline is fine, your midfield is fine but your forward line looks weaker than standard but our backline isn't exactly flash.

I'm excited to see some of the kids we have playing for the first time but I'm not excited because I think we'll win, infact I am not confident we will.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

That is more a VFL side than AFL.
Tigers will be getting excited.

True...although even our VFL side should be able to give the Tigers a run for their money.

To be fair, I can't fault the club for resting a lot of players for a glorified practice match...while it would be good for the kids to see the stars, this is what the NAB challenge is for.

P.S. I thought the NAB Challenge had the same rules as the NAB Cup-I am confused that on the AFL website it has us only having listed a 24 man squad-can anyone enlighten me?

 

[Vegas.]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

3 pronged ruck lineup, or will Westy be used across half forward/back?

Disappointing to see no Menzel, Vegas or Drum (due to injury or whatever), but seeing Otto in there warms my heart for a big season from the big fella. Looking forward to watching Duncan go about his business again, also keen to have a look at Christensen.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

That is one depleted side! Especially the forward line!

B: J.Hunt, M.Scarlett, D.Milburn
HB: J.Laidler, T.Gillies, D.Wojcinski
C: T.Varcoe, C.Enright, S.Byrnes
HF: P.Chapman, T.Lonergan, A.Christensen
F: S.Motlop, J.Podsiadly, M.Duncan
Foll: B.Ottens, J.Bartel, J.Kelly

Interchange: D.Simpson, T.West, T.Hunt, A.Varcoe, T.Allwright, J.Stringer

Missing Players: Joel Corey, Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood, Cameron Ling, Max Rooke, Steve Johnson, Andrew Mackie, Cameron Mooney, Harry Taylor, Tom Hawkins, Matthew Stokes, Mark Blake, Ryan Gamble, Marcus Drum, Simon Hogan

I like that side. Depleted but gives some kids some chances. I would like to see Duncan play some time up forward but also some time in the midfield, that way he can keep pressing his claims for the season proper.

Obviously Kel and maybe even Boris should play more in the midfield, which allows Wojo and Gillies and company to push for the defensive spot.

I'd also like Stevie up forward, because if he breaks into the senior team that's where he'll play, which allows Travis to play more in the midfield.

My only disagreement is why play Lonners up forward? I suppose we're filling gaps given Mooney and Hawk aren't playing, but since the club clearly doesn't consider him a forward anymore, it seems silly for him to play there. But anyway.

I am really disappointed that neither Ranga nor Drum are fit to play as I'd like to see what they can do. Hopefully they get a run next week (since Sando said we'd be playing our best side (injuries permitting) in NAB 4, I figure it's next week or not at all for the others).

When you look at the side Richmond is playing, we're still a chance, even this depleted.

Our backline is stronger than last week and should be able to handle players of the calibre of Riewoldt, Morton and Polak. I wonder whether Wojo or Taylor are capable of doing a job on a small forward though-we'll find out.

Our midfield, though weakened, is still on par with a Richmond one, and our with Otto we should get a helpful share of first use.

My worry is the forward line, but I suppose it gives Pods a chance to be more of a focus and show what he can do, and Chapman probably won't run much outside the 50 so he can be a good target. I've also been saying for some time that I think West's future might be more as a mobile forward than a ruck, so we'll get a good chance to see it here.

The more I type, the more I get excited about this game and wish I could actually get out to Yea

Anyways, Cats by 18.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

3 pronged ruck lineup, or will Westy be used across half forward/back?

Disappointing to see no Menzel, Vegas or Drum (due to injury or whatever), but seeing Otto in there warms my heart for a big season from the big fella. Looking forward to watching Duncan go about his business again, also keen to have a look at Christensen.

I hope he's used forward preferably. My only exception would be if Richmond go really tall up forward in which case he might have to go back, but I'd rather Lonners did that. Let Westy be athletic and roam around centre half forward, and give Pods the space deep.

I am so looking forward to Otto too. Someone please go around and through the ground before the match, and remove all boats, ladders, black cats, mirrors and so forth though

I assume Vegas got no gig because he's injured and not in full training, otherwise if he couldn't get a gig in this depleted unit....

I'm surprised no Menzel though, highly rated so he must be injured also. Looking forward to Christensen-great prospect.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

And yet put our team next to yours and yours still looks competitive. Your backline is fine, your midfield is fine but your forward line looks weaker than standard but our backline isn't exactly flash.

I'm excited to see some of the kids we have playing for the first time but I'm not excited because I think we'll win, infact I am not confident we will.

Agreed on midfield! it reminds me of another BF thread a few weeks ago where some knob was trying to argue the Cats had no midfield depth, and I was thinking, clearly he's forgotten all the guys in our side who'd be starting midfield in any other side, but can't get into ours so they play somewhere else.

The forward line is weak, but get it in there often enough and we'll find goals, even if it's a spread across lots of people.

I think you are a chance to win though depending on what your midfield can do.

 

[Vegas.]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

I hope he's used forward preferably. My only exception would be if Richmond go really tall up forward in which case he might have to go back, but I'd rather Lonners did that. Let Westy be athletic and roam around centre half forward, and give Pods the space deep.

Always worth a crack. We know exactly what we are going to get out of Lonergan up forward so West should be given a shot. He kicked a couple of lovely set shot goals from outside 50 last years in the V's and he can take a grab. I'd say he was used more often down back than in the forward line last year though (when not in the ruck obviously), and he was pretty effective against the slower VFL players.

Of course, there is the chance that he will be a sub and Otto will come off for good after half time.

 

[vinum coupe]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

True...although even our VFL side should be able to give the Tigers a run for their money.

To be fair, I can't fault the club for resting a lot of players for a glorified practice match...while it would be good for the kids to see the stars, this is what the NAB challenge is for.

I'm not faulting the club at all.

But they won't win. For the Tigers supporters sake they better not.

You just can't throw a VFL in the AFL and expect it to gel together under pressure it hasn't seen together. Even IF 60% of them may make the grade as 100 game players they are sure to fall apart under pressure. Add the month they are behind in development if needed.

But I like the fact they have gone this way.

Not having a go here mate, but please name the midfield you are so confident about. Mids need to do damage not just exist as a 'rotation'

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

I'm not faulting the club at all.

But they won't win. For the Tigers supporters sake they better not.

You just can't throw a VFL in the AFL and expect it to gel together under pressure it hasn't seen together. Even IF 60% of them may make the grade as 100 game players they are sure to fall apart under pressure. Add the month they are behind in development if needed.

But I like the fact they have gone this way.

Not having a go here mate, but please name the midfield you are so confident about. Mids need to do damage not just exist as a 'rotation'

I disagree to an extent.

I would agree that if you say change your six mids with six new mids, it is too hard for them to gel completely particularly with our game style. But that's why I think we'll play a mix of experienced players who have gelled with each other, in that area in particular, but across the board, to help out the kids.

As for the pressure part of your comment, you have a point, although they must be put out there sometime, and I would say this week is the least pressurised environment you could ever start in, as far as AFL goes.

Frankly if you give me a midfield that reads Ottens, Bartel, Kelly, Enright, Varcoe and Byrnes, it is one I have some confidence in. By no means is it as good as our usual starting midfield, but it's as good as some sides midfield's, including Richmond's, so I stand by that.

The issue will be lack of midfield depth with rotations, but as I said, opportunities for young kids to show stuff, are good.

I never said we would definitely win, I just think we can still be competitive even with this side.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

Always worth a crack. We know exactly what we are going to get out of Lonergan up forward so West should be given a shot. He kicked a couple of lovely set shot goals from outside 50 last years in the V's and he can take a grab. I'd say he was used more often down back than in the forward line last year though (when not in the ruck obviously), and he was pretty effective against the slower VFL players.

Of course, there is the chance that he will be a sub and Otto will come off for good after half time.

Agreed re Lonergan, which is partly why I say play West there.

Indeed he played more across CHB last year but the mobility he showed there indicates he could also play across CHF.

Are we having subs in this game? I doubt he'll be sub, he's there to play, however when you haven't got Mooney or Hawk in the side, it's good to have a third guy who can play ruck in case one of the other two get injured.

 

[Deledio2Conca]

Re: NAB Challenge - Geelong v Richmond, Yea

Was I right in hearing that players who didn't get a game this week will be playing against North Melbourne's equivalent in Ballarat on Saturday???