Davis back for the Grand Final.

[Greening Magic]

I'm a Leon fan.

Life's about redemption sometimes. Would be a great story to see Leon play well in the big one.

Hope he gets his chance but I trust that MM will make the right call either way.

 

[Zahki]

Goldsack was crap last night I thought. His defensive pressure was off the pace, he looked like he lacked match fitness to me. That and he was awefully fumbly and nervous. He did warm into the game a bit in the 2nd half though. Still I think he'd be vulnerable this week.

I was using the 'Leon Davis' defense

 

[WakeUpPies]

Look, it is hard to judge Goldsack's game because the game was over at half time, however when the pressure was o Goldy was extremely fumbly.

I would bring Davis in for him, small forwards ten to trouble the Saints and Leon is one of the best when he is on, the problem is if he is not on we are screwed.

Hard decision...

 

[The Falcon Strike]

I was at the game last night - and although Goldy didn't get a heap of the ball - I thought he was important in your structure.

The Pies tackling pressure was sensational - and where the game was largely won was through the run off half back. Geelong couldn't get any largely due to the pressure put on by the Pies midfield.

Collingwood did what they wanted off half back.

Goldy surprisingly lined up on a wing for a lot of the bounces as opposed to his customary half back - and whilst he may not have got a lot of it - he did play tight and stop the run of the likes of Kelly etc who would normally collect the ball from half back and link through the midfield.

I must admit - i don't rate Leon at all - and if I was Malthouse - i'd be leaving Goldsack in.

 

[Vendrell]

No way - Goldy was a bit rusty early on, but will take him every day over Davis in a final. A player who's much more likely to contribute than Davis in a tough, close contest IMO. D'ya reckon Tyson might be in trouble for his crunch on Stokes? (which I can't see Davis ever doing by the way)

Absolutely. Had a case of the fumbles early probably due to the fact that he knew he needed to perform in order to hold his spot for next week. He really improved in the second half. They moved him up to the midfield once Ball went off and Goldsack's tackling and hardness was first class. He's also another line breaker who can run and carry the footy and kick it long.

I think the crunch on Stokes was fine. Watching it at the ground I was a bit worried but then seeing it on tv you notice that he made no contact with the head. It wasn't even a bump; more just a hard tackle that didn't stick.

I loved it after the melee when Selwood ran up behind Goldsack and gave him a shove in the back. The Sack then turned around and gave him a look that said "if there wasn't a grand final next week I'd deck you right now".

 

[rose jam]

I'd go Davis, plays well against Saints always. They don't actually have a player to match him, and it might even force them to pick Baker which would be freaking hilarious.
Don't think Goldy offers anything. I think it was a tactical move to possibly cover Wellingham who they may have doubted would last with his ankle.

 

[BartBart]

Assuming everyone is fit, I'd go into GF with the same team as last night. Not sure what the change would be if Ball doesn't come up with his hammy. Personally I'd leave Davis out.

 

[thecig]

Assuming everyone is fit, I'd go into GF with the same team as last night. Not sure what the change would be if Ball doesn't come up with his hammy. Personally I'd leave Davis out.

This. I love Leon but he just hasn't done it in september. I also like the idea of goldy running with goddard, kinda like when he got his rising star nom for his role on goodes.

 

[Dundalis]

It's a hard one. The fact is, Leon has the ability to win the game for us in the space of 5 minutes. Granted he hasn't really done that much this year and hasn't really ever done it in Finals, but he does have that ability. Goldsack does not. Leon has brought the tackling pressure most of the season, so it's not as if we would necessarily be carrying a passenger in that regard. I would like to see him play more in the midfield if he does come in, as I think we can overwhlem the Saints with our leg speed through the middle, and Davis could only add to that.

 

[TheGreatGrundy]

I was at the game last night - and although Goldy didn't get a heap of the ball - I thought he was important in your structure.

The Pies tackling pressure was sensational - and where the game was largely won was through the run off half back. Geelong couldn't get any largely due to the pressure put on by the Pies midfield.

Collingwood did what they wanted off half back.

Goldy surprisingly lined up on a wing for a lot of the bounces as opposed to his customary half back - and whilst he may not have got a lot of it - he did play tight and stop the run of the likes of Kelly etc who would normally collect the ball from half back and link through the midfield.

I must admit - i don't rate Leon at all - and if I was Malthouse - i'd be leaving Goldsack in.

Interesting analysis. I was wondering exactly what role he played for his 6 possessions.

 

[mattys123]

I firmly believe there are 19 players, that barring injury or illness, that are absolute certainties to play on Saturday, and all 19 played in the prelim.

The 3 out of the prelim who would be in some doubt are Goldsack, Blair and Nathan Brown, depending on who we select out of the "contenders" to come in.

The "contenders" are Leon Davis and Simon Prestigiacomo, I don't believe there is anyone out of those 2 that should be even considered.

Goldsack will be nervous, after all, if Leon hadn't of "pulled up sore" before the prelim, Goldsack wouldn't have played, and wouldn't even be in consideration this week.

For mine, if Leon, Presti and Ball are 100% fit, I believe we will see 2 changes;

In: Davis, Presti
Out: N.Brown, Goldsack

The Presti for Brown change is almost guaranteed, while a lot will depend on Balls' and Davis' fitness.

With Dal Santo, Gram and a few others really sore and struggling for the Saints, we have to pick a 100% fit team though (or close enough to).

 

[Zahki]

Even though Goldsack was fumbly on Friday, I think he brings more to the side than Davis does. He's good at shutting an opposition player down, which Davis isn't and he can move into the backline freeing up either Shaw, Maxwell or O'Brien. Just put him in a role where he's not making too many critical decisions, like kicking out because he's seemed pretty poor at that in the past few weeks.

 

[Pies time is NOW]

The only change would be Goldsack for Prestigiacomo.

Allowing Presti to go to Reiwoldt.

Nathan Brown to Kosi.

and Ben Reid can play Goldsack's role.

 

[sgnl00]

The only change would be Goldsack for Prestigiacomo.

Allowing Presti to go to Reiwoldt.

Nathan Brown to Kosi.

and Ben Reid can play Goldsack's role.

I was thinking this... Reid/Presti to rotate off Riewoldt, just a bit of extra security considering he is their greatest weapon and the key to them winning. Shutting him down is half the battle. But would we be too defensive? One thing is that Heater can be freed up and go forward, which turned the tide for us early last time we played the Saints (he really only played the first half due to back spasms and was pretty much BOG 'til then).

The only time Presti and Brown have played together was in Round 20 v Bombers when Reid was out...

PF and Round 16 differences:

In: N. Brown, Maxwell, Cloke
Out: L. Davis, Lockyer, Presti

 

[Swooop]

The only change would be Goldsack for Prestigiacomo.

Allowing Presti to go to Reiwoldt.

Nathan Brown to Kosi.

and Ben Reid can play Goldsack's role.

Not a bad thought, but you'd have to be sure not to go in top heavy.

It's our tackling pressure that sets us apart and you'd hate to lose this.

Like the idea of Goldy playing to tag Goddard (I'm assuming he beats the MRP)

Leon, god what a hard decision...is the guy fit??? I reckon I could out sprint him, seriously. Surely he's not been fit this year. Lost his pace completely.

If truly fit, maybe you'd play him. If he's not 100%, then no way.

 

[Paddywhackers]

Not sure psychologically that Davis is the way to go. Too much baggage, and that half of footy last friday night was the best I've ever seen.

 

[Snag Breac]

It's all too difficult. So many players have a valid claim. Leave it to Mick - he's gone well so far.

 

[Go_Brad_Dick]

Overjoyed that Leon is playing.. makes it complete for me.
Haters be gone now.. time to show some support and respect..
Go Leon!

 

[Football God]

Ok im getting on it, Davis will kick 3.2

 

[hgiel]

Leon is important to the team and deserves his place. He took a big knock against the Saints in round three and played really well last time they played. He is strong and skilled and is playing a different role this year. All this year I have been wondering about Mick's plans for him in a GF.

 

[eddiesmith]

Im backing him for under 5 touches, will be another Leon September Special

 

[Nardz]

davis does make me nervous. on one hand you can easily imagine him not getting near the thing. whilst his defensive pressure inside forward 50 has been pretty good this year,he hasnt been his usual zippy self once he has the ball in his hands, and his skill has been sub-par. does not fill me with confidence when he has the ball anywhere near goal like he once used to.

on the other hand... you can see that he has a lot to prove on the big stage, and he can do it on the biggest stage of all. if he comes out and has a big game it will go a long way towards us winning.

part of me is hoping that he's been saving himself for the grand final, or something along those lines.... but it's not likely..

 

[jerry springer]

Im backing him for under 5 touches, will be another Leon September Special

me too.he has constantly let us down.year after year without fail

doesnt seem to give a **** either

 

[Smoky]

me too.he has constantly let us down.year after year without fail

doesnt seem to give a **** either

Winty Nomination right there.

Davis will fire.

 

[rose jam]

I'm backing him for a 16 touch 2 goal game, with one goal a set shot and the other a snap off a boundary throw in.

And his passing is going to slice up those fools in the saints backline