Preview Gather Round: Essendon vs Melbourne, Adelaide Oval, Saturday 15/4 @ 4.10PM (AEST)

[Bombers36]

OUT: Weideman, Davey
IN: Heppell, Hobbs + Voss - SUB

Team;-

Ridley Zerk Kelly
Redman Lav McGrath
Shiel Setterfield Martin
Langford Jones Perkins
Draper Stringer Menzie

Phillips Parish Merrett

Bench: Caldwell Hobbs Durham Heppell
SUB: Voss

 

[jdstorm]

OUT: Weideman, Davey
IN: Heppell, Hobbs + Voss - SUB

Team;-

Ridley Zerk Kelly
Redman Lav McGrath
Shiel Setterfield Martin
Langford Jones Perkins
Draper Stringer Menzie

Phillips Parish Merrett

Bench: Caldwell Hobbs Durham Heppell
SUB: Voss

Quite like this lineup actually

 

[Godzke]

Actually yeah, on 2nd thoughts, keep him in and leave Hayes out.

I believe the clubs focus over the next two weeks is to "compete" next week against Melbourne, but try a few things to get ready for the Collingwood game. I think this team is really vulnerable with both our rucks playing well, and the addition of Hobbs in the midfield to ensure we win the clearances:

View attachment 1654900

BZT on Johnson is a good match up and Laverde on Mihocheck is also. Kelly on Elliiot, McGrath, Redman and Ridley working of Hill, McCreery and Adams is also nice for us.

I want Voss to say hello to Maynard. I want Caldwell to play defensively on N Daicos, but obviously hurt him back the other way.

While they're missing their rucks, to beat them without Wright would be a real string to our bow.

Langford running with Pendlebury around the ground will be good and Hobbs, Setterfield, Parish, Merrett and Sheil to win the midfield thanks to ruck dominance.

I think we can win this game if we make it our focus for the next block of games, where we will go in very much as underdogs for all of them.

	Pesimistic/realistic	Tell me I'm dreamin'
Melbourne	Still the most complete list of players in their prime. Will dominate us in the middle so our makeshift forward line will struggle to get a touch.	Don't really hurt sides on the scoreboard, so you never know, but I know that the best we could hope for to "be in the contest".
Anzac day	Look like clubhouse leaders after round three and their run off half back could slice and dice us, their intercepting defenders should	We ABSOLUTELY dominated them for 2.5 quarters last year. This year they have been better because they're actually winning the midfield as well, but that won't be the case with zero ruck depth. I think we can get em'
Geelong	They lick their lips playing us, no matter what their form is like. I still think playing us round 1 is what got them into premiership form!	They are playing utter poo at the moment. Hopefully we can open them up with our winger's run!
Port away	Good middle-of-the-road side who will easily account for us on their home deck	They are patchy, we're not zero chance here, but I don't think we'll pull it off.
Brisbane away	Front runners who will pound us on their home deck	They are also patchy, but it will be our 3rd week in a row on the road - actually 4th out of 5 weeks. Even if we look like the better of the two sides, we'll tire at some point and their offensive weapons will slice us open.
Dream time	Have the wood on us, and while they lost this week they demonstrated a style that nearly won the game in a quarter.	Time to regroup. Richmond has been turning it over as much as GWS did today. If we can win the midfield battle, Lynch has a crap game and we can lower the eyes going forward to work around their interceptors, we're not out of this. They have not looked better than us so far. We can win this.
	3-7	5-5

It doesn't get easier after that ...

Eagles away	Should beat these jokers, but who knows over there. Could cop a Margett special.	C'mon if we don't win this we can get effed.
North	Should beat these guys, but they have looked really good so far this year and will have pencilled us in, because of where we're at, but also something about a merger in the 1920s ... they were the bad guys btw!	C'mon if we don't win this we can get effed.
Carlton	Aren't 100% up and going yet, but I think they're as solid as Melbourne now, maybe a year or two behind them, but damn good.	Yeah still no chance, except for that curse that tends to make the worse of the two of us always win over the last 20 years.
Freo away	Been very disappointing, but still, it is their home game, and surely they start playing a little better, and if they don't we're a must-win game for them.	If they keep playing the way they have, we're a shot.
	3-11 or 5-9	6-8 or 8-6

Could easily be 3 - 11, which might become Operation Harley Reid and Parish FA. We need to target a side. I personally think we look for spirited efforts away from Melbourne and win the next two big games on the G.

Being 8-6 is not very likely, but we're as big a chance as Collingwood was at this stage last year! If we can get to 6-8 or 5-9, with Peter Wright to come back for the last couple of games for the year and, hopefully, Cox, Reid and Tsatas all get some games in the VFL to hit the ground running with the preseason we can go into 2024 with some confidence.

Port home
Adelaide home
Geelong - poo town
Dogs
Sydney home
Eagle home
North
Giants away
Pies.

If we're playing well, I'd hope to win 5 or 6 of those.

Your time would've been better spent on PornHub

 

[Alberto_Magnifico]

After watching Melbourne yesterday this game is going to be ugly, they're are just so clean and tackle so hard, they are going to score so many goals from turnovers

 

[ant555]

It might be too lateral, but I wonder if the move this week with Weideman out is:
In: Montgomerie
Out: Weideman

Essentially it allows us to swing Langford forward full time, and our forwardline has looked the most potent all year with a combo of Jones, Langford, Stringer and the occasional resting ruckman.
Montgomerie has looked pretty composed too, and has a similar profile (190cm flexible type) that Langford does as a defender.

Davey out for Snelling if his ankle doesn't get up, might be due a rest anyway.

Was close to what I was thinking.
I know there is a strong push for Voss and he is doing well and pushing for selection but they will need to structure what they are doing differently if he came in and Jones went out.

 

[ant555]

Out: Weideman, Jones, Davey
In: Montgomerie, Voss, Snelling

Montgomerie - Zerk-Thatcher - Kelly
Ridley - Laverde - Redman
Martin - Parish - Durham
Snelling - Voss - Perkins
Menzie - Phillips - Stringer
Draper - Shiel - Merrett
Langford - McGrath - Setterfield - Caldwell
Heppell

Be conservative with Davey.

I do not mind this but I am not seeing Voss as CHF. Maybe CHF needs to be Langford if we are leaving Jones out. Voss has played deep forward so far this year and continual leading at the footy has not been his strong point. I think if they play Voss it may be from the bench and in the Stringer / Ruck ( FWD ) rotations

 

[rumply]

chatgpt has entered the chat

The Adelaide Crows and Essendon Bombers are set to face off in a highly anticipated AFL game. Both teams have shown their prowess on the field and have a loyal following among fans. The game promises to be a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and athleticism as these two powerhouses go head to head.
The Crows, led by captain Rory Sloane, are known for their strong midfield and tenacious defense. They are currently sitting in the middle of the ladder and will be looking to improve their position with a win against the Bombers. On the other hand, the Bombers, led by captain Dyson Heppell, are coming off a string of impressive wins and will be looking to continue their winning streak.
Both teams have a number of star players who will be key to their success on the day. For the Crows, players like Taylor Walker and Brodie Smith will be crucial in leading the team to victory. Meanwhile, the Bombers will rely on the likes of Zach Merrett and Jake Stringer to deliver the goods.
The stage is set for an exciting match-up, with both teams having a lot to play for. Fans can expect a closely contested game, with both sides leaving everything on the field in their quest for the win. It's sure to be a match not to be missed!


Regenerate response

 

[Godzke]

If there's one thing Scott needs to learn out of the GWS game (and every other game so far this season) is that Langford is an absolute battler in defence but can play a key cog in an otherwise completely dysfunctional forward line. Trial Montgomerie, and play Langford as a rotating FF/high-HFF.

I was reticent to dropping Jones for Voss given Jones impressive gut running, but at the game yesterday it was like watching a dog chase a frisbee that never hits the ground. So definitely time for him to come out and sharpen his footy smarts in the VFL.

Durham and Martin's defensive positioning also needs a bit of work. Watching live I thought Durham had a poor game and now that I look at the stat sheet its even worse than I thought. Does the gut running every week (we love him for that) but he's not impactful (had no i50s and just 2 SIs) and defensively 2 tackles and 3 intercept possessions. 80% TOG for 15 touches (@ 60% DE) and only 166 MG is a very poor return for a wingman.

I know we tried to play direct through the middle, and if Martin is pushing forward harder on one wing then you want a more more defensively measured wingman on the other, but we need to try something different there. Redman seems the logical choice.

I saw a suggestion that Voss should be the sub. Disagree. He's either in the 22 or he's in the VFL. He's on a roll and the minutes should keep flowing for him. Plus our sub should always be a utility or a pacey player (or both).

I like Davey but I also want to win games and vs Melb and then Pies we need a more accomplished small fwd who understands the system better, and has better poise. So Snelling comes in.

Changes: Jones for Voss, Weideman for Montgomerie (Langford moves fwd), Durham for Hobbs (can rotate wing position to Redman/Heppell/Shiel/McGrath if needed), Davey for Snelling

Four changes is a lot for a winning team, but we can't be stagnant as we trial & tweak our best 22

 

[fishardansin]

Your time would've been better spent on PornHub

Thanks for your input. Filed under douche.

 

[fishardansin]

If there's one thing Scott needs to learn out of the GWS game (and every other game so far this season) is that Langford is an absolute battler in defence but can play a key cog in an otherwise completely dysfunctional forward line. Trial Montgomerie, and play Langford as a rotating FF/high-HFF.

I was reticent to dropping Jones for Voss given Jones impressive gut running, but at the game yesterday it was like watching a dog chase a frisbee that never hits the ground. So definitely time for him to come out and sharpen his footy smarts in the VFL.

Durham and Martin's defensive positioning also needs a bit of work. Watching live I thought Durham had a poor game and now that I look at the stat sheet its even worse than I thought. Does the gut running every week (we love him for that) but he's not impactful (had no i50s and just 2 SIs) and defensively 2 tackles and 3 intercept possessions. 80% TOG for 15 touches (@ 60% DE) and only 166 MG is a very poor return for a wingman.

I know we tried to play direct through the middle, and if Martin is pushing forward harder on one wing then you want a more more defensively measured wingman on the other, but we need to try something different there. Redman seems the logical choice.

I saw a suggestion that Voss should be the sub. Disagree. He's either in the 22 or he's in the VFL. He's on a roll and the minutes should keep flowing for him. Plus our sub should always be a utility or a pacey player (or both).

I like Davey but I also want to win games and vs Melb and then Pies we need a more accomplished small fwd who understands the system better, and has better poise. So Snelling comes in.

Changes: Jones for Voss, Weideman for Montgomerie (Langford moves fwd), Durham for Hobbs (can rotate wing position to Redman/Heppell/Shiel/McGrath if needed), Davey for Snelling

Four changes is a lot for a winning team, but we can't be stagnant as we trial & tweak our best 22

Is Durham injured? Otherwise a ridiculous post.

 

[Lore]

Scott keeps saying he won’t bring Voss in until he can stay in… which means there will need to be a long term available spot in the side, not just a week while Weideman is excluded for concussion.

And I imagine that if he applies that logic to Voss, then the same applies to all the other kids: Jones, Perkins, Davey, Hobbs etc. it seems unlikely that he’d drop any of them unless he had to.

 

[fishardansin]

I do not mind this but I am not seeing Voss as CHF. Maybe CHF needs to be Langford if we are leaving Jones out. Voss has played deep forward so far this year and continual leading at the footy has not been his strong point. I think if they play Voss it may be from the bench and in the Stringer / Ruck ( FWD ) rotations

I think rucks showed enough to be the kick down the line. Following that Voss, Stinger and Langford offer enough marking options who also tackle and chase.

When it is a slow play and there will be a long kick to the hotspot we can have both ruckmen there.

If Jones was effecting the contest a bit better then, his running power and height would be a weapon. He's not, so I'd prefer to have 2 or 3 strong bodied medium size forwards who offer more than just their marking AND a resting ruck as the kick down the line.

I don't think it is the long term option, clearly we have Wright on a 4 year deal. However, having Jones run around and be ineffectual will be detrimental for his long term development, as well as offering the team very little. It means he grows up with lower expectations than what he could set in VFL. 15 KM should equate to 10+ marks and similar amount of score involvements, on top of dragging a KPD out of zone and running him ragged.

While it is a few weeks before Reid and Cox are back, it would be great to have a synergy built with a spine of Reid, Hayes, Bryan, Cox and Jones in VFL, alongside Baldwin and Voss.

Jones should be playing games with thr expectation of tearing them apart, not just running around and making lots of contests where he is essentially inefectual.

That is how we make the long term list calls on them. For the back half of the year, Montgomerie, Weiderman and Snelling should be playing AFL so we make the long term calls on them.

 

[Godzke]

Thanks for your input. Filed under douche.

I haven't heard of that category on PH but good luck with your searches

 

[fishardansin]

Scott keeps saying he won’t bring Voss in until he can stay in… which means there will need to be a long term available spot in the side, not just a week while Weideman is excluded for concussion.

And I imagine that if he applies that logic to Voss, then the same applies to all the other kids: Jones, Perkins, Davey, Hobbs etc. it seems unlikely that he’d drop any of them unless he had to.

I still think Voss should have a game and we should give Wederman 2 weeks off and play him for those. Yes go back and win a VFL flag with the spine I mentioned above, but at least have a taste.

I think there is a spot for Hobbs in the side. Him and Caldwell can both play agreesive inside mid and small forward role. For that reason I'd replace Davey with Hobbs. Davey and Wanganeen should be competing to go past Menzies.

We need one more inside extractor/tackler alongside Setters to feed Parish, Merret and Shiel, and the outside run of Martin and Durham to have a high grade midfield.

 

[fishardansin]

I haven't heard of that category on PH but good luck with your searches

Use German keyboard.

 

[jdstorm]

in terms of the forward line. I really like Draper there. Feels like he plays a bit like stringer but has the actual size to match it (almost like a more mobile Kale Hooker from 2 years ago) with KPDs unlike stringer who gets overpowered by those guys

Assuming everyone returns healthy. The best forward line is probably

KPF 1 Wright
KPF2 Draper
3rd Langford
Resting Mid/HF (Caldwell)
SF Perkins
SF Tippa
F7 Stringer

This week With so many injuries I think I’d bring in Voss to play on may. Both are very physical players and May is the standard Voss has to reach. May as well give him a look at the matchup.

 

[Beerfish]

Scott keeps saying he won’t bring Voss in until he can stay in… which means there will need to be a long term available spot in the side, not just a week while Weideman is excluded for concussion.

And I imagine that if he applies that logic to Voss, then the same applies to all the other kids: Jones, Perkins, Davey, Hobbs etc. it seems unlikely that he’d drop any of them unless he had to.

The masses aren't going to like that

 

[Lore]

The masses aren't going to like that

I’ve noticed

 

[Gabe251]

Jones not getting dropped

 

[dank420_]

How the hell is anyone dropping both Weid and Jones lmao.

Weid out basically guarantees Jones gets picked

 

[Howard Moon]

I hate the footy cliche of 'we always seem to match up well on them' even when the players are totally different in a new era, but for whatever reason we seem to grow a leg vs this mob when they are up and we are down, and they used to grow a leg against us when we were better.

Also don't mind playing them in Adelaide, it's akin to those games they used to sell in the Alice or wherever and lose to plebs.

Not saying we will go in under $4 or anything but im saying it could be worse, I don't mind the set up

 

[kelvin_sheedy]

Look to get Weideman and Heppell out. Davey not ready and needs to be managed, maybe a week off.

Think Hobbs and Snelling are doing enough to get a game and I think we'll need a bit more mongrel against the Dees. The other spot is a raffle.

 

[ghostdog]

Maybe time to give Alwyn a rest. Snello in for the defensive pressure and composure.

Is Walla match-fit?

 

[TheWeapon]

Think I wouldn't make too many changes, try and give this group some continuity
Laverde on watch with some costly mistakes against GWS but no one in the VFL really ready to take his spot yet
Jones needs to provide a better physical contest in the air
Would like to squeeze Hobbs in but hasn't been dominant enough at VFL to warrant pushing out anyone from the midfield
Davey Jr and Menzie are essential for our forward pressure, play them if fit. AMT maybe next week if really going well in VFL

In: Voss
Out: Weideman

B: Ridley BZT Kelly
HB Redman Laverde McGrath
C Durham Merrett Martin
HF Caldwell Stringer Perkins
F Davey Jr Jones Menzie
R Draper Setterfield Parish
I: Phillips Shiel Langford Voss
Sub: Heppell

 

[Cold Sober]

Maybe time to give Alwyn a rest. Snello in for the defensive pressure and composure.

Is Walla match-fit?

Save Walla for Collingwood, needs one more in the magoos.