I was starting to comment on the 'Round 1 team' thread and then thought we probably need a preview thread, so have brought a few of my comments from there over to here. I have created this to get the ball rolling. It is more of a discussion starter rather than a comprehensive preview.
The 23, barring injury, seems pretty clear:
B: Michalanney, Butts, Worrell
HB: Milera, Keane, Hinge
C: Soligo, Dawson, Jones
HF: Berry, Walker, Keays
F: Rachele, Fogarty, Pedlar
R: O'Brien, Crouch, Rankine
I: Smith, Laird, Sholl, Burgess
Sub: Murphy
Some have suggested that Berry might start as sub. With the surface likely to be a bit greasy in a night game on the Gold Coast, I think Berry should be, and probably will be, in the starting 22, for his contested work and tackling. Barring injury I think we have the 23. Who will be the sub is somewhat intriguing.
Gold Coast were impressive against Richmond, although Richmond were a bit undermanned. Richmond came back a little, but Gold Coast were always in control and possibly took the foot off the pedal a little. Hardwick's influence, with the pressure, particularly up forward, was evident.
Gold Coast have talent all over the ground, but so do we now. They have some very dangerous forwards. Butts will probably take King, and Keane on the very dangerous Jack Lukosius. Does Max Michalanney get the gig on the exciting Malcolm Rosas?
Plenty of talent on display from both sides in the middle. Against the likes of Anderson, the eye catching Touk Miller and Rowell, we have Laird, Dawson, and Crouch. Both bat deep and can rotate plenty though there. Rankine looks exciting for us and can add the x-factor and flair we have been lacking; Pedlar, while still a work in progress who has to increase his possession count provides some burst, and Rachele looks to have plenty of upside. Berry gives us extra grunt, good depth and run, if he can continue his pre season form. He too can play forward if need be. So plenty of depth and flexibiliity.
We know our forward line has a good balance of talls and smalls, even with Thilthorpe out. I am looking forward to having a very good look at Burgess, likely to debut for the Crows, against his old team. He certainly will know the conditions.
I think us having the week to observe them and then plan will help us be prepared. We will not be taken by surprise or ambushed. We know what we are up against, that it is a challenge, and will take nothing for granted. I am sure plenty of thinking and planning is taking place.
That the game is taking place at night means the heat wont be such a factor as there is no direct sun. With humidity, however, it will still be taxing. They are used to this. We have been doing heat training also, courtesy of our hot March, and are fit.
We havn't travelled well of late, and this is something the club has been concerned about, focusing on and addressing over the off season. We are hungry, really want to make a statement and feel entitled after the controversial end to the last game of last season.
This game has all the hallmarks of being a real arm wrestle. I think we will run over them late to win by a few goals, perhaps even a fraction more.
The 23, barring injury, seems pretty clear:
B: Michalanney, Butts, Worrell
HB: Milera, Keane, Hinge
C: Soligo, Dawson, Jones
HF: Berry, Walker, Keays
F: Rachele, Fogarty, Pedlar
R: O'Brien, Crouch, Rankine
I: Smith, Laird, Sholl, Burgess
Sub: Murphy
Some have suggested that Berry might start as sub. With the surface likely to be a bit greasy in a night game on the Gold Coast, I think Berry should be, and probably will be, in the starting 22, for his contested work and tackling. Barring injury I think we have the 23. Who will be the sub is somewhat intriguing.
Gold Coast were impressive against Richmond, although Richmond were a bit undermanned. Richmond came back a little, but Gold Coast were always in control and possibly took the foot off the pedal a little. Hardwick's influence, with the pressure, particularly up forward, was evident.
Gold Coast have talent all over the ground, but so do we now. They have some very dangerous forwards. Butts will probably take King, and Keane on the very dangerous Jack Lukosius. Does Max Michalanney get the gig on the exciting Malcolm Rosas?
Plenty of talent on display from both sides in the middle. Against the likes of Anderson, the eye catching Touk Miller and Rowell, we have Laird, Dawson, and Crouch. Both bat deep and can rotate plenty though there. Rankine looks exciting for us and can add the x-factor and flair we have been lacking; Pedlar, while still a work in progress who has to increase his possession count provides some burst, and Rachele looks to have plenty of upside. Berry gives us extra grunt, good depth and run, if he can continue his pre season form. He too can play forward if need be. So plenty of depth and flexibiliity.
We know our forward line has a good balance of talls and smalls, even with Thilthorpe out. I am looking forward to having a very good look at Burgess, likely to debut for the Crows, against his old team. He certainly will know the conditions.
I think us having the week to observe them and then plan will help us be prepared. We will not be taken by surprise or ambushed. We know what we are up against, that it is a challenge, and will take nothing for granted. I am sure plenty of thinking and planning is taking place.
That the game is taking place at night means the heat wont be such a factor as there is no direct sun. With humidity, however, it will still be taxing. They are used to this. We have been doing heat training also, courtesy of our hot March, and are fit.
We havn't travelled well of late, and this is something the club has been concerned about, focusing on and addressing over the off season. We are hungry, really want to make a statement and feel entitled after the controversial end to the last game of last season.
This game has all the hallmarks of being a real arm wrestle. I think we will run over them late to win by a few goals, perhaps even a fraction more.
