Autopsy Nab Challenge: Match 1 - Hawthorn vs Collingwood (Feb 26 Aurora Stadium) - autopsy from page 18

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

Isn't Webby suspended? And Ando is good but probably can't hold down 2 possies....Also Suckers is well behind after his op and won't be ready for this.

Thank you Sir, changes made.

 

[Hawkinspired]

In a little over 3 weeks (23 days and counting) footy is back and what a great way to start with Hawthorn playing Collingwood at Aurora Stadium on Thursday 26th Febuary.

As always it will be exiting to see what young players can take that next step into our best 22. At the end of last season most would have thought it was a formality for Anderson and Whitecross to come back into the best 22, but Hurtung and Woodward have been strong performers in the off season. O'Rourke is a smooth mover but can he out perform the above? Hardisty also making an impact early on. I think Simpkin will find it tough to get games this year. Hallahan lost to Gold Coast.

I'll be interested how we manage the backline this year. It was such a weakness a few years ago and become such a strength so quickly. Frawley joins the Grand Final line up with Lake, Stratton, Gibson, Birchall, Duryea, Spangher and Suckling. You probably loose Spangher for Frawley but then Schoenmakers and the newly signed Litherland will be pressing hard. Heatherly and Brand also improving dramatically but probably another year off. Cheney has been lost to Adelaide but won't be missed with the emerging depth. Look for Duryea to get more midfield time. Suckling also versatile.

In the Ruck Pittonet replaces Lowden but will need some development as McEvoy, Ceglar and Hale battle it out for two spots. Ceglar would be out to prove a point after missing the GF and would be eying off a round one spot.

Rioli was barely sighted last year so hopefully he can stay on the park this year and kick a bag of goals. Anderson and Whitecross would likely spend some time forward if they can break into the side. It's a fairly settled line up in the forward line with the Hawk Fork, Bruest, Roughead and Gunston. Grimley on his last chance with O'Brien seemingly overtaking him despite being pretty raw still. I'm really looking forward to watching Sicily play, he's something special.

Despite loosing a few depth players I feel our depth is still pretty solid easily having 30 solid players.

I haven't followed much from the Collingwood perspective so please add if your in the know.

I'd like to see the following line up, it's pretty young so expect a few more experienced players.

B: Litherland - Frawley - Heatherly
HB: Duryea - Brand - O'Rourke
C: Anderson - Woodward - Hartung
HF: Sicily - O'Brien - Whitecross
F: Willsmore - Tatapu - Bruest
R: Ceglar - Shiels - Langford
I: Schoenmakers - Grimley - Hardisty - McEvoy - Webster - Simpkin

 

[Procrastinator35]

Anxious to see both of O'Rourke & Hardisty in action for us.

Will be keeping a close eye out for the progress of Heatherley, Sicily, Willsmore & O'Brien.....All of whom have a big upside for mine.

Bring it on, it can't come soon enuf!

 

[Millsie69]

In a little over 3 weeks (23 days and counting) footy is back and what a great way to start with Hawthorn playing Collingwood at Aurora Stadium on Thursday 26th Febuary.

As always it will be exiting to see what young players can take that next step into our best 22. At the end of last season most would have thought it was a formality for Anderson and Whitecross to come back into the best 22, but Hurtung and Woodward have been strong performers in the off season. O'Rourke is a smooth mover but can he out perform the above? Hardisty also making an impact early on. I think Simpkin will find it tough to get games this year. Hallahan lost to Gold Coast.

I'll be interested how we manage the backline this year. It was such a weakness a few years ago and become such a strength so quickly. Frawley joins the Grand Final line up with Lake, Stratton, Gibson, Birchall, Duryea, Spangher and Suckling. You probably loose Spangher for Frawley but then Schoenmakers and the newly signed Litherland will be pressing hard. Heatherly and Brand also improving dramatically but probably another year off. Cheney has been lost to Adelaide but won't be missed with the emerging depth. Look for Duryea to get more midfield time. Suckling also versatile.

In the Ruck Pittonet replaces Lowden but will need some development as McEvoy, Ceglar and Hale battle it out for two spots. Ceglar would be out to prove a point after missing the GF and would be eying off a round one spot.

Rioli was barely sighted last year so hopefully he can stay on the park this year and kick a bag of goals. Anderson and Whitecross would likely spend some time forward if they can break into the side. It's a fairly settled line up in the forward line with the Hawk Fork, Bruest, Roughead and Gunston. Grimley on his last chance with O'Brien seemingly overtaking him despite being pretty raw still. I'm really looking forward to watching Sicily play, he's something special.

Despite loosing a few depth players I feel our depth is still pretty solid easily having 30 solid players.

I haven't followed much from the Collingwood perspective so please add if your in the know.

I'd like to see the following line up, it's pretty young so expect a few more experienced players.

B: Litherland - Frawley - Heatherly
HB: Duryea - Brand - O'Rourke
C: Anderson - Woodward - Hartung
HF: Sicily - O'Brien - Whitecross
F: Willsmore - Tatapu - Bruest
R: Ceglar - Shiels - Langford
I: Schoenmakers - Grimley - Hardisty - McEvoy - Webster - Simpkin

I think we'd all love to see this line up but surely there's next to no chance of it coming to fruition. There'll be a decent amount of experienced campaigners added to the mix you'd think.

 

[Dewnior]

I think we'd all love to see this line up but surely there's next to no chance of it coming to fruition. There'll be a decent amount of experienced campaigners added to the mix you'd think.

Agree. The club will be keen to ensure the likely 22 to face the Cats get at least one hitout prior.

 

[HODGEYROAD]

If healthy will be a strong lineup id say only matches in the lead up to a huge Easter Monday clash and we don't want to be underdone.

 

[Hodginator]

I can't see Whitey, Anderson or Tatapu playing.

 

[Agent Smith]

Our first outing for the year should have a number of experienced players combined with a sprinkling of youth. I'd expect to see only one of Hodge, Mitchell or Silk lining up against Collingwood (if any). Lake and Gibbo probably won't play either. On the other hand, I can see us experimenting with a ruck combo of Ceglar and Pittonet and giving O'Rourke and Frawley every opportunity to blend into the Hawthorn style of play. Due to niggling injuries and those not quite 100% as yet, I doubt Spangh, Whitey or Sizzle will play, but it provides the opportunity for guys like Lithers, Sicily and the Jedi to hit the field, and it's guys like this that will peak my interest. Hopefully, they all play good games and walk away injury free.

Edit: Hardisty might be another newbie coming off the bench as reward for his pre-season form thus far.

 

[Hawkinspired]

Yeah it's anyone's guess as to what the side will be. What's important is we don't have any major injuries to speak of. Collingwood got smashed with injuries last year and would have had a lot of post season surgeries. I wonder how they are tracking?

 

[Agent Smith]

Yeah it's anyone's guess as to what the side will be. What's important is we don't have any major injuries to speak of. Collingwood got smashed with injuries last year and would have had a lot of post season surgeries. I wonder how they are tracking?

Just watch any news service. They all still think ratings = Collingwood fluff story. I tend to tune out when the nightly Collingwood pre-season talk is on but I think the team is currently in the land of the long white cloud, training awesomely amongst a backdrop of beautiful mountain ranges and ready to take on all comers this season... or some shit like that. Yawn fest.

 

[Roughies Boys]

Isn't Webby suspended? And Ando is good but probably can't hold down 2 possies....Also Suckers is well behind after his op and won't be ready for this.

Why couldn't he hold down two Possies???

Don't know if Howe will be ready...

 

[HODGEYROAD]

20 days to go can't ****ing wait.

 

[WWSD]

Even though the AFL have scheduled this game on Thursday, we should still get a fairly decent crowd. Looking forward to seeing Hartung and O'Rourke feature throughout the Nab Challenge series.

 

[rdhopkins2]

Beers before the game?
Has anyone been to Hoops Sports Bar in Boronia? It has a heap of screens and I could probably arrange some drink/meal specials for those interested.

 

[Thaihawk]

Do you think the AFL gives a rat's arse about the fans wanting to go and see it? They want Thursday night footy, so they schedule it. For some reason, they think that spreading games throughout the week is good for the game. The yanks do it and it seems to make money, so it must be good for us. What they do not seem to realise is that the sum total of footy fans in Australia is not sufficient to make a squillion out of Thursday Night Football.

Frankly, I still cannot understand why we need to play a round of matches over 3 days, let alone 4 or 5. Saturday and Sunday afternoons is when most people would venture out for the game. And whoever suggested the GF be played at night needs a large carrot planted firmly up his/her arse. Some traditions should be left alone.

Dumb decision, but we are talking about the AFL, here. And consideration of the fans has never been part of their agenda.

PS Re your reference to Tony Abbott, well I have always been a Lib voter, but this last decision may well earn Abbott a place in vernacular history.

"You made a really bad decision. You are such an Abbott!"

So, if I say I feel like an Abbott, it doesn't mean I have sexual tendencies towards a man of the cloth, but that I'm a bloody idiot. Right?

 

[HODGEYROAD]

Beers before the game?
Has anyone been to Hoops Sports Bar in Boronia? It has a heap of screens and I could probably arrange some drink/meal specials for those interested.

I live in baysie is it decent ? Might check it out at some point this season.

 

[arupist]

So, if I say I feel like an Abbott, it doesn't mean I have sexual tendencies towards a man of the cloth, but that I'm a bloody idiot. Right?

Haha. Indeed.

 

[Procrastinator35]

And whoever suggested the GF be played at night needs a large carrot planted firmly up his/her arse. Some traditions should be left alone.

Dumb decision, but we are talking about the AFL, here. And consideration of the fans has never been part of their agenda.

AGREED!.....Please re-post that on the main board!

According to Gills' mission statement, The AFL is now listening to the fans!

 

[GinniAndTonic]

When do the sides come out ?
Also does anyone think hardisty will play an official AFL game this year ?

 

[RobHawk]

For Christmas my wife bought tickets for us to The Eagles concert. It happens to be on the same day as the NAB match. As much as I love The Eagles and ofcourse my wife I would rather watch the game on telly. I am a sad case

 

[Mitchell Madness]

For Christmas my wife bought tickets for us to The Eagles concert. It happens to be on the same day as the NAB match. As much as I love The Eagles and ofcourse my wife I would rather watch the game on telly. I am a sad case

Surely there'll be TVs at the concert with it on?
You nick out to the toilet, watch the game, then head back in 20 or so mins later

Preparing your wife saying you're unwell the day off will ensure no questions are asked

 

[RobHawk]

Surely there'll be TVs at the concert with it on?
You nick out to the toilet, watch the game, then head back in 20 or so mins later

Preparing your wife saying you're unwell the day off will ensure no questions are asked

Thanks MM for the advice.Maybe my daughters can text me reports if phones can be left on.Why do I keep humming Desperado in my head

 

[Fulgent]

Will there be an expanded bench or will it be the standard 3 plus 1 sub?

I don't think we'll load up too much with young players but think we'll give a core of 4 or 5 up and comers a run in games 1 & 2 and maybe give another couple a game a taste. I think one of our priorities should be to induct Frawley into our gameplan and that we need some of the senior blokes around him to do so. I'd also like to see us put O'Brien and Schoenmakers up forward without Roughead (for at least part of the games) as he is the one bloke we struggle to replace. I'm also looking forward to seeing Hartung get a game and O'Rourke too.

 

[Gene Simmons]

Thursday night match. I won't be going, doubt there will be big crowd.

Hawks vs anyone else would get a crowd close around 10k

I think having the one off opportunity to see Collingwood play in Tassie will draw a decent crowd 15k+

 

[rdhopkins2]

I live in baysie is it decent ? Might check it out at some point this season.

Good little joint, plenty of room for us.

Otherwise we could do the traditional Glenferrie.