Preview Round 12, 2018: St.Kilda v Sydney - Etihad Stadium, Saturday 9th June, 7:25PM AEST *2018 PRIDE GAME*

[cooperg]

Langlands and Connellan can't get a touch in the reserves...0% chance. Connellan is trash and Langlands has done nothing at all so far.

OUT: Geary, Lonie.

IN: Coffield, Connellan/Paton/Langlands.

The Swans defence is excellent, and beautifully drilled, but they’re not quick. Let the Irishman or the youngsters come in and throw an insanely rapid cat amongst the pigeons.

Make ‘em RUN!

 

[cooperg]

Had Bruce in my ins before but he is playing managed mins in the VFL for probably till after the bye.

INS: Coff, Meatball, Armo & Battle (for height)
OUTS: Geary (INJ), Lonie, McCartin, Clark (Rested).

 

[Sainttony]

We can beat them. The last quarter would give them confidence. If we start well we can do them.


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[King_Steele]

Savage is never going to be dropped and nor should he you peanuts.

More to do with his one on one defensive work than his attacking game of half back, but I agree.

 

[Greg1853]

The reason is Longmire would simply make Heeney go to Billings if he was playing Half back.

Then when Sydney were coming of half back Franklin would lead up the ground and Heeney would drag
Billings to the goal square .They will do the same tactic if Savage playing off Half back too .
Or anybody that is weak defensively that is why we get killed by Sydney year in year out.

Lonie offers nothing if not played on the ball for minutes , we have the smallest number of rotations for
midfield group in the AFL this is consistent with Richo’s tenure , we fatigue opposition get on top we fall
away.
That is why when teams get on top of Stkilda for last 5 years they kick a lot of goals in a row.

Sydney love teams that play fast footy overuse by handball , they score on turnover and Stkilda are their
bunnies because we never change including bombing the ball to their extra behind the ball.

I was really concerned about running out the game last week, but I needn't have.. We appeared to rotate a few more through the middle on the weekend, do you think this happened, and do you think this contributed to running the game out.

When we don't have Dunstan in the side, I feel we are more flexible as he either plays midfield or is on the bench. I know most have Dunstan in our top handful of players (I don't), but I don't think it hurt having him out on the weekend.

I also feel that on the weekend we did a mixture of quick ball movement, but when not on, looked to chip it or switch it with due thought. Whilst we still choose poor options quite often, it just looks like players are thinking a bit more for themselves, rather than doing the same thing everytime.

 

[BrutThough]

I was really concerned about running out the game last week, but I needn't have.. We appeared to rotate a few more through the middle on the weekend, do you think this happened, and do you think this contributed to running the game out.

When we don't have Dunstan in the side, I feel we are more flexible as he either plays midfield or is on the bench. I know most have Dunstan in our top handful of players (I don't), but I don't think it hurt having him out on the weekend.

I also feel that on the weekend we did a mixture of quick ball movement, but when not on, looked to chip it or switch it with due thought. Whilst we still choose poor options quite often, it just looks like players are thinking a bit more for themselves, rather than doing the same thing everytime.

Dunstan has been spending some time in the backline recently, so he can be versatile when needed. He is also a pretty good kick for goal so no reason why we cant rest him forward while Hunter spends time in the middle.

 

[Stewart66]

I was really concerned about running out the game last week, but I needn't have.. We appeared to rotate a few more through the middle on the weekend, do you think this happened, and do you think this contributed to running the game out.

When we don't have Dunstan in the side, I feel we are more flexible as he either plays midfield or is on the bench. I know most have Dunstan in our top handful of players (I don't), but I don't think it hurt having him out on the weekend.

I also feel that on the weekend we did a mixture of quick ball movement, but when not on, looked to chip it or switch it with due thought. Whilst we still choose poor options quite often, it just looks like players are thinking a bit more for themselves, rather than doing the same thing everytime.

We ran the game out for mine because we had younger players in back half who used the ball by foot.
Austin comes from a Port Adelaide system , takes the game on big risk , big reward.
Dunstan is a gun for me ...love him , some other (STK )players pick & choose for effort for mine.
There are reasons why Luke has been a Captain for most of his younger playing years , they rave about him
in South Australia with Sharenberg who is at Collingwood.

White , Rice have played together for years ...no fear, tough, take risks confident in their skills
Richardson tried something different with Clark got rewarded .
Sinclair is an elite wingman confident in playing that role , unforgivable playing him small forward position .

Ps Luke Dunstan got 14 possessions against Pendlebury, Treloar, Adams in 2nd Quarter famed Collingwood midfield this year.

 

[Greg1853]

We ran the game out for mine because we had younger players in back half who used the ball by foot.
Austin comes from a Port Adelaide system , takes the game on big risk , big reward.
Dunstan is a gun for me ...love him , some other (STK )players pick & choose for effort for mine.
There are reasons why Luke has been a Captain for most of his younger playing years , they rave about him
in South Australia with Sharenberg who is at Collingwood.

White , Rice have played together for years ...no fear, tough, take risks confident in their skills
Richardson tried something different with Clark got rewarded .
Sinclair is an elite wingman confident in playing that role , unforgivable playing him small forward position .

Ps Luke Dunstan got 14 possessions against Pendlebury, Treloar, Adams in 2nd Quarter famed Collingwood midfield this year.

Understand all of what you are saying. Your argument does not need to be strengthened by pointing out a qtr of a player's career. I appreciate Dunstan's positives, just pointing out other things, and my concern with his possessions is not the nbr, but what he does with them, but on the issue being discussed, was just pointing out how we seemed to cover the ground more freely on the weekend, and that is something Dunstan has struggled with to date, hence his low TOG numbers.

 

[Greg1853]

Dunstan has been spending some time in the backline recently, so he can be versatile when needed. He is also a pretty good kick for goal so no reason why we cant rest him forward while Hunter spends time in the middle.

Not a fan of him in backline, but I am comfortable with him forward for limited times, but the coaches don't appear to agree. Just a tough one for me as he seems to have the same level of natural athleticism as myself (read nil), so takes very few marks, and can't recall him spoiling much as well. Anyway, getting into nit picky stuff which wasn't my intention (especially at this time of night). Clearly I am looking for a diversion whilst pretending to work.

 

[saint_]

Probably one of the rare opportunities were you can add an extra inside contested midfielder to the team as the swans balance is more inside than out. Although we do need to respect their good ball users in McVeigh and Lloyd considering we are a poor forward pressure team.

 

[Spaceship7]

Don't think I will ever understand why people on here hate Sav. Why on earth would the club drop someone who just had the most kicks on the team and went at 88% with only 1 clanger (only 2 saints with 0). What message does that send to the group.

For the year he has had our - 3rd most touches, 2nd most marks, 2nd most bounces, 2nd most rebound 50s.... he is one of our best players.

And for those saying play the kids the dude just turned 27 (not old) and injuries down back read like a best 22 backline
geary brown gilbert
roberton carlisle rice

If we drop savage and run a backline where the most experienced player is Webster then next is Logan Austin I'll eat my hat

 

[Saint Watto]

St.Kilda have been much much better over the past few weeks and will be looking to continue to improve as the season progresses. Sydney on paper are a far more experienced and talented side and ultimately I think they will win the game but I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints hang with them for most of the night. An upset is unlikely but wouldn't be TOO far out of the question, and would be absolutely massive for the playing group.

Great preview there George with great pics.

 

[MOLTEN GANGLANDS]

i feel like dunstan can have really good games, and really average games, and there's not much separating them but it's noticeable. A few missed targets and lower pos count.. he can be quite good, we were praising him when he was came in this year. Still think he's captain material if he can continue to improve his game. But he would want to keep improving or he'll be overtaken.

the one thing with dunstan, spreading isn't his strong suit, but this year he's improved in that area, he's gotta keep improving in that area

 

[Stewart66]

Understand all of what you are saying. Your argument does not need to be strengthened by pointing out a qtr of a player's career. I appreciate Dunstan's positives, just pointing out other things, and my concern with his possessions is not the nbr, but what he does with them, but on the issue being discussed, was just pointing out how we seemed to cover the ground more freely on the weekend, and that is something Dunstan has struggled with to date, hence his low TOG numbers.

To me Luke & M Crouch are very similar players yet outside noise lots of people rave about M Crouch
Both work in progress with their skills but to me he is a guy who just wants to be better and will be in time.

Think a lot strategy work Luke does around the coal face of stoppages is unnoticed , for both Luke &
Steele are used poorly by our midfield coaching setup for me.
Seb Ross is a sweeper type player , who when given time and space executes by foot with composure
yet he is asked to play the role that Dunstan & Steele should , unfortunately Seb’s footskills have been off.
Acres for me is played out of position too , should be playing exactly the same role that Josh Kennedy ,
Clayton Oliver , Patrick Cripps do win ball at stoppage release handball to runners & when tired rest
as goal kicking forward.( A role he has played most of his junior career doing prior to StKilda )
Lots of criticism of Luke not winning enough possessions was reason I mentioned Collingwood game,
has ability to accumulate , but he does things like block for runners & tackle with everything he has.

Listen to Jack Sinclair post game says he felt great playing role that he is confident with.
( Why has coaching group played him out of position for most of this year )

 

[Connorn99]

Had Bruce in my ins before but he is playing managed mins in the VFL for probably till after the bye.

INS: Coff, Meatball, Armo & Battle (for height)
OUTS: Geary (INJ), Lonie, McCartin, Clark (Rested).

God I'm happy you're not on selection committee.

 

[Stewart66]

I personally have no problem if Heeney lines up on Billings. I absolutely rate Heeney's marking for his size, but the role Billings has played the last month he has not been near the half forward line when it comes in at a reasonable pace. On the weekend Lonie and Gresham were the smalls deep, and Billings up the ground roaming somewhat, using the wings and deep flanks. He didn't get a lot of stats, but ran hard, and was a key contributor to 4 goals. 3 being in our first 6, so a useful contribution.

I am not going to defend his overall form, as it is below what he should be producing, but it is ok, he is playing his role, and bringing class to some forward entries (notice I did not say class to finishing).

So, if he keeps Heeney busy, and preferably out of the half forward/forward marking contests, and build on his recent weeks, I see no reason to not continue to back him in his current role.

Coaches have to help Billings , the best way for mine is Old School with support in VFL
We are not going to play finals , his confidence for mine is shot , free his mind up .
Looks like he has weight of the world on his shoulders.

Nathan Buckley said something really interesting about football , which I thought was spot on.
He said young players perform a lot better when the game is stripped back for them & when kicking
at goal , have a mindset of spontaneous indifference when they kick towards goal they relax .

 

[Hubnester]

Savage is never going to be dropped and nor should he you peanuts.

Say why idiot...

Pull your head in mate, if you can't contribute here without insulting people go back to shit posting on facebook

 

[Greg1853]

Coaches have to help Billings , the best way for mine is Old School with support in VFL
We are not going to play finals , his confidence for mine is shot , free his mind up .
Looks like he has weight of the world on his shoulders.

Nathan Buckley said something really interesting about football , which I thought was spot on.
He said young players perform a lot better when the game is stripped back for them & when kicking
at goal , have a mindset of spontaneous indifference when they kick towards goal they relax .

Agree with everything except I think Billings has got past the worst of it, and I believe he played on the weekend with freedom.
Helps with bigger grounds and the side starting to improve and move the ball better, but still got burnt with poor kicks when open a couple of times.
Time will tell.

Look at Membrey kicking for the goal on the weekend. As far as I'm concerned, went back to action that has got him to where he is, relaxed, trusted that this would work, and for god's sake, kicked some goals.

Sincs played with freedom for a better result. I think you coudl even see it with Steele.

Probably all over the ground, but those who have struggled so far this year (and arguably all the ones played out of position, or over coached) such as sincs, steele, billings, etc, I feel have relaxed and are just trusting they have the goods. Sometimes comes when the coach knows he is gone, so just relaxes himself. Not sure?

 

[austinnn]

Say why idiot...

Why would you drop McCartin right now, fella is just starting to get going. He needs to take care of his head but if he's good to go, he needs to get out there and impose himself like he's been starting to. Battle will get his chance.

Lonie stuffed up in a couple of crucial stages but other than that he did alright. We need a good crumber while Long is out. Meatball would more likely come in for Weller.

Clark just had his best game of the year, why not give him another crack in the coalface? Certainly would be outraged to replace him with Armo; hate to break it to you but Armo is done.

Coffield in might work out.

Frankly I'd keep changes fairly minimal. This is as close to being on a roll as the Saints have been this year, there hasn't been a lot of stability.

OUT
Geary

IN
Dunstan

 

[Lightsxo]

Say why idiot...

Meatball and Armo in while Hunter and Paddy out?

Meatball is a decent VFL player and Armo bless him is cooked at AFL level, Paddy played a decent game against West Coast, popped up in defence with random contested marks and generally presented very well. Hunter was close to our best player, can’t see why we rest him one week before the bye

Playing Armo reduces Hunters time in the guts and I’ll be honest Hunters game last week was better than anything Armo has shown since 2015

 

[Greg1853]

To me Luke & M Crouch are very similar players yet outside noise lots of people rave about M Crouch
Both work in progress with their skills but to me he is a guy who just wants to be better and will be in time.

Think a lot strategy work Luke does around the coal face of stoppages is unnoticed , for both Luke &
Steele are used poorly by our midfield coaching setup for me.
Seb Ross is a sweeper type player , who when given time and space executes by foot with composure
yet he is asked to play the role that Dunstan & Steele should , unfortunately Seb’s footskills have been off.
Acres for me is played out of position too , should be playing exactly the same role that Josh Kennedy ,
Clayton Oliver , Patrick Cripps do win ball at stoppage release handball to runners & when tired rest
as goal kicking forward.( A role he has played most of his junior career doing prior to StKilda )
Lots of criticism of Luke not winning enough possessions was reason I mentioned Collingwood game,
has ability to accumulate , but he does things like block for runners & tackle with everything he has.

Listen to Jack Sinclair post game says he felt great playing role that he is confident with.
( Why has coaching group played him out of position for most of this year )

Very astute comments. Agree 100%. 110% re acres. Understand exactly what you are saying re: blocking/tackling by Dunstan. Just wish he had better disposal, as his ball drop is atrocious, he has no left side, and his composure in tight detracts from disposal as well. He also runs past on his right side, and then has to double back around onto left foot. I always shake my head hat AFL players do this. Just nitpicking though, and I see what you see re: positives, but just feel a bit stronger about the negatives.

Just made another post about how sincs and steele are playing better now that they are less out of position.

 

[Greg1853]

Why would you drop McCartin right now, fella is just starting to get going. He needs to take care of his head but if he's good to go, he needs to get out there and impose himself like he's been starting to. Battle will get his chance.

Lonie stuffed up in a couple of crucial stages but other than that he did alright. We need a good crumber while Long is out. Meatball would more likely come in for Weller.

Clark just had his best game of the year, why not give him another crack in the coalface? Certainly would be outraged to replace him with Armo; hate to break it to you but Armo is done.

Coffield in might work out.

Frankly I'd keep changes fairly minimal. This is as close to being on a roll as the Saints have been this year, there hasn't been a lot of stability.

OUT
Geary

IN
Dunstan

Very good post. I think you can see clearer from France than some much closer to the action.

 

[hayes]

Say why idiot...

That’s not how we post here my friend you need to pull your head in.

 

[Human Person]

Have a bad feeling about this one. A thread bare defence against the swans, and in recent history Buddy has played like a schoolyard bully against the saints, he’ll be licking his lips.

If we’re taking it to them this weekend then it’ll need to be by winning in the middle, and locking it in our forward half. Their fast smalls, plus buddy, could eat us alive. Particularly due to the lack of experience down there.

 

[JG22]

Geary out, Brown & Carlisle still out.

Coffield & Clark both in the side as well as White, Rice, McCartin, McKenzie & co.

Great chance for the kids do take it right up to the Swans, hope we look to move the ball quickly out of defence.