Round 14 vs Melbourne Pre-Game Discussion thread

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Let's try and keep it all in here if possible rather than have 30 threads covering every random thought throughout the week.

Melbourne were very unlucky this weekend and we were woeful. A new caretaker coach, the Dees will be keen to impress but we have had the wood over them recently and are sure to get several rockets up us during the week.

We are running out of depth fast but surely someone has to pay for today and feel the axe.

Fortunately we are on the G this week and have won 3 of 4 games played on the hallowed turf this year, the only loss being a fighting one to the Pies.

 

[Jeremias]

This is a game that we can win. Hopefully we come out really hungry and willing to atone for the last 2 weeks.

Melbourne are vulnerable and with a new coach, so they won't nearly be at their best.

Players to watch out for: McLean, Davey, Neitz, Robbo.
McLean-Bentick
Davey-Gibbs
Neitz-Setanta
Robbo-Thornton

 

[Bluebear]

Pagan flaggin some changes for next week:

"We know we have to get run into the side, and we've just got to see if there's any young blokes who play in our VFL side tomorrow who are prepared to run. That's probably been evident in both games."

I'd go further and send a message

Outs: Saddington, Fevola, Ackland
Ins: Hampsonn, Kennedy, Grigg

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

We won't drop Fev next week unfortunately. It is a very winnable game so we will want to have our experienced players all there just in case. After that though, it is all fair game.

 

[Bluebear]

We won't drop Fev next week unfortunately. It is a very winnable game so we will want to have our experienced players all there just in case. After that though, it is all fair game.

So if he comes out next week and we beat up on a weakling all is forgiven?

Is Fev to us what Plugger was to the saints............a weight around our neck?

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

No it is not forgiven, but I can see that Pagan will not want to coach for the future as his future is now extremely murky. He will be hoping Fev will stand up and make him look good. A 50/50 Fev is better than no Fev at all will be the reasoning.

 

[BlueDevil]

would i be right in saying a young master grigg will be in the team against the dee's no matter how he plays tomorrow?

also i doubt Neitz will play. his leg doesn't have a knee anymore after last night.

 

[Bluebear]

would i be right in saying a young master grigg will be in the team against the dee's no matter how he plays tomorrow?

also i doubt Neitz will play. his leg doesn't have a knee anymore after last night.

Neitz out for 3-4. Did some damage last night and can barely walk today.

Grigg or Anderson will be auditioning for the spot.

Could see Anderson running with Davey, but I think if Grigg puts some numbers oin the baord he may come in.......possibly for Saddington, who I have been a rap for, but is one of the senior players letting the kids down ATM.
Dees aren't as potent (talls wise) up forward with no Neitz, so for team balance Saddo could go for another mid.

With any luck Walker will be fit (not confident), so both these ins would add a lot of run.
Banno possibly to miss if Walker fit, but I wouldn't mind seing Banno get a shot at Robbo or Green.

 

[blues4flag]

Neitz out for 3-4. Did some damage last night and can barely walk today.

Grigg or Anderson will be auditioning for the spot.

Could see Anderson running with Davey, but I think if Grigg puts some numbers oin the baord he may come in.......possibly for Saddington, who I have been a rap for, but is one of the senior players letting the kids down ATM.
Dees aren't as potent (talls wise) up forward with no Neitz, so for team balance Saddo could go for another mid.

With any luck Walker will be fit (not confident), so both these ins would add a lot of run.
Banno possibly to miss if Walker fit, but I wouldn't mind seing Banno get a shot at Robbo or Green.

Would very much like to see Grigg, Walker and Anderson come into the side, for a number of reasons.

Firstly, the opposition in the last couple have really killed us in terms of running. Both the Hawks and Freo were fantastic running off half back and got a multitude of men free up the ground. Getting Walker, who we know is more than capable running and carrying the ball, as well as Grigg who supposedly is very good in this department also. We were found out with legspeed, and both these guys will help address that (obviously Walker will come in if fit).

Anderson, on the otherhand, is one whom I think will be very important to our structure in the future, and the more gametime we can get into him, the better. What we lack is a true small defender, capable with manning up on the faster, more elusive forwards, and while we've been making do with guys like Gibbs, Houlihan, Walker, ideally these guys won't have to be playing back down there (even though Gibbs is down there for development). Anderson, if he can come on, will be really helpful in a couple of years on the Farmer, Davey, Didak types and will free up our more attacking players to play further up the ground.

As much as I'm infuriated by Ackland's form, unfortunately our options are at the moment are very slim, and so we'll probably be forced to continue playing him. Aisake out injured, probably would have debuted last round or this and could have replaced Ackland, but that's no longer an option. Hampson, from the little I've seen of him in the seconds, is way too raw at the moment. Personally, I don't see him debuting until next season, or maybe a couple later in the year as he's just not ready. Ditto Jacobs, and anyway, I'm not so sure the club will want to elevate him so soon, unless Aisake's out for an extended period. Really, the only feasible ruck option we have is bringing Mclaren in, and he's no better than Cain. Probably wouldn't hurt to bring Mclaren in and give him a run, just to give Cain the message that he's gotta lift.

 

[Jeremias]

In most other weeks I'd consider droppoing Fev, purely to shove a rocket up his backside.

However, this is realistically a very winnable game for us, and it may be one of our only chances from here on in. We need this win, for the club, the players and the supporters. This game is VITAL. Fev is probably the only genuine match-winner we have in the team at the moment. Put him on notice, and see how he reacts. I have a feeling he may have a big one, and if so, could easily be the deciding factor in us winning or losing this match. The team is greater than the individual, and on that basis alone I would leave him in the team for another week to see how he performs.

 

[Bluebear]

In most other weeks I'd consider droppoing Fev, purely to shove a rocket up his backside.

However, this is realistically a very winnable game for us, and it may be one of our only chances from here on in. We need this win, for the club, the players and the supporters. This game is VITAL.

To what?
Avoiding the spoon?
Pagans career?
My footy tipping?

I think we passed vital some weeks ago.

I think you're right, they won't drop him, but if they want to do something that will "switch on" a few minds then they will.

 

[Jeremias]

To what?
Avoiding the spoon?
Pagans career?
My footy tipping?

I think we passed vital some weeks ago.

I think you're right, they won't drop him, but if they want to do something that will "switch on" a few minds then they will.

This game is vital to:
-Avoid the spoon
-Reinstate some confidence amongst the players
-Reinstate some confidence amongst the supporters
-Show the rest of the AFL that we are NOT a laughing stock.

We're out of finals contentions, and I'd argue that we were never in them. But that doesn't mean that a win is important. The last few weeks have been very disappointing, but they don't show what we are truly capable of. Now we need to put in some performances to show that we can do it-compete and win. Melbourne is a weak club, and we have a chance. We just need to show up.

 

[HBF]

I would suggest that if Pagan wants some run, Bower would be your man. He's been doing that all year with the Ants. I'd also look at Anderson, who can also provide some run and carry out of the backhalf. I would also give Grigg a chance at senior level as well. Therefore, changes are:

Out: Saddington, Houlihan, Young
In: Bower, Anderson, Grigg

 

[Bluebear]

I would suggest that if Pagan wants some run, Bower would be your man. He's been doing that all year with the Ants. I'd also look at Anderson, who can also provide some run and carry out of the backhalf. I would also give Grigg a chance at senior level as well. Therefore, changes are:

Out: Saddington, Houlihan, Young
In: Bower, Anderson, Grigg

I thought Houlihan did a good job on Black today, would have pencilled him in for Bruce next week. Young would be tough to miss.
Agree that Saddo is gone, for Bower or Grigg.

 

[Smell The Glove]

Ackland needs to go. The guy is a menace. Bring Hampson in, hell even McLaren if fit. Just bring in someone who will actually give a shit, please.

 

[HBF]

I thought Houlihan did a good job on Black today, would have pencilled him in for Bruce next week. Young would be tough to miss.
Agree that Saddo is gone, for Bower or Grigg.

He just gives you nothing though BB. He had no impact at all over the game today, and whilst he wasn't alone, he should be delivering more than he is. I agree that Pagan is playing him out of position, and I think a week or 2 in the reserves might just give him a wake up call.

 

[walkers a legend]

fev was looking bad today he is certanly struggling with an injury and pagan says we need more runners now that means goodbye saddington definatly he should be replaced by the hard running bower.

 

[walkers a legend]

I thought Houlihan did a good job on Black today, would have pencilled him in for Bruce next week. Young would be tough to miss.
Agree that Saddo is gone, for Bower or Grigg.

houlihan did not play well at all for a senior player his disposal and awarness were shocking

 

[BlueBelle]

He just gives you nothing though BB. He had no impact at all over the game today, and whilst he wasn't alone, he should be delivering more than he is. I agree that Pagan is playing him out of position, and I think a week or 2 in the reserves might just give him a wake up call.

There are a few players I would be wanting to give a wake up call before Hoops. I too thought he did well on Black today.

I'm not sure who to drop because nearly the entire team were terrible today.... but one would assume that Grigg and/or Bower should get a go and hopefully Walks is fit so he can be an inclusion as well. My fingers are crossed!

 

[bakerboy]

This would be a good week to drop Ackland.
White is a mobile ruckman so just go with irish and bring in Josh for when Johston has a run in the middle.

 

[Silvagnis]

Changes for the game against the Dees

I wouldn't bring back Walker because he's too valuable a player to risk when the seasons over. If he isn't 100% he should be rested for the rest of the year and a Grigg or Jackson given a chance(when fit).

In: Kennedy, Anderson, Bower, Grigg, Jacobs - who dares wins!
Out: Fevola - rested, Saddington, Lappin, Houlihan - piss off you blouse! Ackland

It's OK to start a thread to get stuck into Fevola, but these players always seem to escape the glare of public opinion and are never bagged. Nearly every side would jump at the chance to have Fev in their best 22 despite his flaws and tantrums.

 

[mediumsizered]

I would suggest that if Pagan wants some run, Bower would be your man. He's been doing that all year with the Ants. I'd also look at Anderson, who can also provide some run and carry out of the backhalf. I would also give Grigg a chance at senior level as well. Therefore, changes are:

Out: Saddington, Houlihan, Young
In: Bower, Anderson, Grigg

If you are going to drop an underperforming, experienced player, I would suggest that Lappin would be ahead of Houlihan on the chopping block. As has already been pointed out, Houlihan did the job asked of him by Pagan, in shutting down Heath Black. On the other hand Lappin had 13 disposals (several of which were picked up in the back half during Freo's blitzkrieg), but had no impact on the game, as was the case against Hawthorn where he had 9 disposals. More importantly Lappin is one of our forwards who is guilty of not providing pressure when the ball is going the other way. His total of 3 tackles over the last 2 games typifies why we are getting towelled up so easily on the rebound.

 

[Bluebear]

If you are going to drop an underperforming, experienced player, I would suggest that Lappin would be ahead of Houlihan on the chopping block. As has already been pointed out, Houlihan did the job asked of him by Pagan, in shutting down Heath Black. On the other hand Lappin had 13 disposals (several of which were picked up in the back half during Freo's blitzkrieg), but had no impact on the game, as was the case against Hawthorn where he had 9 disposals. More importantly Lappin is one of our forwards who is guilty of not providing pressure when the ball is going the other way. His total of 3 tackles over the last 2 games typifies why we are getting towelled up so easily on the rebound.

Would agree with that.

 

[as0l0]

fev was looking bad today he is certanly struggling with an injury and pagan says we need more runners now that means goodbye saddington definatly he should be replaced by the hard running bower.

i believe it was more along the lines of 'players who are willing/prepared to run'. still leaves Saddo out.

 

[marcmurphy3]

Side this week:

This is the side I'd play this week. I would have liked to give some more of the young guys a go but in truth none of them deserve it except for Grigg and maybe Blackwell or Austin. I'd also love to be able to drop some other poor performers but there is no-one to replace them with.I'm still concerned that I've gone to tall.

B B.Thornton S.O'hAilpin H.Scotland
HB R.Houlihan A.Hartlett S.Grigg
C K.Simpson A.Carrazzo B.Gibbs
HF R. Young J.Waite S.Wiggins
F E.Betts B.Fevola B.Fisher
OB C.Hackland A.Walker M.Murphy
I/C Kouta J. Russell A.Bentick L.Blackwell

In: S.Grigg (has been impressive and deserves a go)
L.Blackwell (at least he contributes and runs all day)
Walker

Out: Saddington, Lappin, Bannister (may be safe though as he is a good matchup for Robbo)

In analysing some of the positions:

Sentanta at fullback: This is where he should be developed as we desperately need a negating defender to take on the monster fowards. He is not going to be a ruckman so I don't want us wasting anymore time playing him there. He should go with Neitz all day.

Ackland in the ruck: Unlike previous weeks I'd like Ackland to tough it out playing about 80% (very hard I know)of the game in the ruck. I'd play Hartlett and Kouta there for the other 20%.

Hartlett: Should play centre half back if there is an opponent for him.

Gibbs: Enough of this back pocket sh^t. Play him in the midfield. He's learned enough in the backline.

Walker: I'd like to see him play on the ball for 4 quarters. Against Port he played very well and I'd like to see if he is up to it again.

Waite: I'd actually consider puting him in the middle for extended periods to see how he goes.


There is also an argument to bring in Kennedy but he did nothing in the VFL today. I might comtemplate bringing him in as a backup ruckman or possibly just playing him at CHF for 4 quarters. He might play better at AFL level as the side is not as unbalanced.


Thoughts?