Game Day Round 2, 2018: North Melbourne v St.Kilda

[bird_man]

One of our forwards will get off the chain. Thompson has taken Bruce in the past and got away with murder right in front of the umpires. Maybe he goes against Mcartin this time. Who knows?
Tarrant will play on another forward maybe Membrey? The one who doesnt get one of these two needs to take full advantage.

I think Vickers-Willis will likely go to Membrey.

 

[cooperrules]

I think Vickers-Willis will likely go to Membrey.

Thats a win for us.

 

[pebblesofsand]

If we had pick #1 in the 2013 draft. Would we still draft Billings?

Of course we would have because with hindsight he's turned out better than the actual Pick 1.

 

[Mikka84]

very strong chance of this happening ... we also get the crows with some holes from their best 22 that may help .. win this week the momentum could potentailly give us the launch pad to a very strong start...
playing Geelong will be the huge ask but that said we have recently been able to match it with them wonder if our specialist Geelong player Minch will be ready

I'd much rather play a flat Crows coming off a tough win, than a hungry, must win Crows..

I've tipped them to win tonight, but think it'll be close. Hope its an absolute draining game.

They are very different side than when we played them last year. No Cameron + Smith who provided so much run. Then add in Lever down back and some injury concerns in Crouch and underdone Tex + Lynch..

 

[bird_man]

I'd much rather play a flat Crows coming off a tough win, than a hungry, must win Crows..

I've tipped them to win tonight, but think it'll be close. Hope its an absolute draining game.

They are very different side than when we played them last year. No Cameron + Smith who provided so much run. Then add in Lever down back and some injury concerns in Crouch and underdone Tex + Lynch..

I hope they get thumped, have to spend the week listening to the Richmond theme song, Tex unleashed on every campaigner and someone leaks the text messages.

 

[pebblesofsand]

had a look at this video from the bombers - kind of expect this is exactly what we are trying to do with our talls in the forward line

Nice positive clip and analysis for the Bomber fans to drool over but look closely and you will also see that they ran forward on the hbf on the "assumption" a player was going to get the ball.

If the ball bounced slightly differently and it ended up in the hands of the Adelaide player, the Bombers would have been severely exposed in a very dangerous goal scoring position.

Classic coaching response

As Johnny Mercer wrote and Bing sang

You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
And latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between

 

[George]

Nice positive clip and analysis for the Bomber fans to drool over but look closely and you will also see that they ran forward on the hbf on the "assumption" a player was going to get the ball.

If the ball bounced slightly differently and it ended up in the hands of the Adelaide player, the Bombers would have been severely exposed in a very dangerous goal scoring position.

Classic coaching response

As Johnny Mercer wrote and Bing sang

You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
And latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between

They are taking a risk to win the game. Any turnover in any position is dangerous IMO as players aren't set up in time.

 

[st_trav_ofWA]

Bit off topic but I just watched the post-game interview with Acres and something he said really stood out.

When asked if he’s starting to feel comfortable out on the field he replied, “I just go out and play now and I don’t have to worry about much more than just what works for me and how I can help the team.” This excites me.

We’ve been critical of the coaching team in the past for supposedly coaching the flair and instinct out of our young guns. Perhaps this comment from Blake is a sign that now that players like him have learned the fundamentals they have been let off the leash so to speak. This can only be a good thing.

not to burst your bubble but i think this comment is more to do with the over thinking playing the game out in his head before running out.. one of the reasons he started shadowing Rooey last year was to learn how to come out and just perform , Rooey himself said Blake used to over think everything before the game and that had him often taking the safe option not the initial best option. there is a lot to the mental side of things that blake learnt off Rooey , he had the talent he just needed to learn from guys like Rooey how to unleash it.. thats why i am so bullish the Blake is going to go Bang and announce himself as one of the comps best players

 

[StCicatriz]

Watching the Hawks the other night you realise what a player like Cyril can do with 15 possessions is worth about 52 Tom Mitchell possessions. He can turn games with the same aggressive attack on the ball and ability to play as a genuine defensive forward as Long. If Long can be 3/4 of Cyril he will make us better. He's got the tools to do it.

Spot on. It's what I feel we need a bit more of. The damage factor. A player opposition clubs fear.

 

[Diehard Saint]

Bit off topic but I just watched the post-game interview with Acres and something he said really stood out.

When asked if he’s starting to feel comfortable out on the field he replied, “I just go out and play now and I don’t have to worry about much more than just what works for me and how I can help the team.” This excites me.

We’ve been critical of the coaching team in the past for supposedly coaching the flair and instinct out of our young guns. Perhaps this comment from Blake is a sign that now that players like him have learned the fundamentals they have been let off the leash so to speak. This can only be a good thing.

Oh dear. Dunstan said something very similar...nek minit was dropped

 

[L_W_P]

If we had pick #1 in the 2013 draft. Would we still draft Billings?

Kelly.

Also Paddy keeps playing.

He could have had 3-4 on the weekend and his blocking for Steven's 2nd goal was fantastic. We don't need him to be bagging 5 a week, just keep improving and have his big games along the way.

Look how long it took Hawkins to come good with a MUCH better midfield delivering him the ball.

 

[_Maximus_12]

I think we’ve got to be realistic with Paddy this season. In terms of games played he’s really only entering his second full season, and the numerous injuries he’s suffered has meant he hasn’t been able to benefit from four full preseasons to ready his body in the same fashion as other 4th year players.

I think if we can get 16+ games out of him, 30+ goals and an injury free run that would be a massive tick in his development. Any more is a bonus, any less is a slight concern.

 

[StPiper]

not to burst your bubble but i think this comment is more to do with the over thinking playing the game out in his head before running out.. one of the reasons he started shadowing Rooey last year was to learn how to come out and just perform , Rooey himself said Blake used to over think everything before the game and that had him often taking the safe option not the initial best option. there is a lot to the mental side of things that blake learnt off Rooey , he had the talent he just needed to learn from guys like Rooey how to unleash it.. thats why i am so bullish the Blake is going to go Bang and announce himself as one of the comps best players

Consider the bubble burst . Even so, if a player like Blake is heading into a game with a clear head, that can only be good. I mean this with absolutely no disrespect to Acres, but he comes across like a young man who, while not necessarily an amazing strategist (if you get my drift), has the ability to do freakishly good things when he plays on instinct. Let's just hope the coaching staff and club leaders are able to foster that. He could be absolutely anything.....Perhaps this worship should be in the GOAT thread.

 

[Baldur]

We really need to win this game to keep in touch.

After that its Crows, Cats & Giants. Could easily be 2 & 3 even if we win this friday.

 

[joop]

Kelly.

Also Paddy keeps playing.

He could have had 3-4 on the weekend and his blocking for Steven's 2nd goal was fantastic. We don't need him to be bagging 5 a week, just keep improving and have his big games along the way.

Look how long it took Hawkins to come good with a MUCH better midfield delivering him the ball.

the problem being he doesn’t look to have improved. I’d say Paddy has played 4 good games in his career. 2 of them he was injured before half time.
We just need to pump games into him, I’m not sure he’ll make it but there’s only one way to find out.

 

[JG22]

We really need to win this game to keep in touch.

After that its Crows, Cats & Giants. Could easily be 2 & 3 even if we win this friday.

We just have to win tomorrow, no question.

We can't lose all those following three, we need to actually win at least one if we are going to be a good side.
Cant afford to go on losing streaks.

 

[CursingFijian]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-29/saints-to-give-ruckman-a-little-longer

Saints to give ruckman a little Longer
Callum Twomey Mar 29, 2018 11:34AM

Billy Longer will get a chance to do battle with Todd Goldstein on Good Friday

ST KILDA coach Alan Richardson has backed ruckman Billy Longer to bounce back against North Melbourne on Friday after a slow start to the season last week.

Longer was well beaten in the ruck battle with Stefan Martin in the Saints' win over Brisbane at Etihad Stadium, and has also been carrying a hip niggle.

The Saints named ruck back-up Rowan Marshall as an emergency last week, but the club is set to have an unchanged line-up in its Good Friday battle with the Roos this week.

Richardson said Longer was ready for the challenge of taking on Todd Goldstein, who had 35 hit-outs and 14 disposals in the Roos' loss to Gold Coast last week.

"Goldstein's playing good footy again, there's no doubt about that. He's been able to find some of his form that made him an All Australian ruck," he said.

"Billy probably lowered his colours last week to Stefan Martin, who's also in good form, but we need Billy to bounce back strongly and we need to be really competitive in that part of the ground."

The Saints are set to go in with the same line-up that beat the Lions comfortably last week at Etihad Stadium as they aim to open a season with consecutive wins for the first time since 2014.

"If we get through unscathed out here, and this is not much of a session, we'll go in unchanged," he said ahead of Thursday's light training run at the club's new headquarters, RSEA Park.

"We think that when the game was up for grabs and challenged strongly by Brisbane ... it was pleasing [we responded]. There was a lot to like about that and at this stage we'll go in unchanged."

They will stick with the same forward set-up, which included tall trio Josh Bruce, Tim Membrey and Paddy McCartin.

"I thought the guys did a pretty good job. Paddy had to play a pretty selfless role, it was a pretty high role, and 'Brucey' and Tim were able to get some pretty good look at it," he said.

"There's areas that didn't quite go as well as we'd like, but by and large, we were happy. Their function is to try and get a score for us and put defensive pressure on the opposition's rebound. Our outside game was pretty good, and they were a big part of that."

It will be the first time for the Saints on Good Friday, having replaced the Western Bulldogs as the Roos' opponent for the second year of the marquee clash, and Richardson said the occasion would be a good test for the club as it aims to maintain its unbeaten start.

"We'll just focus on the opposition and focus on what works for us. We got a lot out of last week's game. There were some things that worked really well for us, and some things like clearances that didn't go our way," he said.

"The Kangaroos are a really good clearance team, so we'll have to be at our best to give ourselves an opportunity to win. I think we'll handle it really well."

 

[cooperg]

BORING... What a joke...seriously Richardson never makes changes...

Long, Longer and McCartin were no good .

Hickey, Gilbo and Coffield/Marshall should be in.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-29/saints-to-give-ruckman-a-little-longer

Saints to give ruckman a little Longer
Callum Twomey Mar 29, 2018 11:34AM

Billy Longer will get a chance to do battle with Todd Goldstein on Good Friday

ST KILDA coach Alan Richardson has backed ruckman Billy Longer to bounce back against North Melbourne on Friday after a slow start to the season last week.

Longer was well beaten in the ruck battle with Stefan Martin in the Saints' win over Brisbane at Etihad Stadium, and has also been carrying a hip niggle.

The Saints named ruck back-up Rowan Marshall as an emergency last week, but the club is set to have an unchanged line-up in its Good Friday battle with the Roos this week.

Richardson said Longer was ready for the challenge of taking on Todd Goldstein, who had 35 hit-outs and 14 disposals in the Roos' loss to Gold Coast last week.

"Goldstein's playing good footy again, there's no doubt about that. He's been able to find some of his form that made him an All Australian ruck," he said.

"Billy probably lowered his colours last week to Stefan Martin, who's also in good form, but we need Billy to bounce back strongly and we need to be really competitive in that part of the ground."

The Saints are set to go in with the same line-up that beat the Lions comfortably last week at Etihad Stadium as they aim to open a season with consecutive wins for the first time since 2014.

"If we get through unscathed out here, and this is not much of a session, we'll go in unchanged," he said ahead of Thursday's light training run at the club's new headquarters, RSEA Park.

"We think that when the game was up for grabs and challenged strongly by Brisbane ... it was pleasing [we responded]. There was a lot to like about that and at this stage we'll go in unchanged."

They will stick with the same forward set-up, which included tall trio Josh Bruce, Tim Membrey and Paddy McCartin.

"I thought the guys did a pretty good job. Paddy had to play a pretty selfless role, it was a pretty high role, and 'Brucey' and Tim were able to get some pretty good look at it," he said.

"There's areas that didn't quite go as well as we'd like, but by and large, we were happy. Their function is to try and get a score for us and put defensive pressure on the opposition's rebound. Our outside game was pretty good, and they were a big part of that."

It will be the first time for the Saints on Good Friday, having replaced the Western Bulldogs as the Roos' opponent for the second year of the marquee clash, and Richardson said the occasion would be a good test for the club as it aims to maintain its unbeaten start.

"We'll just focus on the opposition and focus on what works for us. We got a lot out of last week's game. There were some things that worked really well for us, and some things like clearances that didn't go our way," he said.

"The Kangaroos are a really good clearance team, so we'll have to be at our best to give ourselves an opportunity to win. I think we'll handle it really well."

 

[Saints TV]

Thanks mate for the content. Like your style, think you’re generally on the money.

Oh thanks mate! Great to hear your feedback.

I'll be sharing my weekly previews and reviews in the SAINTS TV thread so keep an eye out for that tomorrow night.

 

[Mowman]

BORING... What a joke...seriously Richardson never makes changes...

Long, Longer and McCartin were no good .

Hickey, Gilbo and Coffield/Marshall should be in.

Yeah if you haven't found form by the end of 1st round, you need a spell in the 2s

 

[Saint Shags]

BORING... What a joke...seriously Richardson never makes changes...

Long, Longer and McCartin were no good .

Hickey, Gilbo and Coffield/Marshall should be in.

Yep we should always make changes for changes sake.

Unless injured 22 should stay the same. Continuity is important. Yes Longer and Paddy didnt have great games but give them a chance.

I thought Long actually provided something and am very happy for him to continue being in the team!

 

[Cornish]

I saw a bit of training today and was going to mention Billy was rucking, it was a light session the forwards doing some kicking and nailing them Stuv doing a fast handball drill Paddy doing some one on one contested work, but other than that i didnt see anything too exciting, albeit i wasnt there that long.

 

[stavro#4]

BORING... What a joke...seriously Richardson never makes changes...

Long, Longer and McCartin were no good .

Hickey, Gilbo and Coffield/Marshall should be in.

We won. No one knocked the door down demanding selection either .so you back the same cattle again

 

[George]

BORING... What a joke...seriously Richardson never makes changes...

Long, Longer and McCartin were no good .

Hickey, Gilbo and Coffield/Marshall should be in.

3 omissions to a side that won by 25 points ?

 

[Saintos The ITK]

I reckon Billy would have a fair idea that he's on watch after reading that article and Paddy can release a little pressure off himself.
Good coaching.