Preview Round 3: Brisbane vs North Melbourne, Sat 2nd April, 7pm Brisbane time @ Gabba

[Timetoroarlike44]

Funny how a game can make you feel despite a good result. We're 2 wins ahead of where we were last year and only missing one best 22 player. I thought our performance against Port looked like a bit similar in energy to how we played against Sydney last year and then we played really well against the Cats in round 2 but didn't quite make it thanks to a dodgy non free kick. Haven't felt convinced we're a challenger based on the wins so far. The better teams tend to keep winning when they're not in form. Hopefully this week or next we get there.

Yeah that is a good point re similar sort of starts. Worth noting the Swans kicked goals from EVERYWHERE. They were 17.6 at three quarter time and there were plenty of trick areas. If they'd kicked like Essendon did against us we could easily have won.

Cats game also similar to Essendon in that they got a fast start, it was just a bit easier to peg things back against the bombers. Geelong at Geelong also a much harder assignment, although the cats were missing quite a few players from memory (Dangerfield, Cameron, Duncan?, think some others) so they were gettable.

I thought the troubling thing about Sydney last year was us coming from way back, getting in front, then just stopping.

But yes we have not played much if any better, have played similar ranked teams, and yet 2-0 versus 0-2. I think at this stage of the season we just take that as a huge bonus. Cats game should be a good marker of where we are at. Haven't beaten them in Geelong since... 2003? I was at the 2004 game we lost. Two one point losses since, both should have had holding the balls in the last 30 seconds right in front of goal (Rich 2013, Bailey 2001). Must be time to break the hoodoo!

 

[Dalions]

 

[bato]

Expected changes. Robbo in Sharp out.

 

[Dalions]

Expected changes. Robbo in Sharp out.

Just confirmed!

Good to see Dev back in the list of emergencies.

 

[Clarkythelion]

Then you would know that providing the media want to portray a good story, that is what will be presented regardless of how nice or nasty the person in the story is. Fages is portrayed as this father figure and someone that butter would not melt in his mouth but that's simply not true. I'm not saying that in a bad way (i like the way Fagan goes about things) just saying the way he comes across in the media is not the way it is away from the camera.
The same old cliche......don't spoil a good story with the facts!

That's not what I was saying but as usual you have to make out you know everything. I wasn't talking about the person or what **** may be like. I was talking about controlling the media, dictating the narrative and the skill that it takes to deflect reporters away from questions you may not want to answer. You have started playing the man and his attributes and characteristics not his skill set, but then that is you.

 

[WhiteLionFeva]

Move on. Take it outside if you must. This is a thread about the upcoming game, not this nonsense about our coach's skill in dealing with the media.

 

[briztoon]

I was very high on Eddie Ford going in to the 2020 afl draft.

We’ll get to see him play against us this weekend. Will be interesting to compare him against Cockatoo, as that’s the role I expect him to grow in to.

 

[martinson]

We've got some real units in Rayner ,Cockatoo and McStay. Time for them to get more of the ball this week.

We seem to be experimenting with our M/F mix until we're under pressure and we revert to the tried and true.

Generally Fages speaks the truth about his positional ideas and from what he's said recently I think the intention is to have Zorko play predominantly in the back half whether Kiddy plays or not. I noticed they've put Ah Chee forward for small portions of the first 2 games so think there's a masterplan in the background where all will be revealed once Hipwood comes back in.

Btw it was a but rich Lloyd having a crack at Darcy Fort

32

Darcy Fort

Age

31

Ht

204cm

Wt

98kg

Pos.

F/R

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.6

2star

K

5.8

2star

HB

2.9

3star

M

1.9

2star

T

1.8

4star

G

0.8

4star

D

9.2

2star

K

6.0

2star

HB

3.2

2star

M

1.8

2star

T

1.8

3star

G

0.2

3star

D

7.6

2star

K

5.4

2star

HB

2.2

2star

M

2.0

3star

T

1.2

3star

G

1.2

4star

. The guy's only played a handful of senior games and he's obviously no star but has been serviceable . Give him a chance to settle in at least.

 

[LongLion]

We've got some real units in Rayner ,Cockatoo and McStay. Time for them to get more of the ball this week.

We seem to be experimenting with our M/F mix until we're under pressure and we revert to the tried and true.

Generally Fages speaks the truth about his positional ideas and from what he's said recently I think the intention is to have Zorko play predominantly in the back half whether Kiddy plays or not. I noticed they've put Ah Chee forward for small portions of the first 2 games so think there's a masterplan in the background where all will be revealed once Hipwood comes back in.

Btw it was a but rich Lloyd having a crack at Darcy Fort. The guy's only played a handful of senior games and he's obviously no star but has been serviceable . Give him a chance to settle in at least.

I've been more than happy with the way Fort has performed in his 1st 2 games with us. A couple of goals, he rucks OK and is alright below his knees. Not sure who Lloyd has been watching.

 

[Nunez]

I've been more than happy with the way Fort has performed in his 1st 2 games with us. A couple of goals, he rucks OK and is alright below his knees. Not sure who Lloyd has been watching.

Hard to believe anyone wouldn't be happy with Forts contribution thus far. Like many, I think having this period of time where the physical toll of solo rucking is a non factor for Oscar due to having Fort will go a long way to giving us a fit and healthy O come finals.

 

[Quigley]

I was very high on Eddie Ford going in to the 2020 afl draft.

We’ll get to see him play against us this weekend. Will be interesting to compare him against Cockatoo, as that’s the role I expect him to grow in to.

It could be an opportunity for him with Thomas injured.

 

[Berrygood]

Neale in his post game interview said that at qtr time the players realised they had to stand up n play better. They certainly did that. I think there may have been some complacency, thinking they just have to turn up to win, believing the media hype about the team.

I hope it's the wake up call they needed and we see that determination from the start to the finish of all games from now on. It's that hard work that wins flags.

I'm expecting the Lions to put the sword to North. A thrashing, 80-100 points. It's a strong team, have built some cohesion the last 2 games. Gotta take these opportunities to boost percentages, we know how important it is at the end of the season. Show no mercy.

 

[Timetoroarlike44]

We've got some real units in Rayner ,Cockatoo and McStay. Time for them to get more of the ball this week.

We seem to be experimenting with our M/F mix until we're under pressure and we revert to the tried and true.

Generally Fages speaks the truth about his positional ideas and from what he's said recently I think the intention is to have Zorko play predominantly in the back half whether Kiddy plays or not. I noticed they've put Ah Chee forward for small portions of the first 2 games so think there's a masterplan in the background where all will be revealed once Hipwood comes back in.

Btw it was a but rich Lloyd having a crack at Darcy Fort. The guy's only played a handful of senior games and he's obviously no star but has been serviceable . Give him a chance to settle in at least.

I've been won over by Zorks back there v Essendon.

But i also think Kiddy is a must back there. Really handy defender but also nice kick and run out of defence.

So I guess that means Noah goes up the ground? Starce and Rich would be locks in the backline.

Zorko for Answerth says to me we want to have that attacking edge in defence. I don't hate it. I just think it will mean Zorko keeps half an eye on his opponent and Rich doesn't roam too loosely. And if the real move from last year is Zorko in for Birchall it's still a better defence - Zorko has a fast first 10 steps which is good to have in defence.

And i suppose if Answerth is still playing and a small really gets away from us we can make a switch.

 

[davemc_lions]

yes when Kiddy is back is he a lock for Zorko or Answerth role.
If Answerth moves to the wing what do we do with M Robbo.
you think it is probably the last year for Mitch.. So has to be a call when Sharp, Prior, Dev get games.
Hopefully not the injuries as last year

 

[Dalions]

yes when Kiddy is back is he a lock for Zorko or Answerth role.
If Answerth moves to the wing what do we do with M Robbo.
you think it is probably the last year for Mitch.. So has to be a call when Sharp, Prior, Dev get games.
Hopefully not the injuries as last year

My opinion is that it is probably AhChee who comes out of the side when Kiddy is back and Answerth plays the role that AhChee is currrently playing which is a bit of a floating role between forward, wing and back. He can play back when, for short periods Zorko goes on ball.

 

[Mighty Lions]

My opinion is that it is probably AhChee who comes out of the side when Kiddy is back and Answerth plays the role that AhChee is currrently playing which is a bit of a floating role between forward, wing and back. He can play back when, for short periods Zorko goes on ball.

Think it will be based on form at the time Kiddy will be ready to play. They may even decide to give Kiddy a run in the 2's before he comes into the senior team. If all the players mentioned are playing good footy and doing everything asked of them, Kiddy may struggle to get back in as soon as the medico's give him the thumbs up.

 

[Timetoroarlike44]

Think it will be based on form at the time Kiddy will be ready to play. They may even decide to give Kiddy a run in the 2's before he comes into the senior team. If all the players mentioned are playing good footy and doing everything asked of them, Kiddy may struggle to get back in as soon as the medico's give him the thumbs up.

Yeah i'd assume one or 2 games back in the 2s for Kiddy, especially after a bad hammy.

You would think he gets a go when fully fit though.

It's a great sign that we would struggle to fit them all in obviously.

And also that some of them can play a few different positions.

I think we are clearly in the window so it should all be about playing in a flag.

But where possible it would be great to get some games into players such as Prior, Robertson, Payne, Madden and Sharp. All have shown some promise and nothing quite replaces games in the seniors for development, especially with the 2s not looking that competitive on the initial signs.

 

[Berrygood]

These games before Kiddy gets back are very important for Robbo. Could decide his year. If he plays well he holds his spot and one of Answerth or AhChee drop out. Plays ordinary and he makes way for Kiddy, with Answerth and Ah Chee rotating wing/hb. I guess big weeks for Answerth and Ah Chee also, gotta keep playing well to warrant the increased role.

Also hoping Kiddy has a game or two in the 2nds just to feel injury confident and gain some touch. If we keep winning he will have to force his way back in. Even with injuries there's Sharp, Prior, Madden, Devrob that can capably fit in. Berry also seems to be getting wing time. Spoilt for options, each have different strengths, potentials. I'm happy with any combo of those players.

 

[Berrygood]

Yeah i'd assume one or 2 games back in the 2s for Kiddy, especially after a bad hammy.

You would think he gets a go when fully fit though.

It's a great sign that we would struggle to fit them all in obviously.

And also that some of them can play a few different positions.

I think we are clearly in the window so it should all be about playing in a flag.

But where possible it would be great to get some games into players such as Prior, Robertson, Payne, Madden and Sharp. All have shown some promise and nothing quite replaces games in the seniors for development, especially with the 2s not looking that competitive on the initial signs.

I'd love to see those five you mentioned get more games. All, I think are very important to our future, plenty of other young lads as well. I'd actually like to see them play more football, even in the 2nds. Missing games as a travelling emergency, unplayed sub ect, as a group of young future best 22, the more they play together v the better vfl sides the better.

 

[Kernel Kurtz]

These games before Kiddy gets back are very important for Robbo. Could decide his year. If he plays well he holds his spot and one of Answerth or AhChee drop out. Plays ordinary and he makes way for Kiddy, with Answerth and Ah Chee rotating wing/hb. I guess big weeks for Answerth and Ah Chee also, gotta keep playing well to warrant the increased role.

Also hoping Kiddy has a game or two in the 2nds just to feel injury confident and gain some touch. If we keep winning he will have to force his way back in. Even with injuries there's Sharp, Prior, Madden, Devrob that can capably fit in. Berry also seems to be getting wing time. Spoilt for options, each have different strengths, potentials. I'm happy with any combo of those players.

Kiddy has to come back in when fully fit surely.
One of our better players for creating and hitting up a target.
Can't help but feeling his absence has been felt when we move the ball out ,combine that with his closing speed on the oppo when they have the ball.

This game , would be good to see our mids hit up some forward leads or another mid ,instead of those loopy big bombs inside 50.
We did alright in the past with this method , but as we know it doesn't stand up against top firing teams.
McStay for a sixpack, come on Dan.
Little dissapointed with Sharp's omittance , we need speed, anyway Robbo to have a blinder

 

[davemc_lions]

good to have pressure on spots. Hope Fagan starts rewarding people.
Although those in the VFL have to show more than just promise

 

[Tom14]

Think it will be based on form at the time Kiddy will be ready to play. They may even decide to give Kiddy a run in the 2's before he comes into the senior team. If all the players mentioned are playing good footy and doing everything asked of them, Kiddy may struggle to get back in as soon as the medico's give him the thumbs up.

Respect your opinion and maybe he gets some minutes in the 2s as part of a medical plan but based on how Fages has talked about him in pressers I struggle to see him as a non-automatic inclusion when fully fit.

Pretty obvious to me that Ah Chee drops out all things being equal.

 

[martinson]

They're probably not all going to be fit at the same time so it'll be just a week to week thing.

I'm a wrap for Ah Chee the way he always puts his body on the line , makes few errors, just a good foot soldier who is now well drilled.

Kiddy has something extra on what we saw last year . Answerth is a goer. Zorko is a gun. So it's good to have choices.

 

[mattsmob]

Respect your opinion and maybe he gets some minutes in the 2s as part of a medical fan but based on how Fages has talked about him in pressers I struggle to see him as a non-automatic inclusion when fully fit.

Pretty obvious to me that Ah Chee drops out all things being equal.

Agree with everything you say although Robbo would be the one to go out before Ah Chee for me.

 

[LionsMaw]

Li

But if they win by 60 it still won’t be enough for some.

Are we the only supporter base that gets upset at the quality of a win when our team wins? Speaking for myself, I dislike our lack of ruthlessness. I wish to gloat in the opposition's pain and sense of despair in how we bent them over not just win ffs! I genuinely love seeing the opposition fans/team cry. I revel in their pain knowing we put them in that position. Is it mean? Probably, who cares.