Unofficial Preview Round 4 Early Thoughts: Western Bulldogs v Sydney Swans @ Etihad

[SeanM]

I hope Aliir does well. But I wonder whether his form at the end of 2016 was an aberration. I remember there being mixed reviews of his reserve performances before his debut and that he would have weaknesses in his game. Even in his first few games there were times where he lost his man or almost gave away a free and I was worried it would hurt his confidence. So it might be unrealistic to expect him to reach the heights of 2016 quite easily.

He has been unlucky with timing. With Melican out for a few weeks, now would have been a great time to have a run in the side. But I don't know how match fit he is.

And I think he may be better as a looser defender or half back flanker. There is no reason he can't play the role Fox did in the first few games. Some people assume he is a Grundy replacement as a lock down defender. But I am not sure that suits his strengths and weaknesses.

 

[Kirkswan]

It's not blindly following. He was our best defender in the second half of 2016 when we made a serious run to the GF. He plays one bad game the next year and gets dropped. Horse played him in the reserves all year despite him having a toe injury (wtf?). We need four talls down back.

They're the main reasons I think he should be in the side.

There was never a game where I thought Aliir was our best defender.... never

 

[Jack2Jack]

Reid a big loss, he and Franklin have pretty good synergy together and work well together with their positioning, rarely do you see them going for the same ball. Unlike some of the others players who too often bring their opponents over to contests they shouldn't. Melican not such a big loss for this week as the 2nd tall isn't desperately need, but will be for Adelaide.

- Picking Allir from his 16 form is about as relevant as bringing back Tippett on his 16 form. Not saying he's not going to get back there, but he wasn't there last week or in his 5 minutes in the JTL. Needs to atleast start playing Full games before he should be even thought about. Play it safe with one of Marsh/Fox if we need the 3rd tall. Jones is an auto in if ready and with their small forward line may be enough for this week.

- However given the circumstances probably can't afford to keep playing it safe with the key forward imo. One of McCartin/Cameron has to come in. Have to start fast tracking one of them. McCartin more like for like, but Cameron gives more flexibility as in he can alternate with Sinclair if one if struggling in their main position. It's not that we mightn't be able to get away with a smaller forward line against the dogs or even some of the other sides but it's about the bigger picture with this one.
1. Absolute bare bones for KP for the next 2 months, possibly more with Reids history. God forbid if one of Franklin/Sinclair go down now, and one of these guys are forced to play as the Primary ruck or Key forward as a 0 gamer. Get some experience into them while they can be a role player as the 2nd tall and are largely protected, we'll be better for the long run if we need to break the emergency glass.
2. Our structure is so much better when Buddy can roam further up the ground. We were too top heavy with the 4 talls (2x ruck, 2x forward), but I don't think the Richmond model of 1 ruck and 1 forward works for us either, we need the 2nd marking option. Doesn't need to star, just need someone who can anchor themselves deep, create contests and keep separation from Franklin so his defender can't peel off him.

 

[caesar88]

There was never a game where I thought Aliir was our best defender.... never

Your opinion.

I was talking about collective form anyway. As a whole his back-half of 2016 was better than any of our other defenders (obviously he is not yet half the player Grundy, Rampe and Smith are.)

 

[caesar88]

Reid a big loss, he and Franklin have pretty good synergy together and work well together with their positioning, rarely do you see them going for the same ball. Unlike some of the others players who too often bring their opponents over to contests they shouldn't. Melican not such a big loss for this week as the 2nd tall isn't desperately need, but will be for Adelaide.

- Picking Allir from his 16 form is about as relevant as bringing back Tippett on his 16 form. Not saying he's not going to get back there, but he wasn't there last week or in his 5 minutes in the JTL. Needs to atleast start playing Full games before he should be even thought about. Play it safe with one of Marsh/Fox if we need the 3rd tall. Jones is an auto in if ready and with their small forward line may be enough for this week.

- However given the circumstances probably can't afford to keep playing it safe with the key forward imo. One of McCartin/Cameron has to come in. Have to start fast tracking one of them. McCartin more like for like, but Cameron gives more flexibility as in he can alternate with Sinclair if one if struggling in their main position. It's not that we mightn't be able to get away with a smaller forward line against the dogs or even some of the other sides but it's about the bigger picture with this one.
1. Absolute bare bones for KP for the next 2 months, possibly more with Reids history. God forbid if one of Franklin/Sinclair go down now, and one of these guys are forced to play as the Primary ruck or Key forward as a 0 gamer. Get some experience into them while they can be a role player as the 2nd tall and are largely protected, we'll be better for the long run if we need to break the emergency glass.
2. Our structure is so much better when Buddy can roam further up the ground. We were too top heavy with the 4 talls (2x ruck, 2x forward), but I don't think the Richmond model of 1 ruck and 1 forward works for us either, we need the 2nd marking option. Doesn't need to star, just need someone who can anchor themselves deep, create contests and keep separation from Franklin so his defender can't peel off him.

Yeah I think surely we can't go in with just Buddy again. Hopefully Horse has learnt his lesson from the Port game. I'd like to see him back Cameron even if his form hasn't been inspiring

 

[1956]

After watching the Ressies l think Maibaum and Amarty would be better choices was quite impressed with both

 

[Superstar swan]

Really cant afford to take the bulldogs lightly...3-1 is a very good start

 

[Donza]

After watching the Ressies l think Maibaum and Amarty would be better choices was quite impressed with both

Maibaum will play a lot of senior footy.

 

[Donza]

By the way who is this Aliir bloke?
I feel he's the next Jed Lamb?

 

[Swansujelly]

What the hell is up with Dawson anyway?

 

[Deccas]

Cameron in for ried makes sense. I think Sinclair absolutely needs help in the ruck. Its a long season.

Then Jones for Melican and rampe to play tall. Aliir to come in next week.actuslly fit. He'll still get 2 games and hopefully can get a spot nailed down.

On [device_name] using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

With Reid and Melican out,

the two replacements are incredibly obvious.

Yet neither of them will be selected.

Aliir and Aliir?

 

[Donza]

Afl.com saying Newman in....
Lel

 

[Donza]

What the hell is up with Dawson anyway?

Injured

 

[J_Moore]

What the hell is up with Dawson anyway?

Injured the neafl. Turf toe

 

[Grand Uncle Horace]

By the way who is this Aliir bloke?
I feel he's the next Jed Lamb?

nah... he is the next superstar Gary Rohan

 

[Artygunner]

It's not blindly following. He was our best defender in the second half of 2016 when we made a serious run to the GF. He plays one bad game the next year and gets dropped. Horse played him in the reserves all year despite him having a toe injury (wtf?). We need four talls down back.

They're the main reasons I think he should be in the side.

Why not Maibaum then? He played a decent game in the NEAFL and is a genuine tall defender. And he is just as quick, if not quicker than AA

**Edit** Just read your later post mentioning him coming out from nowhere. Could happen (Kinda like AA in 2016) Then you can have a new favorite player that doesn't get picked when our best 22 are firing haha

 

[S120]

Maibaum actually is a good point, you know. Has been lauded a lot for a young player by the coaches, was in the bests last week (although may have injured himself?). Genuine defender.

Not out of the question if fit imo.

 

[momentbymoment]

You don’t play a tall just for the sake of it.

No.
You play a tall for structure.
And marks.
And goals.
And to stop teams triple marking Buddy.

 

[mtooler]

I actually have footage of Dan Hannebery last time he looked up into the forward line and did not see a tall there to kick to

Haha, bomb it long, but to whom!

 

[LukeParkerno1]

No.
You play a tall for structure.
And marks.
And goals.
And to stop teams triple marking Buddy.

Rather play Parker, etc forward a bit more if they aren’t ready thanks. KPP’s take time don’t need to rush them. Up to Horse to figure out a plan B for once.

 

[The Gong]

Just saw the interview with Horse.

Out: Reid (inj), Melican (inj)
In: Jones, Cameron

 

[momentbymoment]

Rather play Parker, etc forward a bit more if they aren’t ready thanks. KPP’s take time don’t need to rush them. Up to Horse to figure out a plan B for once.

Let's be clear.
I am suggesting Sinclair forward as he looks the goods this year, and Cameron in the ruck.

And let's be real ....
It is inevitable that Cameron will play whether he is ready or not as there is no chance in hell that Sinclair stays uninjurred for 23 rounds. Sad but true.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Let's be clear.
I am suggesting Sinclair forward as he looks the goods this year, and Cameron in the ruck.

And let's be real ....
It is inevitable that Cameron will play whether he is ready or not as there is no chance in hell that Sinclair stays uninjurred for 23 rounds. Sad but true.

v

Each to their own I would not play Cameron he wasn’t even our best ruck in the NEAFL last week. Personally I’d rather pick players in form

 

[The Gong]

Cameron wouldn't be going up against a seasoned ruckman so if you're going to introduce him this would be the week. I think we're resigned to fact that, most weeks, we'll lose the hitouts but still aim to win clearances.