Preview Round 8, GWS Giants vs Collingwood, Saturday 13th May, 4.35pm, Spotless Stadium

[Land of the Giants]

Very, very disappointing result against St. Kilda, for whatever reason you care to suggest. As well as four points, we lost Adam Kennedy for the season, and Jacob Hopper copped a broken finger, which will see him out for a while. Not good.

One thing that struck me was Leon in the presser. He didn’t appear to have an explanation for why we switched off in the fourth quarter. Usually he’ s pretty good at keeping his finger on the zeitgeist as well as the stats, but the team is off-centre, and he didn’t seem to have any explanation. His concern was obvious.

Now for Collingwood.

One of the great mysteries of football is the way in which some teams match up well against others, regardless of personnel or ladder position. That seems to be the situation we’re in with Collingwood. We’ve never beaten them, and apart from a near miss several years ago, haven’t really been in the hunt. They caught us napping big time last year, and they’ll fancy their chances.

Having said that, it’s hard to know what to make of them at the moment. Their only wins have been against Sydney by a point, and Geelong – a team they match up well against. But they’ve been unconvincing against everyone else.

Returning to the medical room, the injuries are piling up fast. Buntine and Kennedy gone for the season. Nick Haynes and Ryan Griffen gone for a couple of months. Hopper has a broken finger and is several weeks away at best. These are really big outs. And who knows what undisclosed injuries the rest of the team is carrying?

As for replacements, we still have another recognised defender in the twos, namely big Tim Mohr. He hasn’t lined up in the seniors for quite a while now, but might be back next week. And I somehow think we’ll see Matt De Boer make his debut as Leon is forced to shuffle things around again.

We’re almost certain to see Lachie Whitfield rushed back into the team. He’d certainly inject both freshness and experience. Stephen Coniglio will be better for the run, even though we were beaten in the midfield.

We sure as hell missed Toby. Judging from his reactions on TV, I think he’s probably got the message about the stupidity of undisciplined aggression. He’ll owe us when he returns.

Saturday is now a game we have to win to stay in touch with the top 4. I think we’ll probably fly out of the blocks and make a good start. Even though we lost, there were patches of brilliance against St. Kilda. We just have to maintain it for four quarters.

Come on Giants - we really want to see our maiden win against Collingwood.

 

[_GT_]

Nice write up again. Looking forward to attending this game and us picking up the win. We really should account for the Pies this time. If, not then the season is officially off the rails and we'll be working overtime to get back on track. Lachie to come back in for that run and carry. His touch might be a little off, but he is normally silk. Not sure we need another tall back this week. If Reid is fit, we need him back in. Will it be for a rested SJ? Time will tell. A replacement for Kenners? De Boer or Perryman?

 

[Bokonon_]

I'm really looking forward to getting back to Spotless, loved my new seat up high in round 2 and a 10 min bus ride. No planes, trains or Hotels or TV involved.
Collingwood seem the least predictable team in the comp and we're overdue. Think we should expect the game they played against Geelong though, their Carlton games are like Showdowns or Derbies the form is very suspect.
I'm really confident for this game. Last couple of years we've always hit back very hard at Spotless after an away loss.
An 8 day break to adjust to the loss of Nick Haynes and Toby we should be better organised. Expect Cogs to be a lot better as well. Adam Kennedy will be missed but with Wilson's game better every week we should be ok. Sam Reid assuming he's back helps with forward pressure.
Looking at North today and the way Brown and Waite apply defensive pressure I get that's on the General and Jezza as well.
Mids need to listen very carefully to Lenny Hayes this week and find a way to do a lot better.

I'm predicting an old fashioned and long overdue whooping for the visitors.

 

[Determinant]

I'm really looking forward to getting back to Spotless, loved my new seat up high in round 2 and a 19 min bus ride. No planes, trains or Hotels or TV involved.
Collingwood seem the least predictable team in the comp and we're overdue. Think we should expect the game they played against Geelong though, their Carlton games are like Showdowns or Derbies the form is very suspect.
I'm really confident for this game. Last couple of years we've always hit back very hard at Spotless after an away loss.
An 8 day break to adjust to the loss of Nick Haynes and Toby we should be better organised. Expect Cogs to be a lot better as well. Matt Kennedy will be missed but with Wilson's game better every week we should be ok. Sam Reid assuming he's back helps with forward pressure.
Looking at North today and the way Brown and Waite apply defensive pressure I get that's on the General and Jezza as well.
Mids need to listen very carefully to Lenny Hayes this week and find a way to do a lot better.

I'm predicting an old fashioned and long overdue whooping for the visitors.

I agree on the result, but hope you have the wrong Kennedy

We have been L2 of the members stand since 2013, no better place to watch the game imo

 

[Bokonon_]

I agree on the result, but hope you have the wrong Kennedy

We have been L2 of the members stand since 2013, no better place to watch the game imo

Oops
Not thinking clearly. Will edit

 

[Raymann]

Ins
DeBoer, Reid, Whitfield
Outs
Kenners, Hopper Steve J

 

[Colonial]

We dont play well against this mob on a good day.
With our injuries and a banned Uncle we are in for it.

Though over the last year we have usually followed up from a loss with a massive win.

So im hoping that continues.

Agree with the Raymann on ins and outs.

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

 

[kulak]

Collingwood will have a couple of mediocre key forwards, and otherwise mostly will attack with running players.

We cannot afford to run a defence of 4 talks again. Will get exploited at ground level again. Something like De Boer for Himmelberg I think.

Our forward line too slow to apply good F50 pressure. Again Collingwood will look to run the ball. Stevie J for Reid would greatly help there.

A Kennedy and Hopper both injured. Next men up will be Whitfield on return, and...
Perryman?

I'd also like to see statement games from Shiel and Kelly. They have been good without dominating. Time to dominate, and who better to prove that point against.

Collingwood's only chance to win is if they clean up at ground level. As long as that doesn't happen, it should be a comfortable win.

 

[Giant Pete]

I think we need to change our game style if we are to win a premiership.

 

[Orange Agent]

Not sure we need to throw the baby out with the bathwater. We lost 1 qtr but for large parts of the game easily matched and looked better without getting a scoreboard result. The use of Lobb this year has certainly changed, no longer seeing him roam the wings and go loose in defence instead him and Patton are jumping at the same ball and the backline is not getting the help it needs at times. Feel like SJ is getting hung out to dry, he is not at last years form but I cant see how dropping him will help. Like to see Rory pushed up the ground and SJ playing deeper fwd. The backline is gonna need more help from here on in from a player like Lobb dropping back until we can get Haynes back.

 

[BeechyMagpie]

It's amazing to think how many injuries the Giants have yet how good the lineup still is.

Not optimistic as a pies supporter. We probably needed the Giants to win Friday and have the lapse they had in the 4th, next week.

Hoping Leon goes with one of the debutants rather than MDB. Good opportunity to expose even more young talen.

 

[Bokonon_]

It's amazing to think how many injuries the Giants have yet how good the lineup still is.

Not optimistic as a pies supporter. We probably needed the Giants to win Friday and have the lapse they had in the 4th, next week.

Hoping Leon goes with one of the debutants rather than MDB. Good opportunity to expose even more young talen.

I'm a liitle confused about how to react to WHE. Treloar was easy, we didn't much like his protestations of loyalty before leaving. Could argue he expected the club to offer more.
WHE a different kettle of fish, I am a fan. Might be like Lachie Plowman where I actually applauded a defensive mark.
Hope he has a good game in a losing side.

 

[Simmofreo]

So I hope the coaching staff are watching the swans v Lions game. Because what Franklin is doing is exactly my concern playing inexperienced defenders like we are going to have to for a while

You can have all the skill in the world but if you dont have the body strength you are in trouble against the big experienced forwards

I am very worried about the injuries down back. Right now Davis is our saviour. But he is injury prone

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[BeechyMagpie]

I'm a liitle confused about how to react to WHE. Treloar was easy, we didn't much like his protestations of loyalty before leaving. Could argue he expected the club to offer more.
WHE a different kettle of fish, I am a fan. Might be like Lachie Plowman where I actually applauded a defensive mark.
Hope he has a good game in a losing side.

I looôooved him at GWS. Wth his body letting him down he just couldn't get continuity, and in good sides, when you 'give up your spot' through injury/form, it's bloody hard to get I think back. Every time he started getting some form he would be out of the team, and another young talent would take the chance and keep the spot.

He's getting more ball at Collingwood but still needs to find consistency. His skills are putting some others to shame which isn't hard when we have some absolute butchers.

All in all a really good trade. Though he would be handy at GWS this year with the depth being tested as It has.

 

[gee whiz giant]

I think we need to change our game style if we are to win a premiership.

I think the game style isn't totally bedded in yet.
Bulldogs have a game style, all of their players know it inside out. Even with slow starts, they trust in it.

Giants get ragged at times, where moments rely on individual talent rather than team outcomes.
So, just keep on refining the structures.

 

[Bokonon_]

So I hope the coaching staff are watching the swans v Lions game. Because what Franklin is doing is exactly my concern playing inexperienced defenders like we are going to have to for a while

You can have all the skill in the world but if you dont have the body strength you are in trouble against the big experienced forwards

I am very worried about the injuries down back. Right now Davis is our saviour. But he is injury prone

On HUAWEI NXT-L09 using BigFooty.com mobile app

Heaters not that inexperienced. Tommo and Corr are fine. WiWi will hurt on the counter with Heater.
Just need to our mids to stand up so they dont get peppered

 

[Bokonon_]

I looôooved him at GWS. Wth his body letting him down he just couldn't get continuity, and in good sides, when you 'give up your spot' through injury/form, it's bloody hard to get I think back. Every time he started getting some form he would be out of the team, and another young talent would take the chance and keep the spot.

He's getting more ball at Collingwood but still needs to find consistency. His skills are putting some others to shame which isn't hard when we have some absolute butchers.

All in all a really good trade. Though he would be handy at GWS this year with the depth being tested as It has.

Fit and firing he was best 22 I'd argue, not depth. Good trade though I agree.

 

[BeechyMagpie]

Fit and firing he was best 22 I'd argue, not depth. Good trade though I agree.

Not sure if he'd be best 22 if full list available. In saying that, he has great attributes others don't so perhaps he couldn't be the icing on the cake that his skillset alllows where as Collingwood need him to be much more a complete player.

Really needs to find himself in positions kicking inside 50 more. Has a great flatter kick and something we need.

With GWS defenders dropping like flies I'm wondering if Bucks will bring White and Mayne in. Not exactly A grade options but stretching GWS defence is crucial c to us finally finding ways to score.

 

[Bokonon_]

Not sure if he'd be best 22 if full list available. In saying that, he has great attributes others don't so perhaps he couldn't be the icing on the cake that his skillset alllows where as Collingwood need him to be much more a complete player.

Really needs to find himself in positions kicking inside 50 more. Has a great flatter kick and something we need.

With GWS defenders dropping like flies I'm wondering if Bucks will bring White and Mayne in. Not exactly A grade options but stretching GWS defence is crucial c to us finally finding ways to score.

Haynes is irreplaceable and we just have to find a way to win without him.
Adam Kennedy and Buntine are great clubmen and I think teams need players like them. We're ok if the other guys take a lead from them in heart and effort though.
Himmelburg will be ok I think.
Last year at Spotless you smashed us in the midfield, and that's where the saints beat us. Our guys will need to do a lot better, but they can.

 

[Americanpies]

The bad news for you guys is that you are getting the Pies after we got our pants pulled down by Carlton. You could say that the Giants will be fired up after losing to the Saints, but the Pies going down to Carlton.. especially after they had the high against Geelong. The entire club from Eddie down would be filthy.
I don't know if the Pies will have the skill level in the forward and backline to beat the Giants, but I think they will be breathing fire and give it their all. Toby and Haynes are massive outs for the Giants but you still have those big forwards that will trouble the Collingwood backline. I think the only way Collingwood can win is if they play spare men back and hit you on the rebound with Wells and and Varcoe (if he can come back in). We really missed these guys against Carlton. Schade will come back too to give us some height in the backline, but Patton and Cameron worry me being a Pies fan.

 

[Bokonon_]

The bad news for you guys is that you are getting the Pies after we got our pants pulled down by Carlton. You could say that the Giants will be fired up after losing to the Saints, but the Pies going down to Carlton.. especially after they had the high against Geelong. The entire club from Eddie down would be filthy.
I don't know if the Pies will have the skill level in the forward and backline to beat the Giants, but I think they will be breathing fire and give it their all. Toby and Haynes are massive outs for the Giants but you still have those big forwards that will trouble the Collingwood backline. I think the only way Collingwood can win is if they play spare men back and hit you on the rebound with Wells and and Varcoe (if he can come back in). We really missed these guys against Carlton. Schade will come back too to give us some height in the backline, but Patton and Cameron worry me being a Pies fan.

Check our record back at Spotless after an away loss. This is starting to look like the banter thread though.

 

[BeechyMagpie]

It's all good and well saying Collingwood will be breathing fire but the work rate has been there most of the season. It's skill that is letting us down, kicking inside 50 especially. Whilst we could win, it's one of those if you played the game 10 times, we would win once, scenarios.

Wells and Varcoe are vital as they can actually use the ball. Our other Mids, whilst winning the ball, are average or less than average. Haynes is a huge out as the intercept marker from our 'bombs away' entries - who will play that role you guys think?

 

[Prochard123]

Who does Conigilio run with/tag?

Pendles or Treloar?

 

[Ichabod Noodle]

Who does Conigilio run with/tag?

Pendles or Treloar?

Greenwood

 

[Big Stinky Monk]

So I hope the coaching staff are watching the swans v Lions game. Because what Franklin is doing is exactly my concern playing inexperienced defenders like we are going to have to for a while

You can have all the skill in the world but if you dont have the body strength you are in trouble against the big experienced forwards

I am very worried about the injuries down back. Right now Davis is our saviour. But he is injury prone

On HUAWEI NXT-L09 using BigFooty.com mobile app

A back six of Davis, Shaw, Corr, Tomlinson, Wilson and Williams is not exactly inexperienced.

It's a good time of the year to have Himmelberg on the rotation. He struggled a little on Friday night but still only his 5th game. You can only build experience by getting games into them, and I'd much rather be doing it now in round 8 than in September.

We'll be okay.