Preview Round 9 2020, Essendon vs Brisbane Lions, Metricon Stadium, Friday 31st July

[Lions99991]

Actually your not. I’m the captain of this fan club. Don’t coming jumping on our wagon now.


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I think a sam skinner fan club should emerge from this

 

[Flyin Lion]

I think a sam skinner fan club should emerge from this

I’d be on board, been waiting to see more of him for a while.


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[3KZ is Football]

I know times have changed, but after Bernie Quinlan retired, who was Fitzroy's full forward after previously being a ruck rover (not sure if those born from the mid 90's onwards would know what that was), Richard Osborne pretty much played out of full forward at 182cm and kicked 58+ goals per season five times and just terrorised defences.

I'm not saying that is possible in this day and age, but if you have a dangerous enough player i.e. Charlie or Cam, there is no reason why you necessary need a tall (192cm+) to play full forward.

I seem to remember Richard Osborne. Snowy headed bloke. I think I watched him play at Bulleen-Templestowe and then at Fitzroy. Here are his stats, which are impressive. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/R/Richard_Osborne.htm

The big question in my mind though Dylan is, was he performing his “role,” by making a “contest” and helping to maintain “team structures” or was he selfishly kicking bags of goals over a sustained period. On the other hand, perhaps he thought that if he took lots of marks inside 50 and kicked lots of goals, that was a form of “forward pressure.” Maybe we have to wait for the game to catch up with him again.

 

[Ralphy2017]

y

If Skinner is selected, surely that’s over 1000 in between games of senior football? Can someone do the maths? Could be a great story.
I would love to see Witho get a crack this. Would also like to know everyone’s thoughts on Mathieson? He’s flown under the radar but I really rate him. Would love to see him get picked this week to

For sure, been a long time between his first game and hopefully his second, good luck to him overcoming three ACL's. Not sure on Rhys, maybe CEY plays that type of role but I am no expert.

 

[TyEdwards27]

I’m afraid that this week with so many outs, it could be make or break for a couple of our fringe players... I would think if Mathieson or Witherden don’t get a game soon then they will walk at seasons end. Would be a real shame to see this happen... hope they get a chance soon.

 

[iBeng]

It seems unlikely from recent emergencies, but I'd really like to see Wooler get McStay's position. He's super hard running and provides a great link into the forward like. Fagan set him the challenge of modelling his game on Tom Lynch (Adelaide version) and it would be interesting to see what that brings to the team. Dan's recent work around the ground and up the wings has been a strength we'll miss. And we've got plenty of dudes that love going for the ball in the forward line, especially with Big O and, if we're reading the tea leaves correctly, Skinner. I think that feels more balanced than bringing in Sam and Connor.

Given the likely downsizing of lists, this unfortunate position is going to allow us to see new faces play seniors before some of them are delisted. I think that's really positive.

I would have been happy if they went for the 6 person interchanges but the AFL don't seem keen for that. Would make sense with all the games in a row and would let us play some youngins.

 

[Saucery]

Corey Lyons might be just ahead of Matho in the order according to Robbo. Poor guy is just far too good for the reserves but can't get a game.

I <3 beast mode too but he seems to be like Mitch without the footy smarts, he just doesn't seem to get to as many contests.

 

[Ralphy2017]

I would have been happy if they went for the 6 person interchanges but the AFL don't seem keen for that. Would make sense with all the games in a row and would let us play some youngins.

I thought Wooller last year, especially in the first half of NEAFL and when Cam looked like he needed a spell, probably deserved a chance. Cam playing too well now so don't know when, but hopefully an opportunity in this condensed season.

 

[Ralphy2017]

I’m afraid that this week with so many outs, it could be make or break for a couple of our fringe players... I would think if Mathieson or Witherden don’t get a game soon then they will walk at seasons end. Would be a real shame to see this happen... hope they get a chance soon.

Probably find Witho is in against the Bombers, not sure about Matho. I believe both are contracted for a couple more years, but contracts appear to be somewhat flexible.

 

[Ralphy2017]

Watched Richmond tonight and have noticed for a few weeks now young Balta is going well, and the commentators were praising his size and athleticism, and from watching the NEAFL last year, think Payne could be our tall, big bodied, athletic tall, but obviously not replacing Andrews or at this stage Gardiner so not sure when he gets his chance, although Richmond seem to be playing three talls as well as Carlton and a couple of other teams.

 

[BangyBangy]

I seem to remember Richard Osborne. Snowy headed bloke. I think I watched him play at Bulleen-Templestowe and then at Fitzroy. Here are his stats, which are impressive. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/R/Richard_Osborne.htm

The big question in my mind though Dylan is, was he performing his “role,” by making a “contest” and helping to maintain “team structures” or was he selfishly kicking bags of goals over a sustained period. On the other hand, perhaps he thought that if he took lots of marks inside 50 and kicked lots of goals, that was a form of “forward pressure.” Maybe we have to wait for the game to catch up with him again.

What relevance does this have to todays game? I don't care what Osborne's stats were. They were surely below Dunstall's & Lockett's, & even their stats are irrelevant today, because the game is different 3KZ. Have a look at the race for the Coleman. Only after last weeks game where the Eagles pumped Collingwood has a tall forward emerged. Seriously, who do you think we have to bring in from the reserves can change this (not only for our team, but for the competition as a whole).?

 

[beardancer]

Witho, for me is too slow, too short to be a key back, thinks he’s a great kick(yeah, nah)and gets caught out too often. I just can’t see the sort of opponent he could line up against. Starsky seems to have gone past him. Just on Matho, he’s a top footballer imho, and a really good mark inside 50. He’s a must keep I reckon

 

[martinson]

Watched Richmond tonight and have noticed for a few weeks now young Balta is going well, and the commentators were praising his size and athleticism, and from watching the NEAFL last year, think Payne could be our tall, big bodied, athletic tall, but obviously not replacing Andrews or at this stage Gardiner so not sure when he gets his chance, although Richmond seem to be playing three talls as well as Carlton and a couple of other teams.

Payne seems to have the size and the composure to step up to better class.

I've heard a few names thrown up who might walk if they aren't given opportunities and none of those names phase me at all but the ones I don't want to see go are Payne ,Coleman ,Ely Smith and Dev Robertson . Also keen to have a look at Prior and a couple of last years draftees but sadly we haven't had the chance as yet.

 

[brutus76]

Out Smith McStay Rich Lester
In CEY Witho Ballenden/Skinner +1

One of Connor or Sam has to play and ruck the forward third. Just depends if you play all 3.

 

[SL16]

My guess would be:

Out: A Smith, Lester, Rich, McStay
In: Answerth, Witherden, Skinner, Ellis-Yolmen (if fit, Coleman if not)

 

[TyEdwards27]

Probably find Witho is in against the Bombers, not sure about Matho. I believe both are contracted for a couple more years, but contracts appear to be somewhat flexible.

Contracts are very flexible nowadays. You often see players exploring options for more opportunity. Josh Walker is a prime example. He struggled to get a game for us last year but has come into his own at North

 

[LIONS08]

Witho, for me is too slow, too short to be a key back, thinks he’s a great kick(yeah, nah)and gets caught out too often. I just can’t see the sort of opponent he could line up against. Starsky seems to have gone past him. Just on Matho, he’s a top footballer imho, and a really good mark inside 50. He’s a must keep I reckon

That’s why he doesn’t play as a key back leave that up to the big boys! You certainly need good ball users out of the back half and someone that would take calculated risks, that’s Witho!

 

[Lazza16]

What relevance does this have to todays game? I don't care what Osborne's stats were. They were surely below Dunstall's & Lockett's, & even their stats are irrelevant today, because the game is different 3KZ. Have a look at the race for the Coleman. Only after last weeks game where the Eagles pumped Collingwood has a tall forward emerged. Seriously, who do you think we have to bring in from the reserves can change this (not only for our team, but for the competition as a whole).?

With the introduction of 6-6-6 a intelligent footballer with a strong lead can get out n space and mark a quick kick from the centre bounce. Doesnt matter if ur tall or small or mid size but 1 goal per quarter doing this will reward u with 4 per game x 20 games = 80..........

 

[LongLion]

Everyone here knows i'm the biggest advocate for Skinner. I can't wait for his selection and for him to prove all the doubters here wrong

Don't think there have been too many doubters. Lot of love for Skinner out there

 

[dlanod]

Don't think there have been too many doubters. Lot of love for Skinner out there

I've said he's likely to be delisted at the end of the year but that's just based off the combination of him getting moved to the rookie list last year which is never a good sign. I'm really looking forward to seeing him get his chance - I don't want or expect him to perform poorly just because of his list status.

 

[Scubaveg]

I think a sam skinner fan club should emerge from this

There already is a Sam Skinner fan club. You can submit your application with credentials
right here.


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[scoman]

I think the negatives comments directed towards the selections of Skinner over the last year or so is more in defence of McStay than anything else. McStay is a pretty important cog in our forward structure with his ability to present, crash the packs and if he is having a good day clunk half a dozen marks. His work at ground level, one touch pick ups, field kicking, hand balling, tackling and defensive pressure would probably be close to elite for a key forward. So when it is raised that it's time to dump him for Skinner it makes people nervous. From what we have seen of Skinner he appears to be able to be able to offer plenty of aggression and can clunk a mark. The worry is how long will it take him/ will he ever match the other parts of McStays game. Will that cost the team?

Obviously we just don't know and it's possible he turns out to be an even better option. But my point is that replacing and important player with an untried player is a risk. McStays suspension has given us no choice and it's a perfect scenario to find out how our forward line functions without him.

 

[jackess]

I think the negatives comments directed towards the selections of Skinner over the last year or so is more in defence of McStay than anything else. McStay is a pretty important cog in our forward structure with his ability to present, crash the packs and if he is having a good day clunk half a dozen marks. His work at ground level, one touch pick ups, field kicking, hand balling, tackling and defensive pressure would probably be close to elite for a key forward. So when it is raised that it's time to dump him for Skinner it makes people nervous. From what we have seen of Skinner he appears to be able to be able to offer plenty of aggression and can clunk a mark. The worry is how long will it take him/ will he ever match the other parts of McStays game. Will that cost the team?

Obviously we just don't know and it's possible he turns out to be an even better option. But my point is that replacing and important player with an untried player is a risk. McStays suspension has given us no choice and it's a perfect scenario to find out how our forward line functions without him.

Given Skinner was so new to the forwardline as well he probably needed more time to learn all the parts of the game that will be required from him in the seniors

 

[X AE A12]

P p p p pumped for this match

 

[The Flying Belgian]

A quote from a user a couple of days ago
"Skinner seems to be massively overrated by many on this board all because of a 1 game performance many years ago. From all reports, he has been underwhelming in the scratch matches and isn't doing himself any favours."

The ironic thing is that his post had more likes than mine, where I was arguing in favor of skinner playing. Make that as you will, but he has his doubters here.

Anyway, i'm not trying to create disruption. I just think we should be more sympathic to those who are not getting a chance. We have a squad of really great players who would make the best 22 in a lot of teams and have been unfortunately pushed out. This week, these players will likely get a chance to prove themselves and it's not only good for them, but the club as well. Strong performances could push out the players who are out this week. Skinner is the feel good story of the week as well, and I just hope nothing bad happens to him considering he's been injury prone since his debut.

Any criticism that may have surrounded Skinner mainly centres around the mythology of his ability that might have built up over the years. He played one game, kicked two goals and downed Schofield (or was it MacKenzie?) in a brutal tackle. "'Twas a fine debut, English, but 'tis no career".

Like a few who've trod the path of having both prodigious talent and injury-prone bodies (I'm thinking Luke Forsyth, Cal Bartlett among others), they'll have their supporters and among those some who'll try to gain some extra credit by forming bandwagons. I could certainly be labelled as being keen supporters of all three of the aforementioned.

Any idiot can see the potential in Skinner, but at the same time you can't blame people for wanting a bit more of a sample size. After all, there have been some amazing debuts over the years that preceded decidedly mediocre careers.