Team for the Cats

[moomba]

Been a fair bit of debate already, here is the team I would pick. I am assuming all players bar Arch are available. Still not too easy fitting players into the side, a good sign IMO.

B Rawlings Watt Baird
HB King Colbert Sinclair
C Makepeace Robbins Stevo
HF S.Clayton Brown Grant
F Harding Sav Petrie
R Porter Simpson Harvey
Int Burton Morrell Harris Wells

Emerg D.Motlop Jones Teague

Colbert and Brown interchangable depending on how they are going, and I reckon Baird is a good matchup for wherever Steven Johnson goes.

This side could have one tall too many, but Geelong have quite a few talls, and I think we have more than enough run in the lineup. Another option for me is putting Makepeace further up forward against the Cats, I think he could do really well getting a fair bit of the ball and feeding it to Sav, Drew and Digby.

Teague is one that I dropped reluctantly but I just can't squeeze him in for a spot against the Cats with Rawlings, Watt and Baird all deserving a spot in defence for next week. He didn't really sem to have a role on the weekend, but I do rate him and I'm sure he will be back in my round 3 side. Jeremy Clayton is the other missing out.

Spider is the obvious inclusion, if he is fit he is straight into the seniors, there is no other option as far as I am concerned. Harris is my other inclusion, and I think he could be a useful option if the Cats midfield starts to get on top.

Jones and Jnr are close, but miss out due to the fact that I am finding it hard enough to drop people as it is. If Spider misses out either one of those would probably come in instead of Harris, as we may need a bit of extra marking cover for the times Drew is needed in the ruck.

Anyway, I am sure there will be plenty of different opinions, I look forward to seeing them.

Moomba

 

[Lidge]

I still wouldn't rush Spider back in - rather ease him in to the season to ensure he's on the track come September (don't forget he had a dodgy hammy only a fortnight ago). Would like to see Teague in the side - while he's no superstar he is hard, does the basics very well and offers some composure down back in Archer's absence.

I can hear some ppl demanding Jones, Motlop etc to be promoted - but IMO the magoos/VFL is a prety soft comp. Blokes worthy of a 1st 18 start should be racking up 40 touches or kicking bags of 7-8 this time of the year for Port Melb before getting the nod. Would like to see the JYD demanding a huge lift in output from our blokes in the twos - which can only keep the pressure on the players in the 1sts. After all 30 touches and/or 4 goals in the VFA/L shouldn't be rated to highly.

I reckon I could still get a few kicks in that comp.

And the Roo Boys by another 5 goals this week at the cattery!

 

[Groucho]

I'm pretty sure that laids wants to give Jnr his chance and that he'll come straight in for J.Clayton but if Spider's fit enough then I'm not sure who else will go but doubt it'll be Teague.

 

[stevo10]

You're a fair player then Lidge?

 

[Darky]

Originally posted by moomba

Colbert and Brown interchangable depending on how they are going, and I reckon Baird is a good matchup for wherever Steven Johnson goes.

...

Teague is one that I dropped reluctantly but I just can't squeeze him in for a spot against the Cats with Rawlings, Watt and Baird all deserving a spot in defence for next week. He didn't really sem to have a role on the weekend, but I do rate him and I'm sure he will be back in my round 3 side.

I reckon Teague is the man for S.Johnson, who I really rate as a footballer but who might just be a bit small to play as a KPP. I see Baird as matching up better on Kingsley, who might be a bit quicker than Johnson.

It'd be good to see Rawlings used as a negator again. As I tipped he was the man for Milne, and might find himself matched against Spriggs or Clarke. I'd have Makepeace minding Chapman who is not a name player, nor is he overly quick, but he gets plenty of the ball, is a good reader of the play, and disposal is infinitely better than Spriggs and Clarke (and is therefore much more damaging).

Not sure where Graham will play. If he plays forward, probably see Colbert line up on him - if he plays defence, he could take any of our talls. Harley was a late withdrawal last against the Doggies, and if he returns, I'd expect Graham to play up forward. Harley on Petrie/Digby, Scarlett on Rocca.

I don't reckon there'll be wholesale changes to our squad, despite some players putting on good form in the twos. J.Clayton probably out, I'd spell Spider for another week although with King's ability to dominate a game the temptation would be there to get Spider back in. Porter won't match King around the ground... not by a long way... but is a much more physical player and can make King earn every touch. Also a chance for Petrie to show he is up to the task, might learn a few things along the way even if beaten on the day.

Interesting game looms. I'm optimistic (more so than confident) of a win.

 

[D-Man]

I would drop J. Clayton despite him doing some nice things on forward line because both Junior and Jones will be a lot more valuable and versatile than Clayton at his current stage of development. I would also give Sav a full game with Port Melbourne to improve his fitness. If Burton does not play then it is Junior and Jones for Clayton and Rocca, otherwise Burton and Jones should come in.

 

[Shinboners]

The changes I would make are:

IN: Jones, Burton
OUT: J. Clayton, Rocca

On Moomba's comments about Teague, I'd keep him in the side and bring in Jones as well. I reckon Geelong have this soft white underbelly, and the more tough nuts we have in the side, the better we will be. Geelong did put in a quarter of tough tackling against Collingwood in the Wizza Wok, but once the heat was put back on them, they melted.

Burton, if fit, should play. He's still our best ruckman. Rocca goes out for him because, as D-Man posted above, he'd be better off with a full game with Port Melbourne than a quarter or two with us. If Burton isn't fit, then Rocca gets to stay in.

As for the Cats, they would have expected to beat the Bulldogs. But they now face the prospect of a 0-2 start and facing Collingwood (who will probably be on top of the ladder after they belt the Cash Strapped Blues by about 15 goals on Friday night) in Round 3. I think that will be in the back of their minds as they, like every other club, would have tried to get a strong 3-0 or 2-1 start to the year.

No spot for Daniel Motlop though. Come on Sheedy - start lobbying for a 5 man interchange bench....NOW!

 

[Wonderdog]

Burton

Sorry guys but am I the only one who thinks I we can't have Spider and Ports in the same team?

If one of them could go forward and jag a couple of goals I might change my mind but two one position ruckmen doesn't work IMO.
Having Drew who was recruited as a ruckman to cover when the ruckman needs a spell is sufficient and we can also use Sav there at a pinch. Neither Ports or Spider add anything different to the forward line and therefore one of them is always likely to be on the bench. Last year Ports lost form because he spent so much time on the bench. JYD has to make a decision who is the better ruckman, and then barring injury, stick with him and the other one plays 2s.

I would like to see either Jnr or Corey come in for J. Clayton and no other changes.

 

[Moti]

I agree Wonderdog!

I am an advocate for only having 1 specialist ruckman. I think Drew should be fine for pinch hitting, and that should do us fine.

And I don't think that Porter is the sort of ruckman that can come on and have a major impact. I think he is more of the play all day and play well type than a pinch hitter.

Much better flexibility with 1 specialist only.

 

[NeoBlaze]

FF: Jones, Rocca, Harvey
HF: Morrell, Petrie, King
C: Grant, A.Stevens, Makepeace
HB: Sinclair, Brown, Baird
FB: Rawlings, Watt, D.Motlop
R: Burton, Simpson, Robbins

I: Colbert, Teague, Wells, Harding

IN: Jones, D.Motlop, Burton (if fit)
OUT: J.Clayton, S.Clayton, Porter (if burton fit)

MUHAHAHAHAHAHAH

 

[hurricane]

IN: Burton, D.Motlop
OUT: J.Clayton, Teague

Emerg: Harris, Jones, Stevens M

J Clayton was only a fill in at this point, and will be better for the experience.

I'm tempted to give Spider a week in the twos, but King is a far better ruckman than anything the Aints could throw at us and we may need to double team him over the course of the match.

Porter will be very important IMHO... doesn't have the around the ground skills of King, but will nullify his physical presence to a large extent.

Teague is unlucky - but with Rawlings, Sinclair and Makey all stepping up in the small defender roles, there didn't seem to be a spot for him on the weekend.

Junior comes straight in as by all reports he seems to be in JYD's first 22 - would have played in round one if not for the suspension.

Jones must be close, putting pressure on our small to mid sized forwards. Harris will step in as soon as the in and under brigade need bolstering, while Michael Stevens can't be far off either.

 

[roobear]

D.Motlop in for J.Clayton.
Spider in for Sav.

Apart from that, I'd leave it alone.

 

[HoRsE]

I feel the need…….the need for speed.

I loved the way we played fast and out ran most teams during the wizza cup. The Bullies also ran the Cats ragged, we can do the same. So yes im of the smaller faster more flexible school of thinking at this stage.

B: Makepeace Watt Rawlings
HB: Sinclair Brown Baird
C: King Stevo Grant
HF: Motlop Petrie Jones
F: Morrell Rocca Harding

Foll: Porter Simmo Harvey

Int: S.Clayton Wells Robbins Colbert

Porter seems to love the number 1 ruck duties so give it him, lets see whats he’s got against one of the best ruckmen around. This will be a good measure for him while allowing Burton a lighter run with Port. Petrie can take CHF for most of the day and rotated via the bench for a rest before taking the ruck duties to give Porter a small breather (that’s all he needs). We have the flexibility to move Colbert or Brown forward or back while Petrie is rucking, or just play a smaller faster forward line during that time. Motlop and Jones can play tall, do the crumbing jobs along with Harding and push up as midfielders when required.
We can rotate the midfield like a blender with the running power we have in this side. We have enough talls to do the job, and lets not forget Motlop can take a tallish Geelong forward if required (All Stars game). We have the height in the backline with Colbert and Motlop as extras, plenty of midfielders and a fast mobile forward line with plenty of avenues to goal.
Selecting teams isnt going to be easy, I can see we’ll have much debate over it this season. The good thing is it looks like the job will only get harder with guys like Teague, Archer, Harris, Smith, Watson, Clayton, Burton, McCartney, S Motlop, Hale and possibly Crowe all more than capable of coming into the team at some stage. Theres gonna be some awfully unlucky players this year.

 

[magoo]

BTW who do you guys think will get kingsley?... he maybe a little to quick for baird or teague. perhaps rawlings or even d motlop.

i imagine that watt will be on mooney or graham if either are up forward. colbert to get whoever watt doesn't pickup.

 

[tashibatts]

FB: Rawlings Watt Makepeace
HB:Sinclair Brown Baird
C:King Simpson Grant
HF: Jones Petrie DMotlop {Ahh my lovely HF line.. Its back}
FF:Harding Rocca Harvey
Ruck: Porter Stevens Robbins
IC: Wells Teague Colbert SClayton


Burton gets another week in the magoos- just for a light run.
Petrie shares rucking with Porter- if we are really desperate: we put Rocca in there.
I love that HF line.. it is so beautiful.. just wait until Wellsy gets on the ground.. magic
Colbert to CHB- Brown to CHF when Petrie rucks.. or Colbert could go straight to Petrie without moving Brown.

There we go peoples.

I know I moved out JClayton but I wouldnt have a clue who my other out (To get one of Jones/DMotlop in) was.. so dont ask. So lets play a game: Spot The Missing Man! Whose missing from my lineup?


Go Roos

 

[Karanicolas]

B Rawlings Watt Teague
HB King Baird Sinclair
C Makepeace Robbins Stevens
HF S.Clayton Petrie Grant
F Harding Sav Brown
R Porter Simpson Harvey
Int Burton Morrell Wells Colbert

Emerg Jones J.Clayton D.Motlop

In Burton
Out J.Clayton


A bit top heavy, but Spider has to come in given he is our No. 1 ruckman.

Gee, Archer will be struggling to get a game come rd 4!!

 

[hurricane]

Originally posted by tashibatts
I know I moved out JClayton but I wouldnt have a clue who my other out (To get one of Jones/DMotlop in) was.. so dont ask. So lets play a game: Spot The Missing Man! Whose missing from my lineup?

Surprise surprise!
But I don't think he'll be dropped as he did quite well on Saturday.

 

[tashibatts]

Originally posted by hurricane
Surprise surprise!

Go Roos

 

[HoRsE]

Hurricane, your not mixing up your Claytons are you? Tashibatts I believe you dropped Morrell.

 

[Carlos]

Digby's 11 possessions, 7 marks and 5 scoring shots for 2 goals weren't good enough for you Battsy?

 

[tashibatts]

Originally posted by Carlos
Digby's 11 possessions, 7 marks and 5 scoring shots for 2 goals weren't good enough for you Battsy?

Actually Carlos- it was a mistake.. I didnt even mean to drop Morrel and actually had planned for him to be in the team.

Go Roos

 

[speedy]

BP Rawlings Watt Baird
HB Teauge Colbert Sinclair
C Harvey Grant A.Stevens
HF King Brown D.Motlop
FF Harding Rocca Morrell
RK Porter Simspon
R Makepeace

INT Petrie Robbins Wells S.Clayton

 

[hurricane]

Originally posted by tashibatts


Go Roos

Sorry Tashi, Horse, bit careless with the quoting there.

It didn't take much of a look to see that you'd dropped Morrell, Tashi... fancy him being the one that slipped your mind!

 

[Bobby B]

Morrel - he won't be left out.

I think Junior will be in, J.Clayton out.
3 players that might be on the edge of the team this week are Rocca, Harding and Spider for different reasons.
I think Jones is a chance - Rocca needs more game time- he will get better, so I think he needs to play.

Hard choice