Always Right Match Committee Thread Round 4, Vs Collingwood

[Scraggers]

Welcome to the Always Right Match Committee Thread. The Match Committee threads has been named after long time WOOF member Always Right who tragically passed away in March 2018.


If you were on the Western Bulldogs match committee what changes would you make after our Round 3 match against Gold Coast Suns for our Round 4, 2019 match against Collingwood Friday night at the G?

For those new to these threads, please give a brief explanation for your changes ... this would add a lot of value to the discussion.

[GVGjr]

Bump

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Should be a few changes I’d say.

[Rocket Science]

Like shooting fish in a barrel when it comes to whoever earns a spell.

Richards, Gowers, Young, Lloyd ... the skipper. You could add five more but certain names are teflon coated.

[DOG GOD]

Out - Richards and Young as definates
In - JJ and Williams (need their run ASAP)

[bornadog]

I wouldn’t be dropping Young

[AndrewP6]

Out Young and Richards
In Trengove, JJ.

[Hotdog60]

Richards and Lloyd out
Lipinski and JJ in

[bornadog]

Richards and Lloyd out
Lipinski and JJ in

This and I would send Dickson back to the VFL as well.

[lemmon]

I wouldn’t be dropping Young

Why? I have no idea what he contributed today

[Doc26]

Out Young and Richards
In Trengove, JJ.

It is not helping Lewis with Wood being so out of touch and not in a position to take on more accountability. I was hoping that Young might’ve improved from last week but he was so often out of position and seemingly lost. I’d persevere another week but was disappointed with what I observed today from Lewis.

[Rocket Science]

Why? I have no idea what he contributed today

Blokes have had worse outings and been persisted with but his defensive reads, timing and body positioning all need major work which may explain why he's been unsighted for 18 months.

He's partly a victim of what went on upfield today but I fear for what the Pies will make of this.

[Go_Dogs]

Given the turnaround and opposition I would be making a two changes.

Out:-

Lloyd, Richards

In:-

Lipinski, JJ

[lemmon]

Out- Richards, Young, Gowers
In- JJ, Roberts, Lipinski

Wood pretty lucky to survive the chop. Needs to find a way to involve himself.

[GVGjr]

Out- Richards, Young, Gowers
In- JJ, Roberts, Lipinski

Wood pretty lucky to survive the chop. Needs to find a way to involve himself.

And stop falling over in contests.

[jeemak]

Who do we have to play on Mason Cox? We might be best removing Young for Trengove, and give it to the latter.

I think Ed needs a spell, and I'd bring in Williams for him. If JJ is fit it might be that he needs a run at Footscray, it's been a long while now and I'm not sure this is the week to bring him in underdone.

[Bullies]

Out: Richards, Gowers, Duryea, Young
In: JJ, Williams, Trengove and Lipper

(Wood should be dropped but wont. What a fall with form he has had. He doesn't look like taking a mark). Dickson not the same player either he may have gone a year too long.

[Bullies]

It is not helping Lewis with Wood being so out of touch and not in a position to take on more accountability. I was hoping that Young might’ve improved from last week but he was so often out of position and seemingly lost. I’d persevere another week but was disappointed with what I observed today from Lewis. Gold Coast also kicked it to whoever Young was on particularly early in the game.

[Rocket Science]

Who do we have to play on Mason Cox? We might be best removing Young for Trengove, and give it to the latter.

I think Ed needs a spell, and I'd bring in Williams for him. If JJ is fit it might be that he needs a run at Footscray, it's been a long while now and I'm not sure this is the week to bring him in underdone.

I can't wait for the commentator hilarity when Cox ends up isolated one-on-one against Daniel in the goal square.

[westbulldog]

I am not for dropping the Captain nor writing him off. Perkins was written off as a "has been" in Lane 8 at Atlanta, Greg Chappell made 4 ducks in a row. As for Cox he is smug and overrated. What I would do is get a specialist goalkicking coach that we have been on about for years. Other than that don't be too hard on these young blokes.

[Pickenitup]

Really Need to bring In Trengove to help in the Ruck and to man up on Cox.
JJ and Williams to come in
Richards to go back to Vfl Same with Young not sure who else gets dropped maybe one of Dickson Lloyd or Gowers.

[kruder]

Who do we have to play on Mason Cox? We might be best removing Young for Trengove, and give it to the latter.

I think Ed needs a spell, and I'd bring in Williams for him. If JJ is fit it might be that he needs a run at Footscray, it's been a long while now and I'm not sure this is the week to bring him in underdone.

Do you remember his game against Sydney in 16? JJ will play 100%

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Out: Richards, Gowers, Duryea, Young
In: JJ, Williams, Trengove and Lipper

(Wood should be dropped but wont. What a fall with form he has had. He doesn't look like taking a mark). Dickson not the same player either he may have gone a year too long.

I agree with your 4 players to come in but would retain Richards who should be playing in defence and Gowers but instead leave out Dickson and Lloyd. Apart from Naughton our forward line was very ordinary today. We were thrashed in the ruck where both English and Schache were outclassed. Trengove needs to be the support ruck man to English and provide experience and strength in defence replacing Young. JJ will add an injection of speed which was sadly lacking today.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Left field. Would we play JJ on Cox. This would ensure he can run off and create. Other than this. It would need to be Wood.

The huge concern is the Ruck. Grundy will be licking his chops at the thought of playing on are young guys. Is it worth a go if they drop English to throw Wood in the ruck. He is mobile enough to match him around the ground and might just give him some freedom to chase the leather and be used as the link player around half back

[SlimPickens]

Considering Trengove has been crook, I wonder if Sweet is a chance to play. English looked cooked yesterday

[Happy Days]

Considering Trengove has been crook, I wonder if Sweet is a chance to play. English looked cooked yesterday

I didn't see the game yesterday and I never will, but Witts is just about the worst possible match up of the rucks for English; a HUGE strong and physical bully around the ball who was probably always going to rough Tim up.

As weird as it sounds I actually feel more confident with Tim against the better player in Grundy, who looks to do more damage around the ground.

[angelopetraglia]

Left field. Would we play JJ on Cox. This would ensure he can run off and create. Other than this. It would need to be Wood.

The huge concern is the Ruck. Grundy will be licking his chops at the thought of playing on are young guys. Is it worth a go if they drop English to throw Wood in the ruck. He is mobile enough to match him around the ground and might just give him some freedom to chase the leather and be used as the link player around half back

JJ = 180cm
Cox = 211cm

That about the same differential as Caleb Daniel V Jared Roughead .... remember how that worked out? No.

[bornadog]

Other than the first quarter, we dominated this game everywhere around the ground except the scoreboard, and even then we kicked 7 goals to their 4.

I doubt Bevo will be making wholesale changes

[Mantis]

Other than the first quarter, we dominated this game everywhere around the ground except the scoreboard, and even then we kicked 7 goals to their 4.

I doubt Bevo will be making wholesale changes

But questions need to be asked on why we didn't score enough? It was the same last week except we got real hot for 15min.

We dominated Sydney for large parts of the game too yet nearly let that one slip.

We simply can't keep dominating general play and getting no return on the scoreboard... the 'mix' in the team is up the creek.

[bornadog]

We simply can't keep dominating general play and getting no return on the scoreboard... the 'mix' in the team is up the creek.

I agree with you, but who comes in and who goes out?

[Mofra]

Who do we have to play on Mason Cox? We might be best removing Young for Trengove, and give it to the latter.

I think Ed needs a spell, and I'd bring in Williams for him. If JJ is fit it might be that he needs a run at Footscray, it's been a long while now and I'm not sure this is the week to bring him in underdone.
Post match press conference - Bevo indicated Boyd will play VFL, JJ can come back in the seniors after a long layoff as we've done it before. English will remain first ruck.

I imagine JJ & Williams come in. Suspect Richards goes out and possibly one of Dickson/Lloyd. Lippi must be close to a recall too.

[Mantis]

I agree with you, but who comes in and who goes out?

Defence:

Cordy & Young - both have to play. Both make mistakes, but we need some height down there given how high we defend. Young is as raw as they come, but we need to get him to 50 games ASAP. He will continue to make errors and frustrate us at times, but he is only 20 and will be a very good player when he matures.

Crozier, Wood & Duryea - only need 1 or 2 of these, take your pick.

JJ, Suckling & Daniel - play all 3

Midfield:

Too many slow & poor kicking players in there with limited ability to spread. Great at winning the ball, but often nothing comes of it. It took us all of last year to work out that Wallis is completely ineffective as a mid, but was reliable as a small/medium forward, but I guess with Lloyd & Dickson added/back in the side we have enough of this type and he's back in the midfield making the same mistakes as he usually does.

The use of the mid on the defensive side of the stoppage was poor yesterday.. got sucked into the contest and didn't allow us cover or an outlet. We won the clearances easily, but there was no flow and often just a hack kick forward.

Bailey Smith showed what he is capable of yesterday with his ability to spread and then deliver effectively.

Betting the same drum here, but Hunter & Macrae are incredible with their work-rates, but their hurt factor isn't high.

Forwards:

Too many slow medium sized players who aren't applying enough defensive pressure. Dickson is very limited in what he offers and Lloyd is hit or miss.

Dunkley & McLean not capable of playing the lead up role we require.. perhaps they play more midfield or don't play at all??

Gowers floats in and out of the game way too often and doesn't make the most of his (limited) opportunities.

Schache needs space which wasn't on offer yesterday and can't just be a battering ram in the air which isn't his go at all.

-------------------------------

So it's a bit of a mess!

Need to get more midfield time into McLean & Williams - offer some ability to spread which we don't have at the minute.

Can't play all of Dickson, Lloyd, Wallis & Dunkley.

Can't play all of Wood, Crozier & Duyrea.

#inbevowetrust

[Mofra]

Can't play all of Dickson, Lloyd, Wallis & Dunkley.

Can't play all of Wood, Crozier & Duyrea.

#inbevowetrust
Crozier has been fantastic for us and Duryea solid. Wood is showing glimpses but is far, far off his best. I'm really not sure he's best 22 right now.

Dunkley has shown he can put up elite numbers (late last year) and is a big body that helps us.
Wallis covers a lot of ground but has 1-2 howlers per week.

Dickson is going to have 1 good game every two, Lloyd had a shocker after two decent games. I suspect one of Lloyd or Dickson comes under real pressure this week.

JJ comes back in, flagged post match. I suspect Bailey Williams comes in and we drop Richards and one of Dickson/Lloyd, especially considering Bevo preaches versatility and Lloyd took a rotation or two on the wing and behind the ball.

Lippi is killing it at VFL level but his legspeed may not help our issues with defensive pressure.

[Mantis]

Crozier has been fantastic for us and Duryea solid. Wood is showing glimpses but is far, far off his best. I'm really not sure he's best 22 right now.

Dunkley has shown he can put up elite numbers (late last year) and is a big body that helps us.
Wallis covers a lot of ground but has 1-2 howlers per week.

Dickson is going to have 1 good game every two, Lloyd had a shocker after two decent games. I suspect one of Lloyd or Dickson comes under real pressure this week.

JJ comes back in, flagged post match. I suspect Bailey Williams comes in and we drop Richards and one of Dickson/Lloyd, especially considering Bevo preaches versatility and Lloyd took a rotation or two on the wing and behind the ball.

Lippi is killing it at VFL level but his legspeed may not help our issues with defensive pressure.

Crozier has been very good and probably goes into the safe category, but how many small/ medium sized defenders do we actually need? JJ goes back down there.. where is Williams playing?

Dunkley did put up some great numbers as mentioned, but with Libba back in there he is seeing limited time in the midfield.. Wallis is also playing a lot more midfield minutes than the second half of last year. McLean is seeing virtually no midfield time and was excellent in there during the first half of 2018.

As I said the mix is all out of whack.. just trying to fit our best 22 players into the team with what it seems, no regard for the roles they will play.

[bornadog]

Crozier has been very good and probably goes into the safe category, but how many small/ medium sized defenders do we actually need? JJ goes back down there.. where is Williams playing?

Dunkley did put up some great numbers as mentioned, but with Libba back in there he is seeing limited time in the midfield.. Wallis is also playing a lot more midfield minutes than the second half of last year. McLean is seeing virtually no midfield time and was excellent in there during the first half of 2018.

As I said the mix is all out of whack.. just trying to fit our best 22 players into the team with what it seems, no regard for the roles they will play.

We announced Mclean is going to be more a small forward but it isn't working. Yesterday he had 2 touches to half time and I think he finished up with 10 or so. I think he has to go back to more midfield time.

I am really worried about Dickson, and I am not sure why we picked up Lloyd.

As for Macrae, why oh why does he have to think he needs to centre the ball in the forward 50. He should be heading towards the goal square and even taking a shot, otherwise find a cheat to hit. So frustrating watching him do this.

[mjp]

Defence:

Cordy & Young - both have to play. Both make mistakes, but we need some height down there given how high we defend. Young is as raw as they come, but we need to get him to 50 games ASAP. He will continue to make errors and frustrate us at times, but he is only 20 and will be a very good player when he matures.

Crozier, Wood & Duryea - only need 1 or 2 of these, take your pick.

JJ, Suckling & Daniel - play all 3



So...I'm not sure Young can play.

And I know it was only one week ago that I said he had to play, but he is so spooked with his kicking it is really killing us.

I am not sure if he has decided he can't kick, whether the coaches have told him not to kick or if he has had one turnover too many and has decided not to even try any more, but he wins the footy (he is doing that pretty well), scans for options...and ON PURPOSE waits so long to pull the trigger that they are all covered and he has to go long down the line. You could mount a reasonable case that the lack of 'imagination' we showed with the footy yesterday cost us the game.

I agree he will be a very good player - I like him - but if he can't fix this then he can't play.

[Mofra]

Crozier has been very good and probably goes into the safe category, but how many small/ medium sized defenders do we actually need? JJ goes back down there.. where is Williams playing?
I suspect JJ plays on the wing (for Richards) and Williams spent all pre-season with the mids only to be thrown back as a last minute measure.

Of course, we don't know if Suckling plays on Friday as we don't know how severe his broken nose is.

[Mantis]

So...I'm not sure Young can play.

And I know it was only one week ago that I said he had to play, but he is so spooked with his kicking it is really killing us.

I am not sure if he has decided he can't kick, whether the coaches have told him not to kick or if he has had one turnover too many and has decided not to even try any more, but he wins the footy (he is doing that pretty well), scans for options...and ON PURPOSE waits so long to pull the trigger that they are all covered and he has to go long down the line. You could mount a reasonable case that the lack of 'imagination' we showed with the footy yesterday cost us the game.

I agree he will be a very good player - I like him - but if he can't fix this then he can't play.

He's clearly spooked... and has been since the game against GWS in late '17 when he made some poor kicking errors which cost us badly and was mocked by amongst others Jon Patton and hasn't really been comfortable with ball in hand since.

I guess it's up to the coaches & his team-mates to build up his confidence and give him some clear directions on what he needs to do in these situations. Some movement from the players further afiled will definitely help too.. we were extremely stagnant yesterday.

Anyway I hope we persist with him as it's going to be another developing year for the team, but with Naughton, Young, Cordy, Schache & English we have a nice group of developing talls and we will be a much better team when they're established.

[Jeanette54]

I can't wait for the commentator hilarity when Cox ends up isolated one-on-one against Daniel in the goal square.

My money would be on Caleb, somehow he just seems to find a way.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Other than the first quarter, we dominated this game everywhere around the ground except the scoreboard, and even then we kicked 7 goals to their 4.

I doubt Bevo will be making wholesale changes

Scoring 6 goals in 3 quarters is hardly dominating the game. Apart from Naughton we didn’t have a winner on the forward line and was sadly beaten in the ruck. There were many poor players on the day and we were saved by the ball getting abilities of Bont Libba Macrae and Hunter in a pretty lack lustre performance.

[Murphy'sLore]

Our team is very even in ability. When everyone fires, as they did against Hawthorn in the last quarter, they are very very good. When everyone is flat, as they were this week, they are horrid.

[Axe Man]

Ins:
JJ - straight in if deemed right to go
Williams - suited to Collingwood's plethora of mid sized forwards

Outs:
Richards - struggling to get involved, let him get plenty of touches in the VFL for a week or 2
Young - just prefer Williams for matchup reasons against the Pies

Wouldn't mind Roberts coming in to play on Cox but not sure how to get him in and it won't happen anyway.

[AshMac]

I’d love another tall in, or to play schache in ruck more which I don’t see happening. Grundy and thier midfield will be a tough match up.

Out

Richards - pains me to say but he’s form has been off last 2 weeks and JJ is a likely replacement
Young - maybe too big an ask to play on Cox, bit unlucky, but should make way if Williams is back in form

In

Williams - no idea how he played on Friday and might be idealistic but he loves open spaces
JJ - because he is JJ

[Eastdog]

JJ - because he is JJ

JJ does like playing at the G but only if he is 100% ready to go.

[westdog54]

Defence:

Cordy & Young - both have to play. Both make mistakes, but we need some height down there given how high we defend. Young is as raw as they come, but we need to get him to 50 games ASAP. He will continue to make errors and frustrate us at times, but he is only 20 and will be a very good player when he matures.

Crozier, Wood & Duryea - only need 1 or 2 of these, take your pick.

JJ, Suckling & Daniel - play all 3

Midfield:

Too many slow & poor kicking players in there with limited ability to spread. Great at winning the ball, but often nothing comes of it. It took us all of last year to work out that Wallis is completely ineffective as a mid, but was reliable as a small/medium forward, but I guess with Lloyd & Dickson added/back in the side we have enough of this type and he's back in the midfield making the same mistakes as he usually does.

The use of the mid on the defensive side of the stoppage was poor yesterday.. got sucked into the contest and didn't allow us cover or an outlet. We won the clearances easily, but there was no flow and often just a hack kick forward.

Bailey Smith showed what he is capable of yesterday with his ability to spread and then deliver effectively.

Betting the same drum here, but Hunter & Macrae are incredible with their work-rates, but their hurt factor isn't high.

Forwards:

Too many slow medium sized players who aren't applying enough defensive pressure. Dickson is very limited in what he offers and Lloyd is hit or miss.

Dunkley & McLean not capable of playing the lead up role we require.. perhaps they play more midfield or don't play at all??

Gowers floats in and out of the game way too often and doesn't make the most of his (limited) opportunities.

Schache needs space which wasn't on offer yesterday and can't just be a battering ram in the air which isn't his go at all.

-------------------------------

So it's a bit of a mess!

Need to get more midfield time into McLean & Williams - offer some ability to spread which we don't have at the minute.

Can't play all of Dickson, Lloyd, Wallis & Dunkley.

Can't play all of Wood, Crozier & Duyrea.

#inbevowetrust

This is a good post.

JJ/Suckling/Daniel - With JJ back in the mix does one of these push up to the wing? Daniel was moved to a wing for the last quarter against GC and it allowed him to press forward and put some pressure on the GC defence in the dying minutes, dragging us back into the game in doing so. With JJ, Suckling and Crozier all viable kick-in options I'd be more than happy if Daniel pushed up the ground.

Young needs to be persisted with. Yes, his pace and kicking are suspect but he competes well in the air and seemed to keep his feet reasonably well. He needs experience playing in a back 6 unit at top level and I'm not sure playing at Footscray does anything further for his development.

Wood is in serious strife but won't be dropped.

Good observation about the defensive side midfielder being drawn towards the ball. I saw it numerous times and GC got plenty of easy clearances from it. With their marking power up-forward that last midfielder just needed to be a bit more defensively minded, at least for the initial contest.

As has been well documented here Dickson's kicking penetration has fallen away badly and Lloyd had a very forgettable day.

You're also dead right with Schache. He needs to be a lead-up-the-ground forward and our structure gave him no leading space whatsoever. Give him some room to work, get the ball and use that left foot of his to deliver sharply and accurately into the 50 and he'll be a far more effective player.

[Happy Days]

As has been well documented here Dickson's kicking penetration has fallen away badly and Lloyd had a very forgettable day.

You're also dead right with Schache. He needs to be a lead-up-the-ground forward and our structure gave him no leading space whatsoever. Give him some room to work, get the ball and use that left foot of his to deliver sharply and accurately into the 50 and he'll be a far more effective player.

I actually ate some tape on the weekend's game (just got Kayo and a Chromecast and had to test it out on *something*) and I was pleasantly surprised with Dickson's game. He's clearly lost some penetration on his kicking but he's still as quick on the lead as he's ever been and is clearly our highest-IQ forward. I respect his kicking skill enough to hit targets between 35-45m so if he just stops taking the shots that are beyond him he's still got it in him to be highly effective. He's ahead of Lloyd and Gowers, one of whom may well be dropped for Greene.

I too would drop Wood; it's one thing to carry an out of form player but we can't go so far as to drop an in form player like Duryea or Crozier to avoid embarrassment or whatever.

[westdog54]

I actually ate some tape on the weekend's game (just got Kayo and a Chromecast and had to test it out on *something*) and I was pleasantly surprised with Dickson's game. He's clearly lost some penetration on his kicking but he's still as quick on the lead as he's ever been and is clearly our highest-IQ forward. I respect his kicking skill enough to hit targets between 35-45m so if he just stops taking the shots that are beyond him he's still got it in him to be highly effective. He's ahead of Lloyd and Gowers, one of whom may well be dropped for Greene.

I too would drop Wood; it's one thing to carry an out of form player but we can't go so far as to drop an in form player like Duryea or Crozier to avoid embarrassment or whatever.

Agreed. Crozier has been excellent and Duryea serviceable to good. It would be unfair to drop either but if the MC decide we need to adjust the balance of the backline Duryea would probably become the sacrificial lamb to protect the captain.

As an aside, how *!*!*!*!ing awesome are Chromecasts?

[Happy Days]

As an aside, how *!*!*!*!ing awesome are Chromecasts?

I've had it for almost 20 hours now and my life has been permanently changed forever. Absolutely awesome.

[bornadog]

I've had it for almost 20 hours now and my life has been permanently changed forever. Absolutely awesome.

Did you get the 4k version?

[bornadog]

Word is Lippa in and Richards out for starters.

[Happy Days]

Did you get the 4k version?

Just the regular - the 4k one would have been a waste on my TV.


Word is Lippa in and Richards out for starters.

Is Ed injured or dropped? Will seriously undermine the amount of shit I've been giving people for those drafted ahead of him not being picked if he's dropped, no matter of how much he might deserve it.

[bornadog]

Just the regular - the 4k one would have been a waste on my TV.



Is Ed injured or dropped? Will seriously undermine the amount of shit I've been giving people for those drafted ahead of him not being picked if he's dropped, no matter of how much he might deserve it.

Most likely dropped.

[soupman]

Was discussing this the other day and really despite the dissapointing (although not terrible performance) there aren't many candidates to be dropped.

The most out of form players are Wood, Gowers and Richards. Wood stays because he is the captain but that is the only reason. Gowers plays a role in our forwardline of target crumber hybrid that we have nobody else to contend for. The only replacement for his role would be to play Bont more up forward and stuff that idea. Richards has struggled to find it but when he does is generally good and offers our side pace and driectness nobody else can offer. Whether he is getting it enough for this to be a sufficient benefit I'm not sure on, but for mine he only goes out for JJ.

The contenders to come are Lipinski, who is basically fighting Lloyd and Dickson for a spot, Greene, who is fighting Dickson for a spot, and Williams, who I really want in the side but have no idea who he replaces and not sure that the form he has displayed hthis year warrants forcing someone else out.

So I would go no change.

[bornadog]

Bevo Presser:

* LB: It's a bit of a coup for us. Aaron's been influential as a second year player. He's got a really bright future, we're rapt it's great news.


* LB: Jason will probably play, it's just who will come out of the side but it is likely he will play.


* LB: Boydy has been out of it for a little while. He put together some really strong training sessions in recent times but match fitness is another thing. I think it's going to take a little while, even this week he'll be on limited game time.


* LB: Friday night is an opportunity to play really well against a good side in Collingwood & give everyone a stronger impression that we're heading in the right direction.


* LB: We've got a good formula and I think the players believe in it. The system-based aspects of what we do are working, it's the icing on the cake or just rounding off those edges - that's what we need to do on both the attacking & defensive side of the game.


* LB: It's a great milestone, a great achievement for Tory (playing 100 games). Our supporters call him 'Dead Eye Dicko", he has been a reliable converter over the journey.

[MrMahatma]

Bevo Presser:

* LB: It's a bit of a coup for us. Aaron's been influential as a second year player. He's got a really bright future, we're rapt it's great news.


* LB: Jason will probably play, it's just who will come out of the side but it is likely he will play.


* LB: Boydy has been out of it for a little while. He put together some really strong training sessions in recent times but match fitness is another thing. I think it's going to take a little while, even this week he'll be on limited game time.


* LB: Friday night is an opportunity to play really well against a good side in Collingwood & give everyone a stronger impression that we're heading in the right direction.


* LB: We've got a good formula and I think the players believe in it. The system-based aspects of what we do are working, it's the icing on the cake or just rounding off those edges - that's what we need to do on both the attacking & defensive side of the game.


* LB: It's a great milestone, a great achievement for Tory (playing 100 games). Our supporters call him 'Dead Eye Dicko", he has been a reliable converter over the journey.

I liked that Bevo said Boyd would play for war dwhere possible.

[Axe Man]

I liked that Bevo said Boyd would play for war dwhere possible.

Was Bevo having a stroke when he said that?;)

[hujsh]

Was Bevo having a stroke when he said that?;)
He was laughing his arse off knowing it wouldn't happen.

[Rocket Science]

OUT: Lewy Young
IN: JJ

Ed Richards is a lucky boy. Repay the faith son and break Eddie's heart.

[lemmon]

Not a bad move. It's not a big Collingwood forward line

[GVGjr]

Not a bad move. It's not a big Collingwood forward line

It might be if they swing Moore forward. We are taking a shot that we can out run them which might be a good option

[westdog54]

Can they afford to swing Moore forward? Can they cover Naughton and Schache without him?

[1eyedog]

It might be if they swing Moore forward. We are taking a shot that we can out run them which might be a good option

They'll need him back on Schache or Naughts. They'll be exposed if they play him forward. He's been in great form down back so I don't see it happening. Miacheck (sp) is a decent player who is playing that roaming tall role well for them.

[GVGjr]

Can they afford to swing Moore forward? Can they cover Naughton and Schache without him?

Schache will ruck from time to time and Howe can play tall if needed.

[comrade]

Lloyd, Richards and a few others very lucky.

[Eastdog]

Great to have JJ back! Could thrive tomorrow night at the G.

[ratsmac]

I think Grundy is going to be quite a problem. English got schooled last week by a lesser (but decent) ruckman in Witts and I think he'll be taught another lesson tomorrow night. English has to just keep facing up and stay competitive.

Cox also worries me, especially when we dropped a tall player Young for the small JJ. Cox is no super star but we seem to be giving him every chance to take advantage of his height. He's actually a pretty straight kick so we need to defend well against him.

We are clearly trying to get a leg up by going in with the smaller more mobile team. We actually match up pretty well with the pies so this should be a good game. If we can stop them from getting any scoring runs ons that can't maintain, we will go close to beating them. We certainly need our forwards to click and take their chances.

[Mantis]

I don’t like that change, actually I hate it... good to have JJ back, but as outlined in this thread ‘the mix’ isn’t right.

Anyway, hope we see a good performance, but a lot will have to go right.

[AshMac]

Tall out for a small isn’t the move I’d have made, though Young looked a little lost last week.

Such a cliche, but the game will be won in the midfield. We both have great midfields - pies in slightly better form across them all - so we’ll need to choke them in defence and outrun them in attack.

I’m really keen to see the clearances, we’ve been really good in volume but not as great with efficiency which will get better over time.

[Jeanette54]

Sorry to see Lewis dropped from the team, he certainly wasn't the poorest performer in our loss to the GCS. With Collingwood's tall forwards set for a field day, we are putting enormous pressure on our midfield to restrict the quality of Collingwood's delivery into their forwards. I think that the 6-6-6 rule has made this much more difficult to achieve. With this team our winning of centre clearances become so much more critical. Tim English will need to step up, and we will need Libba to have a massive night.

[Axe Man]

Collingwood have 1 tall forward in Cox, Mihocek is only 192. I think we gain more from an extra mid sized runner than we would from playing Young. I'm much more worried about De Goey, Stephenson, Elliot and Thomas kicking goals than I am about their talls.

Nothing against Roughy but I hope Naughton/Schache torch him tonight.

[Happy Days]

I don’t like that change, actually I hate it... good to have JJ back, but as outlined in this thread ‘the mix’ isn’t right.

Anyway, hope we see a good performance, but a lot will have to go right.

I like the mix but not the personnel; would've realistically looked at JJ in Sweet Ed's spot and replaced Young with Williams.

[hujsh]

Collingwood have 1 tall forward in Cox, Mihocek is only 192. I think we gain more from an extra mid sized runner than we would from playing Young. I'm much more worried about De Goey, Stephenson, Elliot and Thomas kicking goals than I am about their talls.

Nothing against Roughy but I hope Naughton/Schache torch him tonight.

Let them run onto the ball/ hit them on the lead and I'm sure they're more than capable.