Always Right Match Committee R15 vs Richmond 2025

[1eyedog]

Don’t think we’ll make many changes based on that and Bramble was okay, Cleary started poorly but actually turned it around and had a decent impact in the end and same as McNeil.

So based on last night those 3 were fine after some early errors - BUT they’re very clearly the 3 weak links in this side and they’re going to be fine against shit teams that let you run around and do what you want but I just feel all 3 of them absolutely go to water against decent sides.

I get not everyone can be a star and you need role players but I don’t think these 3 are solid enough in high pressure games to keep persisting with. Bramble is not particularly good at anything, pretty poor defensively, runs fast but usually aimlessly and turnover merchant. Cleary actually can defend which is nice but his body is still no where near it, not particularly strong overhead and whilst he should be a good kick he also can’t be trusted.

McNeil does so much right so it’s frustrating, works super hard, competes & pressures but he kills us offensively, one of the worst finishers in the comp which is one thing but it’s also the way he continuously breaks down offensive chains - every single time he gets the ball on the wing he takes 15 seconds too scared to make a decision before finally throwing it on the boot to a contest, if not straight turning it over.

We clearly don’t have many other options in these positions but I think it’s time to try something to find a better balance whilst we have some easier games.

Garcias not exactly the cleanest user either although I think he’s better than McNeil, or at the very least more decisive. Hes not exactly what we’re screaming for in a small forward but I’d be tempted to throw him in and just go full 2016 style chaos ball inside 50 - Darcy & Naughty the marking targets with a mix of West, Garcia, Harmes, Kennedy etc at ground level. Not really a hell of a lot of class there but the opposition is going to have a bad time when the ball hits the ground and we know the midfield will give them enough supply to just cause carnage at ground level

The Backlines a tough one with only really JJ to return. I think having Freijah & Williams spend more time there has been important - we just needed some composure and they both provide it. I like the two tall set up best but I tend to agree with above that Buss is hybrid enough to play Clearys role and we don’t really lose anything. I’d be tempted to try this for a few weeks and see how it goes. I don’t want another Jones or Gardner type though, unless match ups permit it.

I don’t think Jacques is ready and backline is a bit harder than forward to come in underdone because your mistakes can really pay. But in saying that I think he’s deserves a shot considering the potential reward is big. And realistically the one that can really make a difference here in the short term is Selwood if he can pick up the speed quick, he’d be perfect to cover Clearys role.

So long story short, I think we need to try and plug the 3 weakest links in our team and we do have some options for it over the coming weeks - any mix of Buss, Sellwood, Jacques, JJ, Harmes, Garcia in for Bramble, Cleary, McNeil.

McNeil can be super sub, he’s actually pretty decent at that role seems to play better late. Hynes id prefer to play full games at VFL level, and Dolan I think has shown enough to warrant a starting 22 spot - really like him a lot

No doubt that Bramble, Cleary and McNeill are fine when we're beating up on a bottom 8 team. The problem lies with the absolute shit the bed moments all three players have when we play genuinely decent teams.

In a perfect world they all have to go.

Cleary for JJ is a no brainer. Lobb is killing it we're fine for intercepts / spoils etc and Cleary is not a beast in this area anyway.

When Chompers comes back in McNeil is under the pump as well.

JJ and Chomps in
Cleary and McNeil out let's stop mucking around.

Keen for top 4 so so taking a more ruthless position.

[doggies ftw]

No doubt that Bramble, Cleary and McNeill are fine when we're beating up on a bottom 8 team. The problem lies with the absolute shit the bed moments all three players have when we play genuinely decent teams.

In a perfect world they all have to go.

Cleary for JJ is a no brainer. Lobb is killing it we're fine for intercepts / spoils etc and Cleary is not a beast in this area anyway.

When Chompers comes back in McNeil is under the pump as well.

JJ and Chomps in
Cleary and McNeil out let's stop mucking around.

Keen for top 4 so so taking a more ruthless position.

7 mins into the VFL game…. Yeah Sellwood will be taking that Cleary spot ASAP id think. I give it the week after next before Bevo pulls the pin on his new shiny toy.

AFL ready body and exactly the type of player we need

[azabob]

Normally we are conservative when bringing back players with concussion. My guess is Harmes is out another week. Was it reported anywhere how he sustained the concussion?

IN: JJ
OUT: Bramble

[Go_Dogs]

Was it reported anywhere how he sustained the concussion?

Presumably a result of using those chompers of his.

[whythelongface]

No doubt that Bramble, Cleary and McNeill are fine when we're beating up on a bottom 8 team. The problem lies with the absolute shit the bed moments all three players have when we play genuinely decent teams.

In a perfect world they all have to go.

Cleary for JJ is a no brainer. Lobb is killing it we're fine for intercepts / spoils etc and Cleary is not a beast in this area anyway.

When Chompers comes back in McNeil is under the pump as well.

JJ and Chomps in
Cleary and McNeil out let's stop mucking around.

Keen for top 4 so so taking a more ruthless position.

who is Chomps?

[josie]

who is Chomps?

Harmes. Biggest teeth in afl or close to it!!