Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

[Ozza]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

I played in 38 degrees in a practice match once. I don't miss the early season hot games at all, don't miss the pain on a Sunday morning either.

That and the grounds are usually pretty hard in the early rounds. Always plenty of sore boys in the pre-season and early rounds.

Finals can be particularly exhausting too. Not only does the temperature get up there in late August/September...but the intensity goes up too obviously.

[Bornadog]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

I was in the social club on Saturday and Boyd said he was hopeful of playing next week but that would be determined by the club doctors this morning.

[G-Mo77]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

I was in the social club on Saturday and Boyd said he was hopeful of playing next week but that would be determined by the club doctors this morning.

I think I heard that as well. They need to turn those speakers up in there.

My thoughts on baby cow injuries is to give it an extra week not a week less. I personally don't think he'll play on Sunday.

[Bornadog]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

He (Higgins) doesn't know the meaning of the word.

During the 2nd quarter, as Freo gathered the ball off half back he was running beside Fyfe. At this point I said to my mate ( a neutral who loves his footy) keep an eye on Higgins-Fyfe. As the ball came down field Higgins slowly drifted away from his man... who is almost Freo's most damaging player. By the time the ball was kicked towards Fyfe, Higgins was a good 15m away and Fyfe flew for the mark un-opposed... He dropped the mark and ball spilled away, so no harm done.... just to those who watched that piece of play who lost further respect for Higgins who continues to play the game on his terms.

Yet he laid 6 tackles, second only to Libba (11)

[Mantis]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Yet he laid 6 tackles, second only to Libba (11)

He is a strong tackler when the ball is in his immediate area, but his ability to track or chase opponents is embarrassingily bad.

[Bornadog]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

He is a strong tackler when the ball is in his immediate area, but his ability to track or chase opponents is embarrassingily bad.

I am sure if Macca thinks its an issue, he will deal with it.

[Rocco Jones]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Some interesting calls to be made over the season.

Last week I mentioned that Ayce and Jones were pretty ordinary but looked a lot better than last year due to their team mates (and opposition). This week was back to what we saw from the pair last year.

Not having a go at the pair, I am patient with them etc, just that don't offer enough to be playing regular senior footy.

Thing is, I think footy has moved back to needing a tall guy up forward who can simply at least offer a contest, the spot Jones has. You also need a 2nd ruck, the spot Ayce has. In the Plough/Eade days, we'd drop one of them for sure and replace them with a small who is simply a superior player.

I love Stringer but I think it would be short sighted to go with him as our main forward KP. Would absolutely love to have a fit Williams up forward, meaning Ayce/Jones could battle it out for the 2nd ruck spot. I've said a few times that I think the role could be a good way for Jones to get into the game a bit more.

I am not as anti Higgins and Gia as some here but is it a given that they will be virtual non-contributors when up against the top 4 or so teams in the comp? Short term I seem them as best 22 players but I really don't think they are the type who offer us anything more than beating on sides outside the 8.

I'd rather Clay have a go up forward in place of one of them. It's not like they offer pace. They aren't even genuine crumbers. I'd say they are the type who 'steal' goals through their brains but need space. Top sides suffocate the pair. At least Clay has something that will always reap reward, hard work, physical pressure etc.

[always right]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Some interesting calls to be made over the season.

Last week I mentioned that Ayce and Jones were pretty ordinary but looked a lot better than last year due to their team mates (and opposition). This week was back to what we saw from the pair last year.

Not having a go at the pair, I am patient with them etc, just that don't offer enough to be playing regular senior footy.

Thing is, I think footy has moved back to needing a tall guy up forward who can simply at least offer a contest, the spot Jones has. You also need a 2nd ruck, the spot Ayce has. In the Plough/Eade days, we'd drop one of them for sure and replace them with a small who is simply a superior player.

I love Stringer but I think it would be short sighted to go with him as our main forward KP. Would absolutely love to have a fit Williams up forward, meaning Ayce/Jones could battle it out for the 2nd ruck spot. I've said a few times that I think the role could be a good way for Jones to get into the game a bit more.

I am not as anti Higgins and Gia as some here but is it a given that they will be virtual non-contributors when up against the top 4 or so teams in the comp? Short term I seem them as best 22 players but I really don't think they are the type who offer us anything more than beating on sides outside the 8.

I'd rather Clay have a go up forward in place of one of them. It's not like they offer pace. They aren't even genuine crumbers. I'd say they are the type who 'steal' goals through their brains but need space. Top sides suffocate the pair. At least Clay has something that will always reap reward, hard work, physical pressure etc.

The one thing Gia and Higgins do have however are kicking skills....and that isn't Smith's strong suit. We need the right balance of hardnuts who are willing to chase and defend as well as blokes who can deliver the ball particularly when our key forwards are not clunking any marks.

[Maddog37]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

I don't want to bring anyone in (apart from Boyd maybe) that has not had a couple of games in the twos and has also shown good form hence deserving of a game.

[KT31]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Only change I would be looking at is Boyd for Smith.

[Bornadog]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST:

The Dogs beat Fremantle in disposals, contested possessions and conceded just one fewer inside-50 against the Dockers and were made to pay for their slow start out of the blocks. They now prepare for the undefeated Tigers in Daniel Cross’s 200th match. Expect Nick Lower to tag Trent Cotchin, but there is likely to be little change at the selection table, save for Easton Wood’s likely inclusion.

[Cyberdoggie]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

No way I'd want Stevens out, 12 or so touches from a bit over a quarter.

Think there will be no change, but we have a hard call coming up - Gia, Higgins & Dickson can't all play in the forward 6. Something has to give - noticed Smith & Cross playing forward, Stevcens may rotate forward as well when Boyd comes back and we make the hard call on our three slowish small/mid forwards.

I'll second that.

Lack of defensive chase from Gia, Higgins, Jones and Cordy made it easy for Freo to hit up targets from defence.

I don't think we should make any changes yet as it would be unfair for those in the side and even on those who had the bye in the VFL.

Yet someone will have to make way for Boyd.

My head tells me the coach will drop Smith or Stevens, but my heart says Higgins or Gia should make way.

(I totally understand that no forward dominated against Freo and it was very difficult to get into the game, but a non-negiotable is that our forwards chase and apply pressure. Higgins was the worst at this for me, I watched him the last quarter just let his man or the nearest one just run off without him even stepping up in acceleration at all. Then he would stop and put his hands on his hips. Not good enough for me.)

[Hotdog60]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

I'll second that.

Lack of defensive chase from Gia, Higgins, Jones and Cordy made it easy for Freo to hit up targets from defence.

I don't think we should make any changes yet as it would be unfair for those in the side and even on those who had the bye in the VFL.

Yet someone will have to make way for Boyd.

My head tells me the coach will drop Smith or Stevens, but my heart says Higgins or Gia should make way.

(I totally understand that no forward dominated against Freo and it was very difficult to get into the game, but a non-negiotable is that our forwards chase and apply pressure. Higgins was the worst at this for me, I watched him the last quarter just let his man or the nearest one just run off without him even stepping up in acceleration at all. Then he would stop and put his hands on his hips. Not good enough for me.)

Was it Higgins that had OP or some sort of groin complaint a couple of years ago that said it needed to be managed?
I wonder if he's carrying something again. It might simply be a case of the man is just as injury prone as Williams.
I thnk if Boyd is right I would put him in Higgins spot, I think Boyd would be better suited on the half-forward flank so when he is drilling those kicks it's at the goals.

[Ghost Dog]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Was it Higgins that had OP or some sort of groin complaint a couple of years ago that said it needed to be managed?
I wonder if he's carrying something again. It might simply be a case of the man is just as injury prone as Williams.
I thnk if Boyd is right I would put him in Higgins spot, I think Boyd would be better suited on the half-forward flank so when he is drilling those kicks it's at the goals.

Anyway, The coach loves Missy, and I doubt he'll be dropped. I'm guessing it will be Clay Smith for Boyd.

Hot Dog, does Body have the speed to lock the ball inside 50? If not, I can't honestly see much of a difference in that trade of positions.

[always right]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Was it Higgins that had OP or some sort of groin complaint a couple of years ago that said it needed to be managed?
I wonder if he's carrying something again. It might simply be a case of the man is just as injury prone as Williams.
I thnk if Boyd is right I would put him in Higgins spot, I think Boyd would be better suited on the half-forward flank so when he is drilling those kicks it's at the goals.

Unfortunately Boyd is also one of the worst shots for goal in our side.