Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

[Greystache]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

My confidence in Wood in defense is low. He has some quality traits but he's often out of position and/or jumps too early in a contest whilst his man stays on the ground. To be honest, I think the perception of Wood being a good defender is on the back of that game in the wet v Adelaide a few years back when he touched up Tippet a few times, and the Collingwood game last year.

I'd like to see Wood moved further up the ground, although he may not have the foot skills/decision making for midfield.

He's also continually struggled to find much of the ball through out his career. He doesn't strike me as a player who can rack up decent possession numbers through the midfield.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Macrae in for Higgins (wont happen, but i want it to)
I would be tempted to bring in Campbell for Cordy also.
Boyd in for Smith if he is ready.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

He's also continually struggled to find much of the ball through out his career. He doesn't strike me as a player who can rack up decent possession numbers through the midfield.

Wood makes too many mistakes as a defender and with his pace looks better suited to playing as a winger. I agree that he doesn't win enough possessions. I would say that Goodes Young Lower and Stevens have all been better inclusions.

[jeemak]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Didn't watch the game, haven's seen a replay either. Shame, as I didn't want to miss out on all the fun!

Are people really suggesting Higgins, who was one of (if not) the best afield last week should be dropped after one poor game against a side that is coached by someone who's strategy has the biggest affect on his type?

Aside from that, why would one ordinary performance backing up an excellent performance from the team get in the way of player development and long term strategy? Cordy's the second ruck and forward pocket of our side's future, why ditch that plan in round two when he's sitting on one game where he contributed effectively, and one where he didn't?

[boydogs]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Aside from that, why would one ordinary performance backing up an excellent performance from the team get in the way of player development and long term strategy? Cordy's the second ruck and forward pocket of our side's future, why ditch that plan in round two when he's sitting on one game where he contributed effectively, and one where he didn't?

He wasn't that good in round 1, just better than he has produced so far which is why people were pleased. He needs to play to his best every week to keep his spot, he is not far enough along that he can afford to have a bad game

[Greystache]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Are people really suggesting Higgins, who was one of (if not) the best afield last week should be dropped after one poor game against a side that is coached by someone who's strategy has the biggest affect on his type?

Poor performance I think people can handle so long as it's not on going, I think the issue people had with Higgins on the weekend was he was having no impact offensively yet still wouldn't make the effort to control the things he can control- ie work rate and defensive pressure. I wouldn't omit him but it wasn't just a matter of him not having a good day.

Aside from that, why would one ordinary performance backing up an excellent performance from the team get in the way of player development and long term strategy? Cordy's the second ruck and forward pocket of our side's future, why ditch that plan in round two when he's sitting on one game where he contributed effectively, and one where he didn't?

His game in round 1 was excellent compared to what he'd down previously, but realistically he played a good first half and a poor second half. If you break down the 2 games into halves, Cordy's had 1 good half and 3 poor one's. Again I'm not inclined to drop him but he shouldn't just be gifted games because we need his type, he has to offer the team something.

[The Underdog]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

His game in round 1 was excellent compared to what he'd down previously, but realistically he played a good first half and a poor second half. If you break down the 2 games into halves, Cordy's had 1 good half and 3 poor one's. Again I'm not inclined to drop him but he shouldn't just be gifted games because we need his type, he has to offer the team something.

I agree with all of this, but also think we've committed to inexperienced guys in certain roles. I think they need to be given 5-6 weeks to show some development/improvement in those roles. If there isn't any by then, we try different guys in those roles. I think a fit Tom Williams gives us the flexibility play the role Cordy is playing so hopefully he can get on the park in the next 2 or 3 weeks and not break down again.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Id be inclined to leave the team basically as is given the VFL side didnt play

However, If they wanted to debut Macrae this could be a perfect opportunity though as he'll be fresh after no game

My suspicion is that Boyd wont come up this week

But i'd resist calls to drop forwards - very tough conditions against a very good team.

[The Underdog]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Id be inclined to leave the team basically as is given the VFL side didnt play

However, If they wanted to debut Macrae this could be a perfect opportunity though as he'll be fresh after no game

My suspicion is that Boyd wont come up this week

But i'd resist calls to drop forwards - very tough conditions against a very good team.

I wouldn't be disappointed if we went Macrae in for Smith assuming Boyd isn't available. I like Smith a lot and think he's a long term part of our team but he looked a little out of sorts last week.

[Mantis]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Poor performance I think people can handle so long as it's not on going, I think the issue people had with Higgins on the weekend was he was having no impact offensively yet still wouldn't make the effort to control the things he can control- ie work rate and defensive pressure. I wouldn't omit him but it wasn't just a matter of him not having a good day.

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.

[Ozza]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Don't doubt that at all but your idea of a nice sunny day is like a 35+ degrees running around on the field. Recovery may take a little longer for some who did a lot of work so it wouldn't surprise me if someone had a breather.

Definitely agree G-Mo.....26 degrees is bloody sweltering when you're playing football.

[Ozza]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Personally I would go in unchanged.

If Boyd is ready to go, then one of Smith, Cross or Stevens to miss.

Agree with this.

Personally - I'd be very keen for Stevens to stay in the side. Happy with Smith or Cross to make way for Boyd if available.

[always right]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Agree with this.

Personally - I'd be very keen for Stevens to stay in the side. Happy with Smith or Cross to make way for Boyd if available.

If this is based on performance, Smith has to be the one. There's been nothing wrong with Crossy's games so far and his ability to float back into defence and mark overhead shouldn't be underestimated against the tigers.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

For this round and the next three at least we make minimal changes. Thereafter we need a policy of turning players over so all have a chance to prove themselves. Any senior player that is carrying something that would improve with a rest gets one. We experiment with positional and tactical changes to get the best out of our future five years. Development is more important than wins. This side will not win a premiership without improvement in the onfield personnel. Our best hope for the three or so stars we need is in the next draft and the aforementioned development. This is the lay of the land, the uneven playing field of which we have been ongoing victims for sixty years. Robert Murphies do not grow on trees unless they are grafted, I mean drafted.

[G-Mo77]

Re: Match Committee- Round 3 vs Richmond

Definitely agree G-Mo.....26 degrees is bloody sweltering when you're playing football.

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.