Name Your Team To play the Eagles

[Boundryump]

Mcgregor rutten Basset
Doughty Stevens Goodwin
Mattner Shirley Porplyzia
Burton Perrie Mcleod
Bode Biglands Welsh

Clarke Edwards Johncock
i/c Bock,torney,skipworth,Thompson

I don't think Scott Thompson can handle the pressure of a big game need Johncocks pace in the middle

[Wilburwild]

Mcgregor rutten Basset
Doughty Stevens Goodwin
Mattner Shirley Porplyzia
Burton Perrie Mcleod
Bode Biglands Welsh

Clarke Edwards Johncock
i/c Bock,torney,skipworth,Doughty

youve got doughty in there twice!

I Think:

Bassett Rutten Torney
Johncock Stevens McLeod
Mattner Shirley Porplyzia
Bode Perrie Thompson
Burton Welsh Bock

1R: Clarke Goodwin Edwards
IC: Biglands Reilly Doughty Van Berlo

[KUNG FU]

B: Johncock, Rutten, Bassett
HB: McLeod, Stevens, Torney
C: Reilly, Goodwin, Shirley
HF: Thompson, Perrie, Burton
F: Bode, Welsh, Bock
FOLL: Clarke, Doughty, Edwards
I/C: Biglands, Mattner, van Berlo, Porplyzia
EMG: Hudson, McGregor, Massie

IN: Burton, McLeod
OUT: Massie, Douglas

I was wondering what everyone thinks about the Judd match up? Is Doughty a possibility? Or Mattner? I can't remember who matched up against him the last few times.

McLeod may be listed on the bench.

[crows98]

B: Johncock, Rutten, Bassett
HB: McLeod, Stevens, Torney
C: Reilly, Goodwin, Shirley
HF: Thompson, Perrie, Burton
F: Bode, Welsh, Bock
FOLL: Clarke, Doughty, Edwards
I/C: Biglands, Mattner, van Berlo, Porplyzia
EMG: Hudson, McGregor, Massie

IN: Burton, McLeod
OUT: Massie, Douglas

I was wondering what everyone thinks about the Judd match up? Is Doughty a possibility? Or Mattner? I can't remember who matched up against him the last few times.

McLeod may be listed on the bench.

I would put Edwards on him and go with a shootout (Shirley on Kerr and Thompson on Cousins) but make it a team discipline that everyone has to be shoulder to shoulder on there man on every single stoppage.

I cannot see how we can stop him from getting it 30 odd times a game so let’s try and limit how many stoppages they win and how effective they are from clearances.

In my selection it either Massie or Torney. If Torney plays then Andrew Mcleod can go forward or on ball, if Massie plays then Andrew Mcleod will play on the half back flank and Massie will be a tagging option.

[KUNG FU]

I would put Edwards on him and go with a shootout (Shirley on Kerr and Thompson on Cousins) but make it a team discipline that everyone has to be shoulder to shoulder on there man on every single stoppage.

I cannot see how we can stop him from getting it 30 odd times a game so let’s try and limit how many stoppages they win and how effective they are from clearances.

In my selection it either Massie or Torney. If Torney plays then Andrew Mcleod can go forward or on ball, if Massie plays then Andrew Mcleod will play on the half back flank and Massie will be a tagging option.

Good call on Edwards.

I'd take Torney over Massie any day of the week. He was in my votes last game. He has excellent defensive work, can apply pressure and then break the lines with this pace and agility. Those two big marks he took were hugely important and then to top it off with two great goals. There'd be at least 5 players I'd consider dropping before Torney.

I'm aware of the structural arguments, but Torney is too important to drop.

[TheLeftFist8]

B: Johncock, Rutten, Bassett
HB: McLeod, Stevens, Torney
C: Reilly, Goodwin, Shirley
HF: Thompson, Perrie, Burton
F: Bode, Welsh, Bock
FOLL: Clarke, Doughty, Edwards
I/C: Biglands, Mattner, van Berlo, Porplyzia
EMG: Hudson, McGregor, Massie

IN: Burton, McLeod
OUT: Massie, Douglas

I was wondering what everyone thinks about the Judd match up? Is Doughty a possibility? Or Mattner? I can't remember who matched up against him the last few times.

McLeod may be listed on the bench.

I agree with the 22 named here, and the 3 emergencies.

It's a cruel decision but i think Massie is the man to go for McLeod, as Torney is in hot form, there are no other defensive spots, and he doesn't quite have the pace of Mattner or van Berlo when running against the WC midfield.

As far as the Judd match up goes, there is no perfect option (obvious i know). Shirley has had many opportunities on him and failed most of the time (he is no robinson crusoe there). Mattner's best defensive work is a chasing tackle from nowhere or as the third man taking a mark across a pack...personally i dont believe his one-on-one work in close is his strength. He is best used in a role where we can utilise his rebound and attack. Reilly is also best used in an attacking sense to hurt the opposition and Thompson even more so (i don't know if he has the discipline or fitness to run with Judd). I empathise with those suggesting a head-to-head with Goody or Edwards as i think we have been way too negative against WC previously but i would use this as a secondary option if our defensive midfielders are ineffective.

Who does that leave us?! Porps, VB, and Doughty. For mine, it would be a shared effort between Doughty and Porplyzia. I would then place VB on Cousins all day...i know he got beaten by him last time but he had only recently returned to the team, he would have learnt a lot that day and is our best option to match Cousins for aerobic fitness. This leaves Shirley for possibly the most important match-up of all against Kerr. I agree we must be tight with plenty of numbers at clearances to block space but most important will be limiting the clearances won by Kerr. If Kerr is negated we have a massive chance.

That still leaves Goodwin, Reilly, Edwards, Thompson and Mattner to attack through the middle with cameo's from Burton, McLeod, Bode if required to match their midfield rotations and depth.

Crows by 35 points despite a slow start.

[J-Train]

I agree with the 22 named here, and the 3 emergencies.

It's a cruel decision but i think Massie is the man to go for McLeod, as Torney is in hot form, there are no other defensive spots, and he doesn't quite have the pace of Mattner or van Berlo when running against the WC midfield.

As far as the Judd match up goes, there is no perfect option (obvious i know). Shirley has had many opportunities on him and failed most of the time (he is no robinson crusoe there). Mattner's best defensive work is a chasing tackle from nowhere or as the third man taking a mark across a pack...personally i dont believe his one-on-one work in close is his strength. He is best used in a role where we can utilise his rebound and attack. Reilly is also best used in an attacking sense to hurt the opposition and Thompson even more so (i don't know if he has the discipline or fitness to run with Judd). I empathise with those suggesting a head-to-head with Goody or Edwards as i think we have been way too negative against WC previously but i would use this as a secondary option if our defensive midfielders are ineffective.

Who does that leave us?! Porps, VB, and Doughty. For mine, it would be a shared effort between Doughty and Porplyzia. I would then place VB on Cousins all day...i know he got beaten by him last time but he had only recently returned to the team, he would have learnt a lot that day and is our best option to match Cousins for aerobic fitness. This leaves Shirley for possibly the most important match-up of all against Kerr. I agree we must be tight with plenty of numbers at clearances to block space but most important will be limiting the clearances won by Kerr. If Kerr is negated we have a massive chance.

That still leaves Goodwin, Reilly, Edwards, Thompson and Mattner to attack through the middle with cameo's from Burton, McLeod, Bode if required to match their midfield rotations and depth.

Crows by 35 points despite a slow start.

Would be incredibly surprised if Shirls doesn't get first crack at Judd. Anyone who is keen to see a Edwards-Judd shootout is just asking to see Judd rack up 35 possies and 4 goals. IMO Shirls has to play on Judd, even if he only keeps him to 25 touches - if he harrasses the hell out of him and puts pressure on every touch he has, it has got to be better than just giving a champion a license to roam free. You can't let a player of that calibre play the game on his terms, he will cut you to ribbons. Someone has to be on his shoulder all the time and Shirls is the best defensive midfielder the Crows have got.

[glengowan]

F: Burton, Welsh, Bode
HF: Reilly, Bock, Porplyzia
C: Doughty, Shirley, Mattner
HB: Bassett, Stevens, Van Berlo
B: Johncock, Rutten, Torney
R: Biglands, Goodwin, Edwards
I: Clarke, McLeod, Massie, Thompson

In: Burton, McLeod
Out: Perrie, Douglas

Burton and McLeod are quality and are needed back in the side if they are fit, which it looks as though they will be. This will be a huge bonus.

Burton back in the side left me with a choice between Perrie and Massie and I've gone with the run of Massie. Our midfielders will need all the help they can get. McLeod to be used off the bench.

Match ups:
Rutten on Lynch
Stevens on Hansen
Torney on Butler
Shirley on Cousins
Goodwin on Judd
Mattner on Embley
Porplyzia on Wirrpunda

If the Crows are accountable and follow Craig's game plan, they may get over the line. IMO West Coast have so much quality and pace in their midfield they will go in firm favourites, but the week off may help the Crows.

[crow87]

Good post guys and an ineteresting question, heres my team:

B: Johncock, Rutten, Bassett
HB: Stevens, Bock, Torney
C: Mattner, Goodwin, Van Berlo
HF: Thompson, McGregor, Reilly
F: Bode, Welsh, Porplyzia
FOLL: Clarke, Shirley, Edwards
I/C: Burton, Mcleod, Biglands, Doughty

EMG: Hudson, Douglas, Perrie

IN: Burton, McLeod, McGregor
OUT: Massie, Douglas, Perrie


All three "outs" very unlucky but looking at the "ins" I reckon its gotta be the way to go. However I would love to see Douglas play as he has been great, I really tried to squeeze him in but couldnt find a spot!
Macca probably has to start on the bench (for his own benefit as much as anything-same with the Birdman) after missing games but he is versitile enough to play in the backlines, throw him onto the ball when the game has slowed up a little (from the initial rush) or indeed up forward especially if Wirrapunda is not playing to catch out the Eagles.
Torney has to stay in, he has been outstanding as has Porplyzia and Stevens has been pleasantly suprising, Bock can play up forward or back depending on where we need him.

Bottom line is dont play unfit players in finals whatever you do, (see Brisbane GF 2004, Saints EF 2006, ...goes on) as the intenstity will find out anyone not up to it physically. I think Craigy has made it clear that we'll do anything but that, which is good to know :thumbsu:

[Mad Dog]

N Bassett B Rutten K Massie
A McLeod S Stevens G Johncock
M Doughty S Thompson T Edwards
B Burton I Perrie M Mattner
N Bock S Welsh M Bode

M Clarke S Goodwin R Shirley

Int: R Biglands N Van Berlo B Reilly J Torney

Emerg: R Douglas B Hudson J Porplyzia

only if Bird and Macca have done everything asked of them.

IMO Massie is more important to the defensive / matchup side of our game than Porps ATM and therefore should be retained. Tough call on the 2 youngsters :(

I still get the feeling we might be one tall too few ....:confused:

[Mad Dog]

Mcgregor rutten Basset
Doughty Stevens Goodwin
Mattner Shirley Porplyzia
Burton Perrie Mcleod
Bode Biglands Welsh

Clarke Edwards Johncock
i/c Bock,torney,skipworth,Doughty
ins: Skipworth, McGregor, Burton, McLeod, Doughty's younger brother "Junior"
outs: Douglas, van Berlo (:eek: ), Thompson (:eek: ), Massie, Reilly (:eek: )

righty-o then

[crows98]

ins: Skipworth, McGregor, Burton, McLeod, Doughty's younger brother "Junior"
outs: Douglas, van Berlo (:eek: ), Thompson (:eek: ), Massie, Reilly (:eek: )

righty-o then


:p :p

"Were gonna win" in a Tom Hank voice from A league of our own.

[Boundryump]

youve got doughty in there twice!

I Think:

Bassett Rutten Torney
Johncock Stevens McLeod
Mattner Shirley Porplyzia
Bode Perrie Thompson
Burton Welsh Bock

1R: Clarke Goodwin Edwards
IC: Biglands Reilly Doughty Van Berlo

Sorry I/C should have been Torney not Dogga

[TheLeftFist8]

N Bassett B Rutten K Massie
A McLeod S Stevens G Johncock
M Doughty S Thompson T Edwards
B Burton I Perrie M Mattner
N Bock S Welsh M Bode

M Clarke S Goodwin R Shirley

Int: R Biglands N Van Berlo B Reilly J Torney

Emerg: R Douglas B Hudson J Porplyzia

only if Bird and Macca have done everything asked of them.

IMO Massie is more important to the defensive / matchup side of our game than Porps ATM and therefore should be retained. Tough call on the 2 youngsters :(

I still get the feeling we might be one tall too few ....:confused:

Interesting thought, though i think that having Burton back and the occassional option of Biglands up forward should cover us for height if Bock needs to go back to defence, which is a possibility as contested marks deep in the forward line got WC over the line here in R2. either way i reckon we have the versatility without resorting to the extra tall.

IF we went that way i guess McGregor would be the front runner but i seriously dont think he has the pace to provide adequate defensive pressure, in any position, even on the resting ruckman in the back pocket or as a stationary forward target. It's not ideal but if needed an extra tall i would bring in Hudson and put Biglands up forward on a one-match only basis. Having said that, (and i would love Huddo at the clearances), i think its unnecessary.

BTW interesting positioning of Mattner on the HFF. I know it unproven but i have a hunch he could be a dangerous flanker with pace, height and long kicking at goal (similar to Burton)...could snag 3 up forward i reckon!

[Mad Dog]

Sorry I/C should have been Torney not Dogga
so Torney back pocket AND I/C

[J-Train]

F: Burton, Welsh, Bode
HF: Reilly, Bock, Porplyzia
C: Doughty, Shirley, Mattner
HB: Bassett, Stevens, Van Berlo
B: Johncock, Rutten, Torney
R: Biglands, Goodwin, Edwards
I: Clarke, McLeod, Massie, Thompson

In: Burton, McLeod
Out: Perrie, Douglas

Burton and McLeod are quality and are needed back in the side if they are fit, which it looks as though they will be. This will be a huge bonus.

Burton back in the side left me with a choice between Perrie and Massie and I've gone with the run of Massie. Our midfielders will need all the help they can get. McLeod to be used off the bench.

Match ups:
Rutten on Lynch
Stevens on Hansen
Torney on Butler
Shirley on Cousins
Goodwin on Judd
Mattner on Embley
Porplyzia on Wirrpunda

If the Crows are accountable and follow Craig's game plan, they may get over the line. IMO West Coast have so much quality and pace in their midfield they will go in firm favourites, but the week off may help the Crows.

The Goodwin on Judd call is not a good one in my honest opinion. If Goody plays on Judd I think you will see a repeat of a few weeks ago when Goodwin played on West. Sure, Goodwin won plenty of the ball in the second half, but West never felt uncomfortable all game and just mopped up with 40 touches. With gun midfielders, I think you have to make them feel restricted, and Judd's gotta have a designated stopper on him, whether it be Shirls, Torney, Mattner, Doughty, Porps....anyone who is dedicated to not worrying about their own game and to totally blanket the star opposition. Goodwin, Edwards etc like to create and win their own ball so aren't suitable match-ups for Judd. I don't think he can be beaten in a "shoot-out" situation.

[Boundryump]

Would be incredibly surprised if Shirls doesn't get first crack at Judd. Anyone who is keen to see a Edwards-Judd shootout is just asking to see Judd rack up 35 possies and 4 goals. IMO Shirls has to play on Judd, even if he only keeps him to 25 touches - if he harrasses the hell out of him and puts pressure on every touch he has, it has got to be better than just giving a champion a license to roam free. You can't let a player of that calibre play the game on his terms, he will cut you to ribbons. Someone has to be on his shoulder all the time and Shirls is the best defensive midfielder the Crows have got.

Tell me if Judd was in a position in the game to be taken out so to speak would you as coach instruct your players to do so?

[J-Train]

Tell me if Judd was in a position in the game to be taken out so to speak would you as coach instruct your players to do so?

No point trying to "take him out". The bloke is 6'3 and hard as a rock. I'm talking about taking him out of the game through relentless pressure, harassing, bumping - anything within the laws of the game to distract him. Judd is the man in big games - you don't win the Norm Smith in a losing side and about 5 derby medals if you can't perform in big games. If he is allowed to run free it will be game over at half time.

[Mad Dog]

Interesting thought, though i think that having Burton back and the occassional option of Biglands up forward should cover us for height if Bock needs to go back to defence, which is a possibility as contested marks deep in the forward line got WC over the line here in R2. either way i reckon we have the versatility without resorting to the extra tall.

This is one of the keys to playing WC - we need to make their defensive talls accountable by playing talls (Biglands) or playing tall (Burton) in our fwd line....otherwise they sneek down and take marks in their fwd line. If we are to play an extra tall - he must play deep.
BTW interesting positioning of Mattner on the HFF. I know it unproven but i have a hunch he could be a dangerous flanker with pace, height and long kicking at goal (similar to Burton)...could snag 3 up forward i reckon!
Marty has been busting lines from the HB line - and either getting caught at HF, or missing a target.
Play him at HF I say - let him bust that line and have a ping at the sticks....:thumbsu:

[crow87]

Marty has been busting lines from the HB line - and either getting caught at HF, or missing a target.
Play him at HF I say - let him bust that line and have a ping at the sticks....:thumbsu:

spot on, I agree with every word :)

[Boundryump]

so Torney back pocket AND I/C

Yeah for sure just cloned him:o i'm glad i'm not picking the side what a headache it must be for Craigy

[J-Train]

This is one of the keys to playing WC - we need to make their defensive talls accountable by playing talls (Biglands) or playing tall (Burton) in our fwd line....otherwise they sneek down and take marks in their fwd line. If we are to play an extra tall - he must play deep.

Marty has been busting lines from the HB line - and either getting caught at HF, or missing a target.
Play him at HF I say - let him bust that line and have a ping at the sticks....:thumbsu:

worth a try - if he is going to make a mistake, let it be in the Crows forward line rather than in the middle/across half back where it could cost a goal! :thumbsu:

[J.Gallagher #1]

B: Basset - Rutten - Johncock
HB: Mcleod - Mcgregor - Torney
C: Doughty - Shirley - Mattner
HF: Bode - Perrie - Reilly
F: Burton - Welsh - Bock
R: Clarke - Goodwin - Edwards
I/C: Biglands - Porplyzia - Van Berlo - Thompson
EMG: Hudson - Stevens - Massie

Match Ups

Rutten v Lynch
Mcgregor v Hansen
Bassett v Hunter(when Hunter goes forward)
Shirley v Judd(this must be the match up for Judd, Shirley has played well on Judd in the past)
Mattner/Van Berlo v Kerr
Torney v Embley(this is a massive match up luckily Embley cant possibly be match fit yet, but he can be match winner by himself so Torney must stop him)

[crows_4_life]

B: Johncock, Rutten, Bassett
HB: McLeod, Bock, Torney
C: Reilly, Goodwin, Mattner
HF: Thompson, Perrie, Burton
F: Bode, Welsh, Porplyzia
FOLL: Clarke, Doughty, Edwards
I/C: Biglands, Shirley, van Berlo, Stevens
EMG: Hudson, McGregor, Massie

IN: Burton, McLeod
OUT: Massie, Douglas

[jess-jess]

Torney v Embley(this is a massive match up luckily Embley cant possibly be match fit yet, but he can be match winner by himself so Torney must stop him)

Embers injury wasn't one that prevented him from running it just prevented him from contact. He actually went through a 3 week 'mini pre season' while he was out. If anything he'd be one of our most refreshed and fit midfielders going into the game.

[TheLeftFist8]

This is one of the keys to playing WC - we need to make their defensive talls accountable by playing talls (Biglands) or playing tall (Burton) in our fwd line....otherwise they sneek down and take marks in their fwd line. If we are to play an extra tall - he must play deep.

Marty has been busting lines from the HB line - and either getting caught at HF, or missing a target.
Play him at HF I say - let him bust that line and have a ping at the sticks....:thumbsu:

Good point, but as we saw with Hunter on Grant last week, those talls still need mobility for the inevitable chase up the ground. Therefore, as the 4th 'tall', Burton >>>> Biglands >> McGregor.

Starting line-up:

B: Bassett Rutten Johncock
HB: McLeod Stevens van Berlo
C: Reilly Goodwin Porplyzia
HF: Mattner Perrie Bode
F: Bock Welsh Burton
1R: Clarke Shirley Edwards
Int: Biglands, Doughty, Torney, Thompson

Rutten v Lynch
Stevens v Hansen
van Berlo v Cousins
Goodwin v Stenglien
Porplyzia/Doughty v Judd (after the centre bounce, need to win clearance so need Goody and Edwards/Thompson in for the bounce)
Reilly/Mattner v Embley (depending on his position)
Bock v Hunter
Welsh v Glass
Clarke v Cox
Biglands v Seaby
Shirley v Kerr

[Mad Dog]

worth a try - if he is going to make a mistake, let it be in the Crows forward line rather than in the middle/across half back where it could cost a goal! :thumbsu:
exactly - normally when Marty takes off - everyone leaves their opponents and runs forward.....this stings on the rebound.....I'd rather see him kick points than turnover goals

[wires on fire.]

Shirley v Judd(this must be the match up for Judd, Shirley has played well on Judd in the past)


once. shirley will get burned.

[earlsta]

We don't have to worry about Judd we can attack from the very start. If we play pressure footy like against Essendon, North, Melb, Freo (last 3 qrts) we don't worry about Judd

[Kane McGoodwin]

B: Johncock, Rutten, Torney
F: Butler, Lynch, Armstrong

HB: McLeod, Stevens, Bassett
HF: Cousins, Hansen, Hunter

C: Reilly, Goodwin, Massie
C: Embley, Fletcher, Braun

HF: Burton, Perrie, Doughty
HB: Stenglein, B Jones, Waters

F: Bock, Welsh, Bode
B: Graham, Glass, Chick

R: Clarke, Edwards, Shirley
R: Cox, Kerr, Judd

I: Biglands, Thompson, van Berlo, Porplyzia
I: Seaby, R Jones, Rosa, Selwood

E: Hudson, Mattner, Douglas
E: Staker, Banfield LeCras

In: Burton, Mcleod
In: Graham

Out: Douglas, Mattner
Out: Wirrpunda

[Kane McGoodwin]

Matchups

Massie v Braun - done the job before & has the versatity needed to combat the Weagles, so too valuable to drop for Macca IMO, so I have gone for Mattner instead (wait to get howled down).

Shirley v Judd - again, kept him quietish before, so lets keep it that way.

Edwards v Kerr - key matchup as Kerr has hurt us in the past & I would rotate Dogga to help out particularly when Cousins goes into the midfield.

[jo172]

Some outside of the box thinking maybe:

FB: Basset Rutten Johncock
HB: Mattner Stevens Torney
C: Reilly Goodwin Thompson
HF: Bode Perrie Bock
FF: Mcleod Welsh Burton
1R: Clarke Shirley Edwards
INT: Doughty Biglands Van Berlo Porplyzia

Out: Douglas Massie
In: Burton Mcleod

I think throwing Macca in the forward line might be a decent move. Remember reading that of the current players he has kicked the most goals in finals football and if it doesnt seem to be working out he can always be moved back. Thoughts?

[Kane McGoodwin]

In: Burton, Mcleod

Out: Douglas, Mattner


What does everyone think?

Why is everyone so keen to drop Massie when he has shut down Eagles players in the past?

[jo172]

What does everyone think?

Why is everyone so keen to drop Massie when he has shut down Eagles players in the past?

Me, nothing against him in particular but I like Mattner as he dramatically increases the chances of Cousins or Judd getting injured. (I think it's time for them to join the Crawford and Harvey club of Brownlow + Mattner broken arm)

[Mad Dog]

What does everyone think?

Why is everyone so keen to drop Massie when he has shut down Eagles players in the past?
I have actually talked about playing Marty on the wing or HFF. I think we need his line breaking run. He has come unstuck as he's run through the midfield in recent weeks - I would like to see NC unleash him this week and tell him to "Run Forrest Run" and have a ping at the big sticks.

We don't have many line breakers in the side ...Macca, maybe Stiffy.....I wouldn't like to see Marty dropped this week.....his attacking potential > Douglas, Massie, Porps.

[Kane McGoodwin]

I have actually talked about playing Marty on the wing or HFF. I think we need his line breaking run. He has come unstuck as he's run through the midfield in recent weeks - I would like to see NC unleash him this week and tell him to "Run Forrest Run" and have a ping at the big sticks.

We don't have many line breakers in the side ...Macca, maybe Stiffy.....I wouldn't like to see Marty dropped this week.....his attacking potential > Douglas, Massie, Porps.
I Macca come back in, I'm proposing replacing a line-breaker who has lacked some good decision making with our best line breaker who is the best at delivering the ball to our forwards. No loss there.

Massie - did the job on Braun in R22 last year - didn't in the last game & he picked up 40+ possessions. Often a player who gets under our guard. Also Massie could play on the dangerous Embley or Hunter if need be. Gives us flexibility & has the footy smarts over Marty.

Porps - Can't drop him as has been in our best the last 2 weeks.

[eddie eagle]

Me, nothing against him in particular but I like Mattner as he dramatically increases the chances of Cousins or Judd getting injured. (I think it's time for them to join the Crawford and Harvey club of Brownlow + Mattner broken arm)

good point, it is a final. The other club that needs a member is the paul wiliams club courtesy of a johncock tackle & shoulder/collarbone issues.

[Stiffy_18]

What does everyone think?

Why is everyone so keen to drop Massie when he has shut down Eagles players in the past?
I think it would be a losing move to drop Mattner. I really do. He is one player that gives us the X factor. He will carry the ball and has pace which IMHO is a critical tool to have against West Coast.

Sure he will have a brain explosion here and there but I would rather him do that by trying than someone who is more defensively oriented.

Going defensive against Eagles won't work. They would murder us. Sure you could say Sydney do it but the profile of Sydney's onballers is a LOT more different than ours. Going defensive will go against our strengths. Sure defensive pressure is super important and that will decide whether we are there or not at the end of the game BUT attacking side is just as important.

What we need to do is have different structures around stoppages that won't leave Eagles players loose like it did in the last 3 encounters and our midfielders need to have a strong will to beat their opponent first to the ball. If some of our onballers decide to be downhill skiers and take stupid risks then we are in real strife.

Yes Braun plays well against us but if you break even with Cox, Judd, Cousins, Kerr, Embley and possibly Fletcher, Braun can have 50 touches and you still win.

HUGE battle of the midfields but dropping a game breaking player to keep a dour one in there is not exactly a match winning strategy.

[Mad Dog]

I Macca come back in, I'm proposing replacing a line-breaker who has lacked some good decision making with our best line breaker who is the best at delivering the ball to our forwards. No loss there.

Massie - did the job on Braun in R22 last year - didn't in the last game & he picked up 40+ possessions. Often a player who gets under our guard. Also Massie could play on the dangerous Embley or Hunter if need be. Gives us flexibility & has the footy smarts over Marty.

Porps - Can't drop him as has been in our best the last 2 weeks.
What you're saying makes sense.......I would just be very surprised if NC drops Marty before Porps.

Reality is - none of Porps, Massie, or Mattner deserve to be dropped....for that matter neither does Douglas.....but with 2 stars coming in.....the 2 will come from this group.

Given that it's too close to call on form.....the only parameter left is to base it on experience.....which means that Massie is retained - and probably Mattner in front of the other 2.

The thing that concerns me about Macca is - will he be able to play the qtrback role after missing so much footy?

[Carl Spackler]

I think it would be a losing move to drop Mattner. I really do. He is one player that gives us the X factor. He will carry the ball and has pace which IMHO is a critical tool to have against West Coast.

I agree. If you think about it from Worsfold's point of view, he would rather that Mattner didn't play for the reasons mentioned above. Coaches fear players like Mattner and Burton because they can break the game open and you never quite know what to expect of them.

A couple of hypotheticals for this week-

1) Hunter moves to the forward line after half time. Who picks him up?
2) It is halfway through the second quarter and we are struggling to score goals. What changes (if any) do we make?

[Stiffy_18]

I agree. If you think about it from Worsfold's point of view, he would rather that Mattner didn't play for the reasons mentioned above. Coaches fear players like Mattner and Burton because they can break the game open and you never quite know what to expect of them.

A couple of hypotheticals for this week-

1) Hunter moves to the forward line after half time. Who picks him up?
2) It is halfway through the second quarter and we are struggling to score goals. What changes (if any) do we make?
1) Bassett
2) It will depend on why we are struggling. Are we getting the ball into the forward 50 and not getting the score on the board or are we not getting our hands on the footy.

The second question is way too broad for anyone to pin poin the moves that could be made.

[Carl Spackler]

1) Bassett
2) It will depend on why we are struggling. Are we getting the ball into the forward 50 and not getting the score on the board or are we not getting our hands on the footy.

The second question is way too broad for anyone to pin poin the moves that could be made.

That's the situation I meant. Has been a recurring problem for many years.

What I'm asking is what aces do we have up the sleeve? The Eagles have Embley and Hunter that can have an impact up forward.

[Kane McGoodwin]

I agree. If you think about it from Worsfold's point of view, he would rather that Mattner didn't play for the reasons mentioned above. Coaches fear players like Mattner and Burton because they can break the game open and you never quite know what to expect of them.

A couple of hypotheticals for this week-

1) Hunter moves to the forward line after half time. Who picks him up?
2) It is halfway through the second quarter and we are struggling to score goals. What changes (if any) do we make?
1. As Stiffy said, Bassett, but Massie would be a better option than Mattner.

2. Throw Stiffy or Macca forward.

[Stiffy_18]

That's the situation I meant. Has been a recurring problem for many years.

What I'm asking is what aces do we have up the sleeve? The Eagles have Embley and Hunter that can have an impact up forward.
My ace would be Johncock. Traditionally he has always played well against the Eagles as a forward.

He is a tricky match up for them because of his pace, overhead marking and crumbing ability. You also wouldn't lose anything in terms of defensive pressure in the forward line. In fact, I think you would probably improve that area even further.

Moving Johncock forward wouldn't rob us of defensive rebound too much because you still have McLeod and Mattner as well as Torney, Bassett and Stevens who all like to rebound when given a chance.

West coast like to play man on man so isolating Johncock out of the square would give them fits IMHO.

[Kane McGoodwin]

I think it would be a losing move to drop Mattner. I really do. He is one player that gives us the X factor. He will carry the ball and has pace which IMHO is a critical tool to have against West Coast.

Sure he will have a brain explosion here and there but I would rather him do that by trying than someone who is more defensively oriented.

Going defensive against Eagles won't work. They would murder us. Sure you could say Sydney do it but the profile of Sydney's onballers is a LOT more different than ours. Going defensive will go against our strengths. Sure defensive pressure is super important and that will decide whether we are there or not at the end of the game BUT attacking side is just as important.

What we need to do is have different structures around stoppages that won't leave Eagles players loose like it did in the last 3 encounters and our midfielders need to have a strong will to beat their opponent first to the ball. If some of our onballers decide to be downhill skiers and take stupid risks then we are in real strife.

Yes Braun plays well against us but if you break even with Cox, Judd, Cousins, Kerr, Embley and possibly Fletcher, Braun can have 50 touches and you still win.

HUGE battle of the midfields but dropping a game breaking player to keep a dour one in there is not exactly a match winning strategy.
I'm suggesting bringing in 2 players with the best X-factor ... but we need some planned denfensive strategy. Negating 2 of the Weagles midfielders is a necessity IMO. Why not give the playeres the job the have successfully done it the past. Btw, when did Mattner last bust open a game for us?

[TheLeftFist8]

I think it would be a losing move to drop Mattner. I really do. He is one player that gives us the X factor. He will carry the ball and has pace which IMHO is a critical tool to have against West Coast.

Sure he will have a brain explosion here and there but I would rather him do that by trying than someone who is more defensively oriented.

Going defensive against Eagles won't work. They would murder us. Sure you could say Sydney do it but the profile of Sydney's onballers is a LOT more different than ours. Going defensive will go against our strengths. Sure defensive pressure is super important and that will decide whether we are there or not at the end of the game BUT attacking side is just as important.

What we need to do is have different structures around stoppages that won't leave Eagles players loose like it did in the last 3 encounters and our midfielders need to have a strong will to beat their opponent first to the ball. If some of our onballers decide to be downhill skiers and take stupid risks then we are in real strife.

Yes Braun plays well against us but if you break even with Cox, Judd, Cousins, Kerr, Embley and possibly Fletcher, Braun can have 50 touches and you still win.

HUGE battle of the midfields but dropping a game breaking player to keep a dour one in there is not exactly a match winning strategy.

Agree with Stiffy here. However, Mattner and van Berlo would be on notice and needing a great game (not that they have been playing poorly) as Roo and Massie would be pressing strongly for a GF birth. Porplyzia should not be considered for omission IMO after recent performances.

[Carl Spackler]

1. As Stiffy said, Bassett, but Massie would be a better option than Mattner.

Bassett does seem the logical match up.

Which means it is a relatively simple process for Worsfold to stop us using Bassett as our loose man in defence and playing that 'third man up' role that won him AA selection.

[Kane McGoodwin]

My ace would be Johncock. Traditionally he has always played well against the Eagles as a forward.

He is a tricky match up for them because of his pace, overhead marking and crumbing ability. You also wouldn't lose anything in terms of defensive pressure in the forward line. In fact, I think you would probably improve that area even further.

Moving Johncock forward wouldn't rob us of defensive rebound too much because you still have McLeod and Mattner as well as Torney, Bassett and Stevens who all like to rebound when given a chance.

West coast like to play man on man so isolating Johncock out of the square would give them fits IMHO.
Stiffy or Macca up forward could be a good option for us if Wirra doesn't play. They could lack some defensive pace.

[Stiffy_18]

I'm suggesting bringing in 2 players with the best X-factor ... but we need some planned denfensive strategy. Negating 2 of the Weagles midfielders is a necessity IMO. Why not give the playeres the job the have successfully done it the past. Btw, when did Mattner last bust open a game for us?
You've got better chance of winning with 3 X factors than 2 X factors ;)

Shirley and Van Berlo can handle the defensive assignments IMHO. Better options than Massie. Mattner offers us more versatility and attacking weapons as well. You can play him off HBF, wing or even in the midfield. He might not have been a game breaker as of late but he is the sort of player that you always have to keep an eye on. As much as I like Massie, I don't think he is that sort of player.

[Stiffy_18]

Bassett does seem the logical match up.

Which means it is a relatively simple process for Worsfold to stop us using Bassett as our loose man in defence and playing that 'third man up' role that won him AA selection.
Thats OK because you then can isolate McLeod as a spare man in defence and Torney is just as effective as a 3rd man up.

If McLeod plays, them IMHO we have a LOT of flexibility in defence. Bassett, McLeod, Johncock and Torney all play the loose man in defence role really well.

[Kane McGoodwin]

You've got better chance of winning with 3 X factors than 2 X factors ;)

Shirley and Van Berlo can handle the defensive assignments IMHO. Better options than Massie. Mattner offers us more versatility and attacking weapons as well. You can play him off HBF, wing or even in the midfield. He might not have been a game breaker as of late but he is the sort of player that you always have to keep an eye on. As much as I like Massie, I don't think he is that sort of player.
Who has had better form this year - Mattner or Massie?

[forget about reputation]

[Stiffy_18]

Who has had better form this year - Mattner or Massie?

[forget about reputation]
2 entirely different players playing 2 very different roles. I would say they have been on about a par, keeping in mind their roles.

I have long held belief that AFC see Torney and Massie as very similar players and have traditionally been sceptical about playing both in the side. Too much of similar approach. Torney is a better player and in better form and as such will get the nod over Massie. He also happens to be in the leadership group.

Craig's phylosophy is to attack and Mattner is a much better attacking player than Massie. If we do bring in Burton and McLeod, I can just about bet anything that Massie and Douglas will make way and thats logical IMHO.

[TheLeftFist8]

A couple of hypotheticals for this week-

1) Hunter moves to the forward line after half time. Who picks him up?
2) It is halfway through the second quarter and we are struggling to score goals. What changes (if any) do we make?

1. Bassett. If Hunter is an additional tall (i.e. replacing a 'small'), Bock can go back to defence also. If we still want to stretch their defence at the same time, Biglands goes forward in place of Bock.

2. Lots of potential options depending on reasons why. One thing i would say is that if we try a very open forward line (as Sydney did), i believe we should go 'small' (unlike Sydney). The swans had Hall and O'Loughlin. No disrespect to Welsh and Bock/Perrie but they are best suited in a normal structure with multiple targets and crumbers. I reckon isolated with Glass and perhaps Hunter, with Cox inevitably dropping back, we would lose out. An open forward line, as Plan B, could include 2 or 3 of Thompson, Goodwin and Edwards/Johncock leading from the square, thus creating a mismatch for Glass. Burton would run in from the opposite direction to the space left behind the leading players causing all sorts of mayhem (unsure for which team!), with Bode also streaming in for the loose ball/crumb.