An unbelievable problem

[Gaz_Brownlow]

What do you say, but how do you fit in Stokesy and Scarlett?

I guess a rotation policy or horses for courses might be looked at, but who could you possibly drop?

Ever since Collingwood it has become the Geelong of old, with some real 4 quarter team performances. I have been impressed with the influence of Varcoe, Lonergan and Prismall and they have had added some real zest to the lineup.

Adelaide next game, you would imagine a fairly stop start contested style of game. Prissa would definately add a great deal here, and i can't see us dropping Wojack, Rooke is untouchable as far as im concerned, and i think Varcoe is just adding too much to our forward setup. So, what do you do? I think Lonergan maybe unlucky, but then he is like Nablett and seems to balance the forward setup. So unfortunately it might again come down to Prissa missing for Stokesy.

As for Scarlett...well, it seems the backline has just reached some A class form. I would hate to see us drop Harry - but it might be inevitable. Enright might be due for a rest, or possibly even Jimmy (but we already have a 1 week break!!!)

What a problem we have!! I would like us to stick with a lineup for the next month as we have some big challenges with Adelaide, Bulldogs and Hawthorn!

Just imagine the problems Matthew Egan would cause if fit!

[LifeSpan-Void]

What do you say, but how do you fit in Stokesy and Scarlett?

I guess a rotation policy or horses for courses might be looked at, but who could you possibly drop?

Ever since Collingwood it has become the Geelong of old, with some real 4 quarter team performances. I have been impressed with the influence of Varcoe, Lonergan and Prismall and they have had added some real zest to the lineup.

Adelaide next game, you would imagine a fairly stop start contested style of game. Prissa would definately add a great deal here, and i can't see us dropping Wojack, Rooke is untouchable as far as im concerned, and i think Varcoe is just adding too much to our forward setup. So, what do you do? I think Lonergan maybe unlucky, but then he is like Nablett and seems to balance the forward setup. So unfortunately it might again come down to Prissa missing for Stokesy.

As for Scarlett...well, it seems the backline has just reached some A class form. I would hate to see us drop Harry - but it might be inevitable. Enright might be due for a rest, or possibly even Jimmy (but we already have a 1 week break!!!)

What a problem we have!! I would like us to stick with a lineup for the next month as we have some big challenges with Adelaide, Bulldogs and Hawthorn!

Just imagine the problems Matthew Egan would cause if fit!

Stevie J out (susp.)

1 down, one to go

[thegerman]

Stevie J out (susp.)

1 down, one to go

If he gets done I'd be highly surprised. Was jumper punching in my opinion. I thought he had hold of Selwood's jumper first then shoved with an open hand to the neck.

Hey if Goodes and the like can get off with an open hand action, so can SJ.

[fishman]

OUt Varcoe and Lonergan?

[LifeSpan-Void]

If he gets done I'd be highly surprised. Was jumper punching in my opinion. I thought he had hold of Selwood's jumper first then shoved with an open hand to the neck.

Hey if Goodes and the like can get off with an open hand action, so can SJ.

goodes is a different species though (ie: protected). Anyway, The fact that Selwood ended up in hospital will no doubt weigh against Stevie.

[Kent_Kingsley]

no way drop Varcoe, hes showing some real signs of good things.

[candiehappy]

no way drop Varcoe, hes showing some real signs of good things.

agreed. He's one of those few, including Prisa & Byrnes, that will be given a number of games and (subject to injury) will be fighting for a spot in the finals team. i would have thought Stokes is a guaranteed selection. Lonergan & Tomahawk fighting for the same spot. Lonergan doing ok. Who ever misses out will unlucky.

[Brasil2007]

Maybe Prismall - fairly indifferent last night. Varcoe was good and I like having him in the team but he needs to attack the ball a bit more rather than waiting for the opposition to take possession and then tackle.

The question for next year is who we drop from the backline to take Egan back in. I don't have the answer, and I'm bloody glad I don't have to find it.

[LifeSpan-Void]

The question for next year is who we drop from the backline to take Egan back in. I don't have the answer, and I'm bloody glad I don't have to find it.

Taylor will eventually replace one of Harley or Milburn, whoever retires first. Probably Harley. That takes care of Egan's spot.

[S "Thinks He's Daicos" J]

Is Enright a lock?

[Glassjaw]

Oh god yes. He consistently shuts down dangerous small forwards and gets his own ball, yet no one talks about him.

[S "Thinks He's Daicos" J]

Good response.

[Partridge]

Is Enright a lock?

Yup. Absolutely.

I think either Varcoe or Prismall will make way for Stokes. It can't be anyone else. Purely on position, Varcoe makes the most sense, not sure.

For Scarlett I honestly have no idea. I sincerely hope it ISN'T Taylor as I think we look so much better structurally in defence with him there. He is essentially Egan's replacement, therefore I would play him every week.

And you can't drop Lonergan, he's doing the second tall forward role, with Hawkins in the reserves there's no one else. Last year it was Nathan Ablett and Hawkins fighting for that spot, this year it's Hawkins and Lonergan. So Lonergan stays.

So something like........

Ins: Scarlett, Stokes
Outs: Varcoe, Prismall (both unlucky, but gotta be done)

[S "Thinks He's Daicos" J]

Yup. Absolutely.

I think either Varcoe or Prismall will make way for Stokes. It can't be anyone else. Purely on position, Varcoe makes the most sense, not sure.

For Scarlett I honestly have no idea. I sincerely hope it ISN'T Taylor as I think we look so much better structurally in defence with him there. He is essentially Egan's replacement, therefore I would play him every week.

And you can't drop Lonergan, he's doing the second tall forward role, with Hawkins in the reserves there's no one else. Last year it was Nathan Ablett and Hawkins fighting for that spot, this year it's Hawkins and Lonergan. So Lonergan stays.

So something like........

Ins: Scarlett, Stokes
Outs: Varcoe, Prismall (both unlucky, but gotta be done)
Agree with that. Hawkins seven in the twos today though, tempting for Lonergan.

[Partridge]

Agree with that. Hawkins seven in the twos today though, tempting for Lonergan.

Yeah I just saw that. Yet another nice problem to have. Lonergan's been ok, but if Hawkins is in form it really isn't any contest.

[The Sim Dog]

OUt Varcoe and Lonergan?

I'd think the only bloke that would replace Lonergan would be Hawkins or maybe Gamble (unlikely) but it would need to be on the back of some scintillating VFL form. Like another game or two like Hawkins produced today.

Depending on what the MRP do with SJ then I would say Prismall and Varcoe. Yes they have been good and incredibly stuff to come out but I could not justify anyone else coming out. Wojak I thought may have been in some trouble but after one of his worst games V the Roos has turned in perhaps his best game in years against the Eagles.

[Jack-Packenham]

In : Scarlett Stokes

Out : Milburn Kelly

To be better prepared for the finals we must have fringe players that have games under there belt. Rest Milburn & Kelly against the crows and rest Bartel & Harley against Freo. Then pick the best side for the bulldogs and Hawthorn.

Prismall, Taylor & Varcoe must stay in the side for an extended length of time to enhance there development.

[someday-somehow]

In : Scarlett Stokes

Out : Milburn Kelly

To be better prepared for the finals we must have fringe players that have games under there belt. Rest Milburn & Kelly against the crows and rest Bartel & Harley against Freo. Then pick the best side for the bulldogs and Hawthorn.

Prismall, Taylor & Varcoe must stay in the side for an extended length of time to enhance there development.

I think Milburn and Kelly are seasoned enough to get refreshed with the one week off.
I don't think the Adelaide forward line is that tall so I would give Harry the week off (he is in his first year and we will need him in the finals so he needs to be rested throughout the year).
As for Stokes well I'm a bit stuck, for me Bartel is struggling and seems to be playing injured, there are whispers that he is playing sore and if that's the case I can't see why he hasn't been given time off and a 2 week break may do wonders for his longevity this season so if that is the case then:
Out: Taylor, Bartel
In : Scarlett, Stokes

I would like to see prissa get at least one more run and Varcoe and Rooke to create that offensive pressure to get the adelaide defence rattled and panicking early.

[Turkey Tom]

I didn't think Varcoe was that good. Yes he kicked some goals, but I do wish if the ball is there to be grabbed he goes in and get it instead of either hanging back or running over the top the ball hoping it is going to bounce into his arms.

Prismall didn't get much game time from what I could see (especially in the first half).

Taylor has played at CHF in the WAFL at times (so I've been told). I don't think Lonergan or Hawkins (at this stage) is the answer. Maybe try Harry at CHF?

[catters078]

I think Milburn and Kelly are seasoned enough to get refreshed with the one week off.
I don't think the Adelaide forward line is that tall so I would give Harry the week off (he is in his first year and we will need him in the finals so he needs to be rested throughout the year).
As for Stokes well I'm a bit stuck, for me Bartel is struggling and seems to be playing injured, there are whispers that he is playing sore and if that's the case I can't see why he hasn't been given time off and a 2 week break may do wonders for his longevity this season so if that is the case then:
Out: Taylor, Bartel
In : Scarlett, Stokes

I would like to see prissa get at least one more run and Varcoe and Rooke to create that offensive pressure to get the adelaide defence rattled and panicking early.


bartel did have 28 touches on the weekend though, but i guess everyone did...

[someday-somehow]

bartel did have 28 touches on the weekend though, but i guess everyone did...

Yeah he still got plenty of the ball but he looks a bit restrictive in his movements....not seeing those contested marks as much lately either.
I think Jumpin Jack suggested he was very sore.

[Asty]

I didn't think Varcoe was that good. Yes he kicked some goals, but I do wish if the ball is there to be grabbed he goes in and get it instead of either hanging back or running over the top the ball hoping it is going to bounce into his arms.


On the other side of it generally if someone said a small forward kicked 2 goals and laid 8 tackles you would assume they had a good game.

Varcoe has a bit to go but I think if possible they should try and extend his run in the seniors same with prismall. Unfortunately that may be wishfull thinking with the competition to get into the side.

[Gaz_Brownlow]

On the other side of it generally if someone said a small forward kicked 2 goals and laid 8 tackles you would assume they had a good game.

Varcoe has a bit to go but I think if possible they should try and extend his run in the seniors same with prismall. Unfortunately that may be wishfull thinking with the competition to get into the side.

Yeah i agree. Varcoe to me just seems to be adding something to the forward line. Maybe Stokes is not an automatic recall (and i can't believe i just said that)!!! I think we need to concentrate on areas where we have been a little down and that has been forward 50 pressure...Varcoe goes a long way to solving this. Stokes has been v.good this year, and has added that midfield dimension, but we don't need another midfield dimension!!

I think resting Milburn for a match might be a good idea. I would like to see Jimmy rested too if there is something 'sore' about him. Does seem to be a little down on form this year.

Maybe,

INS: Scarlett, Stokes
OUTS: Milburn, Prismall (maybe Jimmy if still sore)

[thejester]

Darren Milburn hasn't missed a match since early '05, IIRC. He does not need to be rested.

[tin can sam]

Darren Milburn hasn't missed a match since early '05, IIRC. He does not need to be rested.

On Milburn, he's been fantastic this year, won't need a rest.

http://afl.com.au/Season2008/Statistics/tabid/73/Default.aspx

His disposal efficiancy is in the top 10 in the league, and he's had alot more possessions then anyone else on that list.

I usually don't look at DE% much, but I think this is pretty remarkable.

[darren forssman]

I didn't think Varcoe was that good. Yes he kicked some goals, but I do wish if the ball is there to be grabbed he goes in and get it instead of either hanging back or running over the top the ball hoping it is going to bounce into his arms.

i think you will be waiting a long time if you think varcoe will ever be a player that is going to jump on the pill and extract it to a teammate.


Yeah he still got plenty of the ball but he looks a bit restrictive in his movements....not seeing those contested marks as much lately either.

and the not hitting targets, handballing like byrnes, there is really something wrong with him.

he has been racking up possessions in some games but no where near as effective as previous seasons.

[Rik E Boy]

I think Milburn and Kelly are seasoned enough to get refreshed with the one week off.
I don't think the Adelaide forward line is that tall so I would give Harry the week off (he is in his first year and we will need him in the finals so he needs to be rested throughout the year).
As for Stokes well I'm a bit stuck, for me Bartel is struggling and seems to be playing injured, there are whispers that he is playing sore and if that's the case I can't see why he hasn't been given time off and a 2 week break may do wonders for his longevity this season so if that is the case then:
Out: Taylor, Bartel
In : Scarlett, Stokes

I would like to see prissa get at least one more run and Varcoe and Rooke to create that offensive pressure to get the adelaide defence rattled and panicking early.

Taylor had a week off against North and has another this weekend. Maybe rest the Tomcat??

regards,

REB

[Duskfire]

I sincerely doubt we are going to use the week after next to rest some big name players. We play Adelaide in Adelaide; not the easiest of runs and since they are coming of 2 narrow losses and will be recieving the same break they will be breathing fire and likely to throw everything they have against us. Bulldogs are only half a game behind us, and the Hawks play WCE and will be looking to make up for their loss against North. We must keep winning.

The most logical is Prismal for Scarlett, Varcoe for Stokes. And maybe Loners for the Tomahawk, although at the moment it doesn't really seem to matter, and Loners seems to position himself a bit better.

[The Sim Dog]

I sincerely doubt we are going to use the week after next to rest some big name players. We play Adelaide in Adelaide; not the easiest of runs and since they are coming of 2 narrow losses and will be recieving the same break they will be breathing fire and likely to throw everything they have against us. Bulldogs are only half a game behind us, and the Hawks play WCE and will be looking to make up for their loss against North. We must keep winning.

The most logical is Prismal for Scarlett, Varcoe for Stokes. And maybe Loners for the Tomahawk, although at the moment it doesn't really seem to matter, and Loners seems to position himself a bit better.

Yep agreed. I don't see how players could need more rest. This will be one of the toughest games of the year. Must be at full strength if possible. Can rest blokes the week after when we play Freo but even then I could not see how anyone could be that tired.

[DanA]

Yep agreed. I don't see how players could need more rest. This will be one of the toughest games of the year. Must be at full strength if possible. Can rest blokes the week after when we play Freo but even then I could not see how anyone could be that tired.

I disagree. We now have 12 wins, a massive % and are 4 games clear of 5th spot. We should be looking towards the finals and putting ourselves in the best position possible. If that mens resting Bartel in a game we could lose than so be it.

[Gaz_Brownlow]

I disagree. We now have 12 wins, a massive % and are 4 games clear of 5th spot. We should be looking towards the finals and putting ourselves in the best position possible. If that mens resting Bartel in a game we could lose than so be it.

Yeah, i was strongly opposed to resting anyone in previous times as i thought it could be disruptive to team dynamics and the competition is just too close to take these risks.

However, my opinion has changed somewhat. If we have got ourselves into a position where we can plan for finals ahead of schedule, then we should look at giving a few 'seasoned' players a game off - at the very worse it can act as a firecracker on the backside as we have some great fringe talent that can emerge in competition for spots. Bartel needs said firecracker....if he is injured or sore, give him a rest, if he is just in poor form, then a week off may be the best thing for him. Lingy is another one i worry about, seems to cop a huge knock every game (perhaps Maxy has a case to answer here!) and whilst being good this year, i fear he has played a little injured over a few weeks.

Although there is no case for Milburn and he has (like every other season) been excellent, there is a case for resting him later in the season to keep him fresh.

Wojack seemed to respond well to being 'rested', Maxy has come back beautifully after having a few hard questions asked, Hunt continually suprises me when he comes back after injury and Selwood last year came back even harder after being rested.

In all honesty, we have the depth to cover - Prismall's output at the moment is as good as Jimmy (who is clearly not at peak form), might even be interesting to see if he could play a similar role to the Paddle Pop lion. Taylor (and possibly Lonergan) could cover Dash.

Whatever the case, we are in a good situation but we must retain the momentum this coming month. If we can assure ourselves of top spot it will be a huge advantage come september!!

[table tennis]

Scarlett will have another week off, and come back from the break fresh and not risk further injury. Prismall will stay in until then.

Stokes will come in, Stevie J might be in trouble, but wouldnt be suprised if they rest Bartel.

But i would be very suprised if Scarlett was rushed back in, especially with some big matches in the not to distant future for the Cats.

Prismall deserves more of a chance. If he doesnt, he is best to leave the cattery at seasons end.

[S "Thinks He's Daicos" J]

Scarlett will have another week off, and come back from the break fresh and not risk further injury. Prismall will stay in until then.

Stokes will come in, Stevie J might be in trouble, but wouldnt be suprised if they rest Bartel.

But i would be very suprised if Scarlett was rushed back in, especially with some big matches in the not to distant future for the Cats.

Prismall deserves more of a chance. If he doesnt, he is best to leave the cattery at seasons end.
Our break is this week.

[The Sim Dog]

I disagree. We now have 12 wins, a massive % and are 4 games clear of 5th spot. We should be looking towards the finals and putting ourselves in the best position possible. If that mens resting Bartel in a game we could lose than so be it.

WE ALREADY HAVE A WEEK OFF! As for being 4 games clear of 5th, screw that! We will be in a place to 'aggressively rest' players when we are 4 games clear of second, like last year at one stage.

All this talk of "maybe we could rest <insert player here>" is getting more annoying by the week. Only the club know who really needs it. Not us. Is useless trying to guess. I would think few if any of us could see Stoke coming out this week.

Just because Bartel is not quite finding as much of the footy and team mates have picked up the slack it does not mean his is sore or tired. If he needed to come out he would have by now.

And as I said, after a one week break I could not see anyone who would really need any extra. Only Scarlo who may not be over his injury.

[Asty]

Stokes will come in, Stevie J might be in trouble, but wouldnt be suprised if they rest Bartel.

Stevie J has been cleared :)

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23908255-5016212,00.html


Cat Steve Johnson is in the clear despite Adam Selwood being taken to hospital after Johnson made contact with the Eagle's throat. Selwood is expected to miss 2-3 weeks, but the panel said video evidence from the match proved inconclusive. Based on the evidence provided by both players, player Johnson made contact with player Selwood to the throat region with a pushing motion with an open hand, as he attempted to break clear and lead into space to receive the ball.

[S "Thinks He's Daicos" J]

Bassett suspended, McLeod out.

[Duskfire]

I disagree. We now have 12 wins, a massive % and are 4 games clear of 5th spot. We should be looking towards the finals and putting ourselves in the best position possible. If that mens resting Bartel in a game we could lose than so be it.

Not saying we shouldn't rest players ever. However we have quite a tough month up ahead. If we can keep the side relativily full strength, not only do we have a decent chance of winning them all, but going further ahead of everyone else. After that we can start resting players. But the next month is absolutely essential and will shape the top 4.

[Gaz_Brownlow]

Not saying we shouldn't rest players ever. However we have quite a tough month up ahead. If we can keep the side relativily full strength, not only do we have a decent chance of winning them all, but going further ahead of everyone else. After that we can start resting players. But the next month is absolutely essential and will shape the top 4.

Actually, thinking more about it...we do have our sternest test for the season over the next 4 rounds. Coming off the break, it would be wise to go full steam ahead as close to a finals side as possible and see how we really do measure up. If we do manage to dismantle the doggies and hawks, then we may find ourselves in a similar position to last year with top spot sewn up relatively early....maybe then is the time to possibly rest some sore bodies. Top spot will have very big advantages this year with the 4th team being a likely interstate team.

[re cat]

Bring Scarlo back through the 2nds, that would make him 1 angry 30 year old.

[rohan]

I sincerely doubt we are going to use the week after next to rest some big name players. We play Adelaide in Adelaide; not the easiest of runs and since they are coming of 2 narrow losses and will be recieving the same break they will be breathing fire and likely to throw everything they have against us. Bulldogs are only half a game behind us, and the Hawks play WCE and will be looking to make up for their loss against North. We must keep winning.

The most logical is Prismal for Scarlett, Varcoe for Stokes. And maybe Loners for the Tomahawk, although at the moment it doesn't really seem to matter, and Loners seems to position himself a bit better.


Logical??? Im suprised people havent noticed this. What happened to the, "oh you cant swap them 2, they play different roles"
Prismall-winga Scarlett-backman. Logic for me seems ship out a backman for scarlett and a small forward for stokes.
Not a massive Varcoe fan, but he has been improving, but stokes is better. its pretty simple.
as for scarlett, best full back in the comp. taylor or rooke has to go. rooke is tough and people will say this, but milburn harley scarlett are tough enough. bartel ablett corey ling around the ground seem to go hard at it.

Taylor or Rooke, Varcoe out
Scarlett, Stokes in.

The idea of resting players is a bit suss in my view. Dont forget a few players had the dream team week off and now this week coming off. I doubt if they need a spell. You cant be getting to cocky resting players when you travel interstate. If resting blokes is going to happen then surely freo at rd 15 and rd 19 V Melb.

[madcat001]

as for scarlett, best full back in the comp. taylor or rooke has to go. rooke is tough and people will say this, but milburn harley scarlett are tough enough. bartel ablett corey ling around the ground seem to go hard at it.
I agree that those blokes are tough, but I don't think you can just say rooke is tough. The bloke is on another level, it's not just toughness, it's agression, it's kamakaze stuff that inspires the team and intimidates the opposition. I just can't see us going into important games without him, especially finals. He's integral to our side and one of the most unique in the side. The club has shown how highly they rate his influence by sending him to germany last year, and i'd say due to his past month of footy, Wojak or Harry Taylor are more suceptible to finding themselves in the magoos than Rooke.

[darren forssman]

The club has shown how highly they rate his influence by sending him to germany last year, and i'd say due to his past month of footy, Wojak or Harry Taylor are more suceptible to finding themselves in the magoos than Rooke.

i think prismal and varcoe are more than likely to be finding themselves in the vfl than taylor or wojak!!!

[a.f.k.a.y.o.p.]

i think prismal and varcoe are more than likely to be finding themselves in the vfl than taylor or wojak!!!
Ah Forssy is that you? Thats your best??
Come on tiger..............

[Gaz_Brownlow]

I agree that those blokes are tough, but I don't think you can just say rooke is tough. The bloke is on another level, it's not just toughness, it's agression, it's kamakaze stuff that inspires the team and intimidates the opposition. I just can't see us going into important games without him, especially finals. He's integral to our side and one of the most unique in the side. The club has shown how highly they rate his influence by sending him to germany last year, and i'd say due to his past month of footy, Wojak or Harry Taylor are more suceptible to finding themselves in the magoos than Rooke.

Rooke is absolutely untouchable...adds an aspect to our game that no one else can. His past month of footy has been awesome and you can see others lift in his presence.

[gazzasuperstar29]

Personally the only three i can see getting dropped atm are Lonergan,Prismall and Varcoe. Nothing to do with form just that some really good players need to come back in eg. Scarlo, Stokesy and Tomahawk who seems to have his confidence back after snagging seven on the weekend against the Bullants.

[rohan]

Personally the only three i can see getting dropped atm are Lonergan,Prismall and Varcoe. Nothing to do with form just that some really good players need to come back in eg. Scarlo, Stokesy and Tomahawk who seems to have his confidence back after snagging seven on the weekend against the Bullants.


people have dominated the vfl for years and not got a proper gig in the firsts. im not sure hawkins comes back as a must-in just coz he has played a good game.
seems people want rooke in, im ok with that. but geelong cant drop 2 midfeilders or a midfeilder and a forward and bring in a forward and a backman. a backman has to go. seems to me taylor......

[darren forssman]

Ah Forssy is that you? Thats your best??
Come on tiger..............

it is hard to appease the fans.

help a polak brother out!!!

[Duskfire]

people have dominated the vfl for years and not got a proper gig in the firsts. im not sure hawkins comes back as a must-in just coz he has played a good game.
seems people want rooke in, im ok with that. but geelong cant drop 2 midfeilders or a midfeilder and a forward and bring in a forward and a backman. a backman has to go. seems to me taylor......

Why? We've had that backman setup for alot of the year. People who argue that you need to swap one for another, well it doesnt work. Personally I think we have too many midfielders, especially since Stokes gets heavily rotated throughout there too.

[darren forssman]

seems people want rooke in, im ok with that. but geelong cant drop 2 midfeilders or a midfeilder and a forward and bring in a forward and a backman. a backman has to go. seems to me taylor......

so, for arguments sake, if egan, stokes and scarlett were to come back next week who would go out?

taylor is currently playing egans role and resting him for that north game really backfired when scarlett did his hamstring.

im guessing the messiah (prismal), varcoe, taylor would be the obvious choices.