AFL Round 14 Melbourne V Brisbane Lions Official Thread

[weevil]

AFL Premiership Round 14
http://home.iprimus.com.au/jpk/142008/Title.GIF

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/489/demonswg1.png ------ V ------http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/899/lionsyr5.png


________________________________________________________

Sunday 29 June 2008
MCG (http://www.austadiums.com/stadiums/stadiums.php?id=120) 1:10:00pm (Local Time) Melbourne Forecast (http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDV10450.shtml)


TV (All Live)
Qld: Channel 7, Fox Sports 1.
Vic: Fox Sports 1.
SA: Fox Sports 1.
WA: Fox Sports 1.
TAS: Fox Sports 1.
NT: Fox Sports 1.
NSW/ACT: Fox Sports 1.

RADIO
Vic: SEN, ABC, K Rock, MMM. 3AW.
Qld: ABC, MMM, BIMA.
SA: Fiveaa, MMM, ABC.
WA: BIMA, ABC, 6PR.
NSW/ACT: None
Tas: ABC
NT: BIMA, ABC.


Ladder:
http://home.iprimus.com.au/jpk/142008/Ladder.GIF

Last 5 Rounds:
http://home.iprimus.com.au/jpk/142008/L5L.GIF

Win-Loss Sequences:
http://home.iprimus.com.au/jpk/142008/SWL.GIF


Recent history:
http://home.iprimus.com.au/jpk/142008/Last10.GIF


The Brisbane Perspective:
Originally Posted by Quigley

Being out of the country for the last two rounds and being jet lagged to hell is probably not the best idea for writing a match preview but I will do my best.

This week sees us up against Melbourne and it will see two teams fighting for the highest spot they can get. Unfortunately whilst we are fighting for the highest spot on the ladder we can get Melbourne are fighting for the highest draft pick they can get. Nobody mention tanking though because we all know that that doesn’t exist. The Lions currently sit clear in 6th with 8 wins and 5 losses whilst the Demons sit in 16th with 1 win and 12 losses. The Lions fans are looking forward to September and finals football and the Demons to November and drafting their next star.

Notwithstanding that the Lions have everything to play for, these are the types of games that we absolutely must win. On paper Melbourne has a pretty good midfield and you have to think that they are going to get it together at some stage and I can’t see their players being happy losing week in week out even if some fans and admin personnel are. These types of a games can be dangerous and we absolutely must turn up ready to play.

Based on form you wouldn’t think this would be anything other than a Lions win but we have already lost to the 15th place team (Brisbane being one of West Coast’s two wins). We do not want the quinella and lose to Melbourne as well. Credit to the Lions though, this year they have done a good job of winning the games that they should win. Apart from the West Coast loss the only other losses have been to the contenders this year in Geelong, Hawthorn, Bulldogs and Sydney.

This is the second meeting for the Lions and the Ds this year with the Lions coming out on top in round 6 by 52 points at the Gabba. In that game Black tore the Demons apart with 36 possessions and Bradshaw picked up 6 goals. Bradshaw might not be playing this time and Black is looking a little proppy so things are looking up for the Demons. The game being in Melbourne should also see the Demons be more competitive.

Battle of Young Brigades

What is interesting with these two sides is that, since 2004, Melbourne and the Lions are the two sides with the most rising star nominations. Both sides have good recruiting staff and do well preparing their young players to make an impression at AFL level. Unfortunately for the Demons their young guys have stalled in their development and gone backwards if anything after initially bursting onto the scene. This year there is again plenty of promise being shown by the likes of Garland and Warnock but youngsters who were expected to come through and really make the competition sit up and pay attention like Newton and Dunn and to a lesser extent Jones have disappointed. The Lions meanwhile have a team who is carried by their star older players but whose youth is playing an important supporting role and are continuing to develop nicely. Merrett and Patfull are holding up the backline, Adcock, Rischitelli and Sherman are doing important jobs in the middle and Hooper, Corrie and Clark are important to the team structure up front.

Again this year the Demons seem to have done well with the drafting of Cale Morton (a no-brainer pick but still a good one) and the rookie listing of Austin Wonaeamirri (a great pick of a guy who really deserved the chance). Both have received rising star nominations and both look like exciting prospects. FWIW I would still pick Morton over Palmer because although Palmer will continue to get a lot of the pill I think Morton has the higher ceiling and despite what he has shown at times this year, has the hurt factor in his disposals that Palmer lacks. Its like comparing Luke Power to James Hird. Lukey is a fine player but I do not think he is at the same level as James Hird. Palmer will win a best and fairest or two for Freo but he won’t win a Brownlow. Morton might.

It is getting to the stage for the Demons where they should be just playing the kids and seeing what they have to offer. They are going to need to perform a pretty major overhaul of their squad at the end of the year and you have to give the young guys an opportunity to prove that they should be part of the future. Valenti is a rookie who looked extremely good in the preseason, got a late promotion, played a couple of good games but was then nonsensically dropped. Valenti is the type of hard tackling, ball winning midfield that the Demons should be playing week in week out. Morton is also out of the team this week and coming into the bye round should be playing.

The Lions have their own youngsters who have all shown plenty at AFLQ level but aren’t yet stepping up to demand spots every week at AFL level. The likes of Henderson, Proud, Polkinghorne, Leuenberger, Harding and Hawksley have all been tried (some more than others) and generally have shown glimpses but they have not done enough to cement their spots. Collier got his opportunity in the last round and unlike the others performed well. He should be a definite starter for this round. I have also been spruiking Proud’s case for a while and I hope he gets a recall soon. He has been dominating in the reserves and despite all the arguments put forth I simply cannot understand why he hasn’t been picked. His form demands he be given another opportunity but for some reason (not football related I suspect) he is being kept in the reserves.

Injuries

The Melbourne forward line has been decimated this year with the injuries to Neitz and Robinson and no-one has really stepped up to fill their shoes. Rivers and Carroll are equally important to the Demon backline and their injury problems have also seen the backline underperform. The performance of both the Melbourne forward and back lines this season has been far from good. The Demons are 15th in points scored and 16th in opponents scoring which tells a story of the performance of these two areas. It is also worth noting that the key defensive positions are now held by youngsters Warnock and Garland (they are doing reasonably well but need support and probably would have benefited by not being blooded together) and their most dangerous forward is rookie small Wonaeamirri. Up forward the much maligned Miller has finally be given a full time position up at CHF and has done okay without setting the world on fire and I don’t really know who they are playing at FF at the moment (they are playing three rucks so probably one of them – Johnson or Jamar?). Newton was supposed to be the heir apparent to Neitz but he has not come on as hoped.

For the Lions listed for test are Bradshaw, Lappin, Sherman and Johnstone . Brown has also been mentioned in dispatches as a potential out for this week. If they all come up then the Lions are extremely well place injury wise but with the bye coming up next week and playing the last placed team this week I would expect the Lions to be cautious. Drummond is not on the injury list so I assume he is right to go.

Style of Game

The teams are a contrast in styles. The Lions are a very direct team who likes to use the corridor if possible, thrive on pressuring the man with the ball and tackle everything that moves. Melbourne on the other hand try and play modern possession football, tend to unaccountable and are one of the poorest tackling teams in the competition (14th in fact). Melbourne players can also be a little slow to get rid of the ball so expect the Lions to come out chasing hard on Sunday.

Both teams are below average users of the ball and given that Melbourne are in last place it should not surprise people that the Demons are worse than the Lions in this regard. Both teams can have trouble hitting targets and this is especially a problem going inside the 50.

So what am I expecting? I think the Lions will jump out of the box using their hard running to force a lot of turnovers from the Demons. The Lions will look to counterattack quickly and should be able to use the corridor to funnel the ball into attack and put enormous pressure on the young Demons defence. I would expect the Lions to build a comfortable half time lead and for the game to be pretty scrappy in the second half as the Lions fatigue a little and take their foot off the accelerator. Expect a lot of turnovers.

Match ups

Up forward for us I would expect Warnock to go to Bradshaw if he plays and Garland to Brown. If Bradshaw doesn’t play expect Warnock to go with Brown. Warnock has done some good jobs this year on some tough opponents. Melbourne have tried to stack their backline a bit by playing Green and Bruce down back and these guys will have to be watched. Green has probably been the Demon’s best player so far this year playing loose man and Bruce has been splitting time between the midfield and as a medium back. I don’t think the Lions will go man for man but look for Corrie and Hooper to be sweating on Green and Bruce coming out of defence as both can be susceptible to be run down from behind. If either of them look like getting away don’t be surprised if Sherman does a stint on one of them to quieten him down and hopefully hurt the Demons going the other way for a goal or two.

In the midfield expect Dunn to go to Black and probably Bartram to Power although Power might try and run with the likes of McLean or Moloney. Selwood will get the first crack at Jones who has had difficulty shaking the tag all year. Sherman I think will run with McLean or Bruce if he starts in the midfield.

Down back Patfull will go with Miller and Merrett will get whichever of the three rucks the Demons are playing at FF. McGrath if he is playing will pick up Wonaeamirri. I like the Lions in all of the forward match ups.

In the ruck the Demons rucks have been getting their hands to the ball first quite a lot (4th in hitouts) but it has rarely been to advantage. White, Jamar and Johnson may all get time in the middle but none would be considered an elite as far as ruck work goes. Where White and Johnson will challenge Charman is around the ground. Both cover a fair bit of ground and are capable of getting quite a lot of possessions. Given that Melbourne like to have a couple of rucks on the ground at a time expect Clark to get some work dampening the running effect of the Melbourne rucks. The ruck battle could be the most interesting of the day.

My Prediction

Lions to have too much to play for – by 46 points.

[weevil]

Thanks to Quigley preview and lionbear for the media info.

[TheBrownDog]

I'm a firm believer in that once the ball is bounced, both teams are equal and anything can happen.

But like Quigley, I think the Lions simply have too much to play for, and will not be taking this game lightly.

No Neitz and Robertson hurts the Demons scoring power significantly, and if our defenders can shut down Miller and Wonneamiri, we should get the job done.

I wonder if Sherman will be brought back in to Re-Shermanate Davey.

[BLPC08]

I'm quietly confident going into this game. Last week we played below-par, yet still managed a victory. Wonaemirri and Miller would need to kick 7-8 goals between them for the dees to have a chance I would think, but having said that they were impressive against Sydney and I certainly give them a chance of going close.

Hopefully we will prove to be too strong though.

[dlanod]

I'm interested in the ins/outs this week. Given the list of "test"s we might have a lot of big ins:
Travis Johnstone (Hamstring) - Test
Justin Sherman (Back) - Test
Daniel Bradshaw (Hamstring) - Test
Nigel Lappin (Achilles) – Test
Matthew Tyler (Hamstring) - Test
Pearce Hanley (Hamstring) - Test

I'm going to go with Hendo (for Bradshaw), Copeland (for Sherman), Polkinghorne (for Johnstone/Lappin) as outs assuming only three out of four of those tests get up. Mainly to avoid the hard decision between Stiller and Collier for the final position. Stiller seems to get dropped pretty consistently and Collier had an impressive debut, so I'm half-expecting Collier to get the nod if all four get up.

[mpal6]

Roe missed out as well. Leigh mentioned Collier got his chance coz of Roe missing out. If he returns I expect Collier to play on the wing. Would be great to watch as someone mentioned before, Brennan and Collier tearing it on the wing.

Black did struggle in the last quarter, may be TJ straight swap for this weekend ?? Dalziell debut ?? ;)

Need to win by a good margin. That % needs an urgent boost.

[Duritz]

Roe missed out as well. Leigh mentioned Collier got his chance coz of Roe missing out. If he returns I expect Collier to play on the wing. Would be great to watch as someone mentioned before, Brennan and Collier tearing it on the wing.

Black did struggle in the last quarter, may be TJ straight swap for this weekend ?? Dalziell debut ?? ;)

Need to win by a good margin. That % needs an urgent boost.

Leigh mentioned that they try to give debutants a couple of games, I'd be surprised if Collier were dropped, unless we had a lot of ins. I'd have thought the Dees were a great chance for some experience for him.

RE the % - could be crucial end of year.

[Lehban]

forget the percentage just keep winning. The demons lost six and won one then lost another six so what worries me is they are due

[Grimreepah]

I'm going to go with Hendo (for Bradshaw), Copeland (for Sherman), Polkinghorne (for Johnstone/Lappin) as outs assuming only three out of four of those tests get up. Mainly to avoid the hard decision between Stiller and Collier for the final position. Stiller seems to get dropped pretty consistently and Collier had an impressive debut, so I'm half-expecting Collier to get the nod if all four get up.

Seeing as Stiller was a last minute call up I suspect he'd probably be the first to make way. I'd go Stiller (Johnstone), Hendo (Bradshaw or Leuenberger) and Polkinghorne (Sherman).

[mpal6]

forget the percentage just keep winning. The demons lost six and won one then lost another six so what worries me is they are due

If Melbourne didn't get their first win I would be worried. IMO that 1 win has cooled things off considerably. They still show the effort during games but I would rate the pressure to get the first win on board would be far greater. Thats not there anymore.

[Fairley]

I'm going to this game, Dad is going to Melbourne for work so i thought i'd skip along with him and catch a few games at the 'G, quite excited.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://sportal.com.au/afl-news-display/dees-set-to-debut-another-youngster-51119)

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey is toying with the idea of throwing untried basketballer-cum-footballer Stefan Martin arguably the toughest gig in football.Bailey suggested on Tuesday that the 21-year-old Martin, who nabbed the last spot on the Demons' senior list ahead of the 2008 season, could be assigned Brisbane powerhouse Jonathan Brown when the two sides meet at the MCG on Sunday.
The 198cm former junior basketball star has been groomed as a key defender with Sandringham this season and is in line for a baptism of fire in Melbourne's first home fixture against the Lions since 2000.
"Why not? Why not just throw him straight onto one of the best players to play the game?" Bailey said ahead of training at Junction Oval.
"Someone has to play on him. Absolutely. It's been done before. He would probably take up the challenge, Stef."

Martin has spent the first half of the season under Andy Lovell at Melbourne's VFL affiliate Sandringham.
"Stef's progression has been good during the year. He's taken a couple of steps back but he has been thereabouts," Bailey explained.


Surely Bailey is taking the piss...

[TheBrownDog]

Link (http://sportal.com.au/afl-news-display/dees-set-to-debut-another-youngster-51119)



Surely Bailey is taking the piss...

Probably do a better job than Nathan Carroll.

[Fairley]

Umm... I think Jonathan Brown will be my captain in Dream Team this week after reading that! 200+? :D. BIG STEFAN MARTIN.

[awesome_assassin]

Good preview. As others have said, this is a MUST win to stay in touch witht he top 4. Unless Miller and Wonaeamirri kick 12 between them, i just can't see them kicking a big enough score to win. I hope as Quigley suggested that Mc Grath might line up on Wonaeamirri, who has been outstanding for the Dees, a real livewire, who knows where the goals are.

Some of those INS for us look good, assuming they pass fitness tests. I'd like to see Collier stay in, i hope he gets a few games under his belt. I hope the Lions put em to the sword and win by 60+. :)

[dlanod]

Link (http://sportal.com.au/afl-news-display/dees-set-to-debut-another-youngster-51119)



Surely Bailey is taking the piss...

I'll believe it when I see it. I'll also then believe they've given up all interest in this year.

[charles202]

While i know the win (and %) is important and that you cant afford to take any team lightly, i really hope that at least one (if not both) Black and Adcock are rested from this game.

A two week break for both of these guys would do wonders for their second half of the season.

I would also like to see one more game from Clark at FF before Bradsahw returns.

[campbell]

While i know the win (and %) is important and that you cant afford to take any team lightly, i really hope that at least one (if not both) Black and Adcock are rested from this game.

A two week break for both of these guys would do wonders for their second half of the season.

I would also like to see one more game from Clark at FF before Bradsahw returns.

Agree, anyone with niggles, give em a break for the 2 weeks.
Clark was recruited after playing ff for his junior career. The doggies match he looked out of sorts and lost int he forward line.

[Cousin Jed]

Agree, anyone with niggles, give em a break for the 2 weeks.
Clark was recruited after playing ff for his junior career. The doggies match he looked out of sorts and lost int he forward line.

So we are forfeiting this game? ;)

If I were you I would almost ignore everything that happened in the game against the Dogs. Total disaster.

[campbell]

So we are forfeiting this game? ;)

If I were you I would almost ignore everything that happened in the game against the Dogs. Total disaster.

Where did I say that?
A perfect opportunity to get players over niggles, by giving them 2 weeks break. A good recovery plan for the 2nd half of the season.

We need to win all matches.I never take Melbourne for granted, they will surprise again this season. We need to go in hard and tackle hard this match. and put a tag on Davey if playing and weim( cant spell his name), both can and will carve us up.

[thedaz47]

hopefully martin on brown will be memories of zac dawson... not that i wish his career to be torn apart like zac's was

[dlanod]

I suspect his response was due to the fact that about half of the 22 we field most weeks seem to be carrying some niggle or other.

[campbell]

I suspect his response was due to the fact that about half of the 22 we field most weeks seem to be carrying some niggle or other.

but some are worse than other niggles, if you know what I mean.

[Lace Out]

No rest for anyone that doesn't absolutely need it this week.We need to field our strongest possible side to nail this one before everyone gets a break next week.

[campbell]

No rest for anyone that doesn't absolutely need it this week.We need to field our strongest possible side to nail this one before everyone gets a break next week.

I would rest Black, if as they say he is struggling with a groin injury.

[charles202]

I would agree that most of our team is carrying injury niggles at the moment. However i fear that both Black and Adcock are geting up to the severe niggle stage, and neither are players we can afford to be without for an extended period of time.

Hopefully, both Sherman and TJ will be back this week and those are pretty good ins to replace those guys. Not to mention the return of Roe.

However, i wouldnt be surprised to see both of them play to try and secure the wii.

[dlanod]

However, i wouldnt be surprised to see both of them play to try and secure the wii.

:confused: I'm assuming a BOG award or something, but the thought of them playing just to try and get it is funny in it's own right. ;)

[Grimreepah]

I wouldn't have thought too much would change. If you're passed fit you play, if not you don't. IMO we should play the best side possible to give us the best chance of winning.

[Homer Jnr]

Hopefully Bradshaw is fit, he loves Melbourne. And if Brown is marked by a debutant, it could be very interesting.

Midfield needs to keep their guard up and stop their midfielders running forward and doing their scoring.

[Lace Out]

:confused: I'm assuming a BOG award or something, but the thought of them playing just to try and get it is funny in it's own right. ;)
Pisser typo :D

[dlanod]

Pisser typo :D

That makes a hell of a lot more sense. Nintendo sponsors the Channel 7 coverage to some extant (their "Seven days in seven seconds" or whatever that they show on Sundays is "brought to you by Nintendo Wii"), hence my extended confusion. :D

[POBT]

It is just too hard to second guess the medical staff. We simply do not know. Moreover, our club is possibly the most secretive in the competition in terms of releasing information about a player's health. Adcock's injury at the beginning of the year had the qualified (Doc Larkins) and the unqualified (ie BigFooty posters) writing him off for weeks. He played 6 days later.

Unless you are a medical expert and have all of the relevant information at hand, it is simply guess work and so pronouncements of "this bloke should be rested" are empty. What I will say is that Black has looked like a player who is in need of a break. Whether he can get through another game or whether he really needs a 2 week break, that is for the club, on medical advice, to decide.

The quality of opposition is a factor in determining whether an injured player plays or not. However, it is such a minor factor compared to the medical diagnosis and treatment. Yes - we play Melbourne the week before a bye. Those two factors combined might make a slight difference in the club's decision making - slight.

[davey_magik]

Please don't risk Bradshaw.

Please.

[Duritz]

Link (http://sportal.com.au/afl-news-display/dees-set-to-debut-another-youngster-51119)



Surely Bailey is taking the piss...

He's risen in my estimations, Bailey, for even suggesting that. Sure, Big Stef would get thumped but clearly Bailey is thinking. Top sign for the Dees, seriously.

[Duritz]

Please don't risk Bradshaw.

Please.

LOL... though I actually agree.

[xplo]

Clark was recruited after playing ff for his junior career. The doggies match he looked out of sorts and lost int he forward line.

That's like not feeding your dog and then telling the vet you don't know why he seems to have lost his appetite.

What can you do at FF when your midfield is getting pantsed?

[POBT]

That's like not feeding your dog and then telling the vet you don't know why he seems to have lost his appetite.


"lol" is highly over-used around here. I was just trying to think if I have ever "laughed out loud" at a post on BigFooty. Then I read this. Then I laughed out loud.

To use a Johnism, I don't wanna piss in your pocket but that is the best analogy I've heard for ages. Classic xplo!!!

[POBT]

On the issue though, I said some time ago that I had my reservations about Mitch Clark as a key position forward. I still have those same doubts. But I love the way he goes about his work as a second ruckman with a bit of a licence to roam around. His work as a resting ruckman against Adelaide up forward was excellent.

I just don't think he'll ever be the main man in a forward line. But I think he's shown enough to suggest that he'll be regular goal kicker for years to come, whilst contributing in other roles like in the ruck, in the backline or as a third tall forward to stretch the opposition's defence. A very handy player in development.

[kizzel]

Pick the best team possible. Last time we played Melbourne we coasted out to a huge lead by half time. If we can get to a comfortable margin this time round then we can rest the stars.

I would hate to see us rest the likes of Adcock, Black and Bradshaw, have Melbourne think we're taking it as a walk in the park, and being pantsed by a motivated and pi$$ed off bottom team.

[mpal6]

Would rest Adcock and Black only if we get the right replacements -- TJ and Sherman.

[Duritz]

Pick the best team possible. Last time we played Melbourne we coasted out to a huge lead by half time. If we can get to a comfortable margin this time round then we can rest the stars.

I would hate to see us rest the likes of Adcock, Black and Bradshaw, have Melbourne think we're taking it as a walk in the park, and being pantsed by a motivated and pi$$ed off bottom team.

Problem is you can't rest four blokes for an entire half, because the 18 made to spend the whole half on the field will be knackered!

[Grimreepah]

He's risen in my estimations, Bailey, for even suggesting that. Sure, Big Stef would get thumped but clearly Bailey is thinking. Top sign for the Dees, seriously.

Seems a bit of a contradiction to me.

I guess the end result will determine how smart the move is.

[Tim the Toolman]

Would rest Adcock and Black only if we get the right replacements -- TJ and Sherman.

Sherman as a replacement for Adcock! That's like replacing Vossy with Moody? :D

[dlanod]

Obviously Sherman was meant as the replacement for Black.

What...? :cool:

[CaptainDavey]

I tell you what I like about you Brisbane lads? The lack of arrogance that you usually get from clubs supporters when they play against Melbourne. I haven't heard 'I won't be happy with anything less than a 10 goal win' yet and it's that kind of sportsmanship that the game lacks IMO. Kudos to you all.

But yeah, don't play Bradshaw. Just don't. Pllleeeeaaaaassseee...And don't read much into Bails putting Stef onto Brown, as I'd imagine we'll friggen quadrupole team Brown at every chance we'll get. Not that it'll stop him. Here's to a good game, or a spanking in the first half, a resurgent Melbourne in the third quarter and then a shoot out in the last

[dlanod]

I won't be happy unless Melbourne is left orbiting the moon because we kicked their arses so hard.

Better? ;)

[Duritz]

Seems a bit of a contradiction to me.

I guess the end result will determine how smart the move is.

I don't think the end result is important. I think everyone knows that unless Melbourne do something extraordinary, or the Lions do something extra ordinary, then the Lions are going to win the game. At this point, it's not really Dean Baily's job to try to win as many games as possible, it's about sculpting the team, esp and most importantly the younger players, for the future. Tossing Stefan Edberg against Brown isn't going to win him the game, but it may teach Stefan things that win games down the track. To me, it shows he's thinking outside the square, not just going through the motions.

[Grimreepah]

To me, it shows he's thinking outside the square, not just going through the motions.

I would argue the square is there for a reason and generally it's better to develop players a step at a time. I also think players will learn more if there are adequate structures in place. If the Dees start haemorrhaging then I'm not sure what benefit that would be to the development of the kid or the rest of the team.

Not that I'm against trying something different, but I still think you want to be trying to operate within a logical framework.

[Dylan12]

Clark was recruited after playing ff for his junior career. The doggies match he looked out of sorts and lost int he forward line.

Clark may have played FF prior to his colts (u/18) career, but I saw quite a bit of Mitch in the 2 years leading up to him being drafted by the Lions and I don't remember him playing at FF. He mainly played as a CHF/Ruckman so not sure that is an accurate assessment.

That Dogs game should be thrown out the window, everyone was down and unfair to judge him on that game, plus the delivery inside 50 was atrocious to say the least.

[dtm06]

I don't want us to treat this match the way west coast treated our match at subi last year otherwise we are a serious chance of losing. We have to play the best fit team available. We do have the mid season break coming up straight after remember.

[Roos34]

has black been training this week

[TheBrownDog]

has black been training this week

Light duties.

[tysonp]

Looking forward to the game this weekend. Will be heading into the G. I expect the boys to be ready for a tough match, as melbourne have been playing some alright footy lately, but have just been letting themselves down for 1 or 2 quarter. I expect the boys to win by 25-35 pts.

[blynd_freddie]

IIRC – There were a couple of injury concern omissions, Brown & Black, in the cats game and there was still an intent shown at the ball that surprised a few. I dare say there are a couple of kids sitting in the wings, namely Proud and Dalziell who just might take advantage of an opportunity if a couple of mids are under an injury cloud and are rested.

[acuguy]

I can tell you right now that there is not one player who will be rested this week. I feel for Adcock and Black, you know they are carrying injuries but they must play. If you are deemed fit enough you play. This is a must win game, this game is probably one of the most important games of the season. A win on Sunday puts us 9-5 and potentially 2 points outside the top 4 if the pies beat Sydney or put us close to 2 games clear of positions 7 and 8 on the ladder.

This is the game where we really announce ourselves in many ways as a team that can do some damage come September. What we have been missing is a ruthless edge to our footy, this edge only can be born out of winning consistently and winning games 50/50 games like last week.

Look for Charman to really take the game apart, i think we will see Clark play further up the field in a drifting running role when Braddles returns.

We need to get in front and play a 4 quarter effort. We know in spits and spurts our best is nearly as good as anyone other teams (barring Geelong), what we need to do is win the 1st quarter then the 2nd, then the 3rd and then the 4th.

Lions by 67 with the smell of blood surrounding Melbourne

[madvass]

I remember before the last Melbourne game earlier in the year, everyone seemed to be getting all cautious about being overly confident as if it was gonna slap em right back in the face, but i have to admit im very confident with this game. I have a feeling we learnt a lot after the bulldogs belting, and we all remember what happened when Carlton thrashed us early in 01...

[Dylan12]

This is the first time we have played the Demons in Melbourne since 2000 - can't believe it has been this long even accounting for them selling games to us. I am really looking forward to the game and whilst we shouldn't have too many troubles, I am still wary nonetheless.

[lionbear]

After our big win last Saturday night, really important to consolidate it with a win on Sunday. We should have too many Guns for the Demons.

If we take this game lightly though we will lose so hopefully we really put them away.

[POBT]

The story still remains with us that if you shut down the midfield guns, you make us a far less dangerous side. To a great degree, we still rely on either Black or Power performing, with cameo performances from others. To Melbourne's credit, they do have a couple of players who have done jobs on good opponents in the last few weeks. If they shut out Power and Black we'll have to hope the next tier is ready to step up - and, to be quite frank, they should against this level of opposition. Still, it is an unknown for us whether that next tier can be the main men.

I am also interested in seeing how Melbourne structure their forward line. I wonder if they'll think of throwing Cam Bruce up forward to tag Drummond and possibly provide an avenue to goal too. Drummond is someone that can be either attacked (by trying to make him accountable) or defended (ie tagged). Someone like Bruce might actually be able to perform both roles. If they do that, and possibly push a ruckman forward, they may make us think a little about how we work out our defence.

[choco123]

i would love to see a real four quarter effort from the boys, which i think hasn't been seen this season.

conversely, i see this as a bit of a danger game if we take it lightly, as melbourne are due for the win and our last game at the 'G to put it mildly was a bit of a disappointment.

Cmon the Lions!!

[sblack]

B: Josh Drummond (39), Daniel Merrett (21), Joel Patfull (24)
HB: Joel Macdonald (26), Mitch Clark (1), Justin Sherman (11)
C: Anthony Corrie (18), Simon Black (20), Tim Notting (8)
HF: Michael Rischitelli (35), Jonathan Brown (16), Ashley McGrath (9)
F: Robert Copeland (30), Daniel Bradshaw (36), Jared Brennan (17)
Foll: Jamie Charman (19), Luke Power (6), Jed Adcock (7)
Int (from): Tom Collier (22), Scott Clouston (41), Rhan Hooper (33), James Polkinghorne (31), Cheynee Stiller (32), Travis Johnstone (4), Troy Selwood (28)
IN: Daniel Bradshaw, Justin Sherman, Travis Johnstone, Scott Clouston

OUT: Lachlan Henderson (omit)

NEW: Scott Clouston (Morningside – rookie list upgrade)

MILESTONES: Joel Patfull – 50 games


PS. Stefan Martin to debut for the Dees. Maybe he will goto Brown :cool:

[TheBrownDog]

B: Josh Drummond (39), Daniel Merrett (21), Joel Patfull (24)
HB: Joel Macdonald (26), Mitch Clark (1), Justin Sherman (11)
C: Anthony Corrie (18), Simon Black (20), Tim Notting (8)
HF: Michael Rischitelli (35), Jonathan Brown (16), Ashley McGrath (9)
F: Robert Copeland (30), Daniel Bradshaw (36), Jared Brennan (17)
Foll: Jamie Charman (19), Luke Power (6), Jed Adcock (7)
Int (from): Tom Collier (22), Scott Clouston (41), Rhan Hooper (33), James Polkinghorne (31), Cheynee Stiller (32), Travis Johnstone (4), Troy Selwood (28)
IN: Daniel Bradshaw, Justin Sherman, Travis Johnstone, Scott Clouston

OUT: Lachlan Henderson (omit)

NEW: Scott Clouston (Morningside – rookie list upgrade)

EDIT: Beaten :(

[Warwick]

Clouston. That's interesting.

Maybe security for Merrett if he doesn't get up.

[notting18]

Not really surprised by any of those except Clouston:eek:. Especially as Bradshaw is likely to be fit I am surprised that we have elevated a rookie for what looks like a Emergency position.

Edit - Warwick's comment about Merrett struggling to be fit may be accurate though.

[TheBrownDog]

Despite Grim wanting him delisted, its great to see Clouston named!

Our first rookie elevation of the year, would be taking Beau's spot I imagine?

Surely he'll play, they wouldn't have gone to the effort to elevate him otherwise, perhaps there are doubts about Big Red.

Johnstone and Bradshaw are massive ins.

[notting18]

Melbourne's team hasn't been posted here but the big "out" was James MacDonald according to the main board.

[TheBrownDog]

What does Dalziell have to do to get a game! Named in the best in the ressies week after week! Is he dating Lethal's daughter! Won't blame him if he requests a trade at the end of the year! ;)

[jackess]

Clark named at centre half back is interesting. Surely he wont play there after last week up forward

[Homer Jnr]

Rookies are rarely elevated to just sit on the emergency list, so Clouston is looking good to debut this week. I like the way he plays his footy, shows tremendous guts and determination.

[Homer Jnr]

What does Dalziell have to do to get a game! Named in the best in the ressies week after week! Is he dating Lethal's daughter! Won't blame him if he requests a trade at the end of the year! ;)

Most importantly, does Matthews have a daughter? I continue to ponder this question when that line is thrown about. :p

[TheBrownDog]

Most importantly, does Matthews have a daughter? I continue to ponder this question when that line is thrown about. :p

Yeah, I think he only had girls.

All grown up and married I think.

[CoZi36]

Yay, triangle is back in force :thumbsu:! Welcome back Braddles - missed ya so much - now get ya 11 goals :D

[Homer Jnr]

Yeah, I think he only had girls.

All grown up and married I think.

It's true, you do learn something new everyday. :thumbsu:

[madvass]

Clouston. That's interesting.

Maybe security for Merrett if he doesn't get up.

What's wrong with Merrett? I haven't heard he was injured?:confused:

[Old Den]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Quigley http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?p=11494087#post11494087)
Promote - Begley
Rookies retained for third year - Clousten and Tippett. They have changed it so that you can now retain rookies for a third year without delisting them although I am not sure if that was only one per club or not. I will assume not. Clousten and Tippett are both key positions and have shown good ability at stages this year. In fact Clousten would be close to being our reserve FB. Garner I think is young enough to be rookied for a second year for his elite kicking skills if nothing else.

Right on the money there Quigley - very encouraging for those of us(which includes me) who would like to see him permanently elevated or retained on the rookie list at season's end(if permitted)

[TheBrownDog]

Welcome back Braddles

Nathan Carroll just logged on to BigFooty to check the teams. He is now curled up on the floor, gently rocking back and forth in the fetal position, sobbing quietly.

[TheBrownDog]

What's wrong with Merrett? I haven't heard he was injured?:confused:

Have you applied for the private board? We put training reports there.

At training yesterday, Merrett sat out most of the session with ice on his knee.

He said he was all good though (may have just been avoiding a very fired up Lethal)... so we'll have to wait and see.

[Grimreepah]

We seem to have a debutante every week.

By the way, don't listen to Browndog.:rolleyes:

[TheBrownDog]

By the way, don't listen to Browndog.:rolleyes:

Or the Australian Cricket Selectors. ;)

[Grimreepah]

Or the Australian Cricket Selectors. ;)

Don't listen to Weevil either.:rolleyes:

[CoZi36]

Nathan Carroll just logged on to BigFooty to check the teams. He is now curled up on the floor, gently rocking back and forth in the fetal position, sobbing quietly.

Haha, Carroll is an emergency though :(.

[madvass]

Have you applied for the private board?



I did about a week ago but aint heard nothing since. Thanks :thumbsu:

[JasRulz63]

We have a private board :confused:

[TheBrownDog]

I did about a week ago but aint heard nothing since. Thanks :thumbsu:

Lousy, good for nothing mods. *











*Watch them magically appear now.

[TheBrownDog]

We have a private board :confused:

Yep, details here. (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=455871&highlight=private)

[Old Den]

I did about a week ago but aint heard nothing since. Thanks :thumbsu:

Ditto for me

[BigCat2]

Good to see Clouston named. I think he'll get a game as rarely are rookies elevated only to be cut from the final team.

Copeland is retained (named in a forward pocket) even with the return of Bradshaw, interesting.

Looking at the extended 7 man bench:
Collier
Clouston
Hooper
Polkinghorne
Stiller
Johnstone
Selwood

I think Hooper, Johnstone and Collier are safe from that list. If Clouston is retained then it means Polkinghorne, Stiller and Selwood go out. With the club's recent regular selection of Selwood though I wouldn't be surprised to see Copeland miss the cut, even though he's named in the run on side.

[JasRulz63]

Yep, details here. (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=455871&highlight=private)

Thanks :thumbsu:

[Ray Button]

If Clouston is retained then it means Polkinghorne, Stiller and Selwood go out. With the club's recent regular selection of Selwood though I wouldn't be surprised to see Copeland miss the cut, even though he's named in the run on side.

Maybe the selectors figure that Melbourne doesn't have anyone that requires tagging out of the game, or possibly that Sherman can do that job?

[TheBrownDog]

Maybe the selectors figure that Melbourne doesn't have anyone that requires tagging out of the game, or possibly that Sherman can do that job?

Would be dangerous to let Jones and McLean have a free run.

[Grimreepah]

Melbourne's defence looks very vulnerable to say the least. Can't help thinking they're going to play a few loose men.

[campbell]

Good to see Clouston named. I think he'll get a game as rarely are rookies elevated only to be cut from the final team.

Copeland is retained (named in a forward pocket) even with the return of Bradshaw, interesting.

Looking at the extended 7 man bench:
Collier
Clouston
Hooper
Polkinghorne
Stiller
Johnstone
Selwood

I think Hooper, Johnstone and Collier are safe from that list. If Clouston is retained then it means Polkinghorne, Stiller and Selwood go out. With the club's recent regular selection of Selwood though I wouldn't be surprised to see Copeland miss the cut, even though he's named in the run on side.


Is Johnstone over his injury?

[Quigley]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Quigley http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?p=11494087#post11494087)
Promote - Begley
Rookies retained for third year - Clousten and Tippett. They have changed it so that you can now retain rookies for a third year without delisting them although I am not sure if that was only one per club or not. I will assume not. Clousten and Tippett are both key positions and have shown good ability at stages this year. In fact Clousten would be close to being our reserve FB. Garner I think is young enough to be rookied for a second year for his elite kicking skills if nothing else.

Right on the money there Quigley - very encouraging for those of us(which includes me) who would like to see him permanently elevated or retained on the rookie list at season's end(if permitted)
Clousten has also been kicking goals in the reserves so I think he provides coverage at both ends with some injury concerns coming into the match over Merrett, Bradshaw and Brown. Looking at that bench I would expect Clousten to only play if one of those guys doesn't come up and I wouldn't mind betting that one is in serious doubt. The Lions don't usually promote a player and not play them.

Johnstone (if fit) and Hooper seem to be certs to play. Collier is coming off a good first up performance and Leigh reiterated during the week that he likes to play debutants at least two weeks in a row no matter how they play so you would expect him to play. Selwood has also done a pretty good job the last few weeks so he would have to be unlucky to be dropped. The only thing with Selwood is that Leigh might decide that he only needs one run with player (and Copeland as a backup) against the Demons and it is an opportunity to see how the young guys go.

[Cousin Jed]

Some quality posts in this thread. Very interesting to see Scotty named.

[POBT]

To play devil's advocate, how safe is Hooper? 2 goals in 4 weeks and fairly ordinary disposal numbers too. Defensive workrate is high as usual but he's not hurting the opposition when we've got the ball. Keeping in mind that TJ was named in a forward pocket before being withdrawn, is there a chance that Corrie and TJ will line up inside 50 with Hooper missing out?

[TheBrownDog]

To play devil's advocate, how safe is Hooper? 2 goals in 4 weeks and fairly ordinary disposal numbers too. Defensive workrate is high as usual but he's not hurting the opposition when we've got the ball. Keeping in mind that TJ was named in a forward pocket before being withdrawn, is there a chance that Corrie and TJ will line up inside 50 with Hooper missing out?

I was saying the same in conversation at training yesterday. We need more offensive output from Hooper. Can't fault his defensive efforts but at the end of the day, he is there to be an offensive weapon.

He had a field day against the Demons last time we played them, maybe this is the game to re-ignite his season.

[dlanod]

Looking at the extended 7 man bench:
Collier
Clouston
Hooper
Polkinghorne
Stiller
Johnstone
Selwood

I think Hooper, Johnstone and Collier are safe from that list. If Clouston is retained then it means Polkinghorne, Stiller and Selwood go out. With the club's recent regular selection of Selwood though I wouldn't be surprised to see Copeland miss the cut, even though he's named in the run on side.

I can only see Clouston making it in if he's replacing a KPP (although I've been wrong before) in a direct swap. I suspect two of Stiller, Selwood and Copeland will remain, and given our recent history probably Stiller will miss out.

[Cousin Jed]

To play devil's advocate, how safe is Hooper? 2 goals in 4 weeks and fairly ordinary disposal numbers too. Defensive workrate is high as usual but he's not hurting the opposition when we've got the ball. Keeping in mind that TJ was named in a forward pocket before being withdrawn, is there a chance that Corrie and TJ will line up inside 50 with Hooper missing out?

I was thinking before last week's game that his place should be in danger. He certainly doesn't seem to be the dangerous player we saw last year.

[Quigley]

To play devil's advocate, how safe is Hooper? 2 goals in 4 weeks and fairly ordinary disposal numbers too. Defensive workrate is high as usual but he's not hurting the opposition when we've got the ball. Keeping in mind that TJ was named in a forward pocket before being withdrawn, is there a chance that Corrie and TJ will line up inside 50 with Hooper missing out?
The thing is though that his defensive effort adds so much to our structure and game plan. That pressure coming from the front half makes things happen and should not be underestimated.

The issue I think is that Corrie is playing that float back role that we saw Hooper play so effectively at the end of last year. The Lions can't have both back too far and Hooper is the one who is having to hold the fort further up the ground. Notwithstanding that though I would like to see him get more of it.

[POBT]

The other thing possibly in Hooper's favour is that he had his best game of the year against Melbourne last time.

I wouldn't be totally surprised if he misses out, to be honest. I fully recognise the structural importance of his defensive pressure but recently I've been wondering if his obvious endeavour has meant that we haven't looked at his effectiveness as a player as closely as we should. There were at least 2 examples last week where he was totally out of position for a crumber. If he was simply following team orders and had kept to his structural role, then fine but I reckon the coaching staff expect him to get to dangerous positions more often.

I'm not saying that he has been terrible but there's a bit of pressure on for spots at the moment. That might cost him.