Fiora & Schenider In!!!

[CHBench]

ST KILDA
B: Sean Dempster, Max Hudghton, Jason Gram
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Gilbert, Sam Fisher
C: Andrew McQualter, Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes
HF: Robert Harvey, Nick Riewoldt, Robert Eddy
F: Clint Jones, Justin Koschitzke, David Armitage
Foll: Steven King, Luke Ball, Leigh Montagna
Int: Adam Schneider, Jason Blake, Stephen Milne, Aaron Fiora
Emg: Jarryn Geary, Jarryd Allen, Shane Birss

In: Fiora :eek:, Schneider
Out: J Allen, James Gwilt

HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Rick Ladson
HB: Campbell Brown, Trent Croad, Grant Birchall
C: Clinton Young, Sam Mitchell, Jarryd Morton
HF: Chance Bateman, Lance Franklin, Michael Osborne
F: Mark Williams, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell
Int: Xavier Ellis, Tom Murphy, Travis Tuck, Simon Taylor
Emg: Tim Clarke, Jordan Lewis, Cameron Stokes

In: Bateman
Out: Shane Crawford (knee tendonitis)

[Saints08]

Very disappointed about fiora being in the team, especially when geary is available
Schneider is a good in
Allen will improve
Gwilt oughto be delisted at seasons end

M.Gardiner and X.Clarke still injured?

[TassieSaint]

Pffft Fiora

Geary > Fiora in just about every conceivable way. Schneider's potentially a decent in though. Where is Micky G? Still injured? Or was Ross so impressed with King and Kosi's dismantling of Carlton's rucks he reckons they'll be enough for Campbell/Taylor

[CHBench]

if i was Birss i would be absolutely ropeable.

[makemytime]

Birss must be shattered... he played very well with tagging roles for all his games in this season, ends up being dropped and only put on emergencies...

gwilt out means gram back in defence (ARGHH gram deserves to be in the midfield) and fiora to play in the midfield. he better put on a performance!

[Squizzy1970]

Watching the Casey game, I just didn't think Gardi was 100%.

Had a feeling from Anthony Rock's comments that Fiora was in front of Gears and Birss.

Wouldn't worry too much about Gears - the club knows he's a talent. His main issue is the body strength over the ball (which by next year won't be an issue) and also kicking depth (could've kicked 6 against Tassie).

Birss is unlucky, as I would have had him in front of Schneider.

Thought Fiora clicked after half time. I've watched a few Casey games and thought he was pretty average with his decision making. In the second half he seemed to "get it" i.e. run direct and kick long to advantage. Too often he's dicked around with it sideways to a contest in the corridor.

Time will tell as to whether he can translate this to AFL, but wouldn't surprise if he played more like '07 this time.

Last chance saloon for mine though.

We're a bit short up front - maybe they will finally bite the bullett and play BJ or Sam F forward?

[Armitage2Riewoldt]

I cant even remember what number Fiora is? 17?

[Look2Me4Guidance]

if i was Birss i would be absolutely ropeable.

I concur.

[Armitage2Riewoldt]

I concur.

Agree.

[Saints08]

I cant even remember what number Fiora is? 17?

thats strange cause ive only ever seen the back of him

[Sainters66]

Very disappointed about fiora being in the team, especially when geary is available
Schneider is a good in
Allen will improve
Gwilt oughto be delisted at seasons end

M.Gardiner and X.Clarke still injured?

Maybe you should be delisted...................

[_Interpol_]

Birss is unlucky, as I would have had him in front of Schneider.

Thought Fiora clicked after half time. I've watched a few Casey games and thought he was pretty average with his decision making. In the second half he seemed to "get it" i.e. run direct and kick long to advantage. Too often he's dicked around with it sideways to a contest in the corridor.

Time will tell as to whether he can translate this to AFL, but wouldn't surprise if he played more like '07 this time.

Last chance saloon for mine though.

We're a bit short up front - maybe they will finally bite the bullett and play BJ or Sam F forward?

No Shizen we're short up forward, removing Allan changes the whole structure... This has really peaved me off... 2 KPP's and 1 of them will ruck... Croad, Gilham, Brown??? WTF St Kilda???

STOP CHANGING WINNING EFFING TEAMS

[SOLMAN86]

Watching the Casey game, I just didn't think Gardi was 100%.

Had a feeling from Anthony Rock's comments that Fiora was in front of Gears and Birss.

Wouldn't worry too much about Gears - the club knows he's a talent. His main issue is the body strength over the ball (which by next year won't be an issue) and also kicking depth (could've kicked 6 against Tassie).

Birss is unlucky, as I would have had him in front of Schneider.

Thought Fiora clicked after half time. I've watched a few Casey games and thought he was pretty average with his decision making. In the second half he seemed to "get it" i.e. run direct and kick long to advantage. Too often he's dicked around with it sideways to a contest in the corridor.

Time will tell as to whether he can translate this to AFL, but wouldn't surprise if he played more like '07 this time.

Last chance saloon for mine though.

We're a bit short up front - maybe they will finally bite the bullett and play BJ or Sam F forward?

Agree on everthing you said mate, BJ forward is an Exciting prospect cause of his deadly kicking boots, its the same drive though along with Grammy that can pick apart Hawthorns zone from half back.

Really am looking forward to seeing Milney smash our former hitman in goo and along with Grammy & Koz stand up on a big night against quality opposition

Birssy boy is a goal kicking mid fielder, which along with Oil & CJ is where our improvement has come from this year - mid fielders kicking goals - unfortunately Shane is only benefiting the magoos.

Maybe Rossy has told Fizz preform in this one or your delisted Pal

Gears & Birssy clearly better players and I think we all agree with that

Go Saints
:D

[Kildonan]

Ross Lyon must have some game plan that requires speed as these two have that in common and at least Fiora and maybe both might be included in our "least accountable" group.

It's a pity that Xavier Clarke wasn't available for selection, he has the zip and he tackles well. We have missed him :(

[Fehring]

I said a few weeks ago that we might see Fiora in the run home if we got on a roll. With all of our in and under players in good form, Fiora could be very valuable.

[_Interpol_]

^^^^ Agree Kildonian, but don't you think that being 1 KPP short will put Kosi back to 1 month ago when he looked lost out on the field? Last few games he has looked solid and been able to freely pinch hit in the ruck and roam back at times... I think Lyon is altering a game plan that has worked of late, not sure if it will work...

[Armitage2Riewoldt]

I dunno if this was the game to bring back the Fizz though. Maybe West Coast or Freo? But the Hawks is kind of a gamble.

Although I think he had a blinder last time we played them, I remember he snapped the winning goal late in the last. Thats when I realised how good of a player he was lol, sadly he's just derailed his career since...

Put in Fizz, show us ya best mate. Not many poeple want you in the team, but that wont mean we're not behind ya, go get em son!

[Signd Sealed Saint]

Fiora and Schneider are very unaccountable players which will not be good for stopping hawthorn's run. I still think both Geary and Birss deserved their spot in front of Fiora. Plus he'll have to pull one out of the hat if he wants to have a game as good as Gram's last week since he's effectively taking his spot.

[HoldenMCaulfield]

I think that Fiora is very much a confidence player. He will (probably) not develop into a spiritual leader that can turn a game by himself and lead by example, but with the team around him playing well and our two main leaders, Hayes and Riewoldt, being on fire and the entire team likely to be extremely motivated in Robert Harvey's probable last season, I can really see him contribute. He is fast, he can run and carry, he can mark, he can kick, he can score goals. I agree that Birss and Geary are unlucky, but I for myself will be there this Saturday night cheering for the entire team, including our No. 17, Aaron Fiora.

I didn't think I would say this just five weeks ago, but I actually trust Lyon on this one. The omission of Dal Santo and Milne for the Fremantle game may have been a real turning point in his career - showing the leadership, strength and toughness of a head coach. His decisions have been quite good since (you may call it luck and some morons may see Grant Thomas in the coaching box, but I call it three wins in a row with obvious improvements and more and more exciting football - something Lyon always wanted).

Hawthorn will still be favourites, but other than five weeks ago, I honestly think that we have a real chance to at least make it a contest.

GO THE MIGHTY SAINTS !!!

[tim_saints]

FIORA :eek: why is he in the team we have Geary available i think its ridiculous schneider will b valuble but not fiora dont no what they are thinking.

GO SAINTERZ :thumbsu:

[kitchendweller]

I dunno if this was the game to bring back the Fizz though. Maybe West Coast or Freo? But the Hawks is kind of a gamble.

Although I think he had a blinder last time we played them, I remember he snapped the winning goal late in the last. Thats when I realised how good of a player he was lol, sadly he's just derailed his career since...

Put in Fizz, show us ya best mate. Not many poeple want you in the team, but that wont mean we're not behind ya, go get em son!

Thanks A2R, I was thinking the same thing. While Fiora can be very inconsistent and frustrating(he's far from alone there), At the moment we need to get behind him and go with the coach's vision. This team can do anything with belief in all 22 soldiers. I'm pumped!

[ChrisFooty]

Birss had 37 disposals last week in the VFL. Must be feeling very hard done by. What more does he need to do?

Even though Geary had 40 touches, it's not a bad move to keep him in the VFL for the remainder of the year. Is a required player for next year and needs to build some strength.

Will Birss get delisted? It seems like Ross does not rate him. Is he actually getting serious and fair consideration currently? Maybe he is placed on the never to return list. Hope not.

[Armitage2Riewoldt]

It's unbelievable to think that Fiora can get called up ahead of Birss.

What more does he need to do?

[Brown n Gold]

Boys and Girls, I can see you are upset at the inclusion of Fiora... However for those of us that are heading to the dome, a mouthwatering contest awaits!!!!

Am I talking about the battle of Max H on Franklin?? or Croad on Kosi??? Lenny & Sewell?? Mitchell & Ball???

NO I AM TALKING OF A PHYSICAL BATTLE THE LIKES OF WHICH HAVE NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE...

Ladies and Gentleman... I give you.
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Aaron Fiora v's Clinton Young!!!

[JeffDunne]

While I'm not seeing any of the Casey games I won't criticise the inclusions. At least we're bringing players coming back from injury through the reserves because I'm sick to death of seeing players out there that are underdone.

The two outs seem logical to me given their performances last week but I'm surprised Gilbert wasn't dropped after a couple of piss-poor efforts last week.

Fiora can surprise when he's playing well. I live in hope this is one of those weeks.

[Sir Robert]

I also couldn't believe Fiora was in. But I am happy we have gone with him over Geary. Geary no doubt could be a gun, but he is not quite strong enough to take on the likes of the Hawks (not that Fiora is exactly an axe). Fiora can do some freakish things if he backs himself, and some time in the magoos might have given him confidence and desire to really stamp his spot back in the 22. Get behind him.

Also am stoked re Schneider in. We are going to be very zippy North Melbourne like up forward.

Forget who the Hawks defenders are, their job is to defend our forwards.

[The Punter]

Casey team

B Taylor Silvagni L. Fisher
HB Gwilt Wall Garrubba
C Matthews Baker R. Clarke
HF C. Gardiner Allen Dunne
F Parker Rix Ferguson
R M. Gardiner Birss Geary
Int Panozza McGrath Steven O'Bryan Howard McDonald McEvoy Mercoulia

[Squizzy1970]

No X? Very disappointing.

Also noticed Attard and Miles not named.

[SaintsSeptember]

Agree on everthing you said mate, BJ forward is an Exciting prospect cause of his deadly kicking boots, its the same drive though along with Grammy that can pick apart Hawthorns zone from half back.

Really am looking forward to seeing Milney smash our former hitman in goo and along with Grammy & Koz stand up on a big night against quality opposition

Birssy boy is a goal kicking mid fielder, which along with Oil & CJ is where our improvement has come from this year - mid fielders kicking goals - unfortunately Shane is only benefiting the magoos.

Maybe Rossy has told Fizz preform in this one or your delisted Pal

Gears & Birssy clearly better players and I think we all agree with that

Go Saints
:D

I still think that RL is methodically giving all the marginal players a run so that he knows where he stands with them. Obviously VFL games are not a good indicator of AFL performance. I expect that Fiora will be in for a few weeks now unless he absolutely stuffs it up.
Nearly everyone has had a go now except Howard and Conners ( who are obviously not ready ).
I'm just not sure how he will structure the team compared to last week, because the two "in"s are not positional replacements for the two outs ( I hope ).

[SaintsSeptember]

Maybe we should play Fiora on Hodge or Bateman I think it would go a bit like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpBkc2jK-6w

[Matt Murder]

Good to see former South Fremantle boy Clint Jones getting a run for you guys. Very hard at it but a bit left sided when he was in the WAFL.

Good luck Saturday night , should be a good game.

[Kildonan]

I said a few weeks ago that we might see Fiora in the run home if we got on a roll. With all of our in and under players in good form, Fiora could be very valuable.

...and you are 100% right - Fiora is a confidence player - when the Saints are on a roll - he hits form; as a speedy receiver playing forward of the ball he can be quite valuable, just don't count on him when the ball comes back the other way - he always seems to be caught half a kick out of position :(

I'm not quite prepared to say we're on a roll yet either - this game was going to be my litmus test. If we roll the Hawks - I'd be prepared to say that we're hitting our straps at the right end of the season.

Look at Adelaide, Look at Carlton, Look at Brisbane - they have to make huge progress very soon or they are looking at dropping out of finals altogether.

We have to overcome the Hawks first - 3rd v 8th - and our history of capitulation against fellow top 8 teams is pretty ordinary - with wins over Sydney in the first round by two points and over the Kangaroos (whom we knocked out of the eight - but i reckon they'll push their way back in at the expense of maybe Adelaide). We need to win this as a source of confidence and simply as a matter of going out expecting to win every game on the day.

[Kildonan]

^^^^ Agree Kildonian, but don't you think that being 1 KPP short will put Kosi back to 1 month ago when he looked lost out on the field? Last few games he has looked solid and been able to freely pinch hit in the ruck and roam back at times... I think Lyon is altering a game plan that has worked of late, not sure if it will work...

I'd love to be a fly on the wall when the coaches sit and devise tactics - because this one is a doosie.

Last week against Sydney, Hawthorn manned up one on one when they defended a kick out or when Sydney were clearing it out of defence.

This is a mandatory skill for any team wishing to play finals football - as Port Adelaide found out after years of dominating the Home and Away season only to be found out in the finals. Sadly it was the Saints who gave them their final lesson in this style of play - they won by six points against us in the prelim and went on to win the GF.

[SaintsSeptember]

...and you are 100% right - Fiora is a confidence player - when the Saints are on a roll - he hits form; as a speedy receiver playing forward of the ball he can be quite valuable, just don't count on him when the ball comes back the other way - he always seems to be caught half a kick out of position :(

I'm not quite prepared to say we're on a roll yet either - this game was going to be my litmus test. If we roll the Hawks - I'd be prepared to say that we're hitting our straps at the right end of the season.

Look at Adelaide, Look at Carlton, Look at Brisbane - they have to make huge progress very soon or they are looking at dropping out of finals altogether.

We have to overcome the Hawks first - 3rd v 8th - and our history of capitulation against fellow top 8 teams is pretty ordinary - with wins over Sydney in the first round by two points and over the Kangaroos (whom we knocked out of the eight - but i reckon they'll push their way back in at the expense of maybe Adelaide). We need to win this as a source of confidence and simply as a matter of going out expecting to win every game on the day.
Good, we shouldn't get behind against the Hawks, just because we did against the Blues and the Kangaroo's.:rolleyes:

[holllywood]

Boys and Girls, I can see you are upset at the inclusion of Fiora... However for those of us that are heading to the dome, a mouthwatering contest awaits!!!!

Am I talking about the battle of Max H on Franklin?? or Croad on Kosi??? Lenny & Sewell?? Mitchell & Ball???

NO I AM TALKING OF A PHYSICAL BATTLE THE LIKES OF WHICH HAVE NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE...

Ladies and Gentleman... I give you.
.
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Aaron Fiora v's Clinton Young!!!


hahahaha love it

[Persevering Saint]

I just keep telling myself that Fiora will be suddenly inflicted with a mysterious stomach bug just before the game, and we'll see Birss called up to replace him at the last minute (hey, Lyon has done this kinda silly buggers stuff before... if ever there was a time for him to do it, now would be that time, given Fiora's selection...).

The whole, "give him one more chance" just doesn't work. He got that already, (against Brisbane, wasn't it), and became the very epitome of the soft label that Lyon identified.

The only other possibility I can think is that Lyon has already thrown the towel in for this one, and so figures, "ah, what the hell..."

Very, very disappointed, especially as I'm going to the game - I'd been expecting a contest, now I'm half-expecting defensive basketball crap.

[TassieSaint]

Boys and Girls, I can see you are upset at the inclusion of Fiora... However for those of us that are heading to the dome, a mouthwatering contest awaits!!!!

Am I talking about the battle of Max H on Franklin?? or Croad on Kosi??? Lenny & Sewell?? Mitchell & Ball???

NO I AM TALKING OF A PHYSICAL BATTLE THE LIKES OF WHICH HAVE NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE...

Ladies and Gentleman... I give you.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Aaron Fiora v's Clinton Young!!!
Too risky, the last thing we need is Fiora suspended and I can see them getting into a scuffle of Daisy Thomas vs Kyle 'little bitch' Riemers type proportions (seriously tough stuff that one)

[bubblegoose]

I just keep telling myself that Fiora will be suddenly inflicted with a mysterious stomach bug just before the game, and we'll see Birss called up to replace him at the last minute (hey, Lyon has done this kinda silly buggers stuff before... if ever there was a time for him to do it, now would be that time, given Fiora's selection...).

The whole, "give him one more chance" just doesn't work. He got that already, (against Brisbane, wasn't it), and became the very epitome of the soft label that Lyon identified.

The only other possibility I can think is that Lyon has already thrown the towel in for this one, and so figures, "ah, what the hell..."

Very, very disappointed, especially as I'm going to the game - I'd been expecting a contest, now I'm half-expecting defensive basketball crap.

Hi PS, hope you enjoy the game & the boys put on a good one of for you. Unfortunately I have to miss this game, but will expect a full report when I log in on the Sunday.

I didn't think we'd see Fiora again either. Fiora must be tearing up the training track, I must admit I haven't kept across his form for Casey. I also would have preferred Birss though, as his accountability and goal kicking abilty would come in handy.

[just a line monkey]

Princess Fiona's last game for the saints

[Signd Sealed Saint]

Princess Fiona's last game for the saints

Certainly hope so mate. Birss and Geary all the way

[Kildonan]

Unless he proves himself in this one

[Saints08]

Good to see former South Fremantle boy Clint Jones getting a run for you guys. Very hard at it but a bit left sided when he was in the WAFL.

Good luck Saturday night , should be a good game.

First hawks supporter on bigfooty who isn't completely up themself, not joking

[CHBench]

Aghh, it's now a must win game to stay in the 8. Bloody Collingwood.:mad:

[dan0z]

we needed to do something out of the ordinary..
instead of bringing in another tagger, bring in a few runners and try to beat hawks with speed.. cant wait for the game..
i think ross lyon has picked a team that will be more even across the park, like last week allan and gwilt might as well not played, we were 2 man down. we need 22 players to at least have an ok game..

[Armitage2Riewoldt]

Aghh, it's now a must win game to stay in the 8. Bloody Collingwood.:mad:

Positive. We now have a better chance of making the top 4. :D

Cmon Carlton! (oh god did I just say that?)

[CHBench]

Cmon Carlton! (oh god did I just say that?)

:eek: Take that back :D

Works both ways i reckon, but would've been extremely handy to stay in the 8 even if we lost. But on the other hand it provides us with a real challenge to see where we are now at against a strong opposition. Players would have realised it is a crucial game hopefully they show that on the field. Looking forward to the challenge and fingies crossed we play some hard running attacking football. :thumbsu:

[Signd Sealed Saint]

Aghh, it's now a must win game to stay in the 8. Bloody Collingwood.:mad:
Collingwood always let us down the bloody useless pricks. Last year against Adelaide as well. Duds.