2nds Scratch Matches Thread

[Munga]

I thought I'd make a thread for discussing the 2nds and any reports. If anyone knows whether we had a match against the Dockers or Bulldogs let me know and I'll update this.


Elimination Final Round vs Lions: https://www.saints.com.au/news/821323/saints-sweat-it-out-against-lions

Round 17 vs Giants: https://www.saints.com.au/news/817535/saints-shine-in-scratch-match

Round 16 vs Bombers: https://www.saints.com.au/news/813117/dunstan-webster-return-against-bombers
Highlights: https://www.saints.com.au/video/813...ch-match?videoId=813608&modal=true&type=video

Ben's Breakdown: McGlynn on the Saints pushing for senior selection

Development Manager Ben McGlynn breaks down the Saints' performance against Essendon and how each player is tracking as the club reaches the pointy end of the season.

www.saints.com.au

Round 12 vs Lions (again): https://www.saints.com.au/news/797365/saints-and-roos-combine-to-take-on-brisbane

Round 8 vs Lions: https://www.saints.com.au/news/7821...ainst-lions-young-and-old-press-for-selection

Round 7 vs Blues: https://www.saints.com.au/news/7462...-stake-selection-claims-ahead-of-fixture-cram

Round 5 vs Blues: https://www.saints.com.au/news/737040/byrnes-burns-blues-to-further-case-for-senior-selection

Round 4 vs Tigers: https://www.saints.com.au/news/734652/byrnes-bytel-shine-at-punt-rd

Round 3 vs Pies: https://www.saints.com.au/news/719612/practice-match-saints-thrive-against-pies

 

[ike2112]

Believe that's the only scratch matches we've had, and the one against the Blues was largely pointless. They had their catB guy play, and we had to give them 2 just to make the numbers. Ryder was rucking against Alabakis so of course we got tons of the footy.

Wonder if we're taking the whole list to Adelaide...

 

[pebblesofsand]

Believe that's the only scratch matches we've had, and the one against the Blues was largely pointless. They had their catB guy play, and we had to give them 2 just to make the numbers. Ryder was rucking against Alabakis so of course we got tons of the footy.

Wonder if we're taking the whole list to Adelaide...

Get used to it - most of them will be from now on, and thats IF they even occur. There's only 45 on the list as soon as you have more than 1 injury you can't field 2 complete teams.

Last week Freo had 11 players on the injured list (makes the loss even worse) - we would have had to lend them 4 players just so they could get on the park and that's without worrying about interchanges.

Makes it hard to justify selection if you aren't playing and harder to find form if you are off the boil. Selectors will need to just pick some players at times and just hope their competitive spirit is enough to see them perform.

 

[ike2112]

Get used to it - most of them will be from now on, and thats IF they even occur. There's only 45 on the list as soon as you have more than 1 injury you can't field 2 complete teams.

Last week Freo had 11 players on the injured list (makes the loss even worse) - we would have had to lend them 4 players just so they could get on the park and that's without worrying about interchanges.

Makes it hard to justify selection if you aren't playing and harder to find form if you are off the boil. Selectors will need to just pick some players at times and just hope their competitive spirit is enough to see them perform.

Most of the scratch matches have been 15 a side.

They'll be playing that shortened thing, was it XFL next...

But yeah Webster for example coming into AFL cold if he's the Long replacement, hopes wouldn't be too high.

The other aspect is one of development. Due to us having so many washouts in drafts 2010 to 2017 we realistically have to find contributing players out of more recent drafts. Bytel, Byrnes, Connolly, Langlands, Phillips - one of them at least ideally needs to grow into a best 22 or better. But what will a year of meandering development and no VFL do? And for the guys at u17 too - the players coming out this year could all have promising careers derailed.

 

[pebblesofsand]

Most of the scratch matches have been 15 a side.

They'll be playing that shortened thing, was it XFL next...

But yeah Webster for example coming into AFL cold if he's the Long replacement, hopes wouldn't be too high.

The other aspect is one of development. Due to us having so many washouts in drafts 2010 to 2017 we realistically have to find contributing players out of more recent drafts. Bytel, Byrnes, Connolly, Langlands, Phillips - one of them at least ideally needs to grow into a best 22 or better. But what will a year of meandering development and no VFL do? And for the guys at u17 too - the players coming out this year could all have promising careers derailed.

That includes mature agers like Parker as well. Plays 17 games in his first season (averaging a goal a game) of the back of no real exposure to the AFL system, cops an injury which slows his preseason and he goes down hill from there.

Can't get a look in now because there's no games but he was definitely looking more like a starting 22 than either Kent or Lonie have for pretty much all their time with the Saints.

 

[borderbarry]

I cant see there being a scratch match this coming week either unfortunately.
but I am still hopeful that Byrnes gets a run this week.

 

[bird_man]

I cant see there being a scratch match this coming week either unfortunately.
but I am still hopeful that Byrnes gets a run this week.

Byrnes will play.

You would hope we can get a practice match organised sometime soon. We are off to Adelaide again next week. We can't go 3 weeks with players not getting a run.

 

[Munga]

With all the Vic clubs heading to Queensland, I'd say scratch matches are more likely to happen now. Maybe two clubs would combine to field a reserves team when necessary.

 

[ike2112]

Byrnes will play.

You would hope we can get a practice match organised sometime soon. We are off to Adelaide again next week. We can't go 3 weeks with players not getting a run.

Ironically the fact we're travelling to SA could be the main reason we can't get a scratch match in.
In theory if other clubs are coming to QLD then there'd be options. But we'll take 26, maybe one or two more to SA. Add in the 3 players injured, leaves us about 14 players?
Other clubs are in worse situation - Bombers and Tigers couldn't field an AFL 9s ressies side right now.

Once all clubs are closer together, could sort out some 15-a-side games the day after AFL games.

 

[XhazzafootyX]

Apparently we had a game today vs Carlton. Anyone have any idea how we went ?

 

[BrutThough]

Swung-about Saints stake selection claims ahead of fixture cram

Jack Sinclair, Jack Bytel and Ryan Abbott impressed as a new-look Saints line-up impressed in Sunday's scratch match against Carlton.

www.saints.com.au

Sinclair just played the first half (travelling emergency) but was the stand out. Bytel's best game yet apparently.

Robbo played on the wing. Brown and Joyce up forward. Phillips, Marsh and Hind as inside mids. Long was also allowed to play.

 

[hayes]

Exactly what we want to hear about Bytel. I’m sure he’ll get a go with all these condensed games coming up.

 

[ike2112]

Sounds like another somewhat pointless run just for fitness. What does Joyce get out of playing forward, or Marsh playing midfield? Neither wonder Sinclair and Bytel stood out, sounds like they might have been the only ones playing in their actual position.
Was it 15 a side? I think they were heading towards 15 or 14 a side games, and with rolling clock (i.e. Doesn't stop for any reason).

 

[CaptainRisky]

Sounds like another somewhat pointless run just for fitness. What does Joyce get out of playing forward, or Marsh playing midfield? Neither wonder Sinclair and Bytel stood out, sounds like they might have been the only ones playing in their actual position.
Was it 15 a side? I think they were heading towards 15 or 14 a side games, and with rolling clock (i.e. Doesn't stop for any reason).

Would you prefer them to do kick to kick

 

[Kilroy]

Great idea Munga starting this thread. No zebras or stats but I love what you've done with the curtains.

And the beer fridge is a nice addition.

 

[pebblesofsand]

I hope Ryan Abbott gets a run during the "lightning premiership" rounds coming up over the next month. He's 29 but I reckon he's really solid back up - good at stoppages, big strong ruckman - he's a Billy Longer type who can also mark and kick goals.

 

[bird_man]

I hope Ryan Abbott gets a run during the "lightning premiership" rounds coming up over the next month. He's 29 but I reckon he's really solid back up - good at stoppages, big strong ruckman - he's a Billy Longer type who can also mark and kick goals.

Can't say I'd be too excited about seeing a solid back up and third in line ruckman but it's handy to have him there on the list.

 

[gringo2011]

Can't say I'd be too excited about seeing a solid back up and third in line ruckman but it's handy to have him there on the list.

He’s a proper ruck though. I reckon he could be a bit of a Pittonet type. Gets your engine room first use.

 

[bird_man]

He’s a proper ruck though. I reckon he could be a bit of a Pittonet type. Gets your engine room first use.

I remember Marshall giving that bloke a bath two weeks ago. I'd prefer Marshall.

 

[BrutThough]

Sounds like another somewhat pointless run just for fitness. What does Joyce get out of playing forward, or Marsh playing midfield? Neither wonder Sinclair and Bytel stood out, sounds like they might have been the only ones playing in their actual position.
Was it 15 a side? I think they were heading towards 15 or 14 a side games, and with rolling clock (i.e. Doesn't stop for any reason).

It is just a somewhat pointless but necessary run so players not in the best 22 can get some sort game practice under their belt.

 

[gringo2011]

I remember Marshall giving that bloke a bath two weeks ago. I'd prefer Marshall.

So would I but if we need him he's god back up. Maybe better than Paddy as a pure ruck.

 

[Human Person]

Love reading that Bytel did well again. Not sure how much can be learned from these games, but at least he's doing well regardless.

 

[cooperrules]

Great idea Munga starting this thread. No zebras or stats but I love what you've done with the curtains.

And the beer fridge is a nice addition.

The vfl is dead. We will field our own team next year.

 

[sammm]

Sounds like another somewhat pointless run just for fitness. What does Joyce get out of playing forward, or Marsh playing midfield? Neither wonder Sinclair and Bytel stood out, sounds like they might have been the only ones playing in their actual position.
Was it 15 a side? I think they were heading towards 15 or 14 a side games, and with rolling clock (i.e. Doesn't stop for any reason).

seriously?

what else are they meant to do . pointless. try something different? provide some relief to others. allowing others to play in their geniune roles? umn, i am sure i can think of other reason s why

 

[Munga]

Mayo can't take a trick, concussion now a knee.