Preview R17: Changes vs. Melbourne Demons

[Cromulant]

The right decision was made........ but im not confident the selection committee wont make the wrong decision again.

Taylor has talent, he deserves another crack.

 

[George CantStandYa]

Jenny has been against Murphy’s selection for a while iirc

Not relevant to my point

 

[1970crow]

Cumming hasn’t convinced me yet

Has been pretty average on average. Not bad enough to get dropped, not good enough to not warrant discussion. But Curtin elevating himself could make Cunming the lesser wingman, and perhaps he could be looked at. But I doubt the selection committee find Sholl or Jones too appetising and can’t see Dowling or anyone else that hasn’t played AFL this year getting a call up.

 

[Gtowncrow]

Yes he is along with this list

View attachment 2359606

Just looking at this list... it could be important for Zac Taylor to have a big game or two.

That said, there's lower hanging fruit on that list.

 

[Ciao Giacomo]

I believe that there may be some premature celebrations regarding the demise if Murphy.

There is currently a spot available for a small/medium forward. We have tried Murphy, Pedlar and Taylor in this role. Based on performance compared to other small/medium forwards all three have been underwhelming. Statistically Murphy has been a smidge in front of the other two.

My preference is for Taylor then Pedlar then Murphy based mostly on future potential but my boy Zac needs to put the argument to bed. The other option is to use Sid in this role but is this the best thing for his development?

The wildcard is if we decide to convert Max into a defensive forward. I would not be surprised if he is given a couple of weeks in this role and that means Zac being the Sub this week.

 

[Bay62]

Very happy Murphy is out. Now never again.

I would have preferred to see Draper or Edwards or Dowling, but will take it.

What do we do with Murray? I really think the coaches were hoping Butts would have a poor game so they could justify dropping him but he’s just going strength to strength. Surely you can’t unsettle the best backline in the league but Murray is too good to be playing SANFL.

Murray/Butts aside, looks like this is our best side for finals with the exception of who will take the HF role between Taylor, Pedlar or Murphy (but should be Draper’s).
The only depth we have of players that have played a game this year but not in the team:

• Murray
• Pedlar
• Murphy
• Crouch

Lower on the selection

• Draper
• Nankervis
• Sholl
• Borlase

If you haven’t gotten a game by now, you likely won’t be before end of year.

We’ve used 31 players which is the second fewest of any team this year (Geelong have used 30). Very concerning players will run out of steam or we’ll be having someone play their first game of the year in a final.

As a side note, we have to stop this ‘bad game = sub = omitted”. The sub rarely has a chance to dominate and the only player that has been able to use the sub to a starting position is Berry and maybe Smith. Everyone else gets a quarter before being dumped. The sub should be a strategic player that can make an impact, not your 23rd best player.

We should make Smith the sub for the rest of the season. Keep him fresh knowing he can make an impact, play back or forward as required, and has the experience to get up to pace.

I don’t mind Smithers as the sub for the reasons you’ve said. He certainly brings experience (of the good kind, not the Murphy-type experience). Using an older player as the sub rather than the latest youngster can be a good strategic decision

 

[Bay62]

He has gone from our #1 key defender to #4 in the space of 18 months.

Keep him in the SANFL to get his form and fitness back. Any injury to Woz, Butts or Keane is automatic entry.

I would like to see Murray forward, just plow through opposition defenders and allow Thilthorpe a run at the footy like a battering ram.

I can see Murray as a forward, could be a good option

 

[spenze]

I’d like to have a look at him replacing Smith

Smith is getting a new walking stick which should help him play HB for a couple more years

 

[Ham]

I believe that there may be some premature celebrations regarding the demise if Murphy.

There is currently a spot available for a small/medium forward. We have tried Murphy, Pedlar and Taylor in this role. Based on performance compared to other small/medium forwards all three have been underwhelming. Statistically Murphy has been a smidge in front of the other two.

My preference is for Taylor then Pedlar then Murphy based mostly on future potential but my boy Zac needs to put the argument to bed. The other option is to use Sid in this role but is this the best thing for his development?

The wildcard is if we decide to convert Max into a defensive forward. I would not be surprised if he is given a couple of weeks in this role and that means Zac being the Sub this week.

Wonder if when/if Crouch is right, he will come in fresher for finals and someone like Soligo takes that role or more rotations?

 

[Rory Walkerfield]

He has gone from our #1 key defender to #4 in the space of 18 months.

Keep him in the SANFL to get his form and fitness back. Any injury to Woz, Butts or Keane is automatic entry.

I would like to see Murray forward, just plow through opposition defenders and allow Thilthorpe a run at the footy like a battering ram.

I’d have Murray switching between the forward group and defenders over preseason next year. He could be the answer when Tex retires. Won’t replace him but can come in as the third option / point of difference as TT and Fog take the mantle.

 

[Rory Walkerfield]

I believe that there may be some premature celebrations regarding the demise if Murphy.

There is currently a spot available for a small/medium forward. We have tried Murphy, Pedlar and Taylor in this role. Based on performance compared to other small/medium forwards all three have been underwhelming. Statistically Murphy has been a smidge in front of the other two.

My preference is for Taylor then Pedlar then Murphy based mostly on future potential but my boy Zac needs to put the argument to bed. The other option is to use Sid in this role but is this the best thing for his development?

The wildcard is if we decide to convert Max into a defensive forward. I would not be surprised if he is given a couple of weeks in this role and that means Zac being the Sub this week.

Perhaps if Pedlar and Taylor were given the run at it Murphy has had then the story would be different.

 

[Gtowncrow]

Wonder if when/if Crouch is right, he will come in fresher for finals and someone like Soligo takes that role or more rotations?

I won't be surprised if Crouch doesn't play again this season in the AFL team. Even if he does overcome his hip injury, it's hard to see how his football style has a place in our team structure now. Peatling playing in the middle as his replacement has categorically displayed the need for speed both offensively and defensively. His agility and furvour for the role has been a significant improvement.

But it is Adelaide and it is Nicks...so who knows!

 

[TRP1996]

Very concerning players will run out of steam or we’ll be having someone play their first game of the year in a final.

Not a problem when you're willing to roll out comatose senior players!

 

[Ciao Giacomo]

Perhaps if Pedlar and Taylor were given the run at it Murphy has had then the story would be different.

Perhaps I should have been more specific. I was referring to this year.

Zac has played 7 matches this year averaging 9.7 disposals. Compared to other small/mediom forwards he is rated below average in 4 categories. average in two and above average in one (handballs).

Luke has played 4 matches and has averaged 7.3 disposals. He is rated below average in 4 categories, average in 2 categories and elite in one (tackles).

Lachie has played 3 matches and has averaged 10.7 disposals. He is rated below average in four categories, average in one category and above average in two categories.

Compare these players to ANB who averages 16.2 disposals and is rated above average in 5, elite in 1 and average in 1 (goals).

Our players in the 18-31 range in our squad (Nankervis, Sholl, Berry etc) are role players, we need some of them to go to the next level.

Just to be clear, I am not suggesting that Murph be brought into the team but until some of the other guys take a step up he will still be a chance.

 

[George CantStandYa]

Perhaps I should have been more specific. I was referring to this year.

Zac has played 7 matches this year averaging 9.7 disposals. Compared to other small/mediom forwards he is rated below average in 4 categories. average in two and above average in one (handballs).

Luke has played 4 matches and has averaged 7.3 disposals. He is rated below average in 4 categories, average in 2 categories and elite in one (tackles).

Lachie has played 3 matches and has averaged 10.7 disposals. He is rated below average in four categories, average in one category and above average in two categories.

Compare these players to ANB who averages 16.2 disposals and is rated above average in 5, elite in 1 and average in 1 (goals).

Our players in the 18-31 range in our squad (Nankervis, Sholl, Berry etc) are role players, we need some of them to go to the next level.

Just to be clear, I am not suggesting that Murph be brought into the team but until some of the other guys take a step up he will still be a chance.

Take out the sub games and it’s 11 Taylor 12 Murphy. Given the stages of their careers, Murphy should absolutely be ruled out and Taylor given a decent run at it.

 

[MRB37]

Perhaps I should have been more specific. I was referring to this year.

Zac has played 7 matches this year averaging 9.7 disposals. Compared to other small/mediom forwards he is rated below average in 4 categories. average in two and above average in one (handballs).

Luke has played 4 matches and has averaged 7.3 disposals. He is rated below average in 4 categories, average in 2 categories and elite in one (tackles).

Lachie has played 3 matches and has averaged 10.7 disposals. He is rated below average in four categories, average in one category and above average in two categories.

Compare these players to ANB who averages 16.2 disposals and is rated above average in 5, elite in 1 and average in 1 (goals).

Our players in the 18-31 range in our squad (Nankervis, Sholl, Berry etc) are role players, we need some of them to go to the next level.

Just to be clear, I am not suggesting that Murph be brought into the team but until some of the other guys take a step up he will still be a chance.

Murphy - 118 games
ANB - 191 games

Pedlar - 34 games
Taylor - 16 games

To compare them to ANB is just setting yourself up for disappointment. You know what they need to get to the next level? Consistent experience in the AFL. Unfortunately for Pedlar it's mostly been injuries that have prevented that, for Taylor it's doing stupid things like putting Lachie Murphy ahead of him.

 

[George CantStandYa]

Murphy - 118 games
ANB - 191 games

Pedlar - 34 games
Taylor - 16 games

To compare them to ANB is just setting yourself up for disappointment. You know what they need to get to the next level? Consistent experience in the AFL. Unfortunately for Pedlar it's mostly been injuries that have prevented that, for Taylor it's doing stupid things like putting Lachie Murphy ahead of him.

The only reason the coaches would be putting in Murphy is Nicks loves experience. Murphy has averaged 11.7 disposals in his whole career. He’s awful and the fact we’ve brought him in twice and given him limited games before dropping him again, is damming on their judgement to recall him twice in the first place.

 

[Trigger13]

More intel on Murray’s knee. It’s just not right. It takes him most of the week to recover and he still has issues with some fluid building in there. He can get up to play, but it’s not an ideal scenario for him. It makes sense too. He hasn’t been the same player since the ACL.

 

[maxlilly]

More intel on Murray’s knee. It’s just not right. It takes him most of the week to recover and he still has issues with some fluid building in there. He can get up to play, but it’s not an ideal scenario for him. It makes sense too. He hasn’t been the same player since the ACL.

I wonder why we keep playing him in the sanfl if he isn't right.
You would think they would try and rest it to help him improve his recovery

 

[FR0GGY]

I believe that there may be some premature celebrations regarding the demise if Murphy.

There is currently a spot available for a small/medium forward. We have tried Murphy, Pedlar and Taylor in this role. Based on performance compared to other small/medium forwards all three have been underwhelming. Statistically Murphy has been a smidge in front of the other two.

My preference is for Taylor then Pedlar then Murphy based mostly on future potential but my boy Zac needs to put the argument to bed. The other option is to use Sid in this role but is this the best thing for his development?

The wildcard is if we decide to convert Max into a defensive forward. I would not be surprised if he is given a couple of weeks in this role and that means Zac being the Sub this week.

The problem is the other two don’t get 100 games and x chances to put the spot to bed and nor should anyone.

 

[Trigger13]

I wonder why we keep playing him in the sanfl if he isn't right.
You would think they would try and rest it to help him improve his recovery

They’ve been very conservative this time around. Not as bad as last time around, but still lingering. A management thing now.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

They’ve been very conservative this time around. Not as bad as last time around, but still lingering. A management thing now.

Is it as bad as Thilthorpe's career threatening knee injury?

 

[Bay62]

I’d have Murray switching between the forward group and defenders over preseason next year. He could be the answer when Tex retires. Won’t replace him but can come in as the third option / point of difference as TT and Fog take the mantle.

Worth considering. How far off is Welsh as a KPF?

 

[Cromulant]

Worth considering. How far off is Welsh as a KPF?

A long way, at SANFL level

 

[FR0GGY]

A long way, at SANFL level

Desire, talent or fitness you reckon?