Preview Round 18 v Essendon MCG Saturday July 12th 7.35pm - Vlastuin 250th/Hotton Debut

[SA_Tiger11]

We will win

 

[ComfortablyNumb]

anyone having issues with the membership website?

Just stuck in a login loop

change web browsers, it’s a ticketmaster issue i think as it’s happened to me when trying to buy tickets

 

[LTT]

MRJ played midfield last week. McCauliffe was playing midfield before injury. Lalor played as much midfield as his tank was allowing before injury struck. Hotton and Smillie haven't played yet.

I believe Prestia will get one more season in 2026, Macca will retire end of this season, and if we have all our elite midfield kids up and firing end of 2026, then I wouldn't be surprised if one of TT or Hopper and the club come to an amicable agreement to part ways. So by start of 2027 I'd expect only one of TT, Hopper, Macca and Prestia to be on the list.

If multiple youngsters are injury riddled throughout 2026 then we may happily retain both TT and Hopper.

There seems to be so much impatience....by start of 2027 our midfield (except TT) will all be 19-22yo, with McCauliffe the oldest at 22yo (others will be Lalor, Smillie, Hotton, Armstrong (NGA pick) and top-5 pick from 2025 draft).

Our list build is tracking beautifully.

The reason for the impatience is this. If MacIntosh, Prestia and one of Hopper or Taranto are not in our future and that same combination is currently not providing good quality supply to our young forwards or protection for our young defence then, why are we prioritising those players now? Also based on your timeline we won't have a competitive midfield before 2029 season.

 

[tiger_tough]

No Gray or Armstrong in the VFL. 'Test'

 

[rfctigerarmy]

Real chance of winning this one.

Bombers dropping Perkins is a bit of a statement.

Good swimmer

 

[sanaya]

No Gray or Armstrong in the VFL. 'Test'

imagine if smillie & kmac2 are actually 1 week away like the 1-2 weeks says (hint: they're not) & those 2 tests also come back next week...... that match would be so good to watch

 

[fargothegreat]

No Gray or Armstrong in the VFL. 'Test'

Serpell already said that Armstrong was unlikely to play this week. Was expecting Gray back though.

 

[tigs2010]

Blight, Balta, Gibcus backline in VFL lmao

 

[wegetpumped]

So are you saying we shouldn’t play the older guys or shouldn’t play the younger ones?

I'm saying if those guys get a game we are cooked.

 

[Tiger_Of_Old]

For sure he needs to address that.

But in a time where we are kicking the ball like ass as a team more often than not, let’s not drop the bloke who keeps hitting targets.

Nah.
Can't tolerate that type of player

 

[Black Saab]

IMO you cannot judge Sonsie fairly unless you understand Sonsie's role in the side. From what i see, he and Ross seem to be the coach's choice as the connection players who kick the ball inside the 50-metre arc. Not the long kick to the pack but a precise kick to a player. This is probably one of the hardest roles to do well. Ross is actually pretty good at it which is why I find it strange they are now playing him more midfield. I'm not sold on Sonsie playing that role yet as he seems to get the ball too deep, but I can see that he is trying to master it.

Fair point.

 

[Black Saab]

I'm saying if those guys get a game we are cooked.

Whose on first base?

 

[THE THIN MAN]

Blight, Balta, Gibcus backline in VFL lmao

What incredible defensive depth we have at the moment.

 

[Rubber Hips]

Groupie_ …found an old scarf and beanies…

prefer the old ones…heaps better that the ones on the left (2020 merch)

 

[AstuteTiger]

Blight, Balta, Gibcus backline in VFL lmao

Senior quality

 

[Cdog71]

Stats lie.
put any pressure on this pretender and he will cough the ball up.

Yep he has, but he’s playing for his life now with better talents in the wings.
He might just have a little break through and start building a career.
A handful of games left and were second last, he’s not keeping anyone outve the side, who gives a shit.
Let’s play him.

 

[Coach_Required]

I remember before Young got injured how many wanted him dropped to the VFL because all he does was "spoil".

I'll give you guys until half time before i start reading these posts again.

 

[_RT_]

Essendon's strength is their midfield clearance and we pick the same midfield who at best breaker even getting the ball at clearance then immediately turn it over. Blight is probably secretly happy he hasn't been picked in defence this week because Essendon are going to get a lot of forward entries this week. The question I have every week is why our midfield never changes.

Essendon have Merrett Durham and Tsatas named as their starting midfield with Hobbs on the bench, so it's not like we're going up against Merrett Parish Caldwell & Durham

 

[Rubber Hips]

We really should beat these campaigners

 

[Michaels]

Nah.
Can't tolerate that type of player

lol yes you can.

 

[Groupie_]

Groupie_ …found an old scarf and beanies…

prefer the old ones…heaps better that the ones on the left (2020 merch)

View attachment 2364942

yeah and the club is still photoshopping back into the traditional yellow on all social media platforms

just bring it back already !!!! the fluro green needs to go !! have u ever seen a hi vis fluro tiger ?

#bringbacktraditionalyellow

 

[sanaya]

yeah and the club is still photoshopping back into the traditional yellow on all social media platforms

just bring it back already !!!! the fluro green needs to go !! have u ever seen a hi vis fluro tiger ?

#bringbacktraditionalyellow

havent u ever seen a tiger????

 

[Coach_Required]

havent u ever seen a tiger????




View attachment 2364993

 

[sanaya]

View attachment 2365003

 

[smasha]

Should get a big crowd for Taj's debut.

Exciting ,Tigga's 250th and MRJ back in

LFG!

Tiger nation.