Unofficial Preview Qualifying Final 2025 v Cats @MCG.

[M Malice]

I am firing my inside info man.

 

[M Malice]

Would've dropped Marshall instead of Reville but mostly as expected

If as expected Sam Marshall is the sub I agree, Bruce Reville a better more rounded, impactful sub.

 

[3KZ is Football]

In defense:
Lester to Cameron
Andrews to Neale
Gardiner to Dangerfield

 

[mpal6]

Would've dropped Marshall instead of Reville but mostly as expected

Yeah same, for this game with all big Geelong bodies Bruce would've made sense. But Marshall is no slouch and he played well when he came on as sub last time.

 

[mpal6]

Interesting that MOC coming in for them. Who do they hope to tag? Surely our midfield has proved untaggable now. Go on Chris, tag Neale if you want - clearly didn’t make a difference to us the last couple weeks.

I've seen couple of radio hosts calling for Rayner to be tagged. Doesn't make sense as he doesn't accumulate but when he goes he'll bulldoze his way through.

 

[3KZ is Football]

Yeah same, for this game with all big Geelong bodies Bruce would've made sense. But Marshall is no slouch and he played well when he came on as sub last time.

Marshall or Reville was a coin toss. I think we look considerably stronger on paper. I felt a wave of confidence looking at our side.

 

[mattsmob]

If as expected Sam Marshall is the sub I agree, Bruce Reville a better more rounded, impactful sub.

Agree Bruce is more well rounded but I actually think Marshall is more impactful as sub. He’s got a great ability to just get himself involved in the game and get into good spaces. Will be helpful on the MCG

 

[M Malice]

Does Mark O'Connor

42

Mark O'connor

Age

28

Ht

189cm

Wt

88kg

Pos.

D/M

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.2

3star

K

8.1

3star

HB

5.1

4star

M

4.4

4star

T

2.3

4star

MG

174.8

3star

D

12.4

3star

K

8.9

4star

HB

3.5

2star

M

4.5

4star

T

1.6

3star

MG

199.8

3star

D

10.4

3star

K

4.8

2star

HB

5.6

4star

M

3.8

4star

T

2.0

4star

MG

67.4

1star

go to McCluggage or Neale?

 

[Lockie]

Was hoping for Reville and feel he’s unlucky. Seem to keep his head and not get rattled and appears stronger in body. Really nervous about this one.

 

[mpal6]

Does Mark O'Connor go to McCluggage or Neale?

Most likely McCluggage. Neale has just returned from a lay-off so Geelong will let him have some license to roam.

If he accumulates 10+ in first quarter setting up few goals then watch things change quickly.

 

[GenericUsername202]

Fages made the right call. You couldn't have left Marshall out considering he was in the team when Neale and Berry were in it a month ago, and giving him this finals experience is important for his development. We may need Marshall a lot more next year, and this is a move thinking ahead in the future. I like Reville and he's a better sub than Marshall, but Marshall is a better player than Reville.

 

[Tom14]

Stanley out forcing Blicavs to ruck is good. No shenanigans where he tags Harris.

 

[Lets Roar like '44]

Marshall or Reville was a coin toss. I think we look considerably stronger on paper. I felt a wave of confidence looking at our side.

Yeh either way. Marshall is still so raw no one knows what he’s capable of. Last week was a glimpse but gee he could be the next big thing.

 

[M Malice]

Fages made the right call. You couldn't have left Marshall out considering he was in the team when Neale and Berry were in it a month ago, and giving him this finals experience is important for his development. We may need Marshall a lot more next year, and this is a move thinking ahead in the future. I like Reville and he's a better sub than Marshall, but Marshall is a better player than Reville.

No way Fagan is thinking of the future going into a Qualifying Final, might happen during the H&A season at stages but never in a final, it is all about the now tomorrow night.

 

[M Malice]

Stanley out forcing Blicavs to ruck is good. No shenanigans where he tags Harris.

Relief ruck, SDK named as the main ruck... if that is reliable.

 

[mpal6]

Was hoping for Reville and feel he’s unlucky. Seem to keep his head and not get rattled and appears stronger in body. Really nervous about this one.

Boys have been sleepwalking all season trundling along for finals to arrive. They are going to lift together now and have a great game. #Believe

 

[Nathan Barley]

Relief ruck, SDK named as the main ruck... if that is reliable.

Geelong probably not known for naming the team that will end up playing

 

[Lazza16]

Wouldn't surprise me if there was a late change for the Cats.....in O Henry. Has had the better of us last couple of outings. Also my heart sunk when I read 8. Rosebury.

 

[M Malice]

Had a quick read of the last few pages of the Cats board preview thread, 9 out of 10 posters are not fans of the selection of Jhye Clark, would rather Bews or Knevitt.

 

[Nathan Barley]

A lot of love for Bruce in the Facebook comments for the team announcement

 

[Elixuh]

Classic GeeLoLng.

 

[3KZ is Football]

Yeh either way. Marshall is still so raw no one knows what he’s capable of. Last week was a glimpse but gee he could be the next big thing.

Marshall just looks so smart on the field. His decision making is impeccable and he is a better option than Reville as an outside runner. His selection really tips us off to where Fagan is headed with his game plan. I think we are going to see lots of run and rebound and open warfare for possession of the corridor.

 

[braddsey]

No way Fagan is thinking of the future going into a Qualifying Final, might happen during the H&A season at stages but never in a final, it is all about the now tomorrow night.

My thought - it's a cautious approach. If we lose a player early I think Marshall is the better option. I think he can run the game out better and has looked very composed with the ball in within recent weeks.
I said in another thread (about David Swallow) that the sub selection won't win or lose the game - but if there's an early injury then the sub selection can absolutely be decisive when it gets towards the end of the match.

...I would have been equally happy with Bruce as sub.

 

[3KZ is Football]

Wouldn't surprise me if there was a late change for the Cats.....in O Henry. Has had the better of us last couple of outings. Also my heart sunk when I read 8. Rosebury.

On the other side of the umpiring ledger, Brent Wallace is a good bloke and it’s great to see him get a big final.

 

[braddsey]

Classic GeeLoLng.

Meh... but queue the knobs on SEN tomorrow calling in to complain that it screwed up their multi.