Preview Round 3, 2019: Fremantle v St.Kilda - Optus Stadium, Sunday 7th April, 3:20PM AWST

[StCicatriz]

Then why bother raising it?

fair point

 

[VDS66]

Then why bother raising it?

Because...

 

[SaintersUnite]

Because...

Because attention.


St Kilda and proud.

 

[Sheepey]

Looks like they're going to drop Darcy and put Lobb in the ruck, rotating with Taberner. Although he can be a decent forward on his day, I don't rate Lobb as a ruckman because he's as soft as butter. He largely left GWS because he didn't want to ruck, but he got pigeon-holed there because Cameron, Patton, and Himmelberg were all ahead of him in the forward line.

Reckon there is a real opportunity for Marshall do some damage if he gets off the leash.

 

[JG22]

Would kinda expect Long in but Stuv has been playing little bit of midfield so Hunter might get that chance.

 

[JG22]

Surely we don’t drop Wilkie I’ve been loving that bloke this year.

 

[StCicatriz]

Surely we don’t drop Wilkie I’ve been loving that bloke this year.

Same!

 

[George]

Gee talk about a delayed post. I got down to training today before the boys jet off to Perth. It would be an understatement if I were to tell you that spirits were high at the club.

Boys went through about an hour or so of match-sim stuff. It was pretty high intensity. Longy was superb - clearly wants to make amends for what happened last week with his omission. Speed is what the team focused on today. High intensity transition work. Team defense, speed out of stoppage, kicking long, using their legs to break away. I've got a sneaking suspicion that the boys will revel in the huge ground of Optus Stadium.

No injury concerns. Roma moved freely. Admittedly did have the ankle strapped but didn't look like it was bothering him.

No idea why Wilkie is missing, maybe managing his program ala Stuv?

After the match sim drills the boys did some of their own stuff. Gresh, JB, Steeley, Longy and Matty Parker were over near the boundary where I was standing and they were taking some shots at goal. Club posted a video of the one Steeley drilled - was first class. Drop punt on the left foot tight up against the boundary. He copped some shit from the coaches before he slotted it so his response was pretty funny.

Think we had a full group out there. Couldn't see anyone missing of note that we don't know about already. Few boys were in the gym, too. Everyone is on their own programs and some have their minutes managed. Jono Marsh took part too by the way, which was nice to see. Big lad. I think Richo said he'll play in the 2's this weekend.

Got to say though from what I saw today and the evidence of the last four weeks, I am confident we will give Sunday a real shake. I think the boys have really bought into this underdog mentality. Crossed off the list by everyone in the media. Injuries to key players. An embattled coach and administration. Whilst it was somewhat deserved, we copped a huge whack over the summer. Every session I've been to post-Christmas has been fire in the belly type stuff. They weren't bullshitting us when they went public and said that they need to rectify what happened last year.

I think our game style and team defense will keep us in the game on Sunday. It'll be all about making the most of our opportunities, especially in a hostile environment. Got to keep a lid on it, but if we can pull this off over there in Perth it may be the catalyst for our entire year, if last week wasn't exactly that already.

I am equally interested to see how the boys respond after our first loss - whenever that may be, because it will show how far we've come if we get back on the horse and perform well the following week, or slump back into old habits and let the season get away from us.

 

[Verdun66]

Gee talk about a delayed post. I got down to training today before the boys jet off to Perth. It would be an understatement if I were to tell you that spirits were high at the club.

Boys went through about an hour or so of match-sim stuff. It was pretty high intensity. Longy was superb - clearly wants to make amends for what happened last week with his omission. Speed is what the team focused on today. High intensity transition work. Team defense, speed out of stoppage, kicking long, using their legs to break away. I've got a sneaking suspicion that the boys will revel in the huge ground of Optus Stadium.

No injury concerns. Roma moved freely. Admittedly did have the ankle strapped but didn't look like it was bothering him.

No idea why Wilkie is missing, maybe managing his program ala Stuv?

After the match sim drills the boys did some of their own stuff. Gresh, JB, Steeley, Longy and Matty Parker were over near the boundary where I was standing and they were taking some shots at goal. Club posted a video of the one Steeley drilled - was first class. Drop punt on the left foot tight up against the boundary. He copped some shit from the coaches before he slotted it so his response was pretty funny.

Think we had a full group out there. Couldn't see anyone missing of note that we don't know about already. Few boys were in the gym, too. Everyone is on their own programs and some have their minutes managed. Jono Marsh took part too by the way, which was nice to see. Big lad. I think Richo said he'll play in the 2's this weekend.

Got to say though from what I saw today and the evidence of the last four weeks, I am confident we will give Sunday a real shake. I think the boys have really bought into this underdog mentality. Crossed off the list by everyone in the media. Injuries to key players. An embattled coach and administration. Whilst it was somewhat deserved, we copped a huge whack over the summer. Every session I've been to post-Christmas has been fire in the belly type stuff. They weren't bullshitting us when they went public and said that they need to rectify what happened last year.

I think our game style and team defense will keep us in the game on Sunday. It'll be all about making the most of our opportunities, especially in a hostile environment. Got to keep a lid on it, but if we can pull this off over there in Perth it may be the catalyst for our entire year, if last week wasn't exactly that already.

I am equally interested to see how the boys respond after our first loss - whenever that may be, because it will show how far we've come if we get back on the horse and perform well the following week, or slump back into old habits and let the season get away from us.

Love it George....

 

[Timeoftheseason]

So bloody good to hear there is a real buzz around the club.Going to watch the boys have a training run on Saturday & of course the game on Sunday.

A win here would really see the confidence skyrocket!

Can't wait for the weekend! GO SAINTS!

 

[Brains Trust66]

Acres is the backup plan.

My mail is that Lonie will be thrown into the ruck if Marshall gets injured.

 

[Verdun66]

My mail is that Lonie will be thrown into the ruck if Marshall gets injured.

He’d give it a go! What about Caleb Daniel at full back against Roughy. That was fairly amusing. He also gave it a big go!

 

[Sir Skid]

Gee talk about a delayed post. I got down to training today before the boys jet off to Perth. It would be an understatement if I were to tell you that spirits were high at the club.

Boys went through about an hour or so of match-sim stuff. It was pretty high intensity. Longy was superb - clearly wants to make amends for what happened last week with his omission. Speed is what the team focused on today. High intensity transition work. Team defense, speed out of stoppage, kicking long, using their legs to break away. I've got a sneaking suspicion that the boys will revel in the huge ground of Optus Stadium.

No injury concerns. Roma moved freely. Admittedly did have the ankle strapped but didn't look like it was bothering him.

No idea why Wilkie is missing, maybe managing his program ala Stuv?

After the match sim drills the boys did some of their own stuff. Gresh, JB, Steeley, Longy and Matty Parker were over near the boundary where I was standing and they were taking some shots at goal. Club posted a video of the one Steeley drilled - was first class. Drop punt on the left foot tight up against the boundary. He copped some shit from the coaches before he slotted it so his response was pretty funny.

Think we had a full group out there. Couldn't see anyone missing of note that we don't know about already. Few boys were in the gym, too. Everyone is on their own programs and some have their minutes managed. Jono Marsh took part too by the way, which was nice to see. Big lad. I think Richo said he'll play in the 2's this weekend.

Got to say though from what I saw today and the evidence of the last four weeks, I am confident we will give Sunday a real shake. I think the boys have really bought into this underdog mentality. Crossed off the list by everyone in the media. Injuries to key players. An embattled coach and administration. Whilst it was somewhat deserved, we copped a huge whack over the summer. Every session I've been to post-Christmas has been fire in the belly type stuff. They weren't bullshitting us when they went public and said that they need to rectify what happened last year.

I think our game style and team defense will keep us in the game on Sunday. It'll be all about making the most of our opportunities, especially in a hostile environment. Got to keep a lid on it, but if we can pull this off over there in Perth it may be the catalyst for our entire year, if last week wasn't exactly that already.

I am equally interested to see how the boys respond after our first loss - whenever that may be, because it will show how far we've come if we get back on the horse and perform well the following week, or slump back into old habits and let the season get away from us.

Great post George

 

[plugger66]

Gee talk about a delayed post. I got down to training today before the boys jet off to Perth. It would be an understatement if I were to tell you that spirits were high at the club.

Boys went through about an hour or so of match-sim stuff. It was pretty high intensity. Longy was superb - clearly wants to make amends for what happened last week with his omission. Speed is what the team focused on today. High intensity transition work. Team defense, speed out of stoppage, kicking long, using their legs to break away. I've got a sneaking suspicion that the boys will revel in the huge ground of Optus Stadium.

No injury concerns. Roma moved freely. Admittedly did have the ankle strapped but didn't look like it was bothering him.

No idea why Wilkie is missing, maybe managing his program ala Stuv?

After the match sim drills the boys did some of their own stuff. Gresh, JB, Steeley, Longy and Matty Parker were over near the boundary where I was standing and they were taking some shots at goal. Club posted a video of the one Steeley drilled - was first class. Drop punt on the left foot tight up against the boundary. He copped some shit from the coaches before he slotted it so his response was pretty funny.

Think we had a full group out there. Couldn't see anyone missing of note that we don't know about already. Few boys were in the gym, too. Everyone is on their own programs and some have their minutes managed. Jono Marsh took part too by the way, which was nice to see. Big lad. I think Richo said he'll play in the 2's this weekend.

Got to say though from what I saw today and the evidence of the last four weeks, I am confident we will give Sunday a real shake. I think the boys have really bought into this underdog mentality. Crossed off the list by everyone in the media. Injuries to key players. An embattled coach and administration. Whilst it was somewhat deserved, we copped a huge whack over the summer. Every session I've been to post-Christmas has been fire in the belly type stuff. They weren't bullshitting us when they went public and said that they need to rectify what happened last year.

I think our game style and team defense will keep us in the game on Sunday. It'll be all about making the most of our opportunities, especially in a hostile environment. Got to keep a lid on it, but if we can pull this off over there in Perth it may be the catalyst for our entire year, if last week wasn't exactly that already.

I am equally interested to see how the boys respond after our first loss - whenever that may be, because it will show how far we've come if we get back on the horse and perform well the following week, or slump back into old habits and let the season get away from us.

Why is Wilkie missing. The side hasn’t been picked yet. I wouldn’t be going off another website. Some just say the first 4 names are playing and the next 4 are emergencies. It’s like naming the side. Probably 5 or 6 don’t even play in the position they were named. Surely Wilkie will play. Going to be tough to win over there. Losing jack hurts. Freo by 25 unfortunately. Got last week wrong so let’s hope it continues

 

[Joffaboy]

No doubt our new coaches have injected lots of energy and confidence to the group. I'm not there, and I don't know. But having Billy Slater in there is genius. Even part time. I reckon the vibe that guy gives off is so positive. Absolute winner and a legend of the game....albeit a different one. Am sure our guys look at him and follow his absolute winning focus. And confidence. Must rub off.

Well I have seen him training them, and apart from his obvious elite skill re tackling, it seems the lads are genuinely excited to be getting coached by him.

Must be a ripping bloke as well.

 

[bird_man]

Where is this Wilkie talk coming from?

Gotta admit, I'd be surprised if he were dropped. I think he's been pretty solid in his first two games.

 

[Quixote]

We're in this one up to our neck tatt's.

 

[Sir Skid]

Stuv is a blow but played mostly mid (edit. meant fwd) and bit underdone after break. Makes sense to look after the bloke and have him ready for Hawks.

Really would be great to see a win here against the odds... again

 

[ScrappyDo]

We spent our first two draft picks on guys that we knew would spend most of the year on the sidelines. I don't think that is recruiting for the now.

Parker is mature aged but hes come from playing ammos 2 years ago and just a handful of WAFL games. Wilkie still very young.

As far as selection. I think we had 5 guys in our round one with under 10 games experience. We've still gotta be looking to win games but that seems like a good balance to me.

I don't think that was a good balance at all. Looking at r1, the whole club had geard up to win that game because it carried much more significance than what it normally should. And for such a significant game we select two guys on 0 games, one on 2, one on 3 and one on 7. That's a very very odd thing to do for a clutch game wouldn't you say? Robbo, Paddy, Jake and Nate were all missing remember.
Hats off to those 5 boys for the way they performed (and to our recruitment team) but you don't do something like that through choice or good planing. You do it because you didn't have a choice or because you didn't plan well. We got the win because those guys out performed their games played column, but calling it good balance is straight out confirmation bias.
We shouldn't confuse our recent successful, and rather lucky crisis management as being part of the overall plan.

 

[kosifantutti]

Where is this Wilkie talk coming from?

Gotta admit, I'd be surprised if he were dropped. I think he's been pretty solid in his first two games.

I think they used to name 3 emergencies and now they’re naming four. My guess is Footy Live dropped the last name off the list which was Wilkie.

The initial tweet from the AFL only added four to the squad with Steven out. No mention of White. And the article on Saints.com.au didn’t mention White. I reckon they stuck White in at the last minute when they needed an extra emergency.

But I guess we’ll all know tonight and really know by Sunday.

 

[plugger66]

I don't think that was a good balance at all. Looking at r1, the whole club had geard up to win that game because it carried much more significance than what it normally should. And for such a significant game we select two guys on 0 games, one on 2, one on 3 and one on 7. That's a very very odd thing to do for a clutch game wouldn't you say? Robbo, Paddy, Jake and Nate were all missing remember.
Hats off to those 5 boys for the way they performed (and to our recruitment team) but you don't do something like that through choice or good planing. You do it because you didn't have a choice or because you didn't plan well. We got the win because those guys out performed their games played column, but calling it good balance is straight out confirmation bias.
We shouldn't confuse our recent successful, and rather lucky crisis management as being part of the overall plan.

I don’t understand what you are saying. One minute you are saying we are picking sides to win and are coaching for the now and now it seems you are arguing against yourself. And sides do get picked with that little experience especially when you have 4 or 5 regulars unavailable. Who is to say some of them would have played anyway. Of course it was a plan to get experienced state league players and you recruit those types hoping some will be ready straight away. I agree with your word bias. You have shown it by arguing both ways.

 

[Lenny2020]

I don’t understand what you are saying. One minute you are saying we are picking sides to win and are coaching for the now and now it seems you are arguing against yourself. And sides do get picked with that little experience especially when you have 4 or 5 regulars unavailable. Who is to say some of them would have played anyway. Of course it was a plan to get experienced state league players and you recruit those types hoping some will be ready straight away. I agree with your word bias. You have shown it by arguing both ways.

Bingo. Those mature-age players were picked because they were going to be able to contribute straight away. Had we picked six 18 year olds then I’d be more critical but it’s worked well so far.

 

[CaptainRisky]

In the west I mean, I don't think he's traveled unless I'm miss remembering things, coulda sworn his only outings were North, Bombers and some other Vic team.

Given he floated around the joint much like Acres, they'd probably have him as the flex option.

You do know debut means first game ect , not first game in each state , anyway i think if we are banking on Patton our depth is no where near as strong as some have suggested , he tries for sure but is he going to be a regular i would say no IMO

 

[ScrappyDo]

I don’t understand what you are saying. One minute you are saying we are picking sides to win and are coaching for the now and now it seems you are arguing against yourself. And sides do get picked with that little experience especially when you have 4 or 5 regulars unavailable. Who is to say some of them would have played anyway. Of course it was a plan to get experienced state league players and you recruit those types hoping some will be ready straight away. I agree with your word bias. You have shown it by arguing both ways.

That side picked itself is what I'm saying. It was the result of 2 external forces, being injuries and the increased necessity to win. It was the best available from limited stock with all emphasis on that single week. It wasn't balanced or part of any plan, it was just the best we could hash together.

 

[The Enemy Within]

Stuv's a loss no doubt, but it's all about our system more then an individual player as we saw in the JLT & for my 2 bob's worth i think Long will play as Stuv has played more of a forward role in the past couple then a mid & Longy can have a burst in there if required.