Preview
- Nov 23, 2015
- 11,800
- 17,442
- AFL Club
- GWS
- Moderator
- #1
The past 3 games since Mark McVeigh took the team reins have been more positive for Giants fans than the opening 9 games. It's not simply the 2-1 record, particularly since those 2 wins were against the bottom 2 sides, but more the manner in which the team has performed during those 3 games, including a fighting loss against Brisbane. Whilst 2 games might be considered as only slightly more glorified than training runs, that's probably just what the team needs as it starts to adjust to a new gameplan. And to be fair, I'd much prefer to see us attacking through the corridor and scoring goals but conceding points through misplaced endeavour, than continue to watch some of the slugfests that we've endured earlier in the year.
However, the Bulldogs will be a more dangerous opponent next weekend. With a 6-6 record, they're a few rungs above us on the ladder, but coming off a Grand Final appearance last year, they have been disappointingly up and down this year. While we know about that, COVID was a contributing factor for us, but for the Bulldogs this year seems to have been just unsettled. Their coach has had a go at a journo over team selection mind games, the Bont has carried some niggly injuries, and the team has not had a settled ruck or tall defence line. The recent Bailey Smith saga adds to the background rumble, so it remains to be seen whether the players can clear their minds and come out focussed on their game, or not. The Bulldogs have a so-so record coming off the bye: 5-5, while GWS has had a tendency the last few years to improve after the bye, so this will be an interesting game.
In terms of team selection, you would think that GWS will aim to keep the same team as much as possible, given the recent good showings. That leaves a necessary replacement for Perryman - playing an inside midfield role - with the other potential replacement being Matt Flynn, if his final minute injury is significant or otherwise needs to have a rest. Personally, I also have reservation about Lachie Keeffe and Zac Sproule, but accept that it's unlikely that either will be replaced after the recent games. Options to replace Pez would include bringing Ward into a midfield rotation and adding an outside player such as O'Halloran, or simply bringing Tim Taranto back as a straight swap if he's recovered from his back troubles. If Flynn goes out, then Preuss would presumably come in. I'd have no problem with playing a dual ruck pairing, but it probably isn't needed against Bulldogs, who will either have English rucking solo or an English-Sweet combination.
For the Dogs, Bailey Smith replaced Jordan Sweet for their last game, so it will be interesting to see if that selection is reversed - which would give Bulldogs two tall targets up front - or go for a smaller player and a very small, fast attacking forward set-up. We've had trouble with that in the past, and it was the smalls who really recovered the day for Brisbane, so that's where my concern with keeping Keeffe in the team stems from. However, if Jordan Sweet is returned to their team, then I can definitely see McVeigh wanting the 204 cm Keeffe to match up in height against the 207 cm & 205 cm Dogs pairing.
However, in my opinion, the game will be most likely won in the midfield battle. Our freshly rejuvenated midfield, with Cogs back in form, Green, Kelly, Bruhn and Ash have looked very good these last few games, but will need to step up another notch physically to match the Doggies midfield, which is awash with talent. However, we've matched them in the past with a combative approach, and will need to remember those lessons if we want to win.
However, the Bulldogs will be a more dangerous opponent next weekend. With a 6-6 record, they're a few rungs above us on the ladder, but coming off a Grand Final appearance last year, they have been disappointingly up and down this year. While we know about that, COVID was a contributing factor for us, but for the Bulldogs this year seems to have been just unsettled. Their coach has had a go at a journo over team selection mind games, the Bont has carried some niggly injuries, and the team has not had a settled ruck or tall defence line. The recent Bailey Smith saga adds to the background rumble, so it remains to be seen whether the players can clear their minds and come out focussed on their game, or not. The Bulldogs have a so-so record coming off the bye: 5-5, while GWS has had a tendency the last few years to improve after the bye, so this will be an interesting game.
In terms of team selection, you would think that GWS will aim to keep the same team as much as possible, given the recent good showings. That leaves a necessary replacement for Perryman - playing an inside midfield role - with the other potential replacement being Matt Flynn, if his final minute injury is significant or otherwise needs to have a rest. Personally, I also have reservation about Lachie Keeffe and Zac Sproule, but accept that it's unlikely that either will be replaced after the recent games. Options to replace Pez would include bringing Ward into a midfield rotation and adding an outside player such as O'Halloran, or simply bringing Tim Taranto back as a straight swap if he's recovered from his back troubles. If Flynn goes out, then Preuss would presumably come in. I'd have no problem with playing a dual ruck pairing, but it probably isn't needed against Bulldogs, who will either have English rucking solo or an English-Sweet combination.
For the Dogs, Bailey Smith replaced Jordan Sweet for their last game, so it will be interesting to see if that selection is reversed - which would give Bulldogs two tall targets up front - or go for a smaller player and a very small, fast attacking forward set-up. We've had trouble with that in the past, and it was the smalls who really recovered the day for Brisbane, so that's where my concern with keeping Keeffe in the team stems from. However, if Jordan Sweet is returned to their team, then I can definitely see McVeigh wanting the 204 cm Keeffe to match up in height against the 207 cm & 205 cm Dogs pairing.
However, in my opinion, the game will be most likely won in the midfield battle. Our freshly rejuvenated midfield, with Cogs back in form, Green, Kelly, Bruhn and Ash have looked very good these last few games, but will need to step up another notch physically to match the Doggies midfield, which is awash with talent. However, we've matched them in the past with a combative approach, and will need to remember those lessons if we want to win.
