Player Watch #33: Ed Vickers-Willis - confirmed ACL injury vs Fremantle in Rd1 2019

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The problem was that opposition coaches knew we'd play with 7 back and some would plan accordingly, slicing us apart utilising their spare, leading to the oft heard cry of "WTF's our plan B?" from North supporters. We didn't have one!
I hear ya, but I definitely prefer us playing a loose man in defence as a default.

The problem is that our loose man in recent times hasn't been able to become a weapon like other teams, as you rightly say. Lachie was very good at running forward and setting up when he played the role, but Scooter hasn't been able to do so with the same effect when he's played it. JMac should be ideal at it when you look at his attributes.

Also, as you touched on, we need to be able to shut down their loose man when they get dangerous. Whether that's assigning them a forward which essentially tags that player or reverting back to a six man defence. We have to be able to read the game situation and adapt - something which the coaching staff haven't been good at doing historically.
 
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Also, as you touched on, we need to be able to shut down their loose man when they get dangerous. Whether that's assigning them a forward which essentially tags that player or reverting back to a six man defence. We have to be able to read the game situation and adapt - something which the coaching staff haven't been good at doing historically.
That's my point right there. The good news is we appear to potentially have far better options coming through now, having drafted genuine defenders in recent years.
 

The Other Dean

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Don't want to say too much as it's still early days in my new, creepy, unrequited obsession....but I think I may have found a new Ed. Trading off-field looks for on. But yeah, just taking it slow at the moment. As musical legend Phil Collins once sang, "You can't hurry stalking".

Still, exciting times, etc.
 

Kimbo

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Don't want to say too much as it's still early days in my new, creepy, unrequited obsession....but I think I may have found a new Ed. Trading off-field looks for on. But yeah, just taking it slow at the moment. As musical legend Phil Collins once sang, "You can't hurry stalking".

Still, exciting times, etc.
True, but as even greater musical legend, Billy Joel once sang, "You may be right". Go for it man.

I hope he helps you more than he helped me when Liam Anthony left, offering only "Say goodbye to Hollywood."
 

Majunga

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Is this guy best 22, there are rumors he won't line up for round 1 because you guys are opting for experience vs West Coast's tall forwards?

Assumed the best place to come for answers about how likely he is to play early after a good preseason showing is here
among you fine people :)

Thanks for having me!
 

LuvtheKangas

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Is this guy best 22, there are rumors he won't line up for round 1 because you guys are opting for experience vs West Coast's tall forwards?

Assumed the best place to come for answers about how likely he is to play early after a good preseason showing is here
among you fine people :)

Thanks for having me!
Agree this is the best place to ask, but in all honesty we don't have a clear idea ourselves, as the differing views over the past couple of pages would indicate.

Personally, I think he might miss out this week but is not far away from a debut.

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tazaa

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He got caught a few times in the final JLT game. Dont mind him attacking and taking the game on. Just hope he takes the first option like always as he hasnt played any games. Keep it simple. Hell be running rings in no time. Think Ed will be held off until the second half of the year.
 

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adrenalinjunkie

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Agree this is the best place to ask, but in all honesty we don't have a clear idea ourselves, as the differing views over the past couple of pages would indicate.

Personally, I think he might miss out this week but is not far away from a debut.

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Yeah the momentum for EVW on this board has swung a bit since the GWS game, rightly or wrongly.

Of course how much this board's collective sense of Ed's chances to debut is a true indication - that's another question entirely.

If he does run out in the 22 on Sunday, though, I hope he has an absolute blinder.


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The chorus

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Is this guy best 22, there are rumors he won't line up for round 1 because you guys are opting for experience vs West Coast's tall forwards?

Assumed the best place to come for answers about how likely he is to play early after a good preseason showing is here
among you fine people :)

Thanks for having me!
I think he will get a game, but I am waiting with interest to see what happens; likewise with Zac Guthrie and Stewart- are they going to get a game with you guys? I will be choosing at least 1 SC backman from those three
 

Passmore

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Is this guy best 22, there are rumors he won't line up for round 1 because you guys are opting for experience vs West Coast's tall forwards?

Assumed the best place to come for answers about how likely he is to play early after a good preseason showing is here
among you fine people :)

Thanks for having me!
He should be playing.

He'll have learnt more from that last praccy than he has in his previous 2 years on the list.

If he's not deemed to be ready now, when will he be?

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Yes. Some have written him off for his poor game against GWS. But in saying that, it is often said you learn more from a loss than a win and that humbling experience may chasten him for future games so he's even better prepared.

Also, I could be wrong - but because Scott Thompson was back for that game, perhaps he was played in a different role to accommodate which exposed him a little?

Anyway - I think he should and will play and that's why he was rested for the last practice game. But that's just my opinion.
 

DunderHead

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Yes. Some have written him off for his poor game against GWS. But in saying that, it is often said you learn more from a loss than a win and that humbling experience may chasten him for future games so he's even better prepared.

Also, I could be wrong - but because Scott Thompson was back for that game, perhaps he was played in a different role to accommodate which exposed him a little?

Anyway - I think he should and will play and that's why he was rested for the last practice game. But that's just my opinion.
I was thinking the same thing with him being rested. Brad said he was going to show something with his round 1 team. I hope it includes both Durdin and Vickers-Willis
 

Just4Kicks

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The video with Thompson indicates he is playing. I think that might mean that EVW is not. I doubt he will have them both in his backline, especially if Wright is lining up.
 

roos_fanatic08

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Confirmed as not playing Sunday. Pretty sure his last match turned off a few of the coaches. Not to worry. Still early days.
I think Wright showing good form sealed his fate. There was only ever one spot left in that backline with McDonald, Williams, McMillan and Thompson all rotating through there.
 

shintemaster

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I think Wright showing good form sealed his fate. There was only ever one spot left in that backline with McDonald, Williams, McMillan and Thompson all rotating through there.
Reckon you're right on this (no pun intended). If Wright looked out of form they would have rolled with him. Plenty of time left this year, we don't need to have 8 debuts in one game and I'm looking forward to seeing him play in the 1's.
 
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Thompson is a liability down back. Shits himself too often and has been for the last 4 years. He is a poor example for our youngsters with the way he ducks his head when going for a pack mark or backing into one. Should be Werribee full back for mine and nothing more.
 
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