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Unofficial Preview Changes & discussion v Saints @ Marvel Round 15.

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Considering that 3rd tall space is currently Gardiner / Lester, who them selves are really undersized to play as a true key back man.

We really need an intercepting half back as that 3rd tall, in the mould of a Sicily or Vlastuin. Not sure if Madden has the overhead skill or game reading ability to really thrive in that role though.

Out of our current best 22 I feel like Berry would be the best option. He's 192 so similar height to Lester and Gardiner. It also leaves spots open for Fletcher and Sharp to become our two main wingers who both are probably more suited to the role anyways.
He’s got Blakey vibes about him. Not sure if he’s got that shoulder mobility to reach for 10 overhead marks a game though.
 
He’s got Blakey vibes about him. Not sure if he’s got that shoulder mobility to reach for 10 overhead marks a game though.
McKenna's got unlocked talent that we are yet to make full use of.

Strong ,runs like a hare ,great disposal ,innate capacity to sum up a situation very quickly.

Not too many players in the AFL with those gifts.
 

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The issue IMO with having the 3rd tall up forward when we have Fort (or Gunston) is that we lose a bit of run, which compared to some other teams is already one of our weaknesses. The 3 talls when we had McStay, who by no means was great still worked because he is a pretty decent athlete himself and covered a lot of ground. My honest opinion of McStay is he may have been more effective in a different role, wing, defense, even in the middle, given how much ground he was able to cover and he wasn't a great key forward.
Rayner himself is probably a better contested mark than both Joe and Hippy, so I don't really see the issue of him taking the 2nd best defender at times.

Even with the 3 tall setup, we're 5th for tackles for I50, and we're also high up for turnovers and intercepts?

To me it is less about structure and more about effort (I know it's a throwaway line). I also don't get altering our structure (to the point it goes from a potential strength to a clear weakness), to address a perceived weakness elsewhere? I just think we'd be outpointed comfortably with no Fort (or Daniher) up forward, when the long balls come in - and for what, so we can pressure on the way out? Harks back to the days of Cornelius and Bradshaw not getting games because of their defensive prowess (or lack thereof), even though they were kicking bags of goals in the reserves :shrug:

Rayner might be spectacular when he gets a run at it, but no way is he better than Daniher (in particular). Daniher has had 20 contested marks for the season, Hipwood 15, Rayner 11. Plus Rayner would be outsized if he's the 2nd forward, likely impacting his ability in the air further (as opposed to going against someone his own size).

Also, as much as Oscar has toiled the whole year, I think it's actually prevented him from having more impact around the ground at times (due to his workload). We're all experts in hindsight, but I felt we didn't respect Hawthorn's duo enough (watching live Reeves and Meek were able to double team Oscar quite effectively, both by working him over, but also take timely marks around the ground), and I felt Oscar was doing his best to just battle through the 4 quarters. Fort playing will hopefully allow Oscar to rest up forward, or even drop behind the ball, where he can be quite effective (and make his opponents more accountable).

They may choose to drop Fort with St Kilda having no 2nd ruck, but I don't think it should be purely to get more run in our F50 (with the knock on effect I've outlined). If Gunston is out for a while, stick to the structure and give Fort an extended run (with Melbourne not far away).

Time will tell!
 
Even with the 3 tall setup, we're 5th for tackles for I50, and we're also high up for turnovers and intercepts?

To me it is less about structure and more about effort (I know it's a throwaway line). I also don't get altering our structure (to the point it goes from a potential strength to a clear weakness), to address a perceived weakness elsewhere? I just think we'd be outpointed comfortably with no Fort (or Daniher) up forward, when the long balls come in - and for what, so we can pressure on the way out? Harks back to the days of Cornelius and Bradshaw not getting games because of their defensive prowess (or lack thereof), even though they were kicking bags of goals in the reserves :shrug:

Rayner might be spectacular when he gets a run at it, but no way is he better than Daniher (in particular). Daniher has had 20 contested marks for the season, Hipwood 15, Rayner 11. Plus Rayner would be outsized if he's the 2nd forward, likely impacting his ability in the air further (as opposed to going against someone his own size).

Also, as much as Oscar has toiled the whole year, I think it's actually prevented him from having more impact around the ground at times (due to his workload). We're all experts in hindsight, but I felt we didn't respect Hawthorn's duo enough (watching live Reeves and Meek were able to double team Oscar quite effectively, both by working him over, but also take timely marks around the ground), and I felt Oscar was doing his best to just battle through the 4 quarters. Fort playing will hopefully allow Oscar to rest up forward, or even drop behind the ball, where he can be quite effective (and make his opponents more accountable).

They may choose to drop Fort with St Kilda having no 2nd ruck, but I don't think it should be purely to get more run in our F50 (with the knock on effect I've outlined). If Gunston is out for a while, stick to the structure and give Fort an extended run (with Melbourne not far away).

Time will tell!
Sometimes it pays not to overthink it.

Fort and McInerny have been a winning combination whenever we've played the 2 rucks.

Especially late in games.
 
Note that my preview is still coming, late as per tradition but possibly setting a new record for lateness.

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Great, now I'm making Simpsons gifs to procrastinate from making Simpsons gifs...
 
So this week we are barracking for:

Geelong over Melb (possible)
Lions over the Saints (duh)
Crows over Pies (away for Crows so meh but the Crows do have a Pie eating historical sponsorship iirc)
and the bye over port (expecting a draw although Port have a poor record against them)
 
So this week we are barracking for:

Geelong over Melb (possible)
Lions over the Saints (duh)
Crows over Pies (away for Crows so meh but the Crows do have a Pie eating historical sponsorship iirc)
and the bye over port (expecting a draw although Port have a poor record against them)
Freo over the Bombers too.
 
What an amazing situation the Lions team finds itself in. We have about 7-8 players that could could come into to the starting 23 without a huge downside. Not many other clubs have this luxury. It’s now about finding the right balance and maybe making hard decisions regarding the future of some experienced players.
 
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St Kilda v Brisbane​


Friday - 7:50pm - Marvel Stadium

The Saints will play host to the Lions for Spud's Game on Friday night.

With both sides fighting it out in the top four battle, this clash, on paper, looks an absolute beauty.

The Saints will be looking to bounce back after a Round 14 loss to the Tigers, whilst the Lions will be looking to head to Melbourne and silence a few of their critics away from home.

This clash looks a genuine opportunity for Ross Lyon’s Saints to claim a top four scalp for the first time this year and there’s no bigger occasion than Friday night footy.

Will Harris Andrews step up and play on young star Max King or will it be Jack Payne who is tasked with the role?

King is playing some seriously good footy so this match-up will be crucial in the end result.

Another area of intrigue surrounds the form of St Kilda captain Jack Steele. Performing well below his best, the rumours are flying around that he’s got an injury but Lyon was none the wiser at his Wednesday press conference.

The Saints need Steele to play better and against a Brisbane midfield that’s littered with guns, he’ll have to perform if the Saints are a shot.

As for the Lions, they head to Marvel Stadium on a mission, the last time they were in Melbourne they were embarrassed by Hawthorn.

The fall-out to that game was scathing, you get the feeling Chris Fagan will have his side fired up for this clash.

Can’t wait to see their dynamic forward line come up against St Kilda’s backline, if Joe Daniher, Charlie Cameron, Eric Hipwood and Zac Bailey get firing, good luck Saints.

This game looms to be a cracker, can’t wait for it!

The Saints are just going and the Lions will be seeking some revenge in Melbourne.

Tip: Brisbane by 26 points.

Hugh Fitzpatrick
 

St Kilda v Brisbane​


Friday - 7:50pm - Marvel Stadium

The Saints will play host to the Lions for Spud's Game on Friday night.

With both sides fighting it out in the top four battle, this clash, on paper, looks an absolute beauty.

The Saints will be looking to bounce back after a Round 14 loss to the Tigers, whilst the Lions will be looking to head to Melbourne and silence a few of their critics away from home.

This clash looks a genuine opportunity for Ross Lyon’s Saints to claim a top four scalp for the first time this year and there’s no bigger occasion than Friday night footy.

Will Harris Andrews step up and play on young star Max King or will it be Jack Payne who is tasked with the role?

King is playing some seriously good footy so this match-up will be crucial in the end result.

Another area of intrigue surrounds the form of St Kilda captain Jack Steele. Performing well below his best, the rumours are flying around that he’s got an injury but Lyon was none the wiser at his Wednesday press conference.

The Saints need Steele to play better and against a Brisbane midfield that’s littered with guns, he’ll have to perform if the Saints are a shot.

As for the Lions, they head to Marvel Stadium on a mission, the last time they were in Melbourne they were embarrassed by Hawthorn.

The fall-out to that game was scathing, you get the feeling Chris Fagan will have his side fired up for this clash.

Can’t wait to see their dynamic forward line come up against St Kilda’s backline, if Joe Daniher, Charlie Cameron, Eric Hipwood and Zac Bailey get firing, good luck Saints.

This game looms to be a cracker, can’t wait for it!

The Saints are just going and the Lions will be seeking some revenge in Melbourne.

Tip: Brisbane by 26 points.

Hugh Fitzpatrick
He is right about the Max King match up.
Harris Andrews when playing one v one on a opponent likes to play bruise free footy and stand off his opponent for a last minute run and jump at the ball and in turn letting his opponent to do the same.
Against Max King this is a big no no because max is more athletic and can jump higher than Harris and gets out marked far too often.

I would be inclined to play Payne on him and tell him to be ultra aggressive and not let him get a clean run at the ball.
Harris can do this too but I trust Payne more.
I agree, that this match up is the most critical for a win in this game.
 
He is right about the Max King match up.
Harris Andrews when playing one v one on a opponent likes to play bruise free footy and stand off his opponent for a last minute run and jump at the ball and in turn letting his opponent to do the same.
Against Max King this is a big no no because max is more athletic and can jump higher than Harris and gets out marked far too often.

I would be inclined to play Payne on him and tell him to be ultra aggressive and not let him get a clean run at the ball.
Harris can do this too but I trust Payne more.
I agree, that this match up is the most critical for a win in this game.

As long as Payne is in the team I don't think Andrews will ever play on the number 1 forward
 

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