Preview Changes for Elimination Final

[BlueTouchPaper]

Keep Yarran in!

There is only one way to acclimatise him to the intensity required for finals' football and that is to have him immersed in the atmosphere. I have plenty of reservations about his ability to cope with the pressure, but there is only one way to find out what he is made of.

Also, we missed Hadley immensely last year - leaving him out of the side when we now have the option would be incredibly foolish. What we need is more experience and honest, hard-working players.

In; Hadley, Jacobs, Walker
Out; Davies, Hampo, Carrots (if need be)

We went in far to young against Fremantle, with only 58 games experience on average, and the MC would be looking to rectify what would be an even bigger discrepancy in experience versus the Swans - I wouldn't be surprised therefore, to see Thornton return to the side especially after a stellar end to the year at the Ants.

 

[Quazza]

we need to put a hard tag on Jack. That kid has turned into one hell of a player

 

[thylacine60]

We did beat them at ANZ Stadium in a pre-season game in 2004, which I believe was our last trip to ANZ Stadium (it was called Telstra Stadium back then).

Steve Kenna - all 170cm and 69kg of him.

 

[The Blueseum]

ahhhh...of course... often referred to as 'The Under 17's game'!

 

[Aaron Lemon]

OUT: Bower, Betts, Robinson, Carrazzo (injured or not)
IN: Austin, McLean, Hadley, Johnson.

Anyone but Andrew Walker, we cannot, absolutely cannot take passengers into this game.

Bower has been horrendous for the past 4 weeks, Betts has given us absolutely nothing since the NM game.

Robinson cost us on Friday night with some terrible mistakes, just idiotic mistakes.

See ya Carrots, the biggest passenger of all.

Sydney play a tough contested game, get Judd in the middle with a combination of Ellard, McLean and Hadley, get the ball out to Simpson and Murphy on the wings - Gibbs and Johnson running off half back.

Austin (not Thornton) is the answer to replace Bower, he just has to go, he's costing us time and time again, bad position, no body work, just cannot defend at the moment.

Please, dear Anthony Koutoufides, do not bring in Andrew Walker, that bloke cannot tackle, cannot do anything.

I would send Joseph to Kieran Jack if you want to tag someone.

 

[mac25]

OUT: Bower, Betts, Robinson, Carrazzo (injured or not)
IN: Austin, McLean, Hadley, Johnson.

Anyone but Andrew Walker, we cannot, absolutely cannot take passengers into this game.

Bower has been horrendous for the past 4 weeks, Betts has given us absolutely nothing since the NM game.

Robinson cost us on Friday night with some terrible mistakes, just idiotic mistakes.

See ya Carrots, the biggest passenger of all.

Sydney play a tough contested game, get Judd in the middle with a combination of Ellard, McLean and Hadley, get the ball out to Simpson and Murphy on the wings - Gibbs and Johnson running off half back.

Austin (not Thornton) is the answer to replace Bower, he just has to go, he's costing us time and time again, bad position, no body work, just cannot defend at the moment.

Please, dear Anthony Koutoufides, do not bring in Andrew Walker, that bloke cannot tackle, cannot do anything.

I would send Joseph to Kieran Jack if you want to tag someone.

You obviously have not watched Austin recently, he is a long way off senior level footy and would not even be considered this week, some of the other players you have forward are put are very unlikely, Mclean would be a major risk not having played for 3 months, do not also see Johnson playing at senior level again the only players seriously in line for this week based on form would be Thornton, Jacobs, Hadley and Walker.

 

[GoBlues!]

OUT: Bower, Betts, Robinson, Carrazzo (injured or not)
IN: Austin, McLean, Hadley, Johnson.

Anyone but Andrew Walker, we cannot, absolutely cannot take passengers into this game.

Bower has been horrendous for the past 4 weeks, Betts has given us absolutely nothing since the NM game.

Robinson cost us on Friday night with some terrible mistakes, just idiotic mistakes.

See ya Carrots, the biggest passenger of all.

Sydney play a tough contested game, get Judd in the middle with a combination of Ellard, McLean and Hadley, get the ball out to Simpson and Murphy on the wings - Gibbs and Johnson running off half back.

Austin (not Thornton) is the answer to replace Bower, he just has to go, he's costing us time and time again, bad position, no body work, just cannot defend at the moment.

Please, dear Anthony Koutoufides, do not bring in Andrew Walker, that bloke cannot tackle, cannot do anything.

I would send Joseph to Kieran Jack if you want to tag someone.

Agree Bower has been struggling playing a key defensive position. Maybe we should try something different and play Bower on the forward line.

OUT:Hampson, Carrazzo (if injured)
IN: Jacobs, Hadley,

 

[BlueTouchPaper]

Bower was majorly exploited by Goodes last time around, but Ratten persisted in playing Gibbs on Goodes in the midfield, and then Bower on him as a leading forward. Afforded our blokes absolutely no continuity when trying to shut him down.

I hope Ratten doesn't persist with a down-trodden Bower on him again, allow Bower to play loose just to gain a little confidence back.

 

[Aaron Lemon]

Ratten said next time we played Sydney, Gibbs would follow him everywhere.

So you can be assured that will happen.

As for the other replies, no I haven't watched Austin lately, haven't seen any Bullants games this year - but give him a chance and he'll show you he's good enough to play seniors.

 

[Aaron Lemon]

You obviously have not watched Austin recently, he is a long way off senior level footy and would not even be considered this week, some of the other players you have forward are put are very unlikely, Mclean would be a major risk not having played for 3 months, do not also see Johnson playing at senior level again the only players seriously in line for this week based on form would be Thornton, Jacobs, Hadley and Walker.

Thornon: I don't think he's the answer. I don't see a match up for him in the Sydney forward line anyway.

Jacobs: With Mumford potentially missing with a knee injury or returning from said injury, he'll be a bit out of touch - I think the athleticism of Hampson will be useful against Pyke and whoever is their 2nd ruckman. I wouldn't change the ruck combo, unless you want to play Hammer as a permanent forward, then Jacobs might come in.

Hadley: I have him coming back in, as I said, Sydney like to play a contested game, they like it in close and the more players we have willing to get in and get the ball, the better we'll be for it.

Walker: He's rubbish, he cant tackle, he's useless defending one-on-one, he cant kick. Pointless playing him.

 

[DirtyD05]

we only got done by a kick on Friday night, and if a few poor decisions hadn't been made late (cough Robinson cough) then things could have been different, so there is no need whatsoever to make anymore than 2 changes.
Big ground and no big key forward threat, Walker has to come in for Davies, speed will be the key if we are to win, and if we have to move on Carrazzo then Hadley/McLean (shudder) would be the obvious to come in. Under no circumstances, and I seriously mean NONE, should Brett Thornton play another game for Carlton!!!

 

[rampar]

hampson out!!!

jacobs In !!!

 

[Aaron Lemon]

we only got done by a kick on Friday night, and if a few poor decisions hadn't been made late (cough Robinson cough) then things could have been different, so there is no need whatsoever to make anymore than 2 changes.
Big ground and no big key forward threat, Walker has to come in for Davies, speed will be the key if we are to win, and if we have to move on Carrazzo then Hadley/McLean (shudder) would be the obvious to come in. Under no circumstances, and I seriously mean NONE, should Brett Thornton play another game for Carlton!!!

Would not be dropping Davies.

 

[mac25]

Thornon: I don't think he's the answer. I don't see a match up for him in the Sydney forward line anyway.

Jacobs: With Mumford potentially missing with a knee injury or returning from said injury, he'll be a bit out of touch - I think the athleticism of Hampson will be useful against Pyke and whoever is their 2nd ruckman. I wouldn't change the ruck combo, unless you want to play Hammer as a permanent forward, then Jacobs might come in.

Hadley: I have him coming back in, as I said, Sydney like to play a contested game, they like it in close and the more players we have willing to get in and get the ball, the better we'll be for it

Walker: He's rubbish, he cant tackle, he's useless defending one-on-one, he cant kick. Pointless playing him.

Our backline has been ordinary for the last 2 months, we need another third tall or face being exploited, Thornton despite some knockers here is by far our best option to fill this gap currently on our list, we do not have other options at this time, Austin is not up to it at this time and l doubt if he is the solution as a CHB playing on the best key forwards in the longer term.

Hampson is likely to keep his spot, but he was very ordinary against Fremantle, and l am certain it will be line ball between Hampson and Jacobs fairly similar to most of the season between these two.

 

[Aaron Lemon]

Putting another ordinary player in an already ordinary backline wont make any difference.

We'd be better off bringing Fisher in and sticking him in the goal square and playing Hendo in defense.

 

[GoBlues!]

hampson out!!!

jacobs In !!!

Agree. Last Friday was the equivalent of a final and he gave us sfa.

 

[Azul]

An idea from left field:

I wouldn't change the ruck combo, unless you want to play Hammer as a permanent forward, then Jacobs might come in.

Given we used Lachie last week in defense, playing Hampson forward mightn't be too bad an idea.

In: Jacobs
Out: Carrazzo (inj).

Hampson forward, Henderson back...

Best of all, we gain an extra midfielder - GIBBS!

 

[Aaron Lemon]

If we're going to use Lachie in defense, I'd rather Fisher came in.

Been in very good form in the VFL, including kicking a couple in the elimination final on the weekend..

He's not as athletic as Hammer, but I'd back to mark 8/10 times, where-as with Hammer, you never know.

 

[Team Mo']

Hadley would have to come for mine. Or McLean (is he fit?). We were sooo soft against Sydney last time. Goodes and co. were able to break tackles from the likes of Gibbs, Murphy, Joseph so I think we have to at least try and match through the middle this time. Grigg in this time should help also.

I would bring in Jacobs as well. I Like Hampson but atm he isn't up to it. Big enough and strong enough but can be pushed of the ball to easily and his decision making could cost a final.

Robinson to Malceski. Carrazzo to one of Mattner/Shaw/ROK. Goodes could seriously **** us up. Last time he got lost in traffic and was often left alone due to some serious loss of communication. Not sure if Bower can match him in his current form. Looks a bit slow and could be carrying something. I remember his last final and it was like watching a Horse being led to the glue factory. If he's not right then we cannot play him; Bradshaw found him out in Brisbane and could do similar if he plays this week.


Maybe Waite could run with Goodes?

 

[Bring on Vinnie]

Agree. Last Friday was the equivalent of a final and he gave us sfa.

I don't think Thornton is our long term answer but he was clearly BOG for the Bullants yesterday and in the best players the week before. We have to play in-form players in finals and Bower's confidence is shot at the moment. He'll be back in our best team next year but shouldn't be risked on Sunday. Defensively, Thornton would have a better chance of shutting down White or Goodes than Bower.

(Bower out, Thornton in)

Hampson is also a speculative play and doesn't add anything more than Jacobs at this stage. Jacobs form was strong in the twos and has never really had a shocker in the ones. He's also been moving well and looking dangerous on the forward line (when resting there) for the Bullants. This was where Hampson was thought to have the edge but he just doesn't have the consistency yet.

(Hampson out, Jacobs in)


We are just a more balanced side (inside and outside midfielders) when Hadley plays. Sydney will have teh edge over us at the clearances if Hadley is not there.

Carazzo (if inj)/Yarran out, Hadley in

Plenty of time in future seasons for Yarran. No need to take the risk on him this week

I thought Robbo's intesity in the last qtr really gave us a lift (albeit his decision making and composure is a worry).

Betts needs to show something this week. 1. Has to be front and square 2. Has to start causing turnovers again with his tackling on the forward line. It has been far too long (he seems too worried about leading up the ground, turning his opponents inside out and getting goalside of his opponent for easy goals. We can't have all three smalls thinking this way)

 

[Ryan Dixon Webb]

Tipping Gibbs to have a big one. Was shattered after our finals loss to Brisbane last year, plus he was a tackling machine against Freo.

 

[The Grover]

I wouldn't move Hendo down back & have Waite & Hammer as our key forwards.

Who will Bower have to take this week? Jammo will get White, if Bradshaw comes back that could be a problem.

Goodes beat us on his own last time we played them. Who gets the job? Gibbs had it last time in the midfield & Bower in defense.

I think we'll have Gibbs on Goodes everywhere he goes.

I wouldn't mind seeing Warnock play foward for 5-10 minutes a qtr, lets see Richards try & stop 206 in the air.

out: Carrazzo
In: Hadley

this is the only change I'm sure on, any others are 50/50.

 

[ECHUCABOY]

Like I said last week, you have got to play your experienced players in Finals.....we were lucky to get as close as we did Friday Night and really missed Walker and Thornton IMO. Also Hampson looks good when he is near it, but hasn't had over 10 touches this year (not sure about that but seems on the money) he doesn't do enough.

Last week without carrazo, who provides a little help for Juddy he was again r*ped by McPhee and co. Can anyone remember seeing a one of our guys blocking for Judd???

Joseph again would have had under 10 posessions and competed ok, but provided us with nothing really...

I mentioned Joseph, Hampson, Davies and Ellard as the men in question. Ellard struggled with the pace of the game, but kept competing and used tackling to get into the game and make a difference. He's a good match up for Kieran Jack this week.

The others have got to go....

Sauce for Hampson, Walker for Joseph and Thornton for Davies....surely this will happen. Happy to see McLean or Hadley come in for Carrazzo if injured.

 

[Shambolic]

Taking opposition players out of the game isnt 'giving us nothing' but if you have too many players like this your defence can be stagnant. I recognise we have too many in Joseph & Jamison but Freo's small forwards had no impact, other than Walters and who was on him then.....

I think AJ needs to stay in as a pure blocker.

You cant honestly put Walker in the category of defensive stopper in AJ's stead....he's had some good games agaisnt taller forwards but not on anyone smaller.

fair enough to argue Walker would give us more run on the wing or HB but he's probably competing with Grigg or Russell???

 

[Dangas]

FWIW, reports that Bradshaw has reinjured his knee in the reserves on the weekend are false.

LINK

Daniel Bradshaw's last-ditch attempt to play may not be in vain after he came through a Swans reserves match unscathed.

A knee injury has restricted the 31-year-old to just eight games this year and initial reports following Saturday's hit-out in Canberra suggested the former Brisbane Lion may have broken down.

But the Swans said Bradshaw would be considered for selection for the Carlton match.