Preview Changes: Round 17 v Melbourne

[Betts are off]

I like the idea of resting, not necessarily as you've planned it here, but the idea in general. Rested players play better, get injured less often, and have longer careers. I think a bit of this kind of management would help in preparation for September.

Yeah, I doubt heavily that it would play out exactly in that manner, but it's more the concept of getting those tiring/aging players some games on the sidelines. I think certain players like Sloane, the Crouch boys, Atkins, Betts, Laird and Smith are guys that would benefit from more game time, but the other guys listed would get much more out of a week off.

 

[John Who]

I disagree, I think it's a poor policy to go looking for the biggest SANFL stats whenever you're looking to promote someone to the AFL. It's a different game the SANFL, one played at a slower pace, a pace that suits Thompson very well.

If we're looking to our SANFL team for a replacement, we need to look at a whole range of factors. If our coaches made the decision to bring in Thompson last week purely on his SANFL stats then they're a bunch of idiots, and in all honesty I don't believe that was the case.

In my opinion there were other reasons behind his selection and I'm hoping the biggest was to give Pyke the opportunity to put a permanent line through his name without any objections, before we get to the business end of the season.

I'm not really defending for Thommo's inclusion. Just stating the fact he's playing pretty well, and the rest of SANFL team are playing below Thommo's standards.
Ok here's my take on the situation:
In Finals games with Finals pressure, the AFL senior side need to have an improved mental edge both in physicality and mentality. Whether we approve of Thommo being in the side or not, leg speed or not, his worth is providing the physicality to the AFL team. Not saying he's in the best 22, but if there were to be injuries in the Seniors, then trialling an under 10-gamer would be more of a risk than a player (Thommo) who has proven to be able to match it with physicality.
Another take is this, we need to look at it as a whole team management for the rest of this season. We can't just be one-eyed at all the "potentials", and not have a look at the players who have Finals experience and that hardness factor. If speed alone is all you need, then how is Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis still able to make impacts in games? Hard edge physicality is also a key ingredient. So therefore, we need to have a few games for the "potentials" and see what stuff they're up of, and also a few games into the Hard-nuts who have proven to play consistently hard.
Disclaimer: not here to talk all positive re- Thommo, but give some other angles on how I see it.

 

[fabs33]

I'm not really defending for Thommo's inclusion. Just stating the fact he's playing pretty well, and the rest of SANFL team are playing below Thommo's standards.
Ok here's my take on the situation:
In Finals games with Finals pressure, the AFL senior side need to have an improved mental edge both in physicality and mentality. Whether we approve of Thommo being in the side or not, leg speed or not, his worth is providing the physicality to the AFL team. Not saying he's in the best 22, but if there were to be injuries in the Seniors, then trialling an under 10-gamer would be more of a risk than a player (Thommo) who has proven to be able to match it with physicality.
Another take is this, we need to look at it as a whole team management for the rest of this season. We can't just be one-eyed at all the "potentials", and not have a look at the players who have Finals experience and that hardness factor. If speed alone is all you need, then how is Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis still able to make impacts in games? Hard edge physicality is also a key ingredient. So therefore, we need to have a few games for the "potentials" and see what stuff they're up of, and also a few games into the Hard-nuts who have proven to play consistently hard.
Disclaimer: not here to talk all positive re- Thommo, but give some other angles on how I see it.

I just can't see how Thompson playing a token game here or there is going to impart any hardness on the rest of our players. Besides, he's been at our club for a long time now, even if it were possible for him to have this sort of influence on his team mates you'd expect it to already have happened by now. I doubt it's going to happen via osmosis.

I don't think there's any need to look at this from other angles. It was a mistake, it shouldn't have happened and it's best we acknowledge it as such and not waste our time/energy trying to justify it. Hopefully we'll see some common sense return this week.

 

[John Who]

I just can't see how Thompson playing a token game here or there is going to impart any hardness on the rest of our players. Besides, he's been at our club for a long time now, even if it were possible for him to have this sort of influence on his team mates you'd expect it to already have happened by now. I doubt it's going to happen via osmosis.

I don't think there's any need to look at this from other angles. It was a mistake, it shouldn't have happened and it's best we acknowledge it as such and not waste our time/energy trying to justify it. Hopefully we'll see some common sense return this week.

I actually don't agree with Thommo's inclusion myself, but I'm trying to help figure out the context of why he's being included. I just prefer to add something from a different angle rather than "stupid decision, coaching panel are a bunch of infantile brainless dimwits for choosing Thommo"?
But if Thommo stays in the side for the rest of the year with the same level of productivity as last weekend, then yes, coaches would be "infantile,...."

 

[jimvic]

I like the idea of resting, not necessarily as you've planned it here, but the idea in general. Rested players play better, get injured less often, and have longer careers. I think a bit of this kind of management would help in preparation for September.

So looks like a bit of a no brainer really, Thommo & Milera out, Seedsman & Greenwood in?

 

[GameofSloanes]

wut

All the media and Clarke's presser are indicating this.
Stay strong pykey, you know what you have to do

 

[GrommoT]

I just can't see how Thompson playing a token game here or there is going to impart any hardness on the rest of our players. Besides, he's been at our club for a long time now, even if it were possible for him to have this sort of influence on his team mates you'd expect it to already have happened by now. I doubt it's going to happen via osmosis.

I don't think there's any need to look at this from other angles. It was a mistake, it shouldn't have happened and it's best we acknowledge it as such and not waste our time/energy trying to justify it. Hopefully we'll see some common sense return this week.

I hear carbon is quite hard

 

[marty36]

All the media and Clarke's presser are indicating this.
Stay strong pykey, you know what you have to do

Do you think, I though Pykes presser was very non commital, Clarke gave nothing away. The only thing I got from Clarke was Tex and Brown were fine and not reported injured which has been the case with teh injury report. Pykes presser clearly indicated Greenwood was managed and will be back, yet we had many complaining about Greenwood being rested and want more changes for resting. There is a time and a place to rest players, collingwood is the next game a genuine rest should be given

 

[Bring-Back-Powell]

Im a bit worried with the short 6 day break going into Geelong after playing in the heat in Darwin and we cant afford to rest players this week.

And so you should be worried.
Teams are absolutely lethargic the week after the Darwin trip regardless of a 6 or 8 day break. I can't wait for Melbourne to cease this arrangement in Darwin.

Adelaide have certainly drawn the short straw of the competition by being fixtured to play up there. At least the Dees pocket some cash out of it (and hopefully the 4 points, though you guys should win on paper)

 

[MRB37]

And so you should be worried.
Teams are absolutely lethargic the week after the Darwin trip regardless of a 6 or 8 day break. I can't wait for Melbourne to cease this arrangement in Darwin.

Adelaide have certainly drawn the short straw of the competition by being fixtured to play up there. At least the Dees pocket some cash out of it (and hopefully the 4 points, though you guys should win on paper)

I imagine we were assigned the game as a result of our women's team hooking up with NT to form a side.

 

[jimvic]

I imagine we were assigned the game as a result of our women's team hooking up with NT to form a side.

Odd place for a home match for the Dees - I could believe Mt Buller, but not Darwin...

 

[Redleg Crow]

Lever on 5AA "hopeful" Lynch will be able to play this week - he is back doing full training

 

[Redleg Crow]

Rucci asking about Thommo and the "impact he had on the group" (as opposed to the impact he had on the game which was...)

 

[threefa9]

Sounds like all the impacts Thommo has on the group can be achieved by sitting in the coaching box or running drinks. Might as well get Don Pyke into the middle by the logic on 5aa

 

[BRL121]

Didn't Clarke leave brissy so he could be a vet? Why can't he do that?

Could have saved Talia a speeding ticket.

The players are animals.

 

[DD#23]

I'm not really defending for Thommo's inclusion. Just stating the fact he's playing pretty well, and the rest of SANFL team are playing below Thommo's standards.
Ok here's my take on the situation:
In Finals games with Finals pressure, the AFL senior side need to have an improved mental edge both in physicality and mentality. Whether we approve of Thommo being in the side or not, leg speed or not, his worth is providing the physicality to the AFL team. Not saying he's in the best 22, but if there were to be injuries in the Seniors, then trialling an under 10-gamer would be more of a risk than a player (Thommo) who has proven to be able to match it with physicality.
Another take is this, we need to look at it as a whole team management for the rest of this season. We can't just be one-eyed at all the "potentials", and not have a look at the players who have Finals experience and that hardness factor. If speed alone is all you need, then how is Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis still able to make impacts in games? Hard edge physicality is also a key ingredient. So therefore, we need to have a few games for the "potentials" and see what stuff they're up of, and also a few games into the Hard-nuts who have proven to play consistently hard.
Disclaimer: not here to talk all positive re- Thommo, but give some other angles on how I see it.

bullllllshit.

providing physicality takes a lot more than having the biggest biceps on the ground. Greenwood has had a stronger physical presence in his games this year than Thommo did on the weekend. He goes in hard, Thommo picks his spot and stands there. I don't care if you're built like a sumo wrestler, you can't "provide physicality" without bringing intensity and that's exactly what has left Thommo in his old age.

 

[earlsta]

Charlie Cameron's run lol

 

[1970crow]

I don't think Thommo will get dropped this week. I reckon it was a sighter for the Demons game and possibly the Cats game the week after. I think the selectors have identified (rightly or wrongly) that we need an experienced inside mid to free up the rest of them.

I'm counting on Thommo staying in, Greenwood coming in for someone else. Maybe DMac or Milera, maybe Cameron, possibly Douglas.

I don't agree with it, but that's the way I see the cards falling. There's no way they pick Thommo for just one game imo.

They did give VB those 2 games last year before ruling a permanent line through his name. The reason that I see his 2 similar to Thommo's 1 is that VB was ok against the Suns. I think he got it 20 times off a HBF, which isn't too bad. He was deplorable against GWS the next week and that was the end of his career. Had Thommo served up something better than Dmac's famous Hawthorn semi final effort, then he'd definitely be getting another go. But I won't be too surprised if a line has been ruled through his name. Obviously, he's a better chance to play than not, but there is hope that the selectors will make the right call.

 

[1970crow]

1st I agree with feenix that he will play, its not about form but its about respect. The one thing the AFC are big on is respect. (which can be a bad thing and a good thing)

Imagine that being Thompsons last game? The AFC will endeavour to get Scotty over the line and finish at a level in line with his service to the club. The excuses will be '' blowing out rust'' '' the warm air will help'' 'cant let a champion finish like that'' etc

Greenwood in for Milera ( managed)

They're unlikely to drop him after a putrid game and they sure as shit won't drop him after a decent one. The club simply couldn't face the outcry from the adoring masses. He's either gone this week or not at all. If he suits up again, then he's in till the bitter end.

 

[1970crow]

Clarke doesn't make selection decisions. Thompson won't play. Only if Pyke is overruled will he play. Luke Hodge retired graciously and said he didn't want to take the position on the field from a young developing player. Only wish Thompson put the team first and retired a couple of seasons ago when his form warranted it or the club had the guts to do what's best for the future.

Thompson has never been anything other than me first. It's how he is, it's not a secret and it doesn't lessen his contribution over the years. But it does make it harder for our selectors when he's completely finished as a footballer. And let's face it, our selectors have had trouble dropping out of form 'servants' for quite some time. Pyke hasn't made much difference there, except for calling time on VB last year. Can he be the one to tell Thommo that he's not playing.

The main issue is that guys like Rowey are being told which way to lean in their commentary. I'ts not a good sign that he remains on the Thommo bandwagon.

 

[1970crow]

Did you see Gawn in the weekend as he is really struggling.

BTW, I'm not a fan of playing JJ as #1 ruckman, particularly as he is finding decent form as KPF.

I'd ruck JJ at the centre bounces then swap with Sauce. I'd be interested to see the stats, my gut feel is that we do better in centre square bounces with JJ rucking.

 

[Vhaluus]

I'd ruck JJ at the centre bounces then swap with Sauce. I'd be interested to see the stats, my gut feel is that we do better in centre square bounces with JJ rucking.

We're better off pulling what Melbourne did without Gawn, don't play a ruck just an extra midfielder.

 

[Scorpus]

We're better off pulling what Melbourne did without Gawn, don't play a ruck just an extra midfielder.

Not sure about that. Unlike Jacobs, Gawn is adept at smashing the ball 30m to advantage when he's against an undersized ruckman

 

[Jeffcrowe]

They did give VB those 2 games last year before ruling a permanent line through his name. The reason that I see his 2 similar to Thommo's 1 is that VB was ok against the Suns. I think he got it 20 times off a HBF, which isn't too bad. He was deplorable against GWS the next week and that was the end of his career. Had Thommo served up something better than Dmac's famous Hawthorn semi final effort, then he'd definitely be getting another go. But I won't be too surprised if a line has been ruled through his name. Obviously, he's a better chance to play than not, but there is hope that the selectors will make the right call.

Can't see how Thommo plays this week

Would have been better off resting Greenwood this week and playing Thommo so Greenwood fresh for cats , resting him for home game last week was pointless

He comes straight back in for Thommo this week - no doubt about it , Thommo only plays if one of Crouches is rested which is not out of realms of possibility now I think about it

 

[fabs33]

I hear carbon is quite hard

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