Prediction Changes: Round 20 vs West Coast Eagles

[Mr Cheese]

Obvious move is playing Sharp fatside, and NOD taking Johnno's role.

Agree Walker could be an in (makes sense against a weaker side) with Banners going to Johnno's spot, but think JLo will stick to the back 6 as is, and reward Sharp's WAFL form.

Would love to see Dudley in, but can't see where it happens currently.

We've got options and some excellent depth though; bodes well for the future.

 

[Wizard]

Obvious move is playing Sharp fatside, and NOD taking Johnno's role.

Agree Walker could be an in (makes sense against a weaker side) with Banners going to Johnno's spot, but think JLo will stick to the back 6 as is, and reward Sharp's WAFL form.

Would love to see Dudley in, but can't see where it happens currently.

We've got options and some excellent depth though; bodes well for the future.

We have a super talented 18-year-old playing a somewhat similar role at the moment that looks like he needs a breather. I certainly wouldn't oppose giving him a week to freshen up.

 

[CaseySibosadoHOF]

I think the main questions are who was gonna come out of the 22 for Young, and can you keep that player in the team with Johnson out. Coz Johnno barely plays inside these days.

The answer to the first question was probably either Darcy (rest) or Worner/Banfield (dropped) with Wagner slotting back. Or you would've maybe dropped them both and bring in Walker too.

The second is a bit more intriguing. Our wing rotations since dropping Sharp have been NOD and Johnno with some Wagner and JOM. On the eye, Johnno and NOD seem quite clearly our 2 best non-Sharp runners. You can possibly get away with NOD on one wing and JOM/Banners/Wagner rotating on the other - basically last season except replace Sharp with NOD. Would be a big step up in responsibility for NOD though. One thing that struck me being at the Hawks game is how much Johnno and NOD would switch roles.

 

[stax on the mull]

Not that we have to crack the Eagles code when they're steamrolling their way to another wooden spoon, but I expect they'll try and add some pace this week as Richmond really exposed them with that. Hewett is one that probably comes back in.

I'd err on the side of a runner to replace Johnson. Walker, Erasmus, Sharp in that order. No experiments, with Fyfe going back through Peel. Wagner, O'Driscoll, O'Meara the main wing rotations, maybe even a bit of Worner. Banfield most likely sub.

Also have to play Pearce if he's ready. Needs to have games at AFL level so he's not rusty when we get to the Brisbane and Western Bulldogs games.

 

[Cesoir]

Yes he was. I think he would shore that up and cover enough of what we lose with Johnson going down. Also with Walker ready to return, the spot is there in the back line.

I wouldn't want two one-sided wingers. Both Drizzy and Bailey have right feet which are decorative only.

 

[FreoGirl]

Out: Johnson and Banfield
In: Simpson and Walker

FB: Ryan McDonald Walker
HB: Clark Cox Chapman
C: Wagner Young O'Driscoll
HF: Bolton Treacy Switkowski
FF: Amiss Voss Frederick

R: Darcy Jackson Brayshaw

I: Serong Reid O'Meara Worner

S: Simpson

Why in hades is Banfield out?!

 

[Wray27]

Think a lot of people have misread the role Johnson was playing for us tbh.

He's been playing too much winger to be replaced by some of the players suggested. Will be interesting how the club throws the magnets around if that's what they choose to do. Sharp is the only actual wing replacement.

And Banfield who filled the role previously pretty well. Walker into the back 7 and maybe JOM sub if Young doesn’t need another week of limited minutes.

 

[Wray27]

Out - Johnson
In - Fyfe

Any sauce with that post

 

[oldgoat]

Carlton have a break long enough from their Thursday night game this weekend to the Sunday game against us the following week to replace their coach and get that bounce that comes with it.

So we need to really want them to win this Thursday, not just to keep the Hawks away from a win, but so they don't come to Perth with a new coach and terrified players desperate to impress.

I won't be upset if we put the weapons away after the third quarter and walk to the final siren against the Eagles - I would much prefer to win by 100 points plus. Josh Treacy needs 26 goals to catch up to the Coleman Medal leaders. That'd be nice.

You think a lot about the "between the ears" aspects of the game Taylor.
Impossible to quantify but brutally important.

 

[Docker82]

And Banfield who filled the role previously pretty well. Walker into the back 7 and maybe JOM sub if Young doesn’t need another week of limited minutes.

Should’ve said that Sharp is the only option outside of throwing magnets around.

If you bring in an inside mid (Young) or small defender (Walker) we’ll need to change a few players roles to make that work.

Think we’ll eventually see Walker back in and we’ll obviously see Young in for a full game this week or next. Got a feeling Young starts with a plan of subbing him out - if we get an injury he just plays limited minutes from when the injury occurs.

 

[DocT]

Obvious move is playing Sharp fatside, and NOD taking Johnno's role.

Agree Walker could be an in (makes sense against a weaker side) with Banners going to Johnno's spot, but think JLo will stick to the back 6 as is, and reward Sharp's WAFL form.

Would love to see Dudley in, but can't see where it happens currently.

We've got options and some excellent depth though; bodes well for the future.

The Peel performances aren't backing up what you say about 'excellent depth'.
Apart from Dudley apparently none of them were strong on the weekend.
We desperately need Young to stay fit.
A coordinated, settled, solid defensive unit, Jackson and Young adding power and elite skills to a solid mid-field, excellent delivery to a potent tall forward line that can kick straight, the X-factor of Bolton and Dudley - I hope we burn the place down on Saturday. LFG.

 

[Boomer93]

Why in hades is Banfield out?!

He was really poor, didnt deal with the pressure well at all. That last kick was clutch but it didnt make up for all of his other errors. If we had have lost that game people would be judging his game much more harshly.

 

[_007_]

Why in hades is Banfield out?!

We are in contention and tough calls come with the territory.

Also I don't rate him.

 

[oldgoat]

The win against the Pies swings the door open for potential this season for so many clubs.

Freo are currently:
2 wins +% away from being 1st
2 wins away from being 2nd
1 win +% away from 3rd
Only % out of 4th

On current ladder:
2nd plays 8th this weekend
6th and 9th play R21
3rd and 5th play R21
1st and 2nd play R21
1st and 5th R22
2nd and 7th R23
6th and 8th R23
1st and 3rd R23
7th and 9th R24
2nd and 5th R24

It's going to shake out. Only one of those teams can win those.

Dilemma for me is do we cheer for the sides above us to beat the sides just below us to sure up a finals place, or do we back ourselves to keep winning and hope the teams below us beat the teams above us so we can get into the top four?

Cheering doesnt cost/gain us anything, so win every game for TOP FOUR!
Yokai!

 

[oldgoat]

I think WC would throw everything they have at Freo this weekend. Melbourne the week after will be playing a side that has run a game and a half of repeat sprints the week before, heavy legs and mentally spent.

Certainly, if I were a WC fan, nothing else matters this year now other than beating Freo this weekend and potentially stuffing up their finals run.

If it were the other way around?
You bet...last chance to hold up our heads where it matters!
They will dig deep.

 

[FreoGirl]

We are in contention and tough calls come with the territory.

Also I don't rate him.

Haters going to hate

 

[s_wd6]

I think just keep it simple and swap Jonno for either Fyfe or Sharp.

Walker I still think should be playing back over Banfield cos he's more of a point of difference there, but I'm not fussed either way after that kick from Banners.

 

[bellie4pm]

Kinda feel we either put erasmus back in or we commit to trading him end of season. He needs to know one way or the other

 

[bellie4pm]

I think the main questions are who was gonna come out of the 22 for Young, and can you keep that player in the team with Johnson out. Coz Johnno barely plays inside these days.

The answer to the first question was probably either Darcy (rest) or Worner/Banfield (dropped) with Wagner slotting back. Or you would've maybe dropped them both and bring in Walker too.

The second is a bit more intriguing. Our wing rotations since dropping Sharp have been NOD and Johnno with some Wagner and JOM. On the eye, Johnno and NOD seem quite clearly our 2 best non-Sharp runners. You can possibly get away with NOD on one wing and JOM/Banners/Wagner rotating on the other - basically last season except replace Sharp with NOD. Would be a big step up in responsibility for NOD though. One thing that struck me being at the Hawks game is how much Johnno and NOD would switch roles.

Give sharp a chance to atone and show he can contribute more?

 

[CaseySibosadoHOF]

Give sharp a chance to atone and show he can contribute more?

Probably would be my pick especially for this week. Easiest fit, and NOD probably plays better more in the contest anyways. Also imagine Johnno would've been set for a role on Harley like last derby. Surely NOD's the best replacement to take that role.

 

[WilloTree]

Sharp in for Johnson

 

[Flour bag punter]

With mj looking like he is out a fit Fyfe coming in towards round 22 could be just what we need going into the finals. If he gets back to being able to play 70% game time we have a chance of goi no

I suspect we might see:

In - Ras, Walker
Out - MJ, Worner

Ras to get the vest.

That would be a tough call on Worner. He has been a key cog in a backline that has stood up to amazing pressure in the past few weeks. I would simply replace MJ. Walker a candidate along with Ras

 

[Stinky Lomax]

We’ve had 2 finals like games in a row that no doubt have been taxing mentally & physically. This is a mental battle more than anything else, if we’re off at the start it could be a grind.

Concentrate on the first 10 minutes & get the pressure right, the rest will fall into place by setting the standard early.

It’s the right time for Walker to come in as others have said with the magnets being shifted. Jom, Nod & Wagner to take the wings & Young starts with the hope of subbing him out towards the end of third.

Worner or Banfield to sub, horses for courses as both have played their roles well but it’s a good problem to have.

disclaimer Everything I suggested last week was wrong so it’s likely none of the above will happen.

 

[anchor man]

Out: Johnson and Banfield
In: Simpson and Walker

FB: Ryan McDonald Walker
HB: Clark Cox Chapman
C: Wagner Young O'Driscoll
HF: Bolton Treacy Switkowski
FF: Amiss Voss Frederick

R: Darcy Jackson Brayshaw

I: Serong Reid O'Meara Worner

S: Simpson

Banfield out!¡!! Seriously?

 

[anchor man]

He was really poor, didnt deal with the pressure well at all. That last kick was clutch but it didnt make up for all of his other errors. If we had have lost that game people would be judging his game much more harshly.

Puulleeeease. Gimme a break.