Changes this week.....

[Z_K]

We need to take a risk with some kids. Ryder was just played and played. He was given CHF, ruck and CHB. It allowed them to find his best spot quickly and now he is a vital part of their set up.

We know he can play. We know he can run. He isn't Carey and won't be busting packs, but we don't need that. What's the problem with giving the kid a run? IMO, we get too smart for our own good with some of these blokes. Good footballers, potentiall great ones. Round 2 after a shit loss. Playing a skinny, young and average side. Go on, Dean, it won't hurt.

 

[Sagnak]

Down at Casey Fields a couple of weeks ago, against the Melbourne Witches Hats, he played about 20 minutes TOTAL! It was the perfect opportunity to get some miles into his legs. Everyone there noticed his absence for the bulk of the game. That's where my "underplayed in the preseason" comment stems from.

Yeah, I was there as well. Because the game was close to Pakenham a lot of his mates and friends went to watch and all were disappointed that both himself and Ben Ross only got limited game time. Lachie ran on at about the 10 minute mark of the third qtr, ran down Moloney on the wing and was promptly taken off again. Played ok in the last qtr on White and Johnson.

I heard that their game time was limited as Laidley only wanted to play 6 interchange but that Bailey went with 8 so the Roos did as well. Therefore Lachie and Ben were used sparingly. Did seem crazy that he cooled his heels on the bench on a very warm day. There was an article in the local newspaper and the picture they used was him on the bench.

 

[Benjo]

Quite a few people defending Power on the board, but I reckon he was soft on a couple of occasions, and didn't hit targets enough. Which are exactly the problems that led to him being unpopular with Doggies supporters.[/quote]

Power had 5 clearances (equal to anyone on the ground) 17 possessions (9 contested) and an efficiency of 88%. He shut down Dyson which was his main role. Credit where credit is due. He was in the best 3 for North. He is not soft at all far from it.

 

[Laz1521]

If I was picking the team, this is what I would do (not to be confused with the actual Thursday Lotto selections).

Out: Watt, Harding, Power, Swallow
In: Hansen, Ross, McMahon, Adams

Plus I'd send a message to the established 'stars' of the side and start the following blokes on the bench.

Simpson, Wells, Harvey & Rawlings.

Agree Lidge, although I watched the game again last night on Foxtel and Power was a little better than I thought live. Got some nice touches in close.

In: Hansen, Ross, McMahon, Crocker
Out: Watt, Swallow, Harding, Laidley

 

[Twinkletoes]

We need to take a risk with some kids. Ryder was just played and played. He was given CHF, ruck and CHB. It allowed them to find his best spot quickly and now he is a vital part of their set up.

We know he can play. We know he can run. He isn't Carey and won't be busting packs, but we don't need that. What's the problem with giving the kid a run? IMO, we get too smart for our own good with some of these blokes. Good footballers, potentiall great ones. Round 2 after a shit loss. Playing a skinny, young and average side. Go on, Dean, it won't hurt.

I couldn't agree more NB. FFS it's a young man's game nowadays. It shits me to tears seeing most other teams playing their kids, no matter how ready they are for it, from the get go.

I'm concerned that Hansen will become disillusioned with the club for the lack of gametime too, and decide to bugger off to another club once his contract's up. It must piss him off to see the junior members of his state team playing alot, and playing well, whilst he's left to "develop" in the VFL.

T'toes

 

[shintemaster]

Agree Lidge, although I watched the game again last night on Foxtel and Power was a little better than I thought live. Got some nice touches in close.

In: Hansen, Ross, McMahon, Crocker
Out: Watt, Swallow, Harding, Laidley

F me. Get this man in the team. Watched that game twice! Hard as nails Laz1521.

 

[spurs]

IN:Hansen,Mcmahon
Out:Watt-FOREVER,Harding

 

[Chev Chelios]

You can't seriously believe that Hansen would have made any difference to the result yesterday. North had control of the game and let it slip, it wasn't the coach, it wasn't Power, Watt, Edwards or Hale. As a team the run stopped, the players didn't work nearly as hard for each other as a normal North team does and they got what they deserved.

We got smashed in the contested ball all over the ground so to suggest changing a couple of fringe players would have altered the result is ridiculous.

Play the same team next week, save for a couple of match up changes if required, and challenge the players to commit themselves the way they did all of last season.

 

[NICK_ROOBOY83]

In: Lower, McMahon
Out: Harding, Campbell

They cross each other. Lower is better in the midfield than Campbell, McMahon arguably more useful up forward. Lower can drop in down back better than Harding.

I'd ordinarily drop Power, but there is **** all chance of that happening.

If someone comes in for Watt, it'll be Brown. Be careful what you wish for.

I heard Blake Grima had a really good game on the weekend. Ed struggled.

In: Grima, McMahon
Out: Harding, Campbell

 

[RoyalBlue]

I heard Blake Grima had a really good game on the weekend. Ed struggled.

In: Grima, McMahon
Out: Harding, Campbell

Im a particularly large Grima fan, but right now we need some midfield pace.

 

[The Filth Wizard]

You can't seriously believe that Hansen would have made any difference to the result yesterday. North had control of the game and let it slip, it wasn't the coach, it wasn't Power, Watt, Edwards or Hale. As a team the run stopped, the players didn't work nearly as hard for each other as a normal North team does and they got what they deserved.

We got smashed in the contested ball all over the ground so to suggest changing a couple of fringe players would have altered the result is ridiculous.

Play the same team next week, save for a couple of match up changes if required, and challenge the players to commit themselves the way they did all of last season.

I agree that we should start with the same team and I agree that we should drop Grant and Harding and bring in Browny and Lower.

Y'see, I just don't know. Attitude and commitment sucked yesterday. I would probably sever a few heads and bring in a couple of kids, by the pure logic that its start of the season and its Richmond.

 

[RangaInTeal]

I think Lower needs to be playing, Along with Hansen for you blokes, and if you are lacking skill, GET GREENWOOD IN THE SIDE! I have never seen a kid hit so many targets over 40/50 meters!

 

[Hoser]

You can't seriously believe that Hansen would have made any difference to the result yesterday. North had control of the game and let it slip, it wasn't the coach, it wasn't Power, Watt, Edwards or Hale. As a team the run stopped, the players didn't work nearly as hard for each other as a normal North team does and they got what they deserved.

We got smashed in the contested ball all over the ground so to suggest changing a couple of fringe players would have altered the result is ridiculous.

Play the same team next week, save for a couple of match up changes if required, and challenge the players to commit themselves the way they did all of last season.

Nuh, I don't think Hansen would have made any difference at all. I'm just saying that given the wraps on the kid, and watching how other teams develop their young talent, we need to get him playing at the top level so that he can develop as quick as possible.

If his inclusion / exclusion has no bearing on results, then get him playing and develop him ASAP. We did after all draft him to be key in our defence, and we need that sooner rather than later. What can it hurt to give him a safe place in the side for a few weeks? No matter what happens, you are in, let's see what you can do? What supporter is going to be angry if Laidley is taking time to develop our future key defender and he makes a few blunders along the way?

If he is going to be a star, we want him hitting 21 years old with a decent amount of games under his belt and a good grip on what it takes.

 

[spurs]

You can't seriously believe that Hansen would have made any difference to the result yesterday. North had control of the game and let it slip, it wasn't the coach, it wasn't Power, Watt, Edwards or Hale. As a team the run stopped, the players didn't work nearly as hard for each other as a normal North team does and they got what they deserved.

We got smashed in the contested ball all over the ground so to suggest changing a couple of fringe players would have altered the result is ridiculous.

Play the same team next week, save for a couple of match up changes if required, and challenge the players to commit themselves the way they did all of last season.

I agree with you but Hansen is our future and Watt isnt....simple

 

[NICK_ROOBOY83]

Im a particularly large Grima fan, but right now we need some midfield pace.

If we are going for pace alone then yes Lower should be picked but what about his form? Its questionable, & yes i know same could be said of most who played yesterday.

One thing i do know is that we need to make a couple of changes for the better.

 

[Chev Chelios]

Yeah fair enough RV, point taken.

I was just very disappointed with the lack of teamwork and the number of times players were left with 3 or 4 bomber players chasing them, I can't remember a decent shepherd yesterday to allow players to run through the lines. The team as selected yesterday isn't that bad and I reckon the same team would relish an opportunity to make amends.

I take your point on Hansen, but he is still only 19 and it's only Round 1. There is plenty of time to condition him for AFL, I'm really looking forward to when he has put some weight on and he can actually play a defensive post instead of being a fringe midfielder.

 

[Moti]

If we are going for pace alone then yes Lower should be picked but what about his form? Its questionable, & yes i know same could be said of most who played yesterday.

One thing i do know is that we need to make a couple of changes for the better.

When did Lower get "pace"? Not that he is slow but he wouldn't be any quicker than Swallow or Harris, but like them has the strong body. Same with Mc Mahon, not really quick. Urquart and Ross are.

 

[NICK_ROOBOY83]

When did Lower get "pace"? Not that he is slow but he wouldn't be any quicker than Swallow or Harris, but like them has the strong body. Same with Mc Mahon, not really quick. Urquart and Ross are.

He would be in our pace category. We don't have too many in that.

 

[Lidge]

Yep, good call. Though I'd probably leave Swallow in and hold off Ross for another week.

And as much as Simmo has been a great club servant, the game's just about gone past him. Those swirling high rubbish kicks into the forward line are now hurting us badly. If he was the only one doing it, he deserves his spot because of how often he gets it and uses it well in close. But when a few of them are delivering the same way, well, we'll get beaten by 55 points by most teams.

Quite a few people defending Power on the board, but I reckon he was soft on a couple of occasions, and didn't hit targets enough. Which are exactly the problems that led to him being unpopular with Doggies supporters.

Here's some damning stats (and I'm not normally one to use stats to back up an argument) to highlight just how pathetic our midfield are with their disposal.


Effective Disposal %

Simpson - 62.5% (9 of 24 disposals missing the target) + 2 clangers
Swallow - 57.1% (6 of 14 disposals butchered) + 8 clangers
Harris - 65% (7 of 20 disposals wasted) + 2 clangers
Grant - 66.7% (one third of his 27 touches gone to waste) + 5 clangers
Wells - 50% (5 of 10 touches hacked) + 1 clanger

The debutantes, Scott Thompson (92%) & Sam Power (88%) showed the usual suspects how to use a footy.

Need fresh blood and to play the blokes who can actually use the footy.

 

[Event Horizon]

My change for this week:

Out: Watt, In: McMahon

I'd drop a few more, but can't see enough blokes knocking down the door.

 

[Event Horizon]

Here's some damning stats (and I'm not normally one to use stats to back up an argument) to highlight just how pathetic our midfield are with their disposal.


Effective Disposal %

Simpson - 62.5% (9 of 24 disposals missing the target) + 2 clangers
Swallow - 57.1% (6 of 14 disposals butchered) + 8 clangers
Harris - 65% (7 of 20 disposals wasted) + 2 clangers
Grant - 66.7% (one third of his 27 touches gone to waste) + 5 clangers
Wells - 50% (5 of 10 touches hacked) + 1 clanger

The debutantes, Scott Thompson (92%) & Sam Power (88%) showed the usual suspects how to use a footy.

Need fresh blood and to play the blokes who can actually use the footy.

So give us the names of blokes you want to bring in, and who you want to drop. Nothing against Scott Thompson's game, but it's a lot easier to be 100% effective in his position than in the middle. He could well prove to be a find, but he is still raw - didn't run into space enough when we ran it out and was a bit hesitant to demand the footy I thought. That will come with games.

Power's efficiency is a good thing, but once again, he wasn't often on the run trying to make a decision.

 

[Lidge]

So give us the names of blokes you want to bring in, and who you want to drop.

Already done it in another thread. How about we make our players pass a basic skills test before they get picked?

 

[Hoser]

Yeah fair enough RV, point taken.

I was just very disappointed with the lack of teamwork and the number of times players were left with 3 or 4 bomber players chasing them, I can't remember a decent shepherd yesterday to allow players to run through the lines. The team as selected yesterday isn't that bad and I reckon the same team would relish an opportunity to make amends.

I take your point on Hansen, but he is still only 19 and it's only Round 1. There is plenty of time to condition him for AFL, I'm really looking forward to when he has put some weight on and he can actually play a defensive post instead of being a fringe midfielder.

Agreed, wasn't pretty to watch at all. On Hansen though, youmay be right, there may be plenty of time, but my opinion is that if he is going to be a gun, then he is already old enough to show the signs. We need to play him.

Some Essendon fans or stats person would know more details, but Dustin Fletcher started at 17, was a skinny runt, played in their 93 premiership the next year. Love him or hate him, he's a consistant reliable defender who you would love to have back there.

If Hansen is to be of that quality, then history says, play him, get him on the path. He will get thrown out of the way sometimes, he will get beat sometimes, but he will learn the craft, he will be better for it. If the skills are what we think they are, then he will do like Fletcher did in his early days and he will beat some bigger bodied, bigger named opponents as well. Let him get out there to try and claim some scalps.

 

[jacko57]

I think Lower needs to be playing, Along with Hansen for you blokes, and if you are lacking skill, GET GREENWOOD IN THE SIDE! I have never seen a kid hit so many targets over 40/50 meters!

Sounds good! How's his disposal?

 

[Lidge]

Sounds good! How's his disposal?

No doubting Greenwood's foot skills, but he's still adjusting to the faster pace of the game to what he was used to in the SANFL.