Changes v Bombers

[Bailey01]

Before people start talking about getting games into Grigg, let him have a few decent SANFL games before bringing him in.

 

[The19thMan]

IMO Wright needs to stay in the team, he adds another bow to the midfield and has the ability to play a few roles. He also is just a really good footballer as he makes good decisions doesn't make many mistakes. I think the coaching staff really like him as well.

EDIT: Had the 5th most touches on the weekend (21) at 85% (2nd among players with more than 9 touches)

 

[Dandy_GO]

I can remember a time when similar criticisms to those which are being applied to Jenkins were applied to Walker. The 'worlds tallest crumber' stuff. Now he's a competitive physical beast. That gives me hope for Jenkins.

I think the answer is more straight forward than him being 'soft' or anything of the sort. He's had success using his best attribute, his speed, in turning his defender and outrunning them to goal. Now he's trying to do it too often. He's still incredibly raw, the coaching staff just need to work with him and teach him that he'll still get a share of those sorts of goals from time to time, because his athleticism will demand it, but that they'll actually come more freely if his defender has to honour him as a traditional key forward too. Teach him how to use his size. It won't come naturally to him because his background isn't football.

What if Brad Moran ends up being a closer comparison?

I know you have a problem with calling guys 'soft' and I agree that it takes guts just to walk out on to a footy field at the elite level. But there will always be guys who, for whatever reason, never become comfortable with the idea of putting their body on the line and attacking a contest, whether in the air or on the ground. Not a lot of these guys survive particularly long at the top level. Whether Jenkins joins this group or improves this part of his game is largely up to him, though I do agree that the coaches will need to help him fix his mindset. I disagree that it's an issue stemming from his basketball background, however. Tippett was a basketballer, too, yet his attack on the ball was never an issue. Ben Hudson was in the same boat - he knew how to use his size very early on. Meanwhile, Moran came from a rugby background, yet we all remember how he played. Aggression and intensity aren't AFL specific qualities. While it can take time to optimally use them on an AFL field, it's generally easy to tell an aggressive player from a passive one pretty early on.

I don't think anyone is writing Jenkins off yet. But he's showing a pretty serious flaw of the kind that could render him basically a liability in finals football if left unaddressed. When the pressure is high, as it was last week, everyone needs to be attacking the contest when it's their turn. There is no doubt he has talent and tremendous scope but he really needs to start attacking the football. He's barely even crumbing at the moment, just receiving. As such, I'd be comfortable with us dropping him, as it's a lesson he can learn at SANFL level, if not for the present AFL trend of requiring a forward or defender who can backup your lead ruckman. His confidence seems particularly low right now, for whatever reason, so it's up to the coaches to address this, and get him on track towards improvement. Sometimes dropping a guy for a few games can do him a world of good...

I think all of us see enough in the guy to want him to make it. There is simply too much to work with there to not pursue him as a potential long-term player. But his mindset, for whatever reason, is wrong and his athleticism will not make up for this in finals or pressure games.

 

[Jack is Back]

What if Brad Moran ends up being a closer comparison?

I know you have a problem with calling guys 'soft' and I agree that it takes guts just to walk out on to a footy field at the elite level. But there will always be guys who, for whatever reason, never become comfortable with the idea of putting their body on the line and attacking a contest, whether in the air or on the ground. Not a lot of these guys survive particularly long at the top level. Whether Jenkins joins this group or improves this part of his game is largely up to him, though I do agree that the coaches will need to help him fix his mindset. I disagree that it's an issue stemming from his basketball background, however. Tippett was a basketballer, too, yet his attack on the ball was never an issue. Ben Hudson was in the same boat - he knew how to use his size very early on. Meanwhile, Moran came from a rugby background, yet we all remember how he played. Aggression and intensity aren't AFL specific qualities. While it can take time to optimally use them on an AFL field, it's generally easy to tell an aggressive player from a passive one pretty early on.

I don't think anyone is writing Jenkins off yet. But he's showing a pretty serious flaw of the kind that could render him basically a liability in finals football if left unaddressed. When the pressure is high, as it was last week, everyone needs to be attacking the contest when it's their turn. There is no doubt he has talent and tremendous scope but he really needs to start attacking the football. He's barely even crumbing at the moment, just receiving. As such, I'd be comfortable with us dropping him, as it's a lesson he can learn at SANFL level, if not for the present AFL trend of requiring a forward or defender who can backup your lead ruckman. His confidence seems particularly low right now, for whatever reason, so it's up to the coaches to address this, and get him on track towards improvement. Sometimes dropping a guy for a few games can do him a world of good...

I think all of us see enough in the guy to want him to make it. There is simply too much to work with there to not pursue him as a potential long-term player. But his mindset, for whatever reason, is wrong and his athleticism will not make up for this in finals or pressure games.

I can't recall Brad Moran leading our goal kicking.

 

[Dandy_GO]

I can't recall Brad Moran leading our goal kicking.

Great. Do you have time to read the rest of my post?

 

[Southerntakeover]

What if Brad Moran ends up being a closer comparison?

I know you have a problem with calling guys 'soft' and I agree that it takes guts just to walk out on to a footy field at the elite level. But there will always be guys who, for whatever reason, never become comfortable with the idea of putting their body on the line and attacking a contest, whether in the air or on the ground. Not a lot of these guys survive particularly long at the top level. Whether Jenkins joins this group or improves this part of his game is largely up to him, though I do agree that the coaches will need to help him fix his mindset. I disagree that it's an issue stemming from his basketball background, however. Tippett was a basketballer, too, yet his attack on the ball was never an issue. Ben Hudson was in the same boat - he knew how to use his size very early on. Meanwhile, Moran came from a rugby background, yet we all remember how he played. Aggression and intensity aren't AFL specific qualities. While it can take time to optimally use them on an AFL field, it's generally easy to tell an aggressive player from a passive one pretty early on.

I don't think anyone is writing Jenkins off yet. But he's showing a pretty serious flaw of the kind that could render him basically a liability in finals football if left unaddressed. When the pressure is high, as it was last week, everyone needs to be attacking the contest when it's their turn. There is no doubt he has talent and tremendous scope but he really needs to start attacking the football. He's barely even crumbing at the moment, just receiving. As such, I'd be comfortable with us dropping him, as it's a lesson he can learn at SANFL level, if not for the present AFL trend of requiring a forward or defender who can backup your lead ruckman. His confidence seems particularly low right now, for whatever reason, so it's up to the coaches to address this, and get him on track towards improvement. Sometimes dropping a guy for a few games can do him a world of good...

I think all of us see enough in the guy to want him to make it. There is simply too much to work with there to not pursue him as a potential long-term player. But his mindset, for whatever reason, is wrong and his athleticism will not make up for this in finals or pressure games.

His results already dismiss a Moran comparison.

I think it can be linked to his background. He was always a raw talent, with athletic upside but severe need of polishing. That's why he was a rookie listed player we picked up for SFA. Sure, not all from non football backgrounds necessarily face the same issues, but I'm not making that claim. I'm simply suggesting it makes sense in this scenario.

I don't think his approach to the contest is based on fear or an unwillingness, I think it's more so the case that he's been rewarded for staying on the outside a few times, and that's developed some bad habits. It's an issue that should be able to be corrected.

 

[pjcrows]

Laird and Brown out?

Pffft.

Brown was excellent on Thomas. The only kicks he got in space were frees.

Laird had his first four-quarter tagging job and is still learning.

I'd say Martin goes out for B. Crouch.

 

[Southerntakeover]

B. Crouch isn't eligible.

 

[pjcrows]

B. Crouch isn't eligible.

Damn.

Charlie in for Martin then.

 

[huludicidal]

Vs Essendon

B Brown Talia Rutten
HB Reilly Otten Jaensch
C Smith Dangerfield Sloane
HF Cameron Podsiadly Douglas
F Betts Walker Jenkins
1R Jacobs Kerridge Thompson
INT Mackay Laird Wright Henderson (SUB)

INS Henderson Cameron
OUTS Martin M Crouch

Vs Port

B Brown Talia Rutten
HB Henderson Otten Jaensch
C Smith Dangerfield Sloane
HF Cameron Podsiadly Douglas
F Betts Walker Lynch
1R Jacobs Kerridge Thompson
INT Jenkins Mackay Laird B Crouch (SUB)

INS B Crouch Lynch
OUTS Wright Reilly

In a perfect world where Darren Burgess is our fitness coach, our players have a great preseason under their belts and the coaching staff aren't blinded by faith in senior players, these changes would be great.

However, we don't live in that world.

There is not a snowball's chance in hell of Ricky Henderson taking the field against Essendon this week. Zero. None. I'd argue that he's probably only a 20% chance of playing against Port. Virtually no footy in the last 10-12 months, no preseason to speak of. He needs 3 SANFL games minimum.

I'd also argue there's no chance of Brodie Martin being dropped this week. Had an impact (albeit an inaccurate one) as the sub.

Further to that, the only hope of Tom Lynch returning for the showdown is if he plays in the SANFL this week. Are we expecting that? I haven't heard anything definitive.

Another unlikely scenario is Brent Reilly being dropped again. I want it to happen as much as the next guy, but realistically it just won't unless he is unbelievably putrid. He was definitely passable on Saturday night.


With the B Crouch suspension in mind, I think the next 3 weeks will look more like this (injuries permitting):

vs Essendon:
In: Cameron
Out: M Crouch (bloody harsh, but seems almost inevitable either this week or the following)
Sub: Wright

vs Port:
In: B Crouch
Out: Wright
Sub: Martin

vs GWS:
In: Lynch, Henderson
Out: Rutten (rest), Martin
Sub: Henderson or Laird

After this we'll review whether or not playing all of Podsiadly, Lynch, Jenkins, Walker and Otten (and Jacobs, and Talia, and one of Rutten / Hartigan) in the same team can work. I'm not convinced it can, but it's not exactly a terrible problem to have.

 

[Roo Lives Again]

Can't see how you'd drop Laird or Jaensch. Both r having good seasons. Jaensch has gone from a fringe player to a best 22...

 

[azza77]

Further to that, the only hope of Tom Lynch returning for the showdown is if he plays in the SANFL this week. Are we expecting that? I haven't heard anything definitive.

Sando said in his press conference that Lynch will be lining up in the state league this weekend.

 

[huludicidal]

Sando said in his press conference that Lynch will be lining up in the state league this weekend.

Ah fair enough, I missed that.

Well, he's some sort of chance to play against Port then I guess. I wouldn't lock it in though.

 

[azza77]

Ah fair enough, I missed that.

Well, he's some sort of chance to play against Port then I guess. I wouldn't lock it in though.

Broken jaw really doesn't stop him from losing match fitness though. Lycnhy didnt even want to take part in the People's Podcast the other week as he was on the treadmill running his arse off. Im not even sure why he needs a game in the SANFL to be completely honest. Id bring him straight back if deemed fit.

 

[CIDA]

Can't see how you'd drop Laird or Jaensch. Both r having good seasons. Jaensch has gone from a fringe player to a best 22...

Jaensch is a defensive liability. Brown and Laird have shown much more at a younger age. Having 3 small defenders doesn't bode well for us - what team has 3 genuine small forwards? I say bring Henderson back in for Jaensch when he's ready to play that rebounding half-back role.

 

[Dandy_GO]

His results already dismiss a Moran comparison.

I think it can be linked to his background. He was always a raw talent, with athletic upside but severe need of polishing. That's why he was a rookie listed player we picked up for SFA. Sure, not all from non football backgrounds necessarily face the same issues, but I'm not making that claim. I'm simply suggesting it makes sense in this scenario.

I don't think his approach to the contest is based on fear or an unwillingness, I think it's more so the case that he's been rewarded for staying on the outside a few times, and that's developed some bad habits. It's an issue that should be able to be corrected.

Point is that it's a serious enough flaw to his game that he won't amount to all that much more than Moran if he doesn't address it.

I am glad you're optimistic about his ability to fix it. I am too, though I disagree that it's simply a 'bad habit'.

But I do hope you're right.

 

[NTRabbit]

Because at some stage we'll have to realise that despite playing well sometimes, the current team isn't good enough to win a premiership, and some of those players who are playing well are going to need to be replaced by players who are going to play better

Unfortunately, unless there's a hidden gem or two in our draftees from the last two years yet to explode, those player are going to have to come from our first round, if we're lucky second round, and if we're stupidly lucky later round draft picks over the next 2-3 seasons.

 

[TheLeftFist8]

Jenkins poor contested marking makes it tough to drop Pods.

Walker is decent at it but better on the lead, as is Jenkins and Lynch, but Pods is our best bail out long option atm.

So at this stage we play all 4, with Lynch essentially a mid.

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

Crouchy has been offered one week by the SANFL. Unsure if we will contest but doubtful I would think.

Looks like he can spend all weekend running laps.

Crap - stupid punch by him, given he will slow his badly needed return to the AFL team.

What do we lose by contesting?

 

[George 13]

Broken jaw really doesn't stop him from losing match fitness though. Lycnhy didnt even want to take part in the People's Podcast the other week as he was on the treadmill running his arse off. Im not even sure why he needs a game in the SANFL to be completely honest. Id bring him straight back if deemed fit.

I would also have no problem with Lynch coming straight back in.

When he returned earlier in the year he was nearly BOG IIRC, I know this will not happen and maybe it is the correct decision, Just so he can find touch more than fitness.

 

[Wright Away]

Jenkins needs to go to the Sloane school of contested marking. I love Jenkins but his contested marking reminds me of Luke Jericho, looks like tarzan, plays like Jane.

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

That leaves Jaensch, Laird, Wright, JPod and MCrouch fighting for the last 2 spots, assuming the form of Jenkins and Douglas doesn't nose dive any further. In reality, Matt Crouch would be first to go right now though he will likely get one more week to prove otherwise.

That brings us to the structural questions and the famed yet never seen 4 tall forwards! In reality, Lynch whilst slow has massive running capacity and can play high HF/wing/midfield so that's probably the answer. Wright may be the unlucky one to go next for Lynch, with JPod remaining until he gets a planned rest if required.

The final spot then goes to a 7th defender: Laird v Jaensch.

IMO, Wright v Laird.

 

[mcday]

Jaensch is a defensive liability. Brown and Laird have shown much more at a younger age. Having 3 small defenders doesn't bode well for us - what team has 3 genuine small forwards? I say bring Henderson back in for Jaensch when he's ready to play that rebounding half-back role.

Except if people actually watched Jaensch instead of assuming he was poor defensively (like last year), they would realise that he's actually much improved in this area, to the point that he is at the very least competent. He's had one bad defensive game all year, to say he is still a liability is ridiculous.

 

[StonesThrow]

Crouch suspended. Not that I think he should have played anyway.

Cameron will probably come in for Martin.

Lynch I think will play reserves this week. Has to come in the week after but not sure who comes out.

Jenkins gives flexibility in the ruck so I don't think he will be dropped unless he has a few more down weeks in a row and we are forced to.

Get Crouch and Lynch back and we are almost bang on best 22.

 

[Bicks]

Crouch suspended. Not that I think he should have played anyway.

Cameron will probably come in for Martin.

Lynch I think will play reserves this week. Has to come in the week after but not sure who comes out.

Jenkins gives flexibility in the ruck so I don't think he will be dropped unless he has a few more down weeks in a row and we are forced to.

Get Crouch and Lynch back and we are almost bang on best 22.

Probably delay his recall by another week most likely...not great news!