Full Teams:
GEELONG
B: Milburn, Scarlett, Harley
HB: Rooke, Mooney, Hunt
C: Riccardi, Bartel, Byrnes
HF: G.Ablett, Playfair, S.Johnson
F: Kingsley, N.Ablett, Chapman
FOLL: King,Corey, Ling
I/C: Kelly, Egan, Sanderson, Chambers
EMG: Koulouriotis, Tenace, Mackie
WEST COAST
B: Banfield, Glass, Staker
HB: Chick, Hunter, Stenglein
C: Kerr, Cousins, Braun
HF: R.Jones, Hansen, Morton
F: Sampi, Lynch, Seaby
FOLL: Cox, Judd, Fletcher
I/C: Green, B.Jones, Nicoski, Selwood
EMG: Butler, Graham, LeCras
I don't like the idea of a half fit Harley up against Hansen, they might be planning on playing Mooney or Egan on him. Unfortunately this would leave Harley to match up on Seaby who would have an obvious height advantage. I think Hunt will go to Sampi, Milburn to R.Jones and Rooke to take Morton. Nicoski will probably play forward unless his run is required down back due to Wirrapunda missing, and Rooke will probably be best for him, unless Hunt is available.
Glad that Wirrapunda is out (condolences to him for his loss), but this means that the Eagles will lack their usual rebound from defence. Chick will be more important and I think G.Ablett should try to keep him out of the play, work into space and use his pace and evasiveness to beat Chick. I'd imagine Staker will play on N.Ablett with Glass on Kingsley and Hunter on Playfair. This will leave Banfield for Chapman and Stenglein or B.Jones for Johnson.
For the midfield, Ling to play on Cousins in his usual defensive/offensive role. Kelly to tag Judd because he has been in poor form and is a good tackler with a bit of pace. Wouldn't mind seeing Sando move into the middle to play on Fletcher, he has been struggling lately but is tough and can set up play well, I think he may trouble Fletcher. Ricco should play on Kerr and make him accountable, pressure him and take his eye of the game. Byrnes on Braun is the last matchup. All must be accountable for their opponents, they will get no slack from West Coast and must make sure they give none back.
Wouldn't mind seeing Ablett drag Chick out of the defensive 50 and then stack the forward line with Mooney, N.Ablett and Kingsley with SJ and Chappy for crumbs. i think this could create a real headache for the Eagles, and as these guys are all very agile for big men, would not hinder us even in poor conditions. Playfair would lead up the ground and then have 3 big options to kick to.
Just a few thoughts
