Unofficial Preview Changes v Giants Round 7?

[Section 5]

What benefit do you see replacing Lester with Withderden?

Ryan played well against WCE & Adelaide but that was above the standard he has produced in his years at the Lions
He was back to the basic Ryan Lester game in the last two rounds.
He has been a solid player for the Lions in his 131 games and now in his tenth year at the club.
I don't see much improvement in Ryan's game going forward. I will be happy to be proven wrong.
Playing over 130 games of AFL is a great achievement and Ryan should be proud of that record
If you want a player to fill a gap in the side Ryan will do a solid job

Ryan's best year was in 2017 when he averaged 16 disposals, played 22 games and finished 9th in the B&F.
The Lions finished last on the ladder that year.
He played 15 games in 2018 went the lions finished 15th.
He only played 9 games in 2019 where we finished 2nd in the H & A season.
Not in our best 22 last year. I imagine he would have got more games if we had more injuries last year.

Witherden is 21 and played 54 games and starting his 4th year.
I see more improvement in Alex going forward
Showed us in his first game in round 14 year 2017 that he had big potential.
Followed it up with another two excellent years in 2018 & 2019
His round 1 game against the Hawks was ordinary and after a long break to round two found himself out of the 22
Alex played okay against GWS in the final but we all remember he had no leg speed to chase down was it Lloyd who sealed the game for GWS
I am happy too have a smaller defender in against GWS and add another good kick out of half back

 

[X AE A12]

I watched the preseason match against Freo and Skinner took a great pack mark, don't remember seeing Fullarton do anything of note. Listening to Skinner's interview on the Roar Deal as I would like to understand why Fullerton should be considered in front of him and all I hear is a bloke trying to do everything right to get a spot in the best 22.

If he doesn't get a spot and misses out as no other clubs are onto him then that'll suck, but I sure wouldn't mind a look while we've got the chance when Lionel Ronaldo Mcstay keeps elating us

 

[TyEdwards27]

I watched the preseason match against Freo and Skinner took a great pack mark, don't remember seeing Fullarton do anything of note. Listening to Skinner's interview on the Roar Deal as I would like to understand why Fullerton should be considered in front of him and all I hear is a bloke trying to do everything right to get a spot in the best 22.

If he doesn't get a spot and misses out as no other clubs are onto him then that'll suck, but I sure wouldn't mind a look while we've got the chance when Lionel Ronaldo Mcstay keeps elating us

100% agree

 

[Scubaveg]

There isn’t a consistent goal kicker in the AFL this season. Expecting McStay to do it is ridiculous

At least he seems to be kicking straight. 6 goals no behinds yeah?


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[Scubaveg]

Almost the same issues for Skinner as Matheson. They both need a chance to get into the 22 by injury and then really take that chance and make it impossible for Fagan & Co to leave them out. If this season ends without him getting that chance, I cant see him being included again in season 2021. There are also questions about his pace considering his serious leg issues have definitely taken away some of his speed. I hope I am wrong because I would be happy to see him get his chance again & make it however there have been many players in the same situation as Skinner who were let go.

Mathieson has had he’s chance. He’s had plenty of chances and hasn’t taken them.


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[briztoon]

Hahaha I get what you mean, but even the people that were at the game that I’ve spoken to said he was clearly best on ground

G’day Mr Skinner, welcome to BigFooty.

 

[Big Sauce 21]

If Fagan has a weakness in a very good coaching style it's team selection. Tom Berry should be down the pecking order

 

[Scubaveg]

Wow, jackess says something that I can agree with. I completely agree that expecting McStay to do better is ridiculous. But I would say this because after five games, twenty quarters, he has been a passenger except for one quarter. I do not see that saying because other forwards are doing poorly we can excuse our forwards. That's not a logical argument. Are you saying, for example, that he is playing as well as Dixon, or lynch?

Last season was similar. I use to cut him some slack when we were a crap team but he drops simple marks and has missed any important shot at goal he has ever taken. We were under sized down back against Geelong. Both Andrews and Gardener were constantly out marked by big forwards.

Could I point out Josh walker has beaten his direct opponent four weeks in a row now with North. In some ways he is a McStay look alike: a good backman and a crap forward but he would have been useful down back as McStay might have been.

Walker was delisted as we have an upgrade in Adams. Adams did a fine job on Hawkins last year. Adams is injures yes, but he’s the big body we are missing down back.


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[StevoJenkins]

Not sure if you’ve seen Fullarton play, but imo he is just not up to it, he is thin and gets pushed aside way to easily, plays similarly to Hipwood so I’m not sure if I could see Fullarton get a game.

You sure he plays like Hipwood? Keep in mind Hipwood is not and does not play like a key forward, he's more of a half forward flanker, whereas Fullarton plays more like a key forward from what I've seen. Is also impressing the coaches from what was seen on a Lions YT video a few weeks ago.

 

[Scubaveg]

I just don’t understand how Skinner has such a good preseason (according to Cornes, was BOG in our practice match) but then can’t crack into the 22... feel sorry for the kid. McStay has had 1 good game this year but manages to keep his spot after some very poor performances. I just don’t see why Fagan wouldn’t try Skinner out in that spot... I’m hoping this week McStay goes back to play on one of the three GWS talls, opening a forward spot for Skinner to come in and finally prove himself.

There’s 27 players in Sydney. Skinner is one of them. He’s in the traveling party and clearly next cab off the rank. Fingers crossed Sam gets his chance.


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[TyEdwards27]

You sure he plays like Hipwood? Keep in mind Hipwood is not and does not play like a key forward, he's more of a half forward flanker, whereas Fullarton plays more like a key forward from what I've seen. Is also impressing the coaches from what was seen on a Lions YT video a few weeks ago.

I get what you mean, I was more thinking his built and the way he contests the football

 

[Johnny Bananas]

Walker was delisted as we have an upgrade in Adams. Adams did a fine job on Hawkins last year. Adams is injures yes, but he’s the big body we are missing down back.

It seems Fagan had a clear plan in mind with recruiting Adams, where he and Harris take the main threats, freeing Gardiner to play as the third tall. And that seems like a sensible plan. What concerns me is that whenever Adams is injured, we seem to be deviating from that plan and using Gardiner on a main threat, which I'm not sure is his best role. Why isn't Adams being replaced with a similarly big body?

I get that Josh Walker was too similar to Harris, and perhaps Payne isn't ready for the seniors yet, but there are other options. Maybe Eagles gets promoted now that McFadyen is out long term, he could fill that role. I personally think the best option would be sending McStay back to take advantage of his aerial ability and field kicking better, but Fagan isn't likely to move him from the forward line unfortunately.

 

[TyEdwards27]

It seems Fagan had a clear plan in mind with recruiting Adams, where he and Harris take the main threats, freeing Gardiner to play as the third tall. And that seems like a sensible plan. What concerns me is that whenever Adams is injured, we seem to be deviating from that plan and using Gardiner on a main threat, which I'm not sure is his best role. Why isn't Adams being replaced with a similarly big body?

I get that Josh Walker was too similar to Harris, and perhaps Payne isn't ready for the seniors yet, but there are other options. Maybe Eagles gets promoted now that McFadyen is out long term, he could fill that role. I personally think the best option would be sending McStay back to take advantage of his aerial ability and field kicking better, but Fagan isn't likely to move him from the forward line unfortunately.

I’d like to see McStay down back too. Wouldn’t be mad if Payne got a crack though as another tall defender to counter GWS talls.

 

[luthor]

Personally I'd like to see Birchall "rested", McStay given a run down back and Skinner brought in for McStay's forward spot. The feeling seems to be that Skinner is ready and McStay has performed well as a backman in the past

I would also like to see Christensen brought in for ah Chee.

Allen has the advantage of being able to rotate forward or back depending on the state of the game. And he's a really professional player who can relied on to do a job.

 

[pulpdriver]

Don't think there will be any changes with the 11 day turnaround. Birch lucky. Was optimistic that he'd be revitalised and an important member of the team. Not to be it seems.

 

[CarterS]

Fox Sports article about talking points of the round identifies the territorial differential for GWS, last few weeks lost the inside 50 count by a dozen or more in the last month, we are a good team at locking it in and winning the territory battle, will be interesting here on the weekend.

 

[X AE A12]

Personally I'd like to see Birchall "rested", McStay given a run down back and Skinner brought in for McStay's forward spot. The feeling seems to be that Skinner is ready and McStay has performed well as a backman in the past

I would also like to see Christensen brought in for ah Chee.

Allen has the advantage of being able to rotate forward or back depending on the state of the game. And he's a really professional player who can relied on to do a job.

I remember Christensen being more regrettable than Witherden against GWS with his defensive fwd pressure but agree he has a high ceiling and is really dangerous around the fwd pack for scoring. We need a catalyst.

 

[luthor]

Don't think there will be any changes with the 11 day turnaround. Birch lucky. Was optimistic that he'd be revitalised and an important member of the team. Not to be it seems.

When Birchall was at his peak with the Hawks, he provided plenty of run from half back up to the wing and then used his kick to find dangerous targets up field.

I've seen scant evidence of that so far this season. He still has the nice kick but my impression is that most of the time its the standard long down the line or thereabouts from a standing start.

Maybe it's a matter of building fitness but we're now 6 rounds in and I don't see any significant improvement in his game

Luke Hodge he is not.

If Fages doesn't spell him for this upcoming game I'll be disappointed

 

[Gadzorks]

Ryan played well against WCE & Adelaide but that was above the standard he has produced in his years at the Lions
He was back to the basic Ryan Lester game in the last two rounds.
He has been a solid player for the Lions in his 131 games and now in his tenth year at the club.
I don't see much improvement in Ryan's game going forward. I will be happy to be proven wrong.
Playing over 130 games of AFL is a great achievement and Ryan should be proud of that record
If you want a player to fill a gap in the side Ryan will do a solid job

Ryan's best year was in 2017 when he averaged 16 disposals, played 22 games and finished 9th in the B&F.
The Lions finished last on the ladder that year.
He played 15 games in 2018 went the lions finished 15th.
He only played 9 games in 2019 where we finished 2nd in the H & A season.
Not in our best 22 last year. I imagine he would have got more games if we had more injuries last year.

Witherden is 21 and played 54 games and starting his 4th year.
I see more improvement in Alex going forward
Showed us in his first game in round 14 year 2017 that he had big potential.
Followed it up with another two excellent years in 2018 & 2019
His round 1 game against the Hawks was ordinary and after a long break to round two found himself out of the 22
Alex played okay against GWS in the final but we all remember he had no leg speed to chase down was it Lloyd who sealed the game for GWS
I am happy too have a smaller defender in against GWS and add another good kick out of half back

I think Lester was unlucky to come through in the super sub era. His versatility meant he was an ideal super sub as he could fill in all over the field, but it meant he never got to focus and nail down a single position. He’s have had to train at both ends of the ground.

I like that he is getting the opportunity now and wish him the best, as I don’t think he’ll get another go at it.

 

[Gadzorks]

I remember Christensen being more regrettable than Witherden against GWS with his defensive fwd pressure but agree he has a high ceiling and is really dangerous around the fwd pack for scoring. We need a catalyst.

I thought Christensen was contributing a lot of leadership and direction in the forward line. He has an impressive record even if his absolute peak is behind him, and he understands the forward structures and roles.

Our forwards are crying out for a mature head to organise them on field. Really wish they’d bring him back for a few games and see if it settles the younger players.

 

[briztoon]

Personally I'd like to see Birchall "rested", McStay given a run down back and Skinner brought in for McStay's forward spot. The feeling seems to be that Skinner is ready and McStay has performed well as a backman in the past

I would also like to see Christensen brought in for ah Chee.

Allen has the advantage of being able to rotate forward or back depending on the state of the game. And he's a really professional player who can relied on to do a job.

Ah Chee can play at both end of the grounds, up until this point in his career, he’s played predominantly forward.

Playing as a defender does appear to come naturally for him.

 

[briztoon]

It seems Fagan had a clear plan in mind with recruiting Adams, where he and Harris take the main threats, freeing Gardiner to play as the third tall. And that seems like a sensible plan. What concerns me is that whenever Adams is injured, we seem to be deviating from that plan and using Gardiner on a main threat, which I'm not sure is his best role. Why isn't Adams being replaced with a similarly big body?

I get that Josh Walker was too similar to Harris, and perhaps Payne isn't ready for the seniors yet, but there are other options. Maybe Eagles gets promoted now that McFadyen is out long term, he could fill that role. I personally think the best option would be sending McStay back to take advantage of his aerial ability and field kicking better, but Fagan isn't likely to move him from the forward line unfortunately.

I’m not sure if coaches actually recruit players.

I believe it more likely that Noble and Ambrogio recruited Adams.

It’s more likely the coach identifies areas of need to fill as part of list management discussions.

 

[dlanod]

I’m not sure if coaches actually recruit players.

I believe it more likely that Noble and Ambrogio recruited Adams.

It’s more likely the coach identifies areas of need to fill as part of list management discussions.

I think at our club they work pretty closely together in an iterative fashion - one identifies areas of need, one suggests players, and then they confirm whether those could fill the need.

 

[luthor]

Ah Chee can play at both end of the grounds, up until this point in his career, he’s played predominantly forward.

Playing as a defender does appear to come naturally for him.

I'm not entirely convinced he's a natural defender.

I was at a pre-season training session late last year and I recall Keirdon Coleman and Ah Chee going head to head in match simulation. I reckon Coleman did him cold on nearly every occasion.

Sure, I know match simulation is different to the real thing but after watching that I was left with the impression that either Coleman was seriously good, or Ah Chee wasn't really a defender on a like for like basis.

Whatever, I seriously hope Coleman gets a run sometime this year.

 

[StevoJenkins]

I get what you mean, I was more thinking his built and the way he contests the football

I guess you have to remember that he’s only resumed playing in 2019, he’s still got time to make it and can take a better mark than McStay.