Unofficial Preview Changes v North Melbourne

[Vdubs]

IN: Taylor, Parfitt, Dahlhaus, Narkle

OUT: Henderson, S.Selwood, Rohan, Clark

Hendo and Scooter dropped.

Love the changes.

This weather, heavy ground, I can't believe SS is dropped. Just the game for his strength and tackling.

 

[Vdubs]

Probably because we aren't looking at resting Hawkins or Ratugolea this weekend - one line I read about Forts 6 goals is that they all came within 10m of the goal line (maybe an exaggeration, can't say either way as I wasn't at the game).

But if he kicked 6 goals it's probably a good indication that he wasn't playing as the #1 ruck and as such isn't in consideration for that role in the seniors this week

Not sure how any of that has any relation to him being drafted last year though - speculation that Abbott may want out & Smith is out of contract, which would leave Stanley & Fort as the only genuine rucks on our list, in which case it's not a wasted pick as it means he's had 12 months in our system & we'll see how he goes next year

Spot-on.
And players must realise playing for the current #1 team, that competition for spots is keen, and patience is a virtue.

 

[Play it Sam]

I think you have failed to grasp Seeds 1st theorem of judging a player’s pace:

“Speed is inversely proportional to height”

Smith must be an outlier in that study, and in the one done at training
"The bigger they are the harder they fall."
Just sayin' not blamin'

 

[year of the cat]

Is it really worth arguing over salad sandwiches or salad rolls ... ?

Unfortuetly I think we have become Nero on our ruck divison.. we have to get serious and get a kid under 25 ..that can grow into the role. I have been disappointed with Fort as he just doesnt have enough spring..which the club should have known..

So at years end ..are we a legit chance still ( have to win at least 2 finals for me to think that ) .. then we can top up with a much better class of ruck.. other wize get a talented kid and wait.

Does help this week... so I say I'll have a Salad Wrap ... we should have given Abbott a go..

I agree. Our rucks need a clean out and we need to invest long term in a young elite ruck when we get the opportunity. Contracts aside, I'd be punting Abbott, Smith, Buzza and even Fort is certainty. Our crop is a shambles.

 

[Cataholic]

I agree. Our rucks need a clean out and we need to invest long term in a young elite ruck when we get the opportunity. Contracts aside, I'd be punting Abbott, Smith, Buzza and even Fort is certainty. Our crop is a shambles.

What do you estimate the cost would be in doing that?

 

[Vdubs]

No he's actually dirty not hard. Does little things after tackles and on the ground.

I see him as a great and tough and fearless player- would love him with us.

 

[Cronin]

So how are we going to move the ball quickly from defence if we get rid of touhy. Regardless of form he is literally the only player in defence who can kick and help move the ball forward quickly.

Well he needs to start doing it.
If not, get him out and get Duncan to play loose or get Narkle off HB with O'Connor and start running it out of defence.

You only need to hit one target in the middle and everything opens up, so they need to start being more adventurous.

 

[Cronin]

Agree. ++
But was reacting to posters wanting him dropped this week.

Yep, and I was backing you up

 

[Vdubs]

I agree. Our rucks need a clean out and we need to invest long term in a young elite ruck when we get the opportunity. Contracts aside, I'd be punting Abbott, Smith, Buzza and even Fort is certainty. Our crop is a shambles.

The last elite young gun ruck we invested in was often injured, and now getting many games at GWS. And not talking Mummy here.
St. Kilda's Marshall is a beauty in the making.
But they are so hit and miss.

 

[Goggin Our Best]

I thought last week was Smith's last game in the hoops but turns out it's this week. If you're losing the hitouts regardless then at least Stanley runs hard.

Excited to see Parfitt back and Narkle has been doing more than enough for a shot. Would have liked to have seen Constable come in, I'll be keeping an eye on the late ins.

How did Smith stay in?

Why -( and your allowed to constructively criticise )

What does he actually do - he doesnt run - he shuffles - and he slips over alot - and he cant kick over a jam tin - if he was on the Champion Kick comp - Bruce Andrew would have given him about 2 out of 10

Blokes like Wojinski use to get me excited - not shufflers like Parfitt

Heavy conditions Sat night - hes been totally out of form - coming back from a back injury - he will be about as usefull as a hip pocket on a singlet - and i couldnt give a stufff about his pressure acts

 

[Vdubs]

Why -( and your allowed to constructively criticise )

What does he actually do - he doesnt run - he shuffles - and he slips over alot - and he cant kick over a jam tin - if he was on the Champion Kick comp - Bruce Andrew would have given him about 2 out of 10

Blokes like Wojinski use to get me excited - not shufflers like Parfitt

Heavy conditions Sat night - hes been totally out of form - coming back from a back injury - he will be about as usefull as a hip pocket on a singlet - and i couldnt give a stufff about his pressure acts

Loved Wojo.
Tend to agree about 2019 Parfitt.
Last year he looked really promising.
What are your thoughts about Scooter?
Is he cooked?
I would have thought Saturday was purpose built for his career resurrection.

 

[Goggin Our Best]

Loved Wojo.
Tend to agree about 2019 Parfitt.
Last year he looked really promising.
What are your thoughts about Scooter?
Is he cooked?
I would have thought Saturday was purpose built for his career resurrection.

I agree with your thoughts ( even allowing for the fact that i have bagged Scooter allyear - didnt want him in the team etc ) however i thought he played quite well against the Swans - he looked super fit - body was in great shape etc - Last week he wasnt Geelongs worst - and as you say heavy conditions Sat night - perfect for him - however he is an emergency - and if it is teaming rain Scott might bring him in

Your man Parsons must be scratching his head why hes not in - id much prefer him to Parfitt

 

[Vdubs]

I agree with your thoughts ( even allowing for the fact that i have bagged Scooter allyear - didnt want him in the team etc ) however i thought he played quite well against the Swans - he looked super fit - body was in great shape etc - Last week he wasnt Geelongs worst - and as you say heavy conditions Sat night - perfect for him - however he is an emergency - and if it is teaming rain Scott might bring him in

Your man Parsons must be scratching his head why hes not in - id much prefer him to Parfitt

Yes, thought Parsons would have been an adequate Clark replacement, playing at his favourite wing/hbf spot. Anyway, this becomes a really must-win game if we actually want a double chance "home" final.
I can not imagine our team THIS WEEK minus Scooter. Agreed, he should likely be in.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

What do you estimate the cost would be in doing that?

Dropping OOC players - $0
Picking up best ruck in draft pool - pick 17
Breaking contracts with current players - stunted 2020 cap
Having no ruck to carry the load leaving a gaping hole in your list for the 3-5 years it takes to develop a ruck? - priceless

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Why -( and your allowed to constructively criticise )

What does he actually do - he doesnt run - he shuffles - and he slips over alot - and he cant kick over a jam tin - if he was on the Champion Kick comp - Bruce Andrew would have given him about 2 out of 10

Blokes like Wojinski use to get me excited - not shufflers like Parfitt

Heavy conditions Sat night - hes been totally out of form - coming back from a back injury - he will be about as usefull as a hip pocket on a singlet - and i couldnt give a stufff about his pressure acts

The way he runs makes him look like a bit of a goober but it keeps his center of gravity low. Makes him a good tackler and in my opinion our best wet weather player. His best has been pretty good, it's just imjuries that have broken his momentum

 

[Seeds]

I think you have failed to grasp Seeds 1st theorem of judging a player’s pace:

“Speed is inversely proportional to height”

Someone finally gets it.

 

[Seeds]

Henry could have been an Olympic hurdler (even if only the hurdles in the decathlon), so that tells you something.

Yes he can run 100 metres and is a good jumper. Plenty of great 100 metres runners have never been all that mobile on a football field. Rhys stanley won a grand final sprint. Not exactly capable of being a great zippy forward pocket roving a scrum now is he. Clearly we need a different word to describe speed on a football field as far too many of you are confusing it with speed in a footrace run over 100 plus metres in a straight line.

 

[Seeds]

Usain Bolt says 'Hi'.

Usain bolt was always slow out of the blocks. Took him till about 30 metres to kick into gear.

 

[frggr]

You can play 3 big defenders if you dont have so many medium defenders.

We have often played 3 tall defenders.

Scarlett, Harley, egan

Scarlett, Taylor, lonergan

Lonergan; Taylor, rivers.

The reason we dont currently play 3 is we also have 3 medium slow defenders in kolo, Henry and Stewart. I'm not averse to dropping both Henry and kolo to fit in Henderson. Hendo is currently a better player then both when fit.

Stewart slow.....fair dinkum, I think you've lost the plot

 

[Jeff76]

I scratch my head over Parfitt walking straight in after a lay off with injury, Constable should be in instead of him. Good to see Narkle in.

 

[longtimecat]

I agree. Our rucks need a clean out and we need to invest long term in a young elite ruck when we get the opportunity. Contracts aside, I'd be punting Abbott, Smith, Buzza and even Fort is certainty. Our crop is a shambles.

I scratch my head over Parfitt walking straight in after a lay off with injury, Constable should be in instead of him. Good to see Narkle in.

You obviously don’t know how highly Parfitt is rated internally at the cats.

 

[Down at K Park]

Like Shane kersten.

Yes he can run 100 metres and is a good jumper. Plenty of great 100 metres runners have never been all that mobile on a football field. Rhys stanley won a grand final sprint. Not exactly capable of being a great zippy forward pocket roving a scrum now is he. Clearly we need a different word to describe speed on a football field as far too many of you are confusing it with speed in a footrace run over 100 plus metres in a straight line.

Afl had top speed rankings in a story a few weeks ago and stewart had fastest top speed that was within a tiny fraction of rohan. He has serious jets.

 

[Landgraft]

Loved Wojo.
Tend to agree about 2019 Parfitt.
Last year he looked really promising.
What are your thoughts about Scooter?
Is he cooked?
I would have thought Saturday was purpose built for his career resurrection.

Of course you do.

After all he's done nothing this year - and by nothing I of course mean averaged

- Just under 10 contested a game (9.57)
- Just under 6 tackles a game (5.79)
- 3 clearances a game

As a 20/21 year old in an injury interrupted season. Still, it stands to reason that you would hold him in no esteem.

 

[allrighty]

I wish that was true, but I don't think they'd be playing Stanley in the VFL if they were resting him.

Hmm you make a fair point

 

[frggr]

Of course you do.

After all he's done nothing this year - and by nothing I of course mean averaged

- Just under 10 contested a game (9.57)
- Just under 6 tackles a game (5.79)
- 3 clearances a game

As a 20/21 year old in an injury interrupted season. Still, it stands to reason that you would hold him in no esteem.

oh god, I forget how young he is still!