Unofficial Preview Changes v Sydney Swans (Rd 7)

[Dylan12]

I always dread coming up against the Swans, although it will be the first time in a long time that there is some optimism this time round.

As for our recent record, it makes pretty depressing reading:

- the last time we knocked the Swans off was in 2009 (we beat them twice that year);
- we've lost the last 11 encounters by an average losing margin of 44 points with 6 games of those losses occurring at the Gabba (average losing margin of 37 points);
- if we go back a little further, our record is: won 2 (the two wins in 09), drew 1 (2007) and lost 19 (at the Gabba it is won 1, drawn 1, lost 9).

Now is as good a time to change our fortunes against the Swans and get the monkey off the back.

Coach Fagan mentioned in his presser that Harris Andrews may be right given he was back running late last week, but I would err on the side of caution with a hamstring and give him another week. I also got the impression that Dan McStay won't be dropped, therefore it is no changes for me, but despite wanting to reward Ben Keays' form, I'm not sure who'd come out.

Lions in a nailbitter.

 

[ImAFreeMan]

Lester for Andrews if he’s right


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[jackess]

Andrews for Hodge (if fit)

 

[Nunez]

Andrews for Hodge (if fit)

This is a move I could get behind.

 

[Jivlain]

Hopefully this week we won't see the Stretcher starring for the ****weaks.

 

[Nunez]

Hopefully this week we won't see the Stretcher starring for the ****weaks.

Bad, bad memories. I still think we'd have won that game if it weren't for that bullshit tactic.

 

[BRAB]

Our defence was still pretty shaky today.

Andrews back would be nice if fit.

Hopefully Adams comes back into the NEAFL as well next game. Excited to see him as he'll be a big part of our success in the backend of the year imo

 

[lionshine]

Ben Keays, Corey Lyons and Toby Wooller the most likely to get a call up perhaps with Bastinac a chance as well. Don't think we'll make any chances though, although if we were to I'd want it to be Keays or Wooller for McStay to change up the forward lime dynamic slightly.

 

[Hollow Knight]

Buddy was a late out tonight with supposed hamstring issues.

Wonder if he will make the trip up.

 

[Dylan12]

Is McVeigh due back or was his quad injury a long-term one?

 

[WA Lion]

Is McVeigh due back or was his quad injury a long-term one?

Long term

 

[WA Lion]

Like others, if Andrews is fit he comes in but for lester (didn't do anything wrong at all but not first choice).

Mcstay just has to go for me. More than happy to change forward structure. I'm sure the vocal minority will say he is a whipping boy again but he is not doing even close to enough to hold a spot. Spilt marks and terrible goal kicking.

Wooler or Keays to go a little smaller

 

[Milux]

Interesting week coming up. Some genuine optimism coming into this game. Does buddy play? Does harro play? Do we drop Mcstay (even though I have defended him thus far.

 

[Gadzorks]

McStay is going nowhere - Fagan sees him as fulfilling his role and won’t drop him.

 

[Tom14]

Assuming no injuries its really just a question of whether Harris is right to come back in. If so, he comes in for either Lester or Hodge if we rest him. Lester didn't do anything wrong though.

While neither Squizzy or Cuts had outstanding games I thought they grew into it, were pretty good and offered something different. Not sure them being in together is the perfect balance but wouldn't change it after just a week.

Its tough on some players in the reserves like Keays and Wooller who haven't done anything wrong, but the forward line is pretty set - all the four main targets have 10 goals on the season now. We know McStay is going to remain in the team too though I understand why he frustrates people.

 

[davemc_lions]

I agree with above Hodge could get a week off and Andrews back.
Otherwise it be Lester you think.
Hope Answerth gets another game and not dropped. Be interesting when Bailey back what happens.
McStay/Big O/Hippy forward line seems what Fagan wants. So no use mentioning them

Apart from that was not really anyone who was crap this week
Linc had a quiet day then bagged 2 almost 3.
Witho, Rayner and Lyons who where on peoples chopping list last week played well.
You think Taylor and Cutler did enough so to Lester..
One in only Andrews and someone out probably Hodge or Lester.

Lots of guys playing well in the NEAFL.. we won so you cannot see a lot of changes.

 

[BRAB]

I think it's crazy how we're such heavy favourites in this game.

Lions $1.41
Sydney $2.78

I have this as a genuine 50/50 but hoping the bookies are right again

 

[Tom14]

I think it's crazy how we're such heavy favourites in this game.

Lions $1.41
Sydney $2.78

I have this as a genuine 50/50 but hoping the bookies are right again

I think we are favourites at home. Swans have looked really, really poor this year. Only thing worrying me is recent history or Buddy turning it on if he gets up for the game.

 

[LicoriceAllsorts]

5-2 would be... BOSS

 

[jackess]

Like others, if Andrews is fit he comes in but for lester (didn't do anything wrong at all but not first choice).

Mcstay just has to go for me. More than happy to change forward structure. I'm sure the vocal minority will say he is a whipping boy again but he is not doing even close to enough to hold a spot. Spilt marks and terrible goal kicking.

Wooler or Keays to go a little smaller

The vocal minority including Chris Fagan.....

 

[iBeng]

Fullerton could maybe be a McStay alternative? Or Wooller?

I reckon Hodge will probably take the week off, came back on after the hit but has earnt a rest. I suspect they might bring Robertson back in, but surely off the back of some performances like Lyons in the seconds he should have a crack.

We do seem to have a recurring habit of debuting defenders more often than not. Which is a bit unusual.

If Andrews is fit he could maybe come in for Hodge, although I reckon we'll give him and Matho a week to get back to match fitness in the 2's.

 

[dlanod]

Mcstay just has to go for me. More than happy to change forward structure. I'm sure the vocal minority will say he is a whipping boy again but he is not doing even close to enough to hold a spot. Spilt marks and terrible goal kicking.

Not convinced that it's only a minority that think McStay keeps his spot...

 

[Lions Flag 2020]

I do not believe Hodge will be rested while we are in the hunt for finals. He is too important.

 

[jackess]

I do not believe Hodge will be rested while we are in the hunt for finals. He is too important.

So if we play finals then he plays the whole season?

 

[WA Lion]

The vocal minority including Chris Fagan.....

This came up during the week. Coaches will always publicly support a player (as they absolutely should) but privately you can't keep carrying passengers and Fagan will know that. Poor bloke is so devoid of confidence he can neither catch not kick. Not helpful at all.