Preview Changes versus Swans

[Golden_6]

The changes make complete and logical sense with what we have.

It was either Emmett or Croft out for Smith. You can’t carry both as they should be playing the same position and Emmett hasn’t had a shot playing mostly forward.

 

[Doggies7]

Bont still a huge question mark also. Will be given right up until the warm up to see how he is so expect McNeil to come in for him if he isn't right to go. Ouch

 

[bresker]

Part of me is a bit sad Heeney is out as he's my favourite non Bulldog player!

Only a teensy part of me

 

[Mantis Toboggan]

WESTERN BULLDOGS

In: R.Gardner, J.Busslinger, A.Treloar, L.Smith, J.Dolan
Out: R.Lobb (hamstring), J.O'Donnell (hamstring), S.Darcy (knee), J.Croft (omitted), T.Liberatore (concussion)

SYDNEY

In: W.Edwards, D.Rampe, B.Cootee
Out: J.Hamling (omitted), I.Heeney (injured), Co.Warner (omitted)

Croft omitted given the circumstances is quite remarkable. I actually agree with it but it’s really pretty damning for the lad.

 

[Doggy]

Bont still a huge question mark also. Will be given right up until the warm up to see how he is so expect McNeil to come in for him if he isn't right to go. Ouch

He would play on one leg..

 

[Mantis Toboggan]

Part of me is a bit sad Heeney is out as he's my favourite non Bulldog player!

Only a teensy part of me

He’s a great player but an absolute flog.

 

[bresker]

Bont still a huge question mark also. Will be given right up until the warm up to see how he is so expect McNeil to come in for him if he isn't right to go. Ouch

That is fine wine turning to passion pop

 

[Doggies7]

Hope Dolan gets an extended run at AFL level. Looks a class above at VFL and I really rate his potential. Hope he can do the little things the coaches are looking for and stay in as we desperately need those pure forwards up there currently.

 

[Snarls Barkley]

The changes make complete and logical sense with what we have.

It was either Emmett or Croft out for Smith. You can’t carry both as they should be playing the same position and Emmett hasn’t had a shot playing mostly forward.

I don't think Emmett and Croft should be playing the same position. Emmett should be playing as a second ruck only and that's what he is which is cool. Croft has been playing second ruck and I don't think he is ready or suited for it at all, and part of the reason his form hasn't been good

It isn't ideal to play them in the same team though I agree, although playing Lewis also isn't ideal. Hoping Lobb goes forward when he is back to replace Darcy. Naughton and English will definitely need the support this season

 

[bigbulldog67]

I would like to see how Croft went with more of a focal point role up forward with no ruck & Darcy, was pretty down on him but he showed signs 2nd half. But realistically Emmett had to play to give Smith somewhat of a chop out and we just can’t play too many of these kids so Lewis was the default option as a bigger body.

I think he’ll be fine Lewis, he really just needs to settle and play his role, looks a bit all at sea at the moment but that can be expected I guess

Dont even have Lobb or Darcy for an emg ruck anymore absolute shit show for Smith and Emmett vs Grundy haha. Fingers crossed Bont gets up and it still looks someeeeewhat respectable

 

[threenewpadlocks]

We were inexplicably tall last week with Lewis coming in for a small, so no surprise that that has been adjusted. Not sure why Lewis is ahead of Croft in the pecking order but so be it. Think Emmett staying in made sense, Smith shouldn't have to ruck alone at this stage of his career

Hoping Treloar gets through. Wonder if he'll be on reduced minutes. Desperate for some midfield experience with no Libba and a hurt Richards and Bont

I suppose the simple answer is that without the possibility of Darcy rucking (at least in theory) we need a player out of our tall forwards who is actually a 2nd ruck. Croft has been rucking, but he isn't one yet - not compared to Emmett. And Lewis rucked on debut too, but it seems we want to avoid either of them pinching and actually pick two ruckmen in the team. The need to pick a proper 2nd ruck without Lobb too is more critical.

So then it just becomes a matter of Lewis vs Croft as a non-rucking key forward.

 

[threenewpadlocks]

When was the last time that both Vandermeer and McNeil were both fit, and neither were selected?

 

[Snarls Barkley]

Hope Dolan gets an extended run at AFL level. Looks a class above at VFL and I really rate his potential. Hope he can do the little things the coaches are looking for and stay in as we desperately need those pure forwards up there currently.

Agreed, think there is something there. Is usually clean and doesn't fumble much. Kicking has let him down a bit but think that will improve with experience. Defensive stuff is the non negotiable that needs to be improved to get the extended run. 9.5 pressure acts and 0.5 tackles. Well below average for a small forward

 

[Snarls Barkley]

I suppose the simple answer is that without the possibility of Darcy rucking (at least in theory) we need a player out of our tall forwards who is actually a 2nd ruck. Croft has been rucking, but he isn't one yet - not compared to Emmett. And Lewis rucked on debut too, but it seems we want to avoid either of them pinching and actually pick two ruckmen in the team. The need to pick a proper 2nd ruck without Lobb too is more critical.

So then it just becomes a matter of Lewis vs Croft as a non-rucking key forward.

Agreed. I think Emmett had to play and the call was definitely Lewis vs Croft. A little surprised this is the call they made but it's not like Croft has been setting the world alight.

 

[Bald]

All things considered, these are probably the best changes we could've made. I like that we've had an unforced change as well, so many times you see clubs not show selection integrity even in times where injuries are building up.

Croft will be fine, him going to the 2s I hope gives the club an opportunity to settle him in a position.

 

[threenewpadlocks]

Agreed. I think Emmett had to play and the call was definitely Lewis vs Croft. A little surprised this is the call they made but it's not like Croft has been setting the world alight.

It's strange to see Crazy Bevo become Sane Bevo with a proper ruck strategy of picking our VFL ruck duo. Probably because Artie Jones is still injured and that would have been his next plan, to see if he can ruck.

 

[Dogs Rule]

Could be worse, not sure how, but it could be

 

[Sentinel]

Hamling dropped is a nice touch for his availability for the reunion.

 

[Mojorisin]

Im hoping Crofts shoulder played a role in his Omittion, like the selectors wanted to drop one tall for balance so decided on Croft because they didn't want to carry an extra player with a question mark. Hoping they don't actually see Lewis ahead of him in any position if both were unhampered.

 

[Doggy]

If Lobb got up might mot be so bad..

 

[grassman75]

The changes make complete and logical sense with what we have.

It was either Emmett or Croft out for Smith. You can’t carry both as they should be playing the same position and Emmett hasn’t had a shot playing mostly forward.

And I reckon Croft is prob still sore

 

[grassman75]

Bont still a huge question mark also. Will be given right up until the warm up to see how he is so expect McNeil to come in for him if he isn't right to go. Ouch

Like for like….

 

[Mojorisin]

Like for like….

Maybe for set shot goal accuracy.

 

[grassman75]

Hope Dolan gets an extended run at AFL level. Looks a class above at VFL and I really rate his potential. Hope he can do the little things the coaches are looking for and stay in as we desperately need those pure forwards up there currently.

I love what he brings, no idea why he got dropped. We need his toughness

 

[grassman75]

Maybe for set shot goal accuracy.

I was going with hair length