changes vs richmond

[Boucks09]

So it appears Knighter likes his forward structure to be:

2 key forwards (Lloyd, Neagle/Lucas)
1 3rd tall (McPhee, NLM)
1-2 genuine crumbers (Davey, (Jetta))
2 small forwards who offer a marking target at times (Monfries, Skipworth/Zaharakis)

So, with all of that established, I think that Zaka will keep his spot in the forward line for the next 1-2 weeks while Skippy returns, and will probably lose his spot, along with Dyson, when Prismall and McVeigh return. Personally, I see Houli coming out for Skippy, with Dyson going to defence, and Zaka to the midfield, then Zaka coming out for Prismall, and Dyson losing his spot for McVeigh, with Hocking going back, and McVeigh tagging (at least to start with).

Terrific analysis on our structures there Ben. You really seem to have a strong understanding of Knights' structures and plans, top post .

I think in an ideal world (with form not playing a factor) Knights would prefer to have one small leading target (e.g. Monfries), 3 key forwards (Lloyd, Lucas, Neagle), 1 "4th" tall/wingman in McPhee and a crumber in Davey/Jetta (with one rotating through the midfield).

However given Scotty's problems and the form of Skipworth prior to the hamstring injury we tinkered to the structure that you have mentioned in your post (2 KPP, 3rd tall, 2 Smalls and rover).

Is this the best option? I really don't know to be honest. We have also seen in recent weeks that Winderlich has been moved forward at times to provide the leading target option. I think this will be a key strategic move when we get out midfielders back as we can then rotate McVeigh and Winderlich forward to break tags/have a rest, whilst maintaining a strong structure and dangerous forward line.

From all reports it appears that Jetta took some strong marks in the VFL and was able to move into the midfield at times. That for me is the key in playing him before Zaharakis. If Leroy can move into the centre and make some solid contributions (which I think he did against Brisbane) this allows Davey to roam the inside 50m more exclusively and focus on forward pressure and scoring goals/assists. I just don't feel Zaharakis is in the same form of a month ago, even with his positional change, whilst Jetta has played some good games in the last month (VFL and AFL). We need to reward guys like Jetta who are doing exactly what Knights is asking. I dont know if Zaharakis is doing that at the moment given he is not taking the game on and looking to handball to stationary targets.

It will be very interesting to see what happens when Skipworth is fully fit (assuming he plays VFL this week). I have a feeling Monfries will be in the gun if he doesn't play well against Richmond.

 

[Boucks09]

Lovett-Murray four games this year have been better than his season last year Knights is finally playing him in a position he can, the forward line.

That's the thing though, he played down back on Sunday. If he plays there is he better than Hurley? I would say no.

Given that I expect Hurley to come in this week who else would you omit? Even if Hurley plays forward (which is a possibilty) that would mean McPhee continues to play down back. Is there a match up for NLM? Is he a better rebounder than Dempsey? A better lock down player than Slattery, Myers or Houli?

If NLM were to play forward who's spot does he take? We looked very top heavy last week so he wouldn't play deep. I also don't think he has the engine to play the lead up role that we need so I can't see him playing there either.

As I said I feel it is more about structure with NLM rather than form.

 

[warney7]

Are people calling for Jetta's inclusion, for lack of a better option?

He hasn't done a great deal when given his chances thus far and I can't see why there seems to be a universal call for his inclusion.

Maybe he has torn it up with Bendigo?

Anywho.

IN: Hurley
OUT: Myers

 

[Red Black and Blue]

Are people calling for Jetta's inclusion, for lack of a better option?

He hasn't done a great deal when given his chances thus far and I can't see why there seems to be a universal call for his inclusion.

Maybe he has torn it up with Bendigo?

Kicked 4 goals while his side was getting r*ped, seems like a pretty good game IMO.

 

[warney7]

Oh well in that case, he's an absolute must have for Essendon this week!.....

 

[cawshezy]

Kicked 4 goals while his side was getting r*ped, seems like a pretty good game IMO.

Name Jetta we lose don't name Jetta we win simple

 

[pazza]

Our small forwards are trying to take big marks and not giving Lloyd/Neagle a hand around their ankles. We really need a true crumbing forward..Jetta plays.

 

[Red Black and Blue]

Name Jetta we lose don't name Jetta we win simple

Considering Jetta has played 3 games this year, we've won 2 of them, your theory doesn't stand up.

 

[Ben the Gooner]

Terrific analysis on our structures there Ben. You really seem to have a strong understanding of Knights' structures and plans, top post .

I think in an ideal world (with form not playing a factor) Knights would prefer to have one small leading target (e.g. Monfries), 3 key forwards (Lloyd, Lucas, Neagle), 1 "4th" tall/wingman in McPhee and a crumber in Davey/Jetta (with one rotating through the midfield).

That's a good point actually. McPhee played forward when Lloyd, Lucas and Neagle/Ryder were our forward options in Rounds 1-4, and that was as close to full strength as we have gotten this year as far as talls go.

However given Scotty's problems and the form of Skipworth prior to the hamstring injury we tinkered to the structure that you have mentioned in your post (2 KPP, 3rd tall, 2 Smalls and rover).

Is this the best option? I really don't know to be honest. We have also seen in recent weeks that Winderlich has been moved forward at times to provide the leading target option. I think this will be a key strategic move when we get out midfielders back as we can then rotate McVeigh and Winderlich forward to break tags/have a rest, whilst maintaining a strong structure and dangerous forward line.

I was thinking of Winders and McVeigh when I posted that, but considering they tend to rest there more than play a full game there, I left them out. They sort of replace Zaka and Gus who have a spell on the bench.

From all reports it appears that Jetta took some strong marks in the VFL and was able to move into the midfield at times. That for me is the key in playing him before Zaharakis. If Leroy can move into the centre and make some solid contributions (which I think he did against Brisbane) this allows Davey to roam the inside 50m more exclusively and focus on forward pressure and scoring goals/assists. I just don't feel Zaharakis is in the same form of a month ago, even with his positional change, whilst Jetta has played some good games in the last month (VFL and AFL). We need to reward guys like Jetta who are doing exactly what Knights is asking. I dont know if Zaharakis is doing that at the moment given he is not taking the game on and looking to handball to stationary targets.

Given it's a night game at the 'G, I suspect Jetta might come in regardless of Zaka's form, like he did against Collingwood. Houli or Myers might be the unlucky ones.

It will be very interesting to see what happens when Skipworth is fully fit (assuming he plays VFL this week). I have a feeling Monfries will be in the gun if he doesn't play well against Richmond.

Against the Cats, I suspect we'll want to play bigger, more mature bodies, so Zaka might drop out for Skipworth, and Houli/Myers/Jetta for Prismall.

 

[Valve Bounce]

Wallace is gone.

 

[bomberfan101]

Cousins will also be out of the match

 

[lamaros]

Jetta has to make it in. We need a crumbing forward, he's played well in the VFL, and he was only out due to injury to begin with.

Hurley I don't know. He's been out for longer and doesn't have as obvious a replacement. Considering that Fletcher is likely to return against Geelong then McPhee might move up forward again. This puts Houli, Myers and NLM under the gun.

 

[LOZWILDA]

Wallace is still there and I thought we we're a chance for a moment!

 

[Dick johnson]

Our small forwards are trying to take big marks and not giving Lloyd/Neagle a hand around their ankles. We really need a true crumbing forward..Jetta plays.

true, betts and davis are contributing 4.1 and 2.4 goals respectively (on avg), while jetta and davey are only managing 0.7 and 1.1

if they could truely play that speedy crumbing forward and kick a few a game, all of sudden, thats another 18 or so points. can change a game dramatically

 

[SirJimi05]

Need to play Bellchambers as we need a back ruckman incase Ryder goes down.

Yeah maybe they should pick Lucas this week just as a backup in case Lloyd gets injured.

Out: Bellchambers, Lonergan (only if McVeigh is fit to play)
IN: Hurley, McVeigh (if ready)

 

[Boucks09]

Yeah maybe they should pick Lucas this week just as a backup in case Lloyd gets injured.

Out: Bellchambers, Lonergan (only if McVeigh is fit to play)
IN: Hurley, McVeigh (if ready)

The only way this would happen is if Hooker plays as the pinch hitter in the ruck (which is what I'm assuming you are referring to by bringing in Hurley).

Knights has been on the record as saying that he overplayed Ryder last week and will be giving more game time to Bellchambers and Laycock (when he comes back) to give Ryder plenty more help.

I think Knights feel responsible for Bellchambers' poor game due to a lack of opportunity and will keep him in this week.

 

[kelvin_sheedy]

Outs: Myers, Zaka
Ins : Hurley, Jetta

Hurley for Myers. Between Hooker, Pears and Hurley I'm sure they can cover the massive loss of Myers 8 possessions last week.

Jetta showed good form in VFL so gets another run. We need him to release Davey.

 

[Valve Bounce]

Wallace the Cling-On

The fact this guy is still their coach will only cause confusion, since the "sacking" was supposed to be the result of his closed door diatribe following the loss to Port Adelaide last weekend.

I just can't see the benefit of an "off again on again" coach of any side, let alone an AFL side. How can the players have unstinting respect for the fellow?

I don't see this as a plus for the Bombers, but I definitely see this as a minus for the Tigers. They might just ask:"who the hell is really in charge of us?"

 

[FBDonkey]

Re: Wallace the Cling-On

The fact this guy is still their coach will only cause confusion, since the "sacking" was supposed to be the result of his closed door diatribe following the loss to Port Adelaide last weekend.

I just can't see the benefit of an "off again on again" coach of any side, let alone an AFL side. How can the players have unstinting respect for the fellow?

I don't see this as a plus for the Bombers, but I definitely see this as a minus for the Tigers. They might just ask:"who the hell is really in charge of us?"

where did this come from? lol

Really hope Hurley can get a game this week. I know Lovett-Murray played well 2 weeks ago, but i reckon he should step down for our superstar-to-be

 

[SirJimi05]

The only way this would happen is if Hooker plays as the pinch hitter in the ruck (which is what I'm assuming you are referring to by bringing in Hurley).

Knights has been on the record as saying that he overplayed Ryder last week and will be giving more game time to Bellchambers and Laycock (when he comes back) to give Ryder plenty more help.

I think Knights feel responsible for Bellchambers' poor game due to a lack of opportunity and will keep him in this week.

Yes this is what i was refering to. At this point in time i actually think that Hooker would provide a better backup option in the ruck over Belly and this would also give the team better structure and flexibility.

I liked the look of Hooker when he went into the ruck a few rounds back (against Brissy i think?). Good leap on him and a versatile type of player when the ball hits the deck. I also think he has the confidence to take the game on.

 

[SirJimi05]

Re: Wallace the Cling-On

where did this come from? lol

Not sure but i think he is refering to the off field sagas such as Wallet being sacked, reinstated, players calling for his head then pumping him up?

They are a rable and i expect us to beat them comfortably this week.

 

[pazza]

true, betts and davis are contributing 4.1 and 2.4 goals respectively (on avg), while jetta and davey are only managing 0.7 and 1.1

if they could truely play that speedy crumbing forward and kick a few a game, all of sudden, thats another 18 or so points. can change a game dramatically

All we would asking him to do is stay home close to goal.

 

[bombre-boy]

Out : Zaha, one of Monfries or Myers
In : Hurley, Jetta

The one thing that stood out on sunday, was how many time we got it in to the forward line to find one against 2 or 3.
As this is the only part of the game that i think needs fixing (apart from skills) then maybe Hurly could line up at CHF and jetta becomes a stay at home forward (maybe changes with davey).
This will hopefully give us another target and a crumber..

Doesnt matter who comes in/out we just have to win this game.

Thankfully we dont have to apply the sacked coach theory this week...but then again there might be a new sack and rehired coach theory..

 

[Boucks09]

Yes this is what i was refering to. At this point in time i actually think that Hooker would provide a better backup option in the ruck over Belly and this would also give the team better structure and flexibility.

I liked the look of Hooker when he went into the ruck a few rounds back (against Brissy i think?). Good leap on him and a versatile type of player when the ball hits the deck. I also think he has the confidence to take the game on.

I too think he did an ok job in the ruck and would certainly provide something around the ground....a lot more than Bellchambers.

My concern with moving Hooker out of defense is that it will make the unit even younger than last week and essentially place Pears as the general of the backline. Note that I am expecting McPhee to play wing/forward this week.

Whilst Pears has shown terrific signs that is a lot to place on a player with so little experience. Pears and Hurley have only played 1 game together (with Fletch also in the side), whilst Hooker and Pears have played 2.5 games together in the KPD roles without Fletcher in the side. It doesn't sound like much of a difference but I feel that they have worked really well together and thrived with the responsibilty. It is not only their work on key forwards, but also their composure and team work in running the ball out of defense which has been a highlight. To now throw in Hurley at the expense of Hooker may effect that defensive run as it take awhile for him to work with Pears (without Fletch and Hooker to support).

If Fletcher was in the side, I would probably agree with playing Hooker in place of Bellchambers.

 

[HULK HOGAN]

This may have already been mentioned, but did anyone see the article in todays paper, talking about Hurley possibly being brought in to play in the forward line this week?

Also I think Mcveigh will come back through the Vfl when he is ready to return.