Changes Vs St.Kilda

[year of the cat]

In : Hawkins Chapman
Out : S Johnson Tenace

Ling on Hayes
Rooke on Dal Santo

I have supported some of your more outlandish suggestions but this time you have gone way too far. Steve Johnson has been one of our best performers since coming back - I dare say we would have won against the hawks if he had been playing that day. He is goal kicker, he is now fit and has a different attitude. Why on earth would you kick him in the guts now?

As for Tenace he has clearly stepped up this year having been given an opportunity. Wait until he is at least out of form before dropping him. We need to be developing these kids not hindering them.

Clearly its a difficult week for selection. If Chapman is to come back in I would probably give Selwood a rest for him. He is a first year player and should be managed carefully. We also want him fresh for the finals.

 

[mad-saint-guy]

Our strengths are going to be three fold. I see Ottens having an absolutely massive one this week. He will dominate against Ackland/Kosi and Rix all over the ground. Our midfield should have it over theirs......and our forwards should dominate over the Saints most deficient area.

We have shocking injuries, but we haven't resorted to getting opposition players playing on permit for us!

I don't think will really be able to dominate the ruck and forward line as you say. Kosi is ordinary at the hitout but he gets more clearances than most midfielders, while Rix always just nullifies the opposition ruckman and count on Hayes/Ball/Dal Santo to win the clearance. Matt Clarke deserves to be dropped after his game against Freo, but might still get a game.

We are missing key players in defence, but we have been missing them all year and we're coping pretty well now. Sam Fisher is a gun and can take Nathan Ablett or Mooney, with Gwilt taking the other (with plenty of support from guys like L.Fisher and Gilbert). Stopping opposition forwards hasn't been a problem for us, it's just kicking goals that we've really struggled to do.

I think the saints should line up like this

B: Attard, Gwilt, L.Fisher
HB: Gram, S.Fisher, Gilbert
C: Baker, Hayes, Birss
HF: Fiora, Riewoldt, Sweeney
F: Brooks, Gehrig, Milne

Foll: Koschitzke, Ball, Dal Santo
Int: Armitage, Blake Rix, Voss

OUT: Harvey (inj), M.Clarke, McQualter
IN: Gram, Brooks, Sweeney

But since Harvey is out I wouldn't be surprised if McQualter keeps his spot (even though he has done nothing to deserve it).

 

[year of the cat]

We have shocking injuries, but we haven't resorted to getting opposition players playing on permit for us!

I don't think will really be able to dominate the ruck and forward line as you say. Kosi is ordinary at the hitout but he gets more clearances than most midfielders, while Rix always just nullifies the opposition ruckman and count on Hayes/Ball/Dal Santo to win the clearance. Matt Clarke deserves to be dropped after his game against Freo, but might still get a game.

We are missing key players in defence, but we have been missing them all year and we're coping pretty well now. Sam Fisher is a gun and can take Nathan Ablett or Mooney, with Gwilt taking the other (with plenty of support from guys like L.Fisher and Gilbert). Stopping opposition forwards hasn't been a problem for us, it's just kicking goals that we've really struggled to do.

I think the saints should line up like this

B: Attard, Gwilt, L.Fisher
HB: Gram, S.Fisher, Gilbert
C: Baker, Hayes, Birss
HF: Fiora, Riewoldt, Sweeney
F: Brooks, Gehrig, Milne

Foll: Koschitzke, Ball, Dal Santo
Int: Armitage, Blake Rix, Voss

OUT: Harvey (inj), M.Clarke, McQualter
IN: Gram, Brooks, Sweeney

But since Harvey is out I wouldn't be surprised if McQualter keeps his spot (even though he has done nothing to deserve it).

That lineup is pretty good. Any team that has Ball, Dal Santo, Riewoldt, Gehrig, Hayes, Baker, S.Fisher and Gram will be competitive. I agree with others that we could easily drop this game if we are not switched on.

 

[JoeLCatS]

We have shocking injuries, but we haven't resorted to getting opposition players playing on permit for us!

I don't think will really be able to dominate the ruck and forward line as you say. Kosi is ordinary at the hitout but he gets more clearances than most midfielders, while Rix always just nullifies the opposition ruckman and count on Hayes/Ball/Dal Santo to win the clearance. Matt Clarke deserves to be dropped after his game against Freo, but might still get a game.

We are missing key players in defence, but we have been missing them all year and we're coping pretty well now. Sam Fisher is a gun and can take Nathan Ablett or Mooney, with Gwilt taking the other (with plenty of support from guys like L.Fisher and Gilbert). Stopping opposition forwards hasn't been a problem for us, it's just kicking goals that we've really struggled to do.

I think the saints should line up like this

B: Attard, Gwilt, L.Fisher
HB: Gram, S.Fisher, Gilbert
C: Baker, Hayes, Birss
HF: Fiora, Riewoldt, Sweeney
F: Brooks, Gehrig, Milne

Foll: Koschitzke, Ball, Dal Santo
Int: Armitage, Blake Rix, Voss

OUT: Harvey (inj), M.Clarke, McQualter
IN: Gram, Brooks, Sweeney

But since Harvey is out I wouldn't be surprised if McQualter keeps his spot (even though he has done nothing to deserve it).

Is Gram due back this week? Plz dont drop selwood i love the kid lol, i think that one of stokes or varcoe has to make way for chappy as much as i dont want to drop one.

 

[finrod]

In : Hawkins Chapman
Out : S Johnson Tenace

Ling on Hayes
Rooke on Dal Santo

with the poor old saints having no back line, and especially no height down back, have 2 bring in jumpin jack flash hawkins. harley, prob afford 2 give him a week in the 2s, chapman must come back.
ins
hawkins
chapman

outs
stokes (i love him but someone has 2 go!)
varcoe (great when he has it, just a bit hot and cold)

No way can S. Johnson, Tenace or Stokes be dropped for next week!

 

[Brasil2007]

An extra tall would go down well, probably a swap for Stokes. Wouldn't drop Varcoe, too good at providing defensive pressure in the forward line. Would probably play him on Gram, assuming Gram plays. Varcoe had only 9 possessions on the weekend but 5 tackles and kicked 1.1.

Mackie on Roo. Mackie did a terrific job on Buddy and I'd see him doing something similar to Roo.

I'd leave Hunt in, and use him more offensively. Best way to beat a flood is to kick over it and he can do that. I'd also tell him to throw his weight around a bit, the Saints don't handle a physical game at all well. The alternative would be to play Stokes instead of Hunt and encourage him to run. Either way we have options.

Chapman in, assuming he's right, maybe for Enright. Enright turned the ball over more than any other Cats player.

If our backline plays to its usual standard it is hard to see the Saints kicking a winning score. They kick too few goals from the midfield. Scarlett's record on Gehrig is as I recall pretty good. I think Fraser averages about 1.5 goals per game on him. I'll give them 2 and they can keep the change!

 

[Tonycam*]

If our backline plays to its usual standard it is hard to see the Saints kicking a winning score. They kick too few goals from the midfield. Scarlett's record on Gehrig is as I recall pretty good. I think Fraser averages about 1.5 goals per game on him. I'll give them 2 and they can keep the change!

Gehrig will be too busy with the release of his new Shrek movie , That is him isnt it

 

[CattersforPremiers]

In: Chapman, Hawkins

Out: Hunt, Selwood

Selwood could probably use a rest, it will do him good. Hes on track to win the rising star i believe

 

[DanA]

We have shocking injuries, but we haven't resorted to getting opposition players playing on permit for us!

I don't think will really be able to dominate the ruck and forward line as you say. Kosi is ordinary at the hitout but he gets more clearances than most midfielders, while Rix always just nullifies the opposition ruckman and count on Hayes/Ball/Dal Santo to win the clearance. Matt Clarke deserves to be dropped after his game against Freo, but might still get a game.

We are missing key players in defence, but we have been missing them all year and we're coping pretty well now. Sam Fisher is a gun and can take Nathan Ablett or Mooney, with Gwilt taking the other (with plenty of support from guys like L.Fisher and Gilbert). Stopping opposition forwards hasn't been a problem for us, it's just kicking goals that we've really struggled to do.

I think the saints should line up like this

B: Attard, Gwilt, L.Fisher
HB: Gram, S.Fisher, Gilbert
C: Baker, Hayes, Birss
HF: Fiora, Riewoldt, Sweeney
F: Brooks, Gehrig, Milne

Foll: Koschitzke, Ball, Dal Santo
Int: Armitage, Blake Rix, Voss

OUT: Harvey (inj), M.Clarke, McQualter
IN: Gram, Brooks, Sweeney

But since Harvey is out I wouldn't be surprised if McQualter keeps his spot (even though he has done nothing to deserve it).

Looks very average when you look at it closely. Dal Santo & Reiwoldt are the only two that have shown good form recently. Absolutely no depth in midfeild rotations. Rix is not an AFL level ruckmen, the backs look weak. This is a shadow of St Kilda best team.

 

[Rosso]

Tenace comming off 21, 27 & 28 possessions in his last 3 games playing off a half back flank and has been named in the best for the past two weeks so yeah, I'd say he'll be dropped

Enright has averaged 23 swapping half back and on ball so far this year but didn't hit all of his targets on the weekend. Dissapointing being such a fine sunny day in Melbourne. Oh yeah, they played in SA where it was pouring and the ball was a tad on the slippery side. Heck, Bartel did a few miss kicks lets shove him off to the Magoos too.

As for Steve Johnson, he's been a shining light since comming back. Not only his work up forward either. Seeing him chase blokes in our defensive 50 is something that I didn't expect to see from him. He appears a hell of a lot lighter and it certainly shows with the extra distance he's been covering. May even pinch hit in the guts every now and then, like he did in his debut year such is his improvement.

Chappy will be the only change 'if and only if', he's 100%. Appparently our form has been reasonable of late so the side should remain virtually unchanged. Harley has played one game in the last 8 weeks and there is no need to risk DJ. If Hawkins kicked a bag in the twos a few weeks back then he would press this week but as long as Moons is good to go then Tommahawk will have to snag a few in the magoos before coming back in.

 

[catempire]

Top post Rosso.

 

[Linx]

In: Chapman

Out: Selwood

Selwood hasn't done anything wrong but I can't find anyone else to drop.

Danger players we should play on are....

Egan and Mliburn to rotate on Riewoldt (rather have Mackie's drive off half back)

Scarlett on Gehrig

Ling on Dal Santo

Rooke on Ball

Corey head to head with Hayes.

 

[Brasil2007]

Tenace comming off 21, 27 & 28 possessions in his last 3 games playing off a half back flank and has been named in the best for the past two weeks so yeah, I'd say he'll be dropped

Enright has averaged 23 swapping half back and on ball so far this year but didn't hit all of his targets on the weekend. Dissapointing being such a fine sunny day in Melbourne. Oh yeah, they played in SA where it was pouring and the ball was a tad on the slippery side. Heck, Bartel did a few miss kicks lets shove him off to the Magoos too.

As for Steve Johnson, he's been a shining light since comming back. Not only his work up forward either. Seeing him chase blokes in our defensive 50 is something that I didn't expect to see from him. He appears a hell of a lot lighter and it certainly shows with the extra distance he's been covering. May even pinch hit in the guts every now and then, like he did in his debut year such is his improvement.

Chappy will be the only change 'if and only if', he's 100%. Appparently our form has been reasonable of late so the side should remain virtually unchanged. Harley has played one game in the last 8 weeks and there is no need to risk DJ. If Hawkins kicked a bag in the twos a few weeks back then he would press this week but as long as Moons is good to go then Tommahawk will have to snag a few in the magoos before coming back in.

Good work. Big Tom might actually find it easier to play on St Kilda's backline right now than some of the VFL teams. I imagine there he takes the best defender every week, here he is likely to take the third or fourth. Plus he'd be back at the Dome, which is where I think we all expect him to play next.

The bit about this that I love is that we can actually have a discussion about it. There have been points in the past few years where really we've had no choice as to who to play.

Really I'm not too fussed, and I think it will have relatively little impact on the outcome.

 

[TheYid]

I don't think Hawkins should play at all in the one's. He's got to prove himself in the two's first, like everyone else. He's young and needs to build confidence by kicking bags- something he has not done in the seniors consistantly.

I don't think Mackie can pay on Riewoldt if they play him deep. He is too big for him, and I think Egan would struggle too. Perhaps Harley is the man for the job on him, but even then it's hard to say. Rooke is perhaps a little too short (?) but would probably beat him. However, if Riewoldt is played at HF, let Mackie run off him all day.

Sadly, the only person logical to drop for Chapman is Selwood. First year and all that and he might struggle with a full game at full pace. Tenace and Enright both have accuracy problems but Enright wins hard balls around the packs and is a lot meaner and more physical, so my second choice for dropping would be Tenace, even though he's playing pretty well.

For me:

In: Chapman.
Out: Selwood.

Hard choices. Thank goodness Blake only got fined, eh?

 

[TheYid]

For what it's worth- I wouldn't drop Hunt either, simply because that bump on Motlop was what it's all about! (not good that Motlop busted his shoulder, of course, just that "going in hard" is what makes footy great, and that Josh Hunt is going in hard - something he didn't do in the past. He needs to be rewarded with a place in this weeks' side, IMHO)

 

[Xcat]

I think the saints should line up like this

B: Attard, Gwilt, L.Fisher
HB: Gram, S.Fisher, Gilbert
C: Baker, Hayes, Birss
HF: Fiora, Riewoldt, Sweeney
F: Brooks, Gehrig, Milne

Foll: Koschitzke, Ball, Dal Santo
Int: Armitage, Blake Rix, Voss

OUT: Harvey (inj), M.Clarke, McQualter
IN: Gram, Brooks, Sweeney

That team looks so much weaker than the Saints teams that have challenged us for up and coming team status the last few years. I count 8 or so players in their starting 18 who would not get a look in all season at the cats.

 

[Xcat]

And for all his creativity, Steve Johnson kicks the ball worse than anyone on the team, even Enright.
Except when he's tucked in on the boundary, wrong side...

 

[Partridge]

Yep, good to have you back Partridge.
Just a question, and this is not meant to be inflammatory at all, but knowing your (to a much lesser extent than renegade) dislike for Bomber as coach, how have you seen the last few weeks?
Are you feeling that Bomber is improving in areas lacking over the past couple of seasons, or is our improved performance more to do with things out of his area of influence, e.g. fitness, improving of youngsters etc?
Just wondering if Bomber has gained a little respect from you over the past few weeks?

Good question. Well seeing as I've been quite vocal in blaming Thompson when things are going wrong, it's only fair that he receives some credit for the recent turnaround. From what I've read (I still haven't seen the Richmond, West Coast or Freo games) I think there have been several factors at play. One is that players who have failed many times are not getting picked - Byrnes, Playfair, Gardiner, even King. This has meant that young guys with actual football talent are getting opportunities - Selwood, Tenace, Hawkins, Varcoe and so on. I think these young guys have reinvigorated the side, maybe influencing the more positive style of game as well.

Thompson especially I think does deserve credit for having faith in kids that to be honest I didn't think really warranted selection - Varcoe and Hawkins mainly, probably Selwood a little too. But all 3 gambles have worked. Perhaps he's getting a bit more aggressive in his coaching, who knows. But he's shown faith in 18 year olds and been rewarded.

Another aspect I think is that core players are back in their correct positions - Ling as a tagger, Ottens as a ruckman, Corey on the ball - and all 3 have had terrific seasons. Ling again is someone I've villified relentlessly, but he's been nothing short of brilliant. Ling 1 Partridge 0.

Finally I think perhaps the playing group has had a collective realisation about what was wrong and have actively changed it. The style is so much tougher and more relentless than what we've seen in recent seasons. The best part is that when games are up for grabs they are not trying to save them, but are taking risks to win them. Who dares wins and all that.

So yeah, it's two big slices of humble pie for me from Thompson and Ling especially. Very happy to be proven wrong too.

 

[a.f.k.a.y.o.p.]

Hard decision this week. If it aint broke dont fix it?
Except Chapman must come in if 100% - but Selwood?
It almost has to be Stokes - relatively same position except Chappy can run through the middle. And is harder and stronger and just as committed.
And Hawkins?
Agree with most other calls to let him have another 2 weeks in the 2's.
The only change should really be Stokes for Chapman - injuries permitting. The Saints defence is stretched enough already with what we have up forward.
And Egan after his job on Tredrea will have Riewoldt playing so far up the ground looking for a kick that the closest he will come to kicking a goal (not that he can kick straight anyway) will be if he rushes a behind for us........

 

[JUBJUB]

IN : Chappy
OUT : Hunt [a bit stiff]
Emergencies : Hunt,D Johnson,Prismall

Harley needs another game in the VFL,which he didn't get last weekend

With Chappy back Rooke can take over Hunts spot in defence

 

[conanthelibrarian]

Hard decision this week. If it aint broke dont fix it?
Except Chapman must come in if 100% - but Selwood?
It almost has to be Stokes - relatively same position except Chappy can run through the middle. And is harder and stronger and just as committed.
And Hawkins?
Agree with most other calls to let him have another 2 weeks in the 2's.
The only change should really be Stokes for Chapman - injuries permitting. The Saints defence is stretched enough already with what we have up forward.
And Egan after his job on Tredrea will have Riewoldt playing so far up the ground looking for a kick that the closest he will come to kicking a goal (not that he can kick straight anyway) will be if he rushes a behind for us........

Bit harsh dropping a guy who's coming off a game where he racked up 19 possessions and 9 tackles, but I agree with your first line...if's it not broken, don't fix it.

Interesting game this one though. The team with the greatest average winning margin is playing against the team with the greatest average losing margin. No prizes for guessing someone's going to go defensive this week, and it definitely won't be us.

 

[Hood007]

I don't think anybody deserves to be dropped based on form. Everyone is doing what is asked of them and doing it well...
If i had to though, I'd bring Chapman in for Selwood (very stiff). That's only if Chappy is 110% fit, otherwise, no change.
Unlucky for DJ, misses a week through injury and can't back into the side...

 

[sarah.13]

Good question. Well seeing as I've been quite vocal in blaming Thompson when things are going wrong, it's only fair that he receives some credit for the recent turnaround. From what I've read (I still haven't seen the Richmond, West Coast or Freo games) I think there have been several factors at play. lOne is that players who have failed many times are not getting picked - Byrnes, Playfair, Gardiner, even King. This has meant that young guys with actua football talent are getting opportunities - Selwood, Tenace, Hawkins, Varcoe and so on. I think these young guys have reinvigorated the side, maybe influencing the more positive style of game as well.

Thompson especially I think does deserve credit for having faith in kids that to be honest I didn't think really warranted selection - Varcoe and Hawkins mainly, probably Selwood a little too. But all 3 gambles have worked. Perhaps he's getting a bit more aggressive in his coaching, who knows. But he's shown faith in 18 year olds and been rewarded.

Another aspect I think is that core players are back in their correct positions - Ling as a tagger, Ottens as a ruckman, Corey on the ball - and all 3 have had terrific seasons. Ling again is someone I've villified relentlessly, but he's been nothing short of brilliant. Ling 1 Partridge 0.

Finally I think perhaps the playing group has had a collective realisation about what was wrong and have actively changed it. The style is so much tougher and more relentless than what we've seen in recent seasons. The best part is that when games are up for grabs they are not trying to save them, but are taking risks to win them. Who dares wins and all that.

So yeah, it's two big slices of humble pie for me from Thompson and Ling especially. Very happy to be proven wrong too.

Like wise!Two highlighted paragraphs are the reason for the resurgence,no-one's spot is safe and players in the right positions makes for a very competitive team.

 

[SJ]

Good question. Well seeing as I've been quite vocal in blaming Thompson when things are going wrong, it's only fair that he receives some credit for the recent turnaround. From what I've read (I still haven't seen the Richmond, West Coast or Freo games) I think there have been several factors at play. One is that players who have failed many times are not getting picked - Byrnes, Playfair, Gardiner, even King. This has meant that young guys with actual football talent are getting opportunities - Selwood, Tenace, Hawkins, Varcoe and so on. I think these young guys have reinvigorated the side, maybe influencing the more positive style of game as well.

Thompson especially I think does deserve credit for having faith in kids that to be honest I didn't think really warranted selection - Varcoe and Hawkins mainly, probably Selwood a little too. But all 3 gambles have worked. Perhaps he's getting a bit more aggressive in his coaching, who knows. But he's shown faith in 18 year olds and been rewarded.

Another aspect I think is that core players are back in their correct positions - Ling as a tagger, Ottens as a ruckman, Corey on the ball - and all 3 have had terrific seasons. Ling again is someone I've villified relentlessly, but he's been nothing short of brilliant. Ling 1 Partridge 0.

Finally I think perhaps the playing group has had a collective realisation about what was wrong and have actively changed it. The style is so much tougher and more relentless than what we've seen in recent seasons. The best part is that when games are up for grabs they are not trying to save them, but are taking risks to win them. Who dares wins and all that.

So yeah, it's two big slices of humble pie for me from Thompson and Ling especially. Very happy to be proven wrong too.

Well written, agree entirely.

 

[cat in sydney]

Good question. Well seeing as I've been quite vocal in blaming Thompson when things are going wrong, it's only fair that he receives some credit for the recent turnaround. From what I've read (I still haven't seen the Richmond, West Coast or Freo games) I think there have been several factors at play. One is that players who have failed many times are not getting picked - Byrnes, Playfair, Gardiner, even King. This has meant that young guys with actual football talent are getting opportunities - Selwood, Tenace, Hawkins, Varcoe and so on. I think these young guys have reinvigorated the side, maybe influencing the more positive style of game as well.

Thompson especially I think does deserve credit for having faith in kids that to be honest I didn't think really warranted selection - Varcoe and Hawkins mainly, probably Selwood a little too. But all 3 gambles have worked. Perhaps he's getting a bit more aggressive in his coaching, who knows. But he's shown faith in 18 year olds and been rewarded.

Another aspect I think is that core players are back in their correct positions - Ling as a tagger, Ottens as a ruckman, Corey on the ball - and all 3 have had terrific seasons. Ling again is someone I've villified relentlessly, but he's been nothing short of brilliant. Ling 1 Partridge 0.

Finally I think perhaps the playing group has had a collective realisation about what was wrong and have actively changed it. The style is so much tougher and more relentless than what we've seen in recent seasons. The best part is that when games are up for grabs they are not trying to save them, but are taking risks to win them. Who dares wins and all that.

So yeah, it's two big slices of humble pie for me from Thompson and Ling especially. Very happy to be proven wrong too.

Well said Partridge. Agree wholeheartedly (I've also been a bit critical of Bomber for similar reasons, and am also glad to be proven wrong).

I also appreciate that you have the sense and humility to acknowledge this change in situation. I'm pretty sure there'd be others (no prizes for guessing who) who would still allow their personal pride and hatred for Bomber get in the way of at least some credit that he deserves.

Sure, the jury is still out, and we should not be happy unless we have a premiership in the next few years, but Bomber has certainly done all we can expect of him this year so far.
let's hope it continues