Changes Vs Swans

[volcboy]

My 2 cents

Being at the game on Saturday, I think Nathan Ablett deserves another chance. I think that it is a bit harsh saying he didn't have much of an impact when his teammates didn't kick it to him. I watched him continually making 3-5 good leads each time a team mate had the ball forward of the centre, but not once did they kick it to him. They seemed to want to chip to the pocket to midfielders running forward, which IMHO contributed to the poor conversion rate in the 3rd and 4th quarters.

While I don't disagree with the way Geelong were keeping possession with chip kicks all the way up the ground, at some stage you have to kick to a contest, and the best place to do that is into your forward 50. The real question is; do his teammates have the confidence in Nathan to win more than 50% of 1-on-1 contests on the lead when they kick it to him, or at least bring the ball to ground for his brother/SJ/Chapman?

Steve Johnson: He's frustrating, he's not always great defensively, but he's a natural footballer. Sure, he'll do some things on the field that will frustrate supporters (me included) no end. Sure, he goes out drinking like he still plays for the Wangaratta Rovers. But (and it pains me to say it) we lost a final last year due to the Sydney version of Steve Johnson - Nick Davis. I'd rather have him in the side in a close final than not. I can't see any other players in our side, GA Jnr. excepted, that could produce something out of nothing to turn a tight game Nick Davis style. Dropping him for a week or two mightn't hurt him too much. If he doesn't kick 4-5 goals a week in the VFL, they shouldn't let him back in the seniors, because he should kick that many with the talent he's got.

Matty Egan was playing tennis and no football 4 years ago. He makes a few mistakes and misses having Scarlett around, but I've never seen him give in or not have a go. How good will he be as the 3rd best defender with Scarlett and Harley back???

Shannon Byrnes needs to learn how to kick. Bring in Primsall for him.

I don't understand people bagging Josh Hunt - he's not a full back and he's played there the last 2 weeks. Williams only kicked 3 goals on him, and 2 of those were in 'junk time'. Murphy (who I *think* he played on) kicked 3, one of which was from a dodgy free kick.

And as for bagging Cameron Ling - watch the game. His match ups may not always be right, but he ran his guts out to receive the 2nd or 3rd kick out of the backline for a full four quarters on Saturday.

 

[jess_555]

Some people seem to be saying Slade out and keep Callan in. I think Slade would be good for the weekends game against the Swans coz we need hard tough players. Plus Sladey is a bit more experienced. Keep him in! PLEASE! His only got a few games left. The only thing is that he did hurt his knee on the weekend so hopefully his is right to go... he did play out the game so he should be ok.


I can't wait to get Scarlo back! We might actually win if he plays.

IN: Scarlett, Playfair, Prismall

OUT: Lonergan, Johnson, N. Ablett hmmmmm Byrnesy might have to go out for a bit, didn't play good footy last week.

 

[Turbocat]

My 2 cents

Being at the game on Saturday, I think Nathan Ablett deserves another chance. I think that it is a bit harsh saying he didn't have much of an impact when his teammates didn't kick it to him. I watched him continually making 3-5 good leads each time a team mate had the ball forward of the centre, but not once did they kick it to him. They seemed to want to chip to the pocket to midfielders running forward, which IMHO contributed to the poor conversion rate in the 3rd and 4th quarters.

While I don't disagree with the way Geelong were keeping possession with chip kicks all the way up the ground, at some stage you have to kick to a contest, and the best place to do that is into your forward 50. The real question is; do his teammates have the confidence in Nathan to win more than 50% of 1-on-1 contests on the lead when they kick it to him, or at least bring the ball to ground for his brother/SJ/Chapman?

Steve Johnson: He's frustrating, he's not always great defensively, but he's a natural footballer. Sure, he'll do some things on the field that will frustrate supporters (me included) no end. Sure, he goes out drinking like he still plays for the Wangaratta Rovers. But (and it pains me to say it) we lost a final last year due to the Sydney version of Steve Johnson - Nick Davis. I'd rather have him in the side in a close final than not. I can't see any other players in our side, GA Jnr. excepted, that could produce something out of nothing to turn a tight game Nick Davis style. Dropping him for a week or two mightn't hurt him too much. If he doesn't kick 4-5 goals a week in the VFL, they shouldn't let him back in the seniors, because he should kick that many with the talent he's got.

Matty Egan was playing tennis and no football 4 years ago. He makes a few mistakes and misses having Scarlett around, but I've never seen him give in or not have a go. How good will he be as the 3rd best defender with Scarlett and Harley back???

Shannon Byrnes needs to learn how to kick. Bring in Primsall for him.

I don't understand people bagging Josh Hunt - he's not a full back and he's played there the last 2 weeks. Williams only kicked 3 goals on him, and 2 of those were in 'junk time'. Murphy (who I *think* he played on) kicked 3, one of which was from a dodgy free kick.

And as for bagging Cameron Ling - watch the game. His match ups may not always be right, but he ran his guts out to receive the 2nd or 3rd kick out of the backline for a full four quarters on Saturday.

Nice Post, dont agree with it all but points well put.
Nathan , still think he is growing into his body. I'd be happy to see him play out the year , spending half the time in the gym, half the time on the field. Play him in the seniors when he has support but basically he is still develloping and we should not ask to much , yet.
On the other hand Lonergan and Gardiner have been here long enough. The clock is ticking for both so its only fair to give them a chance tp prove themselves. Kicking 6 goals in the VFL will not keep Gardiner on the list, it did for Haynes it wont for Charlie. Lonergan MUST be told to stop chest marking.A forward must be able to stretch his arm and take the ball. These guys have got to know that other players are coming. If they dont then they are dumber than dog Uknowwhat. Stand up or else boys. So basically Lonergan stays and Nathan gos back and in comes CG.


Dog Johnson, allready post my opinion on him, Bye Dog till you are fit. In comes Prismall

Totally agree with you on Egan. To ask him to be #1, with no support. Not really fair and then to play him injured .. and then to critize him. Depending on his injury he may have well deserved rest this week.
Egan out/Scarlo in

Shannon Byrnes. Hard to judge, played but had no impact.

Hunt probably has enough runs on the board to get a pass but Callen did enough to get another game. He should stay in. Slade has proved the point.If he stays fit we will be listed at years end. Slade out/Callan stays

Theres probably players to be considered coming back from injuries etc. but Id also be tempted to bring back Blake and play Mooney as RuckRover. He is not suited to contest the ruck.Its unfair to ask him to do it and he will injure himself and then we will be up the creek

 

[kriso182]

Longergan vs N.Ablett

Lonergan had 5 or 6 attempts to Mark. Dropped every single one. Some players cant step up from VFL and I think Lonergan could be one of these players. Very Fustrating!

N.Ablett didnt have many chances and had Chris Grant on him. Was disapointing but didnt have as many opportunites.

If Playfair comes up I think both players will find themselves playing VFL anyway.

 

[CatNut]

i would much prefer to see Nathan in than Charlie - at least when it gets kicked to Ablett it is better than 50/50 he will mark it or at least stay on his feet. the amount of times i have watched Charlie's opponent run off with the ball and him on the ground with that goofy look on his face very frustrating.

 

[Hulk_Hawkins]

Hunt's an interesting one. I think he somehow avoids a lot of scrutiny but is often one of our worst players. He often gets beaten by his direct opponent and despite his seemingly sublime kicking skills, makes far too many mistakes by foot.

I think it's getting to the point where maybe he needs to go back and dominate in the VFL. Maybe even in the VFL midfield. Just so he gets his confidence up and can perhaps be a bit more focussed and calm in pressure situations.

I think there's no doubt he's in our best 22 when he's good but I think recently he has been a liability.

Surprised you haven't copped alot of flak over this one, glad you posted it and not me! I 100% agree with what you say about Hunt, I don't want to be to harsh on him but he does miss targets and when the pressure is on his decision making is atrocious, and he goes to ground far to easily and is therefore out of the contest. If it wasn't for his kicking I wouldn't have him in my best 22 atm. And while I'm on a roll I must say I am a bit worried about the QE2 (aka Matthew Egan as he has the turning circle of said ship!) also tends to go to ground far to easy, he needs to remain on his feet, going to ground is just a cop out when the heat is on.

 

[thehoff]

Surprised you haven't copped alot of flak over this one, glad you posted it and not me! I 100% agree with what you say about Hunt, I don't want to be to harsh on him but he does miss targets and when the pressure is on his decision making is atrocious, and he goes to ground far to easily and is therefore out of the contest. If it wasn't for his kicking I wouldn't have him in my best 22 atm. And while I'm on a roll I must say I am a bit worried about the QE2 (aka Matthew Egan as he has the turning circle of said ship!) also tends to go to ground far to easy, he needs to remain on his feet, going to ground is just a cop out when the heat is on.

Whatever you are on. I want some of it. It must be some good drugs you are smoking!

Total garbage. Egan is a Star. Refer to Round 1 & 2.

Hunt: Quality player, easily in our best 22. Best player last week. Heard no-one whinging last week about his performance.

He played on Mark Williams Last week and Robert Murphy this week. Both players are very different. Shows the Hunt is versatile and an asset to our team!

 

[FatCat]

We've got to remember Egan's level of experience is 15 games. If he were at Hawthorn or Carlton, he'd be hailed as the future of the club due to his outstanding key-position performances. Fans would also allow him to be beaten on odd occassions because he's inexperienced.
When he's stepped up into the key roles for Geelong, he's been generally very good, rarely not so good.
We can't judge him against the experience of Scarlett and Harley; a player would have to be exceptionally gifted to have Egan's level of experience and match the standard set by those two stars.
He's also used to having Scarlett by his side; I'd doubt he's ever played without the champ having his back. So that would also take some getting used to.
Similar story for Hunt - he's not perfect. He's got learning to do, and he'll do it from having some great players around him. He plays like a 61-gamer - usually pretty good, but still makes the odd error.
I'd leave them both in. I don't think you'd achieve anything by dropping them.

 

[looker_25]

you have to lay of josha he is reliable and built like a brick house. we need him in the team and egan is the same, there is a spot for him in our best 22 even when tommy comes back.

nathan is not ready
lonergan...meh
the occie (playfair) should be in the team when he is fit
not sure bout charlie i think he does to little to often....but if we are missing kent again chuck him in cos he kicked 6 goals yesterday or whenever.

iam glad ottens did something. i wish someone would tell him to stand up more...he is always on the ground...but i have the time for him cos of what he is capable of and he is important if we are going to achive big things.

shagger byrnes should stay to..he busts a gut and provides some valuable leg speed...id rather him over turbo

i think thats all

 

[Number21]

Surprised you haven't copped alot of flak over this one, glad you posted it and not me! I 100% agree with what you say about Hunt, I don't want to be to harsh on him but he does miss targets and when the pressure is on his decision making is atrocious, and he goes to ground far to easily and is therefore out of the contest. If it wasn't for his kicking I wouldn't have him in my best 22 atm. And while I'm on a roll I must say I am a bit worried about the QE2 (aka Matthew Egan as he has the turning circle of said ship!) also tends to go to ground far to easy, he needs to remain on his feet, going to ground is just a cop out when the heat is on.

Agree totally on both Hunt and Egan going to ground to easily resulting in them being out of the contest but think saying his decision is attrocious is a bit harsh, just maybe sometimes can be a bit slow.

 

[geelong_boy]

I think Blake should be included this week to share the rucking duties with Ottens and also to allow Ottens to play deep in attack. Given that this is an interstate match, and with it likely that Playfair and Kingsley will miss due to injury, it is imperative to have someone in the forward line who can take a mark.

 

[patdman]

(All this from not yet watching the game mind you!)

I would like to see:

Prismall in for Monty...I wanna see Prismal in the 1's, real game, none of this NAB cup stuff...give him a run
Charlie in for Lonners...(Or Henry if fit) Charlie is inconsistent, annoying, but still valuable.
Scarlo in for Slade...could easily be Callan instead, but I'm a fan of Timmy and want to see him have a few more games to see what he can really do.
Blake in for Stevie J...we need another ruckman in to let us use Otto up forward a bit more, and SJ sounds like he could do with a week or two in the 2's as a kick up the bum.
Kent if fit for Nathan

I'd also love to see Henry back in the side to give us something to kick to
around the 50, with Otto / Nathan in the GS...otherwise, Charlie as a link-man.
Otto & Blake as a rotating trio, with Otto & Blacke to share the ruck duties, Nath on the bench when Otto goes down forward, Blake on the bench when Nathan goes forward and Otto into the ruck.

Anyone have a real idea when Kent & Henry are due back?

Also, everyone who's bagging Linga..WTF?!?! Crazy talk.

 

[Seb]

If Prismall doesn't play and Kelly does, i will not watch the game.

 

[Partridge]

He's also used to having Scarlett by his side; I'd doubt he's ever played without the champ having his back. So that would also take some getting used to.
Similar story for Hunt - he's not perfect. He's got learning to do, and he'll do it from having some great players around him. He plays like a 61-gamer - usually pretty good, but still makes the odd error.
I'd leave them both in. I don't think you'd achieve anything by dropping them.

Agree. Scarlett hasn't missed a game for 5 years, and we now know how huge a hole that leaves. Egan will be OK, he made some mistakes but I'm confident he'll learn from it. Hunt is NOT a fullback, he's drawn the short straw and played there the last 2 games. Made some errors, but back on the flank will be fine.

I'd keep Callan in, but as I'm unsure whether Kingsley or Playfair will be back I'm not sure who to drop. Lonergan and Nathan Ablett aren't look ready, although at least Ablett is prepared to crunch a pack to provide a contest.

To send a message to the players, I would drop a senior player. Ling played terrible and appears on Channel 10 having a laugh and talking about the modelling night he was off to at Flemington. Well I hope training was at 6am Sunday and they were run into the ground. Last I checked their job was to win football matches, not appear on catwalks or grow stupid beards. Wake these complacent idiots up and drop a name player. Might get the message through.

 

[Mr_Cat_Man]

I think that we need to bring in Pris like alot are saying he surely has earned his spot by now. Lonergan played very well in the Two's and was rewarded so i dont see why he wouldnt play. Callan I hope retains his spot I am a fan of this guy and have been for a while if he is fit he will be very valuable for us. Slade may need a rest in the twos and I doubt that Lonergan and NABLETT at this stage where they are at can play in the same team. Cam Mooney i felt served us very well at CHF against bulldogs so i think his time in the Ruck should be minimsed meaning Blake could come back in. I think we can win in Sydney its just a matter of getting the team to play for each other and taking risks.

 

[Unwritten_Law]

If Prismall doesn't play and Kelly does, i will not watch the game.

Substitute Byrnes for Kelly and I'm right with you. I'll drive to Hobart to watch the 2's instead

 

[shahla_selena]

How far off is Ricco?

Here are my thoughts:

1. Blake needs to come back in, no doubt about it. Having him in the side frees up Ottens and Mooney, which gives us another couple of options in the forward line, which as we know is our problem area at the moment.

2. Prismall in. As most others have said, he is a great player who has consistently played well and deserves a run in the firsts.

3. Lonergan out. He hasn't done enough for my liking in all of his time at AFL level, he simply isn't up to it.

How many games has Slade got left????

 

[JUBJUB]

How far off is Ricco?

From todays Addy

The good news for Geelong is that top-draft pick Travis Varcoe, along with veteran duo Peter Riccardi (hamstring) and Tom Harley (patella tendon) are all a strong chance to make their long-awaited returns from injury through the VFL this weekend.

But all three will have to pass a fitness test at training today before getting the all-clear to play their first game of the year on Saturday in the twos against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval.

Also

Centre half-forward Henry Playfair is due to return from a shoulder injury and is expected to try and prove his fitness at training today.

 

[shahla_selena]

Thanks for that! Finally some good news!! It'll be so good when we finally get Ricco and Harley back up and running, they're such important players for our side. Fingers crossed they make it to the VFL this weekend and get through the game without too many problems!

 

[Jack-Packenham]

Hunt Scarlett Wocjinski
Enright Egan Milburn
Corey Rooke Tenace
G Ablett Mooney Kelly
Chapman N Ablett S Johnson
Ottens Ling Bartel
Prismall Callan Lonergan D Johnson

In : Prismall Scarlett
Out : Byrnes Slade

Don't panic and rush back guys that are underdone.

Prismall must play because you have to reward consistently good form in the lower level. ala Lonergan. And then give them more than 1 chance.

Byrnes needs a full game under his belt.

S Johnson is just as likely to kick 7 goals this week. With the way the swans play, players like S Johnson, G ablett and Chapman are our best chance to kick winning score.

 

[Hulk_Hawkins]

Whatever you are on. I want some of it. It must be some good drugs you are smoking!

Total garbage. Egan is a Star. Refer to Round 1 & 2.

Hunt: Quality player, easily in our best 22. Best player last week. Heard no-one whinging last week about his performance.

He played on Mark Williams Last week and Robert Murphy this week. Both players are very different. Shows the Hunt is versatile and an asset to our team!

What planet are you on mate?? or can you just not read?? All I said is he goes to ground far to easily (maybe he should study GAJ a bloke who rarely or never goes to ground) Where in my post did I question his ability?? I voiced my opinion and my opinion is he goes to ground far to easily, that is all I said. And as far as star quality goes yes he will be a star in a couple of years but atm he is servicable, people use the word star very loosly these days!

 

[kriso182]

Steve Johnson dropped.

Johnson axed for Sydney trip
2:55:33 PM Wed 26 April, 2006
Paul Gough
Sportal for afl.com.au

Star Geelong forward
Thompson announced Johnson's shock omission at Wednesday's main training session as he made good his vow to make changes to the Cats' attack following his frustration at the wastefulness of his forward line during last week's one point loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Johnson has been one of the first players picked in the Cats' forward line since his debut season in 2002 and although he has played just 55 games in that time that has been due to constant injuries - particularly ankle problems which have dogged him the past two years and restricted him during the pre-season this year.

Since returning to the side in round two this year, Johnson has been below his best and managed just 15 touches against the Bulldogs last week in failing to kick a goal.

Thompson admitted on Wednesday that Johnson had pleaded for "one more chance" when told he would be making a rare appearance in the VFL but said the star forward's current form did not warrant a senior game.

"He is upset, he wanted one more chance but it's not about that," Thompson said.

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"It's about having to do certain things to stay in our team and he is not doing them at the moment."

Thompson stressed Johnson's omission was all about form and nothing to do with attitude.

"He has had a restricted training program and he is just finding it a bit difficult to get into the game at the moment," he said.

"He has got to start winning more of the ball and get his run up because he just seems off the pace at the moment."

Thompson also said young forward Tom Lonergan would be dropped this week while he was undecided whether Nathan Ablett - who like Lonergan and Johnson failed to kick a goal last week - would retain his place in the side.

"We have got to take our opportunities in front of goal because in games where we lose we just don't score enough goals from our entries (inside 50) so our forward structure has to improve and our forward efficiency has to improve and that's where the changes will be this week."

The Cats will regain full-back Matthew Scarlett from suspension for the trip to Sydney while Tom Harley (patella tendon) will resume in the VFL.

Thompson said he was unsure yet if spearhead Kent Kingsley (hamstring) and Henry Playfair (shoulder) would play this week.

The Cats coach played down any revenge factor following last year's heartbreaking semi-final loss to Sydney, who went on to win the flag after Nick Davis kicked the winning goal against the Cats with three seconds remaining.

But he admitted he was far from disappointed at seeing Davis limp off with a hamstring injury against Melbourne last week.

"You move on quickly as a coach, you don't hold grudges for too long," he said.

"(But) I was happy to see he (Davis) is not playing this week."

Thompson meanwhile said he planned to personally inspect the Telstra Stadium surface on Thursday, following recent reports from Sydney that the ground surface was in poor condition with a large portion of turf needing to be re-laid before Saturday night's clash.

 

[JUBJUB]

Thompson announced Johnson's shock omission at Wednesday's main training session

Okay,who here is shocked ?
I'm not.

 

[gregWAllan]

Okay,who here is shocked ?
I'm not.

Not shocked at the decision but announcing it on Wednesday seems a bit irregular.

 

[Hulk_Hawkins]

Okay,who here is shocked ?
I'm not.

No surprises here Jub, have just heard on the radio:
Out: Johnson, Lonergan, (NAblett - possible omission)

So that leaves:
In: Scarlett, (and possibles) Kingsley, Playfair are both outside chances

If I was a selector I would bring back

In: Scarlett, Blake (send Otto back to FF (best game though btw in the ruck!) and KK or H if fit, if not Charlie/Mackie/Primsall
Tough gig for the selectors!