Changes vs the Weagles

[Demon 16]

Dunn. Must. Go.

Im a bit of a Dunn basher myself, but I just think whilst we are showing improvement, we should be judging players on their last 4 or 5 games when deciding if they need a spell. Dunn deserves another game imo.

We are all super keen to see Watts, Gysberts, Morton etc and are searching for spots - but we shouldnt force changes, there is plenty of time.

Just my opinion.

 

[ThePuppetMaster]

Im pretty sure junior played on Bartram, but i agree he should not be dropped, he played well apart from the two well publicized mistakes

sorry cooney instead of bartram

 

[Dez!]

Im a bit of a Dunn basher myself, but I just think whilst we are showing improvement, we should be judging players on their last 4 or 5 games when deciding if they need a spell. Dunn deserves another game imo.

We are all super keen to see Watts, Gysberts, Morton etc and are searching for spots - but we shouldnt force changes, there is plenty of time.

Just my opinion.

He's kicked 4.11 for the year, that is far too wasteful in my opinion and Bailey should send a message to him telling him that if you don't convert those chances on goal then you'll pay the price.

It's costing us games.

 

[bighughie]

He's kicked 4.11 for the year, that is far too wasteful in my opinion and Bailey should send a message to him telling him that if you don't convert those chances on goal then you'll pay the price.

It's costing us games.

You're right. Though the positives to draw from this are that he's actually getting in position to have shots on goal, for a midfielder to be getting forward and into space that much is really good. He's just got to start converting those chances. The weather on Friday was absolutely awful, disposal from nearly everyone was down and he did have a goal incorrectly chalked off for 'touched'.

Dropping him now sends the wrong message, just like bringing in Watts right now sends the wrong message; i think Dunn did have a bad game but has been decent enough this year that he deserves a chance to redeem himself.

The team played well enough that only necessary changes should be made this week; i wont be surprised if a couple of the younger guys get a rest because it was a pretty grueling game on Friday and I imagine they're a bit sore. Hopefully they can harness the positives to come out of Friday (even though losing hurt, much like the Collingwood game) and really take it up to West Coast on Saturday.

 

[Go the Biff]

It's not that I hate Rivers. I hate that people don't see the obvious, and that is that his form has been poor for a long time but, people on the forums still think the sun shines out of his ass. There is no way that he played well.

At the game I thought Rivers made a couple of blues but overall was very effective. So, in light of your comments I watched the game again with an eye on Rivers in particular. Yes, he dropped a mark - hardly Robinson Crusoe in that regard though. His biggest error was failing to get a fist on a spoil which then resulted in the ball getting behind the defence - a cardinal sin for any defender. His contested work was very good, his ball use ok & his efforts in peeling off to assist his fellow defenders was excellent, particularly giving Warnock a hand in chopping out Hall. He also zoned well, forcing the Dogs to change their angle of attack. His main opponent was Hahn who had little impact on the game. Rivers was later sent forward to make Murphy accountable (according to Chris Connolly), as the Bulldogs #2 had been assigned a loose man in defence role. While Rivers was ordinary last week, this week he was pretty good.

Little Stinga I am afraid you are just seeing what you want to see. You might want to watch a game without burdening yourself with preconceptions. Hopefully you'll find the experience more enjoyable.

If you really want to find a player to get stuck into, can I suggest you review the game & take note of Dunn's pathetic one-armed marking "attempts' and his refusal to put his body at risk - something Rivers could never be accused of.

 

[r dub 19]

The bolded sentence is crazy. Cox and NicNat rotate extremely heavily and would make the back up ruck of Dunn look stupid (because Jamar can't possibly do 100% time, no one can). PJ (or any other of the spuds) need to play and give Jamar a good 25% time on the bench so he doesn't fatigue. I understand that increased responsibility can often bring out the best in guys, but asking Jamar to do a whole game against 2 quality big guys is asking way too much.

I'm not so sure. Renouf did an excellent job on the weekend with Schoenmakaers for backup. Jamar is 3 times the ruckman Renouf is so maybe Jamar could handle it. It's a big call really wouldn't want to make it myself.

 

[travelu]

Does anyone know if J Watts is a chance this week?

 

[pezz]

Hope not, needs to dominate casey for a few weeks.

Would love him to tear Naita a new one though

 

[bighughie]

I wonder whether this weekend being our only game in Melbourne until round 11 will influence whether we select Watt or not.

 

[Theeighthhamster]

At the game I thought Rivers made a couple of blues but overall was very effective. So, in light of your comments I watched the game again with an eye on Rivers in particular. Yes, he dropped a mark - hardly Robinson Crusoe in that regard though. His biggest error was failing to get a fist on a spoil which then resulted in the ball getting behind the defence - a cardinal sin for any defender. His contested work was very good, his ball use ok & his efforts in peeling off to assist his fellow defenders was excellent, particularly giving Warnock a hand in chopping out Hall. He also zoned well, forcing the Dogs to change their angle of attack. His main opponent was Hahn who had little impact on the game. Rivers was later sent forward to make Murphy accountable (according to Chris Connolly), as the Bulldogs #2 had been assigned a loose man in defence role. While Rivers was ordinary last week, this week he was pretty good.

Little Stinga I am afraid you are just seeing what you want to see. You might want to watch a game without burdening yourself with preconceptions. Hopefully you'll find the experience more enjoyable.

If you really want to find a player to get stuck into, can I suggest you review the game & take note of Dunn's pathetic one-armed marking "attempts' and his refusal to put his body at risk - something Rivers could never be accused of.

Great post.

 

[Gazza_11]

I wonder whether this weekend being our only game in Melbourne until round 11 will influence whether we select Watt or not.

Could very well do.

 

[rhaz]

Goddamn, was looking good for a spot in the 8 if we won next week... provided Carlton lost this week like they were meant to. Now they look like they've put the Saints away

 

[LITTLE STINGA]

At the game I thought Rivers made a couple of blues but overall was very effective. So, in light of your comments I watched the game again with an eye on Rivers in particular. Yes, he dropped a mark - hardly Robinson Crusoe in that regard though. His biggest error was failing to get a fist on a spoil which then resulted in the ball getting behind the defence - a cardinal sin for any defender.

I thought he dropped a lot more than 1 mark. I will watch the first half later in the week to see if I over reacted (which would be unlike me). If he plays he plays, if he doesn't he doesn't. He hasn't got to the Miller stage where I will refuse to go to a game if he gets a game.

I don't really have to have a go at Dunn do I? The forums have really given him a real bake, no need to repeat everybody. I still think both should be dropped for Watts, but not Morton after reading the coaches review his game time was limited so until he can play a full game he shouldn't be in the seniors, I think Gysberts should get a go.

 

[saj_21]

I thought he dropped a lot more than 1 mark. I will watch the first half later in the week to see if I over reacted (which would be unlike me). If he plays he plays, if he doesn't he doesn't. He hasn't got to the Miller stage where I will refuse to go to a game if he gets a game.

I don't really have to have a go at Dunn do I? The forums have really given him a real bake, no need to repeat everybody. I still think both should be dropped for Watts, but not Morton after reading the coaches review his game time was limited so until he can play a full game he shouldn't be in the seniors, I think Gysberts should get a go.

Was a very good post from Go the Biff, Rivers did have a bad patch in the second quarter, around the time he and davey spoiled eachother. A couple dropped marks and fumbles followed, (yes i know this is no difference for all players that night in those conditions) but he did drop those marks and makes those fumbles under less pressure and in close proximity of eachother so it looked worse than he really was.

Gysberts defnitely putting his name up there , however i think Watts should be required to produce a couple more games like he did on the weekend.

 

[proka123]

Goddamn, was looking good for a spot in the 8 if we won next week... provided Carlton lost this week like they were meant to. Now they look like they've put the Saints away

They were supposed to lose to Geelong as well!

 

[Den11]

Great Post Biff.

Though we all see what we want to see sometimes! Re watching the game Rivers was very good and his fumbles were the same as everyone else in the wet.

I think Dunn would have been one of the best if he had of had his kicking boots on. Though to be fair of his four one was a banana from the boundry, a tough kick with no other options.

I really hope they give Watts a run this week. Has been building form and he has to get a run at some point. Especially since we all agree in no miller and juice!!!

 

[master bate]

Great Post Biff.

Though we all see what we want to see sometimes! Re watching the game Rivers was very good and his fumbles were the same as everyone else in the wet.

I think Dunn would have been one of the best if he had of had his kicking boots on. Though to be fair of his four one was a banana from the boundry, a tough kick with no other options.

I really hope they give Watts a run this week. Has been building form and he has to get a run at some point. Especially since we all agree in no miller and juice!!!

Exactly and their was the one that we still aren't sure if it was touched or not!

The last 2 weeks Dunn has actually managed to get the ball a fair bit, but his composure has been so off which I think is his biggest problem at the moment. It is strange cause I've never noticed it from him before this year. Quite possibly he might know he is on his last chance and whilst in terms of effort is playing like it, his execution has gone out the window. His future is cloudy but there might be some merit of continuing to include him in the side for a few weeks to get a definite answer on whether he can cut it. Same with PJ and Bartram. All 3 of these guys have played plenty of AFL footy, so with so much talent still waiting to get a game its probably best to find out once and for all if they can play and get rid of them if the answer is no.

 

[festa1234]

a few people on demonland are saying that they have heard that watts is playing this week i guess we will find out tommorow

 

[rhaz]

Weather forecast for saturday afternoon looks pretty good... if Watts is playing, i'd expect a pretty good crowd for a Melb v WC game. 5pm tomorrow seems so far away, and Saturday even further. Hurry up weekend!

 

[jesterwester]

Before I start, I must say i am impressed with the dees so far this year, especially since round 1, must be an exciting period for you guys.

I have a question though regarding this weeks game. Do you guys think you will play a negating role on Shannon Hurn, if so, who would you use?
Probably our most important player on our list right now, very similar player to Josh Drummond in setting up our play. Didn't get to see your game against brissy the other week, who did you play on drummond?

IMO in regards to the ruck duel this week, it may be advisable to play a mobile tall in the ruck with Jamar, not to exactly concede the hitouts, but to play an extra player around the contests when Jamar is resting. But then again, other than Priddis we don't really have anyone that can read the ball of hands so that may be something to think about.

FWIW I think you guys will win this pretty comfortably, hopefully we can bring our A game to the table & make it a contest at least.

 

[eskimo]

Seriously....some people have no idea.

How could you possibly want to drop Bartram. He has been our most effective user of the ball this year, sets up good play, runs hard, and has done some important jobs. When Aker started getting into the game on friday night Bartram went to him and really quietened him down. We need Bartram to play on Le Cras this week.

And yes, as much as you may hate to admit it, Joel Mac deserved to be dropped! He had an absolute shocker against North. Possibly a bit flat after playing his former team, but he was woeful against North, couldn't do a thing right!

Only change to make this week is Dunn out for someone. Dunn did have 4 shots at goal, and if he had of converted some of them maybe we would view it a little different. But he was very slack on Friday night, didn't chase hard, lazy leads, and quite a few half hearted efforts at the ball. Jetta or Maric in, to try an expose their big defence. Hit them hard with pace up forward.

 

[master bate]

How could you possibly want to drop Bartram. He has been our most effective user of the ball this year, sets up good play, runs hard, and has done some important jobs. When Aker started getting into the game on friday night Bartram went to him and really quietened him down. We need Bartram to play on Le Cras this week.

I don't think that would be a great match up, Le Cras would be too strong on the lead and in the air. If he's back to full fitness I'd give Garland first go, with Frawley, Bartram and Grimes as back ups.

 

[kv_baby]

I don't think that would be a great match up, Le Cras would be too strong on the lead and in the air. If he's back to full fitness I'd give Garland first go, with Frawley, Bartram and Grimes as back ups.

I beg to differ.

Eskimo has a good idea, Barty has done well against the big names this year, his confidence is high, i think he would do well to keep Le Cras out of the game. He will thrive off getting the number 1 tagging role each week. The weagles would not expect this match up

 

[saj_21]

I have a question though regarding this weeks game. Do you guys think you will play a negating role on Shannon Hurn, if so, who would you use? Probably our most important player on our list right now, very similar player to Josh Drummond in setting up our play. Didn't get to see your game against brissy the other week, who did you play on drummond?

We have two options, either play a defensive player on him who wont worry about winning the ball to much i.e. Dunn or put a play maker on him who could be a match winner i.e. Sylvia. I have a feeling Watts will come in for Dunn, so could be the latter option.

Likewise you guys need to do the same with Grimes.

How could you possibly want to drop Bartram. He has been our most effective user of the ball this year, sets up good play, runs hard, and has done some important jobs. When Aker started getting into the game on friday night Bartram went to him and really quietened him down. We need Bartram to play on Le Cras this week.

Only change to make this week is Dunn out for someone.

Agreed, i have been watching him closely as i do the weekly write up on him and have been very impressed with his improvement. He is an easy traget to be dropped, he is not our most talented player but at the moment is our best stopper. He decision making and skill execution has improved out of sight.

Wouldn't mind Watts for dunn. I could see bartram on lecras particularly if Lecras goes into the middle. But would expect Garland to get him inside forward 50.

 

[Andy_Mac]

We have two options, either play a defensive player on him who wont worry about winning the ball to much i.e. Dunn or put a play maker on him who could be a match winner i.e. Sylvia. I have a feeling Watts will come in for Dunn, so could be the latter option.

I was thinking along the same lines, although I would have Green start on him. Have him push up to into the midfield for the first 5 or so mins, then try to pull Hurn back deep into the forward line.

If Watts plays I’d imagine that WCE will match up as follows:

Schofield/Watts, Glass/Green, Waters/Sylvia, Hurn/Hughes, MacKenzie/Bate, McGinnity/Bennell

Probably the same if Dunn keeps his spot ILO Watts.

Although it will be interesting; the eagles have a big backline that may struggle against a smaller agile forward line. Maybe Watts should be given another week on the sidelines, we drop Dunn and bring in another mid (Gysberts??) in the view to release Davey into the forward line.

God I’d love to have Jurrah in that forward 6, he (and Wonna) are going to be a disaster for opposition teams to match up. Just having a Look at the side and swapping Hughes and Jurrah it would mean potentially Hurn would still have to go to him and could not give him an inch of latitude thus killing their run.