Discussion Essendon v St Kilda

[Axcellence]

Ok... for r18's friday night...

Dunno about Essendon - they get Hille back who kicked 4 against St Kilda.

I suggest the team changes against Essendon be:-

In: Geary (preferably Armo but he's out injured who knows how long)
Out: Dawson


Although the likely scenario will be "no change".

Geary / Heyne aren't exactly banging the door down. Dunno where Eddy's at. Stanley / Cahill are where they are at (too young, not enough experience).

 

[stfan]

Zac's early season form was not good.

But his last 3 games have been quite ok. So Zac will not be omitted.


Personally Mini would seem to be the player with the biggest ? at present.
Steven has come in and has impressed and he kicks goals. Mini was a goalkicker last year, but has not been this year. Steven has that X-factor, but like Mini is not finding the ball enough.

Steven uses it better though.

Must be line ball between the two.


Would suspect that Steven will be givena good run to see if he can find the ball a bit more.

Raph is in the wings but after a long time out one would expect that he will need to come back via Sandi.

 

[ILY Leonard]

essendon, port adelaide, north, richmond, adelaide.

really we shud win all of those and get up form if we're gonna be a serious contender going into finals. logic says tho the way essendon, port and north have troubled us in recent years + adelaide's form we're a good chance to drop at least one.

hopefully it won't be essendon. i think the key this time round is numbers behind the ball. last time from where i was sitting, it seemed that we were playing almost all our numbers forward of centre when attacking (strange considering the shit we cop for flooding) which meant with essendons pace all they needed was one turnover from us and they were on and hille or ryder would be nearly by themselves upfield.

wud be happy just to get 4 points from this one and move on even if it means sum ugly footy

 

[CHBench]

Feel we've been going in top heavy down back ever since Zac came back in. Against Essendon this is just going to be amplified even more. Dempster or Dawson maybe even Gilbert are going to need the chop.


Could probably see something like Out: Dempster, In: Geary.

 

[StFly]

Unpopular but Gilbo need to be omitted, last 2-3 weeks have been atrocious and he's been a key reason why sides have been pushing 10+ goals via turn overs, Geary to take his place and provide a second small aspect with Dempster since Essendons small brigade are rather midfield orientated. This then allows for someone like Jimmy Gwilt to play on a wing if the backline is too tall.

This is the week for Mini, Essendon should suit him, their backs are either tall and lumbering and small and volatile in how they manage to do much of anything (one good kick, one kick to the opponents face, one good tackle, one clothesline) Dawson, Blake and Chips to play the tall, Dempster, Geary and Gwilt to play the Medium / Small, Gilbo to be told to work out your kicking and spoiling cause christ man...

 

[dan0z]

Unpopular but Gilbo need to be omitted, last 2-3 weeks have been atrocious and he's been a key reason why sides have been pushing 10+ goals via turn overs, Geary to take his place and provide a second small aspect with Dempster since Essendons small brigade are rather midfield orientated. This then allows for someone like Jimmy Gwilt to play on a wing if the backline is too tall.

This is the week for Mini, Essendon should suit him, their backs are either tall and lumbering and small and volatile in how they manage to do much of anything (one good kick, one kick to the opponents face, one good tackle, one clothesline) Dawson, Blake and Chips to play the tall, Dempster, Geary and Gwilt to play the Medium / Small, Gilbo to be told to work out your kicking and spoiling cause christ man...

gilbert was well held against hawthorn, but expect him to bounce back this week. surely he wont be droped..

dont know about mini..

 

[Plugger35]

I wouldn't be dropping Gilbert at this stage, he has been a bit out of form recently but he will bounce back. Need his rebound out of defence.

Would definitely look at bringing in Geary for one of our taller players though. Essendon have beat us the last couple of times with pace so we don't want to go in with too many tall, lumbering types.

Have also heard that Montagna may be in doubt due to the injury he got from slipping over on the atrocious Etihad surface. Would be a massive blow if he is out since he is one of our quicker players. Hopefully he recovers OK.

 

[Falchoon]

Zac was good on Friday night, other than being out positioned with the 2 kicks over the top.

Those frees he gave away for brushing Franklin's forearm off his chest won't be there in September.

 

[AFaiL]

Ok... for r18's friday night...

Dunno about Essendon - they get Hille back who kicked 4 against St Kilda.

I suggest the team changes against Essendon be:-

In: Geary (preferably Armo but he's out injured who knows how long)
Out: Dawson


Although the likely scenario will be "no change".

Geary / Heyne aren't exactly banging the door down. Dunno where Eddy's at. Stanley / Cahill are where they are at (too young, not enough experience).

Yet you would bring them in for Dawson who is playing well?
Don't worry about Buddy's 5 - Dawson got 1 himself, 1 of buddy's came from a joey 50 and a few bs/lucky ones in there as well.

Cougar is firing up

 

[Jimmy 35]

true, Zacs performance doesn't reflect Buddys.
Thought he played really well at full back.

However i also agree that we've gone top heavy in the back half

 

[Squizz]

Feel we've been going in top heavy down back ever since Zac came back in. Against Essendon this is just going to be amplified even more. Dempster or Dawson maybe even Gilbert are going to need the chop.

Could probably see something like Out: Dempster, In: Geary.

Dempster is one of the quickest on our list, and Gears' lack of top end speed is probably a reason he's not in the team.

Rioli was not delicious* on Friday, and given how well he kicks the ball I'm pretty happy he was kept to 12 possessions.

Agree with the Zac comment (the team looking top heavy at the moment), but thought he played pretty well when you break down how Franklin got his goals.

The issue with Gilbo is that whilst he's trying so hard to create the play, those errors are hard to cover with the big bodies we've got down back. Whilst Gwilt has stepped up, he's a big unit along with Zac, Fish, and Blakey. I do question that set-up and would be disappointed to see it against the Bummers this week.

* heard Du-Wayne Russell use the word "gorgeous" today - is there a comp to be the campest bloke calling footy?

 

[LordJimmy]

Essendon will win. Just like them to run into good form now. For some reason they always single us out to get up against. Their fans hate us and love it as they think it's good triumphing against evil or some ridiculous shit like that.

I hope we smash them. I wouldn't care if they never won another game.

 

[King Of The Hille]

Essendon will win. Just like them to run into good form now. For some reason they always single us out to get up against. Their fans hate us and love it as they think it's good triumphing against evil or some ridiculous shit like that.

I hope we smash them. I wouldn't care if they never won another game.

Um, really?

I personally hope you lot win the flag.

 

[ChrisFooty]

Gilbert will not be dropped. That is all.

 

[emblurr]

Essendon will win. Just like them to run into good form now. For some reason they always single us out to get up against. Their fans hate us and love it as they think it's good triumphing against evil or some ridiculous shit like that.

I hope we smash them. I wouldn't care if they never won another game.

Yeah I like St. Kilda too, go to several St.Kilda games a year. Was very disappointed when they lost the GF.

 

[Papa Juggs]

The constant changes in structure have really knocked us around.

We looked a bit more settled against the Hawks with some real targets inside 50m.

It was good to see the boys kicking the ball forwards in a more positive move.

Rolling the dice but I think it could have played into the hands of a heavy zoning team like the Hawks.

We really should beat Essendon this time around. Couldn't give them 3 in row during these 2 big years we're having.

Essendon will be expecting us to zone forward and kick sideways so I think we should continue with the more positive forward kicking attitude.

Might see some big grabs in the forward line.

 

[Jimmy 35]

^ couldnt agree more.

Kosi finding form and Rooey getting back, and an attacking gamestyle it should be good to watch

 

[Papa Juggs]

They've been beating us in the wide open spaces behind our zone.

It's downhill skiing but they've been taking the points away from us.

I think it's a big test of Lyon's coaching skills to see if he can beat the gameplan Essendon is using to negate our tempo footy zoning style.

 

[DEAN0]

I really wanted to see the Saints win it last year aswell.

Hopefully this year is their year

Saints to beat us by 35 points.

 

[ULTIMATE_WARRIOR]

Essendon is certainly our bogey side. So personally I do have some concerns coming into this big game on Friday, regardless of where the Bombers are at or whatever 'crisis' they appear to be in. They were lucky to get up last week against a very undermanned 'Roos side. There is no way we should drop this match, it is totally unacceptable if we do. In saying that, as much as I have my fears, Im still very confident in the boys. Probably won't be a change, nor should there be unless Joey needs a week off.

For those who want Zac Dawson out, come on, please wake up. He has had a steady few games and was pretty good on Franklin this week. Break it down, 2 free kicks were shocking, he was stiff with a few over the top and one of his goals 3 Saints players ran right past him, allowing him to swing on to his favoured left. Plus, lets admit, Buddy is a freak! I dunno about you, but I went nuts when Zac slammed home that goal after the 100m penalty!

Sammy Gilbert won't be dropped, despite his form the last few weeks been down. He will turn it around I have no doubt and hopefully work through some of his poor disposal. I think the backline is actually missing a composed and couragous Raph Clarke in his pre-injury form. Should get back in soon. Thumbs up to Sean Dempster aswell. Has been playing well, like his hands.

If Leigh Montagna is even slightly sore from the unfortunate turf slip, the Saints should rest him. He may be one of our quickest, but we need all guns blazing for September. Brett Peake didn't play against Essendon last time and should be a handy difference with his pace.

And as most of us would know, Nick Riewoldt is only a game away, if not already set, to tear a game apart. He looked really good on friday and should have ended up kicking 4. He is moving fantastic and his hands will be better. Another inclusion from last times Essendon match. Kosi needs to fire a few aswell. Some more 1st qtr form will be hard for the Bombers to match.

 

[Special88]

Essendon definitely have the better of us in recent times so always makes me nervous. But match up wise it doesnt look like it should be that way.. but it has been. Winning the clearances is key, Id like to see Jonesy go to Watson. He is pure class, never seems to cop the hard tag but if he plays well Essendon are a heaps better side. get Jonesy to wear him like a glove and try to nullify his impact at the stoppages.

I do worry, with the bombers forward set up that we are to top heavy down back. Dawson on neagle and either blake or fisher on gumbleton most likely. Then they have smalls like davey, monfries and that new guy who had a great leap on him. We are def missing bakes, and in a way, as much as i knock him, Raph clarke. His mobility as a decent size who can play on talls and smalls and provide run and take a good mark is being missed. As much as he frustrates me at times. I also think there is a place for geary in our side, he gets better every week and needs to be playing.

Roo should be hitting is straps right about now and hopefully has a big one. And I can feel Kosi is slowly getting there.. he will show us what his made of i feel and its a matter of time before he cuts loose.

I think Mcqualter needs to spend some time in the VFL, im a fan of his but he is struggling. and rather send him back now.. get his shit together then come back string a few decent games together before the finals. Now is the time to do it and look at bringing in Heyne (like him), maybe smith for his first game. Or if there are any reasonable mid sized forwards on the verge for us bring them in. (lynch or cahill).

Midfield to start getting on top in the middle again i hope and start imposing themselves again. I feel this may be easier if Knights continues to play Stanton from half back. Jones usually goes to him because he finds a lot and his good in close and at the stoppages. Also think it suits us if he plays at half back because his disposal isnt great and turns it over.

So i tip a win for us, but not entirely confident because it is essendon!

 

[rhysman]

Essendon will win. Just like them to run into good form now. For some reason they always single us out to get up against. Their fans hate us and love it as they think it's good triumphing against evil or some ridiculous shit like that.

I hope we smash them. I wouldn't care if they never won another game.

Really? We sit 13th on the ladder, you are right in the mix to win a flag and you wouldn't care if you didn't win another game. Just a petty and ridiculous comment. If thats the mentatlity down there no wonder you've only won 1 flag.

 

[TommyJay]

I agree that we're too top heavy, especially in the back line, but what is the solution? Our back six at the moment are effectively

Blake - Solid. Mr Dependable really.
Dawson - Despite earlier poor form, seems to be hitting his straps and constantly improving. Certainly wouldn't drop him as Dawson in good form come finals could help us dramatically.
Dempster - Good for us, particularly last week. Very quick, surprisingly so for his size, and if he can take some grabs like me managed to against the Hawks consistently he is another very valuable asset. In my opinion, he is perennially underrated by fans, but fortunately not by the coaching staff.
Gilbert - Absurd to think that he should be dropped. I'm as frustrated as anyone with his disposal at times, but invaluable in defence. Takes fantastic contested marks and has a good ability to break the lines. Don't see his kicking getting worse than it was against Hawthorn, and hopefully it's all improvement from here. No benefit in dropping him.
Fisher - Amazing player. His contested ball, run, disposal and ability for one on one defending is a remarkable blend. Obviously not one to be dropped.
Gwilt - On the up and up. The more confidence this bloke is getting the more he is taking the game on, and at times playing it completely on his terms. Extremely useful, and we've seen if he gets it right, can be a game breaker. Also not a player other teams would focus on targetting, when he's running alongside Gilbert and Fisher, so theres a chance he can slip under the radar.

In essence, there's no-one who I think can be dropped from that side. In terms of talls around the ground we have Roo, Kosi, Mac and Gardiner. None of which should be dropped. Kosi is looking like he may hit some form, way overdue, but the marks and goals he kicked on the weekend may be exactly what he needs to get his confidence up. McEvoy deserves his spot as well, aside from a few games early in the year he is a very solid contributor, who really should hold his side for the rest of the year including finals unless something drastic takes place.

Overall, although we look top-heavy, I just can't see them justifying dropping any of the players out there for the sake of a smaller player. Remembering small doesn't always mean quick. I'll be observing the team list on thursday with more interest than I have for a while, because I think this is a game that may hinge on that one correct selection that allows you a little more pace to keep up with them, or to get that wrong and have one of their players without a good enough matchup that they can exploit.

 

[The Enemy Within]

Get serious here, Essendon have been *hit full this year a massive thumping against West Coast 2 weeks ago proves that,don't be mis- guided by a win against Nth they are still the same side they were before that game and a win doesn't change it.

 

[Plugger35]

Get serious here, Essendon have been *hit full this year a massive thumping against West Coast 2 weeks ago proves that,don't be mis- guided by a win against Nth they are still the same side they were before that game and a win doesn't change it.

Well no matter how bad Essendon may have been recently they always seem to play well against us. We should beat them this Friday but we can't afford to take a win for granted. They have nothing to lose and will no doubt be buoyed by their win over North. Could be a real danger game for us if we aren't switched on.