next weeks team selection might be really difficult

[jarmanagic]

If there are no injuries we've got 2 difficult decisions to make

Leave out one of Tippett, Gill, Stevens, Moran

Leave out one of Reilly, Douglas, Johncock, Mackay and Knights

For mine Gill and Johncock out but it will be tough

 

[jackster83]

IN: Reilly
OUT: Mackay

Nothing against Mackay but in the finals you want bigger bodies and players with greater endurance.

Johncock's last quarter may have just saved him. His first 3 quarters were embarrassingly poor but he didn't drop his head. Credit must go to Bassett who had stern words to him in the 3rd quarter.

 

[magtrev]

I've defended Richie Douglas against most of his critisism on here, but he was really, really dire today. If Reilly has a good game tommorow that he will come in for tricky ricky I think.

Agree that Stiffy probably saved himself in the last quarter. Moran may come back in for Tippett if the match committee decide that horses for courses suits Moran more against Geelong(or the pies should the sainters smash Essendon)

 

[Wallace]

Knights was particularly woeful today. Duddlass was not far behind. Would much rather have Reilly and Campbell in the side.

 

[Crowboy#32]

Out of the big guys i dont think Moran ever should have been left out, Stevens was good today and Tippet did some really handy things, Gill may have to be the one to miss i think.

 

[dplggr47]

Out of the big guys i dont think Moran ever should have been left out, Stevens was good today and Tippet did some really handy things, Gill may have to be the one to miss i think.

true, i thought Stevens was as excellent as he could be today. Tippett did well and got us that all important goal from that amazingly strong mark. Gill had that atrocious kick, but he ran hard all day, which i liked. he never gave up. he continued to lead up for the ball, and fought hard at the contests.

hopefully Vince isn't dropped for his poor game; he only just came back from injury.

 

[jenny61_99]

Gill did some very valuable things... like provide a contest (and what about that mark!). But more importantly, he provided tremendous defensive pressure all over the ground. I don't think we can afford to drop him we just have to not rely on him to kick goals.

After one view of the game, Johncock and Bassett were pretty ordinary. If I had to pick one, it would be one of them. If the weather is fine in Melbourne next week, I'd maybe add Moran to the mix. Not sure where Reilly sits... normally in our best 22, but horribly out of form atm.

 

[Go Crows NSW]

How can you say Bassett was ordinary. He had 11k 5H 5m and his man Mitch Hahn who is one of the more dangerous players for the Dogs had 5k 9H 2m and kicked 1pt?

 

[TheLeftFist8]

Gill did some very valuable things... like provide a contest (and what about that mark!). But more importantly, he provided tremendous defensive pressure all over the ground. I don't think we can afford to drop him we just have to not rely on him to kick goals.

After one view of the game, Johncock and Bassett were pretty ordinary. If I had to pick one, it would be one of them. If the weather is fine in Melbourne next week, I'd maybe add Moran to the mix. Not sure where Reilly sits... normally in our best 22, but horribly out of form atm.

Agreed that Gill is a certainty...has made a huge difference to the team, even if it's not apparent on the stats sheet.

Bassett is also a certainty to be picked.

If anyone goes, my first option is Douglas. Given that, Johncock stays because of his forward/back versatility and x-factor.

Maybe the other who would be nervous would be Mackay, but he's a future star and everything in his demeanour shows strong resolve and an ability to handle the big stage (which cannot be said for Douglas YET). Having said that, he's young and thin and finals are brutal...Reilly and Moran will be pumped to get back in.

I don't think there is room for him but does anyone believe Campbell is a chance this week, given the opposition? I know this is controversial but if it were a Douglas v Campbell option THIS WEEK (not long term of course), I'd be very, very tempted to pick Campbell

 

[beartoo]

I've nothing against Campbell, has a red-hot go for mine, but I think he lacks the pace to mix it with the cats midfield or forwards. Moran for Tippett would be my only change.

 

[jenny61_99]

How can you say Bassett was ordinary. He had 11k 5H 5m and his man Mitch Hahn who is one of the more dangerous players for the Dogs had 5k 9H 2m and kicked 1pt?

Like I said, I'd only watched the game once, but my initial reactions to both of them were that they both made dreadful mistakes. I am about to watch the replay so may re-assess that.

 

[beartoo]

I think you'llfind Bass played okay when you watch the replay again, Jen. His 1st half in particular was good.

 

[TheLeftFist8]

Not a selection comment but if i could nominate 4 blokes who have to probably have close to career best games this week for us to win:

Shirley...for obvious reasons, we need to make a dent in at least some part of the Cats midfield machine.

van Berlo...we need 'a captain's game'. Looking at their midfield i am reminded of WC and their domination over us. I know VB's role has changed but i remember how he fell away against Cousins in that final at AAMI. It is time to NOW prove he can match it with the best.

Massie...i reckon we have the players to cover all their forwards (though of course their small forwards are always dangerous). The big exception is S Johnson. Mass covered Brad, can he now cover Steve?

Gill...one of our forwards needs to fire and he can make the biggest difference imo, bring other forwards into the game, put on huge defensive pressure, and hopefully go close to breaking even with Scarlett if he gets him.

 

[Alex99]

Not a selection comment but if i could nominate 4 blokes who have to probably have close to career best games this week for us to win:

Shirley...for obvious reasons, we need to make a dent in at least some part of the Cats midfield machine.


Massie...i reckon we have the players to cover all their forwards (though of course their small forwards are always dangerous). The big exception is S Johnson. Mass covered Brad, can he now cover Steve?

Gill...one of our forwards needs to fire and he can make the biggest difference imo, bring other forwards into the game, put on huge defensive pressure, and hopefully go close to breaking even with Scarlett if he gets him.

Yep. If we as a football club wants to take the next step from middle of the road (4th to 6th) and become a legitimate premiership contender and the Neil Craig see those 3 players being vital members of that transition process, this week they have to stand up.

Robert Shirley has done a good job on Judd over the years but this is the week he has to stand up and find a way of stopping or at very least limiting either Gary Ablett Jn or Jimmy Bartel. Player’s careers are made on one good finals appearance just as they are broken on one poor game; if he has a poor game, i believe we have to start looking elsewhere. Yes I know he has had a good second half of the year and you Shirley lover don’t need to tell me but if he cannot do his job against the best, we as a club will never become the best and we cannot afford to carry passengers against quality teams like Geelong.

Kris Massie has to become either that second tagging option on Bartel or do a defensive job on Steve Johnson. He would be in the same boat as Robert Shirley, if he cannot do his job, i do not see the point is playing someone who will struggle against the best. We may as well cut our losses now and develop someone who can take us to the next level.

Nick Gill did a few nice things yesterday but he has only really torn one game apart over the last few weeks and that was against Essendon. Not exactly quality opposition, he needs to stand up and show he can contribute when it counts. The next 2, 3 or 4 games is the time for player to stand up and make it count.

It’s been a good season but let’s not waste it by saying close enough is good enough. We are in the top 4, let’s go and win the ****ing thing.

 

[macca23]

After one view of the game, Johncock and Bassett were pretty ordinary. If I had to pick one, it would be one of them.

One right, one wrong there jen.

Bassett played a good game, keeping their best forward in Mitch Hahn down to a very very average game.

You were right with Stiffy though - his first 3 quarters of footy were abysmal. His last quarter was at least reasonable.

 

[Alex99]

One right, one wrong there jen.

Bassett played a good game, keeping their best forward in Mitch Hahn down to a very very average game.

You were right with Stiffy though - his first 3 quarters of footy were abysmal. His last quarter was at least reasonable.

Stiffy won't get dropped but, not in a final.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Will be surprised in a final that the experience that Reilly provides will not be included.

Also think Moran should be considered weather permitting.....adds some much needed height against a tallish Geelong side

With Porps still a big query in lasting a game IMO we will not go into the game short of midfield options

In: Reilly

Out: Knights

 

[Eastern Crow]

totally agree that selection this week will be very very interesting

I think most would agree that Radar and Moran would be the only two players that will come into selection consideration, however, given that yesterday's game was a finals type game, NC might go with the current 22.

In regards to players that some posters believe are under pressure

Mackay, post game Craigy was a big wrap for D-Mac saying that he was playing some footy at the moment, his skills and ability to run the lines will be crucial in finals.

Gill, I find this amusing, he is very crucial to our structure, his work rate is unquestionable, he leads hard, straight and strong, most importantly Gill is a natural forward and will take the oppositions best defender this will take pressure off a Tippett type of player.

Knights, agree that yesterday was not his best game, however is a crucial cog in our midfield and has played some outstanding games this year, I just can't understand why people are callingg for his head

My final thoughts

The crows will go in unchanged, however, I would strongly consider playing an extra tall (Moran), this would enable us to play Tippett & Gill full time up forward

 

[jo172]

Campbell should come in for one of Douglas/Mackay/Johncock.

We need someone with a bit of **** about them to get under Geelong's skin if we're to have a chance.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

Campbell should come in for one of Douglas/Mackay/Johncock.

We need someone with a bit of **** about them to get under Geelong's skin if we're to have a chance.

I thought you said **** was overrated?

I hope we don't bring in reilly because his tackling has been ordinary since he damaged his wrist. Can't afford to carry 2 players into a final who have limited defensive pressure.

 

[Eastern Crow]

Campbell should come in for one of Douglas/Mackay/Johncock.

We need someone with a bit of **** about them to get under Geelong's skin if we're to have a chance.

Campbell has shown he is a defensive player, however he has not showed that he has a bit od **** about him

we will get belted next week if we select a side of defensive players

we need to select players that can take the game on and attack the Cats

 

[jo172]

I thought you said **** was overrated?

I hope we don't bring in reilly because his tackling has been ordinary since he damaged his wrist. Can't afford to carry 2 players into a final who have limited defensive pressure.

I did.

I'm talking about all or nothing attack on the footy which Bryce gives all the time.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

I did.

I'm talking about all or nothing attack on the footy which Bryce gives all the time.

I think for once you maybe right. The only chance in hell we have of winning this contest is to have a Kamkaze like attack at the contest and tackle like we have never tackled before (like Collingdwood). If we hessitate we get smashed, end of story.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Campbell should come in for one of Douglas/Mackay/Johncock.
We need someone with a bit of **** about them to get under Geelong's skin if we're to have a chance.

Snowflakes chance in hell!!!

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

Snowflakes chance in hell!!!

I'm not sure Campbell will come in but he's right in saying that we need to attack the contest like there is no tomorrow. If we show even a hint of weakness we get smashed. Our senior, more experienced players (and especially our leaders ) need to show something that they have rarely shown all year - a physical presence (Edwards aside). Our kids have been great in this area, some of our seniors players, at times, have been left wanting.

The next couple of weeks are going to be probably the most important few weeks of the NC reign. Names will be made, careers could be cut short.

Its going to be a facinating finals series for the future of the AFC.