Unofficial Preview Qualifying Final 2025 v Cats @MCG.

[3KZ is Football]

Chris Fagan in his presser post the Hawks win said Jarrod Berry and Lachie Neale will definitely play in the QF, actually said Berry could have played last night, they just wanted to be extra cautious.

Ins- Jarrod Berry, Lachie Neale.

Outs- Sam Marshall, James Tunstill.

Sub- Is an insanely difficult decision, Reville, Lohmann are the only 2 options I can see happening.

OR- Does Ty Gallop go out and we go smaller and Tunstill stays as the sub? Is smaller a good option v the Cats?
___________________
Win and we rest up again for a home Prelim and a possible 3rd GF appearance on the trot.

I’ll have a shot:

FB: Zorko, Lester, Joyce
HB: Wilmot, Andrews, Starcevich
C: Reville, McCluggage, Berry
HF: Rayner, Ah Chee, Bailey
FF: Cameron, Morris, Lohmann
Mid: Fort, Dunkley, Neale

Int: W. Ashcroft, L. Ashcroft, Day, Fletcher

SUB: Marshall

This is very quick and very formidable. It is also close to what I think Fagan will go with. If we need to inject some further run, then Marshall comes on.

Reville gets the nod over Marshall, because at this stage his offensive weapons are more developed. His field kicking was sublime against Hawthorn and he is benefiting from playing full games. His last quarter goal from the boundary on Sunday was an absolute CLASSIC, but I was equally impressed by his second quarter ‘nine iron’ kick off the ground, out of congestion when he delivered the ball straight to Lohmann who then kicked a goal. It was indicative of a very smart footballer who makes things happen.

Day stays in, partly to ruck, but mainly to compete in the air and again, provide an option. People might knock him, but we win when he is in the team. Again, if we need to inject some speed in the last quarter, he is also a possible option to be subbed off.

I’m dropping Gardiner for Joyce. Gardiner is in terrible form and making fundamental skill and judgement errors. I thought he was terrible against Fremantle, but he was next level bad against Hawthorn. He was beaten on the deck, caught out guarding empty space, lost his feet too frequently and only had 5 Disposals (3 kicks and 2 H/B), 0 Tackles and managed to give away a free kick. Gunston had a very quiet night, but he still managed to make Gardiner look ordinary, particularly when he kicked his goal in the third. If Payne was available, Gardiner would be nowhere near this side and I think it’s time to give Joyce a shot. Like Payne, he has a big body and he will give it 100%.

I have to admit, selection will be tough next week, but I think we can open Geelong up on the MCG and speed and efficiency will be the key factor.

 

[Mr Ripper]

Had the impression watching Fages and Day on the bench at the conclusion of last nights game that Fages was saying something along the lines of “well done mate, you finally get to play a final”.

 

[fugitive]

It probably suits us that the media is now all over Geelong as the premiership favourite but l’m not sold on them, they have played just one top 8 side in last 8 weeks in GWS and lost to them convincingly. I have a feeling that we will go up a gear for this one.

 

[Bucking Beads]

I’ll have a shot:

FB: Zorko, Lester, Joyce
HB: Wilmot, Andrews, Starcevich
C: Reville, McCluggage, Berry
HF: Rayner, Ah Chee, Bailey
FF: Cameron, Morris, Lohmann
Mid: Fort, Dunkley, Neale

Int: W. Ashcroft, L. Ashcroft, Day, Fletcher

SUB: Marshall

This is very quick and very formidable. It is also close to what I think Fagan will go with. If we need to inject some further run, then Marshall comes on.

Reville gets the nod over Marshall, because at this stage his offensive weapons are more developed. His field kicking was sublime against Hawthorn and he is benefiting from playing full games. His last quarter goal from the boundary on Sunday was an absolute CLASSIC, but I was equally impressed by his second quarter ‘nine iron’ kick off the ground, out of congestion when he delivered the ball straight to Lohmann who then kicked a goal. It was indicative of a very smart footballer who makes things happen.

Day stays in, partly to ruck, but mainly to compete in the air and again, provide an option. People might knock him, but we win when he is in the team. Again, if we need to inject some speed in the last quarter, he is also a possible option to be subbed off.

I’m dropping Gardiner for Joyce. Gardiner is in terrible form and making fundamental skill and judgement errors. I thought he was terrible against Fremantle, but he was next level bad against Hawthorn. He was beaten on the deck, caught out guarding empty space, lost his feet too frequently and only had 5 Disposals (3 kicks and 2 H/B), 0 Tackles and managed to give away a free kick. Gunston had a very quiet night, but he still managed to make Gardiner look ordinary, particularly when he kicked his goal in the third. If Payne was available, Gardiner would be nowhere near this side and I think it’s time to give Joyce a shot. Like Payne, he has a big body and he will give it 100%.

I have to admit, selection will be tough next week, but I think we can open Geelong up on the MCG and speed and efficiency will be the key factor.

Joyce hasn't played all year and you want to bring him in for finals!! I really struggle with just how delusional some footy fans can be. You're from another planet if you think this is the right call or one Fagan world even consider making.

 

[Sproj]

Joyce hasn't played all year and you want to bring him in for finals!! I really struggle with just how delusional some footy fans can be. You're from another planet if you think this is the right call or one Fagan world even consider making.

He did debut Wilmott in finals to be fair.

 

[DERRINALPHIL]

Joyce hasn't played all year and you want to bring him in for finals!! I really struggle with just how delusional some footy fans can be. You're from another planet if you think this is the right call or one Fagan world even consider making.

I agree with the bolded bits. Fagan backs his players and rarely (never) makes left field selections.

The Joyce call is the only thing I disagree with on this thread so far.

 

[DevRoboGun]

Surprised by some suggestions that we all of a sudden go for 2 talls in the finals rather than 3. This is a different set up to what we have had all season. Although I agree it could work, the Fagan i know would not change our entire DNA for September

 

[M Malice]

IMO Ty Gallop will be better for the run, physically and with feedback from the coaching group.

#standbyty

 

[mattsmob]

Yeah going into finals I doubt there’s unnecessary changes. Tunstill and Bruce/Marshall out for Neale and Berry are almost certainly the only changes imo

 

[mpal6]

IMO Ty Gallop will be better for the run, physically and with feedback from the coaching group.

#standbyty

Yep, I'd back Ty in. He competes well and will be better with the exposure in 1s.

He didn't get in the way of Morris but was able to chase and tackle during rebound. Even setup that goal for Rayner - will definitely get better with more time in 1s. I'd leave Ty in that role until Hipwood is fit and ready to come back.

 

[Saucery]

Already confirmed(on fox footy) that we will be the Friday night game. >

"Then Geelong and Brisbane will clash at the MCG on Friday night, just under 12 months after their classic preliminary final that saw the Lions triumph."

No that can't be right, if it's a Friday night game surely Essendon are playing?

 

[Saucery]

Jack Riewoldt, Jordan Lewis, Nathan Buckley and Jono Brown On the Couch all gave the Lions a massive wrap regarding their adaptable game style, have a few different modes of attack, can go kick mark up the field, can go overlap run/chaos footy, Lions react to what the opposition do. The players all commit to their defensive come forward at the ball carrier mantra.

Still remember Fagan said at the start of the year that they had been working on our handball game in tight for extra options, was a bit wonky early on but they seem to have mastered it now. No more one dimensional. Reminds me a bit of the 2013 GF where Hawthorn came out and played a very high pressure, possession game early against Freo (who were the kings of that style back then) and held them out till the game opened up then used the kick mark game they were best at to torch . Shades of that with us now.

 

[pod17]

Still remember Fagan said at the start of the year that they had been working on our handball game in tight for extra options, was a bit wonky early on but they seem to have mastered it now. No more one dimensional. Reminds me a bit of the 2013 GF where Hawthorn came out and played a very high pressure, possession game early against Freo (who were the kings of that style back then) and held them out till the game opened up then used the kick mark game thgey were best at to torch them when the game opened up. Shades of that with us now.

That's a good point. The handball, tackling, high pressure game would more suit Bruce, and the run and spread would more suit Marshall. So, it will be interesting to see who out of Bruce and Marshall gets the nod as sub (assuming Berry and Neale come in for Tunstill and Gallop).

 

[twhowler]

That's a good point. The handball, tackling, high pressure game would more suit Bruce, and the run and spread would more suit Marshall. So, it will be interesting to see who out of Bruce and Marshall gets the nod as sub (assuming Berry and Neale come in for Tunstill and Gallop).

Sub barely relevant for us though

Such a shame both go out of the 22 they earnt the right to stay

Must say I agree with others; we have multiple ways of playing well. And all gags aside ever since late last year we got genuine plan b/c.

 

[M Malice]

Must say I agree with others; we have multiple ways of playing well. And all gags aside ever since late last year we got genuine plan b/c.

Chris Fagan needs to go, where the hell is Plan D?

Time to throw all our eggs in the Operation get Ken Hinkley basket.

 

[Mr Ripper]

Reminds me of the old VLSG "guess the crowd" comp.

That was on here… until I was “retired” by former management.

 

[dmac_55]

Gallop has to play again, the only issue is second ruck.

He got the ball to ground and chased and pressured better than any of our key forwards.

It is going to be red hot and we need the pressure from everyone, Fagan will be showing the Ty chase down on Newcombe into the froggy tackle and that’s how we bring the heat against the Cats.

 

[jumbojet]

Don't disagree with your post at all

I'd still lean to Gallop over Tunstill and Bruce as sub who we know can impact a game in a variety of position.

Tunstll has speed

 

[jumbojet]

I’ll have a shot:

FB: Zorko, Lester, Joyce
HB: Wilmot, Andrews, Starcevich
C: Reville, McCluggage, Berry
HF: Rayner, Ah Chee, Bailey
FF: Cameron, Morris, Lohmann
Mid: Fort, Dunkley, Neale

Int: W. Ashcroft, L. Ashcroft, Day, Fletcher

SUB: Marshall

This is very quick and very formidable. It is also close to what I think Fagan will go with. If we need to inject some further run, then Marshall comes on.

Reville gets the nod over Marshall, because at this stage his offensive weapons are more developed. His field kicking was sublime against Hawthorn and he is benefiting from playing full games. His last quarter goal from the boundary on Sunday was an absolute CLASSIC, but I was equally impressed by his second quarter ‘nine iron’ kick off the ground, out of congestion when he delivered the ball straight to Lohmann who then kicked a goal. It was indicative of a very smart footballer who makes things happen.

Day stays in, partly to ruck, but mainly to compete in the air and again, provide an option. People might knock him, but we win when he is in the team. Again, if we need to inject some speed in the last quarter, he is also a possible option to be subbed off.

I’m dropping Gardiner for Joyce. Gardiner is in terrible form and making fundamental skill and judgement errors. I thought he was terrible against Fremantle, but he was next level bad against Hawthorn. He was beaten on the deck, caught out guarding empty space, lost his feet too frequently and only had 5 Disposals (3 kicks and 2 H/B), 0 Tackles and managed to give away a free kick. Gunston had a very quiet night, but he still managed to make Gardiner look ordinary, particularly when he kicked his goal in the third. If Payne was available, Gardiner would be nowhere near this side and I think it’s time to give Joyce a shot. Like Payne, he has a big body and he will give it 100%.

I have to admit, selection will be tough next week, but I think we can open Geelong up on the MCG and speed and efficiency will be the key factor.

Sub. Not smaller but speed. Speed makes up for slot of pressure mistakes

 

[BrisVegasDru]

Chris Fagan needs to go, where the hell is Plan D?

Time to throw all our eggs in the Operation get Ken Hinkley basket.

have seen the Hawks have offered him a job, one canny poster reckoned it was to help land Butters, wouldn't surprise me at all.

 

[buttermuffs]

I’ll have a shot:

FB: Zorko, Lester, Joyce
HB: Wilmot, Andrews, Starcevich
C: Reville, McCluggage, Berry
HF: Rayner, Ah Chee, Bailey
FF: Cameron, Morris, Lohmann
Mid: Fort, Dunkley, Neale

Int: W. Ashcroft, L. Ashcroft, Day, Fletcher

SUB: Marshall

This is very quick and very formidable. It is also close to what I think Fagan will go with. If we need to inject some further run, then Marshall comes on.

Reville gets the nod over Marshall, because at this stage his offensive weapons are more developed. His field kicking was sublime against Hawthorn and he is benefiting from playing full games. His last quarter goal from the boundary on Sunday was an absolute CLASSIC, but I was equally impressed by his second quarter ‘nine iron’ kick off the ground, out of congestion when he delivered the ball straight to Lohmann who then kicked a goal. It was indicative of a very smart footballer who makes things happen.

Day stays in, partly to ruck, but mainly to compete in the air and again, provide an option. People might knock him, but we win when he is in the team. Again, if we need to inject some speed in the last quarter, he is also a possible option to be subbed off.

I’m dropping Gardiner for Joyce. Gardiner is in terrible form and making fundamental skill and judgement errors. I thought he was terrible against Fremantle, but he was next level bad against Hawthorn. He was beaten on the deck, caught out guarding empty space, lost his feet too frequently and only had 5 Disposals (3 kicks and 2 H/B), 0 Tackles and managed to give away a free kick. Gunston had a very quiet night, but he still managed to make Gardiner look ordinary, particularly when he kicked his goal in the third. If Payne was available, Gardiner would be nowhere near this side and I think it’s time to give Joyce a shot. Like Payne, he has a big body and he will give it 100%.

I have to admit, selection will be tough next week, but I think we can open Geelong up on the MCG and speed and efficiency will be the key factor.

I think you forget how poor Joyce can be with his disposal and at ground level. Typically gave up a goal or two a game due to errors that even Gardiner just does not make. Love him regardless.

Gardiner hasn’t been great but mainly in the air. He’s lost even more of his step and with his height gets beaten easily. He’s no Payne at ground level but has 150+ games experience in the backline and is typically composed enough but still prone to a rushed hack kick.

He’s our best option by far still.

 

[Saucery]

Chris Fagan needs to go, where the hell is Plan D?

Time to throw all our eggs in the Operation get Ken Hinkley basket.

I'm not sure we should use his game plan.

 

[3KZ is Football]

I think you forget how poor Joyce can be with his disposal and at ground level. Typically gave up a goal or two a game due to errors that even Gardiner just does not make. Love him regardless.

Gardiner hasn’t been great but mainly in the air. He’s lost even more of his step and with his height gets beaten easily. He’s no Payne at ground level but has 150+ games experience in the backline and is typically composed enough but still prone to a rushed hack kick.

He’s our best option by far still.

I don't think for a moment that Fagan will drop Gardiner, but he is easily the weakest link in an otherwise strong outfit.

 

[Saucery]

I don't think for a moment that Fagan will drop Gardiner, but he is easily the weakest link in an otherwise strong outfit.

Always love your edgy takes 3KZ, you are average in general likes but elite in stirring the pot. I can see a world where Gardiner perhaps plays a defensive forward role on Tom Stewart but alas, we would be giving up too much down back in experience without Payne and Noah.

 

[mighty_lions]

If we had suffered a concussion could the player have played in the QF? Friday is day 12 right.

You can play on the 12th day