Prediction R13: Changes vs Carlton

[yakamoto]

Bit of a difference between Freo and North. They are are still in contention for finals and we’re not.

 

[theGav56]

I never made any such assertion so I don't see the need for the condescending explanation. My point stands that playing Sandi now is aimless. I'm very glad to see old mate Dave Mundy still going around.



No argument that Jones, Apeness, Darcy (when the club gets him back from injury) are still developing the atributes you have mentioned for AFL - but getting game time into them is way more valuable than playing Sandi these days.

I love Sandi - long time servant of the club - however he is in twilight of his career. As I said he drops more marks than he takes these days plus his tap dominance doesn't always translate to clearance domination as the opposition can shark off him. I firmly believe we should be playing the developing rucks.

Realistically, Sandilands is only stopping Jones getting a game at the moment. Apeness will play, and Meek and Strnadica are not ready, plus Darcy is building his fitness. Jones is the only one ready to go. Because he gives our midfield a reasonable amount of the ball it is a positive for an emerging midfield. I am ok if he is on the list next year as a back-up, but that feels a bit disrespectful to such a warhorse.

Mundy is a different kettle of fish. He plays a few different roles for us, both forward and midfield. Mr Fixit. You could argue we could have played Crowden midfield last week or McCarthy forward. The real value in Mundy I think is the onfield leadership that he provides. I hope he is with us next season, even if he is simply camped in a forward pocket or working from the bench.

 

[theGav56]

Bit of a difference between Freo and North. They are are still in contention for finals and we’re not.

I think being in contention for finals is a bit of an illusion.

They are struggling at the bottom end of the 8. They are in denial about where they are at in the bigger picture, and as a result are not investing heavily in their future, preferring to focus on the now.

We are struggling even more, but have the awareness that this year is one to use for development of the future.

 

[Sully90]

I never made any such assertion so I don't see the need for the condescending explanation. My point stands that playing Sandi now is aimless. I'm very glad to see old mate Dave Mundy still going around.

"The club says one thing then does another"

Club statement: We are in a rebuild
Club action: Selects 4 first year players, 3 second year players, 1 third year player, 2 fourth year players, and a fifth year player (in the ruck no less)

Maybe playing with Sandi will be good for a young ruckmen's development while at the same time not leave one of the most key positions in the ground to an unprepared youngster.

The dots really aren't that hard to connect.

 

[Paracleet]

Arguing that playing one of what is still one the best ruckman in the comp over an experimental mature age pick, when we are already playing close to the youngest team in the league, is an indication the club is a "shambles" is such an out there opinion that I can't imagine why anyone would bother try and disabuse the holder of it.

 

[Joao]

I think being in contention for finals is a bit of an illusion.

They are struggling at the bottom end of the 8. They are in denial about where they are at in the bigger picture, and as a result are not investing heavily in their future, preferring to focus on the how.

We are struggling even more, but have the awareness that this year is one to use for development of the future.

Agree 100%.

It would make some sense if they were exposing a heap of young players and getting them some finals experience. Instead they are rolling along with a nearly team like they did for the last 5 years.

Unless of course they have some "big fish" coming and think they can make the step up.

 

[LeftFootBanana]

North are being North - they do mediocrity very well. I'd much rather be where we are with our list than where they are.

 

[Unique Name]

To be fair to North, if they ever did bottom out fully they'd be shipped off to Tassie before they could say Shinboner.

 

[Docker82]

Does anyone actually see North competing for the top four in a few years? I certainly can’t unless they attract a gun free agent or two which will take an absolute miracle if recent history shows much.

They play two key defenders who’ll be 30+ by the end of the year and their second best key forward is almost as old as Sandi. It’s their spine that’s kept them up and other than Ben Brown I’m not sure how much is left of it in three years time.

 

[tonygeeks]

Bit harsh on the Roos considering early season projections , pretty sure they are getting a couple of guns in next year with an academy and a f/s they have an old team but a young list which isn't a bad way to be really , we had more than anyone expected with some young hidden gems on our list who's to say they won't be the same


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[Ysaye]

Does anyone actually see North competing for the top four in a few years? I certainly can’t unless they attract a gun free agent or two which will take an absolute miracle if recent history shows much.

They play two key defenders who’ll be 30+ by the end of the year and their second best key forward is almost as old as Sandi. It’s their spine that’s kept them up and other than Ben Brown I’m not sure how much is left of it in three years time.

They get at least two outstanding tassie players in Thomas and Jones for a massive discount. Thomas can play as a forward or as a power midfielder (arguably top 3 in this draft) whilst Jones adds another prolific, fast skilled midfielder. It wouldn't suprise me if that injection of talent has a massive impact that may get them to the top 4. I hope we bid on Thomas if no other club does and he still sits at our pick.

 

[Joao]

They get at least two outstanding tassie players in Thomas and Jones for a massive discount. Thomas can play as a forward or as a power midfielder (arguably top 3 in this draft) whilst Jones adds another prolific, fast skilled midfielder. It wouldn't suprise me if that injection of talent has a massive impact that may get them to the top 4. I hope we bid on Thomas if no other club does and he still sits at our pick.

Didn't think Jones was NGA? Pretty sure he is open draft.

 

[FreoRicci]

North has to always be competitive for them to survive. Very fickle fans in Victoria, competing with the likes of Richmond and Collingwood. Those two can always bottom out and be the biggest support. Fun fact- North actually haven't won the wooden spoon since 1972. So for then, if they rebuild, the players won't want to go there if given an option if say Carlton, Collingwood, Richmond, Hawthorn.

So good on them making such positive changes with their gameplan, and no they're actually not struggling in the bottom top 8. Closest to Richmond at the MCG this season, beat Sydney at their home deck. Beat GWS.

 

[Schauermann]

Bit of a difference between Freo and North. They are are still in contention for finals and we’re not.

15 wins could be enough for top 4...