Preview Rnd 5 vs Brisbane Lions

[IllBeTheJudge]

OK boys, I'm tired of lamenting over our insipid performance last weekend. Though a little early to predict team changes, I thought I may as well get Round 5 cracking. Who cares if it sits here for 10 days?

Ross Lyon stated post match that perhaps wholesale changes could occur. But if reading The Bubble has taught me one thing, it's that we had an assistant coach nicknamed Trout. But also that what Lyon is saying and thinking immediately post-match and early in the week can be quite different to what he is thinking and feeling later in the week.

So with that in mind, I think the bye is actually coming at a good time for us and the team to reflect on what they want to achieve this year, and a bit of "honesty" with each other will be encouraged.

Brisbane will be thinking they're a chance against us, also coming off a bye but also only having some narrow losses, and getting us at a vulnerable time on their own patch.

Time to blow those thoughts out of the water.

Ins: Kosi, Baker, Lynch
Outs: Clarke, Gamble, Dempster

I'm thinking Kosi to start in the square, and be subbed off (perhaps with the Knife coming on).

I was happy with Smith's effort in his debut game, especially in the first half. Steven should be given another crack.

Gamble needs to get some confidence, and by all accounts Lynch is tearing it up in the VFL so time to give Clarke a spell.

 

[mysainters]

They are lacking a good forward line at the moment, rather than focus too much on our defence, I'd be more inclined to put efforts into winning the midfield battle (where they are strong) and improving our ruck situation to give our mids a chance.

I'd leave Stanley in to see how he goes playing the third forward role that Gilbert doesn't want, and Gamble doesn't appear to understand yet.

Have Kosi ruck with Ben, both of them alternating between the ruck and forward.

So that's in Kosi, out Gamble.

We really seem to need another bigger body, the likes of Power Rich and Black will need to be shown respect before we can even think of the ball getting into the hands of our more outside players.

I'd bring Mini in to have a crack playing in the midfield, freshen his mind and ask him to win his own ball, and play a role that doesn't have 'defensive' in front of the title.

So that's in Mini for mine.

I'd also then push Goddard to the half back line where he is most comfortable, to run into some form, so someone from our defence can go I guess?

Don't see the need to bring in a heaps of kids for the sake of it, our side already has Smith, Stanley, Steven that we should persist with. Ben and Armo also taking regular spots in the 22, that weren't there last year.

Only other change is perhaps Winmar given a chance to play given this would be reward for effort, not sure who's role would be under threat though as I'm unsure which position Ross would likely play him. Could someone help me out here?

So in summary

In Kosi, Mini, Winmar
Out Gamble, Raph, ?

 

[dolph]

They are lacking a good forward line at the moment, rather than focus too much on our defence, I'd be more inclined to put efforts into winning the midfield battle (where they are strong) and improving our ruck situation to give our mids a chance.

I'd leave Stanley in to see how he goes playing the third forward role that Gilbert doesn't want, and Gamble doesn't appear to understand yet.

Have Kosi ruck with Ben, both of them alternating between the ruck and forward.

So that's in Kosi, out Gamble.

We really seem to need another bigger body, the likes of Power Rich and Black will need to be shown respect before we can even think of the ball getting into the hands of our more outside players.

I'd bring Mini in to have a crack playing in the midfield, freshen his mind and ask him to win his own ball, and play a role that doesn't have 'defensive' in front of the title.

So that's in Mini for mine.

I'd also then push Goddard to the half back line where he is most comfortable, to run into some form, so someone from our defence can go I guess?

Don't see the need to bring in a heaps of kids for the sake of it, our side already has Smith, Stanley, Steven that we should persist with. Ben and Armo also taking regular spots in the 22, that weren't there last year.

Only other change is perhaps Winmar given a chance to play given this would be reward for effort, not sure who's role would be under threat though as I'm unsure which position Ross would likely play him. Could someone help me out here?

So in summary

In Kosi, Mini, Winmar
Out Gamble, Raph, ?

I can't say I followed what Mini did too closely in Rd1, but he was certainly part of the midfield rotation against Geelong in the NAB Cup and I thought he looked alright. I think he did the same thing in the first week of the NAB Cup, not sure about week 3 against the Bombers. It is certainly an option, however if we need to rest him forward we know he becomes a liability, purely because of his size.

I haven't seen much of Winmar, but he looks a good size atleast. If he is in good form maybe it is best to throw him a game now. We'll soon find out if he is up to the level.

Kosi for mine has to come in when match fit aswell.

 

[thomas_m18]

Hmmm, it all depends how the guys are going mentally. Some of the guys who played on Sunday simply didn't seem up to the challenge. I guess it remains to be seen whether they can lift themselves or not.

Everyone is on notice. I couldn't care less whether it's Goddard or Gamble, if somebody's not performing, they don't deserve a free pass. We've got kids hungry for a crack and I'd be upset if Ross didn't give these kids that opportunity for somebody because of what they have offered to the team.

If everyone was 100% mentally:

OUT: Clarke, Gamble, Dempster
IN: Koschitzke, Baker, Johnson

The last in should be given to the kid most in form in the VFL, which is Johnson at the moment. However, Kosi/Riewoldt/Johnson/Stanley probably wouldn't work, so I doubt the changes would go exactly like that. I would have given it to Blake against most other teams, but Brisbane's key position stocks are extremely low at the moment so I'm not sure we'll need him in defence and he's definitely not playing as a forward. I'd love Cripps, Winmar or Lynch to show something in the VFL to take that spot, but McQualter is just as likely as any of those guys to get a chance. I'd throw Dean Polo in that same mix but he probably won't be fit enough anyway. The four day turnaround from the VFL to the AFL game on the Thursday isn't good, though, and it might be possible that one of those guys doesn't play, which could be an indication that they will play against Brisbane.

If you wanted to be a little more radical, you could always argue:

OUT: Clarke, Gamble, Dempster, Peake, Gilbert
IN: Koschitzke, Baker, Winmar, Cripps, Johnson/Lynch

...although I doubt that would happen, and I doubt even more if it would benefit the team substantially. Considering there's no VFL that week either, it would probably mean an extended period on the sidelines. I'd think Gilbert's pretty safe in the side as well, although you probably would have thought that with Milne and Dal Santo three years ago.

 

[The Punter]

I think we've all come to the conclusion that Gamble needs a run in the VFL...

Kosi in for him.

Other than that, guys like Jones and Peake should probably be in trouble, but would need to be replaced by genuine midfielders. We don't have many lying around ready to come straight in, but shouldn't Dal Santo, Goddard, Montagna, Ray, Gram, Schneider, Steven & Smith suffice?

So that's eight midfielders. Kosi and McEvoy ruckmen makes ten.

Six forwards: Riewoldt, Milne, Stanley, um....

Six defenders: Fisher, Dawson, Gwilt, Dempster, Clarke & Gilbert.

So bring in three guys into our forward line, or do what I would do, which is tell Gilbert he'll play where he is put, and if he complains any more he'll be put at Trevor Baker Beach Oval, bring in Lynch to play back, Johnson to play forward, and Winmar to be the sub as Kosi plays a bit forward.

Dempster Dawson Gwilt
Clarke Fisher Lynch
Dal Santo Goddard Gram
Gilbert Riewoldt Schneider
Milne Koschitzke Steven
McEvoy Armitage Montagna

Ray Smith Stanley (Winmar)

 

[Saint4Ever]

OUT- Dempster, Peake, Raph, Gamble, Ray
IN- Kosi, Lynch, Cripps, Winmar, Johnson

 

[ChrisFooty]

McQaualter had a good season in 2009.

2011 form thus far does not warrant a spot on an AFL list. Hopefully that can change with another good month of VFL football for him.

 

[BrianSpeaking]

From what I have heard from inside the club I would be surprised if Lynch plays more than a couple if games if we are desperate, so I would rule him out.
We have enough young blokes in the side, I would think Kosi and Mini will come in for Gamble and Peake or Ray.

 

[AFLOnline]

If we can't win this, back to the drawing board and start trying to get some early draft picks and build up for another tilt at the flag in a couple years. In saying that, I think the boys will really come out firing, stamp their authority and prove that we are still in the premiership, albeit against a weak Lions side.

I'll be expecting some big changes, so next week it should look something like:

FB: Blake, Dawson, Gilbert
HB: Goddard, Fisher, Winmar
C: Gram, Dal Santo, Ray
HF: Smith, Riewoldt, Steven
FF: Milne, Stanley, Schneider
R: Koschitzke, Montagna, Jones
I: Lynch, McEvoy, Baker
S: McQualter

Cripps and Crocker on the cusp, with Raph, Dempster, Gamble and Peake to slug it out in the reserves for a spot.

 

[thomas_m18]

I thought Crocker just broke into the VFL seniors team. How much time does he need to develop properly? We don't want to play him now and ruin him later.

Hopefully there are some changes though. I'd love to know what Ross is thinking right now.

 

[John Bonney]

If we can't win this, back to the drawing board and start trying to get some early draft picks and build up for another tilt at the flag in a couple years. In saying that, I think the boys will really come out firing, stamp their authority and prove that we are still in the premiership, albeit against a weak Lions side.

I'll be expecting some big changes, so next week it should look something like:

FB: Blake, Dawson, Gilbert
HB: Goddard, Fisher, Winmar
C: Gram, Dal Santo, Ray
HF: Smith, Riewoldt, Steven
FF: Milne, Stanley, Schneider
R: Koschitzke, Montagna, Jones
I: Lynch, McEvoy, Baker
S: McQualter

Cripps and Crocker on the cusp, with Raph, Dempster, Gamble and Peake to slug it out in the reserves for a spot.

Haha,very humourous..no spots for Gwilty,Armo as well as leaving the coaches love child Dempster out.
Your answer is to bring back the dinosaurs.
Get a grip !

 

[SAINTACLAUSE]

If we can't win this, back to the drawing board and start trying to get some early draft picks and build up for another tilt at the flag in a couple years. In saying that, I think the boys will really come out firing, stamp their authority and prove that we are still in the premiership, albeit against a weak Lions side.

I'll be expecting some big changes, so next week it should look something like:

FB: Blake, Dawson, Gilbert
HB: Goddard, Fisher, Winmar
C: Gram, Dal Santo, Ray
HF: Smith, Riewoldt, Steven
FF: Milne, Stanley, Schneider
R: Koschitzke, Montagna, Jones
I: Lynch, McEvoy, Baker
S: McQualter

Cripps and Crocker on the cusp, with Raph, Dempster, Gamble and Peake to slug it out in the reserves for a spot.

No run on the bench???????? we'd get flogged with that side

 

[TheCryingGame]

I think Dempster gives us the hardness we are lacking and want him in but McQualter I agree with you guys completely. The bloke cannot hit and target, no speed, bumped off too easily. Also Ryan Gamble should be permantly shelved then delisted, good thinking that trade.

 

[stkildathunda]

Ryan Gamble should be permantly shelved then delisted, good thinking that trade.

Bit hard to be a bad trade considering we picked him up in the draft with Pick 90.

 

[karmafree]

From what I have heard from inside the club I would be surprised if Lynch plays more than a couple if games if we are desperate, so I would rule him out.
We have enough young blokes in the side, I would think Kosi and Mini will come in for Gamble and Peake or Ray.

Any enlightenment to go with this Brian?

 

[Squizz]

You only need to see the VFL games to know that Lynch hasn't been able to impact as a forward (which is what he was recruited for) and has been inconsistent down back in a role already played by Fisher and Gilbert. But he has some talent, so no need to write him off at 20yo.

Lyon gives you all the clues if you want to hear them!

He doesn't talk about Lynch and Cahill, other than to say they haven't come on as quickly as he'd have liked.

He likes Winmar and Cripps (I disagree on Cripps at this stage).

He likes Archer's endeavour.

Will Johnson will start to feature in his plans if he can keep "whacking away".

Ledger was a loss when he went down wity injury.

No point worrying about any of the other younger players (other than Winmar, Cripps and Archer) over the next month. My firm view if that Lyon shouldn't be considering Cripps at this stage. Then add Ledger if he regains touch (and possibly Will if he keeps kicking goals - noting there is a far tougher test for him on Sunday).

Steven, Stanley, McEvoy, Armitage and Smith would all still be young (developing) players in Ross' mind i.e. we have quite a few in the team already.

 

[One 2 Roo]

You only need to see the VFL games to know that Lynch hasn't been able to impact as a forward (which is what he was recruited for) and has been inconsistent down back in a role already played by Fisher and Gilbert. But he has some talent, so no need to write him off at 20yo.

Lyon gives you all the clues if you want to hear them!

He doesn't talk about Lynch and Cahill, other than to say they haven't come on as quickly as he'd have liked.

He likes Winmar and Cripps (I disagree on Cripps at this stage).

He likes Archer's endeavour.

Will Johnson will start to feature in his plans if he can keep "whacking away".

Ledger was a loss when he went down wity injury.

No point worrying about any of the other younger players (other than Winmar, Cripps and Archer) over the next month. My firm view if that Lyon shouldn't be considering Cripps at this stage. Then add Ledger if he regains touch (and possibly Will if he keeps kicking goals - noting there is a far tougher test for him on Sunday).

Steven, Stanley, McEvoy, Armitage and Smith would all still be young (developing) players in Ross' mind i.e. we have quite a few in the team already.

Squizz, i think you are on the money here. With those young players in the side, we are developing the ones who are ready to play seniors. I see no desperate need to blood the other guys if they are not ready. RL has always maintained that he doesn't gift senior games to anybody.

RL seems to love Cripps so it would be no surprise to see him travel up to Brissie. At this stage Lynch needs to keep perfroming, Crocker needs play VFL seniors before AFL seniors. Cahill I think is still injured??

So that leaves, Winmar, Cripps and WillyJ in contention for a debut and Kosi, Baker, Mini and Blake in line for a recall.

Kosi is a certainty and probably comes in for Gamble. Giving us the three tall forward structure that we are after with Kosi, Roo and Stanley. My fear is there is a real lack of forward pressure from those three, Rhys really needs to look at a few of Hamill's tapes

The other in may be Winmar, possibly for one of Peake, Ray or Dempster.

BTW who is going to the game?

 

[The Punter]

Considering BrianSpeaking's info, I'll take Lynch out of my side, and reinstate Peake.

Dempster Dawson Gwilt
Clarke Fisher Gram
Ray Goddard Montagna
Gilbert Riewoldt Schneider
Milne Koschitzke Steven
McEvoy Armitage Dal Santo
Peake Stanley Smith (Winmar)

 

[mysainters]

Giving us the three tall forward structure that we are after with Kosi, Roo and Stanley. My fear is there is a real lack of forward pressure from those three, Rhys really needs to look at a few of Hamill's tapes

I agree this is the concern.

Sunday night we had 48 entries, only one inside 50 tackle for entire game of football.

The other problem is we kicked it to Roo too much again.

Best the forward line has looked, was when Gilbert was playing alongside Roo the first quarter against Richmond, we had 10 scoring shots and honestly looked invincible. In Gambles defence, he looked great when playing as well as, and not instead of a KPP. We were far more even when looking for a target, because we had plenty.

If only Gilbert (or alternatively Stanley could learn it) would commit to playing this role for his team, then we could bring Kosi as our second ruckman.

 

[The Punter]

Our best footy this season? NAB Cup v Geelong, 1st quarter v Richmond.

The common denominator? Gilbert forward.

 

[krusden]

I agree this is the concern.

Sunday night we had 48 entries, only one inside 50 tackle for entire game of football.

The other problem is we kicked it to Roo too much again.

yep.
any collapse of the plan or stress and the thought processes are "roo will get us out of it. lets kick it to him".

 

[One 2 Roo]

Would a forward line of Gilbert, Kosi, Roo and Stanley work???

With Gilbo to play the defensive forward role and hopefully pluck a few grabs and snag a couple of goals? Milne to play as crumbing forward (ie little to no leads) Stanley as 3rd tall, Roo as CHF and Kosi in the square??

IMO if Gilbo being forward is best for the team, then it doesn't matter where he want's to play...it's where RL wants him to play.

 

[The Punter]

I don't think Gilbert lacks speed or is terrible when the ball is on the ground. Stanley, Koschitzke, Riewoldt & McEvoy all rotate through the forward six, the ruck, and the bench, with Riewoldt spending no time in the ruck and McEvoy spending little to no time forward.

 

[sammm]

From what I have heard from inside the club I would be surprised if Lynch plays more than a couple if games if we are desperate, so I would rule him out.
We have enough young blokes in the side, I would think Kosi and Mini will come in for Gamble and Peake or Ray.

why is that?, attitude? and if it is his attitude, hasn't changed at all since last year?

i thought cahill had problems with attitude or heyne?

 

[Plugger35]

Out - Gamble, Dempster, Clarke

In - Kosi, Baker, Blake/Winmar

Gamble hasn't done enough in the first few games, better off sticking with Stanley up forward as a third tall. I think Stanley's defensive pressure is better than Gamble's too, despite being taller, and obviously his height is an advantage. Three talls with Riewoldt, Kosi, Stanley and also McEvoy pushing forward would cause most defences headaches.

Baker as a straight swap for Dempster and Blake or Winmar for Clarke. Our defence was the worst I can remember it against Essendon and Dempster and Clarke were two of the weak links. The choice of Blake or Winmar would probably come down to match ups, if Brisbane don't have a lot of tall forwards maybe go with a smaller running player like Winmar.

Don't think we need to go crazy bringing in more kids just yet. With Steven, Smith, Stanley and Armitage we probably have close to enough for now, Winmar would probably be the next cab off the rank with others like Cripps, Ledger, Lynch and Johnson getting some opportunities as the season progresses.

Still not convinced about Gilbert going forward, think he is better off in defence. Our forward defensive pressure was poor against Essendon but I think our forwards just need to lift in that area, especially the smaller forwards like Milne, Schneider and Steven. Could maybe give Gilbert the occassional stint in the forward line to mix it up but he is generally more useful as a defender.