Preview Round 1: Essendon vs Hawthorne, MCG, Saturday 16/03/24 @ 1:45 PM

[Beerfish]

No argument from me. As I said, if they wanted to blow the joint up it would have been over a hell of a lot quicker and I would be on the Melbourne Storm board instead of this one. Probably in a happier place with my footy team.

But here we are. Still copping it in the dick!

And that's totally fair too.

 

[Call Me Cake]

IMO I'd have Hobbs in the forward pocket ahead of a few.

 

[Squeaky]

IMO I'd have Hobbs in the forward pocket ahead of a few.

That is a fair call too. I was thinking even backline on one of their smalls... I reckon he would be hard to play against.

 

[andleanback]

Where is Hobbs?

On CPH2065 using BigFooty.com mobile app

Not ready yet

 

[brutus76]

Even Hobbsy as the sub would be better than Hepp, Menzies or the Guelf

 

[ghostdog]

Their 3rd and 4th best small forwards. Forgot Breust and Moore.

I guess in a broader sense it’s a question of do we think Heppell is smart and canny enough to make up for being a step behind and is he a better option than the bigger and less agile Laverde, or the very green Roberts or Lual.

For the former, I doubt it, but he’s probably a better option than the latter in this specific instance.

It's a lack of pace problem we face in the backline generally.

I don't think we're wanting for options but the coaches are obviously more interested in Heppell's leadership, marking and decision making, even if he is a bit slower these days. Kicking is marginally better than Laverde's these days I think, but I think Laverde is quicker. I'd prefer Hind at the moment.

If Ridley were there to control the backline I don't think Scott would select Heppell.

 

[Beerfish]

 

[BrunoV]

Why is Heppell on the list if it isn't to play?

It's that normalcy bias in operation.

 

[Call Me Cake]

That is a fair call too. I was thinking even backline on one of their smalls... I reckon he would be hard to play against.

Reckon Hobbs half forward and giving Perkins a shot down back.

 

[jdstorm]

I’m team #H#Happy4Hepp
He’s definitely past his prime no question and if everyone’s healthy he’s not in my best 22.

However he unquestionably knows how to play at an AFL level and is fine as a fill in.

 

[BrunoV]

Wow what a steaming pile of s**t that team is.

 

[Beerfish]

Wow was a steaming pile of s**t that team is.

Bookmarked.

 

[Kyptastic]

After you've listened to this week's Bigfooty Bombercast, give the Don The Stat Preview for the Hawks game a listen

 

[Zach Package]

It's a lack of pace problem we face in the backline generally.

I don't think we're wanting for options but the coaches are obviously more interested in Heppell's leadership, marking and decision making, even if he is a bit slower these days. Kicking is marginally better than Laverde's these days I think, but I think Laverde is quicker. I'd prefer Hind at the moment.

If Ridley were there to control the backline I don't think Scott would select Heppell.

I’m pretty comfortable with that defensive group if you sub out Ridley for Heppell, but it’s predicated on bringing the heat in the middle which allows them to take proactive position.

To be honest if you let them run riot I don’t think there will be a lot of sides that will be able to go with all of a trust, Moore, Ginnivan and Watson, one is likely to be leaking out the back at all times.

 

[JayJ20]

Very average team. Not confident at all.

 

[BomberFan355]

Bookmarked.

He’d have said that if our team was Collingwood's GF team.

 

[ghostdog]

I’m pretty comfortable with that defensive group if you sub out Ridley for Heppell, but it’s predicated on bringing the heat in the middle which allows them to take proactive position.

To be honest if you let them run riot I don’t think there will be a lot of sides that will be able to go with all of a trust, Moore, Ginnivan and Watson, one is likely to be leaking out the back at all times.

Agreed. I reckon this could be quite challenging.

 

[Fayab99]

Hawks by 21 for mine

 

[quotemokc]

On paper we are still a s**t running team

 

[eth-dog]

Okay, I know it isn't a great team but let's look at the opposition.

Their defence has one key defender, who wouldn't get a game in ours. He's that bad. Sicily will have to take Langford which leaves bloody Scrimshaw on Jones or Stringer. And not to mention Frost on Wright.

Their forward line has two guns in Lewis and Moore. Lewis has historically struggled against physical defenders like McKay. Pidge vs Moore will be a good battle. After that they have the softest player on an AFL list in Chol, Watson, who looks very good in fairness but his first game, one trick pony Ginnivan and Hardwick.

Their midfield head to head shades ours. Newcombe I'd a gun, Ward looks good and Nash is big and strong. We'll need to support Merrett as Maginness will.almosy certainly go to him.

We still should win. If we don't it'll be very concerning.

 

[MiguelM]

Would have preferred Hind in but lets see.

Not worried about the backline. Jones & 2MP must start taking marks or the ball will rebound all game.
Pretty even. Was in our favour til Parish out.

Think Langers could have a good day. Bombers just.

 

[The Dustbin]

Heppell, hopefully he proves me wrong

 

[bombreys]

Not ready yet

Neither’s Kelly though. As with last year, playing his favourites which leads to 11th placed finishes

 

[BratPack]

Tipped us but I'm the furthest thing from confident. I get the feeling this is going to be the start of a long and painful year.

 

[Ati Tude]

Im a bit rusty. How angry should I be?

It’s a long season so pace yourself. Have the annual umpiring disaster of Sydney in Sydney next week so save yourself for that too.