Round 1: Issues.

[jezza]

I still think that Jackson's form at the moment doesn't warrant selection in the team for round 1. However, there is still the practice game this weekend and I'm sure if he does well he will be pushing hard for a spot.

I think Graham is a player we'll see a lot of on the bench, we've got some new players in the backline and players coming back from bad years, so I think TW will use him off the bench when the matchups aren't working right. He can be swapped in for pretty much any of our back 6. As the likes of Moore and Jackson become more consistent, they will start to replace him. I've heard he's on a 2 year deal, but I'd think he'd have to have a pretty good year otherwise I'm sure the pressure will be on to retire.

 

[Tigerland]

IMO apart from the obvios positions - Gaspar (FB) Coughlan (RR) Simmonds/Knoble (RUCK) the side will be fitted around who will be tagged. I'm thinking only Ling and Ablett will get tagged. Probably by Chaffey, Newman and possibly Hartigan to take the roles.
I'm expecting Wallace to have an attacking game plan but I expect he'll filed an experienced backline. He won't want the Cats to get off to a good start and affect our confidence. With this in mind I think Graham may start on the field in defence with Gaspar, Kellaway and Hall. Capt. Johnson on the HBF leaving only 1 back position - Hartigan or Newman. Tivendale/Knoble can play as sweepers when required.
Geelong have a great defence but will find it hard to match up on both Richo and Simmonds. With a fast moving long kicking gameplan there will be lots of spillages. Tambling and Kraks to scout the packs. I belive that Brown will play off half forward/midfield but will put himself one out, away from Rich/Simmonds, forcing the Cats to put one of their best defenders on him - probably Harley, leaving Scarlett for Richo, Playfair for Simmonds.
The unknown factors for Richmond - Tambling and Deledio will get a bit of early attention and I expect their to be a bit of fireworks as a result ( I can just see Richo running from the Goalsquare to flatten whoever is hassling Deledio ) Thompson will be out to quell the first gamers confidence early.
Our forward line looks a lot more potent than theirs, but our defence is a class below theirs. The supply from the midfield will be crucial. Wallace appears to have a lot more options in the centre square and he may well need them to keep up with the fast running Geelong midfield.
If our defence holds then we can outscore them.

 

[jmain14]

is kayne pettifer any chance of playing?? injured??

 

[peejay]

I reckon he might. At training yesterday he was in the squad of forwards who all trained together.

Also jackson did not look right to me so i don't think he will play - maybe Coburg.

 

[sante]

Morrison should play CHB in round 1, otherwise a very good side Bentleigh and Simmonds to start in ruck