Round 1 team

[Jack-Packenham]

A few issues to ponder

- Will Spencer play. Considering Harley is still out the cats may need a 3rd tall defender with Egan to get Brown, Scarlett to Bradshaw who does that leave for Keating, Clark or Merrett. Would like to keep Mooney roaming all over the ground.

- How many of the "underdone" guys will play. I don't think with the reduced 4 man bench that King, Ottens, S Johnson, Mackie, Riccardi, Playfair and Kingsley will all play.

- The forward set up. I wouldn't think we can go in too big. So Playfair, Ottens or N Ablett are probably going to take 2 spots and Kingsley, Gardiner, Lonergan and Mackie are probably playing for 1 or2 spots.

- Does Mark Blake keep his spot. I would think he has too with King being short of a gallop. I doubt Blake, King and Ottens would play in the same side.

- Will Ling and Kelly be ok


My team

Spencer Scarlett Hunt
D Johnson Egan Enright
Tenace Bartel Kelly
Milburn Mooney G Ablett
Chapman Playfair Kingsley
King Corey Rooke
Blake Riccardi Prismall Byrnes


S Johnson, Mackie and Ottens to get a run in the 2's

 

[catempire]

I think that's pretty close Jack.

Mine would be:

B: Hunt Scarlett D Johnson
HB: Milburn Egan Spencer
C: Ling Enright Rooke
HF: G Ablett Playfair Mooney
F: Chapman Kingsley Kelly
R: King Corey Bartel
Int: Tenace Riccardi S Johnson Blake
Em: Mackie Prismall Byrnes

I'm assuming Ling and Kelly will get up but that Ottens won't. From what I saw in the VFL on Saturday it's worth playing Steve Johnson and Riccardi even though both will be underdone.

King won't be able to ruck for the whole game so Blake must play. I think you're right about Spencer so that means I had to squeeze Mackie out.

Prismall would come in for either Ling or Kelly if they didn't make it.

 

[answerman]

Will Kingsley be available?

Until we know a little more on the injury side of things I can't make a sensible prediction over the round 1 line up except to say:

Available:
G Ablett, Bartel, Blake, Byrnes, Chapman, Corey, Egan, Enright, Gardiner, J Hunt, D Johnson, Lonergan, Mackie, Milburn, Mooney, Playfair, Prismall, Rooke, Scarlett, Spencer, Stokes and Tenace.

That's 22 players but there would be question marks over Gardiner and Lonergan given that they haven't set the world on fire.

Injury concerns - but MAY be available:
N Ablett, Callan, S Johnson, Kelly, King, Kingsley, Koulouriotis, Ling, Ottens, Riccardi, Wojcinski

N Ablett and Koulouriotis should be available as their injuries were only minor. Kelly and Ling haven't been checked out yet but I suspect it will be round 2 before they're available. I'm happy to be proven wrong, though! I have no idea whether or not SJ, King, Kingsley, Ottens and Riccardi will be fit enough for round 1. Wojcinski shouldn't be avilable for another month after the season starts due to a more conservative approach to injury management (especially in light of the unfortunate incident with Richard Hadley and Geelong's history with Marc Woolnough).

So that leaves:

D Johnson Scarlett Milburn
Hunt Egan Enright
Tenace Bartel Byrnes
G Ablett Playfair Prismall
Mackie Mooney Chapman

R: Blake Corey Rooke

IC: Spencer ? ?? ???
With Gardiner, Lonergan, N Ablett, Koulouriotis, Stokes and probably King going for the the final 3 spots on the bench.

But as I said it's all guess work until we have a better understanding of our injury list by the middle of next week.

(shrug)

 

[Prodigal Sons]

A few issues to ponder

- Will Spencer play. Considering Harley is still out the cats may need a 3rd tall defender with Egan to get Brown, Scarlett to Bradshaw who does that leave for Keating, Clark or Merrett. Would like to keep Mooney roaming all over the ground.

- How many of the "underdone" guys will play. I don't think with the reduced 4 man bench that King, Ottens, S Johnson, Mackie, Riccardi, Playfair and Kingsley will all play.

- The forward set up. I wouldn't think we can go in too big. So Playfair, Ottens or N Ablett are probably going to take 2 spots and Kingsley, Gardiner, Lonergan and Mackie are probably playing for 1 or2 spots.

- Does Mark Blake keep his spot. I would think he has too with King being short of a gallop. I doubt Blake, King and Ottens would play in the same side.

- Will Ling and Kelly be ok


My team

Spencer Scarlett Hunt
D Johnson Egan Enright
Tenace Bartel Kelly
Milburn Mooney G Ablett
Chapman Playfair Kingsley
King Corey Rooke
Blake Riccardi Prismall Byrnes


S Johnson, Mackie and Ottens to get a run in the 2's

Ottens will definately play unless serious injury concern; Blake will miss and Mooney will help in the ruck. You've got to kick goals to win and I think the sooner Ottens plays the sooner he'll be fit....even if he does sit in the square Brisbane will still have to play a key position tall on him.

Spencer - not sure about that either.......I don't think Milburn will go forward if Kingsley Ottens or Nathan are fit - therefore he slots straight back to customary back pocket / flank role where he is well ahead of Spencer.

 

[GeeCat]

Will Spencer play. Considering Harley is still out the cats may need a 3rd tall defender with Egan to get Brown, Scarlett to Bradshaw who does that leave for Keating, Clark or Merrett. Would like to keep Mooney roaming all over the ground.

I'd say alot of that will be dependent on how Brisbane line up.

I'm not sure how Leppitsch is fairing, but I'd expect that, with the progress of Merrett and Clark, they may feel obligated to throw Bradshaw down back to steady the ship. Assuming that occurs, I think we can expect Merrett and Brown holding down the key posts with Clark in the pocket and a guy like Brennan floating around.

Burton was one thing, but I'm not sure how Spencer will cope against either one of Clark or Brennan. I'd expect he'll retain his position though, especially in light of the reasonable performance he put in on Saturday.

 

[thehoff]

My team for round 1, allowing for injuries is as follows:

Backs: Hunt Scarlett D.Johnson

Half B: Milburn Egan Enright

Centres: Prismall Bartel Rooke

Half F: G.Ablett Playfair S.Johnson

Forward: Kingsley Ottens Chapman

Rucks: King Mooney Corey

Int: N.Ablett Riccardi Tennace Blake

Ling, Kelly and Wojcinski all to return by Round 2-6.

Emergency: Mackie, Byrnes

Jack,

I find it highly amusing that you snuck Playfair into your side after bagging him constantly for the last 18 months. Have you finally realised that Lonergan is not a better option after his NAB cup performances?

 

[Jack-Packenham]

Jack,

I find it highly amusing that you snuck Playfair into your side after bagging him constantly for the last 18 months. Have you finally realised that Lonergan is not a better option after his NAB cup performances?

I decided to pick Henry due to the absence of Ottens. I think we needed one big guy in the full forward line. I am still not convinced about Henry being a better CHF than Lonergan, but time will tell. Lonergan and Gardiner missed out because I included Kingsley and Milburn as the medium forwards and I think with the smaller bench and the need to play Blake as cover for King, not to play too many forwards and not enough runners.

Just remember for a guy who supposedly turned the game, Henry managed a total of 3 kicks. A goal, a point and a kick to Mooney that resulted in a goal. I would play him in the goal square in the early rounds instead of N Ablett who may just need a few runs in the 2's.

 

[JUBJUB]

Just remember for a guy who supposedly turned the game, Henry managed a total of 3 kicks. A goal, a point and a kick to Mooney that resulted in a goal.

He also set up Mooney's last goal.
Onya H

 

[Jack-Packenham]

He also set up Mooney's last goal.
Onya H

There were a lot of good efforts on saturday night, H included.

Just remember the old saying. One swallow doesn't make a summer.

 

[answerman]

I decided to pick Henry due to the absence of Ottens. I think we needed one big guy in the full forward line. I am still not convinced about Henry being a better CHF than Lonergan, but time will tell. Lonergan and Gardiner missed out because I included Kingsley and Milburn as the medium forwards and I think with the smaller bench and the need to play Blake as cover for King, not to play too many forwards and not enough runners.

Just remember for a guy who supposedly turned the game, Henry managed a total of 3 kicks. A goal, a point and a kick to Mooney that resulted in a goal. I would play him in the goal square in the early rounds instead of N Ablett who may just need a few runs in the 2's.

"Yeah but.... it's the vibe!"

 

[jim boy]

I think there is a better than even money chance that King will not play. The club are becoming ultra-cautious about rushing players and they may decide its best for to let him run around for a bit more of an extended period in the twos.

 

[Bartel'sNo1Fan]

what about will slade?
ive been pretty impressed with him & would have thought he'd keep a spot

 

[catempire]

I think there is a better than even money chance that King will not play. The club are becoming ultra-cautious about rushing players and they may decide its best for to let him run around for a bit more of an extended period in the twos.

I just get the feeling that they've had their eye on round 1 from the start and his whole preparation has been geared toward that.

what about will slade?
ive been pretty impressed with him & would have thought he'd keep a spot

Slade is a rookie and can't play unless there's a long term injury.

 

[ablettjnr]

Kelly out, but figure Ling in.

Prismall to play?

 

[Strong hands Magee]

Kelly out, but figure Ling in.

Prismall to play?

Prismall or Rico in sounds the go to me

 

[Vote Pedro]

B Hunt Scarlett D.Johnson
HB Enright Egan Milburn
C Tenace Bartel Mooney
HF G.Ablett Gardiner Rooke
F Chapman Kingsley Playfair
Foll King Ling Corey
Int Blake Byrnes Riccardi Mackie

Prismall unlucky to miss

I don't think we can get away with carrying too many under-done players (3-4 max) in to the match so Ottens and S.Johnson may have to wait another week or two.
The only changes from the NAB Final are
Out Slade Prismall Spencer Kelly Lonergan
In King Riccardi Kingsley

 

[ablettjnr]

B Hunt Scarlett D.Johnson
HB Enright Egan Milburn
C Tenace Bartel Mooney
HF G.Ablett Gardiner Rooke
F Chapman Kingsley Playfair
Foll King Ling Corey
Int Blake Byrnes Riccardi Mackie

Prismall unlucky to miss

I don't think we can get away with carrying too many under-done players (3-4 max) in to the match so Ottens and S.Johnson may have to wait another week or two.
The only changes from the NAB Final are
Out Slade Prismall Spencer Kelly Lonergan
In King Riccardi Kingsley

Not bad but Ottens in for Gardiner (as much as it hurts me to say).

Ottens could have played in the NAB games I reckon, just getting him ready for Round 1.

 

[LongBomb]

Not bad but Ottens in for Gardiner (as much as it hurts me to say).

Why does it hurt you to say this?
Gardiner has been very poor in the pre season.

 

[finrod]

Not bad but Ottens in for Gardiner (as much as it hurts me to say).

Are you Bomber Thompson in disguise?

 

[ezbian]

Does anyone know how Ottens groin is? The advertiser said that he broke down after 20 mins. How serious was it? There have been no further reports. The report in the Herald Sun wasn't as severe as that, but still no news.

IMO Steve johnson should play. He is the kind of guy who does not benefit from playing in the reserves. SJ has a great record against these blokes, has kicked 6 at the Gabba, and he was instrumental in 2004 when we played them in the wet and the cold at skilled.

Interested in people's thoughts on Byrnes vs Prismall. With Kelly confirmed to be out due to a fracture in his shoulder, who is currently ahead of the pack for his spot? Who had the better NAB Cup Byrnes or Prismall?

 

[rickster]

Prismall for mine, bigger body, head over the ball more often and less turnovers. Plus a more reliable kick for goal. But Byrnes will get the gig due to being higher in the 'pecking order' (been at the club longer).

 

[jess_555]

Byrnes vs Prismall! Gosh thats soooo hard!
Prismall played great in the pre-season and he had plenty to offer the cats for the future! I'm sure Pris still has plenty to gain from playing at a VFL level even though he has proven that his capable of far more. Hmmmmm I would LOVE to see him play in the snr's soon but like 'Rickster' said "Byrnes will get the gig due to being higher in the pecking order". Byrnes rocks as well!

Isn't it sooooooooo soooooooo sooooooooo good to be able to choose a team from so many great footballers! We Are Geelong, The Greatest Team Of All!!!!!!

2006 -The Year Of The Cats!

 

[Partridge]

Why does it hurt you to say this?
Gardiner has been very poor in the pre season.

I took my time forming this opinion but now it is confirmed.

Gardiner is crap. Seriously. Hardly touched the ball on Saturday night, pretty much like the entire preseason for him. He cannot mark, or kick, or get the ball more than 10 times a game (if you're lucky), and he falls over every time an opponent breathes on him.

Some people have said Playfair is not the answer, so maybe Lonergan, or maybe N.Ablett in future, or maybe Gardiner. Playfair is miles ahead of the other 3 at the moment. Lonergan is raw, but may be ok after enough time in the 2nds. Ablett is even rawer, but shows so much pure class I think in time he'll be fine. Gardiner on the other hand is a lost cause - and he's had 4 full years at mostly senior level.

And he's still crap.

 

[Rosso]

Backs Rooke Scarlett Hunt
HB D Johnson Egan Milburn
Centre Tenace Ling Enright
HF Mooney Playfair G Ablett
Forwards Chapman Ottens Kingsley
Followers King Corey Bartel
Inter S Johnson Riccardi Byrnes N Ablett
Emerg Prismal Spencer Mackie

Moondog to ease the rucking burden on Kingy & Otto leaves Blakey on the outer, wont go in with 3 rucks.
Tenace deserves a spot in the starting 18 after a fantastic preseason edging out Monty with Ricco the bench specialist ready for action once more. Dog will start on the bench but should be right with another hit out in the scoobies this week (along with probably Kingy, Otto, Ricco & Nath(as long as the ankles OK)).

No set defender on the bench due to Mooney, Enright, Corey & even Playfair being able to help out if required.
Two mids in Ricco & Monty to help out our rotation against their older band of midfielders.
I think we'll take in another tall forward (to try and stretch their defence drawing Bradshaw back to the last line) with Nathan preferred over Tommy Lonergan, instead of a leading type (ie Charlie or Mackie) but then again I wouldn't be surprised if one of those came in instead.
Both Pris & Spanner stiff to miss but will get their chance along with Monica during the season.

So from our preiership side -

Out: Kelly, Slade,Prismall, Spencer, Blake, Gardner & Lonergan
In: Ottens, Kingsley, King, S Johnson, Riccardi & N Ablett

A few changes yes but that was always going to be the case coming into round 1.

 

[carn_the_cattas]

So from our preiership side -

Out: Kelly, Slade,Prismall, Spencer, Blake, Gardner & Lonergan
In: Ottens, Kingsley, King, S Johnson, Riccardi & N Ablett

A few changes yes but that was always going to be the case coming into round 1.

I like those ins.