Prediction Round 12, 2026: Changes vs Essendon

[Tyberious Funk]

I feel like Tom Gross needs to be given a decent run, just to see how he goes. He hasn't been spectacular in the WAFL, but he's been pretty solid. Got 20 possessions with 2 goals yesterday which is pretty decent. Just not sure I'm seeing who he replaces though. Johnston was poor in his first two games, but 13 and 1.1 is pretty solid. I could see a case for bringing in Gross for Cole, who seems to be playing more half-forward flank.

I wouldn't bring in Starcevich yet. And while CDT was good, I wouldn't replace Jack Williams either -- didn't kick a goal, but 21 possessions and 6 clearances from a forward/ruck isn't bad.

Bo Allan was a bit disappointing, but I wouldn't drop him after one game -- needs a bit more of an extended run. I feel like he needs to adjust to the pace of AFL, and he's not going to do that in the WAFL.

 

[Altum Volantes]

Gross's issue I think - much like his WAFL pal Clay Hall - is the inability to play anywhere other than in the guts. I like him - I think he's ahead of Hall in that regard but much like Elijah Hewett found out, who is he pushing out of the midfield mix right now to show his wares? - he'll need to be able to offer more to get a run and that's why guys like HJ and Bo Allan have come in ahead of him.

As mentioned, if he was to replace a player like Tommy Cole - can he replace what Cole brings to the table in terms of defensive effort/skill (and playing forward and back) and does he have the tank to keep that up for a whole game?

 

[juice568]

Gross's issue I think - much like his WAFL pal Clay Hall - is the inability to play anywhere other than in the guts. I like him - I think he's ahead of Hall in that regard but much like Elijah Hewett found out, who is he pushing out of the midfield mix right now to show his wares? - he'll need to be able to offer more to get a run and that's why guys like HJ and Bo Allan have come in ahead of him.

As mentioned, if he was to replace a player like Tommy Cole - can he replace what Cole brings to the table in terms of defensive effort/skill (and playing forward and back) and does he have the tank to keep that up for a whole game?

I think gross can play hf

 

[Hoskin300]

Only changes would be to rest young players or Yeo. Starcevich can have another week to build. The club is going to have to make a hard decision (but needed) to drop either Young or Duggan for him.

 

[Hoskin300]

I can see Allan for starc

That’s it. Given Johnston is out of contract, he shouldn’t get dropped as there was enough there to allow us to see a bit more of what he can do. Yes he can do a bit better but third game in 2 years and look where the game was.

Bazzo is deer in headlights but no other options unfortunately.

Bazzo is no worse than Young but he is five years younger.

 

[Flarn Rarn]

Didn't Davis come off injured in the last or was that just cramp?

I would like to see Gross given another go when he's ready, if the club thinks that is next week then let's go. I loved his first few games as he seemed to have confidence and flair and that seemed to just disappear when he was (unfairly) blamed for the loss to Richmond.

 

[wirra44]

We all know it’s gonna be CDT for Johnston so we can get the land of giants back together, makes it hard Williams playing a decent game. Would of been a simple decision CDT for Williams

 

[squashface]

Didn't Davis come off injured in the last or was that just cramp?

I would like to see Gross given another go when he's ready, if the club thinks that is next week then let's go. I loved his first few games as he seemed to have confidence and flair and that seemed to just disappear when he was (unfairly) blamed for the loss to Richmond.

Davis definitely came off limping but he came back on I think

 

[Tugga27]

We all know it’s gonna be CDT for Johnston so we can get the land of giants back together, makes it hard Williams playing a decent game. Would of been a simple decision CDT for Williams

Doubt CDT comes in TBH.

 

[Ochre]

Didn't Davis come off injured in the last or was that just cramp?

I would like to see Gross given another go when he's ready, if the club thinks that is next week then let's go. I loved his first few games as he seemed to have confidence and flair and that seemed to just disappear when he was (unfairly) blamed for the loss to Richmond.

Was in a marking contest, I assume it would've been a cork.

 

[eagles rule]

Outs: I just don't think Whopper is going to make it.
Maric just isn't physical enough.

Ins: Gross and Hewitt.

Hewett needs more time at WAFL he got carved up by Cleaver who began tagging Hewett and ran off him at will..Hewett showed no accountability for his man at all .

 

[UseR2006]

I think gross can play hf

He Can't even do it at WAFL level. The kids an inside Mid through and through.
He can hit the scoreboard but it's not as a HF. He roves stoppages for his goals at WAFL.

If we want to rest a mid or send Yeo fwd for a game I think he'd be first in line for a mid spot. but our mids are going OK at the moment.

 

[Proeagle]

Probably the wrong thread but mid season draft in 2 days. I hope we take 3 or 4 picks. I see we have 3 season long injuries. Hopefully at least 3

 

[Mighty Eagles]

Bazzo is deer in headlights but no other options unfortunately.

I think this is harsh. He had some good moments yesterday. Confidence still building at this level.

 

[Proeagle]

I feel like Tom Gross needs to be given a decent run, just to see how he goes. He hasn't been spectacular in the WAFL, but he's been pretty solid. Got 20 possessions with 2 goals yesterday which is pretty decent. Just not sure I'm seeing who he replaces though. Johnston was poor in his first two games, but 13 and 1.1 is pretty solid. I could see a case for bringing in Gross for Cole, who seems to be playing more half-forward flank.

I wouldn't bring in Starcevich yet. And while CDT was good, I wouldn't replace Jack Williams either -- didn't kick a goal, but 21 possessions and 6 clearances from a forward/ruck isn't bad.

Bo Allan was a bit disappointing, but I wouldn't drop him after one game -- needs a bit more of an extended run. I feel like he needs to adjust to the pace of AFL, and he's not going to do that in the WAFL.

I love Gross's aggression and contested ball. The guy will have 2 or 3 follow up attempts if he doesnt win it. Every team needs a player like that. He is a small Hutch in that way. He wouldve played a few games already had I been a selector or the coach.

And yeah I would prefer Starcevich to have one more WAFL game with far more minutes.

 

[Proeagle]

Gross's issue I think - much like his WAFL pal Clay Hall - is the inability to play anywhere other than in the guts. I like him - I think he's ahead of Hall in that regard but much like Elijah Hewett found out, who is he pushing out of the midfield mix right now to show his wares? - he'll need to be able to offer more to get a run and that's why guys like HJ and Bo Allan have come in ahead of him.

As mentioned, if he was to replace a player like Tommy Cole - can he replace what Cole brings to the table in terms of defensive effort/skill (and playing forward and back) and does he have the tank to keep that up for a whole game?

We drafted Gross as an U18 all Australian midfielder. We shouldnt be disappointed in his performance when we don't play him there. We just never seem to put him in the centre bounce often enough. He should start on the bench and come on when Harley/Yeo or Kelly come off for a rest.

I always think of a Michael Braun type with Gross. Nobody would put Braun in their best Eagles all time lineup but the guy was crucial to give Judd, Cousins, Kerr etc a rest and did all the hard work. I dont remember Braun ever being a HF. Was mostly midfielder and occasionally wingman and bench.

The best teams have 5 or 6 midfield options at least. We have Kelly, Yeo and Harley, then it seems very light on. We use Duursma and i cant think of another beside Robertson who we have lost. Baker is in other positions and that is all we seem to have. (not talking about wingers)

 

[eagles rule]

Only changes would be to rest young players or Yeo. Starcevich can have another week to build. The club is going to have to make a hard decision (but needed) to drop either Young or Duggan for him.

Baker for Starc . Duggan has improved enough to stay under the radar these last few weeks, Baker gets a little heated and throws a tantrum which continually hurts the team ..He’s so out of form and struggling to impact coming out of defence .

 

[juice568]

He Can't even do it at WAFL level. The kids an inside Mid through and through.
He can hit the scoreboard but it's not as a HF. He roves stoppages for his goals at WAFL.

If we want to rest a mid or send Yeo fwd for a game I think he'd be first in line for a mid spot. but our mids are going OK at the moment.

Has he played hf at wafl level. We need to start to play him there to get him in at afl level

 

[Mighty Eagles]

I think gross can play hf

Yes, this is true.

 

[Tugga27]

Baker for Starc . Duggan has improved enough to stay under the radar these last few weeks, Baker gets a little heated and throws a tantrum which continually hurts the team ..He’s so out of form and struggling to impact coming out of defence .

They're not dropping our captain.

Also not bringing Starc in who was on managed minutes.

 

[unty11]

Is Dewar injured? What happened to him? Last year he was pushing for a long term spot in the side. Now he's not even in the conversation for spots...

 

[jatz14]

In - Starcevich

Out - Duggan

I don't get the desire to drop Duggan from a team that has Cole and HJ in it?

 

[eagles rule]

They're not dropping our captain.

Also not bringing Starc in who was on managed minutes.

Yes but we have 2 captains so who comes out for Starc when he comes back in , it’s either Bazzo ,Lindsay ,Baker or Duggan the easy choice would be Bazzo but he’s been really good and will keep getting better with more Afl games experience so we need to keep developing him down back ..Lindsay is safe a real weapon for WCE and Duggan is safe which leaves Baker who failed to bother the stats to be given another role further up the ground or be managed.

 

[UseR2006]

Is Dewar injured? What happened to him? Last year he was pushing for a long term spot in the side. Now he's not even in the conversation for spots...

Defensive work rate isn't there. The kid has the talent and work rate offensively but just is not good with defensive efforts which is a non-starter with the way the game is played at the moment.
Will need to work on it seriously if he wants to progress his career.

 

[Altum Volantes]

We drafted Gross as an U18 all Australian midfielder. We shouldnt be disappointed in his performance when we don't play him there. We just never seem to put him in the centre bounce often enough. He should start on the bench and come on when Harley/Yeo or Kelly come off for a rest.

I always think of a Michael Braun type with Gross. Nobody would put Braun in their best Eagles all time lineup but the guy was crucial to give Judd, Cousins, Kerr etc a rest and did all the hard work. I dont remember Braun ever being a HF. Was mostly midfielder and occasionally wingman and bench.

The best teams have 5 or 6 midfield options at least. We have Kelly, Yeo and Harley, then it seems very light on. We use Duursma and i cant think of another beside Robertson who we have lost. Baker is in other positions and that is all we seem to have. (not talking about wingers)

I don't disagree with you - that is clearly his best position to play.

My question is whether he's good enough to make it as an AFL mid and if not, what else can he offer.

Gross and Hall are in the same situation - both midfielders that offer little outside the centre - questionable whether they are good enough to play midfield at AFL level therefore....not in the team.

Of the guys you listed, Kelly is a cut above in terms of talent and as we saw last year struggled to offer much outside of the centre when his form dropped away and was rightly dropped. Harley has proven effective outside of the centre, particularly forward - Yeo can play forward, mid or back and is an elite talent. Duursma is already showing similar potential to be a highly versatile player. Jack Graham similarly, on a different scale but capable all over the field - and as you mentioned, Baker too. Even Hough, primarily a defender has shown strong tagging ability and I think has potential to be a Tyson Stenglein style piece in the team (to piggy back on your Braun analogy).

Robertson is a good comparison - and as he found out in Brisbane, being unable to influence outside of the midfield is a shakey proposition for borderline talent. I think Dev has the age and experience over Hall and Gross - and he's super fit (well he was), so can go all game. I thought we might see one of 'H&G' get a run by now with Graham and Dev out but I think the quick rise of Milan Murdock has snuffed out their chances. We know Milan can play mid, but he's already successfully showing his wares as a pressure forward, tagger and goal kicker - fantastic traits to have up his sleeve.