Opinion Round 6 Changes vs. Essendon.

[Kram]

Remind me why Essendon is not a danger game? They knocked off the reigning premiers 3 weeks ago and pushed the swans all the way in round 1. Am i missing something?

People on this board have got overconfident and ahead of themselves. The actual team wont be doing the same thing..

 

[Scham]

I actually think we'll be ok against the dogs if Alex plays instead of Luke. He'd most likely stand Boyd. Both in their second year and both green. As long as we dominate the midfield battle, Alex won't be under too much pressure. In saying that, they beat Sydney so we can't take them too lightly.

Yep, agree. He'll have his hands full with Daniher this week but next week I'm more comfortable about. I'm sure if we could've designed it, next week would've been the choice for his debut but unfortunately Luke's calf didn't read the script. It'll be a great lesson for Alex though and like everyone else, I can't wait to see him in action.

 

[theGav56]

Great chance for him to show what he can do and that he is ready. The most exciting thing for me is that given his mobility and skills, his raw versatility, I think it is possible for Pearce to find a permanent place in our team even if our other talls are locked in. I am not talking about "right now", but this game is a step towards that.

 

[masai]

Welcome to Pearce MK 3.

 

[beetz]

Remind me why Essendon is not a danger game? They knocked off the reigning premiers 3 weeks ago and pushed the swans all the way in round 1. Am i missing something?

My thoughts exactly.

Edit: I tend to worry before every game though. Years of being a Freo supported will do that to you. If my doubt starts to get the best of me, I usually put some money on the opposition to lessen the blow should they lose, hedging my happiness each way

 

[sij1981]

Im so looking forward to Pearce MK3 lets see how he is, any MK3 watchers from WAFL here?

 

[Wizard]

Be nice to get some word from the club re: seriousness of the injury.

 

[MadDocker]

I usually put some money on the opposition to lessen the blow should they lose, hedging my happiness each way

I chuck a $10 bet against us on the danger games. My tipping / betting kiss of death almost guarantees us the win.

 

[sij1981]

just saw the clips on this kid very good on the run also. and can play agressive forward not bad.

 

[DudleyDocker]

Im so looking forward to Pearce MK3 lets see how he is, any MK3 watchers from WAFL here?

Hey sij1981, I have watched most of the Peel games this year and AP is one of the kids I've tried to keep a close eye on. I think his best game was against East Perth, but he has generally been pretty reliable from what I have seen. It's very hard to judge a KPD when the game plan falls to pieces (as it did last week) but even in those games there has been enough to show he can play.

Can take a grab but also spoils well when the need arises.

Personally I don't think he is quite AFL ready, but we have seen in the past that our team defensive structures can carry one P-plater if necessary (see games by Tanner Smith and Matt Taberner in defense last year).

I'm officially excited, now get Brady into the team Ross!

 

[beetz]

The only thing that concerns me about Pearce is his strength. It may be deceiving given that he is so tall and rangy though. His reading of the play, running, marking, spoiling, kicking both sides all seems spot on from the small sample size of footage (ive never seen him in the WAFL).

He kinda reminds me of a stretched out version of Ibbo.

 

[Lach72]

The only thing that concerns me about Pearce is his strength. It may be deceiving given that he is so tall and rangy though. His reading of the play, running, marking, spoiling, kicking both sides all seems spot on from the small sample size of footage (ive never seen him in the WAFL).

He kinda reminds me of a stretched out version of Ibbo.

Dustin Fletcher style

 

[beetz]

Dustin Fletcher style

Hopefully not Zac Dawson vs Anthony Rocca style.

 

[toenail11]

Pav just said on nova that Mcpharlin could of potentially played, he's just a bit sore. Everyone chill

 

[Moo]

Pav just said on nova that Mcpharlin could of potentially played, he's just a bit sore. Everyone chill

Losing Pav and Sonny would of meant a lot more minutes than expected for the back 6.

Fyfe and Mundy pushed forward for rests - however I reckon Luke played almost the last 2 qtrs in their entirety.

With Lukes history of soft tissue, I would think he gets the week almost as a precautionary action.

This is the bonus you get for a flying start. Essendon if they turn up are a tough opponent but they are about to go up a notch in the fitness & spread game - as always it will be interesting.

 

[beetz]

Once again the onus will fall on to the midfield. Dominate there and Freo should be fine.

 

[cp3_jr]

Anyone else surprised by the emergency's? Obviously rewarding wafl form but with Pav under a cloud (think he and sonny will play though) Griff is the only tall back up. He would be more cover for Sandi/Clarke. Also no Duffy or Crozier who would seem to be the sonny replacements.

I know we can shuffle around and use Sheridan where needed but it's a bit surprising. Mzungu must wonder what he has to do but I presume it's more to give him a full hit out at Peel. Would be great to see Blakely get a crack too if the opportunity arises but I think Train will be first in if someone misses (outside of the ruckman).

 

[Wizard]

Pav just said on nova that Mcpharlin could of potentially played, he's just a bit sore. Everyone chill

What did he say about him and Sonny playing?

 

[Freo Dr]

Losing Pav and Sonny would of meant a lot more minutes than expected for the back 6.

Fyfe and Mundy pushed forward for rests - however I reckon Luke played almost the last 2 qtrs in their entirety.

With Lukes history of soft tissue, I would think he gets the week almost as a precautionary action.

This is the bonus you get for a flying start. Essendon if they turn up are a tough opponent but they are about to go up a notch in the fitness & spread game - as always it will be interesting.

Spot on. I saw the % gametime from Melbourne and Ibbo, Mj and McPharlin were all over 90%. Clarke and 211 were up there as well in the high 80s - probably they were covering when they the defenders were resting. McPharlin I think had 96% game time.

AP played really well against East Perth and was a level above. Is having to build his bulk slowly to avoid stress reactions but a few games like this in a settled team will do him good. AP is now 200/201 cm I think so same height as Daniher and only 1 year younger will be more concerning if he is caught against Carlisle but that is where Luke will be advising him to avoid engaging in a strength contest and use his run to stay off and then come in to spoil/mark.

 

[Moo]

No Pav ....would be Griff/Sandi ruck and Zac/Tabs forward ....not a fan but think we are enjoying that structure

 

[Freoforever86]

No Pav ....would be Griff/Sandi ruck and Zac/Tabs forward ....not a fan but think we are enjoying that structure

Yep agree, unless they decided on more run with Sheridan instead & trusted the combo of Mayne/Tabs/resting ruck.
Though hopefully Pav plays. Seems like he will now. More confident

 

[poshman]

Pearce athletically looks like he could be an absolute steal at pick37. If he goes ok and gets his 5-10 games this year, suddenly the KPD post looks good.

No idea who he would replace but after his round 1 game I am actually keen to see sheridan sneak a spot in the team. His speed and movement of half back in round one if he could consistently replicate could be another weapon. Never been a huge fan myself but what he showed in round one was encouraging.

Good times to be a freo fan!

 

[toenail11]

What did he say about him and Sonny playing?

Pretty much what we've been hearing all week. He has passed all the tests and hasn't felt any symptoms but still adding that he won't be taking any risk etc. Didnt speak about Sonny

 

[pavsbootlace]

The only thing that concerns me about Pearce is his strength. It may be deceiving given that he is so tall and rangy though. His reading of the play, running, marking, spoiling, kicking both sides all seems spot on from the small sample size of footage (ive never seen him in the WAFL).

He kinda reminds me of a stretched out version of Ibbo.

AP is listed as 2kgs heavier and 1cm shorter than his likely opponent Daniher. Not that weight is an accurate measurement of strength, but you see my point. As long as we can keep him matched on Daniher rather than Carlisle, I think he'll be fine.

 

[pavsbootlace]

Remind me why Essendon is not a danger game? They knocked off the reigning premiers 3 weeks ago and pushed the swans all the way in round 1. Am i missing something?

It is a danger game. Every game is a danger game. But if Luke is sore, he must be rested. And Alex is an exciting talent, hence the enthusiasm. Essendon aren't strong in the Key Forward department, so I think we'll be ok - we're only missing one player after all.