Preview St Kilda vs Melbourne

[bird_man]

Worth letting everyone know that Sandy are playing Richmond Magoos at Punt Road @ 4.30pm on Saturday.

We've got all of these blokes listed:

BP: Lee
FB: Goddard
HBF: Murdoch
CHB: Delaney
W: McKenzie
C: Lonie
W: Wright
HFF: Shenton
CHF: Longer
HFF: Templeton
RK: Pierce
RR: Curren
INT: Coughlan
INT: Holmes
INT: White
INT: Saunders
INT: Payne

As well as O'Kearney and Baker-Thomas listed in the Dev Squad @ 11am...

If you're heading to Etihad for the lunchtime game you'll be out in time to see both, and if you aren't, then a nice afternoon's footy and a wander up Swan St for all the new restaurants might be a plan.

Good move putting the Lone Dog in the guts, rip in son!

 

[VDS66]

OK, so I took a look at the Insider video / article.

Nothing ground breaking, I agree. I still think these things are just tid bits to keep fans happy as opposed to in depth reviews etc.

The basic context was pretty straight forward to me...

The club hasn't been happy with our inconsistent midfield and have made changes to bolster it. someone had to be dropped to make way for an extra mid and that someone was Lee.

doesn't mean his papers are stamped. In fact, I suspect it was more about structures.

As far as all the arguments about other players being dropped instead of Lee...

Gilbert provides a flexibility that Tom cannot. As old as they may be, Fish and Demps are still our 2 best defenders and no one is ready to replace them at this stage.

I really don't buy this favorites argument either. As stated previously, the coach will work with the players he believes will be part of the future. Happens at all clubs. and I suspect there will be more bad news to come as certain players push others down the food chain.

That said, games are won between the arcs, so if our good midfield shows up, we should win this one.

Go saints!

 

[Jade Buddha]

Jesus. The performances from some of the posters around here are just embarrassing. How dramatic do you need to be? It's footy. You'll live.

Oh thank god for that for minute I thought it was curtains.

 

[Tommy Wigs]

What I'm hoping to see this week

• A big game from Bruce, he's been solid this year without setting the world on fire, I'd like to see him clunk some more marks and snag a couple more
• Another step up from Dunstan - Had a great game against the Pies and then last week after the week off was 1st for contested poss and 2nd for clearances in just 64% of game time, I reckon he's about to run into some red hot form
• Billings to bounce back - He's had a really good start to the year but last week he copped some extra attention and didn't deal with well at all, needs to get used to that as he's already our most dangerous player
• A more ferocious, angry St Kilda!
• Better run and spread, better skills

Did anyone release any info on Billings during the week? Sick or very sore? Have never seen him as flat and stand offish as that. Hope he has a big one.

 

[Winmar2Lockett]

Always love reading your opinions but what I'd like to focus on from your comment regarding Lee is, is he really not good enough? What I see is a bloke who is actually hitting targets. All this talk about him not tackling/pressure... well that's all very good but what I'd like to see our coaches focus on a bit is the fact that if we hit targets then we don't need to apply pressure as we have the ball. As a team we waste so much mental and physical energy by turning the ball over and then having to apply pressure when we don't have the pill. It seems we have a zero tolerance approach to lack of tackling and pressure but I'd argue that our ball-butchers cause more harm than a bloke not applying a tackle that hits targets like Lee, hence the frustration with Lee's omission from many of us.

Yes Tommy can kick the ball well (which is a very much desired commodity) but there's obviously other parts of his game that Richo was not happy with.

Whether he's good enough to stay on the list remains to be seen. Richo likes blokes to work on things at VFL level (which we've seen with Blake) so I don't believe it's a case of Tommy's papers being marked. If they have been, well Richo is a much much better judge than any of us nuffies on here.

Nothing against him, I would have kept him in the side but I'm not privvy to the game plan that our coaches have decided is the best way to beat Melbourne.

 

[Enclosed_Animal]

Anyone worried we are going in too short, should realise 2 of these tall fwds are named frost and pedoson.... im scared...

Every damned bloody week for 4 and a bit years now.

Has anyone enjoyed watching any of Gwilt, Ferguson, Maister, Simpkin, Fisher, Roberton, Shenton, Gilbert, Dempster and now Jimmy Webster try to play KPD?

Putting aside the Lee decision, this has been a long term issue for us - so bad we have settled for Stanley and / or Dawson as our only tall KPD options at different stages (2014 Delaney gets a pass).

Fingers crossed Goddard develops and Carlisle comes back as good as he can be, because this is hardly a new problem.

 

[HayesTheChamp]

Look, on reflection, I think we have to accept that, effectively, we don't have a 45-man list. We have a 38 man list, with what are considered 7 Sandy players that can be elevated if things get really, really desperate: Saunders, Lee, Delaney, Curren, Murdoch, Wright, Shenton. There are some here who think that's great. Personally, I think that's unfair on a few of those players (you can guess which ones ), and I think it costs the club some players that if given a fair go would help us improve. Whoever here is right, it is what it is. Much like Lee's whiteboard incident that gringo mentioned, those 7 effectively don't exist on the Saints list.

Personally, that realisation, while frustrating on certain levels, helps take away some of the sting. TC could get 50 possessions, 20 tackles and 10 goals in a game, and it wouldn't make a difference - because he's not on the list. He's just a Sandy player, who gets to train with the group. It sounds like players like Delaney have realised that, and now just bide their time.

Is that favouritism? Yep, but also nup - favouritism assumes the people are on an equal footing, that they are all part of those that could be selected. But in Richo's mind, Saunders is no different from Matthew Kreymborg, TDL, Myke Cook, or any other Sandy listed player. If TDL had amazing, sustained form, it wouldn't be favouritism to not pick him - he simply isn't available, because he's not on the Saints list. Apparently, neither are those 7 - they're just Zebras who train with us.

pls Perse, that was my incident haha. I caught up with drinks again with that colleague of mine tonight. And he mentioned how devo Tommy Lee was about being dropped, because he felt his 2nd half made up for the rough 1st half last week.

 

[austinnn]

Hope Tom doesn't drop his head and keeps plugging away like he has been.

He's a valued Saint to us.

 

[pebblesofsand]

Every damned bloody week for 4 and a bit years now.

Has anyone enjoyed watching any of Gwilt, Ferguson, Maister, Simpkin, Fisher, Roberton, Shenton, Gilbert, Dempster and now Jimmy Webster try to play KPD?

Putting aside the Lee decision, this has been a long term issue for us - so bad we have settled for Stanley and / or Dawson as our only tall KPD options at different stages (2014 Delaney gets a pass).

Fingers crossed Goddard develops and Carlisle comes back as good as he can be, because this is hardly a new problem.

Yep been a problem for years - saddens me to see Gwilty still being forced to still do the same role at Essendon. Must have been a heap of black cats at Noble Park.

Next year will be better with Carlisle and Goddard with the third tall between Roberton and Lee and the rookies Coughlan and Payne.

Like Robbo's dash, prefer Lee's marking and kicking but neither come up to the standard that Shorty has set the last few years.

I see the odds have shortened with Melbourne at $1.80 and the Saints at around $2.05.

I think we might get over the line provided Nick's body holds up for another week. The Reiwoldt/Bruce/Membrey forward line (supported by Billings/Weller/Minch and Gresham) looks like our best scoring option ATM.

 

[gringo2011]

pls Perse, that was my incident haha. I caught up with drinks again with that colleague of mine tonight. And he mentioned how devo Tommy Lee was about being dropped, because he felt his 2nd half made up for the rough 1st half last week.

That's why I'm pissed off he was dropped. He's still on his second senior AFL game as a back. He isn't going to get any better playing reserves so why when we are struggling to beat anyone are we not developing players. It seems deliberately obstinate, self defeating, punitive and pointless. We aren't playing finals and we need a long term replacement for Dempster. If you dump players for little things it takes longer. At least 8 players were terrible last week but he was singled out- I thought his effort was at least there unlike some.

It's not like Paddy who probably benefits from building confidence through the VFL and has a pressure valve released not being put up against Petracca, this is a guy aware he is playing for his football mortality. It's taken 2 years to get a game and now he's out he needs to somehow win back his spot through the VFL, have an opportunity to get a spot over regular players and needs someone on the selection panel that backs him in. He's gone in my mind, If he can't get a game at the moment he's pretty much on the scrap heap.

It's okay though because Richo hates defenders so we can just have less of them.

 

[gringo2011]

Yep been a problem for years - saddens me to see Gwilty still being forced to still do the same role at Essendon. Must have been a heap of black cats at Noble Park.

Next year will be better with Carlisle and Goddard with the third tall between Roberton and Lee and the rookies Coughlan and Payne.

Like Robbo's dash, prefer Lee's marking and kicking but neither come up to the standard that Shorty has set the last few years.

I see the odds have shortened with Melbourne at $1.80 and the Saints at around $2.05.

I think we might get over the line provided Nick's body holds up for another week. The Reiwoldt/Bruce/Membrey forward line (supported by Billings/Weller/Minch and Gresham) looks like our best scoring option ATM.

It doesn't instil confidence that forward line....Rooey is the only one who seems to be able to score this year. Bruce seems to be working too far from goal to score, Membery is often scoreless in the games he's played in the seniors I think his best ever return was 2 goals when we smashed Essendon last year. Gresham is a mid who looks like he could score goals because he runs like Boomer Harvey. Minch is playing as a defensive forward when he gets in but he Billings and Sinclair should all get a couple of chances and are all pretty good at converting. It's not exactly Adelaides forward line though.

 

[VDS66]

That's why I'm pissed off he was dropped. He's still on his second senior AFL game as a back. He isn't going to get any better playing reserves so why when we are struggling to beat anyone are we not developing players. It seems deliberately obstinate, self defeating, punitive and pointless. We aren't playing finals and we need a long term replacement for Dempster. If you dump players for little things it takes longer. At least 8 players were terrible last week but he was singled out- I thought his effort was at least there unlike some.

It's not like Paddy who probably benefits from building confidence through the VFL and has a pressure valve released not being put up against Petracca, this is a guy aware he is playing for his football mortality. It's taken 2 years to get a game and now he's out he needs to somehow win back his spot through the VFL, have an opportunity to get a spot over regular players and needs someone on the selection panel that backs him in. He's gone in my mind, If he can't get a game at the moment he's pretty much on the scrap heap.

It's okay though because Richo hates defenders so we can just have less of them.

It must be depressing having that little grey rain cloud following you around in life 24/7.

Tommy can kick and mark. And there is probably no one who champions the under dog on here than myself. would love to see him make it.

Problem as I see it - and was probably the same with Fergus watts - is the change in the modern game.

You can probably only carry 2 defenders max who cannot provide some run. with forwards becoming more mobile, you need defenders who can go with them. Lee cannot / does not provide that dashing run like a Johannsen for example.

So the game might have just passed him by unfortunately.

 

[kernelT]

It must be depressing having that little grey rain cloud following you around in life 24/7.

Tommy can kick and mark. And there is probably no one who champions the under dog on here than myself. would love to see him make it.

Problem as I see it - and was probably the same with Fergus watts - is the change in the modern game.

You can probably only carry 2 defenders max who cannot provide some run. with forwards becoming more mobile, you need defenders who can go with them. Lee cannot / does not provide that dashing run like a Johannsen for example.

So the game might have just passed him by unfortunately.

That's a good point actually, a solid block of AFL games could well and truly settle the matter.

I still think he is a forward, I thought they were playing him back to develop his defensive game, but eventually he'd go back to the forward line.

 

[stavro#4]

so ill just drop this here....
http://www.saints.com.au/video/2016-04-29/exclusive-coaches-box-audio-round-11

 

[gringo2011]

It must be depressing having that little grey rain cloud following you around in life 24/7.

Tommy can kick and mark. And there is probably no one who champions the under dog on here than myself. would love to see him make it.

Problem as I see it - and was probably the same with Fergus watts - is the change in the modern game.

You can probably only carry 2 defenders max who cannot provide some run. with forwards becoming more mobile, you need defenders who can go with them. Lee cannot / does not provide that dashing run like a Johannsen for example.

So the game might have just passed him by unfortunately.

I thought Fergus was a forward who's body never got right? Why is that Tom Lee and why do I have a grey cloud following me around? I find it frustrating watching them manage his career -that must make me a manic depressive ******** because it doesn't match your opinion. You seem to be the one with the emotional issues, you cracked the shits when people had an opinion that was differing from you and the club. If we can't carry non running defenders we should get rid of Carlisle.

I think it has probably passed him by at the Saints because they have marked his card. I reckon other clubs should look at him myself. Perhaps they have decided like you say that we can't carry too many and are backing Carlisle to take his spot.

 

[kernelT]

so ill just drop this here....
http://www.saints.com.au/video/2016-04-29/exclusive-coaches-box-audio-round-11

Didn't mention Lee once

 

[gringo2011]

so ill just drop this here....
http://www.saints.com.au/video/2016-04-29/exclusive-coaches-box-audio-round-11

That was a fantastic match.

 

[CursingFijian]

My interpretation of the white board incident is that Tommy Lee couldn't be put in the okay column because he failed to execute the non-negotiables. But he couldn't put him in the shit column because he was fairly decent. So he took him off the board. I think Richo's press conference reflects that as well, without actually admitting to the non-negotiables. I think Tommy Lee will play again all that is required is some patience.

Anybody want to guess what the non-negotiables are?

I'm really looking forward to watching Gresh and Skunk go around today, and see whether there has been any growth in their game. The Riewoldt/Bruce forward pairing is pretty potent and we should be harder to contain up forward today. We also need Sinclair to provide that manic defensive running that Lonie does so well.

Go Saints.

 

[Diehard Saint]

My interpretation of the white board incident is that Tommy Lee couldn't be put in the okay column because he failed to execute the non-negotiables. But he couldn't put him in the shit column because he was fairly decent. So he took him off the board. I think Richo's press conference reflects that as well, without actually admitting to the non-negotiables. I think Tommy Lee will play again all that is required is some patience.

Anybody want to guess what the non-negotiables are?

I'm really looking forward to watching Gresh and Skunk go around today, and see whether there has been any growth in their game. The Riewoldt/Bruce forward pairing is pretty potent and we should be harder to contain up forward today. We also need Sinclair to provide that manic defensive running that Lonie does so well.

Go Saints.

That's how I read it too.

 

[pebblesofsand]

It doesn't instil confidence that forward line....Rooey is the only one who seems to be able to score this year. Bruce seems to be working too far from goal to score, Membery is often scoreless in the games he's played in the seniors I think his best ever return was 2 goals when we smashed Essendon last year. Gresham is a mid who looks like he could score goals because he runs like Boomer Harvey. Minch is playing as a defensive forward when he gets in but he Billings and Sinclair should all get a couple of chances and are all pretty good at converting. It's not exactly Adelaides forward line though.

"Bruce seems to be working too far from goal to score"

Thats the thing about McCartin not playing. Rooey will play more of CHF position which will Bruce will play more more like the FF role he played last year so I expect more goals from him today. I'm putting him down for 4!!!!!

Membrey may not score much much I reckon he will create some spillages for Billings Gresham Minch etc etc.

Its gotta be a much better forward set up when you one of the greats of the past 50 years playing is his best position.

 

[Winmar2Lockett]

What's more likely;

Richo has a grudge against & hates Tom Lee or;

Tom Lee didn't do what was required of him by his coach & was dropped to work on specific things?




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kosifantutti]

That was a fantastic match.

That was my memory too. But it came up on 30 minute thrillers this week and I thought I'd record and watch the goals.

There were only two goals and they were both in the last minute. But it was a great last minute.

 

[sauce_head]

I'm not too confident today. Just think getting close but nothing against the Hawks may have spent us for a while. Then last week was just awful.

Hope I'm wrong.

 

[FlyingSledghamer]

Im looking fwd to this game. Will be a good contested game against 2 up and coming teams.
Saints looking to clean up last week and dees looking to clean up 10 years.
Look for more marks inside 50 today. Go Saints!