Team Changes v Richmond

[Kildonan]

The Saints played a tough match, and these tough matches at interstate venues are notorious for fatiguing players. Subiaco especially. But this being our first match of the season, it would be unlikely that changes would be made to reduce fatigue levels.

No injuries v West Coast

Suggested Changes: NONE

The Saints' squad selection and preseason training program has focused on a tough, fast paced running game (offensively) with a high pressure, hard tackling, and accountable defensive game.
The forward line went the other way - tall, marking forwards (without much focus on defensive play)*.
Jason Gram took over the Aussie Jones offensive backman spot.
Milne moved up the field to a forward flank and on the ball.
Fergus Watts came into a forward pocket / key forward role
Allan Murray was brought in to the other pocket and on the ball.

* my observation only.

Why pactice specific roles all preseason only to drop them and start with new ones after the first round?

I have faith in the coaching staff that the game plan that they have devised will be effective. We didn't get to see the forwards tactics in action against the Eagles due to their excellent defensive game and a lack of supply.
We went into the match with a number of players underdone (Ball, Maguire, Fisher, Goddard, Hamill, Voss, Peckett) to name a few. Everyone who played will have derived benefit from the match. Anyone we bring in will be one AFL game less match fit than those who played.
It is too easy to fall into the trap of being over-reactive and want to make wholesale changes. I know, I personally dislike Milne playing up the ground, I would be tempted to move him forward again where his lack of accountability is less crucial, but you have to make mistakes to learn.
The Watts experiment continues, and the positive there is that he is getting games under his belt at the highest level. He played better against West Coast than he did against Collingwood, so the learning curve, albeit steep, is working for him.
The Murray experiment continues too. He might not get too many more chances so he must grab this one with both hands. He needs some continuous game time to prove himself - so hopefully he gets that against Richmond.

Xavier Clark will probably get a run with Casey in their openning match and be primed for a round 3 inclusion. Kosi will probably come in round 3 or 4. Raph may be ready around round 4 as well.

We have some good players waiting for a spot: Jimmy Gwilt, Andrew McQualter, Matty Ferguson, Leigh Fisher, Leigh Montagna, Aaron Fiora, some fringe players like Mark McGough, Troy Schwarze, Barry Brooks, Michael Rix and several youngsters who may force their way into this team. (I personally believe Sam Gilbert will make a number of appearances later in the year).

Gwilt may have been unlucky to have missed out on a spot, and if anybody is included, I would include him.
Matthew Ferguson apparently played very well against Box Hill for Casey on Saturday. If Milne was to be moved into the forward pocket, I would bring Ferguson into the backline and move Voss to the forward flank, giving him a midfield rotation. Who would I drop to allow that - maybe Franky Peckett. This would give the forward line a greater level of accountability, some help for Hamill.

I still believe we should persist with the first round line up.
Allow the coaching staff to work through the problems we have had and get them right.

P.S. Richmond will not be a walkover come Friday, they will be very keen to get their season back on track.
We should win, but don't expect scores like the Bulldogs managed.

 

[Axcellence]

I can understand there being no changes as there's a logical arguement behind it.

However, given Grant Thomas's comments about having too many passengers - there will be a couple of changes. Add to that Richmond's weakness against pace. Bulldogs completely exposed them and teams will be falling over themselves by picking quicker teams against Tigers!

Additionally, It's been my opinion that talls usually wins smalls, but, Richmond's talls, save for Richo don't really stack up to standard. Hence, a pacier team seems more likely than not.

Given our recent history (eg Raphael Clarke), I reckon Fergus Watts might be given a rest until later rounds. The second change likely would be from Peckett/Powell for additional pace/fresher legs.

The key question is how much (or if at all) will we be changing our ruck set-up. Any ideas?

 

[m.diddy]

There's not much to change, we're back at TD there is no one to come back unless kosi, X or Raph come back quickly.

The only one I would possibly make is by bringing Monty in for someone.