Team For Round 9

[Darky]

B : D.King M.Martyn G.Archer
HB : J.Blakey J.McCartney S.Motlop
C : B.Rawlings A.Simpson S.Clayton
HF : C.Jones L.Colbert B.Pickett
F : C.McKernan S.Rocca B.Harvey
R : M.Burton A.Stevens S.Grant
IC : S.Cochrane J.McLaren J.Sinclair S.Watt
EM : A.Lange D.Harris D.Petrie

IN : C.Jones S.Watt
OUT : L.Smith D.Petrie

 

[Aussie_Roo]

What happened to Lindsay???

 

[Darky]

Originally posted by Aussie_Roo
What happened to Lindsay???

Most of us seemed to think either Drew or Lindsay would get dropped IF Carey came back, but not both of them, especially with no Carey.

 

[Darky]

I might also add that one of the three emergencies will be called on in the event that Motlop's appeal is turned down. Personally, I reckon Motlop's appeal has bugger all chance of succeeding, and Petrie or Lange will come into the side.

 

[Shinboners]

Perhaps if it stays wet, then Harris may come into the side. Having Petrie along with McKernan and Burton will mean there is one ruckman too many and he may not get enough game time....we'd be better off letting him have a full game with the MKs.

 

[choppy]

Have to agree with Shinners.

 

[Groucho]

Well Shannon lost his appeal. I think they'll go with Lange.

 

[Leia]

Is there any chance of Carey being a late inclusion, do you think? Just wondering if they might name him at the last minute to stuff the blues around a bit - or is he too injured for that?

 

[Darky]

Originally posted by Leia
Is there any chance of Carey being a late inclusion, do you think? Just wondering if they might name him at the last minute to stuff the blues around a bit - or is he too injured for that?

Wayne wasn't named in the 25-man squad. If he was even a 5% chance of playing, he would have been named, and the decision left as late as possible. The club would have to pay a fine of $3000 or $5000 or something, if they bring in a player outisde of the named 22 + 3 emergencies. We can only hope Pagan is foxing like last week, but I really doubt it.
I still reckon that with Motlop remaining suspended, a tall will be brought in, because bringing in Harris will be too predictable.

 

[hurricane]

Lindsay

I have a feeling that Lindsay Smith isn't quite ready for senior football yet... physically, anyway. The last game was a bit of an encouragement reward and a taste of the big time.

I've noticed that Denis/the Match Committee tend to do this a bit with their project players. Shannon Watt, Byron Pickett, Brent Harvey, and even Corey (if I remember right) were given solitary uneventful games early in their careers.

I reckon the guy has a future, and it will be interesting to see how he goes in the MKs for the next week or two.

 

[Darky]

The updated team has just been read out on The Footy Show, with Adam Lange replacing Shannon Motlop in the 22, and playing his first senior game for the season.

 

[Moti.com]

We are obviously trying to impose our height on them. Fantastic to see Shannon back in the team. I think that he is a guy that needs solid game time. There is no doubt that he is one of the most skilful big guys at the club and his mix of athleticism and strength should provide us with a viable option forward or back.
Having said that, I'm not yet convinced about Lange. I just don't see where he can give the team a lift. I know some people have him pegged as a CHF but he is too small, doesn't take pack marks and is not quick enough. All that withstanding, I hope he does play well. Nothing more I like than getting a serve when a player turns it around (Hi Stuey!). Would like to see Lindsay get a go though.
And on Lindsay, he is not too thin. At the moment, he would be an extra in the forard line or ruck. At his stage of development, his leap and athleticism are his biggest assets. When we give him more responsibility, then strength is important, but for now, his assets should see him get more game time.
Jones, not sure about. Good luck anyway.

 

[Malibu]

GO LANGEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Back Seat Of A Taxi]

The unfortunate thing about our young talls of Petrie, Smith, Lange and Watt is the recruitment of Rocca. Even though Rocca has been good for the team the games he has played unfortunately he has hampened the development of the 4 mentioned above.

If Rocca wasn't recruited, the Duck (when fit) would be in the square and then one of the others (probably not Petrie) would be stationed at CHF.

Once again I think Denis has gone for the short term solution instead of looking further down the track. Thoughts please.

 

[Darky]

Originally posted by Back Seat Of A Taxi
The unfortunate thing about our young talls of Petrie, Smith, Lange and Watt is the recruitment of Rocca. Even though Rocca has been good for the team the games he has played unfortunately he has hampened the development of the 4 mentioned above.

If Rocca wasn't recruited, the Duck (when fit) would be in the square and then one of the others (probably not Petrie) would be stationed at CHF.

Once again I think Denis has gone for the short term solution instead of looking further down the track. Thoughts please.

I don't think Rocca is necessarily a short term investment - he is 27, which is not over the hill for a full forward going by the mid-30s retirements of Lockett, Dunstall, Ablett, Quinlan, Blight (post-VFL), etc
We would be hoping that, if we find his best role, he could play for another 5 years or so. That should at least ease the transition to life after Carey. If Rocca plays until 2005 or 2006, Lindsay Smith, Shannon Watt, Adam Lange, and Drew Petrie will all be around the 23-26 age bracket and hopefully (if they all stay at the club) at least two of them will be able to fill key forward posts. This is of course without taking into account future drafting and trading to bolster our depth and talent spread of tall players.

Also, at 27, Rocca would be physically in the peak of his powers as a footballer, fitness permitting. Given that he's on bugger all money, and brings with him over 150 games and over 500 goals worth of experience, it is a relatively cheap gamble even if it is deemed a failure after two years.

I didn't orignially support the drafting of Rocca (especially not with a pick as high as #30), but with Carey's injuries, McKernan's poor form and the failure of Lange to break into the side until now, a 50 goal season from Sav could be extremely valuable - even more so if the other tall forwards get their game right, and get on the ground!