The Team!

[monty1104]

Your point about Ryder and Fletcher may be valid, but since more often than not they will be playing in key positions against players their own height, the pace that they do have can only be an advantage to us can it not?

Who is the 'extra' pace that you would have bought in?

Apart from Dyson, we dont have anyone really, that's the problem. Lonergan maybe an idea. Reimers isnt ready yet and hislop is suspended. But when these guys come in, they need to play some midfield, and they should take the place of guys like campo, mj and possibly JJ (only if his form drops obviously)

 

[Don77]

You can't really judge someone over whether or not they like a player or not, the simple fact is that some people like some players and not others. It doesn't mean they know nothing about footy.

True, but when so called Essendon "supporters" come on here and make emotive statements like "he is crap...I hate him", surely they should back it up with some kind of evidence/reasons for their opinion. Otherwise, they should go and join the Richmond 'player bashing' board.

For the record, I'm not a massive fan of watching Slatts play and that's why I'm not his biggest supporter, not that I don't like him. I like his attack on the ball but he is known for giving away free kicks and at the end of the day, he's a negator. Still, with the players we have availbale, he deserves his spot.

Watch a bit closer. I can't remember a free kick that Slatts has given away this year. All of the games that he has played this year have been good ones, with the exception of the Anzac Day match, when he was injured and shouldn't have played. As Longy says, he always beats his man (number 1 job of any defender) and has good skills. He does need to find more of the ball, and I am confident that with a little more time at senior level, he will do that. Think he will also prove a very handy tagger/toughman in the middle in the years to come as well.

 

[Don77]

Apart from Dyson, we dont have anyone really, that's the problem. Lonergan maybe an idea. Reimers isnt ready yet and hislop is suspended. But when these guys come in, they need to play some midfield, and they should take the place of guys like campo, mj and possibly JJ (only if his form drops obviously)

Agree with this. Still don't understand how dropping Johns and Laycock can make our midfield more one paced when neither of them are midfielders though!

 

[monty1104]

didnt say dropping them makes us one paced. what i meant was that our inclusions were among our slower players and this is what makes us one paced.

 

[Longy413]

You can't really judge someone over whether or not they like a player or not, the simple fact is that some people like some players and not others. It doesn't mean they know nothing about footy.

For the record, I'm not a massive fan of watching Slatts play and that's why I'm not his biggest supporter, not that I don't like him. I like his attack on the ball but he is known for giving away free kicks and at the end of the day, he's a negator.

Still, with the players we have availbale, he deserves his spot.

I can judge, it was a stupid comment.

How you can hate a kid who is just making his way in the game and plays a valuable role is beyond me.

As for the free kick thing, he has given away three in five games this season. He can be undisciplined at times, however, does/did he do anything worse than Hardwick or Solly were at times?

He likes to put physical pressure on the opposition, something that made opposition teams fear us when we were at our peak. When you have a team that lacks grunt and _unt, I'm all for it.

 

[bombersman_moon]

Hey people im a newbie here i go for Essendon and im looking forward to a good game of Footy this w/e Lloyd's back so we are definitely in for a chance. it will b great seeing Mal Michael playing his previous team. Catch

Bombers Man

 

[drew_j]

I'm looking forward to seeing Campo play again. Loved seeing him run around back in the day, and think he could have something to add if he stays injury free. Can't understand why supporters wouldn't want one of the best disposals going round playing for us when that is such a pet hate with them for every other bomber. He's soft, so what? So is Dal Santo, yet all and sundry want to trade him in at years end!

 

[jules101]

Camporeale, J Johnson, Peveril, Hird and Watson.

All rotating through the midfield.

Can anyone say turtles.

Campo actually had his quickest time in the 20m sprint, EVER in his career

 

[mick4]

The side is starting to look at lot closer than the round one side was one of the more impressive games that Essendon has played in many of years

Round 1
B:20. Henry Slattery 31. Dustin Fletcher 22. Mal Michael
H B:1. Mark Johnson 25. Scott Lucas 33. Adam McPhee
C:8. Jason Winderlich 11. Damien Peverill 10. Mark McVeigh
H F:5. James Hird 30. Patrick Ryder 12. Andrew Welsh
F:29. Alwyn Davey 18. Matthew Lloyd 7. Leroy Jetta
R:19. David Hille 13. Andrew Lovett 24. Brent Stanton
I:16. Kepler Bradley 6. Angus Monfries 42. Nathan Lovett-Murray 4. Jobe Watson

Backs: M Johnson Michael McVeigh
Half Backs: Fletcher Ryder Winderlich
Centres: McPhee Peverill Cole
Half Forwards: Hird Lucas Houli
Forwards: Davey Lloyd J Johnson
Rucks: Hille Watson Stanton
Bench: Camporeale Lovett Monfries Slattery

The only 4 changes (if i can count) are Welsh, Jetta, Bradley and NLM are out for Campo, Cole, JJ and Houli which probably gives this weeks side much more options to run through the midfield but are probably lacking the flexibility that Welsh, NLM and Bradley would have brought to the side.

 

[monty1104]

I dont remember Bradley playing rd 1. im probably wrong though. i thought his first gmae of the year was anzac day.

 

[Longy413]

He played and wasn't too bad. Got a bit of it.

 

[kelvin_sheedy]

Happy with that side.

Best balanced side we've put out since Round 1.

 

[BomberDog]

I'll probably be howled down for this - the reports from Bendigo are that Bradley has been playing pretty well. Does he deserve another crack??? But what would we do with him?

I have been thinking for a few weeks that Ryder has looked sooo good down back that I want him settled there to look after things - rather than stealing him for the ruck (I know, where his leap has been awesome).

In the meantime, get a more mobile tall around the ground that can replace Laycock and support Hille. That is where Bradley, and maybe even Bolton could be used (as I think Bolton looked OK in the ruck for a few minutes I think in the Carlton match??). Yes it would sacrifice getting first hands to the ball (which we struggle to do in the middle anyway), but would give us more hands down low and athleticism around the ground...

Just a thought. Perhaps more viable in future weeks when we are not facing two giants in the ruck (Charman/McDonald)...

 

[dodgyJim]

Is there something wrong with Andy Lovett? Named on the bench and heard some whispers that he may not play...

EDIT: Just found this
"However it wasn't all good news at Windy Hill yesterday.

Andrew Lovett twisted his knee during training and could be in doubt for Saturday's match after limping from the ground to receive treatment. "

 

[Big John]

I'll probably be howled down for this - the reports from Bendigo are that Bradley has been playing pretty well. Does he deserve another crack??? But what would we do with him?

I have been thinking for a few weeks that Ryder has looked sooo good down back that I want him settled there to look after things - rather than stealing him for the ruck (I know, where his leap has been awesome).

In the meantime, get a more mobile tall around the ground that can replace Laycock and support Hille. That is where Bradley, and maybe even Bolton could be used (as I think Bolton looked OK in the ruck for a few minutes I think in the Carlton match??). Yes it would sacrifice getting first hands to the ball (which we struggle to do in the middle anyway), but would give us more hands down low and athleticism around the ground...

Just a thought. Perhaps more viable in future weeks when we are not facing two giants in the ruck (Charman/McDonald)...

I think we should let Keps play at Bendigo for a bit, get some confidence up and see if we can find a role for him. No need to rush him back. Still hope he comes good.

As for Ryder i want him to have as much influence on a game as possible and he to is another player that is still learning the game. Let him run free.

Bit disappointed Campo came in, though there was meant to be a few younger guys at Bendigo going alright, would've liked to have seen one of them get a go.

 

[ant555]

Is there something wrong with Andy Lovett? Named on the bench and heard some whispers that he may not play...

EDIT: Just found this
"However it wasn't all good news at Windy Hill yesterday.

Andrew Lovett twisted his knee during training and could be in doubt for Saturday's match after limping from the ground to receive treatment. "

Hyper extended his knee at training on Wednesday. He is in doubt, will let you know if he fronts at training in a couple of hours
I can say that when he left training he didnt seem too worried about it.

 

[dave_27]

Campo actually had his quickest time in the 20m sprint, EVER in his career

So he's up their with MJ and Pev now?

 

[Pevers-Legend]

selections smell like a coach coaching for his job.

Would have liked to have seen Lonergan instead of Campo. If Campo comes in, MJ or cole out.

I am howver happy Johns and Laycock have been dropped - albeit 1-2 weeks too late. Both need magoos time to work on their games build up confidnece - Laycock is the JJ of last year - injuered - bugger all fitness - plays too many games and is exposed and loses form.

Yet Sheedy said he learnt form last year - pity he is so blinkered he only applied that approach to JJ.

Sherman out is the odd one for me? A rocket from Leigh perhaps?

Bring on Mal Vs Brisbane!!!

 

[Smokin]

we are into $1.78.

Some think we are gonna win this one...

 

[CjohnsRun]

I think Selwood is going to be a danger this week.. He has been in VERY VERY good form in the State League for Suncoast Lions.. in the last 3 games has been BOG in 2 or them and should get 2 votes in the other.. Last game had 30 possesions i think and kicked 5 goals from the midfield.. Could be one to watch out for..

 

[Darealrath]

Some think we are gonna win this one...

I do. Pretty confident about it too.

 

[ant555]

selections smell like a coach coaching for his job.

Would have liked to have seen Lonergan instead of Campo. If Campo comes in, MJ or cole out.

I am howver happy Johns and Laycock have been dropped - albeit 1-2 weeks too late. Both need magoos time to work on their games build up confidnece - Laycock is the JJ of last year - injuered - bugger all fitness - plays too many games and is exposed and loses form.

Yet Sheedy said he learnt form last year - pity he is so blinkered he only applied that approach to JJ.

Sherman out is the odd one for me? A rocket from Leigh perhaps?

Bring on Mal Vs Brisbane!!!

Sam wont be playing this weekend, he missed training on wednesday and didnt train today. He has been struggling a bit with a hand injury he picked up in the Bendigo v Port M and also had some sort of minor injury on wednesday after the gym session..

The seniors only did some work inside today but the word around is Lovett should be ok

 

[Giggidy Giggidy]

I think Selwood is going to be a danger this week.. He has been in VERY VERY good form in the State League for Suncoast Lions.. in the last 3 games has been BOG in 2 or them and should get 2 votes in the other.. Last game had 30 possesions i think and kicked 5 goals from the midfield.. Could be one to watch out for..

He is a quality player, but I wouldn't read too much into his Suncoast Lions form..... surely any AFL listed player would dominate in that comp if they were fair dinkum?