Match Committee - Round 12 vs Collingwood

[GVGjr]

With the bye coming up next week, if you were on the match committee what changes would you make for round 12 match-up against Collingwood at Etihad?

As always a brief explanation for you changes would be appreciated.

[GVGjr]

I think Boyd is the certainty and Hunter, Young, Cooney, Cross and Markovic will be right in the mix.

Williams is the unlucky bloke again.

Hard to know who else might get a spell.

[bornadog]

I think Boyd is the certainty and Hunter, Young, Cooney, Cross and Markovic will be right in the mix.

Williams is the unlucky bloke again.

Hard to know who else might get a spell.

I think Stringer needs to go back to Willi, he looked totally lost out there tonight.

[bulldogtragic]

I wonder how Kobes will pull up. Hopefully the week off will be the tonic.

[GVGjr]

I think Stringer needs to go back to Willi, he looked totally lost out there tonight.

He should have been given a spell this week. He's struggling.

[GVGjr]

Cross and Cooney will have to be in the mix against the Pies?

[bornadog]

He should have been given a spell this week. He's struggling.

Yes agree, Grant should have taken his spot.

[GVGjr]

Yes agree, Grant should have taken his spot.

Grant needs a good game tomorrow.

So many of the youngsters are standing up. Talia was strong tonight, Macrae is still a strong contributor and Smith was solid throughout the night. Hrovat and Johannisen look very comfortable as well.

Grant just can't lull back into a half arsed effort tomorrow especially with Williams injured as the younger group will be given the preference.

[LostDoggy]

Cooney and Boyd are 2 obvious ins.

Outs will be hard, all depends on how well Stevens pulls up. Wallis was OK tonight, but i think we need to just keep pumping games into him. Probably give Stringer a couple of games in the VFL to find some footy.

We obviously need another plan with the second ruck option. I guess Markovic is just about the only option..

I'll say In Boyd, Cooney and Markovic

Out Williams, Stringer and Stevens.

[bornadog]

Cooney and Boyd are 2 obvious ins.

Outs will be hard, all depends on how well Stevens pulls up. Wallis was OK tonight, but i think we need to just keep pumping games into him. Probably give Stringer a couple of games in the VFL to find some footy.

We obviously need another plan with the second ruck option. I guess Markovic is just about the only option..

I'll say In Boyd, Cooney and Markovic

Out Williams, Stringer and Stevens.

You would think Young would come back in instead of Marko.

[Go_Dogs]

You would think Young would come back in instead of Marko.

Does that mean we persist with Jones doing the ruck chop out?

I wonder if Cordy could come straight into calculations if ready?

[G-Mo77]

I don't want Jones anywhere the ruck again if we can afford it.

[bornadog]

Does that mean we persist with Jones doing the ruck chop out?

I wonder if Cordy could come straight into calculations if ready?

Yes forgot about second ruck, need to think about it.

[boydogs]

Playing Jones as second ruck seems to me like a good way to keep him involved in the game, he goes missing when playing as a permanent forward.

In: Boyd, Cooney, Young
Out: Wallis, Hrovat, Talia

[GVGjr]

Playing Jones as second ruck seems to me like a good way to keep him involved in the game, he goes missing when playing as a permanent forward.

In: Boyd, Cooney, Young
Out: Wallis, Hrovat, Talia

You would have to think that Williams will miss so perhaps that gives Talia a reprieve?

[always right]

In: Boyd, Cooney, Young
Out: Williams, Wallis, Stevens

[GVGjr]

I've given this some more thought and assuming Cooney isn't right to go.

In Boyd, Hunter, Young and Markovic.
Out Wallis, Dahlhaus, Williams and Stringer

I'd like to see Hunter make his debut. He's earned at least a taste of it.
Given the form of Dahlhaus hasn't been great I'd prefer Hrovat over him. I don't think there is room for Dahlhaus, Hrovat and Hunter in the side at the moment.

Boyd returns and Wallis is the unlucky man.

Williams loses his spot and a refreshed Young is hopefully ready to return against his old club.
I think this frees up Roughead to spend some time in the ruck to help Minson out and to used up forward as well.

Stringer looks like he's played at least one game too many and needs a decent break from the rigors of senior football. Markovic is a decent tall forward option who can do some ruck work.

[lemmon]

Have to wait for the Willi game before giving my few cents but Roberts must be a chance as a straight swap for Williams? Plays the same utility role and is rucking for the Gulls a bit. Probably means we struggle to squeeze Young in

[Go_Dogs]

Outs: Williams (inj), Stringer (rest), Wallis (omitted)
Ins: Boyd, Cooney, Roberts/Markovic

My plan would be to play Roberts forward and let him take a short turn in the ruck. If he isn't ready for that yet, then Markovic gets the gig.

Boyd and Cooney are automatic ins for mine. Stringer needs a rest and Wallis can afford to spend a few more weeks at Willy to continue to work on a few areas. I don't think he's too far off turning it around.

I don't mind the suggestion of Hunter in for Dahlhaus as you've suggested GVGjr. I thought Dahlhaus was OK last night without getting many possessions. He contested well in the air and fought hard when he needed to. I think he can freshen up over the bye, but if he needs a rest and Hunter knocks down the door again today it could be a good opportunity to make the move.

[Remi Moses]

Agree ^^
Like to see Roberts playing that swing man role.
No to Markovic or Austin.
Stevens has a corky, so you'd think he'll play.

[Go_Dogs]

Stevens has a corky, so you'd think he'll play.

I'd momentarily forgot about Stevens, I guess he should come up with the bye but if not perhaps Hunter comes in and we require Dahl and Hrovat to spend more minutes further up the field?

Tom Young is another one who I haven't included. I'd like to see Talia get another game but it may be that Talia moves out and Young comes in.

After 2 wins in a row there'll certainly be cause for some intense discussion for the MC.

[Rocco Jones]

I would go with Roughy as the 2nd ruck short term but not sure we have anyone to go with Cloke. Could be damaging to Talia's confidence and prefer Morris on a more manageable assignment so he can chop out the rest of the backline.

Unless the MC believe Roberts isn't physically up to playing the 2nd ruck role at senior level or it will hurt his development, I would give him the role. Even if Marko is more suited to the role now, it is so marginal that I believe we should do it for long term gain.

I am not as keen to give Grant a game as a few here are. He needs to absolutely smash the door down at Willi.

In/ Cooney, Boyd, Roberts
Out/ Wallis, Williams, Stringer

If Stevens, Cooney or Boyd don't come up I would go with Stringer. Actually want him to play despite his recent struggles due to the bye and experience of playing against a big club.

[boydogs]

You would have to think that Williams will miss so perhaps that gives Talia a reprieve?

I know our forward line sucks, but it doesn't help when every time we lose someone there to injury (Dickson, Higgins, Gia, Williams) we bring in someone who plays in another area of the ground.

Williams may be OK after the bye, fingers crossed, but if not I would go for Grant, Roberts, Cordy or Markovic.

[GVGjr]

I know our forward line sucks, but it doesn't help when every time we lose someone there to injury (Dickson, Higgins, Gia, Williams) we bring in someone who plays in another area of the ground.

Williams may be OK after the bye, fingers crossed, but if not I would go for Grant, Roberts, Cordy or Markovic.

Yes, we have missed our leading goal kicker from last season in Dickson and the guy we wanted up there all year in Williams is injured again. The forward line is probably doing OK all things considered.

[G-Mo77]

Tom Young's calf is going to put him on the shelf for 3 - 4 weeks. Roberts will be out for the same amount of time with a quad injury. Neither will play after the bye so that will change a few predicitions.

I think Marko is a good chance to come in next game for Williams. Not a sexy choice but he's the only one who can fill the role unless we want to run Austin out there again or even Campbell.

Cooney will return and I'd imagine Boyd will as well although it is a guy who is 30+ with a calf injury so no guarantees. Wallis could be an out same with Hrovat. I think there will be a couple of unlucky players next game.

I'd like to see Stringer line up against the Pies. Didn't have a good night and conditions didn't really suit. He'll learn a lot playing against strong opposition.

[strebla]

Tom Young's calf is going to put him on the shelf for 3 - 4 weeks. Roberts will be out for the same amount of time with a quad injury. Neither will play after the bye so that will change a few predicitions.

I think Marko is a good chance to come in next game for Williams. Not a sexy choice but he's the only one who can fill the role unless we want to run Austin out there again or even Campbell.

Cooney will return and I'd imagine Boyd will as well although it is a guy who is 30+ with a calf injury so no guarantees. Wallis could be an out same with Hrovat. I think there will be a couple of unlucky players next game.

I'd like to see Stringer line up against the Pies. Didn't have a good night and conditions didn't really suit. He'll learn a lot playing against strong opposition.

Goode call with Stringer I would also play Hrovat see how they go on the big stage. The week off will do them good.

[bornadog]

Final team

In. BOYD COONEY MARKOVIC

out. WALLIS WILLIAMS HROVAT

[Remi Moses]

Gee, not sure about Markovic being in.
Battler at best for mine, and I think he gets a gig with Williams and Roberts out ( playing the swingman role)

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Gee, not sure about Markovic being in.
Battler at best for mine, and I think he gets a gig with Williams and Roberts out ( playing the swingman role)
Markovic effectively replaces Williams to play as the third forward or back. At some stage you would like to see Roughy go forward enabling Markovic to be used as a defender.

[G-Mo77]

Gee, not sure about Markovic being in.
Battler at best for mine, and I think he gets a gig with Williams and Roberts out ( playing the swingman role)

I don't think that role is something that has to be filled, back up ruck duties would be more important. Will needs help in the ruck so we can either bring in Marko who can fill it in brief moments, put Roughy or Jones in there and the other is bringing in Campbell. None of those other options thrill me at all. Marko has been servicable and like you said can play either end if needed. He is the best option right now IMO.

[GVGjr]

Markovic effectively replaces Williams to play as the third forward or back. At some stage you would like to see Roughy go forward enabling Markovic to be used as a defender.


Markovic on Lynch would be an interesting match up.

[The Underdog]

Markovic on Lynch would be an interesting match up.

Define interesting?:)

I've never had huge confidence in Markovic and don't envision a future for him on the list. I can see the need to bring him in as a tall forward/2nd ruck and assume it's because the better/developmental options for this job are unavailable. I'd only like to see him go back if one of the young guys really struggles and we are forced to make a change.

[F'scary]

I can't see us playing Marko off the bench unless he is the sub.

I don't think it is a good idea if he is the sub.

If he lines up on Lynch, as suggested above, who goes to the bench? And who is the sub?

[wimberga]

Will Gia be named sub again?

I am really pleased that Stringer has been left in for this game. Should be well rested after the break and he just looks like that big game type player so the experience he will gain from playing the Pies so early on will be supremely beneficial for both us and him IMO.

[bornadog]

Will Gia be named sub again?.

Wouldn't be surprised if it were Cooney.

[GVGjr]

Define interesting?:)

I've never had huge confidence in Markovic and don't envision a future for him on the list. I can see the need to bring him in as a tall forward/2nd ruck and assume it's because the better/developmental options for this job are unavailable. I'd only like to see him go back if one of the young guys really struggles and we are forced to make a change.

I think Markovic goes better when he isn't pitted against FF (last line of defence) but Lynch is often a difficult opponent. When I look at our defenders Markovic probably makes the most sense but I'm that confident. I'd prefer that he plays up forward but I think we will need him in the back line against the Pies.

[soupman]

I can't see us playing Marko off the bench unless he is the sub.

I don't think it is a good idea if he is the sub.

If he lines up on Lynch, as suggested above, who goes to the bench? And who is the sub?

Markovic will not be sub.

I'd guess that he's been brought in to be the second ruck more than anything, and will likely spend most of the match up forward. The only change to this I can see is him swapping this role with Roughead.

[Rocco Jones]

We really have no one suited to the 2nd ruck role outside of Williams and Ayce. Tom is always injured and Ayce isn't good enough.

[Eastdog]

I think Markovic goes better when he isn't pitted against FF (last line of defence) but Lynch is often a difficult opponent. When I look at our defenders Markovic probably makes the most sense but I'm that confident. I'd prefer that he plays up forward but I think we will need him in the back line against the Pies.

If Markovic does not play forward how do you see our structure up forward going in to tomorrow's game.

[Eastdog]

We really have no one suited to the 2nd ruck role outside of Williams and Ayce. Tom is always injured and Ayce isn't good enough.

But shouldn't we still give Ayce more time?

[GVGjr]

We really have no one suited to the 2nd ruck role outside of Williams and Ayce. Tom is always injured and Ayce isn't good enough.

Agreed. We needed to find someone over the last couple of years but for some reason we don't seem to have gone that hard at it.

Cordy should come back into contention once he is fit enough again.

[GVGjr]

If Markovic does not play forward how do you see our structure up forward going in to to tomorrow's game.

Jones and Stringer as the key forwards, Murphy, Addison, Dahlhaus, Smith and Giansiracusa to complete the structure.

[Rocco Jones]

But shouldn't we still give Ayce more time?

Well, he has another year left on his contract. I would give him the role back asap if he shows some form at Willy. Long term I see him as offering about as much as you get from an average mature state league recruit.

[Eastdog]

Jones and Stringer as the key forwards, Murphy, Addison, Dahlhaus, Smith and Giansiracusa to complete the structure.

Will we use Gia as wimberga suggested as a sub again or give it to someone else. Do you see the benefits of using Gia as a "full time" sub.

[Rocco Jones]

Agreed. We needed to find someone over the last couple of years but for some reason we don't seem to have gone that hard at it.

Cordy should come back into contention once he is fit enough again.

Yeah, I think a lot of clubs have ignored the 2nd ruck role for some reason. Ironically, it's one of the true roles in the game these days.

I really like Collingwood's recruiting when it comes to ruckmen. IMO they basically go with:
- having a number 1 ruck (Jolly)
- a cheap, mature back up ruck (Hudson). No point grooming a guy in this role when (you think) you're in the 'window'. Just a guy who is ready to step iN
- youngster developing in role (Grundy)
- specialist 2nd ruck (Big Q)

[GVGjr]

Yeah, I think a lot of clubs have ignored the 2nd ruck role for some reason. Ironically, it's one of the true roles in the game these days.

I really like Collingwood's recruiting when it comes to ruckmen. IMO they basically go with:
- having a number 1 ruck (Jolly)
- a cheap, mature back up ruck (Hudson). No point grooming a guy in this role when (you think) you're in the 'window'. Just a guy who is ready to step iN
- youngster developing in role (Grundy)
- specialist 2nd ruck (Big Q)

Perhaps Fremantle has even a better level of depth for their rucks. Sandilands, Griffin and Hannath as 1st rucks, Bradley and Clarke as the multi position players.

[Rocco Jones]

Perhaps Fremantle has even a better level of depth for their rucks. Sandilands, Griffin and Hannath as 1st rucks, Bradley and Clarke as the multi position players.

Yep, no doubt they have the best depth. My point was more about how the Pies have cultivated their ruck depth.

Jolly- saw a need for a quality 1st ruck and traded for it. He has given them great service.
Hudson- rookie list spot on a back up who can come straight in and be AFL standard.
Lynch- free agent who is ideal for 2nd ruck spot.

They used an early pick on Grundy. I am not a big fan of using early picks on ruckmen but with Jolly being in the twilight of his career, I can see the need.

BTW on Freo- I think Clarke is an out and out quality 1st ruck who can also play 2nd ruck. Griffin is ridiculously good for a back up ruckman. Benefit of being in a two team state. Get guys like him because he really wants to be home.