Match Committee- Round 2 vs North Melbourne

[Greystache]

If you were on the match committee what changes would you make for Sunday's game against North Melbourne at Etihad?

As always a brief explanation for your changes would add to discussion.

[GVGjr]

In Jones, Talia and Young
Out Dickson, Wood and Goodes

Jones will give us a key forward target and Talia and Young will strengthen the defence

Dickson just out of sorts, Wood inconsistent and Goodes was poor tonight,

[The Bulldogs Bite]

This is a tough one.

IN: Jones, Talia, Smith
OUT: JJ, Goodes, Dickson

Jones/Talia for structural reasons and both are in form. Smith for extra intensity around the contest that we lacked. I would consider dropping Wallis and keeping Goodes in.

JJ only hit 1 target that I saw all night and hasn't had a good pre-season. Goodes was woeful, but 'defensive forward' isn't his go - I would be fine with keeping him in ahead of Wallis, to bring Smith back.

Dickson just hasn't been in form all pre-season, despite a good end to 2013.

[bornadog]

This is a tough one.

IN: Jones, Talia, Smith
OUT: JJ, Goodes, Dickson

Jones/Talia for structural reasons and both are in form. Smith for extra intensity around the contest that we lacked. I would consider dropping Wallis and keeping Goodes in.

JJ only hit 1 target that I saw all night and hasn't had a good pre-season. Goodes was woeful, but 'defensive forward' isn't his go - I would be fine with keeping him in ahead of Wallis, to bring Smith back.

Dickson just hasn't been in form all pre-season, despite a good end to 2013.

Bit harsh on JJ when he hasn't played since the middle of last year.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Bit harsh on JJ when he hasn't played since the middle of last year.

The world knows I am one of his biggest fans, but I've watched him closely all pre-season and he's a way off at the moment. Needs some form/confidence at VFL level.

[GVGjr]

Bit harsh on JJ when he hasn't played since the middle of last year.

He was poor tonight though. I think we have better match-ups for him against North.

[bornadog]

The world knows I am one of his biggest fans, but I've watched him closely all pre-season and he's a way off at the moment. Needs some form/confidence at VFL level.

I don't mind giving young players a run in the firsts. If he is dropped, I wouldn't be surprised either. He will be better for the run.


He was poor tonight though. I think we have better match-ups for him against North.

Agree he was poor.

[always right]

In: Griffen, Jones
Out: Goodes, Dickson

Hoping Griffen is fit and Jone's form with FOOTSCRAY earns him a recall and provides us with a marking target. I really want to see how he might benefit from Crameri's presence.

I don't see Macca making many changes so Goodes and Dickson the unlucky outs.

[Twodogs]

I think I read somewhere that Smith is only availed for Footscray at this stage. He was a week ago anyway.

[boydogs]

Out: Dickson, Johannisen, Wallis, Giansiracusa
In: Jones, Talia, Griffen, Smith

Jones played well in the VFL, we need him in as a tall instead of another mid sized forward in Dickson
The defense is undersized as well, not sure why Talia was ever left out. Johannisen looks shaky coming out of defense which should be his strength.
Wallis could tag Swallow but not Wells, I would rather use Picken. Picken on Lindsay Thomas could cost us the game, put Morris on him.
Gia as the sub doesn't give us enough run, Smith looks ready to go

[Remi Moses]

I'd highly doubt they'd bring in Smith this soon.

[always right]

Out: Dickson, Johannisen, Wallis, Giansiracusa
In: Jones, Talia, Griffen, Smith

Jones played well in the VFL, we need him in as a tall instead of another mid sized forward in Dickson
The defense is undersized as well, not sure why Talia was ever left out. Johannisen looks shaky coming out of defense which should be his strength.
Wallis could tag Swallow but not Wells, I would rather use Picken. Picken on Lindsay Thomas could cost us the game, put Morris on him.
Gia as the sub doesn't give us enough run, Smith looks ready to go

Picken to pick up Harvey as usual? Agree about Morris on Thomas which means we difinitely need to bring in another tall defender. Disagree about Gia.....his smart ball use is invaluable.

[ReLoad]

Out: Dickson, Goodes and Picken.
In: Young, Talia and Jones.

Returns a spine to the team and adds much better back half disposal quality.

[bornadog]

Out: Dickson, Goodes and Picken.
In: Young, Talia and Jones.

Returns a spine to the team and adds much better back half disposal quality.

Why Picken? I thought he was one of our better players yesterday.

[SlimPickens]

Out: Goodes, Dickson and Wood

In: Jones, Talia and Griffen

Jones deserves his chance. Talia gives us better structure. If Griff is fit he plays.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

In. Jones Young Talia and Griffen
Out. Dickson Goodes Wood and JJ
We need to restructure our defence and forward lines after yesterday.
I would play Murphy at CHF and Jones at FF and start Campbell on the interchange bench alternating with Minson. The return of Griffen will do wonders for the midfield which sadly lacked leadership yesterday. Libba and Wallis will be better players alongside Griffen.
I am of the opinion that Goodes Wood and Dickson have become stop gap players and would prefer to see Hrovat Bontempelli and Jong tried in the coming weeks.
North were very poor against Essendon and with the right structure in place this is a very winnable game.

[Mofra]

I'll preface this by saying that I think structurally Goodes & Wood are competing for the same spot (especially with Higgins in the side), ditto Dickson & Gia and Wallis & Boyd

Out: Goodes, Dickson & Wallis
In: Talia/Young, Jones, best performed fit mid (Griffen if available, Hrovat or Prudden must be close).

B-Mac said we are "one tall short" - I'd argue two talls that can run would be better.

[ReLoad]

Why Picken? I thought he was one of our better players yesterday.

I'm a Picken fan, but IMHO there is only a place for either Picken or Wallis in the team, Picken isn't a very good small defender, its not his position and it shows, his disposal is questionable and he gets shown up when coming out of the backline.

His endeavor and hardness are fantastic, but i think that needs to be directed as a hard tagger as opposed to minding a slippery forward.

[Ghost Dog]

Roberts? Can he add something that Goodes or Wood don't have?

[bornadog]

Roberts? Can he add something that Goodes or Wood don't have?

He can add height (196cm) that they don't have, but at this stage he really hasn't earnt a spot.

[1eyedog]

Firstly I could easily make four changes given I was very surprised by the selection of our team against Wet Toast.

INS:
Griffen (If Griffen is fit obviously he is first selected).
Talia (If Roughie goes to Petrie and Morris goes to Thomas we need Talia to play on Black - a good match up). Even though Grima had a shocker against the Bombres I assume he and Thompson will hold down key back so Norf may even throw Hansen forward which will cause head aches. Talia has to come in.
Young I just think he provides more flexibility down back than Goodes - personal choice.
Grant Spoke to him at the museum and he is right to go, thinks he will spend 2 weeks in the VFL though but admitted he would LOVE to come straight in.

OUTS:
Goodes too inconsistent. I have Wood right on the cusp of being an out for this reason as well.
Dickson Plays well if we are but fails to contribute when its tough. Jones comes in to the forward line and Dickson comes out of it.
Wallis - with Swallow out for Norf and Picken minding Harvey I don't see a role for him. Ziebel is more likely to go to Griffen one on one if Griffen plays.

[Cyberdoggie]

He was poor tonight though. I think we have better match-ups for him against North.

Perhaps his confidence is lacking due to the fact the last time he played he got hit by a steamtrain and did his collarbone?

Dumping him back to the reserves may not help his confidence. I think he'll be given some more time, hopefully he gets back to his best soon.

[soupman]

Smith in for Goodes: I think McCartney will be keen to get Smith back in the side and Goodes was very poor. Smith may well play a defensive forward role like he was last season.

Talia for Wood: Talia is a better defender and while his work with the ball isn't as exciting as Wood's he does get it enough to be useful.

Griffen in for JJ: I really like JJ but even with the omission of Goodes that leaves us with 7 pure defenders and for all the midfields failings this week the only two that could be dropped are Stevens, who had an outstanding pre-season and Wallis who I think will have to play more than one bad game to be cut. If Griffen is not right JJ stays though.

Jones in for Dickson: This one is 50-50. I think this change should have been made for our round 1 side, Dickson's pre-season form was poor and Jones would have been handy on a ground where we needed Campbell to push up, but Campbell won't be a liability sittin deep at Etihad and Dickson has been dangerous there. If the coaching staff belive Jones needs to prove himself again don't pick him but otherwise I probably would promote him.

[LostDoggy]

Out - Dickson, Goodes. Obvious reasons. Could have shared the vest last night.
In - Talia, Griff (if ready - Jones if not)

[bornadog]

This is good news


McCartney said Liam Jones and Ryan Griffen were both a chance to return to the side for Sunday's match against North Melbourne.

[azabob]

It is hard for me to comment as I didn't see yesterday's game or Jones game on Friday night. But he hasn't exactly set the world on fire this pre-season or late last year. Surely we need him to produce a few more good games in the VFL before he comes back to the AFL.

[always right]

It is hard for me to comment as I didn't see yesterday's game or Jones game on Friday night. But he hasn't exactly set the world on fire this pre-season or late last year. Surely we need him to produce a few more good games in the VFL before he comes back to the AFL.

There were blokes playing in Perth on the back of very ordinary pre-seasons. By all accounts Jones played very well in the the most recent practice match so I see no reason why he wouldn't be brought in.

[LostDoggy]

In: Griffen, Jones
Out: Goodes, Dickson

[KT31]

In: Griffen, Jones
Out: Goodes, Dickson

McCartney said Liam Jones and Ryan Griffen were both a chance to return to the side for Sunday's match against North Melbourne.
Would also like to see Talia or Darley get a crack over Goodes.

[bornadog]

McCartney said Liam Jones and Ryan Griffen were both a chance to return to the side for Sunday's match against North Melbourne.
Would also like to see Talia or Darley get a crack over Goodes.

I wonder if Honeychurch will get a go?

[Mantis]

In: Jones, Griffen, Talia
Out: Campbell, Goodes, Dickson

Campbell has had a poor pre-season and with Will spending >80% of game time in the ruck I don't see his value.

Goodes & Dickson both need to find some form.

[GVGjr]

In: Jones, Griffen, Talia
Out: Campbell, Goodes, Dickson

Campbell has had a poor pre-season and with Will spending >80% of game time in the ruck I don't see his value.

Goodes & Dickson both need to find some form.

I've never been a supporter of using Jones in the ruck to back up Minson but I think it has a lot of merit now.

If Campbell is in form then he should be played but he didn't offer us much last night.

I can see why we would be tempted to drop him

[Rocco Jones]

In: Jones, Griffen, Talia
Out: Campbell, Goodes, Dickson

Campbell has had a poor pre-season and with Will spending >80% of game time in the ruck I don't see his value.

Goodes & Dickson both need to find some form.

Spot on Mantis.

For those of you that have paid attention to my ramblings over the last few years you know how baffled I am by rating ruck > forward ability for a 2nd ruck. As you mentioned, Minson plays 80%+ in the ruck. Basically that means the 2nd ruck spends <20% of time in the ruck and >60% in the forward line.

[Go_Dogs]

I've never been a supporter of using Jones in the ruck to back up Minson but I think it has a lot of merit now.

If Campbell is in form then he should be played but he didn't offer us much last night.

I can see why we would be tempted to drop him

It appears he spent a bit of time there in the VFL practice game last week.

I liked what Campbell did last year but he's not really a strong leading player so struggled on the weekend. I could see him doing some damage against North though.

For mine, In - Griffen, Jones, Young
Out - Dickson, Goodes, JJ

[ratsmac]

In - Griffen, Young, Talia

Out - Goodes/JJ/Wood (any 2 of these), Dickson

[boydogs]

Picken to pick up Harvey as usual? Agree about Morris on Thomas which means we difinitely need to bring in another tall defender. Disagree about Gia.....his smart ball use is invaluable.

Yep Picken on Harvey would be perfect. Is Gia really going to be the sub every week? That doesn't give us a lot of flexibility from week to week, and he may start losing touch and fitness. Is there any other club that has done this?

People say you can't carry a 2nd specialist ruck each week, yet we're happy to have a player who can't run for more than a half in the 22 every week? What if there's an injury in the first 5 minutes?

[Remi Moses]

McCartney said Liam Jones and Ryan Griffen were both a chance to return to the side for Sunday's match against North Melbourne.
Would also like to see Talia or Darley get a crack over Goodes.

I'm in this camp. Like to see Darley get a gig , or Honeychurch for Dickson.

[soupman]

On Gia as sub I'd start him this week and have Smith, who is surely working his way back to match fit, as the sub.

I'd imagine the expectation with Gia is to play 2 games as a sub for every one he starts.

[boydogs]

On Gia as sub I'd start him this week and have Smith, who is surely working his way back to match fit, as the sub.

I'd imagine the expectation with Gia is to play 2 games as a sub for every one he starts.

I'd like to see that, if Gia is up to it. Gia as the sub every week stops us using the sub role to ease players back from injury.

[LostDoggy]

Picken to a forward pocket. He gets isolated repeatedly by opposition coaches down back due to turnover frequency. Down forward he adds an Addison type difference that has worked effectively in selected games in the past. When we can get to the point where players have gone past Picken and Wood we will start to climb the ladder. We aren't there yet.

Goodes out needs to work on stuff in the VFL

Dickson out - see above

Wallis out - see above - time travelled back to 2011 on Sunday

Honeychurch in for Dickson

Griffen in for Wallis

Talia in for Goodes - still leaves Murphy, Higgins and JJ to run/carry

JJ. Roughy. Morris
Higgins Talia. Murphy
Macrae. Stevens. Cooney
Hunter. Crameri. Picken
Campbell. Stringer. Honeychurch
Minno. Griffen. Libba
Wood. Boyd. Dahlhaus
Gia

JJ, Campbell could be considered lucky. I'm inclined to leave Jones to build confidence in the VFL.

[The Pie Man]

In: Jones, Griffen, Talia
Out: Campbell, Goodes, Dickson

Campbell has had a poor pre-season and with Will spending >80% of game time in the ruck I don't see his value.

Goodes & Dickson both need to find some form.

These would be my changes also - though after watching footage of Wallis' 'chase' on Foxtel last night, I'd consider bringing in Bontempelli or Honeychurch to debut for Mitch.

Cooney should also be embarrassed (repeat offender - game vs Collingwood last year one I remember vividly) and any others not caught on tape giving a second rate effort.

[Mofra]

People say you can't carry a 2nd specialist ruck each week, yet we're happy to have a player who can't run for more than a half in the 22 every week? What if there's an injury in the first 5 minutes?
Gia was running with the midfield group during pre-season and is one of the better runenrs at the club - I was originally against him being the sub as gut-runnng is a strength of his and I prefer to play someone to their strentgths, but his success in the role leaves me mistaken.

[1eyedog]

In: Griffen, Jones
Out: Goodes, Dickson


It appears he spent a bit of time there in the VFL practice game last week.

I liked what Campbell did last year but he's not really a strong leading player so struggled on the weekend. I could see him doing some damage against North though.

For mine, In - Griffen, Jones, Young
Out - Dickson, Goodes, JJ

I'm just interested. If Morris plays on Thomas and Roughie goes to Petrie who plays on Black (193cm) and Hansen (197cm)? North have two talls down back (Thompson and Grima) and 3 tall options up forward (Black, Petrie and Hansen) and we have one bloke down back over 6'4 (Roughie). Talia has to play on Hansen at the least.

[bornadog]

I'm just interested. If Morris plays on Thomas and Roughie goes to Petrie who plays on Black (193cm) and Hansen (197cm)? North have two talls down back (Thompson and Grima) and 3 tall options up forward (Black, Petrie and Hansen) and we have one bloke down back over 6'4 (Roughie). Talia has to play on Hansen at the least.

JJ on Thomas and Morris on Black

[1eyedog]

JJ on Thomas and Morris on Black

Ouch!

[bornadog]

Ouch!

We don't have many options. The coach will most likely put Picken on him.

[1eyedog]

Agreed Picken is an option. What about the old adage of putting our best defender on their best forward? Morris will ensure that Thomas doesn't have the advantage in the air (Thomas is great overhead) and it will force him further up the ground where we want him?

[bornadog]

Agreed Picken is an option. What about the old adage of putting our best defender on their best forward? Morris will ensure that Thomas doesn't have the advantage in the air (Thomas is great overhead) and it will force him further up the ground where we want him?

I agree and Morris should have been on Le Cras, but the MC is reluctant to bring in some players until they feel they are ready. Morris is destined to take on players bigger than himself.

[always right]

I agree and Morris should have been on Le Cras, but the MC is reluctant to bring in some players until they feel they are ready. Morris is destined to take on players bigger than himself.

I think he is destined to play on the opposition best forward...who may be bigger but not always. I expect him to line up on Thomas this week. It also wouldn't surprise me to see Wood line up on Black. Not ideal but Black is more of a running forward who doesn't have the same body strength as Darling. Talia to play on Hansen or the third tall.

[Happy Days]

Agreed Picken is an option. What about the old adage of putting our best defender on their best forward? Morris will ensure that Thomas doesn't have the advantage in the air (Thomas is great overhead) and it will force him further up the ground where we want him?

+1. Picken would get killed by Thomas. I like the call of him to the forward line, of which the ball came out far too easily. If he doesn't play then I guess Honey Badger does, but I don't really want him to.

Talia has to play. Has to. We'd be too short down back trying to cover their forward line without him, and his composure in rebounding the ball is not only significantly underrated, but also urgently required after last week.

Dickson has to go. It's crazy to think that some want him to play. His pre season was just awful, his game last week was just awful. If he's not kicking goals then he really doesn't offer anything. Campbell needs to learn how to lead before he should ever be allowed to play forward again. He looks like Cordy with better hands and upper body strength (read: still not a forward).

For a good kick, Goodes is the worst kick ever. The key to beating North is to control the ball, and if the guy that we're actively trying to get the ball to is turning it over every time he gets it then we have no chance. We need to look to free up Murphy far more than we were able to last week.

In: Griffen, Talia, Jones (I guess)
Out: Goodes, Dickson, Campbell

I miss Grant. We're going to play Jones because we want a tall marking option but I think our forward line will be so much more dynamic when we have Grant/Crameri/Stringer as our main options. If Jones plays then he has to be everything Campbell wasn't; leading, mobile and willing to chase. I really hope the reports of improved positioning are true.

[1eyedog]

+1. Picken would get killed by Thomas. I like the call of him to the forward line, of which the ball came out far too easily. If he doesn't play then I guess Honey Badger does, but I don't really want him to.

Talia has to play. Has to. We'd be too short down back trying to cover their forward line without him, and his composure in rebounding the ball is not only significantly underrated, but also urgently required after last week.

Dickson has to go. It's crazy to think that some want him to play. His pre season was just awful, his game last week was just awful. If he's not kicking goals then he really doesn't offer anything. Campbell needs to learn how to lead before he should ever be allowed to play forward again. He looks like Cordy with better hands and upper body strength (read: still not a forward).

For a good kick, Goodes is the worst kick ever. The key to beating North is to control the ball, and if the guy that we're actively trying to get the ball to is turning it over every time he gets it then we have no chance. We need to look to free up Murphy far more than we were able to last week.

In: Griffen, Talia, Jones (I guess)
Out: Goodes, Dickson, Campbell

I miss Grant. We're going to play Jones because we want a tall marking option but I think our forward line will be so much more dynamic when we have Grant/Crameri/Stringer as our main options. If Jones plays then he has to be everything Campbell wasn't; leading, mobile and willing to chase. I really hope the reports of improved positioning are true.

Sums it all up for me too. Freeing Murphy up is key and given the form Higgins is in we need to get the ball to him as much as we can also.

Really miss Grant.

[bornadog]

+1. Picken would get killed by Thomas. I like the call of him to the forward line, of which the ball came out far too easily. If he doesn't play then I guess Honey Badger does, but I don't really want him to.

Talia has to play. Has to. We'd be too short down back trying to cover their forward line without him, and his composure in rebounding the ball is not only significantly underrated, but also urgently required after last week.

Dickson has to go. It's crazy to think that some want him to play. His pre season was just awful, his game last week was just awful. If he's not kicking goals then he really doesn't offer anything. Campbell needs to learn how to lead before he should ever be allowed to play forward again. He looks like Cordy with better hands and upper body strength (read: still not a forward).

For a good kick, Goodes is the worst kick ever. The key to beating North is to control the ball, and if the guy that we're actively trying to get the ball to is turning it over every time he gets it then we have no chance. We need to look to free up Murphy far more than we were able to last week.

In: Griffen, Talia, Jones (I guess)
Out: Goodes, Dickson, Campbell

I miss Grant. We're going to play Jones because we want a tall marking option but I think our forward line will be so much more dynamic when we have Grant/Crameri/Stringer as our main options. If Jones plays then he has to be everything Campbell wasn't; leading, mobile and willing to chase. I really hope the reports of improved positioning are true.

Well summed up you scapegoater;)

[Greystache]

Dickson has to go. It's crazy to think that some want him to play. His pre season was just awful, his game last week was just awful. If he's not kicking goals then he really doesn't offer anything. Campbell needs to learn how to lead before he should ever be allowed to play forward again. He looks like Cordy with better hands and upper body strength (read: still not a forward).

In: Griffen, Talia, Jones (I guess)
Out: Goodes, Dickson, Campbell

I miss Grant. We're going to play Jones because we want a tall marking option but I think our forward line will be so much more dynamic when we have Grant/Crameri/Stringer as our main options. If Jones plays then he has to be everything Campbell wasn't; leading, mobile and willing to chase. I really hope the reports of improved positioning are true.

Jarrad Grant's 3 good games could end up being the most talked about in the history of AFL football. Of the 8 he played last season, his first 2 were solid, his next 3 were excellent, and his final 3 were below average. Yet he is still being talked about as the messiah and the reason we won games. That's after years of giving us next to nothing.

All the while the 2 players you've just written off played just as big a role in us wining those games (and in Dickson's case certainly bigger in our final 2 wins) on the back of 1 game we were slaughtered in. As for offering nothing but goals, Grant couldn't even manage as many tackles as Dickson during his golden run of form.

I can't get over the weight some people place on form from 2 Mickey Mouse preseason games.

No mention of Stringer who was the poorest of all our forwards? His preseason form was also terrible.


We summed up you scapegoater;)

Just lucky he didn't mention Boyd, Gia, or Minson- They are off limits for critcism regardless of performance.

[bornadog]

Just lucky he didn't mention Boyd, Gia, or Minson- They are off limits for criticism regardless of performance.

Anyone is up for criticism as long as its justified.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

I agree and Morris should have been on Le Cras, but the MC is reluctant to bring in some players until they feel they are ready. Morris is destined to take on players bigger than himself.

Morris is the obvious choice for Thomas as he should have been for Le Cras.This would leave Picken to take Harvey. I am still amazed that Talia and Young were left out against WCE leaving us to go with one tall defender against the West Coast's three big forwards.One day we will get the match ups right. I would like to see Talia come in to play on Black with Young as a back up. I found the decision to play Wood on Darling equally puzzling.Morris was magnificent on Darling but he is just as good playing on smalls and mid sized players.

[bornadog]

Morris is the obvious choice for Thomas as he should have been for Le Cras.This would leave Picken to take Harvey. I am still amazed that Talia and Young were left out against WCE leaving us to go with one tall defender against the West Coast's three big forwards.One day we will get the match ups right. I would like to see Talia come in to play on Black with Young as a back up. I found the decision to play Wood on Darling equally puzzling.Morris was magnificent on KENNEDY but he is just as good playing on smalls and mid sized players.

Couldn't agree more.

[1eyedog]

Jarrad Grant's 3 good games could end up being the most talked about in the history of AFL football. Of the 8 he played last season, his first 2 were solid, his next 3 were excellent, and his final 3 were below average. Yet he is still being talked about as the messiah and the reason we won games. That's after years of giving us next to nothing.

All the while the 2 players you've just written off played just as big a role in us wining those games (and in Dickson's case certainly bigger in our final 2 wins) on the back of 1 game we were slaughtered in. As for offering nothing but goals, Grant couldn't even manage as many tackles as Dickson during his golden run of form.

I can't get over the weight some people place on form from 2 Mickey Mouse preseason games.

No mention of Stringer who was the poorest of all our forwards? His preseason form was also terrible.



Just lucky he didn't mention Boyd, Gia, or Minson- They are off limits for critcism regardless of performance.

Seems reasonable enough to me. Comparing Grant and Dickson is like comparing French and German. In his 13 games last year Grant was top 3 in the AFL for goal assists, pretty phenomenal even without a good amount of data to work out whether it is going to be a long-term trend. You make mention of Dickson's tackle count. It was 0.6 greater than Grant's over the 13 games they played last year so is it really a stat that stands up to scrutiny. Clearly Dickson is no defensive beast either.

Quite simply Grant creates his own opportunities and always looks dangerous while Dickson relies on good delivery from our mids far more. In a team that has had a distinct paucity of exciting quality forwards over such a long time Jarrad Grant provides at least a beacon and is clearly at an elite level for bringing his team mates into goal scoring opportunities. What's not to love about the potential and why wouldn't you want him in the team ahead of Dickson - if it came to that?

[1eyedog]

Anyone is up for criticism as long as its justified.

Gee Boyd and Gia have copped their fair share.

[Remi Moses]

Smith Won't play yet.
He's played half a VFL practice match in 12 months!

[Greystache]

Seems reasonable enough to me. Comparing Grant and Dickson is like comparing French and German. In his 13 games last year Grant was top 3 in the AFL for goal assists, pretty phenomenal even without a good amount of data to work out whether it is going to be a long-term trend. You make mention of Dickson's tackle count. It was 0.6 greater than Grant's over the 13 games they played last year so is it really a stat that stands up to scrutiny. Clearly Dickson is no defensive beast either.

Quite simply Grant creates his own opportunities and always looks dangerous while Dickson relies on good delivery from our mids far more. In a team that has had a distinct paucity of exciting quality forwards over such a long time Jarrad Grant provides at least a beacon and is clearly at an elite level for bringing his team mates into goal scoring opportunities. What's not to love about the potential and why wouldn't you want him in the team ahead of Dickson - if it came to that?

Grant only played 8 games, the last 3 of which were distinctly average. He finished with 9 goals assists for the season, hardly whopping figures, 1.2 per game. Campbell average 1 per game

Dickson had 7 goal assists.

[Greystache]

Dickson also took 5 contested marks to Grant's 3, got 38 contested possessions to Grant's 33, had 4 clangers to Grant's 5, kicked 18 goals to Grant's 16, and both had 93 effective disposals.

All during Grant's glorious 8 game period of form.

Let the scapegoating continue after 1 game

[bornadog]

Let the scapegoating continue after 1 game

So you thought Dickson played well on Sunday and justifies his spot this week?

[Happy Days]

Dickson also took 5 contested marks to Grant's 3, got 38 contested possessions to Grant's 33, had 4 clangers to Grant's 5, kicked 18 goals to Grant's 16, and both had 93 effective disposals.

All during Grant's glorious 8 game period of form.

Let the scapegoating continue after 1 game

Were you happy with his game?

[always right]

Gee Boyd and Gia have copped their fair share.

I almost fell off my chair when Greystache suggested they were off limits. Not sure many players in the history of Woof have copped a spray as much as Gia and Boyd.

Personally I think Grant is a more difficult matchup for the opposition than Dickson with a very different skillset. Sure it's on the back of a fairly brief cameo in the back end of last season but he gave a real glimpse of what he can bring to the side on a more regular basis. I simply think his updside is much greater than Dickson's regardless of whatever stats are thrown up.

[Greystache]

So you thought Dickson played well on Sunday and justifies his spot this week?


Were you happy with his game?

I was unhappy with 15 players, just the usual suspects focused it all on Dickson.

[Ozza]

Jarrad Grant's 3 good games could end up being the most talked about in the history of AFL football. Of the 8 he played last season, his first 2 were solid, his next 3 were excellent, and his final 3 were below average. Yet he is still being talked about as the messiah and the reason we won games. That's after years of giving us next to nothing.

All the while the 2 players you've just written off played just as big a role in us wining those games (and in Dickson's case certainly bigger in our final 2 wins) on the back of 1 game we were slaughtered in. As for offering nothing but goals, Grant couldn't even manage as many tackles as Dickson during his golden run of form.

I can't get over the weight some people place on form from 2 Mickey Mouse preseason games.

No mention of Stringer who was the poorest of all our forwards? His preseason form was also terrible.




Just lucky he didn't mention Boyd, Gia, or Minson- They are off limits for critcism regardless of performance.

Firstly, Good point on Stringer. He's a great talent, but for me - he's a fair way off the pace fitness wise right now. Would like to see him perform well over a sustained period for Footscray.

Dickson is the type of player - particularly when we are getting smashed - will have some shockers. I'm inclined to give him another chance this week. He's a goal kicker - and can definitely find his own chances (ie. not reliant on perfect delivery as suggested) and he played well both times he's played against Nort previously - for what that is worth.

Liam Jones is a must. We need to be able to really compete in the air - and at worst, he more often than not brings the ball down, which will hopefully get Hunter, Dahlhaus and Dickson in the game.

I wouldn't be rushing Grant in until we've seen how he goes for Footscray.

[bornadog]

I was unhappy with 15 players, just the usual suspects focused it all on Dickson.

The coach subbed him out, so they were unhappy as well.

[Greystache]

I almost fell off my chair when Greystache suggested they were off limits. Not sure many players in the history of Woof have copped a spray as much as Gia and Boyd.

Not familiar with irony? BAD takes anyone to task who dare criticize those 3, or Cross or Eade previously. Addison and Dickson however, go your hardest.

[Greystache]

The coach subbed him out, so they were unhappy as well.

Or they had Gia who is very similar to bring on.

Dickson was arguably our most effective forward in the last 2 months of 2013, yet he's the first in the gun after a pathetic team performance. Stringer doesn't rate a mention funnily enough

[Happy Days]

Or they had Gia who is very similar to bring on.

Dickson was arguably our most effective forward in the last 2 months of 2013, yet he's the first in the gun after a pathetic team performance. Stringer doesn't rate a mention funnily enough

What are your ins and outs for this week?

[1eyedog]

Dickson also took 5 contested marks to Grant's 3, got 38 contested possessions to Grant's 33, had 4 clangers to Grant's 5, kicked 18 goals to Grant's 16, and both had 93 effective disposals.

All during Grant's glorious 8 game period of form.

Let the scapegoating continue after 1 game

For what its worth the data I'm looking at shows Dickson had 7 goal assists in 13 games (0.53) and Grant had 10 in 8 games(1.25) and that was my real point. Dickson's goal count looks good in the 8 games you highlighted but in the other 5 you didn't he only kicked 4 goals.

The way Jarrad can play gee it's going to bring people through the turnstiles too if it can be recaptured and maintained. I'm not saying Jarrad won us games last year at all but I'll bet you opposition coaches are far more worried about him when he's on the field than about Dicko.

[bornadog]

Not familiar with irony? BAD takes anyone to task who dare criticize those 3, or Cross or Eade previously. Addison and Dickson however, go your hardest.

I don't take anyone to task, you misunderstand. I just put my opinion in about those players. You have your opinion and I have mine. Perhaps, I am a little direct, but that is the way I am. One thing I never do is personally attack anyone on the forum.

Its just a discussion, but you are getting a little immature about it always bringing up little bits having a go at people in an indirect way.

[Go_Dogs]

I'm just interested. If Morris plays on Thomas and Roughie goes to Petrie who plays on Black (193cm) and Hansen (197cm)? North have two talls down back (Thompson and Grima) and 3 tall options up forward (Black, Petrie and Hansen) and we have one bloke down back over 6'4 (Roughie). Talia has to play on Hansen at the least.

If we play Jones and Campbell forward, we may force Hansen back if North prefer to go with Thompson or Grima on Crameri.

If not, Young and Morris forced to play tall. Not ideal I know, but given Talia didn't play last week and wasn't mentioned as Jones and Griff were as possible inclusions I'm not sure if he's in the mix.

It seems like Williams is some way off too.

[1eyedog]

If we play Jones and Campbell forward, we may force Hansen back if North prefer to go with Thompson or Grima on Crameri.

If not, Young and Morris forced to play tall. Not ideal I know, but given Talia didn't play last week and wasn't mentioned as Jones and Griff were as possible inclusions I'm not sure if he's in the mix.

It seems like Williams is some way off too.

Yes true. If Campbell and Jones play forward they still need to find two pretty big blokes for Crameri and Stringer. I get the rationale.

[Greystache]

For what its worth the data I'm looking at shows Dickson had 7 goal assists in 13 games (0.53) and Grant had 10 in 8 games(1.25) and that was my real point. Dickson's goal count looks good in the 8 games you highlighted but in the other 5 you didn't he only kicked 4 goals.

The way Jarrad can play gee it's going to bring people through the turnstiles too if it can be recaptured and maintained. I'm not saying Jarrad won us games last year at all but I'll bet you opposition coaches are far more worried about him when he's on the field than about Dicko.

I was using footywire which can be a bit hit and miss. I chose that 8 week period because that's the same 8 week period Grant was playing. head-to-head Dickson was at worst equal with Grant's output and actually better in most categories. Plus he was coming off a 10 week ankle injury

[Maddog37]

My forward line would be Grant, Murphy, Crameri, jones, Dal/hunter and Stringer. Campbell or Cordy would rotate through at times.

When Hunter or Stringer need a rest then Gia and Dickson come in.

[FrediKanoute]

I agree, no need to rush Grant back at this stage, better to let him get fitness and form through Footscray.

I agree Grant isn't the messiah, but his combination of height, speed and smarts make him a difficult proposition that make it easier for his fellow forwards to play their game.

[Greystache]

What are your ins and outs for this week?

In- Talia
Out- Goodes

[1eyedog]

I was using footywire which can be a bit hit and miss. I chose that 8 week period because that's the same 8 week period Grant was playing. head-to-head Dickson was at worst equal with Grant's output and actually better in most categories. Plus he was coming off a 10 week ankle injury

Yeah fair enough and stats wise you make a good point. We'll see how Grant goes when (if) he get his chance I suppose.

[Greystache]

Yeah fair enough and stats wise you make a good point. Grant has a ton of X-factor and Dicko has very little and fans love x-factor. We'll see how Grant goes when (if) he get his chance I suppose.

Grant also has more upside as well. The question is whether he can realise it, I'm hopeful but not confident.

[Mantis]

Grant also has more upside as well. The question is whether he can realise it, I'm hopeful but not confident.

Grant will no doubt benefit from having Crameri in the team... The little purple patch that Grant hit last year ( the 3 very good games amongst the 8 played) were when he played as the 3rd or 4th forward. However when played as a key forward ( think Adel game) he was less effective.

[Twodogs]

Jones and Talia in, Dickson and Goodes out. Maybe Young for one of Wood/JJ. I don't think we afford to lose both.

[Greystache]

Grant will no doubt benefit from having Crameri in the team... The little purple patch that Grant hit last year ( the 3 very good games amongst the 8 played) were when he played as the 3rd or 4th forward. However when played as a key forward ( think Adel game) he was less effective.

I agree, he's struggled throughout his career against good opponents, and he's played his best when we've had other forwards performing well. We simply need to build a strong forward line and hope Grant can be the icing.

[Remi Moses]

Jones and Talia in, Dickson and Goodes out. Maybe Young for one of Wood/JJ. I don't think we afford to lose both.

Same here Jones Talia
Dickson and Goodes out.personally don't like Liam rucking, but Will's at his best when he's the lone wolf.

[lemmon]

Grant only played 8 games, the last 3 of which were distinctly average. He finished with 9 goals assists for the season, hardly whopping figures, 1.2 per game. Campbell average 1 per game

Dickson had 7 goal assists.

My problem with Dickson...and Crameri...and Stringer...and Gia is that they are all midsized forwards who offer very little else to the side. They don't take a run through the midfield and give a chop out there nor are they big enough to contest the high ball coming into the forward line and their defensive pressure isn't great. They need good delivery, out on the lead to really influence a contest.

In comparison to say the Freo forward line, they have their talls in Pavlich and Mayne, their smalls in Walters and Ballantyne and then guys like de Boer and Fyfe who are midsized but run through the midfield. They don't have a glut of midsized forwards who offer very little else.

If I were on the match committee I would be leaving out one or two of our midsized forwards in favour of a genuine tall and another runner, the weakest two of those forwards are at this stage Stringer and Dickson in my opinion.

[jeemak]

My problem with Dickson...and Crameri...and Stringer...and Gia is that they are all midsized forwards who offer very little else to the side. They don't take a run through the midfield and give a chop out there nor are they big enough to contest the high ball coming into the forward line and their defensive pressure isn't great. They need good delivery, out on the lead to really influence a contest.


In comparison to say the Freo forward line, they have their talls in Pavlich and Mayne, their smalls in Walters and Ballantyne and then guys like de Boer and Fyfe who are midsized but run through the midfield. They don't have a glut of midsized forwards who offer very little else.

If I were on the match committee I would be leaving out one or two of our midsized forwards in favour of a genuine tall and another runner, the weakest two of those forwards are at this stage Stringer and Dickson in my opinion.


The only reason why Fremantle include the players they do versus the players we do is because Fremantle can do that knowing they form the best forward combination for that week's game.

The mid sized forwards you mention for the most part are likely to represent our best forward output.

We don't have Pavlich and Mayne at this point in time. We don't quite have the smalls in Ballantyne and Walters. We have everyone in between, not showing how good they could be if they were on the receiving end of Fremantle's excellent defencive work and midfield dominance, coupled with their structure.

I just now watched Macca's post match, and funnily enough, he talked about how our round one side was picked on preseason performance. If I've learned anything from him, to this point, I'm pretty sure preseason performance doesn't only relate to practice games and has a fairly large bias towards attitude and output on the track. He also said some changes will be made post the most recent debacle.

With that in mind, I'm thinking:

In - Jones
Out - Dickson

There were a number of other players that could be in the gun. Essentially I'm betting on a conservative approach to selection and an understanding that players that performed OK or just on the better side of indifferently over preseason get another chance, on the back of performing no better than top end finals players have played at Subiaco at our club over the years.

If Griffen is fit, Goodes is out and we just shuffle our numbers to deal with it.

[lemmon]

The only reason why Fremantle include the players they do versus the players we do is because Fremantle can do that knowing they form the best forward combination for that week's game.

The mid sized forwards you mention for the most part are likely to represent our best forward output.

We don't have Pavlich and Mayne at this point in time. We don't quite have the smalls in Ballantyne and Walters. We have everyone in between, not showing how good they could be if they were on the receiving end of Fremantle's excellent defencive work and midfield dominance, coupled with their structure.

I just now watched Macca's post match, and funnily enough, he talked about how our round one side was picked on preseason performance. If I've learned anything from him, to this point, I'm pretty sure preseason performance doesn't only relate to practice games and has a fairly large bias towards attitude and output on the track. He also said some changes will be made post the most recent debacle.

With that in mind, I'm thinking:

In - Jones
Out - Dickson

There were a number of other players that could be in the gun. Essentially I'm betting on a conservative approach to selection and an understanding that players that performed OK or just on the better side of indifferently over preseason get another chance, on the back of performing no better than top end finals players have played at Subiaco at our club over the years.

If Griffen is fit, Goodes is out and we just shuffle our numbers to deal with it.

I used Fremantle as the example simply because they are sitting on top of the table and I take your point that these guys represent our best forwards but I think you've missed what I'm getting at. No functioning forward line includes this many one dimensional, mid sized players and I can't name a club in the league who play's as many of these guys as we do. Dickson may be a better footballer than Jones and Stringer may have more potential but they can't play the role a big guy in Jones does and that is contest the high ball and make a contest. Nor do any of our mid-sized players offer any midfield value so it's another area we lose out in. All clubs send midfielders forward these days, we are seriously falling behind in this trend.

I still see no reason we can't leave out two of these guys, play the key forward we lack and play another runner allowing us to rest midfielders forward.

My changes would be
Out- Goodes, Dickson, Stringer
In- Jones, Talia, Griff/Honeychurh/which ever running player is most ready

[Remi Moses]

My problem with Dickson...and Crameri...and Stringer...and Gia is that they are all midsized forwards who offer very little else to the side. They don't take a run through the midfield and give a chop out there nor are they big enough to contest the high ball coming into the forward line and their defensive pressure isn't great. They need good delivery, out on the lead to really influence a contest.

In comparison to say the Freo forward line, they have their talls in Pavlich and Mayne, their smalls in Walters and Ballantyne and then guys like de Boer and Fyfe who are midsized but run through the midfield. They don't have a glut of midsized forwards who offer very little else.

If I were on the match committee I would be leaving out one or two of our midsized forwards in favour of a genuine tall and another runner, the weakest two of those forwards are at this stage Stringer and Dickson in my opinion.
Pavlich isn't tall and neither is Mayne ( in the key forward sense)
I'd still have Jones in and take Dickson out, as I do think you have a point about to many mid forwards.
You could have a combination of Lockett dunstall, or even Carey down there but if we move the ball at snails pace and poorly it's pointless.

[LostDoggy]

Problem with all this is we need a quality tall forward. Everyone we have on the list wants to be the 3rd tall. I totally agree with Macca that the mids need to get the delivery right but we have no one who can be the quality finish once we get that aspect sorted. Must be addressed this draft.

[1eyedog]

My problem with Dickson...and Crameri...and Stringer...and Gia is that they are all midsized forwards who offer very little else to the side. They don't take a run through the midfield and give a chop out there nor are they big enough to contest the high ball coming into the forward line and their defensive pressure isn't great. They need good delivery, out on the lead to really influence a contest.

In comparison to say the Freo forward line, they have their talls in Pavlich and Mayne, their smalls in Walters and Ballantyne and then guys like de Boer and Fyfe who are midsized but run through the midfield. They don't have a glut of midsized forwards who offer very little else.

If I were on the match committee I would be leaving out one or two of our midsized forwards in favour of a genuine tall and another runner, the weakest two of those forwards are at this stage Stringer and Dickson in my opinion.

Stringer is a lot bigger than Mayne (so is Crameri)and not much smaller than Pav to be honest. I disagree with you on Stringer's ability to play key forward, he's 191 / 192cm (about the same height as Fevola)and up to 95kg now and he makes Dicko and Gia look small. Plus he's not going to get the Gorilla is he with either of Jones / Campbell in the side. Added to this is that he is competent at ground level. He is an excellent overhead mark but needs to learn about positioning and what his role is in the team - plus we need to get games into him as he's going to be a star.

Crameri is an established player and we moved heaven and earth to get him at great risk, so he plays. The only one left on your cutting block is Dicko and I assume he will be fighting for a spot with Gia. Also Hunter and Dahlhaus will be / are excellent smalls.

Macca has already indicated that Crameri will run through the midfield and Stringer is very keen to get in there but he's only played 11 games so one step at a time. I see both of these players being able to play a forward / ruck rover role similar to what Fyfe does at the Dockers.

I don't see either Crameri or Stringer as being one-dimensional, not at all. While Crameri is not a great overhead mark he is fast on a lead, has elite endurance, is good at ground level and knows how to create and bring others in the game. Stringer the same but he is a far better overhead mark than Crameri. Crameri / Stringer are smart players and smart players can be played anywhere. The trend in the AFL at present is obviously the big bodied midfielder so I think both will eventually play midfield although I see Stringer needs to learn his craft first. I think one of the great aspects of our forward line is its variability, probably more so than a lot of other teams.

[bornadog]

Problem with all this is we need a quality tall forward. Everyone we have on the list wants to be the 3rd tall. I totally agree with Macca that the mids need to get the delivery right but we have no one who can be the quality finish once we get that aspect sorted. Must be addressed this draft.

Spot on. We have tried Cordy, Campbell and they are not forwards they are rucks. I am not convinced Williams is the answer even if he was 100% injury free. That leaves Jones. At this stage he is our bet option and must play there for the rest of the year.

The other big issue is our mids don't kick goals. Macrae showed the others up on Sunday and I am really excited by this bloke.

[Bulldog4life]

I would like to see Jones and Talia in for structure.
Outs: Goodes & Wood.

I would like to see Tom Young in too for his versality on playing on talls and smalls but who else to drop I'm not sure.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

I would like to see Jones and Talia in for structure.
Outs: Goodes & Wood.

I would like to see Tom Young in too for his versality on playing on talls and smalls but who else to drop I'm not sure.

Talia and Young should replace Goodes and Wood in defence. Jones to then replace Dickson as a forward. If Griffen is fit, I would play him instead of JJ who looked to lack confidence against West Coast after his prolonged injury last year.

[GVGjr]

Spot on. We have tried Cordy, Campbell and they are not forwards they are rucks. I am not convinced Williams is the answer even if he was 100% injury free. That leaves Jones. At this stage he is our bet option and must play there for the rest of the year.

The other big issue is our mids don't kick goals. Macrae showed the others up on Sunday and I am really excited by this bloke.

You're giving up on Campbell too early. There were some promising signs from Campbell last year and if he is capable on further improvement then it's not out of the question he could become a decent key forward.
He shouldn't be judged on the game against the Eagles.

Agree about the mids but we have drafted well in the last 2 years to address that somewhere down the track

[Scorlibo]

Not familiar with irony? BAD takes anyone to task who dare criticize those 3, or Cross or Eade previously. Addison and Dickson however, go your hardest.

Certainly Gia has long copped abuse for being 'soft', not going hard enough. Higgins the same. Perhaps it was before you joined woof when most of this occurred, Greystache. Criticism of Boyd's disposal has been all too frequent in the last five years, I feel we've all taken him for granted.

The bottom line is: Boyd, Giansiracusa and Cross are champions of the club and Dickson and Addison are not.

[bornadog]

You're giving up on Campbell too early. There were some promising signs from Campbell last year and if he is capable on further improvement then it's not out of the question he could become a decent key forward.
He shouldn't be judged on the game against the Eagles.

Agree about the mids but we have drafted well in the last 2 years to address that somewhere down the track

I am not giving up on them, maybe I should have made it clearer. At this stage inCampbell and Cordy's careers, they are not suited to the FF role. They need to play in the VFL until they are ready.

[1eyedog]

I am not giving up on them, maybe I should have made it clearer. At this stage inCampbell and Cordy's careers, they are not suited to the FF role. They need to play in the VFL until they are ready.

Campbell has shown he can cut it at AFL level and we don't exactly have a dearth of tall forward options.

[bornadog]

Campbell has shown he can cut it at AFL level and we don't exactly have a dearth of tall forward options.

I would prefer Jones be the main target.

[josie]

I would prefer Jones be the main target.

If he can kick straight - my heart is in my mouth after he takes a mark in the forward area.

Agree that Campbell should be given more time in AFL as a FF due to his promising form late last year and he I think he is ok as our backup ruckman too.

Goodes out, Griffen in
JJ out or Woods out, Talia in

[Ozza]

I would prefer Jones be the main target.

Me too.

[1eyedog]

I would prefer Jones be the main target.

Can they both play in the same team with Campbell relief ruck? Can Jones play CHF?

Crameri Jones Grant

Dahlhaus Campbell Stringer

[Ozza]

AFL app/website reporting that Macca has said Griffen will play- provided he gets through the main session today.

[Ghost Dog]

If he doesn't contribute well for a second game, I would have Boydy out, which is sad as he's one of my favorites. I think we can cover for him with Libba, Dahl, Griffen, Mooney and even Gia in the centre. We need Mids who can kick goals.

[Ozza]

If he doesn't contribute well for a second game, I would have Boydy out, which is sad as he's one of my favorites. I think we can cover for him with Libba, Dahl, Griffen, Mooney and even Gia in the centre. We need Mids who can kick goals.

There's no way Boyd will get dropped. At least in a 'bad game' Boyd still ran out the game and gathered 31 possessions. He didn't use it well - but its at least 31 we are getting rather than the other way! A lot would have to change for Boyd, who is one of our fiercest competitors, not to be considered a walk up start to our best 22.

[LostDoggy]

I've only seen a minimum amount of footage but surely a need for a stronger spine is a must with Talia to come in and possibly Jones to provide a tall target up forward.

On another note, gee Jack Macrae looks good!

[Greystache]

There's no way Boyd will get dropped. At least in a 'bad game' Boyd still ran out the game and gathered 31 possessions. He didn't use it well - but its at least 31 we are getting rather than the other way! A lot would have to change for Boyd, who is one of our fiercest competitors, not to be considered a walk up start to our best 22.

I don't think he'll get dropped either, but just on the point of how many go the other way, does his lack of accountability to his opponent not mean this actually does occur? That's before considering any turnovers or putting his team mates under pressure with his disposal.

Teams don't put any work into Boyd because they're happy for him to have the ball, but if they put a creative or damaging player in a head-to-head role against him then we're more than likely to lose out.

[Greystache]

I would prefer Jones be the main target.

Jones doesn't have the ability to consistently impact a marking contest deep inside our 50m like Campbell does. Jones will take the occasional good mark, but just as often he runs under the ball or doesn't dictate when the ball spills. Campbell last year not only took some marks and kicked some goals, but he fed the ball off to players running towards goal when the delivery was short, or ensured the ball spilled to areas we had crumbers due to his pure physical presence. We don't have another player that can offer this.

Campbell's role isn't to be a hit up target up the ground, it's to make an impact deep inside our 50m. It wasn't Campbell who failed to do his job against WCE, it was the midfielders who failed to get the ball in deep enough, and the smaller forwards who didn't get to the drop zone when it did.

[Twodogs]

On another note, gee Jack Macrae looks good!

Having a great year. He'd be leading our B & F at the moment.

[soupman]

Having a great year. He'd be leading our B & F at the moment.

Been very consistent;)

[LostDoggy]

Having a great year. He'd be leading our B & F at the moment.

Really impressed with his poise and desire to make good decisions by foot. This much improvement after 14 or so games augers well for a good career in the red, white and blue. I can see him developing his voice in the next few years and becoming Captain material down the track.

[divvydan]

25 Man Squad

In: Griffen, Jones, Jong, Young.
Out: Goodes

Interchange (from) M.Wallis J. Macrae L. Jones T. Young T. Dickson T. Campbell L. Jong

[soupman]

On the bench I reckon:

Macrae plays, that's easy.

Jones vs Campbell for the forward/backup ruck spot. I'd say Tommy gets one more week.

Wallis vs Jong for the tagger spot. Jong has been impressive all pre-season but I'd imagine Mitch gets one more chance.

Dickson vs Young. I thought we had one two many defenders in last week so Dickson gets another week.

So Macrae, Campbell, Wallis, Dickson, meaning the one change this week if Griffen gets up.

[azabob]

Congrats to Lin Jong - great effort to be elevated to the senior list again.

[LostDoggy]

Baffled.

Talia had an ok preseason didn't he or have I missed something? I don't see how this backline set-up can win against any standard forward line as a group. Particularly Norf who enjoy big bags against us. Anywhoo. Lets go see Sunday whether its madness or brilliance driving the process at the selection table. They get the big bucks to make these calls....

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

On the bench I reckon:

Macrae plays, that's easy.

Jones vs Campbell for the forward/backup ruck spot. I'd say Tommy gets one more week.

Wallis vs Jong for the tagger spot. Jong has been impressive all pre-season but I'd imagine Mitch gets one more chance.

Dickson vs Young. I thought we had one two many defenders in last week so Dickson gets another week.

So Macrae, Campbell, Wallis, Dickson, meaning the one change this week if Griffen gets up.

It is hard to believe that we would only make one change after the drubbing against WCE.
Dickson Wood and Johannieson are all fortunate to be selected but I suspect that Dickson will miss out of the starting 22. Jones deserves to play given how poor our forward line was in the West.
Minson is in poor form and would prefer to see him alternate with Campbell off the bench although I have a feeling that big Tom might miss out.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Baffled.

Talia had an ok preseason didn't he or have I missed something? I don't see how this backline set-up can win against any standard forward line as a group. Particularly Norf who enjoy big bags against us. Anywhoo. Lets go see Sunday whether its madness or brilliance driving the process at the selection table. They get the big bucks to make these calls....

Does anyone know what is wrong with Talia? Last year he was being groomed as our second best tall defender and looked to be the best match up against North's Black allowing Morris to go to Thomas.

[Remi Moses]

I don't get why Talia isn't playing.
I think a few have been given a round 1 reprieve.
Interesting Brad Scott advocated changes and made none.
Then again Brad Scott talks a lot.

[Eastdog]

I don't get why Talia isn't playing.
I think a few have been given a round 1 reprieve.
Interesting Brad Scott advocated changes and made none.
Then again Brad Scott talks a lot.

Could there be some injury concern that we don't know about that has been kept in the inner sanctum.

[bulldogtragic]

25 Man Squad

In: Griffen, Jones, Jong, Young.
Out: Goodes

Interchange (from) M.Wallis J. Macrae L. Jones T. Young T. Dickson T. Campbell L. Jong

Did anyone read the last three names of the 'ins' and see the evolution of letters? Westdog? Anyone?

[1eyedog]

Clever post

Talia not selected is strange to me and they will exploit our lack of coverage down back. It's ok to cover s lack of height in your backline at Subi but nearly impossible at Etihad.

[Twodogs]

Did anyone read the last three names of the 'ins' and see the evolution of letters? Westdog? Anyone?

Yeah I noticed that. I don't think that's why the selectors picked them in that order though.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Very disappointing that Talia isn't playing.

I didn't think he had an 'outstanding' pre-season, but it was solid and we simply need to get him in that 80-100 games bracket as quickly as possible. Now is the perfect time to do it, when expectations are still modest at best and we are very much in development mode.

[Remi Moses]

Could there be some injury concern that we don't know about that has been kept in the inner sanctum.

He played in the VFL practice march last weekend.

[Eastdog]

He played in the VFL practice march last weekend.

Is Macca just slowly easing him in you reckon.

[bulldogtragic]

Yeah I noticed that. I don't think that's why the selectors picked them in that order though.

Where's your sense of adventure TD. What if it is? :)

It's an open challenge to anyone to have a go at the ins next week based on this. I'd give it a go but my brain is winding down.

Cooney is a late change... Cordy, Cooney, Honeychurch - maybe.???.

[Maddog37]

Didn't Macca do the same thing to Wallis as it appears he may be doing with Talia? Perhaps he has set a few goals that Talia needs to meet before being played in the ones. Or maybe he is just coming back from an injury. Would be nice to hear something from the club............

[Axe Man]

On the bench I reckon:

Macrae plays, that's easy.

Jones vs Campbell for the forward/backup ruck spot. I'd say Tommy gets one more week.

Wallis vs Jong for the tagger spot. Jong has been impressive all pre-season but I'd imagine Mitch gets one more chance.

Dickson vs Young. I thought we had one two many defenders in last week so Dickson gets another week.

So Macrae, Campbell, Wallis, Dickson, meaning the one change this week if Griffen gets up.

I think Jong is pretty much a certainty to play. There would be no point upgrading him if he isn't going to get a game. The website also seems to confirm it:


Rookie utility Lin Jong has been elevated to the senior list and will make his first AFL appearance for the Club since Round 23 2012.

[G-Mo77]

Good on him to, been a tough road for the kid, worked his butt off and deserves another shot.

My Cousin who went to school with him told me at Christmas that he was going to be on the main list. I didn't understand because he was a rookie listed player so obviously there were plans for Jong a while back.

[Mofra]

Didn't Macca do the same thing to Wallis as it appears he may be doing with Talia? Perhaps he has set a few goals that Talia needs to meet before being played in the ones. Or maybe he is just coming back from an injury. Would be nice to hear something from the club............
Ditto Grant - he was set benchmarks to meet last year and when he finally made it back to the senior side he was a very improved player.

Player development is B-Mac's real forte and one of the areas most fans agree he is doing well.

NB: On the back of a taxing game last week I really thought we'd have a few changes as there are fresh players in the squad.

[bornadog]

NB: On the back of a taxing game last week I really thought we'd have a few changes as there are fresh players in the squad.

In his press conference, Macca said there would be at least 3 changes. We will wait and see.

[Ozza]

If the word about Wallis losing 6kgs in Perth is on the money - then I would suspect he will have some challenges to make the final 22.

[divvydan]

Campbell and Young have been named in VFL team. Suggests they'll both miss and if news about Wallis is true, then it'll be Macrae, Jong, Dickson and Jones on the bench.

Would mean...


In: Griffen, Jones, Jong
Out: Goodes, Campbell, Wallis


Edit: Of course, we could be holding at least 1 person back from the VFL as cover.

[divvydan]

Final changes.

In: Griffen, Jones, Jong
Out: Dickson, Campbell, Goodes

Wallis named and Dickson held back from VFL.

[bornadog]

FB
Picken
Roughead
Wood


HB
Johannisen
Morris
Murphy


C
Cooney
Griffen
Stevens


HF
Dahlhaus
Crameri
Higgins


FF
Hunter
Stringer
Giansiracusa


R
Minson
Boyd
Liberatore


Interchange:
Wallis
Macrae
Jones



Jong




Emergencies
Dickson
Young
Campbell

[bornadog]

final changes.

In: Griffen, jones, jong
out: Dickson, campbell, goodes .

like

Except we need another tall in the backline

[Remi Moses]

Norf talls are Petrie and Black( unless Hansen goes down there)
Bit of a cloud on Goldstein I hear.

[bornadog]

Bloody Macca - Scapegoat :D

[bornadog]

Norf talls are Petrie and Black( unless Hansen goes down there)
Bit of a cloud on Goldstein I hear.

Roughie to Petrie, Morris to Black, and Wood to Hansen?

[bulldogtragic]

Roughie to Petrie, Morris to Black, and Wood to Hansen?

Wood on Hansen has the hallmarks of another tall spudly type to kick his career high on us.

Whatever Talia needs to do, Hansen wouldve been a great test for him.

[josie]

Great to hear Jong is in, seeing as I'm really hoping he makes it as love his tenacity and he enhances appeal to potentially big Asian audience in Western Suburbs. Go Jongy !!!

Changes look like good ones to me and hope Campbell finds a bit of form in VFL and that Jones puts in a blinder incl. kicking straight.

I'd like to have seen Talia instead of Wood or JJ, however I trust the coaches wisdom.

[Pickenitup]

Has Talia done anything wrong off field?Just seems really strange why we wont play him.

[lemmon]

Feel like match committee gone early in dismissing Campbell. The main issue last week was that we were a tall short, not that we were playing the wrong ones.

[divvydan]

Hansen didn't go forward last week when Essendon didn't really have a tall for him to match up on, don't expect him to go forward this week either, it'll just be Petrie and Black to cover.

[bornadog]

Feel like match committee gone early in dismissing Campbell. The main issue last week was that we were a tall short, not that we were playing the wrong ones.

Had a shocking pre-season and a shocking week last week with only 7 touches. Jones will have to relieve in the ruck

[boydogs]

I'd like to have seen Talia instead of Wood or JJ, however I trust the coaches wisdom.

It's odd, isn't it! When Grant was held back last year, we figured he was told to work harder. When Jones missed last week, we figured it was fitness. But Talia? No idea!

[Remi Moses]

Just hope Lin's kicking has improved.
It worries me that we have maybe to many average or below average kicks at the club

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Just hope Lin's kicking has improved.
It worries me that we have maybe to many average or below average kicks at the club

Lin has looked good this year and like a number of others in the side needs to improve his disposal. We had a number who didn't measure up last week and at least with Jong you know you are going to get a contest.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Had a shocking pre-season and a shocking week last week with only 7 touches. Jones will have to relieve in the ruck

Jones isn't a relief ruckman and the MC are being short sighted if they think we can continue to get away with just one ruckman.Minson has been beaten by Warnock Sandilanda and Cox in the past 3 weeks and is struggling. He will however relish the smaller Etihad after last week's 33 degree heat in the West.
Campbell has been a victim of trying to play him as a key forward when he is clearly a ruck man.

[divvydan]

The only other option is to have Roughead go with Petrie all day, including the ruck but a back/ruck usually upsets the backline and doesn't allow us to cover if Goldstein rests forward.

[G-Mo77]

Had a shocking pre-season and a shocking week last week with only 7 touches. Jones will have to relieve in the ruck

I didn't see all of the pre-season matches but I thought he was really good in one of the three. I think it may have been against the Cats on a wet day.

Jones rucking relief should not be happening. Hasn't worked before and won't work this time either.

[bornadog]

I didn't see all of the pre-season matches but I thought he was really good in one of the three. I think it may have been against the Cats on a wet day.

Jones rucking relief should not be happening. Hasn't worked before and won't work this time either.
Had a good first quarter against the Saints in the wet at Geelong.

Jones did some ruckwork last week in the practise match and apparently went all right. I agree its not an ideal situation.

[Remi Moses]

Lin has looked good this year and like a number of others in the side needs to improve his disposal. We had a number who didn't measure up last week and at least with Jong you know you are going to get a contest.

Can we get them to improve their disposal?
Or should we have recruited more players with good disposal?
I'm hoping we make that a recruiting priority this draft and the next few.

[Remi Moses]

Had a good first quarter against the Saints in the wet at Geelong.

Jones did some ruckwork last week in the practise match and apparently went all right. I agree its not an ideal situation.

It's not ideal, but the problem right now is Campbell is a ruck man who is struggling to play forward.
We also have a ruck man who performs well solo.if the second ruck can't contribute forward then they are a liabity.

[Mantis]

Jones rucking relief should not be happening. Hasn't worked before and won't work this time either.

Why won't it work this time?

Both Goldstein (if fit) & Minson will ruck for about 85% of the game meaning Petrie & Jones will ruck for 3 or 4 min per qtr.. I think Jones will be able to negate Petrie's effect during this time.

Issues could arise if Minson gets injured.

[G-Mo77]

Why won't it work this time?

Both Goldstein (if fit) & Minson will ruck for about 85% of the game meaning Petrie & Jones will ruck for 3 or 4 min per qtr.. I think Jones will be able to negate Petrie's effect during this time.

Issues could arise if Minson gets injured.

Petrie has been beating up on us all over the ground for years. I don't see him being negated by anyone.

[ratsmac]

Why won't it work this time?

Both Goldstein (if fit) & Minson will ruck for about 85% of the game meaning Petrie & Jones will ruck for 3 or 4 min per qtr.. I think Jones will be able to negate Petrie's effect during this time.

Issues could arise if Minson gets injured.

The only problem I have with Jones relieving Minson in the ruck is Jones' tank. The bloke blows up after 1 solid lead. If he plays out of the square maybe, but when does a full forward play at full forward in our days. They are required to push up the ground and put on defensive pressure then run like the clappers forward to provide an option. Minson would have to relieve Jones at full forward! That is if Jones plays at FF, if he plays CHF there is no way he would have the tank to be able to be competitive in the ruck IMO.

[Sedat]

Bit of a cloud on Goldstein I hear.
Definitely playing, you can take that to the bank.

I'm presuming that Dickson comes in for Griff if he doesn't quite get to the line?

[always right]

Petrie has been beating up on us all over the ground for years. I don't see him being negated by anyone.

No he hasn't. Certainly stitched us up when playing forward but presents no threat around the ground.

[Mofra]

Jones rucking relief should not be happening. Hasn't worked before and won't work this time either.
Teh choice seems to be decent ruckman who is below par forward vs decent forward who is a below par ruckman.

Given that player will spend 80%+ of that time forward, it makes sense on balance.

[G-Mo77]

Teh choice seems to be decent ruckman who is below par forward vs decent forward who is a below par ruckman.

Given that player will spend 80%+ of that time forward, it makes sense on balance.

True that Mofra, don't disagree, it's just not ideal. I would rather Jones just worry about being a forward first than pinch rucking duties. I'll go back in my box and just see how it pans out. :)

[Twodogs]

Campbell's just struggling for form full stop. He'll come good again. I don't think he's suffering from an existential crisis because he's a Ruckman trapped in a forward's fifty.

He'll be fine.

[bornadog]

ALL-Australian midfielder Ryan Griffen is fit and available to officially captain the Western Bulldogs for the first time against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium tomorrow.The 27-year-old was appointed as Matthew Boyd’s successor last December only for a nagging back injury to rule him out of the NAB Challenge as well as the Round 1 loss to West Coast.

But after coming through this morning’s final training session at Whitten Oval with flying colours, assistant coach Brett Montgomery says Griffen is ready to go.
“He was close last week,” Montgomery said.

“He’s jumping out of his skin because he’s done a power of work and all of a sudden that opportunity to put that to good use was taken away by something that was just really nagging him more than anything.
“He’s fully fit. He’s in the line-up to play and has trained really well.

“He hasn’t been a lot of fun to train next to because he’s been grumpy about not playing so he’s been nice and physical.
“But we’re looking forward to having him out there.”

From Hun

[bulldogtragic]

I see Talia (2nd rounder), Hrovat (1st rounder), Bontempelli (1st rounder), Grant (1st rounder), Williams (if fit) (1st rounder), Smith (1st rounder) - as all in our best 22, I'm not too sure who they replace out of today's side?

[1eyedog]

Yeah it's good to have options and a bit of depth.

[bulldogtragic]

They should all be by years end. Traditionally we've blown a few high draft picks, but the names mentioned above look the opposite of history. They need to get to 80-100 games as soon as possible. We have plenty of good ordinary players (see Goodes, Young, Dickson etc), but these top picks are statically likely to be the future of our club so I'd like to see them getting games.

[azabob]

They should all be by years end. Traditionally we've blown a few high draft picks, but the names mentioned above look the opposite of history. They need to get to 80-100 games as soon as possible. We have plenty of good ordinary players (see Goodes, Young, Dickson etc), but these top picks are statically likely to be the future of our club so I'd like to see them getting games.

On the upside neither of the players listed are playing today.

[ReLoad]

Apologies for talking about dropping Picken, he was brilliant today, had a job and nailed it.

Ill come back in about 6 weeks when Ive found any sort of credibility....