Always Right Match Committee Round 9 vs Richmond

[Scraggers]

Welcome to the Always Right Match Committee Thread. The Match Committee threads has been named after long time WOOF member Always Right who tragically passed away in March 2018.

If you were on the Western Bulldogs match committee, what changes would you make after our Round Eight match against Hawthorn for our Round Nine match against Richmond at the G on Saturday evening.

For those new to these threads, please give a brief explanation for your changes ... this would add a lot of value to the discussion.

[GVGjr]

Bump

[Testekill]

Going to go early with this


In: Busslinger, Cleary, Freijah, West

Out: JOD, Duryea, Williams, VDM


Those are the three that I would start with. Give Clarke an extended spell in the seniors because Weightman is gone for 8 weeks anyways.

[bulldogtragic]

Going to go early with this


In: Busslinger, Cleary, Freijah

Out: JOD, Duryea, Williams


Those are the three that I would start with.

Plus West for someone. Clarke should get another go.

Out: Bevo
In: Lade

[The Underdog]

Plus West for someone. Clarke should get another go.

Out: Bevo
In: Lade

Clarke should get another go based on?

[bulldogtragic]

Clarke should get another go based on?

Almost always debutants get games in recent times.

[lemmon]

Clarke should get another go based on?

Youth. The season's done, might as well work out if we have a player.

[The Underdog]

Youth. The season's done, might as well work out if we have a player.

I get the point, but playing at a level he’s not ready for can also be detrimental.

[Testekill]

I get the point, but playing at a level he’s not ready for can also be detrimental.

But also who do we play as the specialised small forward with Weightman out? We know McNeil isn't up to it, Jones just doesn't have enough impact with the little he gets, Bedendo has more impact but doesn't get it enough.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

In West, Arty, Daniel

Out: Clarke, Doc, and Williams

[SquirrelGrip]

Out: Libba (inj or suspended), Clarke, JJ, JOD, Gallagher
In: West, Buss, Freijah, Sanders, Baker

Sub: maybe JJ.

[mighty_west]

Out : Beveridge, Clarke, Duryea, JOD

In : Lade, West, Freijah, Busslinger

I've been hanging on with support for Bevo all this time, but it's time to either walk or get the tap on the shoulder, so many issues with the way we play, set up, game style, it's just sad to see our good players rotting away in a mediocre team.

Clarke was a fish out of water today and throwing his mouth around rather than getting a kick, that's just crap, love his energy and his niggle but maybe wait till he gets a few kicks before running the mouth off, back to the two's, we need poise especially down back and Smokin' Joel brings that in spades, he really deserved a game before Clarke imo but Charlie was rushed in to cover Cody and Westy.

[angelopetraglia]

Clarke can?t play after what he showed today.

He didn?t handle the moment. How bad were those grubber miskicks? One resulting in a direct turnover goal.

I felt so bad for the kid. But he needs to go back to the VFL after that.

[Grantysghost]

Clarke can?t play after what he showed today.

He didn?t handle the moment. How bad were those grubber miskicks? One resulting in a direct turnover goal.

I felt so bad for the kid. But he needs to go back to the VFL after that.
He's never shown enough to get a gig to be honest, however it was harsh to sub him i thought

[SquirrelGrip]

He's never shown enough to get a gig to be honest, however it was harsh to sub him i thought

It was harsh but it had to be done. No clean disposals and never looked in it. As bad as Baker can be, his kick to English before 3/4 time was not something Clarke would have done tonight.

[angelopetraglia]

We won the first, third and last quarters. Still lost.

[Happy Days]

Out: Harmes

[azabob]

We won the first, third and last quarters. Still lost.

Drew the third.

[macca]

Drew the third.

We hit the front at the 18 min mark in the 4th quarter. The players did not want it enough. Thats the big thing that annoys me the most.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

We hit the front at the 18 min mark in the 4th quarter. The players did not want it enough. Thats the big that annoys me the most.
Didn?t help that Bont and English sat on the bench while the game was in the balance

[GVGjr]

Didn?t help that Bont and English sat on the bench while the game was in the balance

That was a bit surprising. When I saw the IC bench holding up the sign for 44 to come off I thought they should have been asking him to gut it out. Same with Bont.

[jazzadogs]

Libba will get suspended for a sling tackle on Will Day.

[azabob]

Libba will get suspended for a sling tackle on Will Day.

I think Liberatore has bigger issues with concussion. Not sure we will see him for sometime.

[josie]

Geez I hope Libba is ok (and I mean his long term health, not his ability to play next week or any week thereafter. Based upon presser he won?t play against Tigers (plus I believe he laid a tackle that might see him suspended anyway).

Won?t make this many changes but this is what I?d like:
Out: Libba (injured), Clarke, O?Donnell, Khamis
In: Sanders, West, Buss, Keath

I?m guessing only 1 or neither of Khamis & O?Donnell are dropped

Would love Frejiah to play but not sure whom he replaces (maybe JJ), or as sub instead of Baker

[macca]

In : Frejiah( need to play some youngsters), West ( back from suspension)

Out: VDM, Libba ( injury ??? or probably suspension for sling tackle? )

I stick with Clarke, get a few games into him so he knows the pace.

Tempted to drop JUH.

We should keep Richards at Half back.

[josie]

It would be good if we could afford luxury of giving Clarke another go. He was just so bad though, feel sorry for him.

[G-Mo77]

It would be good if we could afford luxury of giving Clarke another go. He was just so bad though, feel sorry for him.

So did I. I mentioned in the game thread how I wouldn't have subbed him and let him play through it. That could be a kind of game that can really hurt a player, hopefully that is not the case. I think dropping him would be an awful thing to do as well.

[Dogs 24/7]

In : Frejiah( need to play some youngsters), West ( back from suspension)

Out: VDM, Libba ( injury ??? or probably suspension for sling tackle? )

I stick with Clarke, get a few games into him so he knows the pace.

Tempted to drop JUH.

We should keep Richards at Half back.

Ugle-Hagan was poor today. Not sure his head was totally in the game which might be understandable.

[Dogs 24/7]

We can't play Clarke again can we? It's not his fault that he really wasn't ready so the coaches need to come up with a plan there.

[Dogs 24/7]

In
Sanders, Busslinger, Daniel, West
Out
Liberatore (concussed) O'Donnell, Baker and Clarke

[angelopetraglia]

Swamp

RICH finish a round in 17th spot for the first time. They are the only club still yet to finish a round in 18th. All other current clubs have had at least one week in all spots from 1 to 18.

(This has ominous signs all over it already)

[angelopetraglia]

Robbo

THE UMPIRING AT THE MCG ON SUNDAY

Richmond supporters were livid. They had every right to be. The free kick count was 20-11, but that wasn’t the problem. The problem was the number of free kicks umpires didn’t pay when it appeared the Tigers had earnt them. Time and again, the Tigers would lay a tackle and not be rewarded for incorrect disposal. Salt was added to the wound when the Dockers, at times, received free kicks for incorrect disposal by the Tigers. Once again, confusion reigned about what exactly is prior opportunity. The more cynical Tigers supporter would say ‘what’s new’. Over the past five years, Richmond’s differential between free kicks for and free kicks against is -332. The next worst side is Hawthorn on -108. How can that properly be explained? Is there a vendetta? Or are the Tigers just sloppy or too aggressive with their tackling? If this was politics, a Royal Commission would be demanded. And if this was politics, we’d love Tigers officials to have parliamentary privilege so we could hear what they really think.

[bornadog]

Surely Libba out for awhile. Copped a couple of knocks tonight

[kickit2Koly]

Don’t care who goes out but want Freijah and Buss in, I think they have both earned it with sustained good VFL form.

if Libba is out give Sanders a crack

[1eyedog]

Deck chairs on the Titanic

[jeemak]

I'd play Clarke again. He got himself in a position to get the footy and was aggressive towards his opponents. He just hurt us with his composure.

Forward pocket is by far the hardest position in the game to come into and make a positive impact. This week I'd focus on how and why he got the football when he did, and tell him now he knows how quick it is that he has the tools to adjust to it and use the football better than he did today.

Given Libba is likely to be out that means Richards will likely be more prominent in that rotation, as will Garcia. So Libba is out, West is in, and Clarke gets another chance. We're not winning a flag this year so we may as well give the young blood an opportunity to atone.

I'd replace Khamis with Keath and maybe think about playing JJ as sub to rev him up a bit.

[angelopetraglia]

Charlie Clarke had six touches for five clangers and four turnovers. He also had zero tackles. Only four pressure acts. Zero frees for and a free kick against.

I don't think it would be possible to have a worse debut. Really feel for the kid. But he needs to go back to the VFL and find some form.

[jeemak]

Charlie Clarke had six touches for five clangers and four turnovers. He also had zero tackles. Only four pressure acts. Zero frees for and a free kick against.

I don't think it would be possible to have a worse debut. Really feel for the kid. But he needs to go back to the VFL and find some form.

Well he did have a tackle where Sicily was given a free kick for too high, pretending he got smashed in the face.

A worse debut is not getting anywhere near it at all, which has happened plenty of times.

Get around the kid, tell him he is better than what he showed today with his use and pressure, and give him another go. Talk about ruining careers, this is the moment where Bevo has to show the faith, instill confidence and build Clarke up.

[jDogs]

Gee whiz, grim stuff thinking about how many players are out of form.

Would love to see Freijah and Buss get a gig for Johannisen and O'Donnell respectively.
I would drop Bramble if that's what it took to not have Richards floating around the ground where he shouldn't be.
Sanders for Gallagher, and West in also for whoever.

Khamis super lucky.

[azabob]

Surely Libba out for awhile. Copped a couple of knocks tonight

I missed his knock in the first quarter but saw him in the hands of the trainers in the last. From what I’m told an accidental kick to the head.

Gut feel is he does not return until after the bye, if at all this season.

[azabob]

I'd play Clarke again. He got himself in a position to get the footy and was aggressive towards his opponents. He just hurt us with his composure.

Forward pocket is by far the hardest position in the game to come into and make a positive impact. This week I'd focus on how and why he got the football when he did, and tell him now he knows how quick it is that he has the tools to adjust to it and use the football better than he did today.

Given Libba is likely to be out that means Richards will likely be more prominent in that rotation, as will Garcia. So Libba is out, West is in, and Clarke gets another chance. We're not winning a flag this year so we may as well give the young blood an opportunity to atone.

I'd replace Khamis with Keath and maybe think about playing JJ as sub to rev him up a bit.

Come on jee, making JJ the sub? What precedent is there that will actually work?

[Ozza]

Out: Buku, O'Donnell, Libba, Clarke
In: Buss, Sandars, West, and Daniel I guess.

I'd like to drop VDM - but I don't even know who we'd bring in.

Richards has to go back to defence.

[Happy Days]

I’d play Clarke again too. I know he nearly missed his boot every time he kicked it but I’m pretty sure that he actually knows how to kick. He was so nervous that I’m surprised he even remembered how to run properly. Gotta give him another chance or we’ll break him forever.

[bulldogtragic]

I’d play Clarke again too. I know he nearly missed his boot every time he kicked it but I’m pretty sure that he actually knows how to kick. He was so nervous that I’m surprised he even remembered how to run properly. Gotta give him another chance or we’ll break him forever.

Yep. Dropping him could destroy him. He should get a chance to make good. He’ll have a week to think about it and work on it. Subbing him made the point. But yep, dropping him could be the end of him before it really began.

[1eyedog]

I’d play Clarke again too. I know he nearly missed his boot every time he kicked it but I’m pretty sure that he actually knows how to kick. He was so nervous that I’m surprised he even remembered how to run properly. Gotta give him another chance or we’ll break him forever.

If he's that mentally weak, and I doubt he's that mentally weak given what he's gone through and how hard he's worked, he'll never make it anyway.

He seemed a long way off it still.

One more week because we have nothing to lose now.

After Robbo's rant watch us get crucified by the umps next week.

[angelopetraglia]

VDM. Actually impressed with his finishing ability with his two goals on the run. He normally doesn't take those chances. So kudos for that.

However, I know he plays in a position that can be possesion starvation corner. But he had seven possesions from 79% game time. Only four kicks. His pressure acts, one percenters and tackle count were also nothing special.

West comes in, but what other options do we have for this role? I can't see the match commitee not playing him next week.

[Mantis]

VDM. Actually impressed with his finishing ability with his two goals on the run. He normally doesn't take those chances. So kudos for that.

However, I know he plays in a position that can be possesion starvation corner. But he had seven possesions from 79% game time. Only four kicks. His pressure acts, one percenters and tackle count were also nothing special.

West comes in, but what other options do we have for this role? I can't see the match commitee not playing him next week.

Laith had 1 touch in the first half, which came 10sec into the match and 0 tackles... how do you not touch the ball or have a tackle in that period?

[bulldogtragic]

Laith had 1 touch in the first half, which came 10sec into the match and 0 tackles... how do you not touch the ball or have a tackle in that period?

But he’s fast…

[lemmon]

Out - Gallagher (I like what he does, but he's not doing enough), Bramble (we can't transition and you're a running half back, unfortunately you have to be looked at), Libba (I just can't see him being fit), JOD (someone other than Jones needs to be able to win an aerial one on one and Buku has runs on the board).

In - Sanders, Busslinger, West, Poulter

Richards to go back to half back.

Poulter is lucky to be there, but I like his kicking and ability to retain the ball, so he's on Gallagher's wing.

I think we're at the point of the season in working out what we have in Clarke and Buss, and their Footscray form has been okay. Think Clarke deserves a do-over after that.

[Grantysghost]

I?d play Clarke again too. I know he nearly missed his boot every time he kicked it but I?m pretty sure that he actually knows how to kick. He was so nervous that I?m surprised he even remembered how to run properly. Gotta give him another chance or we?ll break him forever.

Yes - he actually worked into good positions on the wing to get those two possessions he muffed.

Totally nerves.

We need to back him in again, otherwise those poor moments and the ultimate dragging will be mentally challenging for him to get passed.

Not to say he won't, however I agree with you HD lets give the kid some time. Not like we have finals, or even a draft pick to worry about.

Could be the most nothing season I've ever witnessed.

[Ozza]

Laith had 1 touch in the first half, which came 10sec into the match and 0 tackles... how do you not touch the ball or have a tackle in that period?

And am I wrong to suggest he was playing on Jarman Impey (who was BOG) ?

I may be wrong, but it seemed when I looked he was closest to Impey a lot of the time.

[Jasper]

I've had a good read through the thread and sure there has been a lot of talk about the same old names that cop it in the neck when we lose (read Bramble and VDM etc) but why is there no real mention of Marra's performance?
He just had no energy and displayed minimal effort throughout the game so was more or less just a passenger.
Can that be accepted by the MC this week? This season he's had two good games one average game and three poor ones but just on pure effort yesterday I don't know why he is escaping some scrutiny. There is most likely a valid reason and I'm sure the club will be able to assess if he has the right frame of mind at the moment but we shouldn't accept when players aren't switched on.

[Grantysghost]

I've had a good read through the thread and sure there has been a lot of talk about the same old names that cop it in the neck when we lose (read Bramble and VDM etc) but why is there no real mention of Marra's performance?
He just had no energy and displayed minimal effort throughout the game so was more or less just a passenger.
Can that be accepted by the MC this week? This season he's had two good games one average game and three poor ones but just on pure effort yesterday I don't know why he is escaping some scrutiny. There is most likely a valid reason and I'm sure the club will be able to assess if he has the right frame of mind at the moment but we shouldn't accept when players aren't switched on.

I thought we maybe could have eased him back in through the VFL considering Lobb wasn't the worst player in the world the previous couple of weeks and at least had two weeks more match practise under his belt.

It wouldn't have been dropped, and I get the optics could have been bad but surely a mature club with mature processes can relate clearly to the player that it's for his and the teams benefit.

He wasn't in the game yesterday.

[Jasper]

I thought we maybe could have eased him back in through the VFL considering Lobb wasn't the worst player in the world the previous couple of weeks and at least had two weeks more match practise under his belt.

It wouldn't have been dropped, and I get the optics could have been bad but surely a mature club with mature processes can relate clearly to the player that it's for his and the teams benefit.

He wasn't in the game yesterday.

And the problem is that if he gets dropped because of his absenteeism yesterday it will now be a huge story in itself.
I just don't get why so many great contributors here aren't questioning his performance. It just seems we will accept poor efforts from potentially great players not hold them to the same standards as the rest of the group.

[Ozza]

Reality is players can't be judged like for like. Marra is going to get more leeway because he is our future.

And even on a quiet day, he kicked 2 and had a bad miss that could have been his third. Not defending his below par performance - but even on a bad day - he could still influence the result.

His ability to get into the game isn't helped by having to fly against Naughton and Darcy/English - plus their opponents. Yesterday, as we often do, we played the 'congest the forward line as much as possible' game plan which we absolutely love to play and is a joy to watch.

In fact, in the dying moments, Hawthorn was able to have the extra in our F50, and then still get a 2 v 1 in THEIR F50. A remarkable feat and a perfect illustration of how we have absolutely no idea what we are doing in a close game.

[GVGjr]

Reality is players can't be judged like for like. Marra is going to get more leeway because he is our future.



But the question being asked is about effort. I don't think there should be a lot of leeway in the expectations we have with the effort players bring especially after a bad loss because you can always hide it better in a win.
I was concerned about Marra yesterday, he just wandered around and at times went through the motions. Outside of the goals the one team thing I can recall is when he put his arm around Charlie Clarke after he grubbed a kick and an opposition goal was scored.

[Grantysghost]

But the question being asked is about effort. I don't think there should be a lot of leeway in the expectations we have with the effort players bring especially after a bad loss because you can always hide it better in a win.
I was concerned about Marra yesterday, he just wandered around and at times went through the motions. Outside of the goals the one team thing I can recall is when he put his arm around Charlie Clarke after he grubbed a kick and an opposition goal was scored.

He certainly didn't look right. Seemed like he had a lot on his mind. Been through a tough period by the looks of things.

[Ozza]

But the question being asked is about effort. I don't think there should be a lot of leeway in the expectations we have with the effort players bring especially after a bad loss because you can always hide it better in a win.
I was concerned about Marra yesterday, he just wandered around and at times went through the motions. Outside of the goals the one team thing I can recall is when he put his arm around Charlie Clarke after he grubbed a kick and an opposition goal was scored.

I find it a bit of a tough one to comment on/analyse effort. Sometimes it can be a matter of what you happen to notice at any given time.

One thing I notice in the stats every week, is that our opposition out run us. Hawthorn as a team ran 11 km's further than us yesterday. And we again did not have a player in the top 5 for KM's run on the ground. Every week - of the top 5 listed, we only have one and sometimes two in the top 5 - and always run less km's than the opposition.

The ONLY outlier was the game against Geelong when they were cooked off a short break and couldn't lift their legs in the last quarter (but we were too stupid) to be able to run over them.

Is it effort? Or is it fitness? Is it that we don't do as much running as other teams do (as suggested by Dunkley when he left?).
Perhaps if we were as fit as our opposition, our defenders would have better options to kick to when they are exiting defence? Perhaps we would be the team that gets the easy goal out the back instead of every goal being incredibly laboured through countless repeat entries until some individual brilliance results in a score.

[Mofra]

I've had a good read through the thread and sure there has been a lot of talk about the same old names that cop it in the neck when we lose (read Bramble and VDM etc) but why is there no real mention of Marra's performance?
He just had no energy and displayed minimal effort throughout the game so was more or less just a passenger.
Can that be accepted by the MC this week? This season he's had two good games one average game and three poor ones but just on pure effort yesterday I don't know why he is escaping some scrutiny. There is most likely a valid reason and I'm sure the club will be able to assess if he has the right frame of mind at the moment but we shouldn't accept when players aren't switched on.
It is a weird one.
As a board we constantly seem to put down 2-3% of our cap while the big money guys barely rate a mention.

[GVGjr]

He certainly didn't look right. Seemed like he had a lot on his mind. Been through a tough period by the looks of things.

Initially I thought he might have got a whack in the goolies or something like that but the more I saw of him it indicated he wasn't switched on.
Still just a bit concerned about him and hopefully the club can support him.

[Bullies]

Laith had 1 touch in the first half, which came 10sec into the match and 0 tackles... how do you not touch the ball or have a tackle in that period? He's done well the boy. If you queried it they would say his GPS tracker is off the charts.

[westbulldog]

Out Libba Buku VDM

In West Busslinger Sanders

Based on ONE game some of you want Clarke hung - for mine Clarke stays in, give the kid a decent chance ffs ! On the basis of those on here already pathetically writing him off I recall that Jeff Thomson took 0/100 in his first test.

[angelopetraglia]

Out Libba Buku VDM

In West Busslinger Sanders

Based on ONE game some of you want Clarke hung - for mine Clarke stays in, give the kid a decent chance ffs ! On the basis of those on here already pathetically writing him off I recall that Jeff Thomson took 0/100 in his first test.

Shane Warne also had figures of 1/105 in his first test (third of the series). In his second test he took 0/78 (fourth of the series). But he was DROPPED for the fifth test. Went back worked on some things and the rest is history.

[Ozza]

Out Libba Buku VDM

In West Busslinger Sanders

Based on ONE game some of you want Clarke hung - for mine Clarke stays in, give the kid a decent chance ffs ! On the basis of those on here already pathetically writing him off I recall that Jeff Thomson took 0/100 in his first test.

I may have missed some posts - but I didn't see anyone writing him off for good. Pretty sure Bont played one game, got omitted, then came back in as a sub in his next game back.
Its not the worst thing in the world to get a taste, and then go back to the VFL - particularly when he has come in off the back of Rhylee West being suspended.

[Sedat]

Clarke was clearly overwhelmed yesterday, which is perfectly fine. He'll be better for the run, but what he needs to do if he is selected again this week is to use his natural footy smarts/forward craft and get to dangerous areas at the foot of Naughts/JUH/Darcy, and also apply manic pressure on the opposition rebounders when needed. His clangers were poor yesterday but the zero tackles stat was worse IMO. We're sub-par at applying pressured in F50 as it is, so I am happy to have an extra small forward in this week.

[bornadog]

Clarke was clearly overwhelmed yesterday, which is perfectly fine. He'll be better for the run, but what he needs to do if he is selected again this week is to use his natural footy smarts/forward craft and get to dangerous areas at the foot of Naughts/JUH/Darcy, and also apply manic pressure on the opposition rebounders when needed. His clangers were poor yesterday but the zero tackles stat was worse IMO. We're sub-par at applying pressured in F50 as it is, so I am happy to have an extra small forward in this week.

We are third in AFL for tackles inside 50

[Mantis]

I may have missed some posts - but I didn't see anyone writing him off for good. Pretty sure Bont played one game, got omitted, then came back in as a sub in his next game back.
Its not the worst thing in the world to get a taste, and then go back to the VFL - particularly when he has come in off the back of Rhylee West being suspended.

Our HF line at an after-goal set-up in the last qtr was Richards, Macrae & Baker... even with West coming back surely there is the opportunity for a player with natural forward instincts to be included.

[ReLoad]

Our HF line at an after-goal set-up in the last qtr was Richards, Macrae & Baker... even with West coming back surely there is the opportunity for a player with natural forward instincts to be included.

I sat there looking at exactly the same thing and thought what chance do we have......

[kickit2Koly]

Out Libba Buku VDM

In West Busslinger Sanders

Based on ONE game some of you want Clarke hung - for mine Clarke stays in, give the kid a decent chance ffs ! On the basis of those on here already pathetically writing him off I recall that Jeff Thomson took 0/100 in his first test.

Yeah agree with this, the season is basically a write off anyway unless we go on a Carlton 23' like run. Give the kid a month and see if he can adjust to the pace at the hire leave.

[Scraggers]

I missed his knock in the first quarter but saw him in the hands of the trainers in the last. From what I?m told an accidental kick to the head.

Gut feel is he does not return until after the bye, if at all this season.

The kick to the head was no accident. I watched it live and then again on reply (and even slowed it down to watch Meek's eyes). That kick was deliberate and retribution for the tackle Libba had laid on Meek (Hawthorn ruck). The free was paid to Meek (that wasn't there by the way) and Meek took exception to being brought to ground and threw his leg (aimlessly ... he wasn't deliberately aiming at his head, he just wanted to make connection with Libba). When the whistle is blown for the free kick, Meek was looking at the umpire as if the kick was an accident. He didn't realise the free kick was for him.

[mjp]

Based on ONEgame some of you want Clarke hung - for mine Clarke stays in, give the kid a decent chance ffs ! On the basis of those on here already pathetically writing him off I recall that Jeff Thomson took 0/100 in his first test.

Cool.

I don't think saying he isn't ready is writing him off but that's fine.

[Danjul]

Yeah agree with this, the season is basically a write off anyway unless we go on a Carlton 23' like run. Give the kid a month and see if he can adjust to the pace at the hire leave.
Sorry, we should go into games with one aim and that is to win. And to do that we pick the best possible team and play them in their natural positions. That is the only reason supporters go to the game.

Our current problems have been developing for years with the selection of injured players and others who are not ready. This disaster did not simply happen, it was created.

[bornadog]

The kick to the head was no accident. I watched it live and then again on reply (and even slowed it down to watch Meek's eyes). That kick was deliberate and retribution for the tackle Libba had laid on Meek (Hawthorn ruck). The free was paid to Meek (that wasn't there by the way) and Meek took exception to being brought to ground and threw his leg (aimlessly ... he wasn't deliberately aiming at his head, he just wanted to make connection with Libba). When the whistle is blown for the free kick, Meek was looking at the umpire as if the kick was an accident. He didn't realise the free kick was for him.

I agree, not called for

[angelopetraglia]

The kick to the head was no accident. I watched it live and then again on reply (and even slowed it down to watch Meek's eyes). That kick was deliberate and retribution for the tackle Libba had laid on Meek (Hawthorn ruck). The free was paid to Meek (that wasn't there by the way) and Meek took exception to being brought to ground and threw his leg (aimlessly ... he wasn't deliberately aiming at his head, he just wanted to make connection with Libba). When the whistle is blown for the free kick, Meek was looking at the umpire as if the kick was an accident. He didn't realise the free kick was for him.

Any vision of this?

[bornadog]

Any vision of this?

It was on AFL 360

[Mantis]

In: Sanders, West, Freijah, Busslinger
Out: Libba, Khamis, O'Donnell, Gallagher

B: Duryea, Jones, Richards
HB: Dale, Busslinger, Bramble
C: Harmes, Treloar, Williams
HF: VDM, Naughton, West
F: Clarke, JUH, Darcy
R: English, Bont, Garcia

Int: Freijah, Sanders, Macrae, Baker
Sub: JJ

- I want Garcia to play at least 80% mid. Time to give the kid a proper go in the role he plays his best footy in.
- Gallagher, Khamis & O'Donnell all need a spell.

[meenies]

Happy with Mantis’s team.

[Scraggers]

In: Sanders, West, Freijah, Busslinger
Out: Libba, Khamis, O'Donnell, Gallagher

B: Duryea, Jones, Richards
HB: Dale, Busslinger, Bramble
C: Harmes, Treloar, Williams
HF: VDM, Naughton, West
F: Clarke, JUH, Darcy
R: English, Bont, Garcia

Int: Freijah, Sanders, Macrae, Baker
Sub: JJ

- I want Garcia to play at least 80% mid. Time to give the kid a proper go in the role he plays his best footy in.
- Gallagher, Khamis & O'Donnell all need a spell.


I hope this is the selected team. But I have a feeling that changes will be minimal

[FrediKanoute]

You can't drop both JOD and Khamis and expect a first gamer to cover it. We will be crucifying him and sending out a lynchmob for the coach.

Persist with one of Khamis or JOD

[Mantis]

You can't drop both JOD and Khamis and expect a first gamer to cover it. We will be crucifying him and sending out a lynchmob for the coach.

Persist with one of Khamis or JOD

I don?t see the issue as I?m replacing Khamis with Richards and JOD with Buss.

And Richmond?s forward line is pretty much non-existent for talls.

Both Khamis & JOD are costing us goals every week with their poor defensive play so they need to go back and get some confidence.

[Jeanette54]

Both Khamis & JOD are costing us goals every week with their poor defensive play so they need to go back and get some confidence.

In which case bring in Keath or Gardner or both. They couldn't do a worse job, and the run could do them some good.

[Grantysghost]

Hey ive heard from two guys that look and sound like them the exact same thing!

[angelopetraglia]

Tom Morris

Adem Yze expects Dion Prestia to return for @Richmond_FC against the Dogs on Saturday night. Noah Balta & Jack Graham decent chances too. All three need to get through training today.

[kruder]

Freijah is in

[angelopetraglia]

Richmond v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 11 May 7.30pm AEST
MCG, Yarra Park • Wurundjeri
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo

B: Lachie Bramble, Liam Jones, Bailey Dale
HB: Taylor Duryea, Alex Keath, Jason Johannisen
C: Bailey Williams, Adam Treloar, Joel Freijah
HF: Laith Vandermeer, Aaron Naughton, Riley Garcia
F: James Harmes, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Rhylee West
FOLL: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Ed Richards
INT: James O’Donnell, Jack Macrae, Luke Cleary, Harvey Gallagher, Sam Darcy
EMG: Rory Lobb, Caleb Daniel, Arthur Jones

In: Joel Freijah, Luke Cleary, Alex Keath, Rhylee West
Out: Tom Liberatore (concussion), Oskar Baker (omitted), Buku Khamis (omitted), Charlie Clarke (omitted)

[josie]

Really happy Cleary has a chance to impress too. Keith?s form in vfl has been very good so also deserves elevation. Go Keathy!!

[Dazza]

I find that team slightly weird.

[angelopetraglia]

So West for Clarke. Keath for Buku. Freijah for Baker. Cleary for Libba???????????

Are we a mid short?

Garcia and Richards to get more midfield time?

[Dazza]

Happy for Freijah, Cleary and Keath though

[GVGjr]

Really happy Cleary has a chance to impress too. Keith?s form in vfl has been very good so also deserves elevation. Go Keathy!!

Keathy got the coaches award on the weekend didn't he?
Cleary has been better than solid for a couple weeks

[azabob]

So West for Clarke. Keath for Buku. Freijah for Baker. Cleary for Libba???????????

Are we a mid short?

Richards in the middle?

[josie]

Hoping Garcia has more mid time.

[angelopetraglia]

TIGERS

B: B.Miller, N.Broad, T.Young

HB: N.Vlastuin, T.Brown, D.Rioli

C: H.Ralphsmith, M.Pickett, S.Banks

HF: R.Mansell, S.Bolton, M.Rioli

F: N.Balta, D.Martin, M.Lefau

FOLL: T.Nankervis - C, D.Prestia, T.Dow

I/C: J.Short, J.Graham, L.Baker, S.Campbell, T.Sonsie

EMG: K.McIntosh, N.Cumberland, S.Ryan

IN: N.Balta, D.Prestia, J.Graham

OUT: D.Grimes (Managed), K.McIntosh (Omitted), S.Naismith (Omitted

[kruder]

Back flanker city! Was really keen to see Freijah on the back flank alot easier position than wing first up.

[hujsh]

So West for Clarke. Keath for Buku. Freijah for Baker. Cleary for Libba???????????

Are we a mid short?

Garcia and Richards to get more midfield time?

I guess we're all in on Richards in the middle? So Cleary for Richards for Libba

[angelopetraglia]

Richards in the middle?

Yes. I edited my comment. Richards and Garcia more time in the middle makes sense.

[azabob]

Yes. I edited my comment. Richards and Garcia more time in the middle makes sense.

Also Harmes can rotate through to make Happy Days, well Happy.

[jDogs]

Hasn't Freijah been playing half back in the VFL? I know that where you are named on the team sheet doesn't mean much but there are a lot of half backs named and not a lot of wing types.

[angelopetraglia]

Balta and Prestia are two massive ins for the Tigers.

[Axe Man]

Could JOD be the sub? I know we rarely have a tall sub but we really don't need 3 KPDs against 1 tall forward in Balta and at least JOD is somewhat flexible.

[whythelongface]

Balta and Prestia are two massive ins for the Tigers.

Hopefully not match fit and struggle fitness wise in their first games back after missing a month of footy

[whythelongface]

Could JOD be the sub? I know we rarely have a tall sub but we really don't need 3 KPDs against 1 tall forward in Balta and at least JOD is somewhat flexible.

I reckon either Cleary or Gags will be the sub. More likely Cleary

[jeemak]

Also Harmes can rotate through to make Happy Days, well Happy.

He'll have to change his user name to Days.

[azabob]

Balta and Prestia are two massive ins for the Tigers.

Grimes also a big out.

[Axe Man]

I reckon either Cleary or Gags will be the sub. More likely Cleary

I think you are right but Cleary just seems a better matchup v Richmond's medium forwards. I guess JOD just plays on much smaller opponents again.

If Gallagher is sub it leaves us with too many defenders in the starting 22.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Bit disappointed we dropped Clarke.

Would have been good to see how he responded to a debut in which he was overwhelmed.

Not sure I like the idea of 1 game and out.

[G-Mo77]

Bit disappointed we dropped Clarke.

Would have been good to see how he responded to a debut in which he was overwhelmed.

Not sure I like the idea of 1 game and out.

It's one team I'm reasonably pleased with but think it absolutely sucks that Clarke has been dropped.

[bulldogtragic]

I think we almost always give debutants two games at least in the Bevo era. This seems a strong departure from the ethos of giving them a second go it.

[GVGjr]

I think we almost always give debutants two games at least in the Bevo era. This seems a strong departure from the ethos of giving them a second go it.

It certainly doesn't happen very often but Clarke proved he was a long way off.

I'm a bit ho-hum with Cleary's inclusion. Just not sure what point of difference he offers.

[kickit2Koly]

Richards in the middle?

not sure I love Richards in the middle. I know he played ok v the saints but did anyone hear the Champion Data guy on sen speak about him the other day? Apparently he is rated the 6th best defender in the league.

[Scraggers]

I would have like to see Sanders back in, but I understand not having too many kids.

[Bullies]

Bit disappointed we dropped Clarke.

Would have been good to see how he responded to a debut in which he was overwhelmed.

Not sure I like the idea of 1 game and out. Just not sure they can risk Clarke having another game like he did. Basically played one short. In saying that we continue to play VDM each week who has those type of stats.

[angelopetraglia]

not sure I love Richards in the middle. I know he played ok v the saints but did anyone hear the Champion Data guy on sen speak about him the other day? Apparently he is rated the 6th best defender in the league.

Number one ground ball interceptor in the league too for the last 12 months. Also he is very good in the air for his height too.

So we are giving up a little, but we need to find some new midfielders. He has some good midfield attributes..

[Scorlibo]

It certainly doesn't happen very often but Clarke proved he was a long way off.

I'm a bit ho-hum with Cleary's inclusion. Just not sure what point of difference he offers.

It's yet to be seen how well these traits translate to AFL level but... decision making, composure, quick feet. He has some assets.

He's also generally very good at retaining the ball coming out of defence, which was top of the list of reasons for why we lost last week.

[Jasper]

If we are in anyway switched on then it's a 30 point win.
We need that forward line to show up and be counted.

[jeemak]

Bit disappointed we dropped Clarke.

Would have been good to see how he responded to a debut in which he was overwhelmed.

Not sure I like the idea of 1 game and out.

Can only think given our predicament his wellbeing met with our needs meant he missed. I'd have preferred to see him really challenged by giving him another go.

He's had his taste, let's see how he responds I guess.

[jeemak]

Feel we look stronger on paper at first glance with Jones and Keath holding down the two key defensive posts. I love intercept marks but I can't cop defenders who can't even get a body on to at least give a free kick away, which is what Khamis delivers.

With Jones, Keath and Duryea in defence there's no excuse for a lack of discipline or organisation. JJ and Dale should get the job done in their roles while I feel JOD will be under less pressure when he's in the mix.

We need to continue with Ed moving into the midfield mix as he is the only point of difference to what we already had and Libba replacements in Garcia or West. I just hope he remembers which is his shin and which is his foot when he's trying to kick it this week.

Awesome we have another debutant in JF. Hope he goes well, he looks a modern and likely type to run between the arcs.

[hujsh]

I have to say it's a slight concern that Freija is debuting in a position I don't think he's played at all at VFL level. I know it's his draft position but his form that we're rewarding is as a defender.

[bulldogtragic]

I have to say it's a slight concern that Freija is debuting in a position I don't think he's played at all at VFL level. I know it's his draft position but his form that we're rewarding is as a defender.

We reward getting 35 touches with a forward position in the seniors. Seems about right.

[Mantis]

Number one ground ball interceptor in the league too for the last 12 months. Also he is very good in the air for his height too.

So we are giving up a little, but we need to find some new midfielders. He has some good midfield attributes..

Besides having some pace, which is lacking in our midfield can you share what these attributes are?

[Eastdog]

not sure I love Richards in the middle. I know he played ok v the saints but did anyone hear the Champion Data guy on sen speak about him the other day? Apparently he is rated the 6th best defender in the league.

Yep I listened to that. Daniel Hoyne from Champion Data suggests this magnet hasn't been effective for us and that it would be better if Ed was moved back to the half back line.

[Happy Days]

You mean that Champion Data guy who has admitted he doesn’t even watch the games? The guy who went on national radio and tried to say that Jordan Boyd is the best kick in the AFL?

That guy is a total dork.

[lemmon]

I have to say it's a slight concern that Freija is debuting in a position I don't think he's played at all at VFL level. I know it's his draft position but his form that we're rewarding is as a defender.

Completely agree.

This is obviously predicated on Freijah playing on a wing, but we've also gone and recruited Caleb Poulter and Oscar Baker, Bailey Williams mostly plays wing, as has Gallagher, Caleb Daniel spent a lot of pre-season playing wing/outside mid...and we've picked a bloke who's been learning defensive craft on a half back flank at Footscray to (most likely) player there.

Super happy to see Freijah play, he's been our best performing half back in the twos, but I want to actually see him play in the position where he's earned his senior debut.

I think squeezing Cleary in as well, with the plethora of half backs we currently have running around, was a pretty strange move. And that's even with Ed Richards playing inside mid ahead of Garcia and Sanders.

[Sedat]

I think squeezing Cleary in as well, with the plethora of half backs we currently have running around, was a pretty strange move. And that's even with Ed Richards playing inside mid ahead of Garcia and Sanders.
Bevo's gonna Bevo. I've seen games where he has selected 3 genuine rucks and other games where he has selected zero (we won both games by the way).

Trying to decipher the Bevo modus operandi is not without its complications. At least he has selected clearly in-form players and dropped/benched those who are out of form.

[my plums]

Feels like we used to always try to squeeze heaps of half back flankers in, so maybe it's a return to form of sorts.

[angelopetraglia]

Richmond FC

Noah Cumberland will replace Liam Baker (corked leg) in the team for tomorrow night’s match against the Western Bulldogs.

Steely Green has been added to the squad of 26 as an emergency.

[angelopetraglia]

Baker is a massive loss for the Tigers.

[Grantysghost]

Baker is a massive loss for the Tigers.

Yuuuuuge

[EasternWest]

Baker is a massive loss for the Tigers.

Did we omit Oskar?

[Eastdog]

Did we omit Oskar?

Yep Oskar Baker omitted

[EasternWest]

Yep Oskar Baker omitted

That is a big out for Richmond

[angelopetraglia]

I wish our Baker was as good as their Baker.

[G-Mo77]

Baker is a massive loss for the Tigers.

Wait. Oscar being omitted is a huge blow for them? That's cold man.

[bornadog]

I wish our Baker was as good as their Baker.
Well he is out of contract

[EasternWest]

Well he is out of contract

#destinationclub

[Axe Man]

Baker is a massive loss for the Tigers.


Did we omit Oskar?


Wait. Oscar being omitted is a huge blow for them? That's cold man.

EW always rips off my jokes so I'm glad it's now happening to him.

[EasternWest]

EW always rips off my jokes so I'm glad it's now happening to him.

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery Axe.

[Axe Man]

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery Axe.

Is that what Sam Newman said to Nicky Winmar? ;)

[EasternWest]

Is that what Sam Newman said to Nicky Winmar? ;)

In private or in public?

[jeemak]

Not really worried about JF being named outside of where he's been showing form in the twos. Wings and half backs need to fit into a structure, need to run and defend when called upon, and new players need to adapt to wherever they get their chances in the senior team and make the most of their opportunities (within reason, mostly).

Just glad to have another debutant getting a gig, really looking forward to seeing how he goes.