Teams-Preliminary Final 2010

[1eyedog]

Morris in, Hahn out

ST KILDA v WESTERN BULLDOGS
St Kilda
B: Jason Gram, Zac Dawson, Sam Gilbert
HB: Jason Blake, Sam Fisher, Robert Eddy
C: Brendon Goddard, Nick Dal Santo, Farren Ray
HF: Brett Peake, Justin Koschitzke, Leigh Montagna
F: Adam Schneider, Nick Riewoldt, Stephen Milne
Foll: Michael Gardiner, Lenny Hayes, Clinton Jones
I/C: Ben McEvoy, Sean Dempster, Andrew McQualter, James Gwilt
Emg: Steven Baker, Jarryn Geary, Jack Steven

No change

Western Bulldogs
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Tom Williams
HB: Robert Murphy, Dale Morris, Ryan Hargrave
C: Nathan Eagleton, Matthew Boyd, Ryan Griffen
HF: Lindsay Gilbee, Brad Johnson, Dylan Addison
F: Daniel Giansiracusa, Barry Hall, Jarrad Grant
Foll: Ben Hudson, Daniel Cross, Liam Picken
I/C: Andrew Hooper, Will Minson, Callan Ward, Easton Wood
Emg: Mitch Hahn, Josh Hill, Andrejs Everitt

In: Morris
Out: Mitch Hahn

[LostDoggy]

Miracles can happen

[G-Mo77]

Really surprised to see Hahn excluded from the team. :eek: Not disappointed though.

Good to see Hooper retain his spot I think he did enough last week to warrant another game.

I'm feeling very optimistic about this game!

[Murphy'sLore]

OMG. Really didn't think it would happen.

[comrade]

Is this a hoax?

[lemmon]

I'm quick to smash the comitee but to drop a veteran going into a prelim takes balls. The call had to be made, well done.

[ReLoad]

Ok, so plenty of humble pie to be eaten, the MC's alleged love affair is over.

This change shows the club is willing to make hard decisions no matter who they are or how much work they have done in the past.

Good one MC!

[LostDoggy]

Love Bulldogs defensive HFF. Dry up their rebound

[LostDoggy]

Well that is a strong decision. Well done to the MC for making a tough call on a senior player and giving Addison and Hooper another crack. I was sure one of those would get the chop.

[Doc26]

Miracles can happen


Is this a hoax?

I see it but I don't believe it.

[Greystache]

Ok, so plenty of humble pie to be eaten, the MC's alleged love affair is over.

This change shows the club is willing to make hard decisions no matter who they are or how much work they have done in the past.

Good one MC!

They haven't taken the field yet, maybe wait on the humble pie.

[LostDoggy]

My pessimistic side says he is injured!

[G-Mo77]

My pessimistic side says he is injured!

Who? Hahn?

[LostDoggy]

It had to happen, sometime.

Surprised after Eade on SEN today saying we were looking to go taller up forward, I was expecting Hooper to be dropped.

[LostDoggy]

They haven't taken the field yet, maybe wait on the humble pie.

Yes, i'm not convinced Hooper is the way to go against St Kilda. Maybe a late change.

[Rance Fan]

May be the last we see of Hahn. A shame he was a good player, but it has caught up with him. Bit sad he couldnt go out swinging,maybe he might be back for next week :P

Probably a good decision, and a surprising one by the MC.

[Axe Man]

Whilst I think it is probably the correct move given Mitch's form and overall team balance, lets not be popping champagne corks.

One would suspect poor Mitch would be absolutely gutted to miss such an important match. Lets not forget all he has given on the field over the years and the numerous times he has sacrificed his body for the team. Unfortunately it appears it is his body that is starting to let him down.

Thanks for the efforts over the years Mitch, whether this is the end or not.

[LostDoggy]

good to see the MC have some cajones after all, omitting a senior player, and keeping youngsters in (poor Everitt must be scratching his head)!

HooperMan survives... nice :D

[LostDoggy]

Everitt or Hill may come in for Hooper as a late change.

[chef]

Very happy with that:). Thanks for the memories Mitch.

[Ozza]

Its a funny feeling. I've been saying Hahn should be dropped all week (all year actually) and I maintain its the right decision - but it certainly doesn't stop me feeling bad for Mitch.

He's been a good servant to the club, appears to be a good team man and do all the right things...but I agree with others - that it might just be the last we see of him in Bulldogs colours.

[LostDoggy]

Really surprised to see Hahn excluded from the team. :eek: Not disappointed though.

Good to see Hooper retain his spot I think he did enough last week to warrant another game.

I'm feeling very optimistic about this game!

Agree.

I was very surprised to see Hahn dropped, finally the MC get one right.

[Mofra]

Hahn will probably work on his mobility during the pre-season for one more crack at regular senior footy. He was moving a little better after his enforced break, but still nowhere near his NAB cup form.

[LostDoggy]

Wow. Its taken a while but the WOOF match committee has finally struck.

[LostDoggy]

I have a feeling that there will be a late change. Rocket loves playing some mind games.

I hope that Everitt comes in and plays across half forward / wing, but i doubt that will happen.

It must be tough for Mitch - he has given alot more than i thought he would from when he first started out....

[The Bulldogs Bite]

My confidence heading into Saturday Night has officially risen.

I do wonder if a late change will be made. Hooper really suited last week but not laying a registered tackle surely hurts his chances a little. That was why he was brought in. I know many (most) are against Hill, but I would probably risk going with Josh for the PF.

[LostDoggy]

My confidence heading into Saturday Night has officially risen.

I do wonder if a late change will be made. Hooper really suited last week but not laying a registered tackle surely hurts his chances a little. That was why he was brought in. I know many (most) are against Hill, but I would probably risk going with Josh for the PF.

Its a risky call but I would back them in if they went this way. We need someone to take
a grab and stretch their defence.

[Go_Dogs]

Good selection.

We're going to need a few players to stand up and kick goals this week. Although Mitch's form has been down and I agree with his dropping he did kick a few in this corresponding fixture last year.

[stefoid]

No Jones, not even in the Emergencies :(

[Scorlibo]

What crap. Eade and the MC have lost the plot.

[LostDoggy]

What crap. Eade and the MC have lost the plot.

Please explain?

[chef]

What crap. Eade and the MC have lost the plot.

Why, because of Hahn?

[Scorlibo]

Please explain?

They have conformed to the collective pressure of the public, creating an injustice which is not in the best interests of the team. They're not paid to parrot the public.

[LostDoggy]

They have conformed to the collective pressure of the public, creating an injustice which is not in the best interests of the team. They're not paid to parrot the public.

What public?

[Scorlibo]

Why, because of Hahn?

Yes, I know I'm more or less on my own on this, but I feel Hahn still offers more to the side than nearly half of the team.

[Scorlibo]

What public?

Us, supporters.

[chef]

Yes, I know I'm more or less on my own on this, but I feel Hahn still offers more to the side than nearly half of the team.

Fair enough. I thought they showed some balls and made the tough decision.

[comrade]

Yes, I know I'm more or less on my own on this, but I feel Hahn still offers more to the side than nearly half of the team.

Who does he offer more than and in what role?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

They have conformed to the collective pressure of the public, creating an injustice which is not in the best interests of the team. They're not paid to parrot the public.

I don't mind the majority of your posts Scorlibo, but that is pure rubbish. An injustice? Get real. He hasn't once had form all year to warrant being in our best 22.

[1eyedog]

They have conformed to the collective pressure of the public, creating an injustice which is not in the best interests of the team. They're not paid to parrot the public.

There's been pressure on Hahn for a long time, Eagleton too. Gee whizz we rip shreds off the MC because they don't make any changes and when they do we still get stuck into them!

I thought Hahn should have gone last week for Everitt or Hill and Eagleton should have made way for Moles. I think it's a discredit to the MC to suggest that they bow to public pressure, when they have done the exact opposite for a very long time.

I would like to here your summary as to why you think Hahn should be in the team and what he offers it.

[LostDoggy]

Its a funny feeling. I've been saying Hahn should be dropped all week (all year actually) and I maintain its the right decision - but it certainly doesn't stop me feeling bad for Mitch.

He's been a good servant to the club, appears to be a good team man and do all the right things...but I agree with others - that it might just be the last we see of him in Bulldogs colours.

Absolutely agree! But really, it had to be done.

[Doc26]

I feel for Mitch at this time although I can't see how or why the MC would work against the best interests of the Team for this or any game simply to conform now.
Mitch has been under pressure for his spot from the MC for much of the season as he was going into last week's qualifying. The MC have also not conformed to pressure to play Everitt nor have they thrown Johnson out or Eagleton whilst many were seeking their exclusion. They've also maintained faith in Minson whilst under some pressure to go Roughead. One thing I don't see this MC as being are conformists, to the contrary. Mitch has simply dropped off the pace of the game and is being played through by the opposition and is hard to cover for both Brad and Mitch with similar deficiencies.

[Scorlibo]

Who does he offer more than and in what role?

Hargrave, Eagleton, Johnson, Addison, Grant, Hooper, Minson, Wood, Williams.

Re: roles, it's easy to say, 'Hahn can't do this, which player x does, so he can't play that role', however if you're asking which role I think Hahn should be played in to maximise his output, I would say a low CHF with frequent bursts through the middle. Last weekend we saw his best work come from when he got involved in the congestion through the corridor.


I don't mind the majority of your posts Scorlibo, but that is pure rubbish. An injustice? Get real. He hasn't once had form all year to warrant being in our best 22.

We're probably on complete opposite ends of the scale on this one TBB, so I'm not sure what good will come of arguing about it, but IMO he hasn't dropped his output at all since last year, and the only bit of evidence supporting the suggestion that he has is his goal tally, but then this has to be expected with the addition of Barry does it not? All other statistical indicators have either stayed consistent with the rest of his career, or improved. Stats aren't everything, but they do seem to be the prime arguing point for the Hahn haters, so in this instance they are relevant.

There must be something I'm missing about Mitch's 2010 season, because in my eyes he has been just as good/bad as previous years, and thus I sit in amazement at the incredible swing against him that has taken place this year.

[LostDoggy]

Us, supporters.

I would be very surprised, if Rocket or any of the MC actually viewed this forum or any other, on a regular basis.

[LostDoggy]

A great move. I think we have gambled on players who are able to put their bodies on the line (despite their obvious deficiencies), and who are hungry for / able to make a contest of it. It's why Addison and Hooper are better than the likes of Hill (not enough defensive pressure) and Hahn (slow, not a sure ball handler any more, can't win enough contests). Now that we have the hard at it types, we just have to hope they are capable of playing to instruction.

[LostDoggy]

They have conformed to the collective pressure of the public, creating an injustice which is not in the best interests of the team. They're not paid to parrot the public.

Well if that's the case, he wouldve been dropped weeks ago. Where a young kid couldve been played and possibly be a great find just in time for the finals.

[Raw Toast]

Like many others I feel sorrow for Mitch, but also believe this is the correct decision (not convinced that we won't have a late change that brings him back in either).


There must be something I'm missing about Mitch's 2010 season, because in my eyes he has been just as good/bad as previous years, and thus I sit in amazement at the incredible swing against him that has taken place this year.

We're certainly on the other end of this as noted in another thread, but FWIW I think you're arguing your case well (sorry if this sounds condescending I'm tired and struggling to write well and appreciate your reasoned contribution).

I think the biggest change is how much footy has changed this year. Forward pressure has become more important than ever. Once this was Mitch's forte. He used to be able to impact 3-4 contests in a row with an intensity that was inspiring. But I think he's lost a bit of mobility and he just cannot get to the contests to limit the ball coming out of our 50. And the opposition have started playing through his opponent because he struggles to go with all the half-back types.

The absence of his greatest strength also means his existing weaknesses become magnified. So when he floats into the middle or down back and gets the ball (which he didn't have to do that much), his lack of composure and non-elite decision-making have really hurt us.

Now he was flying in the preseason before that very unfortunate injury, so maybe he can offer us something next year, especially if he can get a bit lighter (I don't think so, but I'm trying to keep an open mind on it). But his lack of mobility has been killing us imo (couple with his decision-making) and so I think we're a stronger team without him atm.

[comrade]

Hargrave, Eagleton, Johnson, Addison, Grant, Hooper, Minson, Wood, Williams.

Re: roles, it's easy to say, 'Hahn can't do this, which player x does, so he can't play that role', however if you're asking which role I think Hahn should be played in to maximise his output, I would say a low CHF with frequent bursts through the middle. Last weekend we saw his best work come from when he got involved in the congestion through the corridor.

It is easy to say Hahn can't play certain roles....because he can't.

He's not competing with Hargrave, or Eagleton, or Addison, or Hooper, or Minson, or Wood, or Williams.

The form of those players has no bearing on the decision to play him or not so I can't understand why you keep throwing them up as some sort of justification.

The only players (of those you named) that he's competing with are Johnson and Grant. Johnson isn't getting dropped and Grant has a rare attribute in our forward line: raw pace. The opposition coach would worry about Grant getting off the leash much more than Hahn and will therefore match up accordingly.

Just face it: Hahn's decreased mobility (of a small base) means he can barely get to a contest, let alone win one. Barry has taken over as the big bodied forward which has left Hahn without a defined role.

That's why his tally is down, that's why he is struggling, and that's why the MC made the right call - albeit 6 weeks late.

[Scraggers]

Hahn / Morris is the only change in any of the 4 preliminary teams

[bornadog]

Hahn / Morris is the only change in any of the 4 preliminary teams

At this stage, who knows what any of the teams will do.;)

[mjp]

I still don't think we have the balance right.

We are going to need rotations through the midfield - our interchange consists of a forward pocket player, a ruckman, a small/medium defender and one mid. Hooper really should not be playing this week - 5 touches, 1 (LUCKY!) goal and no tackles = preliminary final spot? Really? Passion and enthusiasm and all that are great, but we are going to need impact...

Unless we are planning on throwing Wood into Harbrow's spot and using him as a mid - or throwing Gia into the centre square - we are going to be struggling for flexibility. That said, St Kilda are in the same boat (but with Goddard, Hayes and Dal Santo they have the edge in class this week) and they would have been well advised to get rid of either Gwilt or McQualter and throw in an Armitage or Steven type - that would be a more difficult side for us to beat.

[LostDoggy]

I still don't think we have the balance right.

We are going to need rotations through the midfield - our interchange consists of a forward pocket player, a ruckman, a small/medium defender and one mid. Hooper really should not be playing this week - 5 touches, 1 (LUCKY!) goal and no tackles = preliminary final spot? Really? Passion and enthusiasm and all that are great, but we are going to need impact...

Unless we are planning on throwing Wood into Harbrow's spot and using him as a mid - or throwing Gia into the centre square - we are going to be struggling for flexibility. That said, St Kilda are in the same boat (but with Goddard, Hayes and Dal Santo they have the edge in class this week) and they would have been well advised to get rid of either Gwilt or McQualter and throw in an Armitage or Steven type - that would be a more difficult side for us to beat.

I agree 100%. I don't believe we will see him play. Nothing against the kid but
1 quiet game and then a prelim?

[LostDoggy]

Akermanis was quite adamant on Game Day that Hahn will be a late inclusion for Hooper. That would be my guess also.

[boydogs]

There's been pressure on Hahn for a long time, Eagleton too. Gee whizz we rip shreds off the MC because they don't make any changes and when they do we still get stuck into them!

The same people that were calling for Hahn and other underperforming senior players to be dropped are applauding the MC


Hooper really should not be playing this week - 5 touches, 1 (LUCKY!) goal and no tackles = preliminary final spot? Really? Passion and enthusiasm and all that are great, but we are going to need impact...

I thought his involvements were good. Hopefully he will get amongst it more, but I liked what I saw. I wouldn't be willing to compromise on having a small down there if he was dropped, maybe Harbrow, Picken or Addison (named forward)


I still don't think we have the balance right.

We are going to need rotations through the midfield - our interchange consists of a forward pocket player, a ruckman, a small/medium defender and one mid.

Unless we are planning on throwing Wood into Harbrow's spot and using him as a mid - or throwing Gia into the centre square - we are going to be struggling for flexibility. That said, St Kilda are in the same boat (but with Goddard, Hayes and Dal Santo they have the edge in class this week) and they would have been well advised to get rid of either Gwilt or McQualter and throw in an Armitage or Steven type - that would be a more difficult side for us to beat.

Unusual post from you mjp - you are one of the advocates for the dumping of fixed player positions from our thinking.

There will be bugger all goals scored and hence centre bounces, where there are a limited number of players allowed around the ball. The rest of the time there will be 20 or more players within the vicinity - be they forwards, midfielders or defenders. The game will be stop/start, and highly contested. Neither us nor the Saints will rely on ultra fit midfield runners to get through.

---

Very surprising to see Hahn dropped, I thought he must have been injured when I first read it. What next, late change Moles in for Eagleton? :p

I think it was obvious Hahn was no longer contributing when we started moving him to defense, same scenario as with Scott Welsh last year. Not the change I was expecting, but a very good one IMO

[Scorlibo]

I would be very surprised, if Rocket or any of the MC actually viewed this forum or any other, on a regular basis.

They have a fair idea what the supporter base is thinking at any given time, they don't need to read WOOF to know that. They get barraged with angry feedback on Facebook and Twitter every time there is a loss, and a lot of the anger gets directed at players like Hahn and Eagleton, it's not like the football department would take an active interest in these sorts of things but they'd have to shut their eyes and ears to not have a fair understanding and feel for the pressure coming from the public eye.


Like many others I feel sorrow for Mitch, but also believe this is the correct decision (not convinced that we won't have a late change that brings him back in either).

We're certainly on the other end of this as noted in another thread, but FWIW I think you're arguing your case well (sorry if this sounds condescending I'm tired and struggling to write well and appreciate your reasoned contribution).

I think the biggest change is how much footy has changed this year. Forward pressure has become more important than ever. Once this was Mitch's forte. He used to be able to impact 3-4 contests in a row with an intensity that was inspiring. But I think he's lost a bit of mobility and he just cannot get to the contests to limit the ball coming out of our 50. And the opposition have started playing through his opponent because he struggles to go with all the half-back types.

The absence of his greatest strength also means his existing weaknesses become magnified. So when he floats into the middle or down back and gets the ball (which he didn't have to do that much), his lack of composure and non-elite decision-making have really hurt us.

Now he was flying in the preseason before that very unfortunate injury, so maybe he can offer us something next year, especially if he can get a bit lighter (I don't think so, but I'm trying to keep an open mind on it). But his lack of mobility has been killing us imo (couple with his decision-making) and so I think we're a stronger team without him atm.

I appreciate your considered response, and to a certain extent I agree that the pace of the game has changed to the detriment of slower players like Mitch, and I certainly agree that he does not have the same impact in the forward half as he did even last year. However, the biggest change in that regard in my opinion is the addition of Hall to our forward structure, it has changed things around enormously. In years previously, our forward line would work as group, gather numbers around the ball and lock it in to then muster scores from stoppages. Also, the approach into the forward fifty would be careful, forwards would have time to react and congregate. Now with Barry in the team, the focus is first on creating space, then on getting the hell out of his way, then on hoping that he marks the pill, then on chasing tail if he doesn't. As a commentator said in the first half of the Sydney match, "It's Hall or nothing at the moment". And it's not because he's the only one giving a half decent effort either, it's simply because with him in the side, our forward line is so dramatically different to what it has been for 5 years. Guys like Hahn, Johnson and even Higgins have been made to look silly and slow this year as their reading of the play becomes useless amongst the carnage that Barry creates.



It is easy to say Hahn can't play certain roles....because he can't.

He's not competing with Hargrave, or Eagleton, or Addison, or Hooper, or Minson, or Wood, or Williams.

The form of those players has no bearing on the decision to play him or not so I can't understand why you keep throwing them up as some sort of justification.

The only players (of those you named) that he's competing with are Johnson and Grant. Johnson isn't getting dropped and Grant has a rare attribute in our forward line: raw pace. The opposition coach would worry about Grant getting off the leash much more than Hahn and will therefore match up accordingly.

Just face it: Hahn's decreased mobility (of a small base) means he can barely get to a contest, let alone win one. Barry has taken over as the big bodied forward which has left Hahn without a defined role.

That's why his tally is down, that's why he is struggling, and that's why the MC made the right call - albeit 6 weeks late.

He's competing with everyone within the side, players can be shifted about very easily and Eade has shown time and again his willingness to play the best available players over players that add positional or physical balance to the team. Just because player A and player B play the same position C, D% of the time doesn't mean bollocks.

Hahn's always had absolutely shite mobility. Barry has changed the role of Mitch, just as he's changed the role of every other forward in our front half, but none of them seem to cop nearly as much as Mitch for not being able to apply the same defensive pressure.

[Mantis]

Guys like Hahn, Johnson and even Higgins have been made to look silly and slow this year as their reading of the play becomes useless amongst the carnage that Barry creates..

When you are slow it is pretty easy to look slow.


He's competing with everyone within the side, players can be shifted about very easily and Eade has shown time and again his willingness to play the best available players over players that add positional or physical balance to the team. Just because player A and player B play the same position C, D% of the time doesn't mean bollocks.



No he isn't.

Is Hudson competing with Lake for a position in the team? No there not because they play in completely different positions and have different skill-sets.

Mitch is competing with players who play 'like' roles. It has been proven that he is ahead of Everitt in the eyes of the MC who plays a similiar role.

[Grantysghost]

Strange thing for me is i actually thought Mitch played one of his better games for the year against the swans. Seemed to be moving freely and had an appetite for the contest. I would've expected him to be dropped before this week if it was going to happen.
Wonder if it came down to matchups?

[Scorlibo]

When you are slow it is pretty easy to look slow.



No he isn't.

Is Hudson competing with Lake for a position in the team? No there not because they play in completely different positions and have different skill-sets.

Mitch is competing with players who play 'like' roles. It has been proven that he is ahead of Everitt in the eyes of the MC who plays a similiar role.

Hasn't been so easy up until this year.

Hudson, Lake, Cooney, Griffen, Williams. They are the exceptions.

[LostDoggy]

I still don't think we have the balance right.

We are going to need rotations through the midfield - our interchange consists of a forward pocket player, a ruckman, a small/medium defender and one mid. Hooper really should not be playing this week - 5 touches, 1 (LUCKY!) goal and no tackles = preliminary final spot? Really? Passion and enthusiasm and all that are great, but we are going to need impact...

Unless we are planning on throwing Wood into Harbrow's spot and using him as a mid - or throwing Gia into the centre square - we are going to be struggling for flexibility. That said, St Kilda are in the same boat (but with Goddard, Hayes and Dal Santo they have the edge in class this week) and they would have been well advised to get rid of either Gwilt or McQualter and throw in an Armitage or Steven type - that would be a more difficult side for us to beat.

I'm not sure we have the cattle, without Cooney, to get the mix right. I think Hooper makes us less flexible, and that is a worry, but he was a mobile forward who did a lot of leading last week. Not sure it was his fault he didn't get hit on the chest a few more times as some passes fell short or were just wide of him. Maybe he should be crumbing more, but I was pleased he provided movement up there. I'm not sure what Hall felt. But for a forward line that has been static (especially Grant) the last 2 weeks, I felt he was a welcome addition.

[Mantis]

Really surprised that Hooper kept his spot, besides kicking a goal from a softish free he had no influence on the game.... I don't like it.

[Hotdog60]

Really surprised that Hooper kept his spot, besides kicking a goal from a softish free he had no influence on the game.... I don't like it.

One can hope that being his second game that he has learned from the first, maybe also can settle to the pace.

No doubt there would have been a few jitters last week in a big game, this one is no exception and will a little more accustom to what happens on the playing field.

The next thing is the defender doesn't rate him and he sneaks in for 3 or 4 goals.:D

[Mantis]

One can hope that being his second game that he has learned from the first, maybe also can settle to the pace.

No doubt there would have been a few jitters last week in a big game, this one is no exception and will a little more accustom to what happens on the playing field.

The next thing is the defender doesn't rate him and he sneaks in for 3 or 4 goals.:D

The pace will increase so I doubt it.

Eagleton>>>Hooper.... Do you get the picture?

[Hotdog60]

The pace will increase so I doubt it.

Eagleton>>>Hooper.... Do you get the picture?

OK, but I'm living in hope.:)

It would be nice if we do the Milne trick back at the Saints by using Hooper if his on and the defenders are chasing Barry.

[LostDoggy]

I think Gia will play predominantly through the midfield tonight, Addison and Gilbee will play the defensive forward roles. This is where Gia I think has played his best football, this will also give us the extra carry through the midfield.

[Doc26]

I think Gia will play predominantly through the midfield tonight, Addison and Gilbee will play the defensive forward roles. This is where Gia I think has played his best football, this will also give us the extra carry through the midfield.

Who for Cats or Pies ? He will be one tired boy come Saturday night ;)

[Murphy'sLore]

Just heard on SEN Griff came off from training clutching his hamstring. Say it ain't so...

[LostDoggy]

My bad, getting to excited, so much anticipation!!!!

[1eyedog]

I think Gia will play predominantly through the midfield tonight, Addison and Gilbee will play the defensive forward roles. This is where Gia I think has played his best football, this will also give us the extra carry through the midfield.

You may be spot on, but he won't be doing it tonight. Gia was doing midfield drills today at training.

[1eyedog]

Just heard on SEN Griff came off from training clutching his hamstring. Say it ain't so...

It ain't so. I watched him come off and he wasn't holding his hammy or thigh. The discussion around this is odd, I honestly don't know which journo picked up on this.

[Desipura]

It ain't so. I watched him come off and he wasn't holding his hammy or thigh. The discussion around this is odd, I honestly don't know which journo picked up on this.

I did not attend training, for those that did was it just as bit of a kick and light jog type session?
I would have thought that it would not have been too strenuous.

[1eyedog]

I did not attend training, for those that did was it just as bit of a kick and light jog type session?
I would have thought that it would not have been too strenuous.

It was very light, 45 mins. Simple in tight hand balls with light bag work, set plays from full back to full forward and then goal kicking for the forwards, some high marking with bags for Wood, Minson and Jones and midfield set play drills with bags and that was it. Very light session, very light impact.

[Desipura]

It was very light, 45 mins. Simple in tight hand balls with light bag work, set plays from full back to full forward and then goal kicking for the forwards, some high marking with bags for Wood, Minson and Jones and midfield set play drills with bags and that was it. Very light session, very light impact.
Pretty hard to do an injury then? ;)

[Raw Toast]

I appreciate your considered response, and to a certain extent I agree that the pace of the game has changed to the detriment of slower players like Mitch, and I certainly agree that he does not have the same impact in the forward half as he did even last year. However, the biggest change in that regard in my opinion is the addition of Hall to our forward structure, it has changed things around enormously. In years previously, our forward line would work as group, gather numbers around the ball and lock it in to then muster scores from stoppages. Also, the approach into the forward fifty would be careful, forwards would have time to react and congregate. Now with Barry in the team, the focus is first on creating space, then on getting the hell out of his way, then on hoping that he marks the pill, then on chasing tail if he doesn't. As a commentator said in the first half of the Sydney match, "It's Hall or nothing at the moment". And it's not because he's the only one giving a half decent effort either, it's simply because with him in the side, our forward line is so dramatically different to what it has been for 5 years. Guys like Hahn, Johnson and even Higgins have been made to look silly and slow this year as their reading of the play becomes useless amongst the carnage that Barry creates.

Good point. It's been a strange year as for most of it our forward line has not seemed to function that well, yet we were still scored more than 13 other teams. I've actually argued against the tide in regards to Johnson who really helped the forward line function better when he came back two-thirds of the way through the season (and the stats Eade pulled out seemed to indicate this).

But I'd argue that the change brought about by having Hall in the team is yet one more reason to drop Mitch at the moment, because he hasn't shown that he can work effectively in this set up (at least during the season - he was going well in the preseason, but that is too long ago to count now).

I partially agree that Hahn should be seen as competing against a lot of other players, but he struggles to compete with most for three reasons. Firstly, he lacks run which we've also lacked as a team this year, so although Mitch might be in the best 22 players, it's very hard to have a balanced enough team with him in it (and one of the biggest advantages the Pies have had over us and most other teams is their extraordinary run).

Secondly, he can now longer switch to down back. Maybe he could if his confidence was up, and he got to the right places quite a few times against the Pies, but he needed to mark the ball as the third man up and then hand off quickly to start a counter-attack and he did neither. Thirdly, in a related point, he is often a liability with the ball in his hands when not close to goal, as he either hatches it or gives it off quickly to a bad option.

The combination of all these makes it hard for him to push anyone out of the 22 imo, though as Mantis noted the MC seem to rate him higher than Everitt, Jones and possibly Hill (and it is admittedly a close call with all these three, though at the moment I think all have more upside than Hahn, and all make our team look more balanced, though I'd be tempted to replace him with a midfield type, just a pity that we're lacking depth here at the moment).