Pre Match. Pies v. Cats - All comments please.

[AN_Inkling]

Disappointed that Hawkins is suspended. Cats will likely field a better team without him.

[Pies2016]

[Pies2016]

Oh and keep an eye out for their very last minute changes that they have abused every game so far this season, bar one.
It’s pretty ordinary “ tactic “ and needs to be investigated by the AFL much sooner than later.

[Magpietothemax]

I am happy Hawkins is out. He has monstered us in the past.

[Mossi]

[BazBoy]

Everyone’s talking up Hawkins and he has given us a problem in the past

But there’s another more mobile forward who gives us equal probs and that’s
Menzel —-a whisper he is doubtful

[Magpietothemax]

True. I would be happy also if Menzel were out. But I feel we are more capable of keeping a lid on the likes of him, with Murray and also the far superior team defensive structures we are setting up. With Hawkins out, our susceptibility to height in defence is eradicated. If Menzel doesn't get up, it'll be a double bonus. If Pendles does, a triple bonus.

[Damien]

[Damien]

Don’t be surprised if Dangerfield spends a bit of time forward this week with Hawkins out. That’s gunna be a tough matchup if he does. Big tank and strong one on one.

[BazBoy]

Sier one day in the future will be the go to for big bodies if keeps going down the path of improving and builds a tank to match his frame—not quite yet tho

Danger worries me

[Magpietothemax]

Yes, Dangerfield forward would spell danger on the field for us. But at the same time he is a powerful clearance winner, who would then be absent from the centre. Our strength is midfield depth. Ablett will probably play, but has he still got the endurance required for midfield frenzy of current football? As usual, this game will be decided in the midfield. We need to maximize our power through there in our selections. That is why, if Sier is ready, it would be great to see him debut, especially if Pendles can't get up. Wells likewise if ready is a first choice. I am in favour of dropping Mayne, as I don't think he provides enough of anything. I would like to see Fas come in, as he offers something different in our forward structure,
While the absence of Hawkins means that the need for Dunn's physicality is not so great, I am loathe to lose his experience in the backline (he will, I am sure, stop giving away those ridiculous frees from now on). I also want Langdon back in defence. So who gives way? I think Appleby unfortunately would have to be the one. While he has been great in his first two games, he doesn't provide such massive rebound that he should be selected above Langdon (or Maynard, but I don't think Maynard is available).
So my suggestions:
(If Pendlebury is fit)
In:
Wells, Fasolo, Langdon
Out:
Mayne, Appleby, either Crocker or Blair

(If Pendlebury is not fit):
In:
Wells, Fasolo, Langdon, Sier
Out:
Mayne, Appleby, either Crocker or Blair, Pendles
Not sure out of Blair or Crocker which one should go. Crocker might be playing a role that I can't understand, but to me Blair appeared to do more than Crocker in the Brisbane game.

[Damien]

Happy for Ablett to pick up 40 cheap possessions running around the back receiving easy handballs and dishing little 20 metre kicks. That’s all he does these days and it doesn’t have any effect.

[MagpieDynasty]

The guy that's being overlooked here and has historically enjoyed bloody good games against us in the past, is Mitch Duncan. He always gets under our guard and imho is far more dangerous than Ablett and Selwood these days!

Hawkins out is a bonus but we couldn't contain a Zorko, and i'm 'keeshing' myself wondering how we'll contain DangerWood, Ablett and Duncan??

[BazBoy]

I too wonder how they contain Sidey or JDG or Thomas—-how do they fully all game stop Mason marking

The future is unknown

[Presti35]

Hawkins out is huge. He kicked a small bag last week.

But it does raise the question of what to do with our back 6.

It would be a massive win if we can get it done. And could set up a good run before the bye next month.