Team Selection Conspiracy

[Mick]

Does anyone else suspect what's going on with the team selection ? Do the Pies have an official unofficial aim to obtain priority draft picks by staying at 4 wins or less ? Now that the AFL has re-opened 17 year olds into the draft this offers a great opportunity for the Club. We all applaud the decision to play the youngsters particularly this year's bunch which seem to be getting a run based on ability rather than in previous years merely because they were drafted. But some of the selections with the senior guys would not happen if we were vying for a spot in the eight.
For example,
Monky's abscence
Sav's extended run in the twos.
Crosisca coming back via the twos.
Lane being dropped for a game you would expect him to produce a big effort.
Short teams are picked against big teams (see North, Essendon games).

All of these decisions can be rationalised but it does make sense that merely by playing a bunch of kids our capacity to win many games is reduced.

On another note Lee Walker's career must surely finish this year. He has a lot of support on this page and we all acknowledge his character and courage but sadly this is not enough. If he does manage to get back on the paddock this year maybe the Pies could reward him with his last game ever in the final round. If the Club is to enter a new era it must stop clinging to the slimmest hope. Yes we all have heard the stories that Lee was better than Jakovich as a 17 year old. But the cold hard facts are that he hasn't made it and never will. We must move on and find some 17 year olds that could have a career as good as Jakovich's. Finally while it is a nice sentiment to give Lee a job as forward coach (as someone on this board posted) aren't we past the days of jobs for the boys ? Shouldn't it be the best man gets the job ? Would you appoint Damian Houlihan forward coach ? His record is as good maybe better than Walkers. Of course you wouldn't. Lets just wish Lee all the best and hope he enjoys his last year at senior level and welcome him back in the future as a past player with a unique and courageous story.

GO PIES !!!!!!!!!!

[Greg J]

I wonder if the AFL would penalise us if it was proved we were deliberately going for priority draft picks. Hawthon probably did it a few years ago?

I too can not see the logic of not giving Tyson Lane a go against his old team. I remember last year when he kicked four goals against us, and it was probably that game that attracted our attention.

I can not understand not playing Crosisca if he is not fit. He provides an excellent example for our pie'lets.

Sav Rocca would be played if we wanted to win.