Pre Match: Pies v. Cats - all comments please

[jack_spain]

We can and I believe will win.

So glad no one is bringing up that awesome game of a few years ago. That was then. We are a far more consistent side this season. We have every chance to beat the Cats.

Having said that, it won't be the end of our premiership run if they pip us. The experience our young boys like Dawes will get from this game will be invaluable come finals time.

Bring it on!

[swoop42]

Thanks to jmcp for his kind comment at the beginning of this thread.

I see we've got a battle of the brains on our hands with AN_Inkling and Tannin on opposite sides of the fence in the Fraser or Wood debate.

I'll declare that Josh has frustrated and disappointed me probably more than any other player on our list over the years with his inability to play good consistent footy.

His best is very good but honestly do we ever see it more than 5 or 6 times a season?

This wouldn't be such a problem if only his average matches produced more serviceable returns more often.

So we have to weigh up what's of more value to the side, a player in Wood who'll give us a stronger contest at ruck duels whilst Jolly rests leaving us less exposed to the oppositon taking advantage at stoppages or someone like Josh who when fit and confident is capable of offering more around the ground and possibly up forward as a more mobile target.

Difficult decision for Mick to make, perhaps with Ottens missing Fraser will get the nod although there's merit to the suggestion it wouldn't hurt Fraser to really have to earn his recall to the side with more than one very good VFL performance.

[Collingwood Crackerjack]

We can and I believe will win.

So glad no one is bringing up that awesome game of a few years ago. That was then. We are a far more consistent side this season. We have every chance to beat the Cats.

Having said that, it won't be the end of our premiership run if they pip us. The experience our young boys like Dawes will get from this game will be invaluable come finals time.

Bring it on!

I feel we win either way, regardless of the result. If we get up, all well and good, but if we lose we will know what level it takes to beat the best.
Similar to the H and A clash between the Hawks and Cats 2008; or if you will, the 2nd Hand A clash between the Bombers and the Pies in 1990

[RudeBoy]

We will set a new world record for tackles in a game on Saturday night. The Cat will not know what's hit them. Pies by plenty.


Obviously we're hoping Medhurst and Wellinghm return, but Fraser and Barham should also get the nod. I'm not sure Presti will be recalled, because both Brown and Reid have been doing a good job, and they need to keep playing for now imo. I suspect Ball might be rested.

Outs: Wood, Caff, Anthony, Ball (inj)

Ins: Wellingham, Medhurst, Fraser, Barham.

[3.14159]

Fraser doesn't seem to like playing the cats.
I have a sneaking suspicion he'd rather wear hoops than stripes!

Just My opine.

[DT]

Harry O needs to tighten up next week against Stevie J & we need to be mindful of Varcoe & Byrne asd well as the obvious others. Pressure, pressure & more pressure for 4 qtr's next week.

Agree with this. Harry O is definitely down on form but he battled a bit better on Friday night.

I think I would give N Brown a rest and bring in Presti.

Definitely Medders comes straight in for Jack if he is fit.

[Daicosesque]

Healthy discussion, but i think we are a little omition-happy!

MM will only make forced changes this week, resting players is a bit of a joke when it's Round 8. FFS we have had only thumpings and fast running games to contend with! They haven't been bruising contests.

Only injured players should be replaced.

[AN_Inkling]

I see we've got a battle of the brains on our hands with AN_Inkling and Tannin on opposite sides of the fence in the Fraser or Wood debate.

You should just be thankful Dawes is flying under the radar after his goalless effort on Friday. We did have a quality big man kick 6 in the VFL .

On the Fraser, Wood question - I don't see it as tough at all. Wood's a better tap ruckman than Fraser, but not significantly (we saw that last year in comparing games where they both played as first ruck). Around the ground, Fraser is, at his best, excellent, and decent at his worst. Whereas Wood's best is decent, and his worst a potential liability. Wood's not yet made it as a quality first ruck (on the way though), as a second ruck, he's still a fair way off. It's just not a role that suits him.

[jack_spain]

You should just be thankful Dawes is flying under the radar after his goalless effort on Friday. We did have a quality big man kick 6 in the VFL .

I do hope you're taking the p!ss! Leigh Brown is how old again? How many goals has he kicked in the seniors?

Dawes will be around for many years to come.

[Brown26]

It's a great position to be in, having so many good senior players in the VFL, but I would be reluctant to make too many changes in any one week.

Presti for N Brown is a no brainer, and I would bring back Fraser for Wood. Cam is doing well but Fraser offers a bit more around the ground as people have mentioned. I would also bring back Medders for Anthony if he's fit (just didn't do enough off the ball, and didn't get much of the ball at all, JA needs a bit of work atm).

So that's three changes already, so IMO Wellers might come back through the VFL. I guess the only difference might be if Ball isn't fit, in which case your hand is forced.

- Ben

[Brown26]

Oh, and if we win on Friday, we may well be two games clear on top of the ladder (Freo no certainty to beat Sydney). Interesting isn't it

- Ben

[RICHO1991]

In: Wellingham, Fraser, Medhurst (all if fit)
Out: O'Bree, Wood, Anthony.

also if Podsiadly plays for Geelong, Prestigiacomo for McAffer who is very stiff but would only be out this week on a horses for coarses approach, straight back in the following week

[swoop42]

^Goalless in 4 games regestering only the 2 behinds and 4 goal assists.

Dawes has 7 goals, 6 behinds and 5 goal assists.

Advantage Dawes.

P.S-It's Chris's birthday today.


Happy 22nd Birthday Beast!

[Hm]

game is live in Melb on channel 7!

[Piethagoras' Theorem]

no change unless someone's injured