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With Beams (apparently) and Sidey out and Swan and Ball playing well below their best, we are looking pretty ordinary around the packs. hopefully we keep Broomhead in and maybe bring in Kennedy as well to provide a bit of spark.
1. Contested ball. This was not so important against the Dogs as they don't have the outside game and offense to hurt you. The Hawks of course do, and if we let them control the contested ball we'll have a hard time getting the ball off them.
2. Forward pressure. If we can win our fair share of ball, forward pressure then becomes critical, both to prevent Hawthorn counterattacks and to monopolise possession.
With these two priorities in mind, my selections would be something like:
in:
Beams
Kennedy (pace and flexibility)
Marsh (in the Goldsack role up forward)
out:
Witts/Grundy (keep whoever's travelling best physically)
Thomas
Broomhead
The Marsh selection may be left field, but we have almost no chance of winning this game if we don't try something. We can not continue with Witts, Grundy and White, when at least two are picking up less than 10 touches each game and hurting us with their lack of defensive pressure. But if we do drop one of them, we need to bring in a tall/medium and Marsh is the only only option. If he is anywhere near ready he should play and at the very least use his pace to chase and harass. I actually think he could play a critical part in the game, as preventing the Hawks from having time and space is crucial.
Adams: parts of his game were a long way from the required standard against the Dogs, but his contested ball work was very good. This will be so critical against the Hawks that he holds his spot ahead of Thomas, even if it is alongside Ball. Without Mitchell we actually have a chance to beat them in this area. And I'm sure the other parts of Adams' game will improve as he feels more settled.
Blair: wanted to drop him and keep Broomhead, but couldn't justify it. His defensive pressure will be important and his experience almost as important. We have a very young team and can not drop an experienced player without plenty of thought. I also don't think Broomhead would be able to give us much against a physical Hawks team.
My only issue with Marah is his capacity, at present, to run out games.
I think after a very solid preseason he will be knocking down the door for selection in 2015- may not be ready just yet, but we are desperate.
White to centre half back?
Kennedy for Blair?
Beams in if fit..
Contested ball is key as is putting on forward pressure.
I would play both Witts and Grundy to continue their development which is essential moving forward. Ditto Broomhead, Langdon and other young guys including Adams and Thomas.
Firm in the belief that number 17 flag is only months away...
We desperately need the player formerly known as Dane Swan to turn up on Saturday. I'm not sure if he's suffering injuries, general wear and tear or boredom, but he has really only played one great game for us all year imo. Now that Cloke is finding form, Swanny is the one we need to turn it on.
I like the way you think...
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