Pre Match: Pies v. Cats - all comments please

[John Wren]

great analysis swoop.

As strange as it might sound coming off such a strong victory against a side that was sitting 2nd we could see as many as 5 changes to the side for this weeks clash against the cats.

i don't think there will be too many changes. even allowing for the depth we have it's too disruptive for my liking. maybe two, three changes at the most.

These are my possible changes:

In:Prestigiacomo
Out:N.Brown or Reid

*You'd think that Presti would finally make his way back into the side for this clash against the reigning premier. It's a toss of the coin between Ben and Nathan, Reid offers more rebound, Nathan is the stopper.

**Thinking outside the square:With the slight possibility that Geelong might play 3 tall forwards and the 2 rucks might we need all of Presti, Reid and N.Brown?

presti to take the jpod. reid and/or brown would be stiff to be omitted and could do a lot worse than retain both.

In:Fraser
Out:Wood
*I consider Wood the better tap ruckman and he's put in two serviceable games but is that enough to keep Fraser out of the team? I get the feeling it wont be and Fraser after playing well today will be recalled into the side.

**Thinking outside the square:With the cats only playing the one recognised ruckmen tonight and last week is there a possibility that L.Brown may come into the side to relieve Jolly in the ruck with both Wood and Fraser missing out?

fraser to come in and provide additional forward option.

In:Medhurst
Out:Anthony
*If Medhurst is deemed fit to play you'd think he would come straight back into the 22 with Jack probably the unlucky one to miss.

**Thinking outside the square:Jack's performance the other night was equal to the output from Paul in quite a few of his games this season.
Should Medhurst be considerd an automatic inclusion in the 22 ahead of Anthony if fit?

must happen.

In:Wellingham
Out:O'Bree
*O'Bree played another typical solid game on Friday night but Wellingham has matched that output this year and offers greater speed, goal kicking and x factor. Question mark remains over his fitness at this stage.

not fussed at the moment. probably can afford to give wellingham another week off and if the rumour is true he will not be available in any case.

In:Barham
Out:Macaffer
*Brent has been solid in all games this season but will it be enough to keep Barham at bay after excellent displays for 3 weeks running in the VFL. Question marks still remain over his disposal but from the outside it would appear it's improved to some degree but do you risk it against a side like Geelong? Jaxson is one of the fittest at the club and has genuine foot speed but will this be enough to get him the nod ahead of Macaffer who offers a strong body and assured disposal?

i wouldn't like to see this change. not a like for like swap and i'm not sure what barham would add that we don't already have. could take barham to brisbane to exploit the lions lack of pace which kind of contradicts my reason for not wanting him included but i think we'd get better value from barham in brisbane than this week's game.

[Tannin]

In:Barham
Out:Macaffer
*Brent has been solid in all games this season but will it be enough to keep Barham at bay after excellent displays for 3 weeks running in the VFL. Question marks still remain over his disposal but from the outside it would appear it's improved to some degree but do you risk it against a side like Geelong? Jaxson is one of the fittest at the club and has genuine foot speed but will this be enough to get him the nod ahead of Macaffer who offers a strong body and assured disposal?

i wouldn't like to see this change. not a like for like swap and i'm not sure what barham would add that we don't already have. could take barham to brisbane to exploit the lions lack of pace which kind of contradicts my reason for not wanting him included but i think we'd get better value from barham in brisbane than this week's game.

Wrong question. The key asset Barham brings to the table isn't pace (though he has fantastic pace), it's attack. Barham doesn't just tackle like a madman, he has the pace to get to the ball carrier, nut just trot along in his wake. If you think we need extra tackling power against the Cats (which we certainly do - it is only through relentless pressure that the Cats can be cracked open) then why would you drop one of the best tacklers in our side (the Caff) to bring in another excellent tackler? Doesn't make sense.

Barham should play, but not at the expense of the Caffinator. No-one deserves to come out. I think it comes down to whoever isn't quite 100% - and I don't care if that's Didak or Ball or Swan: anyone that isn't absolutely 100% fit has the week off because we have red-hot replacements ready to go.

[1eyedpie]

Leon doesn't look 100% ATM. He looks like he needs a rest probably carrying some niggle.

[AN_Inkling]

Pretty much agree with Swoop's changes.

Fraser for Wood - if fit, Fraser's the clear choice for me. Wood's a decent tap ruckman, but ordinary around the ground. Simply, he's not a second ruck. Fraser is, and a very good one.

Presti for Reid/N.Brown - neither of the young players deserve to go out, but Presti is still our best stopper. Possible all three could play if the Cats go with three talls.

Barham for Macaffer - energy, offensive run, and pace, give Jaxson the nod here. Caff's been solid, but is that enough?

Medhurst for Anthony and Wellingham for O'Bree are obvious changes, if fit.

Agree with Tannin - if any other players are not 100%, or close to, then they go out for Barham. But, in the event that everyone's fit, Caff is the unlucky one to miss. Simply, he's the worst performed of the possibles.

Caff may be a good tackler (though had just 1 on Friday), but, he's an in close tackler, not the chase down and pressure type of a Barham. The Cats, this season, are full of pacey smalls - Varcoe, Chapman, Ablett, Byrnes, Stokes and are want to fiddle in the middle. Limiting the time and space they have to work with is key. Barham is our absolute best in this aspect, whereas Caff lacks the pace and stamina.

[Dave The Man]

Very Tough Game - 50/50 Game

[Tannin]

Caff may be a good tackler (though had just 1 on Friday), but, he's an in close tackler, not the chase down and pressure type of a Barham. The Cats, this season, are full of pacey smalls - Varcoe, Chapman, Ablett, Byrnes, Stokes and are want to fiddle in the middle. Limiting the time and space they have to work with is key. Barham is our absolute best in this aspect, whereas Caff lacks the pace and stamina.

Good points. You know, when I get right down to it, so long as we have Cloke, Dawes, and Jolly as out talls up forward (Fraser or Wood instead of Jolly as appropriate) I don't think we need JA. Of all the players in te side, he is the easiest one to do without. The Caff is a better tackler, is far more versatile being able to play back, centre, or forward, can score goals, and take a mark.

Like you. I want to get Barham in, and for the same reasons. But I am still backing my judgement that Caff is getting that little bit better every week and is due for his breakout game any day now. Plus he has a good, solid build - not to be ignored against the well-muscled Cats.

So, my final* changes:

Out: JA, Macaffer
In: Barham, Macaffer

* .... for a given value of "final"

But if Medhurst is fit and/or Ball is not fit, we need to think again.

[Doc63]

So, my final* changes:

Out: JA, Macaffer
In: Barham, Macaffer

Please explain!!

[AN_Inkling]

Yeah, I'd have Anthony out before Caff. Just depends on who we have available, because I'd have a fit Medhurst ahead of Macaffer. Like you, I'd prefer to have Caff in, as well as Barham and Medhurst, just as I'd want all of Presti, Reid and N.Brown. This is the problem with depth - even deserving players are not assured of selection.

I'd not be unhappy with pretty much any mix of players, but those I'd like to see in, if fully fit, would be: Wellingham, Medhurst, Fraser, Presti, Barham

It would be a surprise though, if all made it - 5 changes after a very good win would be unusual.

[Donny]

Whoa !

Will you please allow a reasonable time for members to savour/comment on our previous match before starting a Pre Match thread.

This is Sunday.

I've asked DaVe86 to have his preview ready by Tuesday evening. He puts a big effort into these previews and they will preface the Pre Match threads.

Some matches are on Monday nights and could involve our next oppo.

I realise this match v. Cats is our biggest test, yet, so I'll sticky this thread and add Dave's preview when he submits it.

Future Pre Match topics will start on Tuesday nights.

[jimbeam]

IN Wellingham, Medhurst, Fraser
OUT Obree, Jack, Wood

Its not that hard to beat Geelong, dont turn the ball over when we have possession, when the cats have the ball run and chase hard, tackle and close down all the open space..

[John Wren]

IN Wellingham, Medhurst, Fraser
OUT Obree, Jack, Wood

Its not that hard to beat Geelong, dont turn the ball over when we have possession, when the cats have the ball run and chase hard, tackle and close down all the open space..

clearly easier said than done.

[Big T]

Leon doesn't look 100% ATM. He looks like he needs a rest probably carrying some niggle.

I initially agreed, however Leon has been playing a far better defensive role this year, perhaps thats a factor as well. But if he isnt 100% then for sure he shoould be rested, getting older is our Leon!

[Usurper]

Leon doesn't look 100% ATM. He looks like he needs a rest probably carrying some niggle.

I initially agreed, however Leon has been playing a far better defensive role this year, perhaps thats a factor as well. But if he isnt 100% then for sure he shoould be rested, getting older is our Leon!

I also thought Leon was quite good against the Dockers actually.

[jimbeam]

IN Wellingham, Medhurst, Fraser
OUT Obree, Jack, Wood

Its not that hard to beat Geelong, dont turn the ball over when we have possession, when the cats have the ball run and chase hard, tackle and close down all the open space..

clearly easier said than done.

for sure but its what we do best, so it shouldn't be a problem if we can break even in the midfield, thats why Wellingham is so critical, Obree and Ball are too slow to be in the same side..

[watt price tully]

IN Wellingham, Medhurst, Fraser
OUT Obree, Jack, Wood

Its not that hard to beat Geelong, dont turn the ball over when we have possession, when the cats have the ball run and chase hard, tackle and close down all the open space..

Not too bad at all. If Wellingham is not fit then OB stays in. Wood / Fraser is interesting but I suppose Fraser in. Medhusrt for Jack is basic if fit. The other change I would bring is Presti for N Brown & actively consider Barham to change for Macca.

While a lot of people don't like him, our BOG in the 2's in the last 2 weeks that I know of has been the Anvil & clearly the best. I'm not saying bring him in straight away & at this time is behind Dawes but he offers competitiveness with an oomph. His goal kicking yesterday was very good as it was the week before. Frankstion of course are not competitive & are struck down by injury.
Again I'm not advocating for him to be included this week but does give us depth.

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.