Team vs Melbourne

[sharpie]

While we are riding high on the wave of success, thought I'd jump in first to raise the selection "headaches" that will be faced on Thursday.

Doyle showed us what he has to offer and should continue to get better with more time in the ruck. LRT didn't really disgrace himself either, definitely better than his game against Freo. Saddo may just gain enormous confidence and I think Roos will ease him back towards the other end of the ground, but he can definitely offer plenty up forward. Bevan is proving a great find.

Davis and Magic are surely close to being selected. Who goes? Do you make changes to a winning formula? Do we have too much height? Is Shauble ready to come back? Do we even need him rushed back?

I cant wait to see a forward line something like this:
FF: Schneider O'Loughlin Saddington
HF: Davis Hall O'Keefe

I think Ablett has to be struggling to keep his place, and surely will be the first cut. But who is next? The only two I could suggest would be LRT and McVeigh, but that would almost be cruel to either of them. McVeigh hasnt put a foot wrong, and LRT showed his improvement after a week in the 2s where he dominated, so is it really any benefit for him to go back again?

Can't wait to find out all the answers on Thursday!

[midaro]

Ablett and LRT were the inclusions for Nicky & Micky.

IMO they'll be the first to go, when Nicky & Micky come back in.

But that is far from certain for next week.

Schauble will play reserves before seniors, so he's still a way off.

[stellation]

if Schauble was fit I would love to have him against Melbourne to spend some time on Neitz. But I doubt he will be fit enough for that by next week.

There had been some talk in the lead up to this rounds Port vs. Melbourne game with Tredrea vs. Neitz as big powerful forwards at each end. Interesting to see if Barry will get the same sort of acknowledgement.

[ScottH]

Whatever the decision, It is the best headache Roos could hope for, as the article said last week.
I guess the big difference between Mcveigh and LRT is a size option.

[ScottH]

Originally posted by stellation
if Schauble was fit I would love to have him against Melbourne to spend some time on Neitz.

Yes that would be great, but on recent performances, James and Bolton, would have to be good options for Neitz. They have both performed well on bigger opponents.

[midaro]

Brad Green & Cameron Bruce are they key to Melbourne - pure class.

Who takes them?
Leo & Kennelly?

[Newbie]

Originally posted by midaro
Ablett and LRT were the inclusions for Nicky & Micky.

IMO they'll be the first to go, when Nicky & Micky come back in.

But that is far from certain for next week.

Schauble will play reserves before seniors, so he's still a way off.

Albett and O'Keefe out for Nicky and Micky. With Saddo up forward, we are short down back and LRT would be of value there.

Anyway, we got a week to get this right. Why not just enjoy the win for the moment.

[sharpie]

Originally posted by Newbie
we are short down back and LRT would be of value there.

But LRT still has never really played down back at all

[Newbie]

Originally posted by sharpie
But LRT still has never really played down back at all

He played back in his first year in 2's. They are trying to ease him to be a key defender. We might want to throw out the challenge to see how far he is still away the requirement. With him or without him, we need a good height defender down back, particularly if Saddo is not going to spend much time there.

[sharpie]

I actually dont think Saddo playing at FF is going to become a regular fixture, maybe just in the short term. I think it was all part of getting his confidence up. As such, I would expect Roos to slowly move him further down the field, until he can once again play in the defense, as I think that is where he has to play for us to be ultimately successful. We have the forwards, but not a water-tight defense YET. Now, putting him straight back there will achieve nothing, but as his confidence grows, I believe Roos' vision will become a reality and Saddo will become that CHB that we are craving.

On the other hand, Saddo may become the next Tarrant! Big call, but they have similar builds, and Saddo clearly prefers to make the ball his priority as opposed to his opposition, which may mean he really is suited to be a key forward. So we shall see.

[SWANSBEST]

I would love to see Nick and Mick both play but only if they are 100 per cent fit or very close. . From what I have seen of Mick this year he certainly has not looked fit . I realise that he will never be totally fit but I would rather see a bloke play who can put in a maximum effort rather than be hampered by injury.

[stellation]

Originally posted by Newbie
Albett and O'Keefe out for Nicky and Micky. With Saddo up forward, we are short down back and LRT would be of value there.

Good point. If we go on the immediate form of the past match (which folks seem to be doing with viewing Bevan above McVeigh for selection) then you would think that ROK might be a chance to go down for a week or two? Which actually seems a bit crazy now that I think of it... but I do think we need space for a mobile tall down back, even if in reserve coming off the bench (i.e. LRT)

[sharpie]

Originally posted by stellation
If we go on the immediate form of the past match (which folks seem to be doing with viewing Bevan above McVeigh for selection)

I'm not so sure about this now. Neither player has done a thing wrong yet this season, but Bevan was outstanding today, while McViegh just went about his business as usual. I actually think Bevo may be moving slightly ahead at this point.

[CureTheSane]

I'd say Ablett hasn't done as much as the others to retain his spt, so he'd be the first to go.

I think against Melbourne LRT and Doyle will both be needed.
So I think it will get down to team balance and match ups against Melbourne.

[stellation]

Originally posted by sharpie
I actually think Bevo may be moving slightly ahead at this point.

I am perfectly willing to admit that I probably put McVeigh ahead of Bevan just because he is a lot better looking.