Changes for Round 16 V Carltank

[Legs Akimbo]

It's a weird season. Still sitting on 4th place, but most would agree that the top three are miles in front and that the probability of pulling a premiership in 2008 is diminishing to zero.

At the start of the season, Roos alluded to changes and that he'd give the current guard the benefit of the doubt. To his credit he blooded a group of sub 22 year olds and they have stood up. However, as is often the case, the newbies are dropping off in the second half. Add to that some of our seniors looking closer to the end thant might have been expected.

We face a serious conundrum.

So what should Roos do?

Scenario 1: Retain the Newbies and accept that are going to be below their best, but benefit from the experience, pensioning off some of the oldies at the same time and resting some of the walking wounded?
Scenario 2: Rest old newbies and try newer newbies together with failing oldies.
Scenario 3: Play this year's strongest line up (on paper) every week in the belief we can still have a realistic crack once they come good. Don't panic!

[NMWBloods]

Scenario 2.

[swansrule100]

i think we can see some obvious mistakes and problem areas. But solutions include bringing in either white or currie for everitt, what will they bring?

Davis in, he might get 2-3 goals but wont provide that much more. Barlow, Schmidt could come in but again will any of the changes make the much difference.

Our best 22 probably would include a fit and performing davis hall and malceski and we know of the 22 who played today at least 18 of them have played a fair bit better. But we don't really have that much scope for massive change.

The biggest change needs to be in general play and structure. The ball use needs improvement for one. Can this be fixed at this stage? It would seem silly for a team sitting fourth to drop a bunch of senior guys and throw the kids to the wolves. So theres not a lot Roos can do except make the odd change and try to get the guys back in form.

[DST]

Biggest problem at present is that newbies in Jack, Moore (especially) etc need a rest but the next level of newbies are all either injured or coming back from injury and are not ready.

It would seem from all reports our taller players in the reserves (Currie, White, Faulks, Murphy, Brennan and Orreal) have been able to make it out each week.

Roos does not have that many options at present as our midfield running younger players have not been able to string enough games together to demand a spot in the seniors.

Hopefully next year the next group in Barlow, Schmidt, Thornton, DOK, Vespa, Laidlaw, Merideth will remain injury free and be pushing for senior selection.

DST

[NMWBloods]

Apparently Davis hurt his knee in the reserves today.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Getting to the SCG early for a decent seat (yes, an old snob members) Schmidt and Fossie have been the two standout midfielders.

Now Fossie is injured so ruled out but how Schmidt missed today when Smith got a run is beyond me.

Can gut run despite his shape, has clean skills and poise compared to some of the kick and hopers we have in the side.

Slot him in, run him through the midfield for the rest of the season, and see if he confirms what we all instinctively know - he has some ability.

Up to him

[hammo]

If Malceski can come straight back into the seniors after a serious knee injury then I have no idea why Fosdike is forced to return via the twos.

He's the best runner in the club so fitness shouldn't be a worry. Surely if he's over his injury then he can come back in.

I hope the Davis injury (if he is) isn't a worry. We need him in our forward line desperately because Playfair and Buchanan are absolute muppets when it comes to kicking for goal.

Our forward line without Hall would have to be one of the weakest in the competition. Too many players are surviving on reputation alone.

[SimonH]

RWO cries: Sack half the team, especially LRT, Everitt and whoever else played badly this weekend.

Selection reality: Out Buchanan (if suspended), In Malceski.