Changes for Round 18 V Western Bulldogs

[liz]

So are you saying we shouldn't give Brabazon a chance?

I'd be pretty pissed if we put 3 years of development into him without giving him a shot.

Those were just my observations based on three+ years of watching all our young'uns in close to every home game they've played and a spattering of Canberra games. I make no claims to be anything other than an amateur enthusiast. But after watching players over an extended period of time you get some feel for their development and their attributes.

At the start of the season, at the pre-season dinner, the coaches commented that they expected Brabazon to play some senior footy this year. But we're 3/4 of the way through the season, have suffered significant injuries and have very little running around in the twos at the moment other than first year players at an early stage in their development. I suspect Brabazon is closer to becoming the player he is capable of becoming than either O'Dwyer or Smith and yet those two have been given the odd senior chance and Brabazon hasn't. He may yet get a chance in the remainder of the season and surprise us with a Barlow-style debut. But he's running of out time and hasn't even been named yet as an emergency this year.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Apologies if it's already been mentioned, but the way of replacing 'make a contest' Henry seems obvious to me: Luke Brennan to do whatever Grundy was doing in the back-line, and Grundy to play in his best position: a traditional full-forward. Even though the SCG might be a postage stamp, I saw enough on the weekend to reinforce my confidence that Grundy really has improved his pace in 2008 and defenders won't just be able to waltz off him if he doesn't take the mark.

I reckon the issue with Grundy is this - up forward, he gets lazy, turns one-dimensional, game watches and can go a bit astray. Down back, he is forced to keep his mind on the job and use the assets he has - a good kick, competitive in the contest, good fitness, and can focus on what's ahead

[hammo]

I agree with SimonH's posts re Fossie and Grundy.

I don't understand why Grundy isn't played in his preferred position, especially with our forwards falling like flies. Hopefully this week he gets his chance.

As for Fosdike, as I have said in another thread I think, if Malceski can come straight back into the senior side after revolutionary knee surgery, then there is no reason why the best runner at the club shouldn't also come straight back in.

[AussieAnge]

I'd like them to change their boots. The number of times they slipped over on Saturday was ridiculous. I know it rained on Friday but the Crows seemed to manage to keep their feet much better than our players.

[Jewels]

I'd like them to change their boots. The number of times they slipped over on Saturday was ridiculous. I know it rained on Friday but the Crows seemed to manage to keep their feet much better than our players.

Watch a replay of any of our games and you'll notice we do that time and time again. It infuriates me how so many of our players are unable to keep their footing.

[NMWBloods]

Watch a replay of any of our games and you'll notice we do that time and time again. It infuriates me how so many of our players are unable to keep their footing.

We've been doing it for decades and decades!

[Robbo]

For those who watch the reserves, who is currently the better player out of Braba and Benny?