Changes for Port Adelaide (Official teams named)

[cruiser]

How did McGlynn go on the weekend? Our forward line needs him desperately. I think he is the difference to see us beat Port.

[dimelb]

Easily in our best 22, and will be for some years!

Indeed - I think Smith is often in our top 6.

[Primmy]

Smiffy is going to be one of those "what! 100 games already!" players. I think he is fantastic.

We need wins on the board, we have blooded a whole heap of kids already, we have to keep things balanced to win as many games as possible to make the finals, and that is the first priority from game 11 onwards. We will take the best we have got balanced against the opposition.
I can see Curry getting a gig, but not yet.
I can see LJ getting a gig, but I don't think quite yet.
I can't wait for Reid to get a gig, someone who is actually being fine tuned into a KP defensive position which is not always the go....they all seem to want the midfield spots and he is a great defense, but he is only just developing and is still looking like a bit of bamboo, will have to wait on him for a bit.
Vespa, don't know what is going on there, but he blows hot and cold.
MOD is a fantastic ressies player.
We should see Cambo again this year.
Barlow....oh dear. Why oh why bloody can't he be a terrific player. Its like watching a beautiful expensive outfit disintegrating after its first wash. I nominate Ed as the most frustrating player we have had in years.
TDL should make an appearance sooner rather than later.
But, I cannot see any of the others battering down the door by the end of this year.

[aardvark]

Indeed - I think Smith is often in our top 6.

Nick Smith "The Quiet Assassin". Any selector who even thinks of dropping him is in big trouble.

[ScottH]

Nick Smith "The Quiet Assassin". Any selector who even thinks of dropping him is in big trouble.

good one, I was thing BP, the quiet achiever, but I like yours better.

[bigswan]

I agree completely with Primmy. Too many young players in a side can make it too inexperienced and lacking physical strength. But after another pre-season we have a lot to look forward to in these players. Add Tom Mitchell!

[Damien]

good one, I was thing BP, the quiet achiever, but I like yours better.

Let's not use that one!!! Not sure BP are the quiet achievers they used to be haha Just ask residents of the Gulf of Mexico in the US!!!

[ScottH]

Let's not use that one!!! Not sure BP are the quiet achievers they used to be haha Just ask residents of the Gulf of Mexico in the US!!!

Not really. They are quietly achieving great headlines at the moment!!!

[RogueSwan]

I see talk about Hank pulling up sore, what about Jack? Didn't he take a hard knock to the head? I realise he was up and about pretty quickly but still....

[Hartijon]

I see talk about Hank pulling up sore, what about Jack? Didn't he take a hard knock to the head? I realise he was up and about pretty quickly but still....

What a shame if Hank can't play but I am sure the medical team will do everything in its power to get him on the field.Otherwise we might have to replace this key player with someone boring like Lewis Johnstone .That would be a painful decision for the conservative selectors, perhaps they might have to even consider restructuring the forward line which has failed to kick significant score with the likes of TDL and Vez? Now wouldn't that be boring too! I liken this period to when some were demanding Smith come into the team and all the excuses under the sun came out as to why he was not in the top 22. I think Smith proved the doubters wrong! I think these other guys would do the same.

[Matty10]

Playfair stays in the side until Bradshaw returns and even then still might hold his place

I agree. Playfair is very important to our team and we need options. It is pointless for others to suggest that he should be dropped because he is not in our long term plans - the fact remains that he is in our plans for the rest of the year - who knows if Bradshaw will remain fit, or if White will continue to show promise (keeping Playfair in gives him and the team more time to gel). Also, Playfair is a great foil to White & Goodes and provides another avenue forward - and his form warrants selection.

Interesting comment by an Essendon supporter to me today. He said Goodes was always going to be the one who was going to win the game for us. He said he had Hocking on him and 2 coming back on him constantly that forced Goodes wide on leads. He said Goodes's last quarter was very good and his constant effort at the footy always had the Dons supporters uneasy. Last week 1 goal 5, this week 2 goals 4 (couple of terrible misses), but turn it round to 5/1 and 4/2 and we all call him a star.

I certainly would not be dropping a player who had six shots on goal either.

Eski has often been a bit weak in physical contests (and it would be great if he could improve in that area), but that is not really why he is in the team. It is his kicking that sets him apart - and when on song he is a great asset for our team.

If there are no injuries it might well be worth waiting till after the break to bring back McGlynn and have another look at the others (TDL etc).

[Hartijon]

Lewis Johnston Its time

I believe its the right time and place to introduce Lewis Johnston into the team. I would put him Full Forward replacing Playfair who has come up sore and has offered little in that position in terms of marks,goals, or crumbing and follow up effort. Against Essendon we really suffered from a lack of target in front of goals and from follow up efforts which allowed Essendon the clear the ball easily from unsuccessful marking attempts. I believe Lewis would give us much needed mobility up front and good recovery and hopefully will at least score a goal or two which is after all what a Full forward is there for. You can pick a guy for his big body,or his pace,or his experience,none of this will win you a game unless he can kick goals. We must have a dangerous goal kicker in front of the big sticks! Bradshaw should have been replaced with a natural goal kicking forward.Its Time!!

[CJK]

And this is based on..... ??

[Hartijon]

4 goals in the reserves and one of the best players,Showing form at a time when we need someone like him to step up. Also based on the fact we are getting nothing from that position to worry any AFL team..even Pt Adelaide!

[Chookbilly]

I would love to see Lewis get a gig, but was there really any need to create another new thread when there's a thread dedicated to changes for the upcoming game agaist port?

I also think if he kicked even 1 goal, we would be getting just as much output as playfair offers, but with an outlook to the future.
Playfair tries hard but his kicking is a liability, which is unacceptable for a forward.