North Melbourne pre-game discussion (with teams)

[Lucky Knickers]

I see LRT playing FF - hark back to 2003??????

I looked in my crystal knickers for that...

[hammo]

The extent of the changes could still be IN: Bevan, Richards OUT: Bird, Playfair.

It's a very conservative team as always regardless of the final bench. A brave coach would have shaken up some of the experienced under-performers by naming them on the extended bench (Shaw, Mattner etc) and named the likes of TDL, Meredith, Vesz, Johnston in the starting 18.

To me this strikes me as yet another "final chance" for the senior players to make amends - the final chance that keeps on giving. Once again Roos has squibbed it.

End of vent.

[giant]

As much as it's lovely to see the new boys, Bevo & Richards would make sense given Norf's smalls and talls forward line. That would suggest a defender would have to make way for them tho?

[laughingnome]

A brave coach would have shaken up some of the experienced under-performers by naming them on the extended bench (Shaw, Mattner etc) and named the likes of TDL, Meredith, Vesz, Johnston in the starting 18.

I was under the impression that the 18 named on Thursday are definite starters barring injury with the extended bench to cover such an event. That is, if named on the field on Thursday Night there has to be a good reason if they don't run out in the 22 on Game Day. Is this incorrect?

[hammo]

I was under the impression that the 18 named on Thursday are definite starters barring injury with the extended bench to cover such an event. That is, if named on the field on Thursday Night there has to be a good reason if they don't run out in the 22 on Game Day. Is this incorrect?

You are 100% correct, which is why I'm saying I'd rather have seen Johnston / Meredith etc in the 18 so we know they'd definitely be playing. In other words, Roos has signaled with this team that the only changes will be those forced by injury rather than form, not playing to team rules etc. Extraordinary after he labeled them the worst team in the comp.

[Bas]

I looked in my crystal knickers for that...

Whilst you're looking, look out for the stalacmites.

Rain is predicted for Sunday in Sydney. The ground at the SCG was quit heavy during the kiddies clinic. We had a bucketful of rain overnight. So that will have to affect team selection.

[chalbilto]

Whilst you're looking, look out for the stalacmites.

Rain is predicted for Sunday in Sydney. The ground at the SCG was quit heavy during the kiddies clinic. We had a bucketful of rain overnight. So that will have to affect team selection.

The weather gods have not been kind to the Swans this year with their home games. I have never rated them a strong wet track specialists. Their "renowned" congestsed play with plenty of stoppages, flooding, yadda, yadda yadda makes them slower and more unatractive to watch and frankly I would like to see a variation of the game plan which, hopefully, Longmire may instigate. I think that Roosy game style is now outdated. Opposition teams have successfully dismantled the Swans game plan viz; Geelong, Saints, Magpies, Freo, Adelaide (up to this year) etc. Anyway I will still be cheering and hoping (and getting frustrated).

[ugg]

Umpires (W/L records since 2005)

9. Matt Stevic 10 wins 8 losses 55.56%
15. Matt Nicholls 3 wins 3 losses 50.00%
25. Shaun Ryan 9 wins 10 losses 2 draws 42.86%

[mcs]

Oh I despise Shaun Ryan- he is a dreadful umpire at the best of times. Something about being an umpire and bald/balding that guarantees that they are hopeless at the best of times.

It would be great to see Johnston get a run, but I doubt he will especially if it rains, but maybe with Bradshaw out for another couple the point might be reached that Roos simply has to take a chance on him.

[swansrob]

Interesting no White.


On the interchange I'm guessing Pyke, Vez, TDL and Bevan. I wish it was LJ but I think this is his first appearance on the list.

I thought I read somewhere during that White was injured? Can anyone confirm?

I think that will probably be the bench as well. Would love to see LJ get a run, but doens't seem to happen often with the first appearance in the 25. It shows he is close though. Another good game or two in the ressies, and we should see him.

[smasher]

Rain again,I hope not as it would be a good to see Johnston get a game at CHF as North have Robbie Tarrant named at CHF for his first match.
I hope to see Vesz get a run and I am also concerned about Bird re injuring his foot so soon.I hope he can recover as we have seen a couple of careers succumb to these foot complaints.

[lwjoyner]

Recalls for Bevan and Richards are a cert. Cant see the conservative selectors going for Lj or either Vez or Merry. Should go for Vez and Johnno but they wont.

[ugg]

Goodes to revive shaky Swans | The Daily Telegraph

Roos won't drop any players from last week's shock loss to Richmond, with only two new players to come into the side for injured forwards Craig Bird and Henry Playfair.

The coaching staff will decide today on whether to promote Richards or Johnston for Playfair and Meredith or Veszpremi for Bird.

Bevan remains on standby for defender Martin Mattner, who is in doubt for the clash with the Kangaroos because of a corked leg.

[Jewels]

Recalls for Bevan and Richards are a cert. Cant see the conservative selectors going for Lj or either Vez or Merry. Should go for Vez and Johnno but they wont.

Why on earth do you say that?
It drives me nuts on here the way so many bang on and on about the "conservative" selectors. You've got as much idea as me on who will be selected and the reasoning behind it.
The "conservative" selections last week had neither Bevo nor Ted in the ranks and if I recall correctly, most on here were happy with the final team and look how magnificently that worked out.
Here's a suggestion, post your negative garbage AFTER the final team list is released when you actually may have something to complain about.
Already your "cert" selections are looking like they won't happen.

[hammo]

Bevan remains on standby for defender Martin Mattner, who is in doubt for the clash with the Kangaroos because of a corked leg.

Another brave decision by the match committee!