R22, AFL 2010 Lions V Swans: Gameday & Autopsy

[Xie Shan]

I understand what people are saying about dropping White, but I like the positive influence he has on the team, encouraging team-mates and creating opportunities for the other forwards, it's still a huge ask for Reid to come in and perform in a final in just his second game of footy. I think Jesse has at least earnt the right to be given a chance in the finals.

It's incredible that we are having a discussion about who to drop for the finals, considering the players we have out! We have done very very well to grab 5th spot.

[ShockOfHair]

A very good win with an under-strength side. We needed to continue our good form going into the finals and we polished off the Lions in style.

Jack was Ablett-like
Pyke really stepped up - his best game ever. A couple of great marks and three big tackles.
Josh Kennedy is a Blood. Tough inside player and ran and ran to receive.
The whole backline was sensational Malceski and Grundy in particular.
Sam Reid is a gun. He set up two goals in his first two touches. Watch out Jesse White.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Emma Quayle, who knows her drafts, reckon we got the steal of last year's crop in getting Reid at 38. Now we have seen it at AFL level and it looks sweet.

As for the Black/Kirk thing, people here love Kirky but I reckon if Black played in Melbourne he'd be regarded as one of the greats for his performance over the past decade. A class act and as midfielder as pure as you will see.

Oh - and Jack wins the B&F

[giant]

Emma Quayle, who knows her drafts, reckon we got the steal of last year's crop in getting Reid at 38. Now we have seen it at AFL level and it looks sweet.

As for the Black/Kirk thing, people here love Kirky but I reckon if Black played in Melbourne he'd be regarded as one of the greats for his performance over the past decade. A class act and as midfielder as pure as you will see.

Oh - and Jack wins the B&F

Really? Another super game from Reg who has hardly played a bad game all year. I reckon he might give it a shake. In any event, I think we're in for a first time winner.

[Hartijon]

Glad to finally see what dad's been harping on about with Sam Reid. Dad was in heaven tonight, all the kids he liked in ressies at the start of the year, with the exception of Lewis Johnston, got a run

Second half was MUCH better than the first.

Bring on next week!

Frustrating that the last game of the H and A is the first time we see Reid though. I agree about the youngsters and note that

1.We didn't get beaten by 100 points by playing them
2.None of them appeared permanently damaged by being introduced too soon
3.All the other excuses were also answered quite emphatically

but then I might be deluded. I am really enjoying reading the God delusion but still can't connect it with RWO in any way.

[Big Al]

Vs Brisbane - matchday thread

Frustrating that the last game of the H and A is the first time we see Reid though. I agree about the youngsters and note that

1.We didn't get beaten by 100 points by playing them
2.None of them appeared permanently damaged by being introduced too soon
3.All the other excuses were also answered quite emphatically
.

All that proves is that the coaching staff played them at the right time.

[CJK]

Frustrating that the last game of the H and A is the first time we see Reid though. I agree about the youngsters and note that

1.We didn't get beaten by 100 points by playing them
2.None of them appeared permanently damaged by being introduced too soon
3.All the other excuses were also answered quite emphatically

but then I might be deluded. I am really enjoying reading the God delusion but still can't connect it with RWO in any way.

You're soooo right. Should have put them all in after the Demon loss. We would have been a lock to beat the Cats.

[AnnieH]

Bloody fantastic.

I'm as happy as.

[AnnieH]

Emma Quayle, who knows her drafts, reckon we got the steal of last year's crop in getting Reid at 38. Now we have seen it at AFL level and it looks sweet.

As for the Black/Kirk thing, people here love Kirky but I reckon if Black played in Melbourne he'd be regarded as one of the greats for his performance over the past decade. A class act and as midfielder as pure as you will see.

Oh - and Jack wins the B&F

Would loved to have seen Black in the r&w.
I mentioned tonight that if Son of Garry doesn't win the B&F I'm gunna be demanding a re-count.
How bloody good is he?

[ugg]

From the Roos press-conference

On Reid:

• Well suited to the way the game is played today - Very athletic, good pace, good endurance, good courage. On the cusp for some time, reluctant to play him because it's his first year. Depending on the makeup of the team, and the injured players but regardless whether he plays he has had a taste of AFL footy. The level will go up again next week and that's where we got to be careful but will discuss him during the week.

On Bradshaw:

• Played 60-65 minutes, wait and see how his knee pulls up. Crucial period is the next couple of days whether it's sore or not sore.

On half-time message:

• Bit off our game, got a chance to put a little gap on them, and then a couple of un-Sydney efforts that got them back in the game. Disappointing to let them back in, talked about the things we have been doing right over the last few weeks and we lifted in the second half.

On his 200 game milestone:

• Not much really on the day, people have to remind you of it. When I reflect on it when my coaching career ends, then it might mean something.

On turnaround since Melbourne game:

• Mentioned to players after the game how they've responded over the last 4 weeks and how impressive it's been given the number of quality players we have been missing. Reason for improvement has been players' willingness to play their roles within the team and not worrying about kicks, marks and handballs. Wanted to acknowledge to the players how good they've been playing but it all starts again next week.

On Tadhg:

• Tweaked knee a little late last week, felt a bit uncomfortable on Thurdsay and didn't want to risk him.

On Hanners:

• Slight hamstring tightness - playing on Cross last week, prob hardest game he's played - didn't want to risk him tonight.

On Pyke:

• Mixed bag early - gave away a few free kicks. Competed well and his understanding has improved. Has been in Mumford's shadow a bit but it's a real credit to him given where he was 2 years ago. To lead the ruck for a team going into the finals is a real impressive effort.

On Jack:

• His game has really really improved. Best 4 quarter performance tonight. 1st half when we were struggling he was playing well.

On ANZ:

• Like playing in both venues, have a good finals record at ANZ. Very comfortable playing out there. Mindful of Carlton's talent and players and we'll put a lot of work into them and hopefully we'll come out and play well.

[CJK]

Thanks ugg!

[Hartijon]

All that proves is that the coaching staff played them at the right time.

Geez,thats so obviously right! Why didn't i think of that?The coaching staff are goddam genius,s and that trick they have of turning water into wine is soo cool.Seriuosly I am really pleased that all but 2 of the youngsters with real potential got a run this year and really proved a point even if not everybody gets it!This will set us up nicely for next year. The coaching staff did get it nearly right eventually but clearly it was not just team selection but attitude change which has characterised this last month's improvement.

[aardvark]

I'd love to trade White for another Sam Reid..........

[Bas]

Wins against Demons and Tigers and we're top 4. However, maybe they were losses we had to have.

[ugg]

Nick Smith the human glove - Todd Banfield just 5 touches and one goal. If my memory serves me correctly, Smith laid a great tackle on Proud and was unlucky not to be rewarded with a HTB free kick, the ball spilt out and Banfield kicked the goal unopposed.