Changes for Rnd. 9 v Hawthorn.. (Return of the Eski!)

[CJK]

No really changes related, but I just bought the 200th Red Zone member pass

I bought the 118th and 119th this time last week for the Port game so I think that means we're in for a bigger crowd, which will please 'that' bunch.

That's 5 people I've brought the to the last 3 games. Hold your applause. OK, keep going then.

[Untamed Snark]

No really changes related, but I just bought the 200th Red Zone member pass

I bought the 118th and 119th this time last week for the Port game so I think that means we're in for a bigger crowd, which will please 'that' bunch.

That's 5 people I've brought the to the last 3 games. Hold your applause. OK, keep going then.

Unless number 200 follows directlt on from last week's numbering...

[CJK]

Very good.

[GongSwan]

I've long held the view White should be tried as a key position defender. He's big, he can crash a pack, he's quick for his size, and a pretty good kick.
The two areas he struggles with..
1) Taking contested marks, as a defender in contested situations you are required to spoil not mark.
2) He goes missing for long stretches during games, as a defender he doesn't have to chase possessions, just defend when the ball comes his opponents way.
I think he's physically well suited as a defender. Apparently he played well when put down back last weekend, I hope they persist because he looks a shot duck, as a permanent key forward.

Yep, I couldn't agree more, and I've said b4, going back can sometimes teach a player how to read the ball better as a forward, it's certainly worth a try, we're not getting much out of a player who showed a lot of promise. He might be in line for a trade to GWS for a good draft pick?

[BeeEmmAre]

I'm bringing four this week. Unfortunately, at least three will be barracking for the enemy. However, only one is a genuine Hawthorn supporter. Another I have hopes of converting from the other game.

[Bleed Red Blood]

I suspect having no ressies this week has stymied the club somewhat, they probably really want to get some gametime in him and bring him up to speed but if it is this week, they have no option but to play him in the seniors.

Is it at all possible that the Swans can apply to the SFL to throw someone in for a game?

[Auntie.Gerald]

im keen as we have 21 other players on the up for him to lean on and they will rise up at the SCG this weekend !!!

[giant]

Any word on Rohan's injury? The club seems to be a bit coy about this.

[ernie koala]

Any word on Rohan's injury? The club seems to be a bit coy about this.

Yeah, that dreaded word....."indefinite"... makes me think we won't be seeing him anytime soon.

[dimelb]

Yeah, that dreaded word....."indefinite"... makes me think we won't be seeing him anytime soon.

And for an injury in the GYM! Bugger!

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Word is that Rohan's injury isn't as bad as first thought, despite his indefinite tag.

[liz]

I take the indefinite in Rohan;s case to be "can't put a time on it" rather than "long term". Matt Cameron is pretty positive about his progress in this week's injury wrap.

[Slade]

I think we will see Grundy on Buddy - he did pretty well last year whilst the game was on the line, Buddy kicked three of his four goals in junk time in the last quarter.

For my predictions of team changes I think they will bring Mal in for Nipper and use Mal as the sub. The only other in I can see is TDL but who is he going to replace - maybe Jetta who has not contributed much over the last four games but as TDL and Jetta play different roles it is not a straight swap so may not work in the team plan.

[ShockOfHair]

Any ideas on matchups? Something like:

Grundy on Buddy
ROK on Hodge
JPK on Mitchell
Shaw on Rioli
LRT, Ted share the load on Roughead in the forward line.

[Hartijon]

Mal coming in makes team selection harder. The backline is strong already so his return would have a neutral effect until he hits his straps which surely would not be the first game after a long break.Some suggest using him as a sub but coming on for a limited time may make him overcommit his body rather than relax back into his role.
His return makes it harder for TDL to get picked although we need a sharp shooter like him rather desperately I would argue.The question of who to drop then looms as a really hard choice. Nipper? is perhaps the only one you could 1/2 justify. Someone will be unlucky if TDL is selected as well.
White in defence? With AJ playing well and LJ coming on in defense,LRT back,Reg,Shaw,Smith and Marty playing well we are not exactly short in this area. IMO its a Vespa situation,we have invested a lot already,we have genuinely tried him ,it didn't work, give the kid another chance to make it somewhere else. It might be him it might be the club who knows?