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While I do think the changes are uninspiring and conservative, there are some reasonable explanations.
Everitt will almost certainly get the sub vest and clearly the coaches rate his versatility. I reckon Spangher could play the same range of roles as Everitt but none of us knows what his fitness levels are like yet, and they may well want to keep getting more game time into him in the reserves so he can come in and make a strong contribution in the second half of the season. I don't think there is anyone else on our list (who is fit) who offers the versatility that these two provide.
Eski, when fit and firing, is one of the top half dozen offensive players in our squad, IMO. He knows how to find the ball and moves it forward quickly. He played some pretty good football earlier in the season. However, I suspect he is a player whose form tapers off quickly when he is sore, and the ongoing issues he has had with his knees I reckon make him more susceptible than most. I am speculating that this is why he has dropped off over the past few weeks. Notwithstanding that his form hasn't been great, I still think that - right now - he is more likely to contribute to a win than, say Harry. It comes down to when you give inexperienced players games just to start giving them a chance vs maximising the likelihood of winning a particular game. We supporters love seeing young players come in and get their chances, but I don't think Harry has exactly been knocking the door down with his form in the reserves. He has been solid and I think he continues to look like a very good prospect but he is being trialled in different roles.
The reality is that we don't have that much depth right now. We are missing 4 players who would be automatic first team choices, all of our main list draftees from last year are still getting their bodies ready for senior AFL, as is Lamb. Moore, I suspect, has his cards marked and won't get a game this year unless we become desparate (unfair though that might seem). Spangher has a history of injuries so you can understand why they are being cautious. White, Walsh, Heath and Seaby best fit into roles already covered in the senior team. Goodness knows what is going on with Meredith. For all the goals he has kicked, I don't think Morton's tackling and overall work rate has been remotely close to AFL standard, based on what I've seen of him this year. And Harry and Nipper have a total of 3 games senior experience between them and have had fluctuating NEAFL form.
We have lost two tough, in-and-under, smallish players and the reality is we don't currently have ready replacements running around in the twos.
Everitt will almost certainly get the sub vest and clearly the coaches rate his versatility. I reckon Spangher could play the same range of roles as Everitt but none of us knows what his fitness levels are like yet, and they may well want to keep getting more game time into him in the reserves so he can come in and make a strong contribution in the second half of the season. I don't think there is anyone else on our list (who is fit) who offers the versatility that these two provide.
Eski, when fit and firing, is one of the top half dozen offensive players in our squad, IMO. He knows how to find the ball and moves it forward quickly. He played some pretty good football earlier in the season. However, I suspect he is a player whose form tapers off quickly when he is sore, and the ongoing issues he has had with his knees I reckon make him more susceptible than most. I am speculating that this is why he has dropped off over the past few weeks. Notwithstanding that his form hasn't been great, I still think that - right now - he is more likely to contribute to a win than, say Harry. It comes down to when you give inexperienced players games just to start giving them a chance vs maximising the likelihood of winning a particular game. We supporters love seeing young players come in and get their chances, but I don't think Harry has exactly been knocking the door down with his form in the reserves. He has been solid and I think he continues to look like a very good prospect but he is being trialled in different roles.
The reality is that we don't have that much depth right now. We are missing 4 players who would be automatic first team choices, all of our main list draftees from last year are still getting their bodies ready for senior AFL, as is Lamb. Moore, I suspect, has his cards marked and won't get a game this year unless we become desparate (unfair though that might seem). Spangher has a history of injuries so you can understand why they are being cautious. White, Walsh, Heath and Seaby best fit into roles already covered in the senior team. Goodness knows what is going on with Meredith. For all the goals he has kicked, I don't think Morton's tackling and overall work rate has been remotely close to AFL standard, based on what I've seen of him this year. And Harry and Nipper have a total of 3 games senior experience between them and have had fluctuating NEAFL form.
We have lost two tough, in-and-under, smallish players and the reality is we don't currently have ready replacements running around in the twos.
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