Changes for Rnd 17 v The Saints.

[The_Jam]

I often wonder why we stay with such a tall forward line besides the obvious: it is working so why change it? And today I remembered a comment by Roos that may be telling of the thinking.

I don?t remember which game, but a while ago Roos said that the coaching panel consider LRT to be quite good below his knees. Add to that Goodes? skills at roving (that is, when he bothers to pick the ball up) and we might have a forward line that plays ?smaller? than its height would suggest.

The only problem with this theory, I think, is that it in practice our forward lines works well when we are taking contested marks and is rather lame when we are not (when we start to rely on midfield goals). So I don?t know, but it might be what the coaches are thinking.

Nevertheless, on LRT staying in the team, I thought he was on fire before he was subbed off in the last game. He was really looking comfortable and I thought, along with the Brisbane game, it was a really good sign that our forward line starting to gel. And while Parker, when fit, is in the best 22 (and, on the form he was in, probably top 10) I don't want to mess with the forward line that is starting to work.

[ugg]

Same extended squad as last week. i.e. no Parker

[liz]

Same extended squad as last week. i.e. no Parker

Guess they would prefer him to play a full game with the reserves rather than languish on the pine for 3/4s in the fluoro vest.

[GongSwan]

Parks will be an in for the Cold Toast game, bit risky bringing in an underdone player for a big game, maybe learned from the Goodes timing

[Primmy]

What liz said. Still, I miss the little unit.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Last time we played the Saints, some RWOers were concerend we were going in too tall (especially down back) and we'd have trouble keeping up with the Saints mosquito fleet at Etihad.
That ended up being one of the reasons we lost. If there are no changes to the team this week we will if anything be slightly more top heavy than that.
Is this a worry?
Maybe, but some things will be different:
1) The Swans media machine is talking up Parker, which suggests that LRT's brain may still be rattling and he will be replaced by Parker (which would increase our legspeed a bit).
2) Last time Pike got ambushed by Blake, l cant see Mummy falling for that nonsense.
3) It's at the SCG

Oopsy, I totally misread the Parker-love, it clearly wasn't evidence of likely inclusion. Was it random or public encouragement, who knows.
On the whole legspeed thing, the Saints have included Milera in their extended squad, it appears they may intend to try to test us in that direction.

[Dirtyburt]

I fired up my Crystal Ball and picked up Thursday's transmission. Team Announcement: Sydney Swans - no changes.

Genius

[Hartijon]

Genius

A settled side's net positive effect outways any advantage that might be gained by trialling a new player at this stage. Provided everyone is doing their job we have a UNIT that works. Familiarity with the style of play around you helps everyone know where to run,how long the kick will be,how fast the handball will come out etc etc.A well oiled machine is better than the parts that make it up or to quote an old football clique" A Champion team will always beat a team of champions."

Feel sorry for TDL but his chance could come through one single injury as could the others in the two's whose form has been great.

[BillyRayCypress]

Parker hasn't been around long enough to walk staright in to firsts.

[jono2707]

I reckon if LRT doesn't come up they'll throw TDL in - I would expect Parks to get the run in the 2's to set him up for a good run to the finals. I didn't get the crystal ball out this time though, it's just the vibe...

[Chilcott]

I reckon if LRT doesn't come up they'll throw TDL in - I would expect Parks to get the run in the 2's to set him up for a good run to the finals. I didn't get the crystal ball out this time though, it's just the vibe...

I agree Dennis.

[BSA5]

Oopsy, I totally misread the Parker-love, it clearly wasn't evidence of likely inclusion. Was it random or public encouragement, who knows.
On the whole legspeed thing, the Saints have included Milera in their extended squad, it appears they may intend to try to test us in that direction.

I wish them luck with that on the SCG.

[ShockOfHair]

The extra leg-speed will help propel them onto the ground from their temporary changeroom.

[Dirtyburt]

A settled side's net positive effect outways any advantage that might be gained by trialling a new player at this stage. Provided everyone is doing their job we have a UNIT that works. Familiarity with the style of play around you helps everyone know where to run,how long the kick will be,how fast the handball will come out etc etc.A well oiled machine is better than the parts that make it up or to quote an old football clique" A Champion team will always beat a team of champions."

Feel sorry for TDL but his chance could come through one single injury as could the others in the two's whose form has been great.

Completely agree, no need to change a side that is winning and playing good footy

[CJK]

No changes confirmed on Twitter

EDIT - linky - COOKIES NomNomNom