Morton's game

[Beerman]

We watched him [Reid] closely from bay 123 and thought the same. Spent a lot of the game just standing around near O'Brien, hands on hips and when he was involved, barely any second efforts. I don't think he'll be dropped, too important for forward structure, but someone should have a word and tell him what's required. Poor game and I'm surprised anyone is defending it.

Morton on the other hand is full of second efforts, never gives up. Thought he had one of those games where influence is not measured well by the stats - best example being his work leading to the Jetta goal. Some of the perceived slowness is, I think, down to the fact that he's quite a big lad and tends to "lumber" a bit.

Perhaps the difference is that one knows that his spot is on the line in a grand final team.

[SwallowdaFonz]

I reckon I'd think about having McGlynn as the sub, bring him on for an impact late but don't trust his hammy to last the whole game. That would leave Morton in the starting side, and yes you couldn't drop Reid now.

[Rob-bloods]

For me Grundy is a real worry. The Final vs Bulldogs looms large when he dropped his pants to Bazza, and he was flaky Friday night against and out of form attack, he goes to ground far too easily (and often) and his clangers are always big ones, handballs direct to opposition and short kicks up the corridor, if he has one of his "bad" games Saturday we are in big trouble.
I'd leave Morton in, he has played more at the G than anyone in the squad I would think, and he could just spark the forward line. If McGlynn is fit I would suspect Parker would be under pressure, and McGlynn might be on the pine, although can McGlynn really prove himself ready for a Grannie?

[Rob-bloods]

For me Grundy is a real worry. The Final vs Bulldogs looms large when he dropped his pants to Bazza, and he was flaky Friday night against an out of form attack, he goes to ground far too easily (and often) and his clangers are always big ones, handballs direct to opposition and short kicks up the corridor, if he has one of his "bad" games Saturday we are in big trouble.
I'd leave Morton in, he has played more at the G than anyone in the squad I would think, and he could just spark the forward line. If McGlynn is fit I would suspect Parker would be under pressure, and McGlynn might be on the pine, although can McGlynn really prove himself ready for a Grannie?

[crackedactor]

Is Reid Fit?

Player ratings on AFL site.....

Mitch Morton - 7
The stats sheet doesn't show it, but Morton should have done enough to ensure a Grand Final spot. He was a standout when it came to forward pressure. A tackle on Dane Swan five minutes into the second quarter led to a turnover and Josh Kennedy goal, and a gutsy second effort to chase and tackle Alan Toovey in the third quarter forced the Magpie to misfire a handball straight to Lewis Jetta for a goal. He also could have put the game beyond doubt early in last quarter when he won a free kick for a tackle on Harry O'Brien, but his set shot hit the post. Was subbed off a short time later.

Sam Reid - 2
Very quiet. Only four disposals and didn't kick a goal. Took a good intercept mark early in the second quarter and found Pyke, but Pyke missed the shot. Should have had a goal early in the third quarter but dropped a sitter of a mark.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsartic...4/default.aspx

Pretty good assessment of both. Morton was OK and made some good tackles, so his game was OK. Reid was very ordinary I felt. I noticed a couple of times when he chased, he did not look to be 100% fit. His form and fitness is a concern. I hope Horse does not play him unless 100% fit, otherwise Morton deserves another go. I am also concerned about Parker's from since he has come back from injury. From memory he has played only one decent game during his comeback. His place in the team is borderline, though it is difficult being a sub.

[Lucky Knickers]

Reid seemed to spend a lot of time quite high up the ground and appeared to be marking Goldsack at times (perhaps it was just the way the zone was set tho'), particularly in the first qtr, with LRT playing deeper forward. He then took Taz on a few adventures up the wing as well. Was this a different role than usual?

Whoever misses is very unlucky. I wouldn't play McGlynn as the sub. I'd let him start if he's fit. If there is any doubt then he needs to give way.
The guy is absolutely instrumental to our success this year. If there is one player, besides Jude, that I know will give everything he has to keep us in the game it is one Benny McGlynn.
Deserves it over Morton, Parker and Pyke.

[Hartijon]

For me Grundy is a real worry. The Final vs Bulldogs looms large when he dropped his pants to Bazza, and he was flaky Friday night against an out of form attack, he goes to ground far too easily (and often) and his clangers are always big ones, handballs direct to opposition and short kicks up the corridor, if he has one of his "bad" games Saturday we are in big trouble.
I'd leave Morton in, he has played more at the G than anyone in the squad I would think, and he could just spark the forward line. If McGlynn is fit I would suspect Parker would be under pressure, and McGlynn might be on the pine, although can McGlynn really prove himself ready for a Grannie?

I agree about Reg but when he is good he is really good ,when bad.....oh well its too late now!
Feel sorry for Parker! I have had both the injuries he has had and cannot believe his courage to come back so quickly! He must play with pain killers and suffer during the week.The edge has gone off his play as a result but I feel in a granny he would not care and would throw himself in as recklessly as he started the year doing.McGlynne is all courage too but hamstrings are really tested in a granny and we CANNOT afford to be one man down because he does his Hammy again.Its not worth the risk. Morton must play because he has generated more goals in 3 games than others have in a lot more.Reid is there as our Tomahawk! I hope he rises to the challenge and pulls down some great marks and kicks a bag. (one can always hope!)