Changes for Rd.4 V The Cats

[Captain]

Please don't have Mitch as the sub!

[DLBIA14]

I really like Mitch. He knows he has to constantly impress to stay in this side. No doubt he'll be busting his arse laying on as much forward pressure as he can. Bit surprised they just didn't put Bird in the 21 though. Hope Rampe steps up. Go Swans!

[liz]

I was a little disappointed when I read that Everitt had been dropped as I think he's been useful and, with some continuity of game time, might even develop into the type of utility that his athletic prowess suggests he might. But on reflection, it is a sign of being a very strong side (did anyone mention Reigning Premiers?) with a pretty healthy list. Good players land up stuck in the reserves.

I wasn't surprised at Bird given how little game time he's had in the last two weeks. It will be interesting to compare how he goes in the reserves compared to Lamb - if Lamb is to force his way in you'd think it would have to be at the expense of someone like Bird. An opportunity will probably open up for another of that type of player in the relatively near future. Can Lamb poke his nose in front? That said, I'd like to see Bird return. I like him. He plays a variety of roles with a minimum of fuss.

Rampe's inclusion is almost certainly a response to the make-up of the Cats team. We need someone else capable of sitting on a Stokes, Christiansen or Motlop. How well he can do it, remains to be seen. I can't see him as sub, given they must have a specific role in mind for him. I think Armstrong is the most likely sub.

[Primmy]

What liz said.

Morto to get the full game, Rampe too, if its raining maybe Jetts in green? dunno. It'll be a SurPrise!!!

[ugg]

If you listen to Henry Playfair explain the reasons for this week's changes he basically said Morton's form was too hot to ignore and so Everitt (whose form was 'okay') had to make way.

Found it a little weird that they named Bird as an emergency, given he badly needs a full reserves game, and not Lamb whose good form would have made him a justified emergency selection.

[Swansongster]

Maybe Morton or Rampe will end up in the red vest after a five day turnaround.

[Melbourne_Blood]

Changes for Rd.4 V The Cats

I think Everitt was serviceable last week, but by no means undroppable. ( made up word, yeah probably). Birdy is a gun but sub two weeks in a row, needs a hit out in the Ressies. Rampe should slot into Tonys spot and tony to be sub. Morton adds a much larger danger factor to our forward line than Dre does. Dre doesn't have a set role IMO and in a team of role players, that's probably his downfall.

[ernie koala]

Armstrong is the lucky one to hold his place, his form has been average at best..

He needs to produce a big game, if he is any hope of holding his place.

That'll be hard for him if he's the sub...Hasn't played well as the sub in the past..

Seems to run around like a headless chook looking for easy possessions, rather than having a meaningful impact when we don't have the ball....ie pressure, tackling ,blocking, etc.

Hope he goes well, but it's a big ask for him against the strong bodied Cats.

[Ludwig]

I think Morton came in for Everett because the Geelong defence is very difficult beat in the air. Harry Taylor especially; he seems to mark everything that comes in his direction. Smaller forwards do better against them, especially now they will have 4 tall backs with Rivers coming in. Morto can be a tricky character and suits the kind of game we are now playing, which is creating a lot of opportunities from stoppages and the ball coming free from pressure. Everitt missed a couple of chances close in when he couldn't work his way through traffic. I think Mitch would have found a way to score.

[wolftone57]

So who to be sub this week? Armstrong, Rampe or someone else? Tony A I think will get the sub vest. Rampe is a strong body to body player whereas Tony A is not and against the Cats need the body player. Dane is also a very long kick, probably not as accurate as Tony in the short passing but in long kicks very devastating. he can change a game with one of his long passes.

Mitch will definitely start as he will be the thorn in the Cats defensive side. Either Mackie or Hunt will get Mitch. Corey will have to go to Goodsie as Taylor will have to take Ried and Lonergan will have to go to Pyke/Mummy. i actually think we are stretching them a bit. Jude kicked 4 last week, Hannas, Kizza & Lukie rest in forward line, the one taking them is in for a torrid day as they kicked 7 between them last week. Add Macca, joey and ROK all kicking goals and you have a very over burdened backline. Our mids need to hold hard against quality opposition and support our defense.

I think we are in for a great game and I also think/hope we are going to sock it to them. But if we don't just remember we are primed for September April.

[ugg]

Taylor will go to Goodes, that's the matchup they like and will stick with it. Lonergan to Reid and Rivers to the resting ruckman. Mackie will probably get Mitch, if he starts. McGlynn forward tag on Bartel.

More undecided will be our matchups on their speedsters Motlop, Christensen, Smedts and Stokes

[Triple B]

Mitch will definitely start as he will be the thorn in the Cats defensive side. Either Mackie or Hunt will get Mitch.....

If Taylor Hunt goes to Mitch I think a few of our midfielders will be very relieved....

[wolftone57]

Taylor will go to Goodes, that's the matchup they like and will stick with it. Lonergan to Reid and Rivers to the resting ruckman. Mackie will probably get Mitch, if he starts. McGlynn forward tag on Bartel.

More undecided will be our matchups on their speedsters Motlop, Christensen, Smedts and Stokes

Those match ups are going to be interesting. Where does Smedts play forward or on the wing? does Chapman start in the forward line or on ball? This will depend on who goes to whom.

In thinking about our forwardline I also think it depends on who we have playing forward. If it is as you say then either Corey, Mackie, Hunt or Enright are going to be on the bench. I don't think Rivers can take our resting rucks, he is too easily bodied by the monsters. I say that in the nicest way as his grandmother was my surrogate Aunt. His Uncle Pat and I were in the same class at school in Broken Hill as kids (I left there at 11 y o). There is also not going to be someone to help him as we spread (if indeed we do spread and not bomb).

[Melbournehammer]

actually when you look at the cats back six you get a really good idea of why we struggled so much against them last season at KP. They have a very dependable group and all reasonably skilled. Still i continue to think that the critical thing will be the midfield - beat them there both inside and outside and we win the game. grundy plays on pods, ted on hawkins, lrt on bilcavs. Presumably smith on johnson and mattner on someone like stokes (or vice versa).

Very good match ups and they do match up well on us.

the key will be coming out of defence - when we kick it long to the get out forward we really do need someone to be front and centre - otherwise it just comes back in too often and too fast. We could really do with goodes finding a bit of touch tonight.

[giant]

Cats back 6 very good indeed. Couldn't see Mackie on Fox LT last nite but assume I just missed him.

Scott will be tempted to swing Taylor forward if Hawkins and Pods don't have an impact. Need Goodes to keep him busy and keep him honest on the rebound.

Dre unlucky but needs to know his playing for his footy life every time he plays seniors.