2013 Finals team

[caj23]

I think the nice thing of having Sam available for finals (assuming LRT is cooked) is to be able to throw him back if Teddy or Reg are struggling on an opposition key forward which has happened on a few occassions this year. Jarrad Grant was playing VFL reserves a few weeks back and even he made us look bad on Sunday

[RogueSwan]

... Jarrad Grant was playing VFL reserves a few weeks back and even he made us look bad on Sunday

Due in no small part to the Doggies midfield playing very good footy.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Let's assume for a minute that LRT is gone for the year (the implication) but Reid, Goodes, Jetta and Rohan come along on the timeline suggested yesterday. My take is this:

* Reid only gets a game if we decide we need an extra tall down back for say, the Hawks. Otherwise, we have the height we need down front.
* Jetta is a month away and that means 12-14 weeks out. He needs to be fit to have value with his run. So I think he'll be scratched for the year.
* If Rohan shows any semblance of fitness, he's the wildcard - and may be slipped back into the team for the Saints game for an extended run prior to the finals. If not, they may decide it's too late.
* Goodes is the one they may gamble on at any stage. He usually is slow to regain his touch, but even throwing him up forward or a subs vest could be the option as he knows how to make a contribution in a limited role.

[ShockOfHair]

Let's assume for a minute that LRT is gone for the year (the implication) but Reid, Goodes, Jetta and Rohan come along on the timeline suggested yesterday. My take is this:

* Reid only gets a game if we decide we need an extra tall down back for say, the Hawks. Otherwise, we have the height we need down front.
* Jetta is a month away and that means 12-14 weeks out. He needs to be fit to have value with his run. So I think he'll be scratched for the year.
* If Rohan shows any semblance of fitness, he's the wildcard - and may be slipped back into the team for the Saints game for an extended run prior to the finals. If not, they may decide it's too late.
* Goodes is the one they may gamble on at any stage. He usually is slow to regain his touch, but even throwing him up forward or a subs vest could be the option as he knows how to make a contribution in a limited role.

I basically agree. Draw a line through LRT.

I wouldn't assume those timelines are exact, but in any case Goodes will come straight back in whenever he's ready.

Jetta and Reid are confidence players - you'd want them to give them a run in the seconds. So they're just about out of time.

Rohan could be our X-factor, but he's still only played two and half games.

[DK_]

I basically agree. Draw a line through LRT.

I wouldn't assume those timelines are exact, but in any case Goodes will come straight back in whenever he's ready.

Jetta and Reid are confidence players - you'd want them to give them a run in the seconds. So they're just about out of time.

Rohan could be our X-factor, but he's still only played two and half games.

I suspect the answer to a lot of these issues will rest largely on the results of the next few weeks. Convincing wins over Collingwood, Geelong and Hawthorn would put a clear case to retaining the current lineup, while a tight result, or losses in one or more of these, would push Longmire to making some changes. It's a great situation really, because it puts the players' fates in their own hands!

Of course, Goodes is above all this. He comes in no matter what. I also suspect Rohan will get a run if he's deemed ready, but at least he can be tested against St Kilda.

If we do make changes, you'd almost think a qualifying final loss could be a good thing for us. It would give the team longer to gel with new players in a game environment and quite a few if them will be fresh and won't need the break.

[Doctor]

For mine we have what we have plus McGlynn. Goodes will play when fit, even if only as a sub in the finals (what an option to have on the bench). I'd still be saving Rohan for next year but I know lots of fans are bullish about his chances.

I don't think we'll see Reid, Jetta or Mr Football (LRT) again this year.

[i'm-uninformed2]

Horse just made it very clear on 7's pregame show he would love to have Rohan back in seniors and there's every chance we will see him before the finals