Naismith and Biggs Upgraded

[barry]

I think we're a pretty decent chance to see Naismith play against the Saints, the coaching staff will want Pyke to have a rest pre-finals and the Saints ruckmen are similarly built to big Sammy...unlike Minson from the Dogs or Maric from the Tigers, both of those guys will monster him.

Yes, be great to see Pyke managed though the season. Especially if we win this week, our top 2 chances will be very strong, and we can manage players in the final weeks.

[wolftone57]

I think they've upgraded based on where we are most vulnerable depth-wise (in defence and ruck stocks). I don't expect Biggs will get a game unless a) someone gets injured or b) we're guaranteed a top 2 finish before the final round.

Firstly congrats to both lads. Great work you both deserve it more than most because of how hard you both have had to work for it.

Secondly to your comment Ampersand. Biggs was fantastic last year in the last game of the season against a rampaging Hawks. Held his cool and delivered. He got 18 disposals, same a Mal. He was dropped for the Hawks Qualifying Final and we got torn apart in tha back half and there was nobody to help. He was brought back for the Carlton final and got 21, only Teddy & Reg got more from the defence. He only managed 15 in the Fateful Froe final but held his cool when everyone else was panicking. Got the ball a lot that day but had no avenue as our players all seemed to spread without protecting the player with the ball.

You obviously don't watch the Reserves. If you did you would see a player who is very controlled, cool and collected. A player who will play Seniors before the end of the season. It doesn't matter who it is against this kid can play and he has proved he can do it against the best (Hawks did win the flag last year).

[tasmania60]

Thanks for info will watch when he makes team!

[Nico]

I think there is a deadline to upgrade rookies (by putting guys on the LT injury list) - makes sense it would be now being 8 weeks before the end of the season.

So this would still probably just be us having these guys active just in case.

Derickx is a shame as it is a big ask for Pyke to go through what will have to be 10+ weeks as the lone ruckman. He also has the tendency to be badly beaten at times (eg. second half vs Hawthorn) so it's disappointing not to even have the option now of adding Derickx when needed.

I can't see why they would want to rest Pyke. He was off with injury for sometime and was still short on match fitness against Hawthorn. His last game showed he is now fit for a full game.

[aguy]

I hope both of them get a game over the next three weeks. Was there a deadline to upgrade by because if not the fact that they were upgraded to me indicates an intention to play them before finals

[aardvark]

Congrats Sammy, hope you play a blinder.