26 into 22

[i'm-uninformed2]

So, the four usual standards out today were Reid, Kennedy, McGlynn and Bird. For the sake of the argument, everyone is fit. Clearly Kennedy, Bird and McGlynn are certain. Reid likely but not certain. Though as much as Tippett rucked today it's not Horse's fave option.

So, does Reid come back? And either way, who goes out?

For me, Towers first out. As much as I like Biggs, he's next. Then, it gets hard. Against a taller team like the Hawks, Laidler would have value, but seems next.

It's then either Mitchell or Lloyd, if you want Reid in. I do for flexibility (imagine ated or Reg going down during a final) so Mitchell is out before Reid due to the balance across the team between inside and running players - plus I love Lloyd.

My instinct tells me though Horse will pitch for Mitchell.

Over to you.

[annew]

Yes Reid most definitely comes back in as he can play forward, relief ruck and tall back if needed. He nd Tippett can both rotate as forward and ruck.

[bloodsbigot]

All I know is that I don't want Lloyd out. And I wouldn't lose any sleep if we lost Reid.

[erica]

What a dilemma to have!

[rojo]

IMO on his showing today and despite his finals experience, Shaw looked a long way off his best and should also make way. The back half have got used to being without him and seem to lose their cohesion a bit with him back in.

With Benny, Kennedy, Bird and Reid to come back in I would add Shaw to the list of of Mitchell, Towers, Biggs and Laidler as likely outs. Of those 5, I would play Laidler but not if he had to be the sub. If he is fit, Reid is one player Horse is not going to leave out!

[Matt80]

This is my finals team if all are fit.

B Smith Richards Rampe
HB Rohan Grundy Shaw
C Jetta Jack Hannanbery
HF Cunningham Franklin Mglynn
F Goodes Tippett Reid
Foll Pyke Kennedy Parker
Inter Mcveigh Bird Malceski
Sub Lloyd

[111431]

The midfielders in (Josh / tweety / Benny ) plus Reid / out - all unlucky - Towers / Shaw / Mitchell / Laidler

[ScottH]

What ever the case is, it is a far better position to be in than trying to fill the 22 with the best fringe players!!

[ernie koala]

....

[Nico]

Last year we went into the finals with a plethora of injuries. This year, even if we have a few injuries we have players to cover them.

[Captain]

Haven't been on RWO for a while, but where are all the posters calling for Grundy to be dropped? Seems like they have moved their focus on to Reid?

[MattW]

Lloyd will be in over Mitchell, on the strength of comparative disposal efficiency and speed. Mitchell will stay in until Bird comes back.

[Flying South]

FWIW my best 22 for the finals;

B Smith Richards Rampe
HB Malceski Grundy Shaw
C Hannebery Jack Jetta
Fol Pyke Kennedy Parker
HF McVeigh Franklin McGlynn
F Goodes Tippett Cunningham
I/C Reid, Rohan, Mitchell, Lloyd
Emergencies: Bird, Laidler, Biggs, Membrey, Towers, Naismith

Reid gets the nod over Laidler due to his versatility at both ends of the ground and offers ruck relief. Shaw gets the nod over Biggs due to his experience. Though if he can?t put it together in next couple of games, Biggs could easily come into the team. Bird and Mitchell are a toss of the coin and I just can?t pick between the two. Mitchell gets another week to impress and stake his claim. It would be unlucky for Bird to miss out, but you don?t want to be getting injuries at this time of the year and giving other players a sniff. Lloyd and Cunningham are now best 22 and probably rotate the sub role. Whilst Towers is a reasonable player, I have Membrey ahead of him in the pecking order. If Pyke was to go down due to injury, then I would have Naismith as the stand by ruckman.

[Meg]

Haven't been on RWO for a while, but where are all the posters calling for Grundy to be dropped?

They are still mourning LRT's retirement.

[crackedactor]

Lloyd will be in over Mitchell, on the strength of comparative disposal efficiency and speed. Mitchell will stay in until Bird comes back.

I agree, I think Mitchell would be a better bet than Bird, and Bird was not setting the world alight before his injury. That's a dilemma for selectors. Mcglynn, kennedy and Reid in -- out will be towers, Laidler and a toss of coin between Shaw and Biggs. Worse game I have seen shaw play since he came to Sydney.