Changes for Qualifying final V Freo

[Gary]

Still not comfortable with the Mitchell foot disposal ... glad others have become alert to the Malceski disposal problems at key times.

[ShockOfHair]

Agree with Ernie. I think this week's team just about picks itself.

Mitchell is a pretty good replacement for Bird.

[Ampersand]

This may be an unpopular opinion but I feel like our back six has looked a little shaky since Laidler went out. He was pretty good at reading the play defensively and providing an extra outlet by hand or foot out of the back half.

As much as Rohan has improved I think he sometimes lacks the instinct to head where he is needed. Perhaps he should take over Shaw's half back role and then Laidler can come back in.

[Ampersand]

I have been disappointed a number of times this year with Malcaski's disposal. It has been terrible and has cost us many goals this year. He does get the ball a lot but his turnovers kill us. Would love to know his turnover rate for this year compared to previous years. Hopefully with Gaz and maybe Alex Johnson back next year we would have a fast and tough half back line.

Rampe was ok yesterday but he gave JR too much latitude when he went back on him.

It seemed like Jetta and Mal hadn't been informed that Buddy wasn't playing and were determined to bomb it long to half forward to three on ones.

Malceski also hand passed directly to opposition players in the corridor TWICE which ultimately cost us two goals.

[MattW]

I agree it appears certain Bird will be out with injury this week. But let's say we win, there's no further injuries, and he's fit for the preliminary final. Who goes out? It reckon he is contesting a single spot with Mitchell, and I agree that Tom made it extremely difficult to drop him.

- - - Updated - - -

How good were Reid's goals! The one in last qtr had a touch of Buddy about it. Goodes showed a bit, particularly early on when he was on the ball, was moving as well as I've seen him move since the Collingwood game last year. Could be a bit of a finals wild card if he can pull out some vintage performances. Rohan was awesome, he's gonna be something special.

Rohan was the best part of the night, I agree. His last month has been awesome.

[ScottH]

How is the Roosters form ATM??

Go Gary, Go!!

At both ends of the field!!
Becoming a real danger player.

[Dosser]

Malceski also hand passed directly to opposition players in the corridor TWICE which ultimately cost us two goals.

Hmmm... have the Tiges already put in an offer for Mal?

[tasmania60]

Watched Mitchell in a neutral sense and he new he had to impress , no chase , 2 and 3 attempts , sorry not in and really changed my opion !

[Ludwig]

Agree with Ernie's changes. Seems the most obvious.

• Biggs is playing well, but in the crunch, you have to go with Shaw. His disposal has always been a problem, but sometimes you have to take the bad with the good. His on field leadership gives him the nod, especially under finals pressure.
• Sandilands has a knee problem. If we can negate the influence of their ruckmen around the ground, it should be a big help in getting across the line. I would have Pyke stay with Sandi all game and Reid with Clarke.
• I think Taberner will keep his spot and Fyfe will come in for Crozier. Suban the likely sub.
• So Ted and Reg to take Taberner and Pav. Rampe to Mayne. Smith and Shaw to take Walters and Balla. Sutcliffe likely to put a tag on Mal.
• I'd like to see Rohan take on Fyfe. Good matchup for size as well as the ability to go with Fyfe in the air where Fyfe has such a good leap and power. Gaz can run off him as well.
• Cunningham did a good job on Hill last time and perhaps will get him again, although the commentators may force McGlynn onto him so they can make Benny Hill jokes.
• Not sure how we will play Benny this week. He could perhaps matchup with Lachie Neal, who has been racking up the possessions of the late.
• Lloyd had an excellent game, but may be relegated to the sub role.
• In the end, Buddy could be the difference.

[ernie koala]

Sounds good to me Ludwig.

Mundy and Kennedy will probably play on one another.

Not sure who they will put Crowley on this time around. There are plenty to choose from...Hanners, Jack, Parker or possibly McVeigh.

Great matchups all over the ground....As you say Buddy will be a problem match up for them, especially with Johnson and McPharlin hobbled

[ugg]

I think you missed Zac Clarke. Their forward line is going to stretch our defence.

[mcs]

Another pet idea of mine.

Get Sam Reid to tag Nat Fyfe with the major goal of dismantling his around the field high marking.

Seriously - Sam Reid as a tagger on Nat Fyfe! Lucky your not on the coaching panel Matt80

A qualifying final is hardly an ideal time to ask someone to do a tagging role for the first time, let alone on an elite midfielder.

[Ludwig]

I think you missed Zac Clarke. Their forward line is going to stretch our defence.

Had Reid going with Clarke.

[ugg]

Had Reid going with Clarke.

That's in the ruck though. Who will play on him (or Sandilands when resting) in the forward line?

[RogueSwan]

As most of us observed this week, with fingers firmly on the pulse..."Horse won't rest any players"....WRONG !.....me included..

IN : Pyke , Franklin, Kennedy, McGlynn,

OUT :Naismith, Towers, Biggs, Jones

You could fit Biggs in if you're prepared to drop Shaw. Probably won't happen.

I would love to see Shiggsy stay in. When they were under the pump in the first quarter he appeared to be one of the ones who was actively trying to change things. I don't think Shaw will be held back, but he would make a great sub. He can play back and forward if required. This would allow Lloyd to play a full game.

Still not comfortable with the Mitchell foot disposal ...

Yeah, I was hoping for more. Hopefully it is just a matter of getting up to the speed of the 1st's.

.... Malceski also hand passed directly to opposition players in the corridor TWICE which ultimately cost us two goals.

Two mistakes, pretty good game to only have two mistakes.