Changes - Round 13 vs Richmond

[707]

I'll say it again, our ruck combination this year is third for hit outs (+124) and fourth for hit outs to advantage (+32). Richmond is 15th (-93) and 14th (-31).

So forget about Pyke going out, it's not happening nor should it. Nankers has been ok in the twos not dominant.

Only change McGlynn in, Robinson out. Heeney to run around in the twos for a couple of weeks to prove he is up to standard for a recall.

[Ludwig]

I'll say it again, our ruck combination this year is third for hit outs (+124) and fourth for hit outs to advantage (+32). Richmond is 15th (-93) and 14th (-31).

So forget about Pyke going out, it's not happening nor should it. Nankers has been ok in the twos not dominant.

This is my point as to why this is a good game to try a 'Plan B' for our ruck situation. We are unlikely to get hurt regardless of who we play in the ruck.

We have the weakest ruck combination compared to the most probable other top-4 sides. I think we have to find a different combination to combat the ruck dominance of Freo, Hawthorn and the Eagles. I can accept that we will be beaten at the centre bounces, but hopefully we can make up for it with more productivity around the ground. But this is our greatest weakness with Pyke, so we get beaten badly in the ruck as well as around the ground. I feel this may be too great a liability to overcome and win a premiership.

I suppose we will do nothing and just hope Pyke finds the form he had 2 years ago. It can happen. Look how Goodes has turned around his poor early season form.

[Ampersand]

Naismith was absolutely spanked by Maric last year. I have concerns about both he and Nankervis wrt their ability to run out games given their age and fitness levels. It takes a big tank to haul a 2m frame around an AFL game and at least we know Pyke has that ability.

I actually think that if Pyke was injured Derrickx would be the first to replace him given his maturity and decent amount of senior experience.

[Scottee]

Naismith was absolutely spanked by Maric last year. I have concerns about both he and Nankervis wrt their ability to run out games given their age and fitness levels. It takes a big tank to haul a 2m frame around an AFL game and at least we know Pyke has that ability.

I actually think that if Pyke was injured Derrickx would be the first to replace him given his maturity and decent amount of senior experience.

I agree that this is not the week to try Naismith but he is even bigger and stronger and more experienced than last year and would not be that bad.

Goldstein showed today what can happen when you put in an inexperienced ruck against one of the best. Lobb was in Nankervis' draft year and IIRC the Swans were linked with him before the Giants somewhat surprisingly picked him up before our pick.

[707]

I agree that this is not the week to try Naismith but he is even bigger and stronger and more experienced than last year and would not be that bad.

and has been out with a groin problem!

If he get free from injury, Naismith is who the club believes can be our main ruckman post Pyke.

BTW, did you watch young Rory Lobb who we were keen on in the 2013 draft get monstered by Goldstein yesterday?

[barry]

To be fair, goldstein is the best ruckman in the comp

[RogueSwan]

...Only change McGlynn in, Robinson out. Heeney to run around in the twos for a couple of weeks to prove he is up to standard for a recall.

I want Benny back but only if he 100%. We need his "grunt" to last all the way to September.

...I actually think that if Pyke was injured Derrickx would be the first to replace him given his maturity and decent amount of senior experience.

I realise it is unfashionable but I would like to see TomD given another run of 4-5 games. Last year he started off very ordinary but after a few games he was less ordinary and willing to throw his weight around in contest in, dare I say it, a Mummyesque style. His kicking wasn't bad either, he would actually want to kick it.

[Ampersand]

Naismith is definitely developing well but ruckman just don't seem to come good until around 24-25 years old, which suggests he's at least a year off being able to play consistent AFL footy, which is what we need.

Not a huge fan of TomD but if we're going to experiment with the ruck at this point of the season we need someone who can take us through a finals campaign and neither of the Big N's are going to do that. No point in dropping Pyke and then just bringing him back.

[Scottee]

and has been out with a groin problem!

If he get free from injury, Naismith is who the club believes can be our main ruckman post Pyke.

BTW, did you watch young Rory Lobb who we were keen on in the 2013 draft get monstered by Goldstein yesterday?

Quite aware that he has a groin strain, obviously he can't play against Richmond but we need a real go at giving him more senior experience for if/when we do have injury issues. Regarding Lobb I was almost going to post that it probably shows the difference between AFL elite ruckmen and the NEAFL ruck standard. All the more reason for senior exposure when we can afford to provide it.

[Conor_Dillon]

I was under the impression that Heeney had been running for 3-4 weeks and been in full training for the last couple? If that is the case I wouldn't be surprised if he was brought straight back in...he has that very rare quality of being able to lift the entire team and generate enthusiasm.

However if he is only starting full training this week then he'll definitely be in the NEAFL if he even plays at all.

So most likely McGlynn in for Robinson, can't see Cunningham getting dropped he's just started finding some decent form.

[707]

Heeney didn't train up to the bye and only resumes training with the main group this week. Coupla weeks in the ressies probably limited time next week too.

[mcs]

Out: Pyke In: Nankervis --- A change that definitely won't happen but should happen. Pyke will do alright against Maric and we will go another week without fixing the problem of not having a ruckman who can contribute around the ground. Price to paid later in the season.

Out: Robinson In: Hewett --- Nothing wrong with Robbo, just time to give Hewett the sub vest and new contract. (Robbo likely to be dropped, but doubt that he will be replaced by Hewett).

Out: Shaw In: Jones --- I'd like to see this happen, but certainly won't. Give Jones a stopping job on Edwards. I think it would be a good assignment for him and one he can handle.

Doubt that Heeney will come directly into the seniors without at least a game or 2 in the reserves. McGlynn could come straight back if fit and would be helpful in locking down Houli's run out of defence. Cunningham played well and probably should hold his spot.

You do remember what Maric did to Naismith on debut last year don't you?

Now is not the time to be experimenting in the ruck, or anywhere else. The next 2 games in particular look very important to me - Richmond is always a potential banana skin for us and Port, despite being down on form, are a danger team coming off a week's break that might have them feeling a bit rejuvenated. We need to be going into the Hawks game at 12-2 if possible, and in a position to basically rule out the Hawks finishing top 2 if we can knock them off.

[Conor_Dillon]

Longmire has confirmed that Heeney will return through the NEAFL (via Adam Curley on Twitter)

[Ludwig]

You do remember what Maric did to Naismith on debut last year don't you?

Now is not the time to be experimenting in the ruck, or anywhere else. The next 2 games in particular look very important to me - Richmond is always a potential banana skin for us and Port, despite being down on form, are a danger team coming off a week's break that might have them feeling a bit rejuvenated. We need to be going into the Hawks game at 12-2 if possible, and in a position to basically rule out the Hawks finishing top 2 if we can knock them off.

Yes I do remember that game. Naismith was smashed in the 1st quarter, but improved from then on. He tired out in the second half. I think he's an improved player from that experience.

I think Nankervis is a different sort of player. He's more physical. I would expect that he will be beaten by Maric, but not to the extent that Naismith did.

Under your theory, it's never time to bring in a new player unless forced to due to injury. I fully agree that Richmond is no pushover and we will have to play at our best to win. My point about Pyke is that for some inexplicable reason he has lost his mojo, dropping marks, not kicking goals and continually giving away free kicks. Under current form, I don't see it as any big loss not having him in the side. I've been a big supporter of Mike over the years, but now find that I am waiting week to week for a turnaround in form that doesn't seem to be coming. Maybe a stint the reserves will do the trick.

Some will say it's wrong to look beyond the current game, but I am looking beyond this game and hoping we find a ruck combination that is more conducive to beating Hawthorn. I am of the opinion that part of the job during the H & A season is to find the best team to play finals against the opposition you're likely to face. I'm always wondering what we need to do to find a way to beat Hawthorn in the finals. Despite beating them a few weeks ago, I think we are still a notch below them and need to find something new to give us an edge up.

[troyjones2525]

Well my revised selections now after Horse stated that both Heeney and McGlynn won't play are-

Out- Robinson
In- Towers (Sub).

We may even go unchanged again but I have a feeling they might want Robbo to play a full game in the ressies. Time will tell!