Changes for Rnd 15 V Brisbane Lions

[Ampersand]

There's absolutely no way Towers is in the side for his defensive capability. If he was you'd hope he could average a lot more than 1.8 tackles a game - tackling is maximum pressure, not running around like a chicken with your head cut off while the opposition play keep away. Also, as evidenced by several contests on Thursday, he's pretty weak at winning the contested ground ball or even just locking it in which is a key stat for a defensive forward.

Where Towers is strong is his attacking dash through the centre of the ground and providing a lead up target off half forward.

[RogueSwan]

There's absolutely no way Towers is in the side for his defensive capability. If he was you'd hope he could average a lot more than 1.8 tackles a game - tackling is maximum pressure, not running around like a chicken with your head cut off while the opposition play keep away...

I have just watched a replay of the game. Before doing so I was firmly in the "there must be a better option than Towers" club. But he, along with Cunningham provided a lot of defensive pressure on the Power backs in the last 2-3 minutes. They may not have been complete tackles but they were the proverbially 1%er's. A fist to a kick to beat two Power and force a ball up, a shepherd, a contested mark on the wing, a tap on to Kennedy.
A small sample set granted, but he looked like a footballer to me. I am not yet completely convinced but if he stays in the team I would not be concerned.

[ScottH]

I would suspect the only certainties are Gaz out, and Franklin and Tippett in.
So who else goes out?
Probably either of Nanko or Towers. I would guess on the performance of both Towers would give way.

Probably out also would be Ted. This would mean that Nanko would definitely stay.

So the changes would most likely LF and KT in, for Gaz and DT.

[stevoswan]

I would suspect the only certainties are Gaz out, and Franklin and Tippett in.
So who else goes out?
Probably either of Nanko or Towers. I would guess on the performance of both Towers would give way.

Probably out also would be Ted. This would mean that Nanko would definitely stay.

So the changes would most likely LF and KT in, for Gaz and DT.

With a ten day break between games, Ted should be fine, but as it is Brisbane, they may be conservative with him, and give someone else a go down there. Reid maybe, with Bud and Tip returning.

[Ampersand]

No way Tippett and Franklin come in and both Nankervis and Pyke stay. We're too tall forward already.

- - - Updated - - -

I have just watched a replay of the game. Before doing so I was firmly in the "there must be a better option than Towers" club. But he, along with Cunningham provided a lot of defensive pressure on the Power backs in the last 2-3 minutes. They may not have been complete tackles but they were the proverbially 1%er's. A fist to a kick to beat two Power and force a ball up, a shepherd, a contested mark on the wing, a tap on to Kennedy.
A small sample set granted, but he looked like a footballer to me. I am not yet completely convinced but if he stays in the team I would not be concerned.

I'm still firmly in the "there must be a better option than Towers" club. It's only that the better options were injured or suspended. I had no issue with him being selected and thought he delivered about on par with what was asked of him.

[aardvark]

Where Towers is strong is his attacking dash through the centre of the ground.

So long as he can actually gather the ball first........

[WauchopeAnalyst]

Maybe were are lucky the Eski is not still playing with us. He is making Shaw look like Gary Ablett Junior. Kicking is absolutely sh@@@@@@.

[0918330512]

With a ten day break between games, Ted should be fine, but as it is Brisbane, they may be conservative with him, and give someone else a go down there. Reid maybe, with Bud and Tip returning.

10 day break is only 4 days short of a bye ...

[ugg]

In: franklin, Tippett, Robinson, Hiscox
Out: Rohan

Extended bench is
Harry Cunningham Jack Hiscox Zak Jones Jake Lloyd Tom Mitchell Toby Nankervis Daniel Robinson (Three to be omitted)

im guessing Hiscox Nankervis and Robinson will be the emergencies

[ernie koala]

Towers holds his spot after yet another fumbling , ineffectual, soft, performance...

I officially have a new whipping boy....McVeigh was my last one, so I hope I'm as wrong about this guy.

[churry]

Towers might not play although being named in starting lineup says a lot... If he does play I hope he's the sub. I imagine it will be nankervis that's going to miss out. Franklin Tippett the only ins.

[WauchopeAnalyst]

Towers holds his spot after yet another fumbling , ineffectual, soft, performance...

I officially have a new whipping boy....McVeigh was my last one, so I hope I'm as wrong about this guy.

Unfortunately Towers is in 2nd position behind Shaw as Whipping Boy's. Drafted as an mature draftee, 22 years old, from bendigo, i think, but will never be able to take a lot of marks and ground ball wins will be nearly zero. I am giving Harry a little more time and as he has Towers covered, meaning that Towers is in a lot of trouble if Heeney, Robbo and Hiscox are coming.

[WauchopeAnalyst]

Which one of the players will run with Pierce Hanley, Towers, Cunningham or Hiscox? Usually harry gets that job.

[Nico]

Gee they cut Shaw some slack.

[WauchopeAnalyst]

I think if Shaw kicked to his dad in the crowd, 5 times, and would still be selected.