Changes for Preliminary Final V Cats

[Zlatorog]

If this year is anything to go by is our treatment of injuries. They learned this lesson from our last year's exit from the finals. I'm sure that they won't risk players who are not 100% fit. Don't forget that we won on Saturday with 2 players down. My only concern is how are they going to recover in 6 days and can they bring the same intensity they showed against the Crows?

[gumby_bolts]

110%? Cmon Rogue, 100% will work too. :-)
My concern is McVeigh, hope he puts the team ahead of himself and doesn't come in under-done like he did at the start of the season.

[kilroyII]

As much as Nanka was good, we need Tippett as a marking forward, something nanka doesnt offer. Tippett still throws his weight around and can break packs.

[stevoswan]

yeah fair enough. I'm a fan but still thought he was done. His first shot for goal was a poor option with a free player in the square but he kicked it and contributed well.

Unlike Rohan, who went for glory in the second quarter (I think), and fluffed it......with, I think, Papley free 20m out directly in front. Good news on Gary though, no structural damage to his knee, just bone bruising.......but still unlikely for this week, you would think.

[RogueSwan]

110%? Cmon Rogue, 100% will work too. :-)
...

For most, yes, but Tippett has been way too injury prone recently that he needs to be better than full fitness to cover that inevitable break down or unfortunate knock during a game.

As much as Nanka was good, we need Tippett as a marking forward, something nanka doesnt offer. Tippett still throws his weight around and can break packs.

But it always seems to take him a few games to get to that level and this is finals we are talking about.

[CureTheSane]

McVeigh is kinda cooked because his form tends to get very intermittent. More so then historically.

But he stays.
I'd do this.

Out: McVeigh, Marsh, Nankervis
In: Cunningham, Towers, Tippett

[Zlatorog]

I think we'll have to wait till Thursday to find out. We know that Longmire won't make any big changes if he doesn't have to. The time for experimenting is over. These are finals. Guys will have to prove their fitness on Wednesday and Thursday to be selected. If the team wins on Friday it is very likely that the same team (bar injuries) will be selected for GF as well.

[waswan]

Tippo Definitely, even just as a deep fwd. and leave the 2 rucks as is.
Cant see McVeigh getting up with an old man calf.
Didn't like Laidler or March but then again they were part of the back 6 or 7 that kept the best Fwd line in the comp quiet. So hard to fault. Laids issue was timeout, he will be better.
Rohan is a maybe, yes he looked like he was shot but that guy gets up limping every time he loses his feet......
Remember when buddy had that knee knock a few years back, that looked terrible but he played straight away
Mills very close, hopefully it was more a cramp than a strain

[CureTheSane]

Well it seems that Tippo is right.
Looks like Rohan has a bad bruise and unless there is more to it, a bruise won't keep him out.
McVeigh is precarious as playing too soon could do some further damage, so I'd give him the week to get right hopefully for the GF.
Marsh was MIA last week and I'd much prefer Cunningham who will be chomping at the bit to show what he can do and earn a GF spot.
Nakervis will have to make way for Tippo
My assumption was that Mills won't get up, so I'd go Towers instead of Rose, who hasn't done enough yet IMO

[Crusty]

Swans Bigfoot podcast quoted Rohan's twitter as saying he is hoping to play, and it isn't as bad....Is this right?
I'd like Nank to continue to play - I really like his work around the ground. Tip hasn't been much chop since his return from injury.
Have to replace Rohan with Towers. Towers has speed and was incumbent. Horse will pick him.
Ladler...hmmmm.... disposal poor, but I'd suggest rust, combined with a big step up from NEAFL.
If/when Mills is fit, Laidler goes.
Jones in for McVeigh.

[barry]

I like Laidler in. I think he will hold his place, and when Mills comes back, he will take Marsh's place.
Jones for McVeigh. McVeigh's 2016 is over.
Rohan only if full fit. If he aint got speed and jump, he aint got much. Someone tell Towers so he can come down from his NEAFL gf bender.
Tippo for Nankervis.

[CureTheSane]

Was Laidler good in finals or poor?
I can't recall but I think it was on or the other...

[kilroyII]

He just seemed like someone who has been playing in a lesser league for months. Rusty with the kicking..there was a period in the 2nd were we couldnt get it out of our defensive 50 because he kept kicking it back to the crows.

[Jewels]

I cannot believe the love for Towers on here!
His decision making is appalling and he has far too many "deer in the headlights" moments for finals and that isn't even his worst attribute, which is definitely his tackling!!! He stickes his arms out like a turnstile and opponents run straight through!!!
The only thing Towers and Rohan have in common is their speed, in every other way they are worlds apart. Much prefer Cunningham or even Rose as a replacement if one is needed.

[ernie koala]

I'll be amazed if McVeigh plays 6 days after getting that calf strain and being unable to run properly. Much too big a risk.

If Rohan's bruise comes good then maybe he'll get up....Given he looked like he'd been shot, that would be an incredible result.

No doubt Tippo will want to play, but it will take some serious mental strength to go hard at the contest and put his head over the ball.

Added to that, any defender worth his salt will give him an "accidental" fist to the jaw in a marking contest....I think I'd prefer a fit Nankervis this week.

So if Rohan is fit to play...

OUT : McVeigh

IN : Cunningham