Changes for round 1 - Syd vs Port

[ernie koala]

I have to say I much prefer MP's and AG's team to yours, ernie. Sorry! Generally, I take what you have to say very seriously. You were outstanding at tipping selections 12 months ago.

I think Kizza will go forward and Parker, as noted, may need to spend more time forward also, which creates space for Jones to enter the midfield where he will thrive. And did you decide Aliir is too injured to play R1 or overlook him? There is a tight battle between Florent and Cunningham for a spot in the forward line. I would be more excited to see Florent, because he seems the classier player and the better longer term prospect, but Harry may be the smarter choice because he has the experience, maturity (which leads to better consistency) and form.

I note you (ernie & AG) both have Tippo as number 1 ruck. I get that Tippo is perhaps our best ruck but not by much and, conversely, he is very significantly better playing in the forward line than the others. So, I think if Naismith is the other ruckman in the team Naismith should be primarily in the ruck and resting forward while Tippo plays deep and relieves in the ruck. If it's one of the other rucks partnering Tip, then maybe I'd keep Tippo on the ball.

The hardest part is selecting the bench. Foote or Robinson? I probably lean to Robbo because he is more versatile and Foote is not going to be selected to play as an inside mid, which is what he's best at. Also, my impression is that Robbo is faster (and Foote harder) but I think they will play forward if selected and the speed is vital to applying pressure when playing forward. I haven't seen Edwards play yet so can't judge whether he deserves a spot but I think he'll have to have more than one alright JLT game to earn it.

You're probably right about Jones in the midfield.
From what I've heard Aliir is only running slow laps, if that's the case he probably won't be ready for round 1....Otherwise he'd be my CHB with Rampe next to him that would shunt Jones to the wing and Lloyd to the bench....
A better looking team for sure.
I also assumed Naismith won't be ready...But that's just me guessing...Again he'd be my pick as main ruck if fit. That would mean Tippo to FF and Buddy given a roaming role.
My view Re: midfielders is that .... Jack, Parker, Hannas, Kennedy, Heeney Jones, Mills, Lloyd, Hewitt(he looked good I thought), and of course Buddy....will all rotate through there depending on matchups, fitness etc.
So where they get listed on the team sheet is a bit irrelevant.

[graemed]

In the mistaken belief that the stars will all align and that all the players that should be available will be available by March 25th, here goes #2:

Smith Grundy Rampe

Jones Talia Allir

Hannebery Kennedy Mills

Hewitt Franklin Reid

K Jack Tippett McVeigh

Naismith Parker Heeney

Towers Lloyd Robinson Laidler

If Allir is not ready then I would consider Marsh as his 1st replacement.
In this matter I think Laidler is a little ahead of both Marsh and Newman, and that Talia is ahead of all of the above at this time based on his ability to play tall.
At the same height, give or take, as Reid and with sound skills he seems a good fit. Especially given, we have to meet GWS early in the season and with their treasure chest of tall forwards, bringing him as a late starter just to match up against a tall without the opportunity to settle into the role, smacks of desperation.

If Naismith is not ready then Cameron is his 1st replacement.

[Nico]

Graemed. Talia may indeed have the ability to play tall because he is tall. My concern with him is whether can play at any AFL acceptable level. Looks as loose as granny's teeth.

[caj23]

Graemed. Talia may indeed have the ability to play tall because he is tall. My concern with him is whether can play at any AFL acceptable level. Looks as loose as granny's teeth.

Really? He's an old fashioned close checking defender when I've seen him play, the knock on him has been that he doesn't create enough

[RogueSwan]

...
My view Re: midfielders is that .... Jack, Parker, Hannas, Kennedy, Heeney Jones, Mills, Lloyd, Hewitt(he looked good I thought), and of course Buddy....will all rotate through there depending on matchups, fitness etc. ...

It will be interesting to see if Reid gets a run as big midfielder, he looked good in there before he got injured. Good hands and good tackling. Maybe he and Buddy will both run through there if they need to lose a defender?

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Really? He's an old fashioned close checking defender when I've seen him play, the knock on him has been that he doesn't create enough

That has been my impression too. A bit one dimensional in his play.
I will save Ludwig the time:
STN251201DIMENSIONM_365481k.jpg

[Ludwig]

Good detective work Rogue. You found the clowns that stole my wardrobe.

[bloodspirit]

Surely you wouldn't fit in to those clothes, Ludwig. It doesn't even look like they do.

[Nico]

Ludwig is s cool dude but....no way he fits into those clothes.

[bloodspirit]

Just returning to the thread topic, are we there yet?!! Time is dragging on.

[dejavoodoo44]

It will be interesting to see if Reid gets a run as big midfielder, he looked good in there before he got injured. Good hands and good tackling. Maybe he and Buddy will both run through there if they need to lose a defender?

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That has been my impression too. A bit one dimensional in his play.
I will save Ludwig the time:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]1751[/ATTACH]

That colour coordination, is almost as tasteful as the old Dockers uniform.

[56-14]

Just returning to the thread topic, are we there yet?!! Time is dragging on.

Where's AnnieH?

[Flying South]

Unfortunately, I have just been told by a very reliable source that Tom Papley is not likely to be playing at all this year. Whilst he recently had knee surgery, his compartment syndrome was apparently quite severe. Go Swannies may be able to interpret better, but i was told that he had compartment pressure of 66. Which i am told was extremely high. He basically had to have his leg sliced open to relieve the pressure.

Hopefully he can push for a return later in the season. His speed and goal sense will be sadly missed. I think Florent would be the best replacement.

[Ludwig]

Unfortunately, I have just been told by a very reliable source that Tom Papley is not likely to be playing at all this year. Whilst he recently had knee surgery, his compartment syndrome was apparently quite severe. Go Swannies may be able to interpret better, but i was told that he had compartment pressure of 66. Which i am told was extremely high. He basically had to have his leg sliced open to relieve the pressure.

Hopefully he can push for a return later in the season. His speed and goal sense will be sadly missed. I think Florent would be the best replacement.

This indeed would be very sad if true. There was a recent training photo of Tom boxing with Rampe.

That's what they do to relieve compartment syndrome, cut your leg open, which is why the normal recovery is 4+ months. Unless there are complications and he needs another round of surgery, when his wounds heel, he should be able to start running again. I suppose we will hear some official new in due course about this.

If you look as some of the video from last year you'll see Tom limping around after kicking a goal, and looks in pain, even when he hasn't experienced any apparent contact or strain.

These pants can also cause severe Compartment Syndrome

[56-14]

Gee, us old-timers had it easy compared to what's happening now.

Imagine having surgery & they actually cut you open!

[S.S. Bleeder]

Gee, us old-timers had it easy compared to what's happening now.

Imagine having surgery & they actually cut you open!

LOL. Yes, these days they seem to be able to access anywhere in your body via your groin, nostril or your bung hole.