Changes for elimination final v Essendon, Saturday 9 September

[bloodspirit]

First, here is a link to Gazza talking about the 'mares he's had in the 2014 and 2016 GFs: AFL, Sydney forward Gary Rohan opens up on his disappointing grand final performances in 2014 and 2016 | Fox Sports. The positive is that he seems to have gone some way to identifying why he underperformed on those occasions and although he doesn't give great confidence that he's figured out the solution there is still time and being aware of the problem should help to overcome it.

Second, if only one of Towers, Hayward and Harry C can play this week, I'm beginning to lean towards Towers because he has greater experience, a harder body and more versatility than Hayward and more talent and better form than Harry C. I am very reluctant to drop will Hayward because he is real quality but somebody has to make way and it makes sense for it to be the teenager.

I still don't know which is the best ruck combo. Although Naismith played well in the reserves it also seemed that he was still managing an injury. I think it really comes down to how the three train this week and how their respective injuries are coming along. The combination this week will not necessarily be the same for any further finals, especially if Naismith is given another run in the reserves and does well he could come in for a later game. Indeed if Naismith isn't selected there remains a definite chance that one of the other two will need replacing due to injury at some stage also.

[Hotpotato]

Not sure why Gazza would admit to nerves on the big days .
Every one has them, he's got to use them to his advantage..

[AnnieH]

OUT: Sweet Caroline

[S.S. Bleeder]

Not sure why Gazza would admit to nerves on the big days .
Every one has them, he's got to use them to his advantage..

It's a little surprising that he has this issue considering that he has performed well in other big matches with large opposition crowds. Maybe a visit to a Sports Psychologist might help him. I suppose being open about it might help him get over this issue. I would hope that the club is onto this; not just for him, but for any other players who have lost confidence due to these significant defeats.

[AnnieH]

Are we there yet?

[barry]

Not sure why Gazza would admit to nerves on the big days .
Every one has them, he's got to use them to his advantage..

He should have a chat to Mitch Morton. He was notorious for pre match nerves. Part of the reason he gave it away.
If he does the same as Mitch in the grand final, that will be enough.

[Meg]

It's a little surprising that he has this issue considering that he has performed well in other big matches with large opposition crowds. Maybe a visit to a Sports Psychologist might help him. I suppose being open about it might help him get over this issue. I would hope that the club is onto this; not just for him, but for any other players who have lost confidence due to these significant defeats.

The Swans employ a psychologist as part of their High Performance staff (along with the medicos, physiotherapist, massage staff etc.).

[barracuda]

What do you read into the fact that Hayward was at the NEAFL game at Blacktown, when the seniors were training on Lakeside? Being rested? Already told he will be playing NEAFL so told to go to Blacktown to be apart of it?

[stevoswan]

What do you read into the fact that Hayward was at the NEAFL game at Blacktown, when the seniors were training on Lakeside? Being rested? Already told he will be playing NEAFL so told to go to Blacktown to be apart of it?

Did he look happy or unhappy?

[bloodspirit]

Not especially happy. He sat down at ground level chatting to Robbie Fox.

[Markwebbos]

What do you read into the fact that Hayward was at the NEAFL game at Blacktown, when the seniors were training on Lakeside? Being rested? Already told he will be playing NEAFL so told to go to Blacktown to be apart of it?

I think if he's any chance to play seniors he will need to freshen up. Maybe they gave him a week off to do that?

[Mug Punter]

What do you read into the fact that Hayward was at the NEAFL game at Blacktown, when the seniors were training on Lakeside? Being rested? Already told he will be playing NEAFL so told to go to Blacktown to be apart of it?

I hope he is playing in the later game on Saturday.

Don't get me wrong I think he has had a fine first season and will be a very good player for us over many years but I just don't think he is quite ready for senior AFL finals footy. At that level you need as many contributors as possible and he struggles to find a way into the game when he is having a bad day, which is to be expected at his age and experience of course.

In any event hopefully a NEAFL Premiership Medal around his neck is a good consolation. With the seniors playing and the opponents an AFL team I gather we can play froma full deck on Saturday in the NEAFL so only a couple of toppies I'd say. Should be a very high quality game and I'm looking forward to it

[liz]

Even if the coaches have decided Haywood is unlikely to play in the EF, they'd hardly put him on ice now. Papley may not come up, or someone else could get injured.

If he was excused from the senior training session I think it's far more likely that they just wanted to give him a rest (or that he's carrying a niggle) than that they've already ruled him out of Saturday's Essendon game.

[Doctor]

Early forecast for Saturday isn't brilliant. Windy and possibly drizzly

http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/sydney.shtml

[bloodspirit]

Hosking, Razor Ray & Meredith set to umpire.