Changes for Round 9 v Fremantle

[grarmy]

Well thought through! Makes sense. Also, IMO he is playing lighter than he was in previous seasons. He certainly looks less bulky. The weight loss in an athlete, traditionally, is to give a player more speed. However it reduces strength. It maybe that he is being groomed for a different role as per your views. It would make sense to transition him away from the middle to lengthen his career, and maintain his relative injury-free status while the young guns cover the role. The cost of course is that JK is not getting the 30 odd possessions we used to see. I see it as part of the overall process of developing our team over the journey and not killing our treasures.

[AnsweredPrayers]

I think they have included McCartin to help them manage Buddy's game time. Doubt they'll spend too much time on the field together. Given they are both unfit I think this makes sense. I don't think Towers has they height to play this role. Still, Towers has been pretty good this year and I'm surprised he's been dropped.

[CureTheSane]

Still, Towers has been pretty good this year and I'm surprised he's been dropped.

I've been a Towers fan even through the calls for his dropping, sacking and death when he made those late game mistakes.
But yo gotta show up every week, especially when there are other options in line to take your spot.

[dejavoodoo44]

I've been a Towers fan even through the calls for his dropping, sacking and death when he made those late game mistakes.
But yo gotta show up every week, especially when there are other options in line to take your spot.

And it's probably a good sign, if you have to drop a player or two, who don't deserve to be dropped. Plus our NEAFL side is now starting to look pretty strong.

[Sandrevan]

I hope they haven't rushed Buddy back into the team too soon and the inclusion of Hanners is a big suspect. I think he should have had a game or 2 in the NEAFL before getting selected in the seniors.

With Buddy back in I thought it might be at the expense of McCartin but it was Towers who got omitted. It's going to be a busy night for Callum Sinclair and he won't do too well against Sandilands. However, he's more mobile than Sandilands.

All the punters are predicting the Swans to win but with our recent record at the SCG....This game is not a gimme. It will be interesting to see how the re-interpreted blocking rules are applied too. It would be hilarious if Whorethorn got beaten by the Lions.

[stevoswan]

Rance is untouchable.

Pleasant surprise to see Bud back, though a bit unusual to be excluded due to injury on the Monday then brought back in before the game. You'd think Horse would err on the side of caution with Buddy?

Did no one read what Horse said in regard to this 'shock' selection?

[stevoswan]

It will be interesting to see how the re-interpreted blocking rules are applied too. It would be hilarious if Whorethorn got beaten by the Lions.

......with most of the Lions goals coming from 'blocking' frees against the Dawks.

[Markwebbos]

Did you see Harley?s bcomments about ?tempering expectations?

Tom Harley explains how Lance Buddy Franklin made shock return

?When you look at the ins with Franklin and Hannebery, we are happy with that.

?Both missed three games of footy, so we temper your expectations accordingly. Really pleased to have those two quality players back in the side.?

[dejavoodoo44]

......with most of the Lions goals coming from 'blocking' frees against the Dawks.

That would be nice. Like a conservative politician who is really tough on crime: until they're sent to jail.

[Untamed Snark]

. It would be hilarious if Whorethorn got beaten by the Lions.

That would make my weekend.

[Blue Sun]

Did no one read what Horse said in regard to this 'shock' selection?

I did read what he said. I don?t know what you?re getting at to be honest. Longmire ruled him out on Monday, but the injury improved over the next couple of days. It?s still a risk if you ask me.

[S.S. Bleeder]

Awesome timing.
Buddy gets blocked

+1. Don't forget McCartin. Really looking forward to winning the free kick count for the first time this decade. ????????????????????????

[Industrial Fan]

Two very big ins for Freo as well in Wilson and Walters

With Fyfe in form as well this looks to be a great game.

[aguy]

I?m pretty nervous about every home game this year. I?m more relaxed with the away games because I assume we will loose each time and so far I?ve ended up very satisfied each away game. Last weekend was the sweetest

[O'Reilly Boy]

Not about this week, but I found myself asking last night 'who goes out for Mellican when he returns?' But the real question is who does Mellican have to get in front of to get back in.

It is interesting that since dropping Marsh we have gone smaller in back half, and loaded up on runners. Cunningham and Hayward drop back to cover rotations, Jones plays deeper across HB and Rohan seems to take on the Reid role of dropping back towards the end of quarters. I guess against taller forward lines we'll need three tall backs, and that's where Mellican will get back in. But the next four weeks should see us stick with the smaller, faster 22.

I am really interested to see what happens to Newman and Aliir. That Rose wasn't part of restructuring the forward line suggests that he is at risk to be shopped out at the end of the year.

And I'm wondering about the next tranche of youngsters: Stoddard seems to be well in favour; will O'Riordan get a look in? Looking forward to seeing where Dawson is at when he recovers, and it will be good to have a look at Ling if I can get to the game this evening. All those NEAFL ins have plenty to play for.