Changes for Rd. 3 vs North Melbourne

[111431]

Does it even matter?

They are either following the game plan which is a failure on the part of the coaches, or they are completely ignoring the coaches instructions.

The latter option isn't a positive for the coaching staff.

Or was the fact we long bombed because we had little space and / or no moving forward targets? The players and coaches are all smart at their job, i'm sure there was no instruction to bomb it into the forward line. The other side wouldn't allow us to do what we wanted. Credit to them

[TheBloods]

Well he sure as cr@p won’t do it sitting at home when there isn’t even an opposition scratch match for those not getting a game.

True, though most weeks there should be a scratch match on. This week is not a good one in general for changes given there is no scratch match on.

[Mountain Man]

and I say again that Norths are not the side to experiment with newbies

[ugg]

In: Fox
Out: Brand (injured)

Emg: McLean, Stoddart, Clarke, Ronke

[MattW]

Fox in for Brand (inj).

Hmmmm.

[TheBloods]

Sigh. Why is it always our big guys who go down at the most inopportune times?

Can see their fwds giving our defenders a headache, and McLean who is listed as an emergency will really be needed i50.

[longmile]

Not feeling great about this week, but watching the highlights fro last years win over the Kangaroos made me feel better. Another great close game from last year: Highlights: North Melbourne v Sydney
Shoulda brought Clarke into the team tho

[i'm-uninformed2]

I think all the commentary on how we entered the forward line and used our small forwards on offense is fairly valid.

For me though the bigger issue last weekend was how easily the Bombers marched it out of defence, and the lack of defensive pressure from those guys.

They seemed to get to the wings without any strife and against most sides that’s a recipe for disaster.

[Markwebbos]

I think all the commentary on how we entered the forward line and used our small forwards on offense is fairly valid.

For me though the bigger issue last weekend was how easily the Bombers marched it out of defence, and the lack of defensive pressure from those guys.

They seemed to get to the wings without any strife and against most sides that’s a recipe for disaster.

I don’t remember that being the case. In the second Q in particular we had them pinned down and they couldn’t get the ball out.

[jono2707]

We were too Buddy-centric last week. I hope we are a bit cleverer with our inside 50s this week.

[ernie koala]

Would of liked to see Gould come in for Brand...He big for his age and enjoys the contest. Looks a real prospect to me.

We know what Fox brings...Not much.

[lwjoyner]

backine weakened again. alir will be a back up ruck. why not try mclean. not sure how gray still gets a gig

[bloodspirit]

Disappointing to see a weaker team out on the park this week. Here's hoping Fox plays a blinder but it's disappointing to see him as the player selected and that somehow Melican has not done enough. Still, I don't think Melican should have been rewarded if he hasn't done enough. I guess Fox is a steady hand, who knows how we play and the match committee decided that was the most important thing this week.

I'm not really sure where to post this but it was refreshing to read this morning Dimma's candid comment after their loss (which I didn't see):

"our expectation and the club expectation is our players who pull on the jumper play a hell of a lot better than they did tonight. We've got to coach them better as well."

I like that Hardwick took some ownership for the poor performance.

It was also interesting to see the Hawks bounce back after Clarko sharply criticised them after last week's result.

Sometimes it would be good to see Horse show a bit more of that ruthlessness and also the candour and the responsibility. A different personality I suppose. He likes to keep his cards closer to his chest.

[waswan]

Reckon Clarke will come in for Gray
No point giving Higgins the heads up about who is tagging him

[barracuda]

Gould and melican didn't show much in scratch match. I think there are players struggling across the team. heeney, hayward, blakey, gray, etc. The goal would be to stabilize the team and look for improved performances across the board. Making wholesale changes or throwing in debutants is high risk. Fox is fit, steady, reasonably quick whilst not a superstar. I can see why he is a solid choice. Melican is too slow for North Melbourne and Gould is actually a bit similar.