Pre-match Discussion: Round 4 V Bombers @SCG

[Ralph Dawg]

Earlier posts have discussed there being a big crowd on Thursday night. I think the emphasis when it comes to crowds at the SCG should
on quality rather than quantity. Right now they are just letting anyone in. There are people there who want to sing along with an old Neil
Diamond song. There are people who are prepared to wave a cardboard sign around with a corporations name on it. There are people who
look at their phones the entire game whilst talking about their sex life loudly. There are people there that don't know Buddy's surname.
We talk about the character of the team and how important it is ad nauseam. What about the character of the crowd?

People jumping on the bandwagon is a positive. For every 100 bandwagon supporters, there is going to be a number that will get sufficiently interested and invested to become rusted on. It's the main way for a club to build it's supporter base for the long term. Plus, there's nothing like a full SCG to pump up the atmosphere and further build hype. If we just reserved it for the diehards, our club (and the code) would just die a slow death (like rugby union).

[Nico]

Looks like a nice day On Thursday. Hopefully the greasy, dewy grounds starting around this time don't happen this week. We are playing top of the ground footy.

[AB Swannie]

McLean did an awesome job running Andrews away from the contest in R1. I wonder whether Reid makes way for Buddy instead of McLean? It would be a shame because Reid is playing well but if we can nullify Ridley, their defence and attack will be severely curtailed.

I think this makes sense both from your analysis as well as from a management of Reid perspective. An ageing tall with a history of soft tissue injuries plus a 5 day turnaround.

McLean has been excellent both as a fool for others and a threat himself. His mark and goal halting one of the few times Richmond had real momentum was very impressive.

[Bangalore Swans]

An article on AFL.com says that Rowbottom is set to return on Thursday night. Longmire was enthused by the prospect.

There will have to be another player to drop out to accommodate Rowbottom.

We assume it’s either Reid or McLean for Franklin.

Who will be the medium or small player to make way for Rowbottom?

Do you think any of the the 1st year players need to be managed?

[giant]

Almost think it's time to give Will H a run too - God knows who gets dropped but they've been two games played in extreme heat in 8 days followed by a 5 day break; feels like a few changes (beyond those already flagged) might be necessary.

[barracuda]

Almost think it's time to give Will H a run too - God knows who gets dropped but they've been two games played in extreme heat in 8 days followed by a 5 day break; feels like a few changes (beyond those already flagged) might be necessary.

I don't think they will mess with the forward line much and no one there seems too tired. Given they roamed around un-manned against Richmond that is not surprising. Perhaps Campbell could do with a rest, however Hayward is not a particularly reliable or creative kick.

[SwanSand]

For Buddy to come in ... a tall has to be rested. So the choice would be McLean or Logan. For a 18 year old to play at high intensity that too at 30 degree heat at MCG, it may be good to give him a bit of rest. Sam is a forward Ruck for us and did admirably in the ruck last week so maybe he plays this round.
I reckon Campbell and Gulden won’t be rested. Or if Campbell is rested, we could switch Mcinerney to the half back, he has speed and the kicking ability and should be ok to play smalls.

I must say that I wasn’t expecting to say this but Hickey seems to be our most important player. He is scrapping and fighting in the middle and giving our mids a chance and making them look a lot better. And he seems to have a good kick, cool head and has tactical nous In Getting forward of the ball that cal sinclair lacks.

[Ralph Dawg]

No way Hayward comes in. Just doesn't work hard enough to fit into the current environment. If Campbell needs a rest, then Rowbottom just comes straight in. If any of the other young guys need a break, Stephens or Ling would be next cabs off the rank, even Bell. But as long as no one is injured, none of the young guys will need a rest - they're all pumped and have so much momentum.

[DeadlyAkkuret]

I’d be surprised if the kids need a break. It’s round 4 and they all had a full preseason. Errol is moving like McLeod, so easy, and McDonald is cool as a cucumber. They should have energy to burn for at least the first 6 weeks.

Buddy in for McLean and Rowbottom for McInerney are the only changes I’d make. They’re also the most logical.


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[Rod_]

I’d be surprised if the kids need a break. It’s round 4 and they all had a full preseason. Errol is moving like McLeod, so easy, and McDonald is cool as a cucumber. They should have energy to burn for at least the first 6 weeks.

Buddy in for McLean and Rowbottom for McInerney are the only changes I’d make. They’re also the most logical.


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Most likely and agreed from my perspective!

[KTigers]

mmm.... so Rowbottom is set to return? I know Longmire might be keen, but has this been cleared with TheBloods?
Seriously though, dropping McLean? seems a bit harsh. He's been good. Winning every game and having lots of guys in form and
few injuries is a good problem to have. Tho' I guess if we are going to rest Buddy, then it's okay for McDonald or McLean to be rested.

[Cosmic Wizard]

mmm.... so Rowbottom is set to return? I know Longmire might be keen, but has this been cleared with TheBloods?
Seriously though, dropping McLean? seems a bit harsh. He's been good. Winning every game and having lots of guys in form and
few injuries is a good problem to have. Tho' I guess if we are going to rest Buddy, then it's okay for McDonald or McLean to be rested.

I would keep McLean and drop Reid.

McLean is always running, keeping a defender on him and away from the forward line.

If you rematch the match, Reid had several moments of hesitation, which could have cost us.

I say no changes apart from that one; give Rowbottom another week, knee injuries need to totally healed before you play a game.

[MattW]

I’d be surprised if the kids need a break. It’s round 4 and they all had a full preseason. Errol is moving like McLeod, so easy, and McDonald is cool as a cucumber. They should have energy to burn for at least the first 6 weeks.

Buddy in for McLean and Rowbottom for McInerney are the only changes I’d make. They’re also the most logical.


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Unless there are demonstrable signs of tiredness/loss of edge (I haven't seen any), I doubt they'll 'rest' the younger players. John seems keen for them to embrace the reality of playing AFL, and there's a long break before the following round.

[KTigers]

I would keep McLean and drop Reid.

McLean is always running, keeping a defender on him and away from the forward line.

If you rematch the match, Reid had several moments of hesitation, which could have cost us.

I say no changes apart from that one; give Rowbottom another week, knee injuries need to totally healed before you play a game.

Yes, Sam Reid. He's like that old couch on the back verandah. Was pretty decent when you first bought it, but broken springs would
appear from time to time and be annoying. Thought about trading it in on a new model many times, but it always seemed like too
much trouble and the circular depression on the arms would always hold a drink without spilling. It's hard to know what to do.

[aardvark]

This board is like xmas at the kindergarten. Everyone wants to play with all the new toys at the same time! No player deserves to be dropped/rested after Saturday. If we're going to drop anyone Lloyd would be my first choice. Every time he went to kick in I was disappointed it wasn't Dawson or Campbell. He seems to have missed the memo about playing quicker this season.