Changes Round 6 V Gold Coast Suns

[goods78]

Just saw Buddy walking in to the SCG. Compression bandage on the right knee and walking a little gingerly.

Would not surprise me if he only played home games for the near future.


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[Ludwig]

I won't be surprised if we see both in, based on Longmire's press conference after the game. He seemed resigned to the fact that McDonald might need a break, and he was also quick to name both Amartey and McLean when the journo mentioned Sinclair's name. They can each split the forward and ruck roles between them, with a little support from Reid, if need be. Longmire also observed that, while Reid did a pretty good job filling in for Hickey, it meant we didn't have him as a forward target.

I hope you're right about McLean and Amartey. If there is ever a week to do it, it's this week. We need to keep an eye on the future and the development of these 2 forward/rucks could be an an important part of it.

Our midfield looks well set for years to come and we need to focus on KPPs this year and next, whether through player acquisition and the draft.

I don't know what to make of the wide variation in opinions on Melican. Some rated him among the best on ground, while others think he should never play again. I saw some good things as well as some bad. We probably critically examine players who are under the gun, while the mistakes of others get passed over without comment. I know that I was focusing attention on Hayward and Melican because of the criticism received on here.

I also wouldn't be yanking Wicks from the senior team anytime soon. We seemed to bypass him and kicked the ball long to a Buddy contest. It produced 5 Franklin goals, but I don't think it suits the best way for us to play the game. We need to use all our players and distribute the ball to whoever is in the best position, rather than get fixated on one player.

So, I would be looking to replace Hickey and McDonald with McLean and Amartey. I would also like to see Stephens and Rowbottom back in the side, but that's going to involve resting some players. Perhaps Campbell can go back to the reserves to play in a midfield or half forward role I'm also not too happy about Hewett in defence. He seems to be out of rhythm with the rest of the team. Yet it's hard to see how he slots into the current midfield.

Some VFL game reports had O'Riordan and Taylor among the best players, both racking up over 30 possessions. Unless these numbers are not a reflection of how they played, they should come into the picture for selection if they can maintain a good level of performance in the ressies.

[dejavoodoo44]

I hope you're right about McLean and Amartey. If there is ever a week to do it, it's this week. We need to keep an eye on the future and the development of these 2 forward/rucks could be an an important part of it.

Our midfield looks well set for years to come and we need to focus on KPPs this year and next, whether through player acquisition and the draft.

I don't know what to make of the wide variation in opinions on Melican. Some rated him among the best on ground, while others think he should never play again. I saw some good things as well as some bad. We probably critically examine players who are under the gun, while the mistakes of others get passed over without comment. I know that I was focusing attention on Hayward and Melican because of the criticism received on here.

I also wouldn't be yanking Wicks from the senior team anytime soon. We seemed to bypass him and kicked the ball long to a Buddy contest. It produced 5 Franklin goals, but I don't think it suits the best way for us to play the game. We need to use all our players and distribute the ball to whoever is in the best position, rather than get fixated on one player.

So, I would be looking to replace Hickey and McDonald with McLean and Amartey. I would also like to see Stephens and Rowbottom back in the side, but that's going to involve resting some players. Perhaps Campbell can go back to the reserves to play in a midfield or half forward role I'm also not too happy about Hewett in defence. He seems to be out of rhythm with the rest of the team. Yet it's hard to see how he slots into the current midfield.

Some VFL game reports had O'Riordan and Taylor among the best players, both racking up over 30 possessions. Unless these numbers are not a reflection of how they played, they should come into the picture for selection if they can maintain a good level of performance in the ressies.

One note of caution on McLean and Amartey, is that Sinclair did the large majority of rucking. Amartey did the odd centre bounce and a bit round the ground, while maybe McLean took a few hitouts in the forward line. So, I'm not sure if management are looking at them being an AFL level double act? Not that I'm all that opposed to the idea.

Both O'Riordan and Taylor had good games. Taylor spent plenty of time as an inside mid: which surprised me a bit. Perhaps they're trying to boost his work ethic?

Out of that game, O'Connor is the player I'm most keen to see again. Definitely has pace and skills, but didn't see enough to judge his one on one defending skills. Seems to read the play well, though, and had a few intercept possessions.

Good luck sorting out the Kayo gremlins.

[SwanSand]

One note of caution on McLean and Amartey, is that Sinclair did the large majority of rucking. Amartey did the odd centre bounce and a bit round the ground, while maybe McLean took a few hitouts in the forward line. So, I'm not sure if management are looking at them being an AFL level double act? Not that I'm all that opposed to the idea.

Both O'Riordan and Taylor had good games. Taylor spent plenty of time as an inside mid: which surprised me a bit. Perhaps they're trying to boost his work ethic?

Out of that game, O'Connor is the player I'm most keen to see again. Definitely has pace and skills, but didn't see enough to judge his one on one defending skills. Seems to read the play well, though, and had a few intercept possessions.

Good luck sorting out the Kayo gremlins.

We are back to the pack with that loss as it exposed some of the shortcomings when our Don Pyke Plan A did not work. I think overall this lesson was great for our team going forward this year. I would rather want them to play finals like footy every week. Also SCG for some reason is our graveyard. It may be that the congestion it creates, results in a different game than what we prepare to play. While the width of MCG suits our runners a bit better. Also the game is being played differently than the first 3 weeks. All teams are playing it a bit differently and I reckon the dare has gone out as the scores are pretty close. Not sure if our dare has reduced as well since the Essendon game, it did seem we are playing on less from marks than previous weeks. Also the time given to our younger players was less by the opposition and their disposal efficiency has gone down. But this is all learning.

In hindsight, Logan should have been rested this week. I think the younger players need frequent rest period. We should not make this mistake again this year.
I thought Lewis Taylor's clearance and burst out of the middle was good in the VFL match. But I am not sure he was doing the pressure acts as well or not. He seems to be a handy replacement for Wicks if it needs to happen at some stage during the year. Ryan Clarke continued to have lots of possessions with suboptimal disposals and was tackled with the ball a couple of occasions. I would certainly think that he is not the type of player that would fit our team and I would not bring him in unless Joey Kennedy has to go out for some reason. Amartey not sure. Not sure about Gould. He did seem to be outworked on a couple of occasions. I am not sure if he is ready.

What a game by Hayward ! I reckon if he is given a specific role rather than a all encompassing role, he is a very good player. I would rather have him in the team based on his skills than Blakey, when Heeney is back.

I suspect we missed Rowbottom last week. A fit Rowbottom would have been good in the midfield. He positions himself well and tackles well. He should certainly be back. His knee was heavily strapped but he looked good.

Rowbottom, Dylan Stephens, Ling, McLean, Sinclair, Amartey probably the only ones available.

[bloodspirit]

I hope you're right about McLean and Amartey. If there is ever a week to do it, it's this week. We need to keep an eye on the future and the development of these 2 forward/rucks could be an an important part of it.

Our midfield looks well set for years to come and we need to focus on KPPs this year and next, whether through player acquisition and the draft.

I don't know what to make of the wide variation in opinions on Melican. Some rated him among the best on ground, while others think he should never play again. I saw some good things as well as some bad. We probably critically examine players who are under the gun, while the mistakes of others get passed over without comment. I know that I was focusing attention on Hayward and Melican because of the criticism received on here.

I also wouldn't be yanking Wicks from the senior team anytime soon. We seemed to bypass him and kicked the ball long to a Buddy contest. It produced 5 Franklin goals, but I don't think it suits the best way for us to play the game. We need to use all our players and distribute the ball to whoever is in the best position, rather than get fixated on one player.

So, I would be looking to replace Hickey and McDonald with McLean and Amartey. I would also like to see Stephens and Rowbottom back in the side, but that's going to involve resting some players. Perhaps Campbell can go back to the reserves to play in a midfield or half forward role I'm also not too happy about Hewett in defence. He seems to be out of rhythm with the rest of the team. Yet it's hard to see how he slots into the current midfield.

+1

[TheBloods]

Hoping i will be able to make the trip up for this one!! My sister and her kids live in Brisbane. Maybe a detour via the gold coast? ????

Im thinking we might rest a few kids for this one. Aside from North Melbourne i doubt we will get a more winnable game than this one and injuries seem to be coming hard!! A few kids looked off against GWS. Campbell , Chad, Jmac .. maybe even McDonald ? Or Wicks. Tbh I am just relieved we dont have to be discussing which of the two inclusions from last week we will have to drop - both Will and Lewis were excellent !!

Could Buddy be rested ? Jpk maybe ? Long season, these two will be key to our fortunes in the business end of the season and neither are young!! Hope Reid's head is OK. We have the depth we can afford to manage some players - we have a bounty of good talent waiting in the wings - Dylan, Sincs, Mclean, Brand, Bell, O'Riordan. Speaking of Irish - how about that Barry O'Connor!!!!!

Why would we rest Chad or Jmac? Stars already

[Markwebbos]

Just saw Buddy walking in to the SCG. Compression bandage on the right knee and walking a little gingerly.

Would not surprise me if he only played home games for the near future.


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I was shocked to see Buddy being our designated ruckman a couple of times. Seems a very high risk strategy for such a valuable asset.

[waswan]

Sinkers for Hickey, our only true ruck option, this is the exact reason he is still on the list.

Stephens needs a game for either J mac or Wicks

Rowy walks in if fit, prob for one of the above too

No need doing wholesale changes, we are 1min from 5-0.

Oconnor Riordon etc, who would they displace ? It isnt Lloyd or Harry.

- - - Updated - - -

PS, starting to think Ollie is our barometer

[dejavoodoo44]

I was shocked to see Buddy being our designated ruckman a couple of times. Seems a very high risk strategy for such a valuable asset.

I was listening to the ABC radio coverage of the game, featuring Tadhg Kennelly and Ryan O'Keefe. Tadhg reminisced back to when he was on the coaching staff and how he suggested, that it might be a good idea if Buddy did a bit of the ruck work. Apparently Longmire gave him a very bemused look and questioned Tadhg's grasp of asset management.

[waswan]

I was shocked to see Buddy being our designated ruckman a couple of times. Seems a very high risk strategy for such a valuable asset.

Turned out to be a bad call

[neilfws]

Buddy out 3-4 weeks (bone bruising), Hickey probably 6-8 latest guesses:

Franklin sidelined

[Ludwig]

Now that Buddy is going to be out for a month or more, we can return to team development as the top priority.

I still think we should give McDonald a week off and play McLean and Amartey along with Reid to cover our tall forwards and ruck positions. If we want to play 3 tall forwards we can also add Sinkers, but I'm fine with going a 2 tall forward line as we have a lot of good smaller players who can apply forward pressure and kick goals.

It's far from all doom an gloom. I don't really see us as a premiership side this year, so might as well target 2022 for the time when we've got the players and game plan in place to push to the upper echelons of the ladder.

[Auntie.Gerald]

This season is a very interesting one.

Are we playing to get in the top8 because we have a win loss ratio trajectory so far that might get us there...............and then see what happens? I mean nothing like a finals game to truly prepare the young folk for future success.

Are we in part, managing our youth to keep them healthy but game fit for Snr AFL roles?

No doubt there are so many layers to managing the trajectory and growth edge of a playing group with Top4 GF possibilities in more likely 2022/23/24

immmmm guessing we are giving as much game time to our future finals talent right now.............and simply managing each person on their development plan.

HENCE

Out: Hickey injured maybe Wicks out also

IN: Sinkers and Rowbottom

McInerney for me doesnt have enough real speed and or change of speed for wing long term and I would consider giving Stephens the opportunity to get back in and be ready come finals. I like JMac but maybe he is player 23 or 24 right now vs the upside of Stephens?

[SwanSand]

Buddy out 3-4 weeks (bone bruising), Hickey probably 6-8 latest guesses:

Franklin sidelined

Buddy, Heeney, Rampe, Hickey Out for multiple weeks
Logan, Campbell, Gulden all need rest - may be not all together

Here we go again. The promising season is looking shaky now.
Suns, Geelong, Melbourne, Collingwood to follow
We need to try and break even in the next 4.

I think it won't be a bad idea for Blakey to go forward, McInerney and Stephens to do the wing. Mclean, Blakey, Reid, Hayward in forward half will be good enough against Suns.
Ling can come in to to replace Campbell if he is struggling according to the team management. Or Rowbottom on the wing and McInerney on half back.
McInerney has attacking mindset and he has long levers too with good kick. I reckon he will be good on the halfback and slid forward to push the ball in forward 50.

I would bring in Sinclair rather than Amartey with Buddy gone.
We need to win this one.

[Auntie.Gerald]

Buddy blow: Superstar Swan Lance Franklin faces a month on the sidelines

out !!!!