Changes for Round 9 vs Collingwood.

[AB Swannie]

De Goey is their most effective forward and Hewitt must be a strong chance to do his tagger negating role.

Moore is their most effective back, and our recent form says a tagging negating role works there too. McDonald might the appropriate size and mobility for that role this week.

De Goey would be too quick on the lead for Hewitt. Rampe will get that job and will towel him up. McCartin will go to Cameron/Cox (whoever plays) and Fox will take Mihocek I would think. Cunningham to take the most dangerous small forward (Daicos when he is playing there). Dawson to play more of an intercepting rebounder.

[The Runner]

Some key match ups:
- Wicks to Quaynor
- Hayward to Moore
- Rampe to De Goey
- Fox to Mihocek
- Cunningham to Thomas
- Rowbottom to Daicos or Steele at contests

We can really stretch them in our forward half with their defence depleted. We may be too tall if we have McDonald come in as well - would probably play Hayward over him this week, and bring McDonald in for the big Perth oval the week after.

Sinclair for Heeney the only definite change. Then it's down to whether one of Wicks, Gulden or Jmac need a rest for Blakey. He's ahead of Stephens for me - who's on the McVeigh career arc, learning to impact a game beyond just elite endurance. He'll get there, he'll just take time.

[crackedactor 01]

I wouldn't be dropping either Wicks or Hayward. Wicks is our best pressure forward and Hayward's pressure has taken another step up this year. Both are good goal kicks.

I also wouldn't be dropping O'Riordan. In each or the past 2 seasons he improved with just about every game, until the point where no one was thinking of dropping him from the side. He's playing okay now after just 2 games this year and only 25 in total. In combo with Fox and Cunningham, our small defenders shut out Melbourne. It was our key defence that let us down.

Early thoughts on changes:

In: Heeney, Blakey
Out: Sinclair, Gulden

Some consideration should be given to bringing Brand into the side if Cox comes into the Collingwood side, as we could get exposed for height defence yet again. Even Cameron is a threat, kicking 3 goals last week.

I thought COR did some useful things last week and I would also persist with him. Though the last 2 weeks have been brutal games and I am not adverse to have 4 to 5 changes this week.

[MattW]

I wouldn't be dropping either Wicks or Hayward. Wicks is our best pressure forward and Hayward's pressure has taken another step up this year. Both are good goal kicks.

I also wouldn't be dropping O'Riordan. In each or the past 2 seasons he improved with just about every game, until the point where no one was thinking of dropping him from the side. He's playing okay now after just 2 games this year and only 25 in total. In combo with Fox and Cunningham, our small defenders shut out Melbourne. It was our key defence that let us down.

Early thoughts on changes:

In: Heeney, Blakey
Out: Sinclair, Gulden

Some consideration should be given to bringing Brand into the side if Cox comes into the Collingwood side, as we could get exposed for height defence yet again. Even Cameron is a threat, kicking 3 goals last week.

I disagree pretty strongly with both contentions in this statement: "in each or the past 2 seasons he improved with just about every game, until the point where no one was thinking of dropping him from the side".

He was good in 2019, but was ordinary last year and couldn't hold his spot in two runs at it - dropped after rounds 7 and 15. He hasn't shown improvement in his two games this year.

I think his under-pressure decision-making is poor, and he hasn't offered the run or terrier defence he looked capable of in 2019. As for shutting out Melbourne, check out his bad missed tackle on McDonald which resulted in his goal at the start of the third on Saturday.

I know I've banged on a bit about this, and I don't mean to pick on Colin, who of course seems a good bloke. But I just don't see it and reckon it's preferable to invest in Campbell.

- - - Updated - - -

Some key match ups:
- Wicks to Quaynor
- Hayward to Moore
- Rampe to De Goey
- Fox to Mihocek
- Cunningham to Thomas
- Rowbottom to Daicos or Steele at contests

We can really stretch them in our forward half with their defence depleted. We may be too tall if we have McDonald come in as well - would probably play Hayward over him this week, and bring McDonald in for the big Perth oval the week after.

Sinclair for Heeney the only definite change. Then it's down to whether one of Wicks, Gulden or Jmac need a rest for Blakey. He's ahead of Stephens for me - who's on the McVeigh career arc, learning to impact a game beyond just elite endurance. He'll get there, he'll just take time.

Surely Moore will go to Franklin.

[Captain]

In: Heeney
Out: Sinclair

[Aprilbr]

I dont see many changes for this game. Apparently no fresh injuries from the Dee's game and our overall performance was OK. Obviously Henney comes in if he is fully fit. Sinclair may be dropped if they think Hickey can ruck for more minutes despite his injury. So it could be as simple as Heeney in and Sinclair out. That might be OK as our forward set-up looked to be too top heavy last game.

[Ludwig]

I disagree pretty strongly with both contentions in this statement: "in each or the past 2 seasons he improved with just about every game, until the point where no one was thinking of dropping him from the side".

He was good in 2019, but was ordinary last year and couldn't hold his spot in two runs at it - dropped after rounds 7 and 15. He hasn't shown improvement in his two games this year.

I think his under-pressure decision-making is poor, and he hasn't offered the run or terrier defence he looked capable of in 2019. As for shutting out Melbourne, check out his bad missed tackle on McDonald which resulted in his goal at the start of the third on Saturday.

I know I've banged on a bit about this, and I don't mean to pick on Colin, who of course seems a good bloke. But I just don't see it and reckon it's preferable to invest in Campbell.

Fair enough. I think I've conflated 2019 and 2020. I remember Colin got injured last year, but forgot that he got dropped a couple times as well. I find it hard to remember much detail from last season, it was such a mess.

Colin makes a few mistakes in games, but in line with his senior game experience. There are a lot of things that I like about what he brings to the table. He has a balanced, yet diverse set of skills, including a variety of well-executed kicks on both sides.

I like to give players a fair run at showing they belong at senior level, as long as their inclusion in the side is not detrimental and they show improvement and the capability of reaching a high level. I feel this to be the case with Colin. I would like to give him a run of games if he can meet these criteria. I don't think his inclusion has hurt the team.

Because our depth is so good, I feel that dropping Colin would be a serious setback to his career as a Swan, and could result in the loss of talent to the club.

[MattW]

Fair enough. I think I've conflated 2019 and 2020. I remember Colin got injured last year, but forgot that he got dropped a couple times as well. I find it hard to remember much detail from last season, it was such a mess.

Colin makes a few mistakes in games, but in line with his senior game experience. There are a lot of things that I like about what he brings to the table. He has a balanced, yet diverse set of skills, including a variety of well-executed kicks on both sides.

I like to give players a fair run at showing they belong at senior level, as long as their inclusion in the side is not detrimental and they show improvement and the capability of reaching a high level. I feel this to be the case with Colin. I would like to give him a run of games if he can meet these criteria. I don't think his inclusion has hurt the team.

Because our depth is so good, I feel that dropping Colin would be a serious setback to his career as a Swan, and could result in the loss of talent to the club.

I agree with those points in principle; where I differ is in their application to the facts. I think Colin has had sufficient opportunity. But anyway - if given another this week, let's hope he takes it.

[barry]

In: Heeney
Out: Sinclair

yes

[Aprilbr]

I'm happy for Colin O to have another game but I confess to being sceptical about whether he will eventually make it. I hope I'm wrong as I love his effort, strength and he seems to be a popular character around the Club. His footy smarts (or the lack thereof) is the area that worries me.

[Markwebbos]

I think Gulden looks like he might benefit from a week off. Not sure who replaces him.

If Heeney is fit he replaces Wayward.

I think Blakey for Sinkers and give him a crack in the ruck

[NeonBible]

I feel as though i have entered the twilight zone!! I come in here and find suggestions like Hayward being dropped! Logan Mac returning! Rowbottom a defender! Gulden being dropped!
I LOVE the diversity of opinions but sheesh!! Any of these moves would be a drastic over reaction to what was a pretty gallant loss!

/ Hayward dropped makes little sense because to me he appears to be getting better. Came back to senior level with a BANG then a few quieter games and last week got back on the scoreboard! Now is hardly the time to mess with that by dropping him!

/ I am a HUGE believer in Logan! But he needs form! He was demoted to the reserves and then played a quiet half and one decent game in the ECFL and then didnt play last week because of the COVID scare. Is that a solid enough body of work to work his way back into the best 22? Time will tell. Early gut feel says no!

/ I think it is just one poster suggesting Rowbottom shifted into a defensive role. Unsure if this is a response to my posting of his impressive defensive numbers last week ?? If so it is an overreaction. He could make a good defender, he has the right stuff. He has also been knocked down the pecking order a peg or two in the midfield, probably about 6th in the file now. But lets give him a chance to redeem before we totally reinvent him!!

/ Errol Gulden? Our best kick fwd? Dropped? I wont hear of it! An undisciplined performance from young Gulden against the demons. Some silly errors creeping into his game, but he is a smart and skilful young player. Like Rowbum, let us give him the chance to work through these woes. Fine development lesson. There are others who I would tap on the shoulder before him.

[SwanSand]

Two changes
Wicks out Heeney In
oriordan out Hewett in (if fit)

Would leave Sinclair in the team with Hickey needing help in the ruck especially with their 2 rucks (Grundy and Cameron)
Hayward important to prevent intercept marks

They will get stretched with our marking targets inside 50.
I would give Rowbottom a run with role with Pendlebury. I think he can shut him down.

[Ralph Dawg]

In Hewett Heeney McDonald
Out COR Hayward Sinclair

COR only given opportunity due to George's concussion. Has not done enough not to warrant recall for George, who will also be a good match up on de Goey. Frees Rampe to watch Miochek and McCartain to mind Cameron.

Hayward too erratic. Heeney much better at the medium role.

McDonald more mobile than Sinclair. Tall forward composition of McLean, Bud and Sinclair too slow and not competitive enough at ground level. Could also use Blakey in this role too.

[Ralph Dawg]

Some key match ups:
- Wicks to Quaynor
- Hayward to Moore
- Rampe to De Goey
- Fox to Mihocek
- Cunningham to Thomas
- Rowbottom to Daicos or Steele at contests

We can really stretch them in our forward half with their defence depleted. We may be too tall if we have McDonald come in as well - would probably play Hayward over him this week, and bring McDonald in for the big Perth oval the week after.

Sinclair for Heeney the only definite change. Then it's down to whether one of Wicks, Gulden or Jmac need a rest for Blakey. He's ahead of Stephens for me - who's on the McVeigh career arc, learning to impact a game beyond just elite endurance. He'll get there, he'll just take time.

I get the impression that Stephens lacks a bit of mongrel. Seems like a really nice, sincere sort of guy, the type I'd be happy for either of my 2 daughters to bring home. He needs to get on some of Papley's angry pills.