Changes for Round 12 vs St Kilda

[Ludwig]

McLean has had back to back poor games where he's hardly competed in a marking contest. I would prefer to give McDonald or Amartey a go this week.

[MattW]

McLean has had back to back poor games where he's hardly competed in a marking contest. I would prefer to give McDonald or Amartey a go this week.

Yes, although since that position is the back-up ruck at the moment, would have thought Amartey more likely.

[stevoswan]

You have to be joking

Chad certainly hasn't had the influence in recent games as he did earlier in the season....and has shown he needs some tweaking in decision making and disposal at times. He's young and developing and isn't immune to criticism or being dropped. This week, probably not but another quiet one and a rest might be wise.

[NeonBible]

I wonder what is going through McLeans mind?? The highs and lows of footy all in one month of footy!! He was the in form contested mark in the competition, he would now be among the worst! It is a fine line between keeping a young developing KPF like him in the team for a learning curve, and giving his spot to someone more in form!!

[Bangalore Swans]

Out : Franklin, McLean

Ins : McDonald, Amerty

Franklin copped a knock in the 4th quarter and will be possibly ready for a rest game. He’s played three games in a row and may need a rest.

McLean is not bringing the ball to ground. Amerty and McDonald may be able to bring the ball to ground better. Amerty is can possibly help Sinclair in the ruck better.

I liked Brand as a tall back. Bigger body than Fox.

[AnsweredPrayers]

Warner was named in the best players against Freo just a week ago. He is obviously performing a role the coaches appreciate.

[Molly dooker]

When do we find out where we're playing the Saints?

[Nico]

Warner was named in the best players against Freo just a week ago. He is obviously performing a role the coaches appreciate.

I thought Warner was ok. Was a big contributor in the last quarter.

- - - Updated - - -

When do we find out where we're playing the Saints?

On radio this morning it is either Sydney or Cairns with Cairns the preference as StKilda play there the week after.

[707]

Horse saying Fox and Hickey will be back this week so that's Sinkers and I'd reckon Stephens out.

Brand with his height needed to match King, Hewett may tag Steele, their only reliable mid. McLean on shaky ground but stays unless they want to try McDonald again?

Cairns? We're unbeaten there I believe?

[Mark26]

Out: Sinkers, McLean, Taylor (sub)
In: Hickey, Amartey, Fox (sub)

I'd be tempted to leave Stephens in to build some consistency and confidence in his game. No-one else deserves to be dropped imo.

[Markwebbos]

If Hickey comes back then surely McLean goes out and Sinkers plays second ruck/fwd.

Give Stephens more time. I think he needs to #believe he belongs.

Fox in is an interesting one. I’d like to keep Brand which means someone else has to go out and my finger is hovering over Hewett

[cruiser]

Out: Marvel Stadium
In: SCG or Cairns
Surely they could just swap with the home game v St Kilda later in the season. We Victorian members don’t want to lose another game.

[Ralph Dawg]

In Hickey McDonald
Out Stephens McLean

Sinclair to forward / ruck. Plenty of midfield depth to cover Stephens, can even rotate Heeney and Papley through. Agree he seems too timid at the contest, just doesn't find the ball.

McDonald straight swap for McLean.

[The Runner]

A lot of the criticism on McLean is really missguided. He has clearly been given the task of nullifying the impact of the key intercept defenders over the past few weeks. Weitering had minimal impact on the game on the weekend.

I think he could do better in bringing the ball to ground more over the past fortnight. But it's not as simple to say "he's not marking it enough" or "he's not leading well" without looking through the lens of the role he's been given.
The work guys like him and Wicks do, allow for players like Buddy, Heeney and Papley to play freely and not defensively minded.

I don't think McDonald is ready yet to command a player like Weitering or Cox or Moore.

Having said all of that.. If there was ever a fortnight to drop him, and bring in McDonald for a burst, it's now. The Saints and Hawks don't have any players remotely capable of intercept marking. So his structural role won't be as crucial.

[Ralph Dawg]

A lot of the criticism on McLean is really missguided. He has clearly been given the task of nullifying the impact of the key intercept defenders over the past few weeks. Weitering had minimal impact on the game on the weekend.

I think he could do better in bringing the ball to ground more over the past fortnight. But it's not as simple to say "he's not marking it enough" or "he's not leading well" without looking through the lens of the role he's been given.
The work guys like him and Wicks do, allow for players like Buddy, Heeney and Papley to play freely and not defensively minded.

I don't think McDonald is ready yet to command a player like Weitering or Cox or Moore.

Having said all of that.. If there was ever a fortnight to drop him, and bring in McDonald for a burst, it's now. The Saints and Hawks don't have any players remotely capable of intercept marking. So his structural role won't be as crucial.

You make a valid point re McLean. He covers alot of territory and has done a great job on some of the best intercept marks in the league, like Andrews, Lever and Weitering.

I'll change my outs to Sinclair and Stephens with McDonald and Hickey to come in. McLean can provide the chop out to Hickey.