Changes to R21 Against St Kilda

[Roadrunner]

Wicks stays

That’s a bit dogmatic TB. Granted forward pressure and a role, what were his stats for say last3 games? There are players knocking on the door…………

[Industrial Fan]

That’s a bit dogmatic TB. Granted forward pressure and a role, what were his stats for say last3 games? There are players knocking on the door…………

it’s not all in stats for that sort of role though is it?

For instance I think his htb tackle against the giants both got the momentum going our way and unsettled Buddy’s opponent who was going well up to that point.

I think Wicks would be one of the last out of the team unless the coaches thought he was fatigued and needed a spell

[Markwebbos]

I agree Wicks stays. Who else would come in and play that role?

[bloodspirit]

I can't see Warner coming in to the seniors before at least 1 VFL game. He's missed too much footy. He's probably 4th in line for non-KPPs to come into side, behind Stephens, Rowbottom and Campbell. It's really important that we have some ressies level football to keep these guys sharp and ready to play AFL when needed.

I agree that Warner should play VFL before returning to seniors provided that he has the opportunity. However, if the VFL matches don't go ahead, some additional time training with the team until he is adjudged ready will have to do. I don't agree that he is behind all those other non-KPPs to come into the side. I think based on his performances early in the year he can leapfrog them all once he has shown he is fit and in form.

[MattW]

I can't see Warner coming in to the seniors before at least 1 VFL game. He's missed too much footy. He's probably 4th in line for non-KPPs to come into side, behind Stephens, Rowbottom and Campbell. It's really important that we have some ressies level football to keep these guys sharp and ready to play AFL when needed.

Gulden came straight back in after a similar break. I'm not saying Warner will or should, but I think he could.

[Ludwig]

I agree that Warner should play VFL before returning to seniors provided that he has the opportunity. However, if the VFL matches don't go ahead, some additional time training with the team until he is adjudged ready will have to do. I don't agree that he is behind all those other non-KPPs to come into the side. I think based on his performances early in the year he can leapfrog them all once he has shown he is fit and in form.

With a full inside mid brigade, I would place a bit more emphasis on outside runners. This is why I'm ranking Stephens and Campbell ahead of Rowbottom and Warner with the group we now have playing. I would love to give Stephens a run in the seniors to try to establish himself and build confidence. There's also the unsigned contract putting a finger on the scale.

Rowbottom's original injury was bone bruising to the knee. This can take a long time and can be painful with too much use, but can be played through if the pain isn't too bad. It's hard to say how bothersome the injury currently is to Rowbottom. Warner has missed a lot of football. If he were a veteran, I'd be more inclined to bring him right in, but would like to see him get some match fitness, even if it's just a scratch match.

Like everyone, I enjoy some of the spectacular stuff we get from Warner, but I still rank Warner and Rowbottom roughly equal at this time, with Rowbottom having a better all around game. I'm not looking to get back into the comparison argument again. I'm happy just to wait and see how things unfold over the coming years.

[Roadrunner]

it’s not all in stats for that sort of role though is it?

For instance I think his htb tackle against the giants both got the momentum going our way and unsettled Buddy’s opponent who was going well up to that point.

I think Wicks would be one of the last out of the team unless the coaches thought he was fatigued and needed a spell

Don’t get me wrong- I like Wicks. Of course he does some good things. My issue with him is that he doesn’t do enough, certainly compared to his earlier games this season. Hence maybe he needs a rest.

[bloodspirit]

Injury Update: Warner's successful return, Naismith's progress (sydneyswans.com.au)

Warner has played his first return match (in the VFL) on Sunday past. He's now ready to play "a full game". I would suggest that he probably needs to have another match in the VFL (or scratch match) before being considered for senior selection.

[TheBloods]

ffs just get him in

[Buzz13]

Injury Update: Warner's successful return, Naismith's progress (sydneyswans.com.au)

Warner has played his first return match (in the VFL) on Sunday past. He's now ready to play "a full game". I would suggest that he probably needs to have another match in the VFL (or scratch match) before being considered for senior selection.

I didn't think swans VFL played last week...was this just a scratch match of sorts?

[Goal Sneak]

ffs just get him in

I tend to agree. Chads upside is phenomenal, he has so much to offer even if not 100% match fit.

[Buzz13]

Yep I think Chad would benefit us in getting a few more centre clearances - has been good for a few each game he has played - especially his explosive runs out of the centre square.

[mcs]

I'm happy to see him have a week more in reserves. Only because I'd hate to see him underdone and get bunged up again and be missing by rushing him back too quickly. Not doubting his value, but prefer we be a little cautious - we should be able to beat St Kilda with or without him to be honest.

[Mark26]

I'm leaning toward bringing in Stephens for Bell, and giving him a hard tagging role on Brad Hill. It's a good matchup and one that Stephens should be able to handle. If he does it well, it will be a big contribution to a winning performance. If not, Stephens will know he needs work on his game to play AFL footy.

The other matchup I hope to see is Hewett on Steele. If we can limit both Steele and Hill, we take away a huge part of the Saints' offense.

I like this idea. Give him an apprenticeship, accountability and a hard tag all game. I'd like to back in Stephens with a string of games.

[bandwagon]

Earlier in the year I was very much against bringing Gulden back straight away - first year player, 6 weeks without footy, blah blah. The medical and conditioning staff made exactly the right call then, and I trust them to make the right call regarding Warner. They are clearly the best in the business.