Changes to R22 Against North Melbourne

[Roadrunner]

Wicks is essential for the finals because of the pressure he brings. No one else comes close to applying pressure like he does and I don't think anyone they bring in can match that defensive role (other than maybe Clarke) as they are midfielders who are used to being offensive weapons as compared to a defensive wall. He could kick straighter but he puts in hard every week

I’m sorry but I just don’t see it- as Ludwig says, all our forwards apply pressure. In my book, a forward’s job is to kick goals and/or create chances. For the last few weeks Wicks hasn’t done this so he needs a rest.

[Roadrunner]

I wanted him to get a chance but Stephens was terrible , shouldnt play again this year after that performance

He had plenty of mates! He needs a continuity of games and I would still play him against Norf. He was ineffective, I grant you that, but the lad has ability and before we trade him let’s give him every chance. I’m a great believer in giving every player on our list a proper run before we make a call. For example, James Bell had a few games in a row and for me he ain’t gonna make it- I wish him all the best but I can’t see him in our future team. With Stephens, it’s too early to make that call but sometimes a high draft pick doesn’t cut it. KB and his team can get it wrong sometimes!

[Aprilbr]

Yes its tempting to give Stephens one more chance this week despite his terrible performance last week (and earlier in the season). We play North and there is not a lot riding on it. Having said that, we have others potentially available that we can replace him with who are a safer option looking towards finals which are so close now. A tough call for the selectors!

[TheBloods]

He had plenty of mates! He needs a continuity of games and I would still play him against Norf. He was ineffective, I grant you that, but the lad has ability and before we trade him let’s give him every chance. I’m a great believer in giving every player on our list a proper run before we make a call. For example, James Bell had a few games in a row and for me he ain’t gonna make it- I wish him all the best but I can’t see him in our future team. With Stephens, it’s too early to make that call but sometimes a high draft pick doesn’t cut it. KB and his team can get it wrong sometimes!

Where did i say trade him ?? Said he shouldnt play again this year as hes not ready , plain and simple , kids got confidence issues so keeping him in when hes out of his depth is no good to him

Saying that hes not the first one i'd drop

[Meg]

One change - Sam Reid will play for the first time as a father of two. Kim and Sam’s baby daughter arrived earlier this week in Melbourne.

Kim should be made No. 1 Swans ticketholder next year for her devotion to the Swans’ cause. Moved to Queensland heavily pregnant, and with a toddler, prepared to have her baby there, spent 14 days in hotel quarantine, and then had to move to Melbourne and give birth there instead.

Sam, you need to be BOG this week to match Kim’s performance!

[joeykanga]

He had plenty of mates! He needs a continuity of games and I would still play him against Norf. He was ineffective, I grant you that, but the lad has ability and before we trade him let’s give him every chance. I’m a great believer in giving every player on our list a proper run before we make a call. For example, James Bell had a few games in a row and for me he ain’t gonna make it- I wish him all the best but I can’t see him in our future team. With Stephens, it’s too early to make that call but sometimes a high draft pick doesn’t cut it. KB and his team can get it wrong sometimes!

See I still heartily disagree with you on Bell
I think he contributed for a good block of weeks comprising a series of wins and it was that last week where his form fell off where he was dropped and replaced to give others an opportunity

Before that he clearly was playing his role very well..and he still has a place going forward

It’s interesting that he did go and a loss occurred ..i actually think he applies a lot of pressure and nails his tackles ..i know people quote his lack of stats but they were handy for his role whilst he was in form and prior to his last gane and he applies a lot of perceived pressure which I’m not sure if that shows on stats

I was wondering how long it would be before someone decided Bell was worth talking about again ..I’m a big supporter

[joeykanga]

I can’t see any set of circumstances in which we play WCE as the lower finishing team or Brisbane at all as it’s 5v8 and 6v7

Aren’t we 6th and West Coast 7th right now
All that would have to happen is West Coast to win and stay ahead of the chasers ..is that what you mean ..you don’t think West Coast will win any matches
We could certainly finish 6th whether we win or lose

[Markwebbos]

Aren’t we 6th and West Coast 7th right now
All that would have to happen is West Coast to win and stay ahead of the chasers ..is that what you mean ..you don’t think West Coast will win any matches
We could certainly finish 6th whether we win or lose

My comment was in response to 707 who said: Don't want to draw to play WCE in the first final and be below them on the ladder as we'd have to play in Perth, same with drawing Brisbane first game and going to the Gabba.

I was saying I don't think either of those scenarios is possible. Including us playing WCE from 7 in Perth. There is an outside chance we'd be forced to relocate to WA for finals

[baskin]

One change - Sam Reid will play for the first time as a father of two. Kim and Sam’s baby daughter arrived earlier this week in Melbourne.

Kim should be made No. 1 Swans ticketholder next year for her devotion to the Swans’ cause. Moved to Queensland heavily pregnant, and with a toddler, prepared to have her baby there, spent 14 days in hotel quarantine, and then had to move to Melbourne and give birth there instead.

Sam, you need to be BOG this week to match Kim’s performance!

Yes Meg, Kim's devotion certainly can't be questioned. What a story she will have to tell Harley when she's older.

[ugg]

In Campbell McLean Melican
Out Franklin (managed) Lloyd (injured) Stephens (omitted) Clarke (sub)

Emg: Sinclair Gray O’Riordan Bell

[MattW]

Campbell back in is about the only positive.

I had wondered about resting Franklin in light of uncertainty about the bye.

Seems they've decided McLean more likely to play any final than McDonald.

Also seems Warner needs to be given another week managed in the scratch matches.

[TheBloods]

What a joke

[707]

With the pre finals bye now in doubt it seems we have made an early call to rest Buddy.

Might be smart to rest Hickey next week against Gold Coast if the bye still looks to be doubtful.

Campbell a big positive, good reader of the play, pace and accuracy by foot. Hope Melican can hold up and play well. Chad Warner must be in next week you'd think.

[Bangalore Swans]

Why not Logan? Can reserve followers confirm that he has been playing well.

Happy that Melican is in. Why does Fox stay?

Delighted that Campbell is back. Hoping that we get a backline set up of J-Mac, Campbell and Blakey driving off half back.

Does anyone know the extent of Lloyd’s injury?

[longmile]

Not a fan of melican. Slow, poor skills and prone to brain fades. Safe to say I'm not happy with his inclusion, hope he doesn't make the finals side.