Rnd 23, vs St Kilda at Marvel, on Sunday 14 August, 2:40 PM

[dejavoodoo44]

I would be happy with no changes as well, and think this is most likely. But I would also be happy to see Cunningham replace Clarke in the defensive forward role.

I was one of those who called for Clarke to be given a go in the seniors, so on that account I am pleased that he's done so well.

As said in another thread, Clarke looked a bit lost with ball in hand. I think Cunningham may well be able to do the lock down job as well as Clarke, and his record shows that he is composed under pressure and can use the ball well.

There is also every possibility that Clarke will work his way into the speed of the game and handle those situations when he's part of the offence somewhat better than he did on Sunday. His skills are not all that bad. He just got caught in some tight situations. He's improved his disposal, especially his kicking, since coming to the Swans. I wouldn't be surprised if his improvement continues.

Looking ahead to the finals, I'm a bit concerned that our opponents will work out how to exploit Clarke and diminish his effectiveness. Once something like this gets highlighted the coaching staff of opposition teams go to work on it.

One thing I quite like about Clarke as a defensive forward, is that it narrows down his disposal options. If he gets the ball in the forward 50, then generally his options are: quickly kick for goal, quickly get it to a more talented forward, or if he's marked it, go back and take a shot. He usually doesn't have the midfield situation, where he gets the ball, has a long think about the different options, and then chooses the wrong one.

And I do think he should stay in the side. Longmire has seemed pretty chuffed in recent press conferences, about both Daicos and Dawson having had to move to half forward, in order to get away from Clarke.

[monopoly19]

Watching the replay Clarke did have some very useful tap ons, but some of his actual disposals were a bit ordinary. His first instinct (offensively) isn’t great, and he’s played 7 (?) games now so should have picked up the speed of the game if that were the issue. But while Harry is speedier I don’t think of him as being particularly composed with the ball either. Would be interesting to see him in the defensive forward role and whether he has the same negating effect as Clarke. Tough to drop Clarke after a perfect win record this year!

[Captain]

I would love to see no changes this week.

[Aaron]

Horse answered questions today " in details" about team selections, role playing and ruckman.. Typically, he has not ruled out any changes Have a read at Ruck Questions Answered. The Full interview can also be viewed from the following video: Press Conference 16 Aug

[RogueSwan]

Two changes -
Rampe to defensive half forward and kicks three.
Gould gets a debut.
Someone (no one deserves it) gets two weeks rest.

[Mel_C]

What's the bet this week that King kicks 5 straight?

[Aprilbr]

No changes this week. Why change a team in winning form? Its really jelling now so let's keep it going. Saints will be hoping to finish their season on a high but as long as we come to play and play four quarters we will just have too much class for them. A strong win and second place beckons!

[Markwebbos]

OUT: Booing Ginnivan
IN: Celebrating Hanners

[707]

What's the bet this week that King kicks 5 straight?

Danger game!

[Roadrunner]

Danger game!

Yes- and so is every game! Obviously the Saints will be up for it, especially on their home turf and in front of their supporters. Do they have a sliver of a chance for the 8th spot? We need to bring our best pressure game for 4 quarters and maintain our form. King probably won’t have the yips 2 weeks in a row so could be difficult to handle.

No changes for me barring injury, though I could accept Campbell in and Clarke med sub. But most likely an unchanged side.

Go Bloods!

[dejavoodoo44]

Yes- and so is every game! Obviously the Saints will be up for it, especially on their home turf and in front of their supporters. Do they have a sliver of a chance for the 8th spot? We need to bring our best pressure game for 4 quarters and maintain our form. King probably won’t have the yips 2 weeks in a row so could be difficult to handle.

No changes for me barring injury, though I could accept Campbell in and Clarke med sub. But most likely an unchanged side.

Go Bloods!

St Kilda has an extremely minimal chance of making the eight and are likely to be gone by game time on Sunday. If the Bulldogs have the closest of wins earlier in the day, the Saints would need to beat us by around 130 points, to overtake them on percentage. Something similar if Carlton lose, depending on the margin of the Collingwood victory, 10 points and they'd need to beat us by around 120. Ain't gonna happen.

[SwanSand]

Seems like Buddy is less boisterous than he was at the start of the year. I reckon he just wants to put his head down and keep the focus away from him which has worked really well. I hope he continues and kicks a bag against the saints.

The storyline in the saints camp not good - review post this match, Brad hill news that he is happy to move to another club. I think Bud can kick a bag if the ball comes quickly to him as is expected.

[Nico]

Watching the replay Clarke did have some very useful tap ons, but some of his actual disposals were a bit ordinary. His first instinct (offensively) isn’t great, and he’s played 7 (?) games now so should have picked up the speed of the game if that were the issue. But while Harry is speedier I don’t think of him as being particularly composed with the ball either. Would be interesting to see him in the defensive forward role and whether he has the same negating effect as Clarke. Tough to drop Clarke after a perfect win record this year!

I think Clarke is harder at the contest than Harry. Harry was tried in a forward role earlier in his career but eventually found a spot in defence. It's for the same reason that Ollie has taken his spot in defence. Harry has essentially been a defensive sweeper. I think when Harry re-signs it well be as a depth player.

- - - Updated - - -

Sides have been known to pull one out of the bag when the pressure is off.

[RogueSwan]

...Sides have been known to pull one out of the bag when the pressure is off.

Just look at the Bombers earlier this year.

[Ludwig]

I think Clarke is harder at the contest than Harry. Harry was tried in a forward role earlier in his career but eventually found a spot in defence. It's for the same reason that Ollie has taken his spot in defence. Harry has essentially been a defensive sweeper. I think when Harry re-signs it well be as a depth player.

Harry has been our #1 lock down small defender in recent times. Lloyd has usually played more of the sweeper role.

When we don't have injuries, like at present, we have a large group of players to select from to fill the last few spots in the side, Clarke was a depth player until he got into the side and turned a regular into a depth player. Harry was unfortunate to get injured and now that we have a group on a winning streak, he can't get back in.