Rnd 11 Pre-Match Thread, vs Carlton at SCG, 7:50 PM Friday 26 May

[Maltopia]

I noted that Longmire mentioned Francis and McAndrew in a positive light and that Melican was in the mix for Friday. A glaring non-mention was Gould. I wouldn't be surprised to see Melican in for Gould this week.

Some 191 cm players can play key defence, but Gould is not one of them. I think the main reason is that he can't jump, so he's actually a short 191. If there is a role for him, it's more as a Rampe type player, but there's a big gap between the two. I hope Gould can find a way, if not, the 2019 draft might be a bi bust, except for Warner. I needn't mention ET and I'm close to giving up on Stephens. It hurts when your top 3 picks don't pan out.

Rampe will be 33 in a couple of weeks, so there's no guarantee he will play one, and if he does, 2024 will likely be his last season.

I read the same article and thought the mention of Francis was not postive as he had to say something about someone who has stepped in to replace McCartins and Rampe: he said he has done a “reasonable job”.

Maybe it was positive in that he was saying “he hasn’t sucked”.

[MattW]

I read the same article and thought the mention of Francis was not postive as he had to say something about someone who has stepped in to replace McCartins and Rampe: he said he has done a “reasonable job”.

Maybe it was positive in that he was saying “he hasn’t sucked”.

The tone of voice was more telling on Francis. Here's the video: "We're building to get better and we need to keep pressing forward" - Longmire

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[Blood Fever]

Agree with your first paragraph - my read too. The non-mention of Gould has indeed glaring. Without being harsh, even allowing for his inexperience, I haven’t seen any positive signs. He was continually beaten on the weekend.

Melican is comparatively much more likely to quell McKay (assuming Fox takes Curnow).

(I thought it possible John left open the slim possibility that Rampe might play, by saying 'and if Rampe doesn't play...' at one point.)

I share John's positive appraisal of Francis. He's shown promise as an interceptor.

Re 'giving up' on Stephens: what does that mean? Giving up on him as an AFL footballer or just a very good one? He has dropped off this year, after a bit of a break-out last year: https://afltables.com/afl/stats/play..._Stephens.html. He still struggles with his decision-making and doesn't show significant will to contest. The best case scenario is that he's late to mature.

Impressed by Longmire in the press conference. It is a very tough job to front up each week. I thought he was quick to say that Chris Scott was as experienced as him, when it was suggested he was the most long-appointed coach. He'd been expecting the questions he got on that (not unreasonable questions, I thought) and he dealt with them well.

Edit: just noticed this in the injury report:

'Dane Rampe

Dane’s neck injury continues to improve. He has increased his strength work and is in full contact training.'

Hmmmmmmm.

Longmire is always very impressive and measured in dealing with the press

[Roadrunner]

The tone of voice was more telling on Francis. Here's the video: "We're building to get better and we need to keep pressing forward" - Longmire

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If big Tom comes in, maybe swing McLean down back to help out. I think Melican comes in for Gould, who unfortunately hasn’t shown much, but deserves a few more games though not against top talls. Persevere with Francis and Stephens, though the latter has been underwhelming lately- not sure if it’s a confidence issue as he seems fit enough.

Ins: Hickey, Melican, HHK and Ramps if fit
Out: Ladhams, Clarke, Gould, and Stephens if Ramps is fit.

[707]

Lose this and our season is definitely done. I'm big on making everything we do for the balance of this season about 2024.

All the media are piling on Carlton, and why not, they are loaded with top line players, high draft picks, Coleman Medalists, Brownlow winner, high priced recruits, it's been a chronic under performer for several seasons, we need to be switched on right from the opening bounce - or start 2024 from this Saturday

[Roadrunner]

Lose this and our season is definitely done. I'm big on making everything we do for the balance of this season about 2024.

All the media are piling on Carlton, and why not, they are loaded with top line players, high draft picks, Coleman Medalists, Brownlow winner, high priced recruits, it's been a chronic under performer for several seasons, we need to be switched on right from the opening bounce - or start 2024 from this Saturday

Our season is done 707. Take the Mcartins, Ramps, Logan, Amartey, Mills, Hickey, Sammy out of our side and we’ve done well considering. We can’t cover these players. In addition we’ve had Heeney playing part injured for sure, and in all probability some others as well. You need luck with injuries- we had it for most of last year but this year it has deserted us; we’re now looking at next year and beyond.

[wolftone57]

I just had a look back at the stats from last year. Ironically we won the clearances v Carlton last year, but lost the match (so there goes my theory). Unbelievably we beat Geelong at clearances in the Grand Final.

Those were the only two games (starting with round 10, so I haven't looked at the first 9 rounds) in which we won clearances and lost the game. In 5 games (Tigers, Saints twice, Dockers and Pies (PF)) we lost the clearances and won.

It all depends on how the ball comes out of the clearances that matters. If a team is basically able to walk the ball out of the clearance then we are in trouble. This is happening far too much, especially from centre clearances.

If?you have interceptors you can break the momentumof the other side. But our interceptors are either injured or playing key position roles, Paddy and Blakey. Free up Blakey.

We can win this but there needs to be some tweeting the way we operate at stoppages and centre bounces. We need to be more proactive at winning ball. You don't beat Cripps by tagging him you beat him by contesting him. Dawson proved this. Get smarter rather than go defensive mid. Rowie will probably get the job of defensive mid. What a waste of a truly good mid.

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[barry]

This game could be ugly. Carlton are a side who have a capability to beat up on weaker or heavily injured teams.

[Kafka's Ghost]

Our season is done 707. Take the Mcartins, Ramps, Logan, Amartey, Mills, Hickey, Sammy out of our side and we’ve done well considering. We can’t cover these players. In addition we’ve had Heeney playing part injured for sure, and in all probability some others as well. You need luck with injuries- we had it for most of last year but this year it has deserted us; we’re now looking at next year and beyond.

Spot on.


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[Blood Fever]

This game could be ugly. Carlton are a side who have a capability to beat up on weaker or heavily injured teams.

Potential is there for that. Let's hope we can kick straight when we have some momentum.

[Maltopia]

I listened to the Longmire interview and he said (and I think someone picked up on this) that “Rampe, if he doesn’t play” when referencing three of the starting six defenders being out.

So there is a chance Rampe will play this week.

[crackedactor 01]

I listened to the Longmire interview and he said (and I think someone picked up on this) that “Rampe, if he doesn’t play” when referencing three of the starting six defenders being out.

So there is a chance Rampe will play this week.

I have heard Rampe recovery has been progressing well over the past week. Tom Mc is still a big worry.

[longmile]

I listened to the Longmire interview and he said (and I think someone picked up on this) that “Rampe, if he doesn’t play” when referencing three of the starting six defenders being out.

So there is a chance Rampe will play this week.

Hes pictured doing full match practice on the swans instagram

[Blood Fever]

Hes pictured doing full match practice on the swans instagram

Would be a big in even if a bit rusty

[Auntie.Gerald]

Will be fun watching how we match up on George Hewett

Still one of the best in the business in keeping his arms free in tackles and half circling for his hand ball