Could it be that Paddy will retire before the mid season cut off date.
Could it be that Paddy will retire before the mid season cut off date.
Paddy will have to be passed fit to play by at least 1 doctor as well as the AFL. I can't imagine any doctor taking the risk of allowing Paddy to play again, given the liability if Paddy has another concussion or is found to have brain damage at any time in the future.Originally Posted by Foreign Legion
I wouldn't play Tom again this year, to give him the best chance to playing next year. In any case, I doubt Tom can get through a full season without concussion symptoms and we should plan as if Tom will not play again. I think players like the McCartins can suffer brain trauma without having a serious head knock, but simply by the cumulative effect of minor head trauma in the regular course of play.
Most players who have had an extended period of concussion symptoms don't return to play, at least not for any considerable length of time.
It's bad luck for the McCartin brothers and the Swans. They were going to be our defensive pillars for the rest of the decade. We've been a mess since they dropped out of the side.
On Marc Sheather: A navicular stress condition is a serious problem that can take a long time to heal. It's questionable if he will be fit to play again this year.
Last edited by Ludwig; 24th May 2023 at 02:53 PM.
I think the issue with Paddy was how minor the incident was.
He has had many concussions and has been seen by specialists that have passed him fit to play.
You could argue any of the last 5+ concussions have been too many for Paddy but he keeps getting cleared by specialists.
I think Tom wil be fine but we are just being cautious, he may also be alongside his brother who like many predict, may be about to walk away from the game.
Any chance for Ramps ? I know they said out til after the bye but he is doing full contact training.
I can’t see that the medicos would clear Paddy to play again, unfortunately. But Tom could come back after the bye.
It would be great if Ramps could come back this week to help organise the defence as it needs him for sure.
Then HHK for Clarke. Big Tom for Ladhams.
I was critical of Harry early in the season but stand corrected as he’s been good lately- pleased for him but keep him down back Horse as his best value is there!
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.
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.
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" - LongmireI 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”.
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Longmire is always very impressive and measured in dealing with the press
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.
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.
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