For me, it is all about the weather.
If it's fine then both play.
If it's wet, I'd go for..... Derrickx.
Only because I thought Pykie was very average in the wet.
The difference between insanity and genius is measured only in success.
The trouble for Mitchell is that both Parker and Birdy are playing arguably career best footy this year. Maybe it is no coincidence - both those players would have been aware of the competitive situation. As has been stated often, Cunningham and Lloyd are providing the extra speed needed these days and with BJ being potentially included this week rather than Mitchell, for the Suns game at least, the need for speed is seen as greater.
I would love to see Mitchell get a game. He came with such great raps, but hampered by every kind of injury has not had an opportunity to settle into the firsts and show just how good he is. It is a real dilemma.
Robinson, Biggs and perhaps Membrey are also knocking on the door along with Rohan, ROK and LRT. But the room is full! If Rampe is out this week whether Rohan or BJ get the nod, only the next few hours will tell!
IMO physically it would be better for Gary to stay in the 2's all season to build up confidence under less pressure and stress but it depends on where he is at psychologically.
As for rucks, I would bring Pyke back through the 2's.
It's too difficult to make a call on fitness, but if Pyke is fully fit to go, he should come in for Derrickx. I think we're a 2 goal better team with Pyke compared to Tom.
The other possible fitness change, Rampe, could be taken by Rohan. I think the 2 are remarkably close to what they bring to the side. I wouldn't mind seeing how Gaz does in his new halfback role.
[QUOTE=Reggi;642950]Official no change[/QUOTE
I wonder what that says about Pyke's fitness in today's training. Hope we see him in the reserves. ]
"Mike Pyke will also make his return this weekend via the Swans reserves, who will play a curtain raiser against the Suns reserves at Metricon Stadium on Sunday morning.
Longmire said the 30-year-old would benefit from a run in the NEAFL after missing four weeks with a hamstring injury.
?He?s missed a month of football now, and this week was the first time he?s trained with the squad,? he said.
?We just thought it was a good opportunity for him to get some game time under his belt without the risk of playing senior football.
?Hopefully he gets through the game and pulls up really well and that?s what we?re aiming for.?
I'm with you Matt. I never thought I would be saying this about Tom, but under our current team structure and form he stays in the team. Mike and Tom bring us 2 different games. Mike brings us better tapping, better marking and better kick for goal. Tom brings such a physical presence to the rucks and basically batters the opposition ruckman down. Opposing midfielders are also cautious. He is incredibly fit too and can run out a game better than Mike. I still believe Mike is a great no.2 ruckman. I just don't feel under our current structure that we need a no.2 ruckman. We have a great balance in our forward line that we can't afford a resting ruckman up there. We would lose that defensive forward pressure and the ability to rotate midfielders up there.
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