Changes for Rnd 7 V Brisbane.

[rb4x]

I have no idea what the selectors have against Newman. Marsh also named in the 18 then dumped to emergency. BS article about not being able to name Tippett because he did not train then having named in the NEAFL as a replacement for Naismith if his miracle cure did not work. How was that going to work unless we pay the fine which a few years ago was I think $10k for playing someone not named on Thursday. Harley saying there was no need to panic but then this team selection shows all the hallmarks of panic. How is a 32 year old with no pre season at all going to match it in round 7. I don't mind the outs but McVeigh ahead of Newman and Marsh especially a fit Newman I do not understand unless he is carrying an injury but Newman and Marsh have both been named as emergencies. I am starting to think there may be some truth in the rumours post the GF and that we may have some prima donnas in the team. My prediction, at least one of McVeigh and Naismith finishes the match on the pine injured. The odds being put up by the bookies make betting on the Lions are far better proposition than the Swans.

[Faunac8]

I was at the corresponding game in Brisbane last year which was notable for the debut of AA. He polled last in super coach points and had only 6 disposals I think but I could sense some huge upside. We need to take this onboard when posting demands for his return to the seniors . He is a novice in AFL terms and while he is an exciting potential ten year 200 game prospect he has a lot to learn at a senior level.
They played in front of us all night and we couldn't get our hands on the ball from what I remember. It was a concern that we couldn't put them away and in hindsight possibly an insight into what has become our Achilles heel this year.

[S.S. Bleeder]

I'd like to comment on one specific thing, and that is the reported lack of talking on the ground by the Swans players.
This equates to lack of leadership as demonstrated when Mills felt he had to take control.
Parker looks like he has been concentrating on his own form, and probably feels that he can't demand more from players when his form is down.
Kennedy may well turn out to be a poor choice as captain.
Great players aren't necessarily great leaders.
It seems that he is a fairly quite "go about your business type"
I try not to comment too much on selections for leadership etc as the club has to know what they are doing in selecting players.
And I could be well wrong in implying this about about Kennedy - I hope I am.

Can't believe I'm saying this, but I think McVeigh should come in.
If he does, it is the club admitting that on field leadership is lacking, and bringing this in could mean the difference between continuing the form slump and breaking out of it.

But if he does play, then it's an indication that the coaching staff may be looking for quick answers to the issues, rather than looking at game plans etc and being more self critical.

I agree. Junior does come across as fairly reserved, however, I don't see it as the captains sole responsibility to do all of the talking on the ground. Realistically, the captain is somewhat of a figurehead. On field leadership should come from most of the senior players. Buddy should be providing leadership in the forward line, Grundy and Smith in the backline, Jack, Junior, Parker and Hanners in the midfield. I don't think it's fair to blame Junior. He's been doing his job on the field, the others haven't.

[mcs]

Disappointed in seeing Newman miss out again - but the side does look a bit more balanced than it has been.

[Markwebbos]

I was going to write a post a few hours ago expressing my happy surprise that the naming of Tippett and McVeigh in the NEAFL indicated a welcome change from Horse; giving players time in the NEAFL to find form and fitness.

Positives
At least AA is in rather than Marsh. And 2 rucks means Reid won't have to ruck. Maybe Towers is a changed player.

?
I'm torn over McVeigh. Not convinced he'll be an improvement on Newman, but similar skill set and will offer better leadership even if he hasn't played for 7 months.

I was hoping that the leaders who played last week might be able to lead without him