Our ruck stocks are so depleted at the moment that Naismith may be considered even if he's a little underdone.
Longmire considers Naismith recall
Our ruck stocks are so depleted at the moment that Naismith may be considered even if he's a little underdone.
Longmire considers Naismith recall
"Unbelievable!" -- Nick Davis leaves his mark on the 2005 semi final
Seems crazy for mine to include him (although I think they will) after such a long lay off, and given we have nothing to play for in reality. I'm not for one second suggesting we should be trying to tank it, but why risk him getting injured again where we could ease him back through a month more of NEAFL + likely at least one final, and have him ready to have a full, uninterrupted pre-season.
"You get the feeling that like Monty Python's Black Knight, the Swans would regard amputation as merely a flesh wound."
Yes, at this stage, I would prefer Knoll over Naismith. And I found it a bit strange, that Naismith was listed among our best on the weekend and Knoll wasn't. Stats wise, Knoll was ahead of Naismith in hitouts, 39-26, and possessions, 16-7. Although maybe Naismith was voted up, for his possibly arsey goal? Knoll also seems to be in good physical condition, having improved his pace and agility, since his lumbering earlier games. Whereas, I don't think that sixty minutes in the NEAFL, is any guarantee that Naismith will get through a game in the AFL.
Mummy played 93 minutes against Port for 6 hit outs! I wonder if that will tempt them to play Naismith?
I am a bit old school and would recognize some of the grunt players a bit more. Sam Wicks had to play midfield again and carried loads of the hard body work. He stood Rhys Matheson for the first half and in the end they had to move matheson forward as he was well beaten. Wicks ended up with 23 touches, 9 tackles with loads of hard contested ball wins. In the last quarter when everyone was completely gassed he sprinted from the centre to cover a brisbane player running deep, and then leapt and spoilt the mark in the goal square. I rate the guys that do this stuff as much as the prolific ball winners like rosey..
Following Longmire's press conference just now. Rampe (eye bleed) and O'Riordan (groin) will be outs this week.
Yes, Wicks is a very committed player. I like the fact that he almost always tops the tackle count. He's also capable of the odd flash of brilliance: a snapped goal from the sideline, a helter skelter weave through traffic, or pulling off a long odds chase and tackle.
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Ugghh! Sometime before the end of the year, it would be nice to get through a week, without any new injuries.
With both Rampe and COR out we might have to play both McCartin and Dawson back.
At this stage of the week, I would be leaning toward Florent and Knoll coming into the side. There could be some other changes as well. McLean or Fox might be dropped. After a strong NEAFL performance, I might give Rose another shot. Bell, Wicks and Menzel are also in the mix. I don't think Thurlow has been playing well in the reserves, but given that 2 defenders are out, he too should be considered.
It looks a difficult task for the boys this week against a Giantesque opponent. I don't see us having winners anywhere on the ground, but it's these sort of games that can surprise.
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