Changes for Round 11 v Carlton

[MattW]

Shall we kick this off?

OUT: Fox, Blakey, McLean
IN: Brand, McInerney, Amartey

I'd like to bring Logan in, but we need to find ruck relief. It's pretty clear they don't want to play McLean at centre bounces, so Amartey plays.

I do wonder if they're thinking about bringing Grey or Taylor in for Wicks, who went quiet after he missed that set shot. I think there's still an opportunity there for Ronke, when he returns (maybe to the VFL side this week?).

In the post-game press conference, John seemed to think Hickey may play this week. I suspect they're planning to bring Naismith to give Hickey a rest, but Sam seems to need a few more games.

Heading up the highway to watch this one in person on Sunday, for the first time this year.

[i'm-uninformed2]

One, McInerney will come back. I’d give Chad a managed rest, as he hasn’t been as effective the last couple of weeks. That’s ok. He’s young, it’s a long season. A week off, plus it allows Stephens to settle in for another game, which I think will do him some good.

I’d then give Blakey a run in the twos for a bit to settle him down. I’d bring McDonald in if his seconds form suggests he’s refreshed a bit, and use McLean more as second ruck where necessary and it gives our forward line more structure.

The third possible change may be Melican. I get he’s no superstar, but we’re a tall defender short, and that leaves either Fox on the outer, or Hewett pushes into the midfield to tag Walsh, Heeney plays more forward - whereas at the moment he’s 50-50 onball and forward - and Hayward comes out.

[Blood Fever]

Shall we kick this off?

OUT: Fox, Blakey, McLean
IN: Brand, McInerney, Amartey

I'd like to bring Logan in, but we need to find ruck relief. It's pretty clear they don't want to play McLean at centre bounces, so Amartey plays.

I do wonder if they're thinking about bringing Grey or Taylor in for Wicks, who went quiet after he missed that set shot. I think there's still an opportunity there for Ronke, when he returns (maybe to the VFL side this week?).

In the post-game press conference, John seemed to think Hickey may play this week. I suspect they're planning to bring Naismith to give Hickey a rest, but Sam seems to need a few more games.

Heading up the highway to watch this one in person on Sunday, for the first time this year.

Knee jerk reaction to drop McLean after one ordinary game.

[Captain]

Knee jerk reaction to drop McLean after one ordinary game.

It was an extremely poor game. He needed to bring the ball to the ground (if not mark it) but simply couldn't provide a contest.

[MattW]

Knee jerk reaction to drop McLean after one ordinary game.

OK BF, who do think will back up hobbled Hickey/underdone Naismith/Sinclair next weekend?

[Blood Fever]

OK BF, who do think will back up hobbled Hickey/underdone Naismith/Sinclair next weekend?

Blakey backs up Hickey if fit. Sinclair/Amartey if Hickey not fit. McLean can spend time in ruck if needed. JMac for Stephens or Wicks. McLean was poor but one bad game for a young player after a number of good ones is not unusual

[SwanSand]

McLean needs a second tall defender to have an impact. He got the best last week and struggled. Sam Reid in the team stationed closer to goal will help McLean but maybe he needs to come through 2s. If that is the case Amartey would not be a bad option. Haven’t seen him so cannot comment.

Sinclair is a big downgrade on Hickey and if we go Amartey / Sinclair we are definitely going to lose this one especially with their on ball brigade.

If our pressure is good they will make mistakes as they are woeful in their turnovers.

Brand for Fox seems like a good choice. Tall and should get the job done on their less mobile ruck forward. Maybe that is the best chance that Brand may have to cement his place. If he plays well we would have the best backline combo with talls well covered.

[gazza]

out. mclean,hickey,blakey,fox

in. naismith,goold,mcinerney,mcdonald

[AB Swannie]

If Longmire can be believed in his post-game presser, Hickey will be fine to play.

I'm not sure what to do with McLean. He probably deserves a game to redeem himself but he was easily beaten yesterday. He couldn't clunk any contested marks and allowed his direct opponents to take several.

Blakey is a concern. He needs to get back to doing the basics before he tries the spectacular. I don't like him being used in the ruck either. Sam Reid really is a missing piece isn't he?

In: McInerney
Out: Blakey

I could be convinced for these too:

Potential Ins: McDonald, Amartey
Potential Outs: Hayward, McLean

[The Runner]

McLean had a terrible game on the weekend. But he played an important structural role - he really prevented Cox from having a large impact on the game as an intercepting defender. If you haven't watched Freo much, you might not appreciate how good he and Ryan have been for them.
Whilst I wish he could have at least broken even on many marking contests, he is important to the structure and stays.

Blakey played a similar role in negating Ryan. But, his time with the footy in hand was was terrible. Would happily swap for McDonald this week.

If Melican is right, he's in for Fox. Similarly McInerney for one of the young mids - likely Stephens unless another needs a break.

[giant]

McLean had a terrible game on the weekend. But he played an important structural role - he really prevented Cox from having a large impact on the game as an intercepting defender. If you haven't watched Freo much, you might not appreciate how good he and Ryan have been for them.
Whilst I wish he could have at least broken even on many marking contests, he is important to the structure and stays.

Blakey played a similar role in negating Ryan. But, his time with the footy in hand was was terrible. Would happily swap for McDonald this week.

If Melican is right, he's in for Fox. Similarly McInerney for one of the young mids - likely Stephens unless another needs a break.

That's the most generous assessment of McLean's game I can imagine - he was embarrassingly torched.

[SwanSand]

Carlton is too tall on each side of the ground. There is no way we can control their forwards Pittonet, McKay, Koning with our cavalry without giving away free kicks especially if we get beaten in the middle.

First thing - fix contested balls.
Second - stop Saad and Williams in back half.
Third - stop Sam Walsh

Carlton play SCG well. If they get run from Zac or saad the ball will enter our defensive half too quickly.

Out - Fox, Stephens, Clarke
In - Melican, Mcinereney, Lewis Taylor (sub)

Maybe out - Blakey if Reid available.
Unless the weather is wet.

I would put Blakey in forward half. The experiment of him being in midfield is over.