Massive game this. We have been very poor interstate this year, and this is a big game against a similarly ranked team fighting to cement a spot on the ladder.
Hopefully Scotland will come up. I'd bring him straight in if he's fit.
Who comes out?
Robbo is at the mercy of the tribunal, so he might be a forced change.
Jamo looks like he needs a rest. However, if there's a game we probably need him, it's this one. In Round 2, he had Bradshaw covered until he went off injured and then Bradshaw monstered Bower in the 2nd half. I doubt we'll see Bower on Bradshaw again. If Jamo doesn't play, then maybe T-Bird gets Bradshaw and Bower gets Brown? Not ideal, but I don't think Austin or Bower have the body strength to go with Bradshaw. Carlos probably does, but he did well in his forward role on Friday night, so I would think it's unlikely Ratten will start Carlos in defence. One slightly from left field might be Harts in to play on Bradshaw? Although I think Bradshaw would be too good for Harts personally, and we're a little too tall already, so it probably won't happen.
Bower is in very good form, so I'd give him the big job on Brown. It's the sort of game you can imagine Brown really setting himself for, especially after he was fairly well-held yesterday by Gibson. Gibbs will probably play that extra man in defence role that Waite played in Round 2, although Austin could possibly be used in that role (he is athletic, reads the play well, kicks well, has a bit of size).
The most important thing is that we maintain our pressure/intensity all over the ground and tackle well. We can't let their midfield supply the ball on a platter to Brown & Bradshaw & co, otherwise it won't matter who we have in defence...
Based on yesterday's game, I'm not sure Grigg or Hadley will come in. Maybe if Scotland doesn't come up, Grigg could get the nod. I know there's a big gap between VFL and AFL, and Grigg may look a better player surrounded by quality teammates, but he was pinged for holding the ball 5 or 6 times yesterday and just looked off the pace to me. Hadley was hard at it as you'd expect, but wasn't clean with the ball at all and just looked a bit out of sorts as well. But Hadley did play well against his old side in Round 2, so that could be a factor at the selection table.
I can't see the likes of Cloke, Johnno or Joey forcing their way in this week. If Carrots and Wiggo come up, they'll be in the mix, but no certainties. Carrots has missed a lot of footy this year, so he might need a game with the Bullants.
I must admit, I'm not overly confident about this game - but we are due to win one on the road and I've got a feeling Fev is ready to cut loose...(in a good way!!)
...as long as we are putting pressure on them all over the ground and getting the ball into the hands of Judd, Murphy, Hoops, Stevo forward of the centre....
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