Rather than look at it as an opportunity to rest a load of players, I see it more as an opportunity for the team to work into some better form.

I don't think we'll go overboard with resting players. There was 5 changes last night, and I don't think the MC will want to make anywhere near that many this week. 1 or 2 players will get rested, and I suspect Judd may be one of them. Assuming Judd is out, I'd give Brock another go. Despite what some say, Brock wasn't our worst against Essendon*.

Unless someone is carrying a particularly bad niggle we don't know about, I would think if another player is to be rested it would be one out of Scotland, Waite or Kreuzer.

Aside from Brock, others in the mix for selection:
Yarran - no, give him another week's rest;
Ellard - made the trip to Perth, will he play today in the VFL? Needs the gametime, I would have thought;
Bower - stiff to be dropped, but MC made the right call. Ready to step straight back in if required - but it would be good to leave the backline to settle, unless a defender needs a rest. Even if not, he could still be a chance to play if Waite is the one to be rested (ie. T-Bird takes Waite's position and Bower plays T-Bird's role?);
Collins - very much a depth player, but this might be a good game to give him an opportunity. A standout VFL game today certainly wouldn't hurt;
Warnock - still a bit underdone, but he is the logical choice if Kreuzer/Hammer need a spell. If Waite misses (and with Rowe MIA), would the MC pull a surprise and play Warnock, Hammer and Kreuzer in the same side under the roof at Etihad?;
Kerr - a solid game today and I would hope he'd be right in the mix to debut against GWS. As discussed in another thread, the MC will have to make a decision on Kerr in the next few months so let's get him in the side and see what he can do.

I wouldn't be considering giving a game to the likes of Watson, McCarthy, McInnes, Bootsma, Bell or Dale at this stage. Maybe later in the year....

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It's never as good as it looks and it's never as bad as it seems.

Chance to rest a couple, try a couple etc...

Good week to bring Watson in and try him at CHF.

Prefer Ellard.

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The problem will be made. for the solution to be sold, to your face before your eyes, tolerance is now the new danger

no, keep him away from the spotlight, let him quietly go about working on his deficiencies

I think Judd and Scotto rested for maybe Ellard and Yarran

Don't just try players, try some tweaking of the game plan and players in different positions.

I would love to see how Hendo goes as a forward option now he has had his confidence built up by playing so well down back.

I'm convinced this season will show that we need more than our current Waite, Walker, Betts, Garlett with resting rucks as our forward options.

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I hope Essendon* folds.

It may yet happen but there's more to lose than to gain by playing Watson.
Very much a confidence player from what I have gleaned and to have a poor game against GWS would only set him back.
Why bring in players that will only be forced back the week after? No thanks.

I'm convinced you're right.
It's a shame we didn't have Mitchell to be trialled early on and now Rowe has gone AWOL.

Wouldn't put it past Ratten to throw Henderson forward and put pressure on Thronton to perform at CHB.

Apparently not injured and has not been involved at VFL level in recent weeks.

sounds maybe like MIA rather than AWOL ?

I wouldn't be resting too many

Go for the jugular and win by 100-150 points

Teams like Norf & Adelaide get 2 shots at both of these pretend sides.

Until the rigged fixture actually becomes a real draw we have to make every post a winner

BTW I would like to stick it right up that cauliflower Sheedy just for old times sake

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Cheats never prosper (except in the AFL)

Your right actually........ They really tested the bombers, who then spanked us!!

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"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit"
- Aristotle

Concur on all points ..... especially the last.

GWS showing early on why we shouldn't take them lightly

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WADA medical director Dr Alan Vernec describes Essendon* FC drug case as biggest scandal in team sport the world of sport has seen. #WC2WB

#GUILTY

Don't know Rexy.
He's just not spoken about nor listed as injured.

He may have contracted a dose of the McIness's..

looks as though the dogs have gone into todays game vs GWS half-arsed - we wouldn't want to be too cute

My thought exactly, looking pretty good so far. Massive changes would be silly.

Is it too late to bring in Brad Fisher for game 100?

Don't be too confident - we've never beaten these guys in the main season before....

(history gag)

From the Blueseum

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I think you have GC mixed up with GWS.

Either way the bombers would have had a very hard week on the track knowing they would beat Gold Coast anyway and then be in peak condition for the Blues and Pies game they had coming up.