But one player I'm mildly concerned about is JR...he's been terrific for us over the last couple of years, and he's not having what I would call a 'shocker'... but he doesn't look right to me. If he's still carrying an injury, I think the time has come to rest him. If not, perhaps he could be used as Sub? Or even perhaps a spell in the VFL (especially if Lucas runs into some form with the Bullants)? Is he struggling with extra leadership responsibilities? Or is he just feeling the effects of a limited pre-season? Is he adapting to a slightly different role in the team? Or is he a victim of his own standards and I'm expecting too much from him? Anyway, I doubt he'll get dropped this week, I just think he's a good player that can (and we need him to) play better in the second half of the season.

Robbo available, 93.75 point reprimand

Robbo available, 93.75 point reprimand

I take it that was for the incident on Black? Watched the replay and there was very little in it. Needs to curb his aggression a bit.

Nope, Redden incident. Cleared from Black incident

EVIDENCE from Hawthorn’s Brent Guerra after an investigation on Monday has helped the match review panel charge Geelong star Joel Selwood with a level-five striking offence, which incurs a four-week sanction. Selwood can accept a three-week ban with an early plea.

I thought the Redden one was worse than Blacks

Selwood 3 weeks with early plea.

I reckon ThePsychologist and nightcrawler's comments about JR are fair and interesting. There's certainly a few possible reasons why JR is a bit down (relative to the last 2 seasons). He's a very good player though, and Ratten is apparently a big fan, so I don't think he'll get dropped just yet. But I think if he doesn't improve in the coming weeks, and the likes of Hoops & Lucas get on a roll for the Bullants, JR's spot might really come under scrutiny soon...

It speaks to our improved depth that we are even discussing it... :cool:

Anyway, for this week - with Robbo available and assuming Jamo is OK, but that Waite & Laidler will miss again - I think there will be no changes (although I'd expect the MC to have a long discussion about Hammer vs Warnock...).

Either T-Bird or JR as the Sub.

Key defender Michael Jamison is nursing a sore ankle and is in doubt for Sunday's clash.

Hopefully Robbo won't get rubbed out - he's become an important player for us - but I guess if he does, the upside is it gives someone like AJ, Armfield, Brock or Hoops an opportunity. And perhaps a 1-2 week break at this stage of the season wouldn't be the worst thing for Robbo anyway. It's a long season for a player of his type...

I think the ruck situation is getting interesting now that Kreuzer is back. We know that the 2nd game back from an extended lay-off is the most difficult. That makes it especially important that we make the right choice between Hammer or Warnock for the other ruck spot this week. Added to that, Mumford will be back for them and they are a very good stoppage team. Who is the best match-up for Mumford? I know Hammer took an excellent mark yesterday, and his form over the last 2 games has been OK, but Warnock is probably the better tap ruckman and a more skillful player. Then again, I love Hammer's energy and mobility. But how's Hammer's body after quite a heavy workload over the last couple of weeks? If Warnock's over his concussion, he might be fresher? With it being one of the few times ever that Kreuzer, Hammer & Warnock have all been available, I hope we take a 'horses for courses' approach. It'll be a tough call for the MC.

I don't think there will be any other changes - I've got a feeling that Waite & Laidler will need another week off, so Bower should keep his spot. As should Curnow, Ellard, Tuohy & T-Bird.

But one player I'm mildly concerned about is JR...he's been terrific for us over the last couple of years, and he's not having what I would call a 'shocker'... but he doesn't look right to me. If he's still carrying an injury, I think the time has come to rest him. If not, perhaps he could be used as Sub? Or even perhaps a spell in the VFL (especially if Lucas runs into some form with the Bullants)? Is he struggling with extra leadership responsibilities? Or is he just feeling the effects of a limited pre-season? Is he adapting to a slightly different role in the team? Or is he a victim of his own standards and I'm expecting too much from him? Anyway, I doubt he'll get dropped this week, I just think he's a good player that can (and we need him to) play better in the second half of the season.