I'm well aware of where Austin is currently played in the reserves. But I would suggest that we don't have anyone capable of handling Dawes in a final, which is why Austin, for all his faults, is still an option.

My view is we'll beat the Pies by kicking a score and keeping score pressure on them the whole game. They're too comfortable when they're out in front, and the "two long kicks to Cloke/Dawes and goal one time in three" gameplan works too well after halftime. I think we should be conceeding that Cloke and Dawes will kick 5 between them, try structure a match-up so it's not 10, and ensure that we've got the scoring power to win anyway.

In that context, I think we'd be robbing ourselves playing Hendo back to try and hold Dawes when he would still be giving away kgs anyway. I think it will be clear over the coming weeks that Hendo is the missing piece of our forwardline which is why our scoring efficiency has been lowsey for the first half of the season despite the mountain of ball we've had.

Noting that as per Cloke's comments on Rivers after the Dees game, the Pies will play through the weaker matchup anyway, who does that leave us? My view is that Bower and Thornton are both too small, so that leaves:

Austin - who will give away kgs but at least has some experience as a backman irrespective of where he has been played to find form and confidence of late.

O'hailpin - who hasn't played as a backman for some time, but is at least a great competitor and doesn't loose many contests. Although arguably this match-up would simply bring the ball to ground so the pies can lock it in and score soft goals from set plays like last time.

Kreuzer - who hasn't played as a defender at all that I'm aware of, but again is a good competitor and wouldn't get pushed off the drop zone. Similar to Hendo, would probably rob ourselves to leave him in a BP for the whole game.

or play Jamo on Dawes, and Waite on Cloke and try and hurt Cloke the other way.

Pick your poison, but don't pretend Austin's not in the mix just he's had bad trot with injuries and you've never liked the kid.

Austin played in defense today.

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dane's trolling again

That`s the best option in my opinion.
With Kruze at FF and Hendo CHF.

Might be the only way to squeeze Waite and Henda into the team. Will cost thornton his spot and in current form would handle Dawes i reckon. Wouldnt want to shake up the backline for one team.

Jamo on Cloke, Thornton on Dawes and whoever is in better touch between Waite and Henda to play forward. The other to miss until another opportunity arises.

There will be selection issues when Waite is fit as Ratts stated in his AFL interview and discussed at length here in the Blues v Bris thread. It's going to be fascinating watching the way the MC deal with this.

Final mental hurdle?

The only thing final about this is it's one of the final few mistakes left from last year's season that we shouldn't repeat.

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29 different attributes,
And only 7 that you like;
20 ways to see the world,
Or 20 ways to start a fight.

Hawthorn now move into 3rd with their win today, and a loss tomorrow would see us equal with Sydney on points, and only two up on WC (assuming they win), who have a very healthy % right now.

In short, we lose tomorrow, and the pack catches up with us.

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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

but that wont happen ok?

Disagree. One on one Dawes will smash Thornton.

It'd better not, or else I'll have no option but to hold YOU personally responsible

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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

Those saying we are a shoe-in for the top 4 need their head read.

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THEY LIKE TO SEND UP!!!!!!!!

Until each team plays each other the same number of times, the AFL, as a fair dinkum competition, cannot be taken seriously.

He (Mr Swann) said the honour and pride associated with the club's traditional navy blue jumper was priceless.

It sounds like you think that Waite will be out of the side if Hendo is in better touch. Waite is an automatic selection and is a player that doesn't have to prove himself unless he is coming back from injury.

Correct.

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THEY LIKE TO SEND UP!!!!!!!!

Until each team plays each other the same number of times, the AFL, as a fair dinkum competition, cannot be taken seriously.

He (Mr Swann) said the honour and pride associated with the club's traditional navy blue jumper was priceless.

Watching the Bullants today I reckon the MC did the right thing leaving Warnock and Bower out -
both looked well out of touch to me.

I'd add how impressed I was with O'Keefe, but that might be pushing the "wrong thread" thing.

Will be good if we can kick a few goals from the paint tomorrow.

If we win the next 2, pencil us in

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"I had to eat"

Could not agree more. Simpson smashed Warnock and Bower proved, yet again, that he is an athlete with no decision making skills. Yes Paul you can run but what comes after that?
Waite and Henderson play in the same team EASILY. Jamieson gets Cloke and we now have two choices for Dawes if required.
O'Keefe was superb today as I do rate guys who can kick. He needs more time but is a keeper in my mind.

Have booked in an appointment

I dunno...

a bit more confidence around here than I think is applicable for a game against Sydney. As the Don said above, the way the ladder has worked out this game is a must-win. Hopefully the players are a lot more switched on to the dangers the Swans provide than some of our fans seem to be. I'm confident the lads will give it their all as they have done all year - and I hope that will be enough. Go Blueboys!!!

Have 2 reserved tickets (concession) that I don't need...Great seats - level 3 wing (aisle 10) row b. purchased for $35 each...will sell for $20 each. Bumper crowd expected so no need to get there early with reserved seats...PM me if interested

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Carlton. Yes, Carlton are into the grand final!!!
- Drew Morphett, after 1999 prelim final

Just for those two or three of you who DEMAND that i post before the game the bets i've put on............

I've whacked $20 on Sydney @ $3.80. Just for 'insurance'.

I still think Carlton will win though. And my gut tells me that this is the game that Murphy will overtake Judd in B&F and perhaps Brownlow.

P.S. CLOSE THE BLOODY ROOF!

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