jimmae wrote:
In: Hampson, Lucas
Out: Davies, Ellard
Our biggest problems against West Coast last time around were losing Jamison, Judd and Murphy's understudies being Carrazzo & Gibbs, not enough spread through the middle, Kreuzer being ineffective in ruck spells, and a grand total of 3 marks inside 50.
Thornton was the lone tall in a very disappointing performance. We cannot fool ourselves that Thornton will deliver against a more physically mature and disciplined (not to mention fit as of the second quarter) West Coast defence without serious time up forward from Setanta, spelling with someone else who can take a grab. As of right this minute, that bloke is Hampson.
What's even more brilliant is that Hammer can be counted on to win his share of taps too. Suddenly, we have a forward line that never wilts when Warnock gets tired, we tell the smalls & Walker they can push up and double back to get the crumb rather than providing a leading target, and Robinson can spend his time in midfield rather than having to provide a lead target.
We saw the latter in yesterday's game, and while it worked, it worked on a barely fit 36-year old. We don't have that luxury next week. We've seen the other tactics used sparingly until recently, where Walker has injected some run into midfield very well, as has Jeff. Eddie still does his best work up forward, but we don't need everyone contributing through the middle of the park all the time.
Finally, if we need a 3rd defensively minded midfielder after Carrazzo and Armfield, why not play Joseph or Gibbs in such a role. Or if it's a runner, why not Lucas? The kid has the tank to run all day, and he adds so much to us when we're in possession by virtue of the separation he gets on his opponent, and knowing the right kind of areas to run to as an option. With the extra length through the middle of the park, I'd rather have a kid who will get the space, rather than someone who might milk the space from lax defending.
Yes I know some of you think I hate Ellard, but I was impressed that he was a bit fresher in the legs this week. That being said the coach didn't use him that much, and he had little offensive impact on the game. His kicking was clean, but it wasn't as sharp as I've seen from him so I think he is a massive risk against a hard running opponent. Yes he's a fit bloke, yes he is very disciplined, yes he can do a good job when he's right, except he's not; Lucas in for mine.
+1
And I'm definitely not an Ellard hater. Won't be unhappy if he plays, but by the same token, Lucas or Irish #2 will be fine inclusions. Hope Hampson comes in. Can ruck and will be a good target to rotate through with Setanta. All three talls allows Hampson to be a tall target and ruck in the F50, whilst allowing Warnock to play behind the play and/or deliver into the Hampson area. Will need a tall/ruck to be able to play a kick behind the play to combat Cox going forward. Want Jamo and Hendo to be able to concentrate on Darling and Kennedy and keep them down.
I'd be interested to see how Setanta went as a tagger on Nic Nat around the ground. Wouldn't want him rucking too many centre-bounces, but would be interested in seeing how Nic-Nat would go with a big, agile and fast tag. However, if the Krueze gets up, I'd like him in for Setanta rather than just not bringing in Hampson. Rough on Setanta, but I can't see the MC keeping him in ahead of Kruezer if he is fit.
The only other in would potentially be JR instead playing through the midfield. - (JR's fitness atm makes this a bit doubtful though). And with the Eagles press, we need players who can run and spread, and keep running. This rules out McLean, who would be handy blocking for Judd and Murph and get clearances, would be killed on the spread both ways. Not sure who but need someone to provide a big body and do some blocking for Judd. He certainly needs more chop outs and more attention given to his tagger than Hocking got. Hoping Selwood(s) and co get buffeted around a lot.
IHypothetically, if Lucas or Tuohy comes in, maybe he or Army can do some of the tagging and Joseph can do some in and under work. He has shown some talent for that in the past and I'm struggling to give him a suitable match-up. Has he tried going with Kerr before? Stopping Kerr more important than stopping Priddis. Kerr can be devastating with his delivery whereas Priddis operates in the 60% efficiency area.
Like the idea of Gibbs on LeCras if he can play. Is of a size and speed to really get on top of him, and can hurt him the other way.
Need someone to play defensively on Hurn as he sets up quite a bit for the Eagles from half back with that long kicking of his.
Not sure who to put on the Q-stick (formerly known as the dipstick until he started playing well). Prefer Gibbs on LeCras. Not sure that Duigan is big enough or has the tank for it. Possibly have to rotate a couple through him? Otherwise Laidler to Captain Darling and Henderson to the Q?
Someone quick on Shuey. He got caught a few times on the weekend and was not anywhere as effective as normal for them after that. The perceived pressure seemed to get to him. Even though he is a first year player, he is important to them and if we can get to him, will help our cause. Hell, when are goal-kicking midfielders not important to a side! (Could easily have beaten Heppell for Rising star IMO).
We are definitely a shot this week. Better defensive setup available. Stronger mids. Need a big game from the forwards and can't afford inaccurate kicking again. West Coast won't be anywhere as bad as the scum, and even though we were injury plagued last time, they comprehensively smashed us.
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