I would have my starting side pretty much the same as yours. Curnow would be a definate starter and a toss up between McLean and Joseph.

A mixture of team balance, and what I saw yesterday.

Rusty is a mature defender (who can also play forward or in the midfield) and had a solid game. When in form he is clearly in our best side.
Army offers pace, and aside from a couple of shocking kicks early yesterday, played well and snagged 2. Can also play forward, back, midfield.
I want AJ in to play on Nahas or Martin. Also has good pace.

I see Curnow and Brock fighting for the same spot. Both essentially midfielders only, and both not quick. Brock was ok yesterday in the half he played, but didn't get a heap of it. I thought Curnow was poor, particularly his disposal, until the last quarter when he was good.


I'm not too fussed, but for mine, Curnow, Brock and Lucas are fighting for the last 2 spots, and I'd give Lucas one of those.

My problem with your view is that Russell is not at his usual pace, and thus does not meet your own qualifying statement. With our zone setup, we need blokes in defence and at the base of our defensive structure who either can chase down just about everyone on the field, or are excellent at positioning themselves to close off the easier options for the opposition and look to make a play. That's why despite their lack of top-end pace Laidler & Duigan excel in our defence, and Russell in his slowed state, does not.

With regards to Armfield, he is another who deserves a spot when in form from a technical and decision making perspective. He isn't showing either at the moment, and doesn't run good patterns to offer an option through the middle. You play him at the moment for a loose tag and about 10 clean possessions. That's not enough.

_________________
29 different attributes,
And only 7 that you like;
20 ways to see the world,
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As I said, both Army and JR played pretty well yesterday.

Not really my assessment of things, but fair enough.

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