I've a got a gut feel it will be Gorringe athletic and a capable ruckmen too,
this opportunity is a huge challenge and may just the spark he needs.
As for Jaksch he's a talented tall forward this is an opportunity to show us what he can bring to the team.
Bolton will get the best out of these guys, as he has with their team mates.
Go Baggers

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Go Blue Boys

We need to look at how the Bulldogs defend ruckman. Gawn and Goldstein both did next to nothing against them

Wowee. We beat four scrub teams and people start getting ahead of themselves. I enjoyed the last few victories as much as anyone, but the teams we played are nothing short of diabolical and/ or torn up with injuries.

if we had a full or at least a 90% list to pick from against north, for sure we'd keep it competitive and possibly with a little luck on the day maybe even win.

...but our list doesn't have depth, we're on a 6-day break which we're yet to prove in the last half-decade we can deal with. based on that, i'm tempering expectations so if we do have a let down, the sky won't be falling.

I've had another look at the game and my main concern is that we have some very sore boys currently, specifically some of our key men.
The 6 day break isn't going to help. Interesting to see how we manage the next month before the break.

My concern too Surrey.

It's not necessarily about the wins we have had, it is more about the way we have been playing as a group.

I have seen enough to be confident that we aren't going to fall apart like in previous years because a couple of guys are injured.

It's a collective effort and we will be competitive.

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*(grow - fun - gah)

Yeah but whatabout your whataboutism.

X2.

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That’s not a political statement — it’s a harsh reality, and we must act,” she said. “He is a clear and present danger to the things that keep us strong and free. I support impeachment.”

Well put grro. Like you said, everytime the players respond its about their buy in and commitment to a unified team.
Bolton has brought egalitarianism to this team, and maybe whole club. The impact has to be the willingness to do things for CARLTON.

No matter who comes in, and despite a lack of depth and decimation of our rucks, I'm sure they will take this opportunity to play for the Bluebaggers and have a dip.

Love the way our boys plug away right through till the final siren. Character.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

I think we will be OK if players we are looking at replacing the injured are fit and eager to go.

I'm thinking:

We need 2 rucks up against AA ruck Goldstein. Can't give him an armchair ride and must give our mids a chance.

Kreuzer replaced by Gorringe and Wood. Gorringe (202) has something to prove and future on the line and Wood (204) knows the caper. Rowe can give a chop out but he will be needed in the backline against Petrie or Brown because they are really big boys. We need someone to fill the gap Rowe leaves when going on ball.

Casboult replaced by Jaksch as a focal point who can mark and kick.

Jamison replaced by Weitering as it sounds like he's recovered. If not definitely White. Petrie and Brown too big for Jammo and Waite is too mobile.

Walker replaced by Boekhurst or White (if Jammo is retained). I'd prefer another onballer like Graham (not a fan but gives more than Tex) for the out of form Walker.

Stick to the process.
Play with plenty of heart.
Hopefully last week's team managed well given only 6 day break.
Some of the inclusions playing for their career and may impress.
North undefeated but haven't been outstanding in the last fortnight.
We have momentum

I sniff a chance, but all I'm after is for the Bluebaggers to uphold the respect they have gained this year with another BIG Competitive effort.

Go Bluebaggers.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

The wins are good validation that we are heading in the right direction.
From the way Bolton speaks, I am comfortable that the boys know that they are only in the first few steps of a very long journey.
We may get thoroughly beaten by better teams but I believe that if that happens we won't fall apart as a result but will rather learn from it.
The big change as a fan/viewer so far is that when we lose the ball, I believe we are a good chance to win it back. Loving that!

I would not replace Walks though Bondi.

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That’s not a political statement — it’s a harsh reality, and we must act,” she said. “He is a clear and present danger to the things that keep us strong and free. I support impeachment.”

I'd say if Walker wasn't dropped after Round 7 there is no way he will be dropped after Round 8.

Besides, not a lot in the 2's. The Bullants will be down to a few Carlton listed players this weekend.

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Formerly: Ackland the Wonderkid / Army the Wonderkid / quivering mess / molsey / Tony Lynn Fan Club

Not getting carried away. We will get pulled apart by good and middle of the road teams. But a win is a win and we have 4 of them so far. We must be doing something right.

Some good posts above.
The issue is the ruck and the midfield clearances. We have the mids so we need to include someone who can give a contest. To me that's Wood. Honest and hard working and doesn't mind contact. That might give our mids a fair crack at getting the ball.

I think we have to punt on KJ at this point. Several above have mentioned the lack of depth being a problem and so we have a problem. Jones is not the answer, no matter what the question is but he is a good second forward option because he can mark the footy and he is a reliable kick for goal. In other words, he can't be ignored. With Rowe or KJ forward we have marking options apart from Jones but I am thinking Rowe will go back and KJ will get his opportunity.

I get the feeling Weitering is only sort-of-ready and would rather leave him out than put him in unless he is 100%. He's too big an asset to risk if he isn't. Jamo stays in because he has to due to circumstances.

I will be surprised if Cripps gets up. I like White for him in the midfield because White is more versatile than Graham.

Buckley needs a kick in the arse for getting reported twice in a couple of weeks when we might have needed him.

This game will be won or lost in the middle of the ground. Firstly at the clearances and secondly by stopping them running it through the middle and giving their three talls good delivery.

We are a long shot to win this but we are not going to lie down. I just ask the supreme being for one thing. Don't let Waite run amok. That would be too bitter a pill to Swallow. Especially after Henderson made Full Back in the AFL team of the week.

For those able to go, if they lose honourably, give them a clap as they go off. This is going to take time.

Four Swallows a Sumner maketh not.

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Let slip the Blues of war (with apologies to William Shakespeare) (and Sir Francis Bacon, just in case)

If we only are missing Kreuze and Casboult, I think we are a definite show. Obviously we haven't beaten great sides, but 5 weeks ago we thought we would lose all bar the Essendon* game. Also North haven't been any more impressive in their wins over St Kilda and Essendon*.

I wouldn't be banking on a win, but the core of experienced leaders will all still be out there, and the midfield will all be there assuming Cripps comes up, so we should be able to at least hang in the game.

Byrne out would be a blow but not the end of the world.

So changes for me (pending only Casboult and Kreuze being out)

In: Weitering, Wood
Out: Casboult, Kreuze

Put Weitering into defence to replace Rowe, and Rowe to take Casboult's role as ruck/forward.

our midfield is a tad more superior that theirs but unfortunately that's were it ends
our tall forwards will be rag dolled and intimidated two of the dirties defenders in firrito and Thompson and our defenders will have their hands full and undersized against petrie, waite and brown
Goldstein win have a field day as our ruck stocks are depleted at the moment and he is a handful at the best of times
fingers crossed but I just need to see the side not give in at any stage and that will be a win for now

I'd be a little concerned with how many guys could be playing sore. Crisps, Plowman, Kerridge for a start.

The bigger issue is that teams will eventually put more work into us. We've been very good at trapping the ball inside our forward half and getting repeat entries and also zoning in the back half and not conceding easy goals and marks inside D50.

This is all good, but how quickly can we adjust when teams come up with a plan to counter it?

I think we'll eventually have a down period, whether that's a week or longer, but we're on the right track.

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"The ability to speak doesn't make you intelligent." Qui-Gon Jinn 15-05-2005

"there’s more chance of me becoming the full forward for the [Western Bulldogs] than there is of any change in the Labor Party." Julia Gillard 18-05-2010

Wells to miss again

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"They're [REDACTED]'

Wright a test for them too. Firrito coming back probably helps us too.

The outs for us are just too much though surely, expecting a bit of a down week.

Fair enough. I'm sure you believe one day he'll be back to his best, or, he needs time on the park, or, you're happy with his performance thus far.

I don't think we need to, nor should carry players if they all have bought into the game plan. You know, the soldiers.

I thought we carried him round 1, then on his return from injury, we carried him in round 7, and no doubt we did last week too.
I'd rather a pick a player who can compete for 4 quarters, win his fair share of ball and do the physical stuff too.
He didn't complete a preseason and he's doing that at senior level imo.

I know Bolts was keen on his return for leadership. I hope he is directing because I don't want his efforts thus far to be the example to follow.

I have faith in Bolts if he decides to continue with walker, and I hope he finds some acceptable form because he will never be at his best again (2012 a long long time ago).
If he continues this sort of form though, don't be surprised/ shocked if Bolts gives him a well deserved rest.

The NBs does not seem to be the place where you could find form, so like others he could get stuck there.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue