I guess you would have to write to the MC and ask them. But just perhaps they are looking further into the future of JR's career rather than the next 7 days ahead.

Perhaps they don't nit pick every little aspect of his game like some supporters do. Perhaps they assign him roles during a game that supporters aren't aware and they are happy with his progress.

Perhaps they know that Austin is just 19 and has many more years left to impress. That's why they re-signed him.

Perhaps they wanted to reshuffle the midfield now that Walker was back, and AB didn't quiet fit into the new game plan they wanted to try out.

Perhaps they thought that Anderson and Pfeiffer couldn't quite play the role they want JR to play coming off the bench as a lead up forward.

Perhaps there isn't a spot for Blackers in the current midfield which is looking fairly good at the moment.

Perhaps the MC have all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle and they are trying to find the best fit for certain players before any final decisions are made on careers.

Just perhaps the MC is working to a long term plan rather than knee jerk reactions.

Regards Cazzesman

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Ricky Gervais - “Everyone has the right to hold whatever beliefs they want. And everyone else has the right to find those beliefs f***ing ridiculous.”

Perhaps the MC can be further improved in the offseason.

stop talking sense cranium

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sorry

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Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son.

I'd love to know the long term plan they have in store for Russell because he is one of the weakest links in our side and find it difficult to believe he'd be a part of the 22 as Austin matures and Betts, Houlihan and Bower return to the side.

Bentick plays 1 bad game and gets dropped, Russells played about 5 bad ones this year and continues getting a run..!???

Not to mention a pathetic kick for goal for afl standard.. Not meaning to be nasty, but geez lets be honest about that one!!

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Corinthians 9:6- 8

I would think Blackers' chances of playing would increase should we happen to lose this week-end, and the Saints and filth both win.

Good points about JR getting a continual run over Luke though.

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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.

Russell gets a game ahead of Bentick and Blackwell because he's a better footballer.
Seems pretty straight forward to me.

Maybe but he clearly is a better athlete. Combine the 2 Jordan is well ahead.

If you find yourself one heck of an athlete they are worth playing for the experience In the hope that one day that athlete turns into a footballer. Jordan is on his way.

That's your opinion.

Russell is a better athlete not footballer IMO !!
The only thing wrong with Bentick and Blackwell IMO is leg speed.
But that hasn't stopped Ling,Mitchell or Cross playing for the top 3 teams now has it.

Bentick has bad games

Russell does bad things in games

Russell reminds me of Beaumont in that he can get the ball. Beaumont was much maligned in his 1st few years but turned the corner.

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Ecclesiastes 1:4, "One generation passes away, and another generation comes: but The Blues abide forever."

Who would you replace in our midfield rotation for blackwell??
Judd
Murphy
Stevens
Gibbs
Simpson
Walker
Carrazzo
Scotland
Grigg

We have enough midfielders in form and much better than blackwell...

perhaps if our finals chances are killed off then give him a go, but whilst the light is still flickering i wouldnt have him 10Km's near our squad ATM.

Dont forget the Hadley is still yet to come back in and Betts has been given a run through the midfield as well...

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YARRAN>>>>>>>>>>>>> RICHIE RICH

In years gone bye both Blackwell and Bentick would both be great afl/vfl players but these days you need more than they have to offer.

Ratts is after a fast running team of midfielders. We havent noticed Bentick out and we have filled his position with Walker. That is a win for us. Blackwell would slow us up also. Carazzo is on the edge but he wins plenty of ball and has clean hands. Hadley will squeeze in because of his strength and experience. Russell playing well will give us some icing so he should be given every chance. When he is playing well we are. Its about the future and Ratts vision. From what i see i dont think slow mids are apart of it.

Athlete yes, footballer no. Blackwell and AB are definately better 'footballers' than Russell who doesn't know where to run, or when to run there.

Either AB and Blackers head on JR's shoulders and you'd have a super footballer.

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Yes Caz,
No one is distinctly anti Jordan Russel but the Russel question/observation is based on his "relative" performance versus the names above. We would like to put the question back on to you. Why JR's performance has been better relative to those players mentioned above. Please do not take the easy out and say JR plays a different because he does not in all cases.

Plenty are anti Russell and the reasons a many and varied. Many of those need to actually watch him closely. The strong tackles, the quick handballs to the runners, the greater intensity at the ball. I suspect the same ones that want JR dropped are the ones that wanted Wiggo delisted each year for the past 4 years. Some players just take longer than others.

I haven't been told the reason by anyone on the MC but my simple take on it is that they see a greater up side in JR over the next 5 years then they do with AB and Blackers. I love AB at CFC but he has some great talent coming through that make it hard for him to get a spot. You simply can't compare JR to what Blackers and and AB offer. It is chalk and cheese.

AB and Blackers play specific roles. JR can possibly play many varied positions in the future from HB/Wing/HF to tagger. He has the speed and height that makes for a versatile AFL footballer. He is now getting the strength and confidence. He has the goal kicking yips but he will get over it.

Regards Cazzesman

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Ricky Gervais - “Everyone has the right to hold whatever beliefs they want. And everyone else has the right to find those beliefs f***ing ridiculous.”

I like Luke Blackwell as a footballer as I do Adam Bentick but the modern game limits them......while Russell doesnt have Blackwells natural football instincts he is able to play in a variety of positions and perform more roles.
You can be critical of how Russell performs those roles but he is more versatile than either Blackwell or Bentick and thats why he gets games ahead of them IMO.

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"When you have the attitude of a champion, you see adversity as your
training partner."
- Conor Gillen

What he said.

Average at best....again.

I'd much prefer to see Pfieffer/Bentick/Blackwell in the team.

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I would play Grigg on a Flank ... and at least give Blackwell an opportunity.

That's ok Bluerob... but I don't know if you saw On The Couch last night where they analysed the Kangaroos? Their strength is at Telstra Dome and is based around fleet movement of the ball through running, as well as quick defensive efforts. To combat them this weekend we need to have a very quick team out there.

I accept that Blackers may deserve a chance if we admit our finals hopes are over. But I don't see why we would give up on them when a win in this game would give us a real opportunity over the following 2 weeks to get to September. I don't think we can afford to play a slow player... AB is in the same boat by the way.