Re: Pre game postulations: AFL 2021 Rd 5: Carlton vs Port Adelaide at the MCG
Reply #131 –
Absolutely stiff to be dropped!
Setterfield was one of our better players in the pre-season games and he did well against the Tigers. With a bit of luck, he could have kicked 2 goals and the result may have been quite different. He had a poor game against Collingwood, but he wasn't Robinson Crusoe. He then missed the game against Freo and prudent team selection would have had him coming back through the twos. Of course, he was rushed straight back for the Gold Coast game and, although he played a reasonable game, someone has to make way for Williams.
Dow is another one who played well in the pre-season games and did well against the Tigers and was unlucky not to add to his one goal. His form in the next three games wasn't great but he has laid more tackles than most of his teammates.
Williams had to come into the side and one of Dow and Setterfield are the obvious ones to make way for him. That doesn't mean that they're not stiff to miss out.
I'm not convinced that Kennedy is an improvement over Dow or Setterfield. He has done well in his cameo appearances as a lead up forward but disappoints as a midfielder. He probably deserves a game but we can't afford a low possession game from him.
I don't know about "unlucky to be dropped", the coaches have seen something that has caused concerns, many here and other sites have also been vocal about Setter's form in all the games this year. To me, Dow at least looks like he is having a crack or displays some urgency, I can't say the same for young Wil. Interesting how we see things differently though. What's important now is that the 22 that run out tonight get the job done.