A six day break before another night game during the week. I'll be late to the game: I can't afford not to work. But there will be more Blues at the MCG next week!
And now we focus our attention on one of the arch enemies. I really hate losing to this mob, hope we can get up. If Doc likely misses, I guess Cincotta would come in. Cant afford to lose to George to suspension but it will be scrutinised. Silly unnecessary action.
Def one change, Cincotta for Doc.
Def one change, Cincotta for Doc.
I reckon Elijah Hollands will be a chance, given Doc started in the midfield.
I reckon Elijah Hollands will be a chance, given Doc started in the midfield.
Hollands is out for 2 weeks. Can't play until after the bye
Hollands is out for 2 weeks. Can't play until after the bye
My bad, I had him for Rnd 2 and of course game 3 will be Rnd 2, thanks AFL for utter stupidity of Rnd 0.
Can’t really see a defender replacing a midfielder/forward.
Carroll will go into the starting 22 and Binns will come into the 23.
Hewett copped a fine, as did Neale.
I think Carroll comes in and Owies is out. Cincotta covers Doc
Motlop should be available if he gets through training
Carroll is starting 22 talent
I think Carroll comes in and Owies is out. Cincotta covers Doc
Cincotta is a defender. Doc hasn’t played in defence for the best part of two seasons and I don’t think we’ll go with 8 defenders.
Carroll did more than enough to be elevated to the 22. I think he’ll be replaced as the sub by Binns. Cincotta would be a possibility but probably not against Richmond.
If Motlop’s toe is OK, he will come in for Owies or Fantasia.
Sad to see both grand finalists go down… 😇
Sad to see both grand finalists go down… 😇
Pies in party mode still and Giants are tough at home, hard to backup and win two premierships in a row and McRae's luck and box of tricks has to run out soon...
Cincotta is a defender. Doc hasn’t played in defence for the best part of two seasons and I don’t think we’ll go with 8 defenders.
Yeah, but Cincotta can cover a half-back and free Williams to play a wing. Then Acres or maybe even Hollands goes on-ball. Personally I'd give Acres a go. He was really important in that 3rd quarter on Friday. I'd like to see him set with the challenge.
Cincotta needs to bide his time and be on the ready. We know he will do a job when called upon - no chance will Voss take Williams from the backline. Not when his footpasses pierces zones
Id probably be less inclined to experiment with positions this week vs Richmond, they will have Martin, Lynch and Nankervis back and Id be leaving players who performed well vs Brisbane in their positions and not over fiddling with their form. This game wont be easy with the Tigers on the rebound and Yze looking for his first win, any team playing GC at home with Hardwick in his first game as coach was always going to find it tough and I dont want to lose this one as being 1-1 will take the gloss off the win vs the Lions.
Agree with DJ and others with Doc that his days as a defender have been few and far between over the past couple of seasons and Id be looking to replace him with a midfielder which in the 22 should be Jack Carroll and Id expect Binns or similar to come in as sub.
Yeah, but Cincotta can cover a half-back and free Williams to play a wing. Then Acres or maybe even Hollands goes on-ball. Personally I'd give Acres a go. He was really important in that 3rd quarter on Friday. I'd like to see him set with the challenge.
Williams won’t play on the wing. His first year with us demonstrated that he isn’t a midfielder and his form on Friday night showed that he is going to be a vital part of our back seven this season.
Acres plays the wing role to perfection; getting back to help out in defence, going forward to snag a goal and stopping the opposition wingman. He has to stay on the wing.
Bot played very well when he was subbed on and is the logical replacement for Doc. Best of all, we don’t have to make any structural changes.
Cincotta has to wait for an opportunity, perhaps as the sub.
Cincotta will be fighting for Boyd's spot now.
Cottrell can also play wing, Hollands more in the middle and we can play another forward. We have lots of versatility.
Agree with the earlier post.....Elijah Hollands probably straight in for Round 3....he showed enough in those pre-season games.
Carroll did more than enough on Friday night to hold his spot and probably come into the 22. I'm not sure Cincotta comes in as we have Newman, Saad, Williams and Boyd as the smaller/running defenders.
Fantasia didn't get a lot of the ball the other night, but when he did, some of his disposal was superb and he could be a bit of a surprise packet this year.
I doubt we'll be experimenting too much. Acres has been one of the standout wingmen in the competition and his running ability makes it a great position for him. He covers the ground as good as anyone.
Ollie Hollands was pretty quiet but his form in the pre-season games suggests he'll hold his spot.
So maybe it's just Carroll into the 22 and Binns in as the sub.
Richmond were terrible yesterday in the first half and if we get plenty of ball, Curnow and Harry should have a night out.
Is motlop available?
Reckon he would probably offer more than owies and/or fantasia.
Is motlop available?
Reckon he would probably offer more than owies and/or fantasia.
Last I heard he had turf toe so how long to fix that?
Last I heard he had turf toe so how long to fix that?
That is a good question. Turf toes could be over pretty quickly, but it can drag on for ages. One of the less predictable injuries.
Agree with the earlier post.....Elijah Hollands probably straight in for Round 3....he showed enough in those pre-season games.
Carroll did more than enough on Friday night to hold his spot and probably come into the 22. I'm not sure Cincotta comes in as we have Newman, Saad, Williams and Boyd as the smaller/running defenders.
Fantasia didn't get a lot of the ball the other night, but when he did, some of his disposal was superb and he could be a bit of a surprise packet this year.
I doubt we'll be experimenting too much. Acres has been one of the standout wingmen in the competition and his running ability makes it a great position for him. He covers the ground as good as anyone.
Ollie Hollands was pretty quiet but his form in the pre-season games suggests he'll hold his spot.
So maybe it's just Carroll into the 22 and Binns in as the sub.
Richmond were terrible yesterday in the first half and if we get plenty of ball, Curnow and Harry should have a night out.
I didn't think that Lij Hollands did enough in the practice matches. He's earmarked for a midfield/forward role so Doc's injury opens up a spot, but Carroll has first dibs and Binns has been impressive.
Ollie Hollands had a quiet night and I thought that he fumbled too much. However, he tackled well and kept his opponent quiet and has Thursday night's game to impress.
I thought Owies and Fantasia didn't contribute much in the way of forward pressure. Motlop was 1-2 weeks away last Tuesday and I think he'll struggle to get up for Thursday. Corey Durdin could come in for Owies or it might be an ideal game for Moir to debut.
Grainger-Barrass from Hawks copped a turf toe injury early in the pre-season games and was listed for 10-12 weeks out......hopefully Motlop's isn't that bad.
Last I heard he had turf toe so how long to fix that?
Thats the million dollar question.
Can drag out for a couple months in some instances.
Might be right by next week in others.
I haven't hears an update one way or another.
Grainger-Barrass from Hawks copped a turf toe injury early in the pre-season games and was listed for 10-12 weeks out......hopefully Motlop's isn't that bad.
Motlop officially has a jarred toe. That implies an impact injury rather than the ongoing hyperextension that causes turf toe.
Fingers crossed that it’s just a jarred toe.
Anyone anywhere any time. I'm not worried. I'd love to have motlop back but there are others I'd rather have back sooner. (Weitering and walsh).
Certainly don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but with the bye after the Richmond game and then North, we could then be ready to load up with guys like Weitering, Walsh, Martin and Motlop coming back to present some selection headaches.
Richmond will be better with Martyn and possibly Nankervis back this week.
It'll be interesting to see what Nthmond can do on the rebound. Grimes looked old, King touched him up and things don't get easier this week.
I suppose this is the price they pay for moving Bolta out of D50, they've lost quality talls at both ends.
It'll be interesting to see what Nthmond can do on the rebound. Grimes looked old, King touched him up and things don't get easier this week.
I suppose this is the price they pay for moving Bolta out of D50, they've lost quality talls at both ends.
Martin, Lynch and Nankervis back in will help.....this wont be an easy game.
Lynch will be totally under done, hasn’t played in anger for so long. Their backline is their weakness, we can match then easily in the ruck and midfield.
Martin, Lynch and Nankervis back in will help.....this wont be an easy game.
No games are.
Balta has to miss for his bump that involved a forearm to Sexton's head.
Balta has to miss for his bump that involved a forearm to Sexton's head.
Yesterday Balta was fined just $2500 with an early plea.
The more games the team puts in a professional performance towards full strength teams the better the team will be for it over the long term. The club needs to blood some youngsters - who knows they could be the next Chris Judd. I love Ollie Hollands endeavour and willing to fight but doesn't find the ball enough. He has no tag on him so needs to follow Acres running patterns finding the ball more and providing more on the wings.
Yesterday Balta was fined just $2500 with an early plea.
There goes the consistency we were hoping for …
Pinot....I thought Ollie Hollands was one of our best across the two practice games. Yep, he was pretty quiet against the Lions but I'd be backing him in. Similary, Jack Carroll has been around for a few years now and looks to have put on a bit of size over the pre-season....hopefully that half of footy against the Lions shows him he's good enough.
Pinot....I thought Ollie Hollands was one of our best across the two practice games. Yep, he was pretty quiet against the Lions but I'd be backing him in. Similary, Jack Carroll has been around for a few years now and looks to have put on a bit of size over the pre-season....hopefully that half of footy against the Lions shows him he's good enough.
Agree Surfie...Hollands jr is an excellent prospect and while quiet vs the Lions he is still developing and Id be backing him in and keep playing him. Carroll looked the goods when I last saw him play on the wing in 2022 and while he didnt kick on last season Im glad he is being persisted with as he has some class and we have to develop younger mids while at the same time challenging for finals and he has an opportunity now with Doc on the long term injury list to establish himself as a regular.
Pinot....I thought Ollie Hollands was one of our best across the two practice games. Yep, he was pretty quiet against the Lions but I'd be backing him in. Similary, Jack Carroll has been around for a few years now and looks to have put on a bit of size over the pre-season....hopefully that half of footy against the Lions shows him he's good enough.
Bot spent the break training with Crippa and, apart from the physical benefits of training with one of the best prepared players in the comp, he may have learned what it takes to be a success at AFL level. He certainly played as if he belonged on Friday night.
Agree Surfie...Hollands jr is an excellent prospect and while quiet vs the Lions he is still developing and Id be backing him in and keep playing him. Carroll looked the goods when I last saw him play on the wing in 2022 and while he didnt kick on last season Im glad he is being persisted with as he has some class and we have to develop younger mids while at the same time challenging for finals and he has an opportunity now with Doc on the long term injury list to establish himself as a regular.
Carroll seems to have also gained more confidence and looks to have more awareness and poise. Very promising imho.
Carroll seems to have also gained more confidence and looks to have more awareness and poise. Very promising imho.
I think the change of game style to the more berserker approach has helped types like Carroll.
Before last season's epiphany we were more a grind team living and dying by mistakes trying to play perfect footy, now we welcome mistakes and encourage everyone to have a crack, nobody is guarding grass.
Pinot....I thought Ollie Hollands was one of our best across the two practice games. Yep, he was pretty quiet against the Lions but I'd be backing him in.
Ollie looked like a boy among men out there this week, got rag-dolled on several occasions, or easily bumped out of contests. He needs to use his greatest asset, run and carry, to greater effect.
Carroll seems to have also gained more confidence and looks to have more awareness and poise. Very promising imho.
His downside WAS his awareness and decision making, he never had a problem winning the footy or commitment to the contest. He seems to have come up to the speed of the game now and I must say, Frid night he was impressive and showed his true potential.
Word on the street is Moir will debut tomorrow night
Word on the street is Moir will debut tomorrow night
Based on one of the assistant coaches giving him a hug :)
Carlos would provide more of a Jack Martin type forward ... but without Jack's footy smarts.
Need to ensure the midfield turns up for the first bounce. If we can get on top early it will take the pressure off the back line. Owies looked under done last week so Moir would be a good choice. Carroll in, Moir in and Owies to the substitute bench.
One of those games we should win comfortably.
Just to be a bit cautious though.
They have some strong inclusions.
They were terrible in the first half...a bit like us.
They played some good footy in the third, before the game became a much more even contest.
The emotional effort of our performance, the 'afterglow' and the toll that takes on a short turnaround is a bit of an unknown.
Blues by 40 :D
Skipper's birthday on Monday and I think I heard that Doc to be named as a life member on Monday also.....couple of big incentives for the club to notch up a win....not that we should need any incentives against Richmond who had the wood on us for a very long time.
If Moir comes in for Owies we still have small forward options with Fantasia, Cunningham, Fogarty and Cottrell all able to play that role while doubling up with some midfield minutes.
Based on one of the assistant coaches giving him a hug :)
Carlos would provide more of a Jack Martin type forward ... but without Jack's footy smarts.
Whos Carlos?
Whos Carlos?
Ashton Moir?.....Might be a reference to Carlos Moya the Spanish tennis player.....
One of those games we should win comfortably.
Just to be a bit cautious though.
They have some strong inclusions.
They were terrible in the first half...a bit like us.
They played some good footy in the third, before the game became a much more even contest.
The emotional effort of our performance, the 'afterglow' and the toll that takes on a short turnaround is a bit of an unknown.
Blues by 40 :D
Danger game....media have come down hard on a few of the Tigers old players like Grimes and Yze is still in the honeymoon phase of his tenure even though his first game was a nightmare. I'll be happy with another 1 point win, to bank the points, and to have no more injuries. Id expect Richmond to play a rough game and try and even up the talent difference with some sharp elbows and well placed knees....hello Toby Nankervis.
Ashton Moir?.....Might be a reference to Carlos Moya the Spanish tennis player.....
It seems that the players are pushing the nickname ‘Carlos’ for Moir and it is a reference to the tennis player.
Ashton isn’t completely sold on it but I think it’s growing on him 🙂
It seems that the players are pushing the nickname ‘Carlos’ for Moir and it is a reference to the tennis player.
Ashton isn’t completely sold on it but I think it’s growing on him 🙂
Wasn’t Setanta aka Carlos?
Wasn’t Setanta aka Carlos?
Yes as in Santana
Out Doc
In Corey Durdin another like Jack Carroll on final year of contract and need a good run at it
Looks like Fogs will play more midfield minutes.
If moir is in it might simply be as sub for doch
Looks like the word on the street was part right, he is an EMERG only.
Looks like the word on the street was part right, he is an EMERG only.
Sub???
Sub???
No, this year they name 5 on the bench and one of them is the sub.
Only way he is playing is if there is a late change.
Our line-up for tomorrow:
Backs: Zac Williams Lewis Young Brodie Kemp
Half-backs: Adam Saad Mitch McGovern Nic Newman
Centreline: Matthew Cottrell Patrick Cripps Blake Acres
Half-forwards: David Cuningham Charlie Curnow Orazio Fantasia
Forwards: Matthew Owies Harry McKay Ollie Hollands
Followers: Tom De Koning Adam Cerra George Hewett
Interchange: Jordan Boyd Jack Carroll Corey Durdin Lachie Fogarty Matthew Kennedy
Emergencies: Jaxon Binns Ashton Moir Marc Pittonet
I am a bit surprised to see Durdin come in. I do expect Kennedy to spent a lot more time in the middle. I'd like some more pace in the middle, but...
I am still unsure of having one ruck: de Koning played well last week, but Nankervis often plays well against us. Granted, they also have one real ruck, but I'd like to have Pitto in. I am not sure how far off he is, but he does need game time.
Our backline is still a question mark, especially against Lynch (who never gets a kick against Weitering).
They have a couple of good ins (Martin and Lynch), I hope they are short of a gallop but they are big stage performers.
Rumours of some unrest between senior players and the new cocker, maybe that's an advantage for us if its real.
I'm with EB, I'm also happy to take a 1 pt win, bank points and not get any injuries.
Surprised Owies survives but I've never been a fan and after the first game that is unlikely to change anytime soon. Looks like we're counting on out-pacing them which kind of makes sense to me and I guess with no Walsh, Motlop, Martin, the other Hollands our options are limited. Still would love to see Binns get a go one day.
Owies went at 1.5 goals/game last year but was injured for a period. Extrapolate that out over 23 games and it's about 35 goals for a season. Combined with the forward half pressure he usually brings, I'd have him along with Motlop as our two preferred small forwards. He played last week off the back of no practice games. This week we've got Owies, Fantasia, Durdin, Fogarty and Cunningham as well as Cottrell who'll play as forwards and run through the midfield. I would've thought it was a good opportunity for Moir this week so maybe there might be a late change.
Owies went at 1.5 goals/game last year but was injured for a period. Extrapolate that out over 23 games and it's about 35 goals for a season. Combined with the forward half pressure he usually brings, I'd have him along with Motlop as our two preferred small forwards. He played last week off the back of no practice games. This week we've got Owies, Fantasia, Durdin, Fogarty and Cunningham as well as Cottrell who'll play as forwards and run through the midfield. I would've thought it was a good opportunity for Moir this week so maybe there might be a late change.
I'm tipping a last minute change and Moir will come in.
Small Durdin’s inclusion suggests a focus on forward pressure and exploiting the contests that our tall forwards halve. Durdin had a good hitout in the VFL/Reserves and it’s good to see him back in the 23.
Owies might be a tad lucky to keep his spot but he has been very consistent since he first broke into the team. I think he will be better for his run and will keep a defender honest.
Good ins for Richmond … on paper.
Both teams travelled and played in the heat last week, I wonder if the extra days rest will be of any benefit to us?
Both teams travelled and played in the heat last week, I wonder if the extra days rest will be of any benefit to us?
I think that the sports science is so good now that a day more or less doesn’t mean much.
The extra week’s preparation for Martin, Lynch and Nankervis might be a factor but nothing we can’t handle. 🤞
Owies might be a tad lucky to keep his spot but he has been very consistent since he first broke into the team. I think he will be better for his run and will keep a defender honest.
I didn't think Owies was that bad, by comparison Fantasia was dead ordinary, but Fantasia probably gets some slack because of history / credits.
(https://www.carltonsc.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6750.0;attach=1469)
I thought Ooorazio did some great 1%ers off the ball and some of his touches were deft, small but clever and clean.
Right place right time type of stuff. Only experience would put you in these positions.
Possessions numbers might not be there but quality is. He'll be better for the run considering his time on the sidelines.
I thought Ooorazio did some great 1%ers off the ball and some of his touches were deft, small but clever and clean.
Right place right time type of stuff. Only experience would put you in these positions.
Possessions numbers might not be there but quality is. He'll be better for the run considering his time on the sidelines.
It was nowhere near enough for AFL, and further Fantasia DE went at just 45% in gathering those 1%ers, if you go with a DE under 50%, that means you helped them more than you helped us!
It was nowhere near enough for AFL, and further Fantasia DE went at just 45% in gathering those 1%ers, if you go with a DE under 50%, that means you helped them more than you helped us!
Agree, with Motlop and Martin to come back in he needs some decent games with goals and possessions.
Hopefully all this competition for places produces more effort from the candidates and keeps our small forwards active in games knowing there are replacements waiting to take their place.
Looking forward to seeing Moir get a game and being a bit different in style to the others...
I thought Orazio looked dangerous every time the ball was within cooee
It was nowhere near enough for AFL, and further Fantasia DE went at just 45% in gathering those 1%ers, if you go with a DE under 50%, that means you helped them more than you helped us!
No it doesn't. It meant it went to the opposition or to a 50-50 contest more than us.
I didn't think Owies was that bad, by comparison Fantasia was dead ordinary, but Fantasia probably gets some slack because of history / credits.
I reckon Owies made the 22 on the basis of history/credits; 1.5 goals per game is a decent return as Surfie pointed out. However, he was poor on Friday night and Fantasia wasn't much better; 12 effective disposals and two tackles between them isn't good enough. The latter made two excellent passes for goals at critical times and that elevated his performance to a pass ... just!
I reckon Owies made the 22 on the basis of history/credits; 1.5 goals per game is a decent return as Surfie pointed out. However, he was poor on Friday night and Fantasia wasn't much better; 12 effective disposals and two tackles between them isn't good enough. The latter made two excellent passes for goals at critical times and that elevated his performance to a pass ... just!
Its the nature of the position to be in and out of games, weeks at a time.
I think he was underdone.
I think he underperformed.
I think he still deserves another week.
Its the nature of the position to be in and out of games, weeks at a time.
I think he was underdone.
I think he underperformed.
I think he still deserves another week.
That's how I see it.
I think fans are giving Fantasia credits that as yet remain undeserved, for a variety of reasons he's been ordinary since leaving the filthy cheats.
As you mention we know Owies has missed a bunch of pre-season, I think I posted as much in the pre-game questioning about how they could all be playing not having stepped on the field yet for 2024. But at least we saw Owies willing to do the work to get contests, that's his gig, and as I see it that's the modern small forward role. FWIW, I thought Hollands game was similar, he was all over the ground but not very effective or influential particularly before 1/2-time.
They all looked better once we got on a roll, but that can't keep happening.
The cameo stuff some fans like is in my perspective way over-rated.
That's how I see it.
I think fans are giving Fantasia credits that as yet remain undeserved, for a variety of reasons he's been ordinary since leaving the filth.
As you mention we know Owies has missed a bunch of pre-season, I think I posted as much in the pre-game questioning about how they could all be playing not having stepped on the field yet for 2024. But at least we saw Owies willing to do the work to get contests, that's his gig, and as I see it that's the modern small forward role. FWIW, I thought Hollands games was similar, he was all over the ground but not very effective or influential particularly before 1/2-time.
They all looked better once we got on a roll, but that can't keep happening.
The cameo stuff some fans like is in my perspective way over-rated.
Agree....he is a stylish player which always hides imperfections from a distance imho and while I agree that small forward can be a graveyard position if the team is travelling poorly and opportunities are limited I dont see the hype around him even when he had his glory days at Essendon. If you are going to be a 10-12 possession or less a game player then those possies have to be exceptional quality and deliver big plays for the time along the lines of what Jack Martin creates.
No doubting his skills and he is a pleasant player to watch but I want to see more substance and game changing plays if he is going to hold his place ahead of more workmanlike players like Owies, Fogarty etc.
This is the sort of game that could really set the season up. Bye next week and then North....by then hopefully guys like Weitering, Motlop, Walsh, Martin, Marchbank etc might be ready or close to coming back. Guys like Weitering, Walsh and Martin will come straight in and Motlop probably before then anyway.
Then I think it's Freo in SA for Gather Round?
A 4-0 start would be a huge launching pad before some really tough games.
That's how I see it.
I think fans are giving Fantasia credits that as yet remain undeserved, for a variety of reasons he's been ordinary since leaving the filth.
As you mention we know Owies has missed a bunch of pre-season, I think I posted as much in the pre-game questioning about how they could all be playing not having stepped on the field yet for 2024. But at least we saw Owies willing to do the work to get contests, that's his gig, and as I see it that's the modern small forward role. FWIW, I thought Hollands games was similar, he was all over the ground but not very effective or influential particularly before 1/2-time.
They all looked better once we got on a roll, but that can't keep happening.
The cameo stuff some fans like is in my perspective way over-rated.
You've always had a bit of a man-crush for Owies LP but you have to admit that he was a spectator for most of the game and got nowhere near his usual ouput. Several folk here commented on the wisdom of his selection after he only took part in one reserves practice game and I think he was short of a gallop and not quite up to the pace of the game.
Fantasia had a full pre-season ... by his standards, but is still a bit off the pace. I think that showed in his poor disposal after he had worked hard to get the pill. Still, his two goal assists were critical and he could have easily blazed away.
It was nowhere near enough for AFL, and further Fantasia DE went at just 45% in gathering those 1%ers, if you go with a DE under 50%, that means you helped them more than you helped us!
Fantasia had two turnovers to four from Owies. I think that means Owies helped Brisbane more than Fantasia did.
Hopefully, they'll both be better for the run and will play good footy tonight.
Dustin Martin, Tom Lynch, Toby Nankervis are handy inclusions.
Hopefully we've got them covered 🤞
Keen to see Carroll in the starting 22.
Go Blues.
Oh, and lets not follow our VFL form