Disappointed Kruz is out but but really pumped Levi is in… Got a feeling something special is coming from the big fella.
Same here - not really very surprised at the news. Let's hope this turns into one of those defining games where Levi can put on a special show - to quote a notorious footy caller. Drawing a long bow but hey, who knows!
The fact that the Fluffy Ducks did not pick Goodes tells me they are deadly serious about winning this game... and will throw 'everything' at us, and their 'everything' means culture impact; that means 120 minutes of stop/start pain footy. And if they are to beat us... this is their formula to get the job done.
For us to win... how do we absorb that and then stamp our authority on the contest? How do we give them something to worry about?
Hawthorn showed the way last week. They ran them into the ground by winning the contested ball all over the ground, plenty of spread and accurate disposal. Are we good enough to do the same? Not sure - we may need a different emphasis.
D7 if you can't find Andy Maher's commentary, have a listen to Victor Hugo Morales' commentary on a Maradona goal for Argentina from many years ago. Amazing!
I think it's clear from the game to me now that 2 amigos in the forward line is how we should go. The no. 1 should be Eddie and we should do everything we reasonable can to keep him. Garlett is the other one. How is also getting better in the mid field rotation and in his pressure work.
Yarran I'm sure now needs to operate primarily from HB and provide run from there via the wings and corridor. I don't think he's anywhere nearly as effective when he goes forward - just looks edgy and uncomfortable to me, and we don't need 3 small forwards. I'd prefer to go with Menzel up there.
I watched the game live and now have seen the replay. Bell IMO will be a very good player for us. He got better as the game went on on Sat - he's just inexperienced and needs to be played regularly. He's just what we've been screaming out for - a big bodied, tough mid who is very hard at the ball and at any opposition player that gets in his way. His skills and alertness will get better as he gains experience.
I'm sure the AFL will be hoping we are gone this week! Despite last week's huge crowd, the more we linger around the more the EFC scandal remains in the news!
@Deags Yes I think the AFL are caught somewhere in between the past traditions of the game and the way the modern game is played, i.e. a lot quicker and more free-flowing with more quick-fire hand passing etc.
I agree that tackling rules do need a complete rethink. The emphasis should be on keeping the game flowing and away from "winning" free kicks which results in too many tiggy-touchwood stoppages and frustration for the fans.
Your suggestions are good IMO and in addition I would be happy also if say the arms of bloke being tackled are pinned, then let him just drop the ball free. It would usually then result in a contested ball situation which would be fair enough.
@Deags Equally annoying Deags is the trend now for a bloke about to be tackled to immediately duck his head and try for a high contact free kick - drives me nuts and we can thank the Selwood family for that one. In fact it should be called "going for a Selwood".
IMO ducking the head should be actively discouraged as it is just as likely to result in a head injury as laying a high tackle.
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