No matter what happens to the Dogs today, they are going to want to make a real point against us next week. In some ways I hope they beat Hawthorn, as it may cost them enough for us to take them. However, .....
I don't know if we should make a lot of changes, if only to give the guys who played a decent opportunity and the ones in the NB time to actually reach something like their potential. However, if changes are to be made, then those who could be replaced include: [1] Jamison [2] Rowe [3] Whiley [4] Buckley [5] Phillips [6] Kreuzer [7] Casboult
Bringing in a forward is almost a necessity, as our present structure hasn't been working well.
I'll finish the title of the thread after the result is known. Otherwise, this is just preparation for later tonight. I hope it isn't pain, but prescience is not among my skills (otherwise we would NEVER lose a game).
Only a few hours to go, so I thought it would be best to get things ready.
I do have a positive feel about tonight, even though we are far from being favourites. However, I feel the angst from the first bounce to the final siren. Never count your chickens until they are Kentucky Fried and served with chips.
Preparation for the big night. At least this game is on TV, so I will have some idea about the game. Very frustrated last week. Hopefully there will be something worth voting for!
Remember: [1] At least 3 players need to get a mention. [2] No more than 10 votes for any one player. [3] Give a rating of team performance. It can be anywhere from A+ to F. [4] Votes must add up to 15.
Next Saturday night we play Gold Coast, fresh from their excellent win away against Freo. We, on the other hand, suffered at the hands of a red hot Sydney. The game will be on free to air TV (Thank God!), so I will be able to see it.
I would be bringing Casey Byrne in and play Zac Tuohy more up the ground. Our key defenders are struggling somewhat at the moment: very few possessions to Jamo, Rowe or White. Weitering again showed he is a player: he will be playing. Everitt, Lamb and Casboult all disappointed and Walker was a late change. There may well be changes in this area. Plowman is not ready yet, but he will get a go sooner rather than later.
Next Saturday morning (1100), the Baby Blues will start their VFL season by playing the Dogs at the Kennel. Hopefully we can see the Blues who turned up against Richmond instead of the Blues who didn't turn up against Port Melbourne.
In our favour: [1] we are unlikely to rest all 3 emergencies. [2] We are likely to start a side with a fair few Carlton players and our strongest VFL guys (especially like Ballard in the midfield). [3] Plowman and Sumner will be better for the run. [4] Silvagni is a very high probability to play. [5] Our last few injured guys should be pretty close to being ready. Especially Armfield, who should be ready for a half a game.
No, I am not chronologically challenged: I know the game is on Sunday evening. I am just getting this ready. I won't be there and I can't see the game on TV (no Pay TV). Therefore, please shout for me!
I will list our probable 'final lune-up' when the 2nds play tomorrow.
Just getting this thread ready for Sunday Night. I was expecting to get to this game, but my daughter has decided to celebrate her 9th birthday at that time. Considering she also has a function next weekend when we play, I find that irritating: double dipping. Anyway, as I don't have pay TV and the game is not going to be shown on anything else, I find it improbable that I will be able to vote.
Hopefully there will be something worthwhile to vote for.
Remember: [1] At least 3 players need to get a mention. [2] No more than 10 votes for any one player. [3] Give a rating of team performance. It can be anywhere from A+ to F. [4] Votes must add up to 15.
This Saturday, 2nd of April, at the Preston City Oval the NBs get their last warmup against Port Melbourne. Both levels get a go. There appears to be some confusion about the starting times, though. The NB website had the games starting at 1000 and 1300 respectively. Port had the games starting at 1100 and 1400.
It will be interesting to see who plays and to see whether any of the emergencies play at all. With Carlton playing at 1640 on Sunday I expect us to keep Sydney guessing.
On the 3rd of April we play Sydney. An interesting game considering we played Sydney at Etihad just a few weeks back. of the guys who played on Thursday, Dylan Buckley probably had the least impact. His spot would be the most likely to be available.
Ciaran Byrne is the guy most likely to be promoted on his last effort. It would be harder to promote Charlie Curnow, Smith or Whiley simply because they didn't play and couldn't impress.
Walker is another possible option to be dropped: he started well enough but fell out of the game like he'd been shot. A week or 2 in the Magoos may help his fitness and confidence. Not a high probability change.
Everitt will probably retain his spot: 17 possessions and a couple of VERY nice goals probably cancels out his less than optimum work rate.
Lamb is another guy who might be considered: he was OK without doing a heap. His defensive pressure is much more obvious than anything Everitt has done.
This game will be starting at Punt Road Oval at around 1600 hours on Thursday, as a 'Curtain raiser' for the big game. There is a fair chance that a fair number of Blues will be playing, as our list needs to get itself ready for the senior season. There are also a LOT of new Carlton boys and NBs to see (as very few players remain from the NB's 2015 list).
I will be lucky enough to attend, as I will be visiting the Physio at Olympic Park around the starting game time.
Hopefully RR and our other VFL watchers (like Baggers) can also attend. That way you are not restricted to my opinions.
Please use this thread to comment, vent or otherwise express your humble opinions after the game on Thursday. For those who don't know, we close the In Game thread soon after the game, to adjourn here to prognosticate.
Again, just getting this thread ready for Thursday. We don't get to be on TV that much this year due to last year's Perfect Storm. However, I expect plenty of in - game angst. Enjoy!
Just getting this thread ready for Thursday Night. I won't b getting onto the computer until Good Friday, so, if we win, people may have some joy to share. If we lose people usually take their time.
Remember: [1] At least 3 players need to get a mention. [2] No more than 10 votes for any one player. [3] Give a rating of team performance. It can be anywhere from A+ to F. [4] Votes must add up to 15.
