Re: Pre game discussion: AFL 2020 Rd 8: Carlton vs North Melbourne
Reply #42 –
<1>Last week Marc Pittonet had his least effective game by a long way. Apart from one small patch, he was generally beaten on the day.
It made a big difference in the end, as Port's ruckman got so much of the ball.
Goldstein provides a challenge that we have to really work at. if he dominates, then we are trouble, no matter how poor they have been of late.
What are our options?
[1] Trust Pitto: has stood up to the challenge so far, even with last week's poor game.
[2] Maybe we could ruck Jones? Jones is not likely to win many taps, but he competes well ans won't let his man get away with the single free possession.
[3] Bring de Koning in: I don't think he is ready yet, but his athleticism, his marking and his leap provides more options than our one dimensional ruck unit so far.
I honestly don't know which way we should go, but we really need to put some time into this.
<2> A couple of our players have had less than stellar weeks lately. Guys like Cuningham and Newnes, to mention just a few. Do we stay with them, knowing that they both can play much better, or do we blood some newchums who could prove a difference?
I'd be tempted to bring in a guy like Honey, who could just do enough extraordinary stuff to be a match winner and who won't take any crap.
Cottrell has been impressing in the twos, although our defence has been pretty good.
or do we 'strengthen' the midield? Polson has been good. Dow?
Agree on Pitto. Pitto / Levi combo works ok, wouldn't want to see Jones in the ruck, leave the back 6 as it is, back it in.
Agree on TDK, not sure if he is ready or not. I'd guess Goldy is the not the right debut opponent for him.
Agree on Cunningham and Newnes, happy to see guys like Honey, Cottrel, Moore given a try.
Absolutely no on Polson, I never want to see him in the Seniors ever again. Too small, not enough skill, not enough mongrel, we know what he will bring, SFA. VFA player at best, no point going to that well again.
Dow I am happy to give a go when he is over the knee injury but he is also not impressing me with his disposal. Then again, he couldnt be worse than Kennedy (who I have been a massive fan of) at the moment. He was bloody terrible v Port.